Image presentation system for amusement park attractions

Abstract

An image presentation system for an amusement park includes a first display having an opening extending therethrough such that at least a portion of the first display is viewable from a viewing area, a movable arm positioned within the opening, a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display such that the second display hides the opening from the viewing area, and a controller configured to provide a first image through the first display and a second image through the second display, the second image including image effects that take into account the offset and coordinate with the first image to present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present technology, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0002] Throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues, special effects can be used to immerse guests in the ride or attraction experience. The immersive environment may include physical props and stage props, robotic or mechanical elements, and / or display surfaces. Additionally, the immersive environment may include sound effects, smoke effects, and / or kinetic effects. The increasing sophistication and complexity of modern ride attractions, and correspondingly higher patron expectations, have created a demand for improved and more creative attractions, including ride attractions with more complex, immersive, and / or realistic special effects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is provided below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these particular embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be explicitly set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, an image presentation system includes a first display with an opening extending therethrough, at least a portion of the first display being viewable from a viewing area. The system further includes a movable arm positioned within the opening, a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display to conceal the opening from the viewing area, and a controller. The controller is configured to present a first image via the first display and a second image via the second display, the second image configuring an image effect that takes into account the offset and coordinates with the first image to present the first image and the second image displayed by the first display as if they were a single image.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method includes determining, via a controller, a viewer's viewpoint, displaying, via the controller, a first image on a first display including a hole, and displaying, via the controller, a second image on a second display disposed on a movable member extending through the hole, the second display positioned to hide the hole from the viewer's viewpoint, and the second image configured to hide the second display from the viewer's viewpoint by presenting the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display.

[0006] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform operations including: determining first image data and second image data for presentation based on a location of the detected viewing area; initiating presentation of a first image based on the first image data on a first display having an opening extending therethrough; and initiating presentation of a second image based on the second image data on a second display supported by a movable arm extending through the opening, the second display being offset from the first display such that the second display hides the opening from the viewing area, and the second image comprising an image effect that takes into account the offset and coordinates with the first image to present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present embodiments will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like features represent like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system including an image presentation system and a viewing area, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system including an image presentation system and a viewing area, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an image presentation system and viewing area according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the image presentation system of FIG. 3, as viewed from the line of sight of a viewing area, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process for operating an image presentation system of an amusement park attraction system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process for operating an image presentation system of an amusement park attraction system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Detailed Description of the Invention] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It should be understood that in developing such an actual implementation, as with any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made that may vary from implementation to implementation in order to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Moreover, it should be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one, two, 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. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to attraction systems that may be provided in entertainment venues (e.g., amusement parks or theme parks). The entertainment venues may include a variety of features, such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), display screens, theatrical shows, performances, and / or show props (e.g., characters, animated figures). The amusement park attraction system may also include an image presentation system configured to facilitate entertaining guests by displaying images on a screen in coordination with one or more of the various amusement park features. For example, the image presentation system may present various visual and / or animation effects to guests in coordination with actions or presentations performed by the various amusement park features within the attraction system.

[0012] As an example, the image presentation system may include one or more show effects, such as a display and an animated show figure (e.g., a mechanically operated animated figure). Such show effects may be operated to entertain guests and allow them to perceive a particular atmosphere, such as a realistic and / or immersive environment. In accordance with this embodiment, the display may present various visual effects in cooperation with the animated show figure, which is positioned at a specific location substantially in front of the display. Thus, during operation of the attraction system, guests may be positioned so that the animated show figure appears to be in front of and in cooperation with the display. Support for the animated show figure may include an animated show figure coupled to a structural pair that extends substantially in front of the display and potentially obstructs (e.g., blocks) the display from the guest's viewpoint (e.g., visual field). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, this support may include a movable arm, and the animated show figure may be controllably animated and / or move relative to the viewing area via the movable arm (e.g., an equipment boom, a robotic arm). Such movement further obstructs the display from the guest's viewpoint. Accordingly, this embodiment is directed to concealing such obstructions. For example, a display may include an opening (e.g., a gap, slot, port, hole, cut) through which a movable arm may extend and be attached (e.g., fastened, coupled, joined) to an animated show figure. The presence of a hole in addition to the movable arm may further obstruct the display, thereby disrupting (e.g., interrupting, ruining, obscuring) various intended visual effects. However, the additional display, in conjunction with other aspects or properties of the display and system (e.g., movement, changes in viewing field), may mask such obstructions. Thus, the enjoyment provided by the realistic and / or immersive environment of the image presentation system may be enhanced compared to not mitigating such obstructions.

[0013] As alluded to above, it may be desirable to conceal the movable arm supporting the show figure and the opening in the display through which the movable arm extends, while still allowing movement or animation of the show figure in front of the display in coordination with various visual effects of the display. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attraction system including an image presentation system configured to provide a visually realistic environment in a viewing area by concealing, from the viewpoint of the viewing area, structural and / or movable equipment (e.g., a robotic arm) and / or the opening in the display through which the movable equipment extends. Components of the image presentation system may include a first display, a control system, and a movable arm. Furthermore, the image presentation system may include a second display and a show figure (e.g., an animated figure, an animated object, a robot) that may be coupled, positioned, or otherwise housed by the movable arm such that movement of the movable arm via one or more actuators can collectively move the second display and the show figure as a unit or group. In other words, movement of the movable arm can be driven in response to movement of the second display and the show figure.

[0014] Furthermore, the components of the image presentation system can be configured to operate during use of the attraction system. For example, the components of the image presentation system can operate in conjunction with one another to create the expected visual entertainment while hiding the structural and / or operational components of the image presentation system from the perspective of the viewing area. As an example, a first display can present an image depicting a particular scene, while a show figure can be an object or character depicted as surrounded by the scene of the first display. The show figure can be moved relative to the scene via a movable arm and can operate to depict a reaction and / or interact with the scene depicted by the first display. Furthermore, the movable arm can be positioned to extend through a hole in the first display and coupled to the show figure. In this manner, the movable arm can drive the movement of the show figure. The image presentation system of this embodiment also includes a second display coupled to the movable arm. The second display can be positioned to physically hide the hole in the first display and the movable arm from the viewing area (e.g., by being in front of and extending beyond the viewing area, including the hole and movable arm, relative to the viewing area). Additionally, the second display may be configured to present images that include image effects that coordinate with the images of the first display. The image effects may enable the second display to effectively conceal the viewing area, including the hole and movable arm of the first display, by creating an optical illusion such that, from the perspective of the viewing area, the image of the first display and the image of the second display combine in a manner that gives the illusion of a unified scene (e.g., a single background or a single display presenting the same visual information). Thus, the components of the image presentation system may be operated to more realistically depict the movement of the show figure, such as depicting the show figure as moving without the use of actuation by the support or movable arm, both of which are hidden behind the second display.In this way, the operation of the components of the image presentation system, and their interaction with one another, can enhance the perception by guests of the viewing area.

[0015] Furthermore, because the above-described components of the image presentation system may be separate from the viewing area, service, maintenance, and / or other operations can be performed on the image presentation system without modifying the viewing area. For example, show figures may be changed, removed, added, etc., without changing how guests are positioned within the viewing area (e.g., to accommodate changes to the image presentation system). Thus, the image presentation system can be more easily modified (e.g., updated, maintained, and / or adjusted) to provide desired visual entertainment to the viewing area.

[0016] With the foregoing in mind, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an attraction system 50 including an image presentation system 52 and a viewing area 54. Image presentation system 52 includes a first display 56, a control system 58 including one or more controllers 60, and a movable arm 62. Additionally, image presentation system 52 includes a second display 64 and a show figure 66 (e.g., an animated figure, an animated object, a robot) that may be coupled to, positioned on, or otherwise housed on movable arm 62. Additionally, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of attraction system 50 of Figure 1.

[0017] For ease of explanation, FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described together, and the components of the attraction system 50 will be described with reference to a directional viewing viewpoint 67 represented by a vertical axis 68, a horizontal axis 70, and a depth axis 72. These directional viewing viewpoints 67 represent general viewing directions from the viewing area 54. The image presentation system may include a first display 56 positioned substantially behind and around a show figure 66, relative to the viewpoint of the viewing area 54. In particular, from the viewpoint of the viewing area 54, the first display 56 may be positioned behind the show figure 66 with respect to the depth axis 72. In this manner, the first display 56 (e.g., an LED screen or a projection screen) may provide visual effects (e.g., images, image data, video images, visual scenes) associated with the show figure 66. For example, the visual effects may include a scene or environment with which the show figure 66 appears to interact when viewed from the viewing area 54. As a particular example, the show figure 66 may represent a butterfly, and the visual effects displayed by the first display 56 may depict a flower field with which the butterfly may interact. Additionally, the first display 56 may include a hole 74 (e.g., an opening, gap, or slit) through which the movable arm 62 can extend and / or be positioned within the hole 74. The hole 74 may be completely surrounded by the first display 56 or may include an opening as depicted in FIG. 2 , where the hole 74 is only partially surrounded by the first display 56. The movable arm 62 may support and coordinate a show figure 66 with respect to the visual effects environment presented by the first display 56. For example, the show figure 66 may be moved by the movable arm 62 with respect to the visual effects environment presented by the first display 56 to create the presence of a butterfly (as represented by the show figure 66) flying through a field of flowers (as depicted on the first display 56). The location of the hole 74 in the first display 56 may allow the show figure 66 coupled to the movable arm 62 to be suspended (e.g., offset, away from) a particular distance from a base surface (e.g., the ground, stage surface, or floor) along a vertical axis 68.In this manner, the image presentation system 52 can create a visual effect perceptible from the viewing area 54 in which the show figures 66 appear to be flying, floating, levitating, and / or falling.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, a movable arm 62 (e.g., a robotic arm, a movable member) is disposed within the bore 74 and configured to support and position the second display 64 and a show figure 66 (e.g., an animation figure) between the first display 56 and the viewing area 54. In some embodiments, the movable arm 62 may be an articulated robotic arm coupled to the show figure having at least two degrees of freedom. For example, the movable arm 62 may be controllably actuated to generally move the show figure 66 along a vertical axis 68, a horizontal axis 70, a depth axis 72, or any combination thereof, relative to the viewpoint of the viewing area 54. Additionally, the movable arm 62 may support transmission lines (e.g., one or more cables) extending along the movable arm 62 (e.g., within or alongside the movable arm) to provide power and / or data to the second display 64 and / or the show figure 66. As an example, power supplied via the transmission lines may allow the show figure 66 to be animated to depict reactions to or interact with visual effects and / or other show elements of the attraction system 50. In this manner, the movement and animation of the show figure 66 can enhance the experience perceived by guests. In some embodiments, the image presentation system 52 may also include a support structure 76 coupled to and extending from the movable arm 62. The support structure 76 may be used to couple the show figure 66 to the movable arm 62 in a desired configuration. Furthermore, the show figure 66 may be positioned on the support structure 76 to hide at least a portion of the support structure 76 and / or the second display 64 from the viewing area 54. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body and wings of the show figure 66 hide the support structure 76 from view from the viewing area 54. In this manner, the support structure 76 may allow the show figure 66 to be positioned between the second display 64 and the viewing area 54 without interrupting or disrupting immersion in the story.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the image presentation system 52 also includes a second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62. The second display 64 may be coupled to an end and / or side of the movable arm 62 and positioned to conceal the movable arm 62 and the hole 74 from the viewing area 54. Furthermore, the second display 64 may be positioned at least partially behind the show figure 66 with respect to the depth axis 72. In this manner, a portion of the show figure 66 may cover (e.g., obscure, occlude) a portion of the second display 64 relative to the viewing area 54. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the second display 64 may surround the movable arm and extend from the movable arm 62 such that at least a portion of the movable arm 62 can extend through the second display 64. Furthermore, the second display 64 may be positioned to visually obstruct (e.g., hide, cover) the hole 74 in the first display 56 from the perspective of the viewing area 54. For example, the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62 may be positioned offset (e.g., some distance away) and / or forward of the first display 56 so that the edges of the second display 64 visually extend beyond and completely cover the edges of the hole 74 in the first display 56 relative to the viewpoint of the viewing area 54. Additionally, the second display 64 may present additional visual effects (e.g., image data, video images) including image effects (e.g., distortion effects, modified perspective effects, twist effects) that coordinate with the visual effects of the first display 56.

[0020] The image effect of the second display 64 takes into account the offset distance from the first display 56 and can be coordinated with the visual effect of the first display 56 to make it appear as if the first image 82 displayed on the first display 56 and the second image 84 displayed on the second display 64 are a common image (e.g., a single image, a seamless image) at a common depth relative to the viewing area 54 substantially equal to the depth of the first display 56. To create the illusion, the second image can be generated based on the shape of the second display 64, the position of the second display 64 relative to the first display 56 and the viewing area 54, and the first image 82. In this way, the first display 56 and the second display 64 can present images having complementary shapes that can visually hide the hole 74 and the movable arm 62 from the perspective of the viewing area 54. In other words, from the perspective of guests (e.g., viewers) in the viewing area 54, the second display 64, hole 74, and movable arm 62 can effectively essentially disappear, such that the image effect of the second display 64, together with the image effect of the first display 56, can create an optical illusion that enables the image presentation system 52 to present the show figure 66 attached to the movable arm 62 as suspended or unindicated within the image of the first display 56.

[0021] The first display 56 and / or the second display 64 can present any number of images (e.g., image data, video images). Additionally, in some embodiments, the images displayed by the first display 56 and / or the second display 64 may be displayed sequentially, such as a video image. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second display 64 may present a third image 90 (e.g., a fourth image, a fifth image, an nth image) consecutive to the second image 84 on the second display 64, taking into account the offset distance from the first display 56 and, in coordination with the visual effects of the first display 56, incorporating image effects as described herein to present the first image 82 displayed on the first display 56 and the third image 90 displayed on the second display 64 as a common image (e.g., a single image, a seamless image) at a common depth relative to the viewing area 54 that is substantially the same as the depth of the first display 56. Additionally, a third image 90 (e.g., a fourth image, a fifth image, an nth image) may be generated based on the shape of second display 64, the position of the second display relative to first display 56 and viewing area 54, and first image 82. In this manner, as described herein, first display 56 and second display 64 can present images having complementary shapes that allow hole 74 and movable arm 62 to be visually hidden from the perspective of viewing area 54.

[0022] In some embodiments, first display 56 and / or second display 64 may be electronic or projection displays that allow graphics and / or visual output to be displayed in viewing area 54. The displays may use any suitable backlit or frontlit display technology and may include electroluminescent (ELD) displays, liquid crystal (LCD) displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic LED (OLED) displays, active-matrix OLED displays, plasma display panels (PDPs), quantum dot LED (QLED) displays, etc. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the edges of second display 64 may be beveled or curved (e.g., to avoid sharp edges) to help visually conceal second display 64. Moreover, first display 56 and / or second display 64 may be a screen that allows projected images and / or video images to be viewed by viewing area 54. For example, as seen in the illustrated embodiment, image presentation system 52 may include a projector 92 that projects images onto first display 56 and / or second display 64. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shapes (e.g., surfaces, walls, faces) of the first display 56 and the second display 64 can be substantially flat (e.g., each extending in a respective single plane). In other embodiments, the shapes of the first display 56 and / or the second display 64 can extend in a substantially concave curve relative to the viewpoint of the viewing area 54. Furthermore, the first display 56 and the second display 64 can each include complementary concave curves. In the illustrated embodiment, the first display 56 includes a concave curvature and the second display 64 is substantially flat, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0023] The viewing area 54 and the image presentation system 52 can change position relative to one another. Accordingly, the first display 56, the second display 64, the movable arm 62, and / or the show figure 66 may be configured to operate in conjunction with changes in location relative to the viewing area 54, corresponding to the perspective and / or position of a guest (e.g., a viewer), a group of guests, and / or a vehicle of the attraction system 50. For example, the viewing area 54 (which may correspond to, for example, a vehicle) may be movable, such as a ride vehicle including one or more guests of the attraction. The ride vehicle may traverse a path (e.g., a track on which it is located) substantially in front of the first display 56 of the image presentation system 52, and its position may be detected or monitored using one or more sensors 53 (e.g., a camera, a barcode reader, a pressure sensor). As a result of such position changes, the perspective (e.g., visual perspective, perceived angle) of the viewing area 54 relative to the first display 56 may change depending on the position of the guest, group of guests, and / or the vehicle. Thus, the viewpoint of the viewing area 54 may determine the movement of the first display 56, the second display 64, the movable arm 62, and / or the show figure 66 to effectively coordinate with the visual effects observable by the viewing area 54 to create a realistic and / or immersive environment of the attraction. Data regarding such viewpoint changes may be obtained based on one or more sensors 53 or other feedback indicative of such changes. For example, the ride control system may monitor the positioning of the ride vehicle (e.g., using position sensors), determine location based on time / position correlation, and / or the like.

[0024] Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the image presentation system 52 may include a control system 58. The control system 58 may include one or more controllers 60, a memory 78, and a processing circuit 80. The memory 78 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions. The processing circuit 80 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processing circuit 80 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. Further, the control system 58 may be communicatively coupled to the first display 56, the second display 64, the movable arm 62, the one or more sensors 53, and / or the show figure 66. For example, the control system 58 can provide (e.g., send, transmit) visual and / or image effects to the first display 56 and / or the second display 64. In some embodiments, the control system 58 can be communicatively coupled to the projector 92 and can provide visual and / or image effects to the projector 92 to be displayed on the first display 56 and / or the second display 64. Additionally, the control system 58 can modify the images (e.g., image data, video images) provided to the first display 56 and / or the second display 64, allowing the modified images to effectively hide the hole 74 in the first display 56 and the movable arm 62 coupled to the show figure 66 from the viewing area 54. In particular, the control system 58 can modify the images provided to the first display 56 and the second display 64 based on the viewpoint of the viewing area 54, which can correspond to changing locations of the viewing area 54. For example, the viewing area 54 may represent guests traveling along a path (e.g., a track) in the attraction system 50.The guest's viewpoint may change as the guest's location changes relative to the first display 56 and the second display 64. Additionally, the control system 58 can determine the guest's location corresponding to the guest's viewpoint and modify the images provided on the first display 56 and the second display 64 in response to determining the guest's location. As described above, the control system 58 can identify relative position information based on one or more sensors 53, which may include cameras and software configured to detect a person's face and viewing position.

[0025] Further, the control system 58 can actuate the movable arm 62 based on a viewpoint of the viewing area 54, which may correspond to the changing location of the viewing area 54. In particular, the control system 58 can continuously determine the viewpoint of the viewing area 54 to enable the second display 64 to remain positioned to effectively hide the hole 74 in the first display 56 despite the changing location of the viewing area 54. Using the example above, the control system 58 can determine a guest's location corresponding to the guest's viewpoint as the guest traverses a path proximate to the first display 56 and the second display 64. The control system 58 can then actuate the movable arm 62 to adjust the second display coupled to the movable arm 62 to hide the hole 74 from the guest's viewpoint in response to the determination of the guest's location. In some embodiments, the location of the viewing area 54 can be predetermined and pre-programmed into the image presentation system 52, as can the images provided on the first display 56 and the second display 64 and the actuation of the movable arm 62. In other embodiments, the location of viewing area 54 may be variable and determined by control system 58 via data received from one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 53) located in attraction system 50. It should be understood that in some embodiments, secondary display 64 may be movable separately from show figure 66. For example, two separate movable arms 62 extend through holes 74 and couple to show figure 66 or secondary display 64, respectively. In yet another example, additional actuation mechanisms may extend from movable arms 62 to guide show figure 66 or secondary display 64.

[0026] In some embodiments, actuation of the movable arm 62 may be required to facilitate the presentation of a desired visual environment of the attraction system 50 to the viewing area 54. Specifically, actuation of the movable arm 62 may enable movement of a show figure 66 coupled to the movable arm 62 to coordinate with visual effects on the first display 56, which may create a desired visual environment. For example, the first display 56 may present the visual effect of a realistic landscape depicting a space station in outer space, and the show figure 66 may be an astronaut performing a spacewalk. In this manner, the astronaut may be moved by the movable arm 62 relative to the landscape presented by the first display 56, making it appear as if the astronaut is floating (e.g., suspended) through space. As a result, actuation of the movable arm 62 to move the show figure 66 also causes movement of the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62. Thus, in some embodiments, the second display 64 may be configured to operate in response to actuation of the movable arm 62. For example, as described herein, the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62 may be positioned to cover the hole 74 in the first display 56 and may present an image effect in coordination with the visual effect of the first display 56 to hide the hole 74 and the movable arm 62 from the viewing area 54. In response to actuation of the movable arm 62 to move the show figure 66, the second display 64 may present an additional image effect to continually create and / or sustain the optical illusion that enables the second display 64 to hide the hole 74 in the movable arm 62 and / or first display 56 from the viewing area 54. In some embodiments, the control system 58 may provide the image effect to the second display 64 in response to determining the position of the movable arm 62 and / or the position of the second display 64.In some embodiments, the position of the movable arm 62 and / or the second display 64 may be predetermined, and thus the images provided on the second display 64 and the animation of the movable arm 62 may be pre-programmed into the image presentation system 52. In other embodiments, the position of the movable arm 62 and / or the second display 64 may be determined by the control system 58 by receiving data from one or more sensors located in the attraction system 50. By blending the image of the second display 64 with the image of the first display 56, the second display 64 itself is also effectively hidden or camouflaged to create the impression that only the background is being observed.

[0027] To further illustrate how the image presentation system 52 effectively conceals the hole 74 in the first display 56 and the movable arm 62, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the image presentation system 52 as viewed from the side, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the image presentation system 52 as viewed from the perspective of the viewing area 54. In particular, the image presentation system 52 of the illustrated embodiment includes a second display 64 that is offset from the first display 56 and coupled to and surrounds a movable arm 62 that is coupled to a show figure 66. Furthermore, an end of the second display 64 extends beyond an end of the hole 74 in the first display 56 through which the movable arm extends. Furthermore, the image presentation system 52 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a control system 58, which may include one or more controllers 60, a memory 78, and a processing circuit 80, as described herein.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first display 56 presents a first image 82, and the second display 64 presents a second image 84 that corresponds to the first image 82. From the perspective view of FIG. 3 , the second display 64, along with the hole 74 in the first display 56 and the movable arm 62, are visually distinct from the first display 56. Moreover, the first image 82 and the second image 84 are also visually distinct, and the edge of the second image 84 (e.g., the second display 64) is easily discernible. However, when the image presentation system 52 is viewed from the perspective of the viewing area 54, the hole 74 in the first display 56 and the movable arm 62 are visually obscured by the second display 64 and the show figure 66, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . Moreover, the first image 82 presented by the first display 56 and the second image 84 presented by the second display 64 appear as if they were a single image presented by the first display 56 and positioned behind the show figure 66 with respect to the depth axis 72. In fact, the edges of second image 84 and second display 64 are visually indistinguishable from first image 82 or first display 56. Moreover, hole 74, movable arm 62, and second display 64 are effectively hidden (e.g., obscured, camouflaged) from the perspective of viewing area 54, and show figure 66 appears to be suspended vertically about vertical axis 68 a distance 86 above ground 88.

[0029] Furthermore, in some embodiments, as the movable arm 62, the viewing area 54, or both move (e.g., change location, shift), the second image 84 presented on the second display 64 is continuously updated (e.g., adjusted) based on the location (e.g., movement) of the movable arm 62, the viewing area 54, or both. In other embodiments, the second display 64 can receive and display additional images (e.g., video images) based on the location of the movable arm 62, the viewing area 54, or both. As a result, the second image 84 maintains a visually complementary shape with respect to the first image 82 on the first display 56 so as to hide the movable arm 62, the first display hole 74, and the second display 64 from the perspective of the viewing area 54. In this manner, the image presentation system 52 can provide a visually realistic and immersive environment in the viewing area 54, thereby achieving the full entertainment value of the attraction system 50.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process 100 for operating an image presentation system of attraction system 50 (e.g., image presentation system 52 of FIGS. 1-4 ). Any suitable device according to this embodiment (e.g., processing circuitry 80 of control system 58 of FIGS. 1-3 ) may implement method 100. In one embodiment, method 100 may be implemented by executing instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 78 of control system 58). For example, method 100 may be implemented at least in part by one or more software components, one or more hardware components, one or more software applications, etc. Although method 100 is described using a particular order of steps, additional steps may be implemented, described steps may be performed in an order different from that illustrated, and / or certain described steps may be skipped or not implemented entirely.

[0031] At block 102, a location of the viewing area 54 may be received. In particular, the viewing area 54 may be movable and its position relative to the image presentation system 52 may be monitored. By way of example, the location of the viewing area 54 may indicate the location of a vehicle on a track that passes proximate to the first display 56. In some embodiments, the viewing area 54 may correspond to the location (e.g., position) of an individual guest or viewer within the attraction system 50 (e.g., detected using facial recognition, etc.). Furthermore, the location of the viewing area 54 may be predetermined (e.g., programmed) based on timing or a set position for observation of a vehicle on a track, etc., and retrievable from the memory 78 of the control system 58. In some embodiments, receiving the location of the viewing area 54 may include user input, such as a request to operate the image presentation system 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the location of the viewing area 54 may be received from one or more sensors disposed within the attraction system 50 and configured to continuously monitor the location and / or position of the viewing area 54.

[0032] At block 104, the first image 82 may be received and displayed by the first display 56. Further, the first display 56 may include a hole 74. As discussed herein, the first image 82 may be a scene or image corresponding to a theme of the attraction system 50. Further, the first image 82 may be displayed or projected by the first display 56 and viewable by the viewing area 54. The first image 82 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the operating time and / or the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the position of the ride vehicle relative to the first display 56). Further, the first image 82 may be displayed based on data received from one or more sensors disposed within the attraction system 50 and configured to monitor one or more parameters of the attraction system 50.

[0033] In block 106, the second image 84 may be received and displayed by the second display 64. Further, the second display may be positioned on a movable member (e.g., the movable arm 62) that extends through a hole in the first display 56. Additionally, as described herein, the second display 64 may be positioned to physically hide the hole 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, the position of the movable arm 62, and therefore the position of the second display 64 that hides the hole 74, may be such that from the perspective of the guest (e.g., a viewer within the viewing area 54), the hole 74 is not perceptible or is not clearly perceptible by the guest. Moreover, as described herein, the second image 84 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective by presenting the first image 82 and the second image 84 as a single image displayed by the first display 56. Further, the second image 84 may be displayed or projected on the second display 64 and may be viewable from the viewing area 54. The second image 84 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the operating time, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the position of the vehicle relative to the first display 56), the location of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof.

[0034] At block 108, additional locations of the viewing area 54 may be received. As an example, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may indicate additional positions of vehicles on a track that traverse proximate to the first display 56. In some embodiments, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may correspond to additional locations (e.g., positions) of guests or viewers within the attraction system 50. Further, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may be predetermined (e.g., programmed), such as vehicles on a track, and retrievable from the memory 78 of the control system 58. In some embodiments, receiving the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may include user input, such as a request to operate the image presentation system 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may be received from one or more sensors disposed within the attraction system 50 and configured to continuously monitor the location and / or position of the viewing area 54.

[0035] In block 110, an actuation system for the movable member of the image presentation system 52 may be instructed to move the movable member based on receiving the additional location of the viewing area 54. In particular, the show figure 66 and the second display 64 may be coupled to the movable member, and movement of the movable member via the actuation system may collectively move the show figure 66 and the second display 64 as a unit. As an example, an actuator for the movable arm 62 may be instructed to move the movable arm 62, which may result in moving the second display 64 and the show figure 66, such that the second display 64 continues to obscure the hole 74 in the first display 56 from the perspective of the viewing area 54. As described herein, the viewing area 54 may be movable. In other words, the location of the viewing area 54, and therefore the perspective of the viewing area 54 relative to the first display 56, the show figure 66, and the second display 64, may change over time. As the viewpoint changes, the actuator may be instructed to move the movable arm 62 based on receiving additional locations of the viewing area 54 to maintain obscuration of the hole 74 in the first display 56. The actuation system may additionally, or alternatively, move the support in a manner that complements or supplements other operations of the attraction system 50. As an example, the actuation system may be instructed to move the movable member to effect movement of the show figure 66 based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as operation time. The instructions for the movable member actuator may be predetermined (e.g., programmed) and retrievable from the memory 78 of the control system 58. In some embodiments, the instructions for the movable member actuator may include user input, which may indicate a desired positioning or desired movement of the movable member, the show figure 66, the second display 64, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In block 112, the third image 90 (e.g., an image, a video image, image data) may be received and displayed by the second display 64. Further, as described herein, the second display 64 may be positioned on a movable member (e.g., a movable arm 62) that extends through the hole 74 in the first display 56. In addition, the second display 64 may be positioned to physically hide the hole 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, the position of the second display 64 that hides the hole 75 is such that, from the perspective of the guest or viewer within the viewing area 54, the hole 74 is effectively imperceptible by the viewer. Moreover, the third image 90 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective by presenting the first image 82 and the third image 90 as if they were a single image displayed by the first display 56. Further, the third image 90 may be displayed or projected on the second display 64 and may be viewable from the viewing area 54. Additionally, the third image 90 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the operating time, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the position of the vehicle relative to the first display 56), the location of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process 200 for operating an image presentation system of attraction system 50 (e.g., image presentation system 52 of FIGS. 1-4 ). Any suitable device (e.g., processing circuitry 80 of control system 58 of FIGS. 1-3 ) may implement method 200. In one embodiment, method 200 may be implemented by executing instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 78 of control system 58). For example, method 200 may be implemented at least in part by one or more software components, one or more hardware components, one or more software applications, etc. Although method 200 is described using a particular order of steps, additional steps may be implemented, the described steps may be implemented in a different order than those shown, and / or certain described steps may be skipped or not implemented entirely.

[0038] At block 202, a location of a moveable member (e.g., a moveable arm 62) may be received. As an example, the location of the moveable arm 62 may indicate the position of a show figure 66 and a secondary display 64 coupled to the moveable arm 62. Further, the location of the moveable arm 62 may be predetermined (programmed) and retrievable from the memory 78 of the control system 58, such as a predetermined placement of the show figure 66 within the image presentation system 52. In some embodiments, receiving the location of the moveable arm 62 may include a user input, such as a request to operate the image presentation system 52. Further, in some embodiments, the location of the moveable arm 62 may be received from one or more sensors disposed within the attraction system 50 and configured to measure and monitor the location and / or position of the moveable arm 62 and / or show figure 66.

[0039] In block 204, the first image 82 may be received and displayed by the first display 56. Further, the first display 56 may include a hole 74. As discussed herein, the first image 82 may be a scene or image corresponding to a theme of the attraction system 50. Further, the first image 82 may be displayed or projected on the first screen and may be viewable by the viewing area 54. The first image 82 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the operating time and / or the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the position of the ride relative to the first display 56). Further, the first image 82 may be displayed based on data received from one or more sensors disposed within the attraction system 50 and configured to monitor one or more parameters of the attraction system 50.

[0040] In block 206, the second image 84 may be received and displayed by the second display 64. Moreover, as described herein, the second display 64 may be disposed on a movable member (e.g., the movable arm 62) that extends through the hole 74 in the first display 56. In addition, the second display 64 may be disposed to physically hide the hole 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, the movable arm 62, and therefore the second display 64 that hides the hole 74, may be positioned such that the hole 74 is virtually invisible from the perspective of a guest (e.g., a viewer in the viewing area 54). Moreover, as described herein, the second image 84 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective, as if the first image 82 and the second image 84 were a single image displayed on the first display 56. Furthermore, the second image 84 may be displayed or projected on the second display 64 and may be viewable by the viewing area 54. The second image 84 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the operating time, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the position of the vehicle relative to the first display 56), the location of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof.

[0041] At block 208, an additional location of a movable member (e.g., the movable arm 62) may be received. As an example, the additional location of the movable arm 62 may indicate an additional position of the show figure 66 and the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62. Furthermore, the additional location of the movable arm 62 may be predetermined (e.g., programmed) and retrievable from the memory 78 of the control system 58, such as a predetermined placement of the show figure 66 within the image presentation system 52. In some embodiments, receiving the additional location of the movable arm 62 may include a user input, such as a request to operate the image presentation system 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the additional location of the movable arm 62 may be received from one or more sensors disposed within the attraction system 50 and configured to continuously monitor the location and / or position of the movable arm 62 and / or show figure 66.

[0042] In block 210, the third image 90 (e.g., an image, a video image, image data) may be received and displayed by the second display 64. Further, as described herein, the second display 64 may be positioned on a movable member (e.g., a movable arm 62) that extends through the first display 56. In addition, the second display 64 may be positioned to physically hide the hole 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, a position of the second display 64 that hides the hole 74 may ensure that, from the perspective of a guest or viewer within the viewing area 54, the hole 74 is effectively invisible to the viewer. Moreover, the third image 90 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective by presenting the first image 82 and the third image 90 as if they were a single image displayed by the first display 56. Furthermore, the third image 90 may be displayed or projected on the second display 64 and may be viewable from the viewing area 54. Additionally, the third image 90 may be presented based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the operation time, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the position of the vehicle relative to the first display 56), the location of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof. As described herein, the methods 100 and 200 of the image presentation system 52 may operate (e.g., be implemented) simultaneously to offset, supplement, or complement each other to effectively create a desired visual entertainment (e.g., an optical illusion) for the viewing area 54.

[0043] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0044] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the art, and such are not abstract, intangible, or purely logical. Furthermore, when a claim appended to the end of the specification includes one or more elements designated as "means for (performing) (function)" or "step for (performing) (function)," such elements are intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim including an element designated by any other means, such elements are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. 1. An image presentation system, comprising: a first display having an opening extending therethrough, at least a portion of the first display being viewable from the viewing area; and a movable arm disposed within the opening; a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display, the second display hiding the opening from the viewing area; and a controller configured to provide a first image via the first display and a second image via the second display, the second image including an image effect that takes into account the offset and cooperates with the first image to present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display; 1. An image presentation system comprising:

2. 10. The image presentation system of claim 1, including an animated figure coupled to the movable arm and powered via a power line extending along the movable arm.

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

4. The image presentation system of claim 3 , wherein a portion of the animated figure obscures the support structure from the viewing area.

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

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

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

8. The image presentation system of claim 7 , wherein the movable arm is configured to move based on the changing location of the viewing area to hide the opening and the movable arm from the changing location of the viewing area.

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

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

11. 11. The image presentation system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to control the one or more projectors to provide the image effect based on the arrangement of the second display and / or the arrangement of the viewing area so that the first image and the second image combine to form a single image as a seamless image.

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

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

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

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

16. 1. A method comprising: receiving, via the controller, a viewer's viewpoint; controlling, via the controller, the display of a first image on a first display, the first display including a hole; controlling, via the controller, the display of a second image on a second display disposed on a movable member extending through the hole, the second display positioned to hide the hole from the viewer's viewpoint, and the second image configured to hide the second display from the viewer's viewpoint by presenting the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed on the first display; A method comprising:

17. detecting additional viewpoints of the viewer via the controller; directing, via the controller, an actuator of the movable member to move the second display based on determining the additional viewpoint of the viewer to hide the hole from the additional viewpoint of the viewer; 17. The method of claim 16, comprising:

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

19. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling the animation object to the movable member such that the animation object is positioned at least partially between the second display and the viewer, the animation object receiving power for actuation of the animation object via the movable member.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processing circuit, causes the processing circuit to: determining first image data and second image data based on the received viewing area location; commencing presentation of a first image on a first display based on the first image data, the first display having an opening extending therethrough; commencing presentation of a second image on a second display based on the second image data, the second display being supported by a movable arm extending through the opening, the second display being offset from the first display such that the second display hides the opening from the viewing area, the second image including image effects coordinated with the first image to take into account the offset and present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display; 10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions for performing operations including:

Images