System and Method for Vehicle System Audio and Visual Effect Synchronization

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a vehicle effect coordination system that includes a vehicle and a sensor that detects the positioning of the vehicle along a vehicle route. The sensor communicates the position data of the vehicle as position data to other controllers within the system. The vehicle effect coordination system includes an audio system that plays audio for one or more passengers of the vehicle and an effect system configured to present special effects observable from the vehicle route. The controller can receive the position data and determine a time frame of the positioning of the vehicle such that one or more passengers can observe the special effects. The controller can also control the audio system to adjust the playback of the audio based on the time frame to cooperate with the presentation of the special effects and the positioning of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. The discussion here is considered to be useful in providing the reader with background information that facilitates a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that these descriptions are not an admission of prior art and should be read in light of this perspective.

[0003] In entertainment facilities such as theme parks, it has become more common to have ride systems with environments that include props, scenery, audio - visual, and other media elements, as well as to create special effects that enhance the experience of park visitors and support the specific story of each environment. Currently, it is recognized that by providing appropriate - timing audio effects and visual effects synchronized with the ride motion of the ride system, an improved immersive experience can be provided to park visitors using the ride system. However, it is difficult to synchronize audio effects and visual effects with the motion of the ride vehicle. Thus, there is a current recognition of the need for improved systems and methods to facilitate cooperation between the various components of the ride system to provide the desired overall effect.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments within the scope of the present invention as initially claimed are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; rather, these embodiments are only intended to provide a concise overview of the specific embodiments disclosed. In fact, the present disclosure can encompass various forms that can be similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a vehicle effect coordination system includes a vehicle moving along a vehicle route and one or more sensors that detect the position of the vehicle along the vehicle route and communicate the position data of the vehicle as position data. Further, the vehicle effect coordination system includes an audio system configured to play audio for one or more passengers of the vehicle and an effect system configured to present special effects observable from the vehicle route. Further, the vehicle effect coordination system includes a controller that executes an operation of determining a time frame for positioning the vehicle relative to the effect system so that one or more passengers can observe the special effects based on the position data, and controlling the audio system to adjust the playback of the audio to coordinate a part of the audio with the presentation of the special effects and the time frame of the vehicle.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method includes sensing the positioning of a vehicle along a vehicle route using one or more sensors, communicating the positioning of the vehicle as position data to a controller using one or more sensors, and playing audio for one or more passengers of the vehicle via an audio system. Further, the method includes presenting special effects observable from the vehicle route via an effect system, determining a time frame for positioning the vehicle relative to the effect system so that a passenger can observe the special effects based on the position data, and controlling the audio system to adjust the playback of the audio to cooperate with the presentation of the special effects and the time frame of the vehicle.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a vehicle effect collaboration system includes a vehicle configured to travel along a vehicle route, and one or more sensors configured to detect the position of the vehicle along the vehicle route and transmit the position as position data. Further, the vehicle effect coordination system includes an audio system configured to play audio for one or more passengers of the vehicle, an effect system configured to present special effects observable from the vehicle route, and a controller. The controller determines a time frame for positioning the vehicle relative to the effect system based on the position data so that one or more passengers can observe the special effects, and based on the time frame, controls the vehicle and the audio system so that while the vehicle is positioned relative to the effect system such that one or more passengers can observe the special effects, a portion of the audio is presented in conjunction with the presentation of the special effects, and performs operations including coordinating the playback of the audio and the positioning of the vehicle.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be further understood upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals throughout the drawings indicate like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For the sake of a concise description of these embodiments, in this specification, not all features of the actual implementation modes will be described. Similar to any technology or design project, in the development of such an actual implementation configuration, in order to achieve the specific goals of developers that may vary for each implementation configuration, such as compliance with system- and business-related constraints, it should be understood that a number of implementation-specific decisions need to be made. Furthermore, although such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood by those skilled in the art having the advantages of the present disclosure that they are routine operations in design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are to mean that one or more of the elements exist. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist. One or more specific embodiments will be described below. For the sake of a concise description of these embodiments, in this specification, not all features of the actual implementation modes will be described. Similar to any technology or design project, in the development of such an actual implementation, it should be noted that in order to achieve the specific goals of developers that may vary for each implementation, such as compliance with system- and business-related constraints, a number of implementation-specific decisions need to be made. Furthermore, although such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, it should be noted by those skilled in the art having the advantages of the present disclosure that they are routine operations in design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0015] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for synchronizing or coordinating vehicle movements (e.g., positioning of a vehicle or movement of a vehicle) with effects. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to synchronizing specific audio effects (e.g., music, sound effects) and visual effects (e.g., electronic video presentations, automated human movement, fireworks) based on the positioning or movement of a vehicle within a vehicle system. In some embodiments, the position of the vehicle can be adjusted to also cooperate with effects (e.g., audio effects, visual effects, tactile effects).

[0016] A user who is in an interactive environment or participating in an immersive experience is located in a vehicle that changes position within a vehicle system (e.g., as the vehicle moves along a path of the vehicle system) and may be exposed to multiple audio and visual effects while moving (e.g., while moving along a vehicle track). For example, the vehicle system can employ an audio track that is played through the vehicle experience to create a mood, story, distraction, etc. to enhance the enjoyment of the vehicle by the user (e.g., passenger). The position of the vehicle may be communicated to a central vehicle controller as the vehicle moves within the vehicle system. Since the position of the vehicle can essentially indicate what the passenger can observe in their immediate vicinity or at least directly face when properly positioned (e.g., seated and secured in a seat) within the vehicle, the visual aspect of the vehicle may be directly related to the positioning of the vehicle. This is true for direct viewing, but is typically also true for vehicles that employ virtual reality and / or augmented reality devices that display images based on the position data of the device.

[0017] Regarding the audio (such as the above audio track), the central vehicle controller can also receive audio data from one or more audio controllers that include or are related to the time stamps of the audio track or other audio data. The central vehicle controller controls the audio (e.g., delays the playback of a portion of the audio track or repeats a portion) based on the vehicle position so that the vehicle is optimally positioned (within tolerances) for the vehicle to observe one or more audio effects and / or visual effects (e.g., dramatic audio and dramatic video effects) integrally (e.g., simultaneously within related tolerances), and can send a control signal to the audio controller. For example, the effects can cooperate with the vehicle position so that the user or passenger can experience loud or dramatic audio while viewing a combination of special effects (e.g., flame effects, explosions, bursting of confetti, intense lighting) and anime figure effects. In fact, specific points of the audio track (e.g., high-energy portions, slow portions, portions with relevant lyrics) can be correlated with the related presentation of one or more effects and the positioning of one or more vehicles for viewing such effects. In this embodiment, such cooperation can be achieved by adjusting the audio, other effects, or the vehicle position.

[0018] As a specific example, the special effects within the vehicle system can include a flame effect system. The flame effect system can be embedded within a set piece (e.g., a dragon head prop, a rock band's guitar, a musical instrument prop, a torch) and can include a transmission element (e.g., a tube portion, a valve portion) fluidly coupled to a combustible gas source (e.g., a butane tank). One or more valves of the combustion system can cooperate with an ignition component (or ignition components) to ignite and control the gas flow to provide a flame effect. The one or more valves can be controlled, for example, via a release switch connected to a special effects controller that sends a signal to switch the release switch on or off. When the release switch is switched on, the one or more valves operate to open and gas for generating the flame effect can be released and displayed. In response to the special effects controller receiving one or more commands from a central vehicle controller, a signal can be sent to switch the release switch.

[0019] The central vehicle controller can send one or more commands to the special effects controller in response to the vehicle position reaching a trigger point for displaying a special effect. For example, the vehicle position data may be received by the central vehicle controller, and the central vehicle controller may send one or more special effects commands to the special effects controller to turn on a relay switch, thereby enabling the actuation of one or more valves and allowing the release of combustible gas for displaying a flame effect based on the vehicle being optimally positioned or within a range for better viewing of the flame effect. Also, the special effects system can be synchronized to open a designated valve and / or display a specific flame effect based on a particular audio (e.g., a minor chord) flowing within an audio track. This is an example of a way to coordinate a particular aspect of music and effects and the proper positioning of the vehicle for observing the effects in this embodiment. In other embodiments, similar results are obtained with modified procedures. For example, the special effects controller and the central vehicle controller may be components of a single controller that manages multiple different components and avoids a communicator between separate controllers. As another example, different control mechanisms can be employed. For example, toggling the relay to an off configuration (instead of an on configuration) to open the valve, or actuating the valve via hydraulics without a relay. Regardless of the specific embodiment, in this embodiment, the vehicle position data, effect, and audio are utilized to facilitate driving control for providing an immersive audio and effect experience for park visitors in the vehicle.

[0020] The presently disclosed technology enables a vehicle system to adjust one or more special effects systems and / or one or more audio tracks based on communication between a vehicle and one or more audio and visual effect systems. For example, if the position of the vehicle is delayed based on a passenger and / or mechanical problem, the audio system can be controlled to adjust the music to correspond to the delayed movement of the vehicle such that the audio follows the effects presented to the passenger within the vehicle system. In other words, in this embodiment, during an interruption or process error (e.g., vehicle delay), the audio controller (e.g., smoothly integrate and repeat music sections, slow down music, speed up music) and visual effects are controlled to maintain the integrity of a choreographed series of effects based on vehicle positioning to facilitate the observation of effects synchronized with appropriate audio. In this way, the user or passenger experience throughout the vehicle system becomes more immersive and interesting. For example, the crescendo of a portion of the music can be timed to match the effects, creating the desired mood (e.g., intensity level) even if the vehicle is slightly off the standard pace or other interruptions occur. The vehicle system can also dynamically update one or more vehicle components based on the position of the vehicle at any point in the vehicle.

[0021] Detecting that a vehicle is delayed or moving too far ahead can be based on a comparison of location information with a coordinated journey. The adjustment schedule can include instructions, information, or data indicating operations for effects, audio, and vehicle position data. For example, the adjustment schedule can provide the timing of interactions of vehicle system features (e.g., triggering an effect in coordination with the positioning of the vehicle for observing changes in music and effects). One or more sensors for detecting the position of the vehicle (e.g., camera, weight sensor, pressure sensor, barcode reader) can obtain information regarding the position (e.g., location, orientation) of the vehicle and communicate that information as position data to a controller (e.g., a passenger central controller). Using this data and known information about the vehicle system, the controller can determine a time frame (e.g., a range of time, a timing specification) for positioning the vehicle relative to observable effects along the vehicle's path (e.g., a track, a rail, an open area, a bordered trail). For example, based on established operations and / or operation models, predictions can be made regarding the alignment and positioning of future effects. Similarly, the timing of the audio can be determined for this alignment of the vehicle where the effects are observable. Comparing this to a previously established journey can identify adjustments that must be made (e.g., based on changes such as a delay in the movement of the vehicle) to achieve the desired adjustment of the effects and vehicle positioning. When an adjustment is made (e.g., the audio is repeated, slowed down, or sped up), a new coordinated journey can be established. If the vehicle is delayed or stopped indefinitely and then, in cooperation with this (e.g., making an adjustment to the audio), movement resumes, a new coordinated journey can be established. In some embodiments, before adjusting the coordinated journey, an adjustment can be made to any of an external effect, external audio, internal audio, and the movement of the vehicle to cooperate with the coordinated journey.

[0022] The central vehicle controller can collect data from one or more vehicle vehicles, an audio system, a special effects system, etc. The central vehicle controller can analyze the data according to a preset show effect to be displayed when the vehicle vehicle is at a specific position within the vehicle system (for example, at a position where the effect is easy to see, feel, or observe in other ways). The central vehicle controller can also send commands to the audio controller to cut a specific part of the audio and / or loop a specific part of the audio (for example, repeat a certain number of times) when the progress of the vehicle vehicle along the intended route is delayed, so that the audio effect can match the visual effect at a specific position of the vehicle vehicle. It should be understood that any vehicle element can dynamically send commands based on the central vehicle controller that collects audio, vehicle position, and effect information throughout the vehicle system to enable synchronization between the vehicle vehicle and the audio and visual effects.

[0023] Certain aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood by reference to FIG. 1, which generally shows a vehicle system 8 in this embodiment. As shown, a plurality of users 12 (e.g., park visitors or passengers) are guided through the vehicle system 8 via one of a plurality of vehicle vehicles (e.g., racing cars, motorcycles) 10A, 10B, 10C. The vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C can be guided through the vehicle system 8 via a track system and / or any other guiding system for vehicle vehicle movement. For example, each of the vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C is self-propelled and can be guided by an on-board or remote controller, thereby enabling each of the vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C to have a certain degree of autonomy and also emphasizing the lack of uniformity in their relative positions (e.g., the spacing between the vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C). The vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C can move through one or more special effect areas 18 disposed throughout the vehicle system 8. The special effect areas 18 can include anime figures 16 (e.g., automatic marionettes), flame effects or other pyrotechnics, explosions, confetti bursts, intense lighting, audio effects, tactile effects, cooling or heating effects, or other effects suitable for an immersive experience of the vehicle system. The vehicle system 8 can also include a central vehicle controller 14 including one or more processors 14A and a memory 14B that can communicate with the vehicle vehicles 10 and one or more audio controllers and / or effect controllers of the vehicle system 8 via the network of the vehicle system 8. In some embodiments, each of these controllers can be embodied in a single controller (e.g., the central passenger controller 14) to facilitate improved communication between various controllers that can be regarded as virtual controllers.

[0024] Each of the vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C within the vehicle system 8 can communicate its respective vehicle position data with the central vehicle controller 14 and can communicate with an audio controller, an effect controller, or other elements of the vehicle system 8. With respect to a predetermined or assigned vehicle experience, the vehicle position (e.g., position along a route or orientation at a location) can be determined based on the vehicle position data and a timeline (e.g., determined by a collaborative journey), and can be off-course (e.g., delayed and / or ahead of preset or corresponding audio and visual effects). In the present embodiment, a controller such as the central vehicle controller 14 operates to correct the vehicle experience by adjusting the manner of the vehicle experience to match the time frame and the position or predicted position of the vehicle vehicle (e.g., vehicle vehicle 10A, 10B, or 10C) based on the respective vehicle position data.

[0025] For example, to mitigate changes in the position of a particular vehicle vehicle (e.g., changes that affect the alignment time frame for a collaborative journey) relative to a position offset or a set template, the vehicle vehicle position data of a particular vehicle vehicle is sent directly to a controller (e.g., the central vehicle controller 14 that can control various effects) and / or one or more dedicated audio and / or effect systems, and can be dynamically updated to synchronize with the updated vehicle vehicle position of the audio and / or vehicle effects. Thereby, when each of the vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C is located at a desired position (e.g., a range of positions that enables effect observation) within the vehicle system 8 to view or otherwise observe the visual effects within the special effect area 18, specific audio effects and visual effects can be displayed. For example, each of the vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C can include an individual audio system that plays a specific portion of an audio track based on the current position of the vehicle vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C. More specifically, for example, the central vehicle controller 14 can determine that the audio track being played for the passengers of the first vehicle vehicle 10A via a speaker disposed within the vehicle vehicle 10A or an external speaker within the vehicle system 8 needs to be adjusted based on the position information (e.g., current and / or predicted position) of the vehicle vehicle 10. The central vehicle controller 14 can send a command to the audio system of the first vehicle vehicle 10A to skip or speed up to reach the time stamp of the audio track corresponding to the special effect being displayed in the special effect area 18 corresponding to the position information. Similarly, based on the position data, the activation of visual effects or other effects can be delayed or advanced to cooperate with the desired vehicle position. In some embodiments, the predicted position (e.g., a likely position at a future time based on sensor data and a prediction model) can be used to adjust a delay (e.g., an activation delay or a communicator delay) such that such a delay is accounted for when specifying the position where the vehicle vehicle 10A will be when a particular effect actually becomes active.

[0026] In one example, the second vehicle 10B can be placed at a specific point along a vehicle path (e.g., a track) and exposed to a special effect area 18 that includes one or more valves 20 that can be programmed to emit an anime figure 16 and a flame effect (or, e.g., a burst of confetti). Further, the vehicle system 8 can operate to present audio (e.g., music, a script) that is synchronized with the operation of the vehicle system 8 such that a specific portion of the audio is played when the vehicle 10 is located in the special effect area 18. The vehicle system 8 can include a central vehicle controller 14 that includes one or more time codes associated with specific audio effects and / or visual effects as well as position data of the vehicle. The time codes can be adjusted to correspond to a position offset from the expected position of a particular vehicle at a particular time. These adjustments can be made based on sensor data indicating the current or most recent vehicle position. For example, when the second vehicle 10B is proximate to or located in the special effect area 18 and / or is exposed to the special effect area 18, the controller of the second vehicle 10B can transmit position data to the central vehicle controller 14 of the vehicle system 8, and the central vehicle controller 14 can use the position data to update or modify the effect timing (e.g., audio effects, visual effects, tactile effects). In other embodiments, the vehicle effect system can include sensors that sense when the second vehicle 10B is within the range of the effect system and transmit a signal to the central vehicle controller 14 to trigger one or more special effects. The central vehicle controller 14 of the vehicle system 8 can determine, based on the position data, that a special effect should be presented and, in response to the second vehicle 10B being positioned in the special effect area 18, transmit a control signal to the special effect area 18 to activate, for example, the anime figure 16 and / or open one or more valves 20. The central vehicle controller 14 can also transmit a signal to an audio system that can synchronize the background audio to the flame effect and / or the anime figure 16.In certain embodiments, the harmony of the music played by the audio system may be synchronized with the flame effect so as to give an illusion to the visitors of the second vehicle 10B that the flame effect is being displayed and the music is timed to a particular flame effect. This can synchronize the position of the second vehicle 10B with the vehicle effects and the audio system of the vehicle system 8. For example, the audio track can include a chorus of the music, and an additional segment of the audio track can include a crescendo that is timed to start based on the timing when the second vehicle 10B is positioned in the special effect area 18 and exposed to one or more special effects. In this way, the audio can include additional audio components as part of the special effect experience based on the position of the vehicle.

[0027] In embodiments, the position of the vehicle may lag or lead the planned time frame for the desired audio emitted by the audio system. The position of the vehicle can be transmitted to the central vehicle controller 14 along with the audio timestamp corresponding to the currently playing audio. To adjust the vehicle system 8 based on the vehicle position data, the central vehicle controller 14 can send a signal to the special effect area 18 and control one or more valves 20 to adjust the flame effect to the audio delay timestamp. In other examples, the flame effect can be adjusted to be emitted earlier and / or later in response to the timestamp of the music received at the special effect area 18 and / or the central vehicle controller 14. In some embodiments, each vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C can correspond to an individual audio system. In this way, the audio within each vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C can be customized to the movement of the individual vehicle. This allows each vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C to adjust the audio differently from other vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C that may be arranged along the vehicle path (e.g., track).

[0028] It should be understood that any suitable logic control can be used to implement vehicle system synchronization as disclosed herein. With the above in mind, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the control hardware of vehicle system 8 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Vehicle system 8 can include a central vehicle controller 14 (e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC)) that can communicate with one or more vehicle controllers 32, one or more audio controllers 24, a special effects controller 26 connected to a release switch 28, and an anime figure controller 30 that can be disposed within each vehicle vehicle 10 via network 22. The central vehicle controller 14 can receive vehicle position data and audio data via network 22 and, based on analyzing the vehicle position data and audio data, send commands to one or more vehicle controllers 32, audio controllers 24, special effects controllers 26, anime figure controllers 30, and any other suitable control elements within vehicle system 8. Network 22 can be any suitable computer network that enables different electronic devices (e.g., servers), communicators (e.g., routers), etc. to facilitate communication between the components of vehicle system 8. Each controller can be connected to a network switch that enables network connection and communication between all elements of vehicle system 8.

[0029] In some embodiments, the vehicle system 8 can include one or more flame effects synchronized with the audio being played throughout the vehicle system 8. The flame effects can also correspond to the movement of the anime figures and the position of the vehicle 10 so that the park guests 12 in the vehicle 10 can optimally observe the flame effects. To do this, the vehicle 10 can send position data to the central vehicle controller 14, and the central vehicle controller 14 can analyze the position data according to preset position data for vehicle effects stored in the memory. The central vehicle controller 14 can send the received position data to the special effects controller 26 and the audio controller 24. The special effects controller 26 determines that the vehicle 10 is located at an optimal position for viewing the flame effects (e.g., a range of positions that make it easier to observe the effects), and can send a signal to open and / or close a release switch 28 that activates one or more valves 20 in the special effects area 18 that releases a combustible gas to create the flame effects. The audio controller 24 can also determine that the vehicle 10 is at an optimal distance for viewing the flame effects and can play one or more audio sequences corresponding to the flame effects. In some embodiments, the anime figure control device 30 can receive data from the special effects control device 26 and may change the orientation and / or position and / or orientation with respect to the guests in the vehicle 10. It should be understood that each of the special effects controller 26, the vehicle controller 32, and the audio controller 24 can be connected to a network switch that connects to other controllers on the network so that communication between controllers is possible for the vehicle system 8. In some embodiments, each controller can communicate with other controllers within the vehicle system 8 without sending data to the central vehicle controller 14.

[0030] In some embodiments, the audio effects flowing into the vehicle during the movement of the vehicle through the vehicle system 8 may be continuously played throughout the vehicle system 8, and a portion of the music played while one or more vehicle vehicles 10 are looking at the special effect area 18 may be dramatic (e.g., louder music, brighter flames, larger flames) when the vehicle vehicle 10 is optimally positioned to view the flame effect. For example, the audio track may be pre-loaded into the memory of the special effect controller 26, and the special effect controller 26 may activate a particular valve 20 corresponding to a particular chord of the audio track. The audio track can also send one or more timestamp updates to the central vehicle controller 14, and the central vehicle controller 14 can send the updated timestamp data to the special effect controller 26. It should be understood that any vehicle element can be synchronized to another vehicle element via commands in which the central vehicle controller 14 cooperates based on vehicle element information.

[0031] In other embodiments, the flame effect and the audio effect can be pre-synchronized to be displayed at a certain time based on pre-stored vehicle position data in the central vehicle controller 14 that estimates the position of the vehicle 10 throughout the vehicle system 8. The audio effect can be adjusted when the position of the vehicle on the track is delayed or accelerated with respect to the pre-stored data. When the position of the vehicle is off from the pre-stored data, the central vehicle controller 14 can detect that the position of the vehicle is off and send a signal to the audio controller 24 to delay, loop, or skip forward the audio track so as to correspond to the position of the vehicle 10. The audio controller 24 may send the current timestamp data in the audio track to the special effect controller 26, and the special effect controller 26 may synchronize the flame with the current timestamp data of the audio track being played throughout the vehicle system 8 and / or being played within a specific vehicle 10 of the vehicle system 8. It should be understood that each vehicle 10 can include an audio system that plays a specific audio track corresponding to a custom pattern of valve activation based on the fact that the vehicle is positioned at an optimal position for viewing the flame effect. Further, the anime figure controller 30 can include pre-stored data that includes specific movements corresponding to the audio track being played. The anime figure controller 30 may be sent the timestamp data corresponding to the audio being played, whereby the anime figure controller 30 can move according to the movements corresponding to the timestamp of the audio track. In other embodiments, the anime figure controller 30 may move with preset forward and backward movements (e.g., playing a guitar), and the flame effect and the audio track can be synchronized with the preset movements of the anime figure 16.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vehicle system 8 may have problems with stopping and / or delaying one or more vehicle vehicles 10. In this situation, the central vehicle controller 14 can detect that the vehicle vehicle 10 has stopped temporarily or accumulated a delay for a threshold time based on the vehicle position data received from the vehicle vehicle, and the central vehicle controller 14 can synchronize the audio track with the special effect so that the adjusted audio track (e.g., B-roll, pre-stored track, default track) is not delayed as a result of the problem of the vehicle system 8. A signal to switch to the vehicle can be sent to the audio controller 24. Next, the central vehicle controller 32 can determine based on the position of the vehicle vehicle 10 that the vehicle vehicle 10 has resumed movement or caught up, and can send a signal to resume the audio corresponding to one or more special effects in the vehicle system 8 to the audio controller 24. The adjusted audio track may blend seamlessly with the primary audio track and may include repeating portions of the primary audio track, thereby avoiding detection by park visitors or passengers.

[0033] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 40 for vehicle system 8 synchronization in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The central vehicle controller 14 can receive position data of one or more vehicle vehicles 10 within the vehicle system 8 and can send control commands and / or position data to the audio controller 24 and the special effect controller 26 of the vehicle system 8 based on the vehicle position data. The central vehicle controller 14 can also include a memory that stores time codes including sequences of one or more special effects based on the position of the vehicle vehicle 10.

[0034] In block 42, the central vehicle controller 14 receives vehicle position data corresponding to the current vehicle position data of one or more vehicle vehicles 10 within the vehicle system 8. The current vehicle position data can include identification information of the vehicle vehicle 10 corresponding to the vehicle position data so as to be able to present different effects for each of the vehicle vehicles 10 within the vehicle system 8.

[0035] In block 44, the central vehicle controller 14 determines whether the position data of one or more vehicle vehicles corresponds to one or more special effect areas 18. The one or more special effect areas 18 may be one or more positions (e.g., a specific range of positions) within the vehicle system 8 corresponding to the optimal display of one or more special effects (e.g., light effects, auditory effects, flame effects, anime figure effects). There can be a plurality of special effect areas 18 that display different effects throughout the vehicle system 8. Further, each vehicle effect system can transmit a command for presenting (e.g., displaying or activating) a personalized effect for each vehicle vehicle 10 within the system.

[0036] In block 46, the central vehicle controller 14 commands the audio effect controller and the special effect controller 26 to start or synchronize audio effects and / or visual effects based on the position data of one or more vehicle vehicles 10 corresponding to the special effect area 18. For example, the first vehicle vehicle 10A may be associated with position data indicating that the first vehicle vehicle 10A is within or is approaching the first special effect area 18. This can be based on comparing the vehicle position data with the vehicle effect position data stored in the memory of the central vehicle controller 14. The central vehicle controller 14 can send a signal to the audio controller 24 and the special effect controller 26 to provide visual and audio effects at the first vehicle effect point. The audio effects can be manipulated in various ways to seamlessly synchronize the music with the timing of other planned effects (such as a flame effect), including before reaching the special effect area 18. As described above, this includes speeding up the music, slowing down the music, adding repeats to the music, or deleting segments of the music to adjust the timing corresponding to the relevant effect (such as a flame effect).

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

[0038] With the above in mind, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 50 for audio system synchronization in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The central vehicle controller 14 may receive vehicle position data from one or more vehicle systems 8 and can receive audio data corresponding to segments of one or more audio tracks (e.g., specific harmonies or lyrics). The central vehicle controller 14 may determine the vehicle position and the audio track timestamp and, based on the vehicle position and the audio track timestamp, can send signals to one or more valves of the special effect system to open to create a flame effect.

[0039] The central vehicle controller 14 receives vehicle position data from one or more vehicle vehicles 10 disposed within the vehicle system 8 at block 52. The vehicle position data can indicate that one or more vehicle vehicles 10 have passed a trigger point and / or sensor that determines that the vehicle vehicle 10 is located within the optimal viewing range of the special effect area 18. The central vehicle controller 14 receives audio data corresponding to one or more music codes of the audio track of one or more vehicle vehicles 10 at block 54. The audio data can include a time stamp associated with the audio track currently being played on one or more vehicle vehicles 10 within the vehicle system. The central vehicle controller 14 can determine whether the vehicle vehicle 10 is located in the special effect area 18 based on the vehicle vehicle position. Next, the central vehicle controller 14 determines one or more segments of the audio track intended to correlate with the special effect area 18 and manipulates the playback of the audio track and / or the operation of the special effect area 18 to synchronize with the positioning of the vehicle vehicle 10, creating an immersive and collaborative effect experience. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 4, the special effect area 18 (e.g., a flame effect controlled via a valve) is adjusted to cooperate with the audio and position data.

[0040] In block 56, the central vehicle controller 14 transmits a signal to open one or more valves corresponding to the flame effect to one or more special effect controllers in response to the vehicle position data of the vehicle vehicle and the audio effect of the vehicle. The one or more valves can correspond to the code of the audio track currently being played on the vehicle vehicle 10 within the vehicle system 8 based on the time stamp data and the audio segment (e.g., code or lyric data) stored in the memory of the central vehicle controller 14. Next, the special effect system can display one or more flames corresponding to the music track within the field of view of one or more vehicle vehicles 10. It should be understood that any suitable number of valves can be used to display the flame effect within the vehicle system 8.

[0041] In this specification, only specific features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, but those skilled in the art will envision many modifications and variations. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to protect all such modifications and variations that are within the true technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0042] The methods presented and claimed in this specification refer to and are applied to substantial purposes and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and for this reason, are not abstract, intangible, or truly theoretical. Further, if any of the claims appended at the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "means for performing" a "function" or "steps for performing" a "function", such elements shall be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A vehicle effect collaboration system, a vehicle configured to travel along a vehicle route, one or more sensors configured to detect the positioning of the vehicle along the vehicle route and communicate the vehicle positioning as position data, an audio system configured to play audio for one or more passengers of the vehicle, an effect system configured to present special effects observable from the vehicle route, a controller, comprising, the controller is to determine a time frame for positioning the vehicle with respect to the effect system such that the one or more passengers can observe the special effects based on the position data, to control the audio system to adjust the playback of the audio based on the time frame so that a part of the audio collaborates with the presentation of the special effects and the positioning of the vehicle, configured to perform. A vehicle effect collaboration system.

2. The controller is configured to control the audio system to slow down the playback of the audio based on the time frame indicating that the vehicle is delayed with respect to a previously established collaboration journey, The vehicle effect collaboration system according to claim 1.

3. The controller is configured to control the audio system to repeat segments of the audio based on a time frame indicating that the vehicle is delayed with respect to a previously established collaboration journey, The vehicle effect collaboration system according to claim 1.

4. The controller is configured to control the audio system to repeat segments of the audio multiple times such that additional segments of the audio are played with the vehicle positioned with respect to the effect system so that one or more passengers can observe the special effects based on the degree to which the vehicle is delayed with respect to the previously established collaboration journey, The vehicle effect collaboration system according to claim 3.

5. The segments of the audio comprise a music chorus, and the additional segments of the audio comprise a crescendo, The vehicle effect collaboration system according to claim 4.

6. The effect system includes a fireworks effect, an anime figure effect, a cooling effect, a heating effect, a tactile effect, or a combination thereof. The vehicle effect cooperation system according to claim 1.

7. The controller is configured to control an audio system to speed up at least a portion of the audio based on the time frame indicating that the vehicle is ahead of a previously established cooperation journey. The vehicle effect cooperation system according to claim 1.

8. The controller is configured to control to delay the activation or operation of the effect system based on the time frame indicating that the vehicle is delayed with respect to a previously established cooperation journey. The vehicle effect cooperation system according to claim 1.

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

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

11. Comprising a plurality of vehicle vehicles configured to move along the vehicle route and configured to cooperate within the vehicle effect cooperation system by the controller. The vehicle effect cooperation system according to claim 1.

12. A method of cooperating vehicle effects, Sensing the positioning of a vehicle along a vehicle route using one or more sensors; Communicating the positioning of the vehicle as position data to a controller using the one or more sensors; Playing audio via an audio system for one or more passengers of the vehicle; Presenting a special effect observable from the vehicle route via an effect system; Determining a time frame for positioning the vehicle with respect to the effect system so that the one or more passengers can observe the special effect based on the position data. Based on the time frame, controlling the audio system to adjust the playback of the audio so that a part of the audio cooperates with the presentation of the special effect and the positioning of the vehicle, A method comprising. **Claim 13** Controlling the audio system to adjust the playback of the audio by slowing down the speed of the audio based on the time frame indicating that the vehicle is delayed with respect to a previously established cooperative journey, The method according to claim 12. **Claim 14** Controlling the audio system to repeat segments of the audio based on the time frame indicating that the vehicle is delayed with respect to a previously established cooperative journey, The method according to claim 12. **Claim 15** Including instructing the movement of the vehicle via the controller, The method according to claim 12. **Claim 16** A vehicle effect cooperation system, A vehicle configured to travel along a vehicle route, One or more sensors configured to detect the positioning of the vehicle along the vehicle route and communicate the positioning as position data, An audio system configured to play audio for one or more passengers of the vehicle, An effect system configured to present a special effect observable from the vehicle route, A controller, Comprising, The controller is, Based on the position data, determining a time frame for positioning the vehicle with respect to the effect system so that the one or more passengers can observe the special effect, Based on the time frame, while the vehicle is positioned with respect to the effect system so that the one or more passengers can observe the special effect, controlling the vehicle and the audio system so that a part of the audio is presented in conjunction with the presentation of the special effect by cooperating the playback of the audio and the positioning of the vehicle, A vehicle effect cooperation system configured to perform. **Claim 17** The controller is configured to perform control of the speed of the vehicle, control of the audio system for managing the playback speed of the audio, or both, based on the time frame indicating that the vehicle and the audio are not synchronized with respect to the collaborative journey. The vehicle effect collaborative system according to claim 16.

18. The controller is configured to perform control of the movement of the vehicle, control of the audio system for managing the playback of the audio, or both, based on the time frame indicating that the vehicle and the audio are not synchronized with respect to the collaborative journey. The vehicle effect collaborative system according to claim 16.

19. The controller is configured to control the audio system to repeat a plurality of segments of the audio based on the degree to which the vehicle and the audio are not synchronized with respect to the collaborative journey. The vehicle effect collaborative system according to claim 18.

20. The controller is configured to delay or advance the activation or operation of the effect system based on the position data. The vehicle effect coordination system according to claim 19.

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