Dark Ride Tower System with a Fixed Chamber and an Adaptive Chamber

Abstract

The dark ride tower system (10) includes a tower having first and second levels (18, 26). The first level (18) includes a fixed chamber (20) having a fixed wall (22), and the second level (26) includes an adaptive chamber (28) having an adaptive wall (30) configured to be rearranged into multiple physical configurations. The dark ride tower system (10) also includes a lifting system (36) configured to alternately move a ride vehicle (16) between the first and second levels (18, 26). The dark ride tower system (10) also includes a first projection system (24) configured to generate projection mapping on the fixed wall (22) to simulate the movement of the ride vehicle (16) relative to the fixed chamber (20) while the ride vehicle (16) is positioned within the fixed chamber (20). The dark ride tower system (10) also includes a second projection system (32) configured to generate projection mapping onto the adaptive wall (30) to present show scenes while the ride vehicle (16) is positioned within the adaptive chamber (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 016,019, entitled "Dark Ride Tower Systems Having Stationary and Adaptable Rooms," filed on April 27, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement park rides. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to dark ride tower systems configured to move a ride vehicle between a stationary room and an adaptable room.

Background Art

[0003] This section is for introducing readers to various aspects of technologies that may be related to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is considered to be helpful in showing the background situation to readers and facilitating a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should not be regarded as an admission of prior art and should be understood to be read from the above perspective.

[0004] Amusement parks include various features that provide a unique experience for each amusement park guest. Some features can include ride vehicles that can move along a specific path. The path can include elements that can enhance the guest experience as the ride vehicle moves along the path. For example, the ride vehicle can enter and exit multiple rooms as it moves along the path, and elements that enhance the guest experience can be present inside each room. However, currently, it is recognized that the ability to simulate a more complex audiovisual experience within a relatively confined space can further enhance the guest experience.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents an overview of some embodiments disclosed in this specification. It should be understood that these aspects are merely intended to provide a summary of some of these embodiments to the reader and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure can include various aspects not shown below.

[0006] In some embodiments, a dark ride tower system for an amusement park includes a tower having a first tier and a second tier. The first tier includes a stationary room having stationary walls, and the second tier includes an adaptable room having adaptable walls configured to be repositioned into a plurality of physical configurations. The dark ride tower system further includes a vehicle configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park. The dark ride tower system further includes a lift system configured to alternately move the vehicle between the first tier and the second tier. Also, the dark ride tower system includes a first projection system configured to generate a projection mapping on the stationary walls and simulate movement of the vehicle relative to the stationary room while the vehicle is disposed within the stationary room. The dark ride tower system also includes a second projection system configured to generate a projection mapping on the adaptable walls and present a show scene while the vehicle is disposed within the adaptable room. The dark ride tower system further includes a controller configured to synchronize the movement of the vehicle caused by the lift system, the repositioning of the adaptable walls, and the generation of the projection mappings on the stationary and adaptable walls via the first and second projection systems.

[0007] Also, in some embodiments, the method includes using a lifting system to alternately move a vehicle between a first tier including a fixed chamber having a fixed wall and a second tier including an adaptive chamber having an adaptive wall configured to be repositioned into a plurality of physical configurations. The method also includes generating a projection mapping on the fixed wall via a first projection system while the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber to simulate movement of the vehicle with respect to the fixed chamber. The method further includes actuating the adaptive wall to reposition from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration while the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber. The method also includes generating a projection mapping on the adaptive wall via a second projection system while the vehicle is disposed within the adaptive chamber to present a show scene.

[0008] Also, in some embodiments, an amusement park dark ride system includes a fixed chamber having a fixed wall and an adaptive chamber having an adaptive wall configured to be repositioned into a plurality of physical configurations. The dark ride system also includes a vehicle configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park. The dark ride system further includes a lifting system configured to alternately move the vehicle between the fixed chamber and the adaptive chamber. The dark ride system also includes a first projection system configured to generate a projection mapping on the fixed wall while the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber to simulate movement of the vehicle with respect to the fixed chamber. The dark ride system further includes a second projection system configured to generate a projection mapping on the adaptive wall while the vehicle is disposed within the adaptive chamber to present a show scene. The dark ride system also includes a controller configured to synchronize movement of the vehicle caused by the lifting system, repositioning of the adaptive wall, and generation of the projection mappings on the fixed wall and the adaptive wall via the first and second projection systems.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of 1 or more will be described. To briefly describe these embodiments, not all implementation features are described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such implementation found in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, although such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood that for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, they are routine endeavors of design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dark ride tower system that alternately transfers a vehicle using a lifting system between a fixed chamber configured to simulate the movement of a vehicle through an image projected onto a fixed wall of the fixed chamber and an adaptable chamber configured to simulate various scenes through an image projected onto an adaptable wall of the adaptable chamber. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein can eliminate the need for a track or other means of movement for the vehicle by providing a complete dark ride experience within a relatively narrow installation area without the need to move horizontally through a show scene.

[0020] Regardless of whether the vehicle is suspended or ground lifted, it moves vertically within the show scene space. One advantage of not moving linearly within the space is that it allows for a longer show scene compared to conventional show scenes that transport the vehicle using, for example, tracks. In some embodiments, high-speed movement and scene transitions can be simulated in the lower tower portion (i.e., the fixed chamber) via a rear projection screen (either 2D or 3D). Subsequently, the vehicle can be lifted to an upper level (i.e., the (single or plural) adaptation chambers) that includes the physical projected show scene. For example, the vehicle can rise and rotate to align with different show scenes presented within the adaptation chamber. In some embodiments, while the vehicle is positioned within the lower projected transition scene (i.e., the fixed chamber), the upper set (i.e., the set of (single or plural) adaptation chambers) can be reconfigured via slide panels and show doors. As will be described in more detail herein, the show set (i.e., the show set of the (single or plural) adaptation chambers) can transition to various physical configurations from a relatively narrow space to a relatively wide immersive scene. Projection mapping enables the same show scene to be used multiple times to represent different simulated locations. In some embodiments, additional physical scene elements can also be presented (i.e., within the (single or plural) adaptation chambers). For example, in some embodiments, these additional physical scene elements can include, but are not limited to, anime figures, special effects such as smoke, and actors / actresses, etc.

[0021] Also, in some embodiments, the vehicle can move with multiple degrees of freedom, providing a particular sensation that would not be possible (or would be significantly diminished) in a tower system that has only one degree of freedom (e.g., only vertical movement). Further, in the dark ride tower systems described herein, the increased number of paths that the vehicle can take creates the possibility of providing a different experience to each guest. In fact, the dark ride tower systems described herein can present an almost infinite combination of show scenes and simulated transitions between these show scenes.

[0022] Accordingly, the dark ride tower systems described herein can be used to enhance the guest experience in many different ways. For example, the vehicle can move with a number of degrees of freedom, such as rotational and translational movement, to create a sensation for the guests riding in the vehicle. Further, the vehicle can enter and exit each room of the dark ride tower system in various ways and experience various show scenes within these rooms. Again, the combination of the movement by the vehicle system and the shows presented within each room creates a nearly infinite variety of guest experiences. The components and operation of the dark ride tower system are further described below.

[0023] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a dark ride tower system 10 that can be placed within an amusement park. As shown in FIG. 1, the dark ride tower system 10 includes a boarding / alighting zone 12 where guests 14 can line up to board a vehicle 16 and to exit the vehicle 16 after completion of the ride cycle. Also, as will be described in more detail herein, the dark ride tower system 10 also includes a lower level 18 (i.e., a lift shaft) that includes a fixed chamber 20 having a plurality of fixed walls 22, the plurality of fixed walls 22 surrounding the vehicle 16 when the vehicle 16 is disposed within the fixed chamber 20. Also, as will be described in more detail herein, the lower level 18 also includes a plurality of lower level projectors 24 (i.e., a lower level projection system) configured to project images onto the fixed walls 22 of the fixed chamber 20 to simulate the movement of the vehicle 16 disposed within the fixed chamber. Also, as will be described in more detail herein, the dark ride tower system 10 also includes an upper level 26 that includes one or more adaptive chambers 28 having a plurality of adaptive walls 30, the plurality of adaptive walls 30 being configured to adapt (e.g., reposition) between projection mapped show scenes projected onto the adaptive walls 30 via a plurality of upper level projectors 32 (i.e., an upper level projection system).

[0024] As shown by arrow 34 in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the vehicle 16 can move between the lower floor 18 and the upper floor 26 of the dark ride tower system 10 via a lift system 36 such as a suspension lift system or a ground lift system. For example, FIGS. 2 and 3 show in more detail how the vehicle 16 can be moved between the lower floor 18 and the upper floor 26 of the dark ride tower system 10 via the suspension lift system 36. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle 16 can also be moved between the lower floor 18 and the upper floor 26 of the dark ride tower system 10 via another type of lift system 36 such as a ground lift system. In some embodiments, the lift system 36 utilizes multiple degrees of freedom to create sensations that guests 14 in the vehicle 16 would not experience in a conventional vehicle system that includes only a limited number of degrees of freedom. For example, the lift system 36 generates rotational motion by rotating the vehicle 16 (e.g., about the virtual central axis 38 of the lift system 36) and can alternately translate the vehicle 16 between the lower floor 18 and the upper floor 26 of the dark ride tower system 10 (e.g., along the virtual central axis 38 of the lift system 36). Additionally, the lift system 36 can move the vehicle 16 with additional degrees of freedom (e.g., roll, pitch, and yaw) relative to the virtual central axis 38 of the lift system 36. Thus, the lift system 36 can move the vehicle 16 with six degrees of freedom (i.e., x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw) relative to any current position of the vehicle 16. In fact, as described in more detail herein, the ability of the lift system 36 to manipulate the vehicle 16 in various ways further enhances the ability of the adaptive chamber 28 to present a variety of different projection-mapped show scenes.

[0025] The drawings and the specification illustrate and describe a dark ride tower system 10 including one or more adaptation chambers 28 having an adaptation wall 30 disposed above a fixed chamber 20 having a fixed wall 22, but in other embodiments, the fixed chamber 20 can be disposed above the one or more adaptation chambers 28. In fact, in some embodiments, the dark ride tower system 10 can include a fixed chamber 20 having a fixed wall 22, adaptation chambers 28 having an adaptation wall 30 disposed both above and below the fixed chamber 20, and other combinations of physical configurations. However, generally in many of these embodiments, the fixed chamber 20 can be disposed adjacent to the boarding / alighting zone 12 as long as it is easy for guests 14 to board / alight from / to the vehicle 16. Also, in some embodiments, the dark ride tower system 10 includes only one fixed chamber 20 and one adaptation chamber 28 and the vehicle 16 can move inside thereof, thereby simplifying the design of the dark ride tower system 10 and at the same time presenting almost infinite combinations of show scenes and simulated movements between these show scenes.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, without being limited to the following, the functions of the dark ride tower system 10 described herein, including the movement of the vehicle 16 caused by the lifting system 36, the movement of the adaptive wall 30 of the adaptive chamber 28, and the generation of the projection mapped show scene via the projectors 24, 32, can be controlled in response to control signals transmitted from one or more controllers 40. In some embodiments, the controller(s) 40 can employ a processor 42 representing one or more processors such as an application specific processor. In some embodiments, the controller(s) 40 can also include a memory device 44 that stores instructions executable by the processor 42 to perform the methods and control operations for the dark ride tower system 10 described herein. In some embodiments, the processor 42 can include one or more processing devices, and the memory device 44 can include one or more tangible non-transitory machine-readable media. By way of example, such a machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to hold or store the desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 42, or any general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine including the processor.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller 40, without limitation, can communicate, using the communication circuit 46, with components of the dark ride tower system 10 including the lift system 36, the adaptive wall 30 of the adaptive chamber 28, and the projectors 24, 32. In some embodiments, the communication circuit 46 can communicate via a wireless network such as a wireless local area network [WLAN], a wireless wide area network [WWAN], near field communication [NFC], Wi-Fi, and / or Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the communication circuit 46 can communicate via a wired network such as a local area network [LAN] or a wide area network [WAN]. As will be described in more detail herein, by way of non-limiting example, the controller 40 can synchronize, or perform timing control between, the movement of the vehicle 16 caused by the lift system 36, the movement of the adaptive wall 30 of the adaptive chamber 28, and the generation of the projection-mapped show scene via the projectors 24, 32 by transmitting control signals to these components of the dark ride tower system 10 via the communication circuit 46.

[0028] Figures 4-8 are useful for illustrating the functionality of the dark ride tower system 10 described herein. It will be understood that the event sequences shown in FIGS. 4-8 are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. In fact, as will be described in more detail herein, nearly infinite combinations of movement and show scenes can be created through the components of the dark ride tower system 10. For example, FIGS. 9-20 show even more complex event sequences that can be created through the components of the dark ride tower system 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the event sequence can begin by rotating the vehicle 16 and dropping it into the lift shaft (i.e., of the lower level 18) for simulated movement and scene transitions (e.g., via the upper level 26). At this point, while the lift system 36 simulates the horizontal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle 16 relative to the fixed chamber 20 by pitching, rolling, and / or heaving the vehicle 16 (as if the vehicle 16 were moving through a magic shaft), the lower level projector 24 can generate media (e.g., projection mapping) on the fixed wall 22 of the fixed chamber 20. While the vehicle 16 is disposed within the lift shaft (i.e., of the lower level 18), at least a portion of the adaptive wall 30 of the upper level 26 can be repositioned such that the show scene of the upper level 26 is reconfigured. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the lift system 36 rotates the vehicle 16 and lifts it to the upper level 26, where one or more upper level projectors 32 can present a show set scene projection mapped onto the adaptive wall 30.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, after the projection-mapped show set scene is presented, the vehicle 16 can be rotated and dropped into the lift shaft (i.e., of the lower floor 18) again for simulated movement and scene transitions (e.g., via the upper floor 26). At this point, while the lift system 36 again simulates the pitching, rolling, and / or heaving movement of the vehicle 16 and the horizontal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle 16 relative to the fixed chamber 20 (e.g., as if the vehicle 16 is moving through a magic shaft), the lower floor projector 24 can generate media (e.g., projection mapping) on the fixed wall 22 of the fixed chamber 20. While the vehicle 16 is disposed within the lift shaft (i.e., of the lower floor 18), at least a portion of the adaptive wall 30 of the upper floor 26 can be repositioned such that the show scene of the upper floor 26 is reconfigured to a different physical configuration again. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, the lift system 36 again lifts the vehicle 16 to the upper floor 26, where one or more upper floor projectors 32 can present a different projection-mapped show set scene on the adaptive wall 30. As shown in FIG. 7, one or more additional physical scene elements 48 (e.g., anime figures in the illustrated embodiment) can be presented within this new show set scene.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the adaptive wall 30 can be reconfigured to align perpendicular to the fixed wall 22 of the lower tier 18 to form a tower that is completely enclosed in height, and while the lifting system 36 drops the vehicle 16 from the maximum heave to physically and visually simulate a gravitational fall, the projectors 24, 32 can project map onto the walls 22, 30. In some embodiments, when the vehicle 16 reaches the minimum heave, the lifting system 36 can again quickly accelerate the vehicle 16 upward. At the apex, the guest 14 within the vehicle 16 can experience a moment of zero gravity as the vehicle 16 falls again. In some embodiments, the lifting system 36 causes the vehicle 16 to repeat these falls and upward launches several times before finally coming to rest at the disembarkation position, at which point the guest 14 can disembark from the vehicle 16.

[0031] FIGS. 9-20 show further complex event sequences that can be created through the components of the dark ride tower system 10. For example, FIG. 9 shows the vehicle 16 disposed within the lift shaft (i.e., of the lower tier 18) when a simulated movement of the vehicle 16 is generated by the lower tier projector 24 and the lifting system 36, as described in more detail herein. As shown in FIG. 10, one or more of the adaptive walls 30 can be reconfigured during the occurrence of this movement. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the lifting system 36 can lift the vehicle 16 and the upper tier projector 32 can present a show scene in which one or more of the adaptive walls 30 are projection mapped, as described in more detail herein.

[0032] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the lifting system 36 drops the vehicle 16 again into the lifting shaft (i.e., within the lower floor 18), and the lower floor projector 24 and the lifting system 36 can generate a simulated movement of the vehicle 16 again, as described in more detail herein. Also as shown in FIG. 12, one or more of the adaptive walls 30 can be reconfigured again during the generation of this movement. Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the lifting system 36 lifts and rotates the vehicle 16, and the upper floor projector 32 can present a show scene with different projection mappings on one or more of the adaptive walls 30, as described in more detail herein.

[0033] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the lifting system 36 drops and rotates the vehicle 16 again into the lifting shaft (i.e., within the lower floor 18), and the lower floor projector 24 and the lifting system 36 can generate a simulated movement of the vehicle 16 again, as described in more detail herein. Also as shown in FIG. 14, one or more of the adaptive walls 30 can be reconfigured again during the generation of this movement. Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the lifting system 36 lifts and rotates the vehicle 16, and the upper floor projector 32 can present a show scene with different projection mappings on one or more of the adaptive walls 30, as described in more detail herein.

[0034] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the lifting system 36 drops and rotates the vehicle 16 again into the lifting shaft (i.e., within the lower floor 18), and the lower floor projector 24 and the lifting system 36 can generate a simulated movement of the vehicle 16 again, as described in more detail herein. Also as shown in FIG. 16, one or more of the adaptive walls 30 can be reconfigured again during the generation of this movement. Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the lifting system 36 lifts the vehicle 16, and the upper floor projector 32 can present a show scene with different projection mappings on one or more of the adaptive walls 30, as described in more detail herein.

[0035] In some cases, it is also possible to present different projection mapped show scenes without dropping the vehicle 16 into the lift shaft (i.e., of the lower floor 18). For example, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, while the lift system 36 rotates the vehicle 16, one or more of the adaptable walls 30 are reconfigured and the upper floor projector 32 can present different projection mapped show scenes on one or more of the adaptable walls 30, as described in more detail herein. At some point, as shown in FIG. 20, the lift system 36 can again drop the vehicle 16 into the lift shaft (i.e., of the lower floor 18) to end the ride. At this point, the guest 14 can exit the vehicle 16 via the boarding / alighting zone 12, as described in more detail herein.

[0036] As described in more detail herein, the adaptable walls 30 of the adaptable chamber 28 can be configured to operate to transition to various different physical configurations. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the adaptable chamber 28 can include a plurality of actuators 50 configured to move the adaptable walls 30, as described in more detail herein. The actuators 50 can include any type of actuator that can be physically coupled to the adaptable walls 30, and can be configured to receive a control signal (e.g., from a (single or plural) controller 40) that causes the adaptable walls 30 to transition to a different physical configuration, and apply a force to the adaptable walls 30 to move the adaptable walls 30 in accordance with the received control signal.

[0037] In fact, as will be described in more detail herein, the (single or plural) controller 40 shown in FIG. 1 can be configured to synchronize the functionality of the individual components of the dark ride tower system 10 to enhance the experience of the guest 14. Specifically, as will be described in more detail herein, the (single or plural) controller 40 synchronizes the movement of the vehicle 16 caused by the lifting system 36, the movement of the adaptive wall 30 of the adaptive chamber 28, and the generation of the projection-mapped show scene via the projectors 24, 32, or performs timing control therebetween, and is configured to transmit control signals to the projectors 24, 32, the lifting system 36, the actuator 50, and other components of the dark ride tower system 10.

[0038] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a control method 52 of a dark ride tower system 10 described in more detail herein. As shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, method 52 includes alternately moving the vehicle 16 using a lifting system 36 between a first tier (e.g., lower tier 18) including a fixed chamber 20 having a fixed wall 22 and a second tier (e.g., upper tier 26) including an adaptive chamber 28 having an adaptive wall 30 configured to be repositioned in a plurality of physical configurations (block 54). Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include generating a projection mapping on the fixed wall 22 via a first projection system (e.g., lower tier projector 24) while the vehicle 16 is disposed within the fixed chamber 20 to simulate the movement of the vehicle 16 relative to the fixed chamber 20 (block 56). Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include actuating the adaptive wall 30 to reposition from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration while the vehicle 16 is disposed within the fixed chamber 20 (block 58). Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include generating a projection mapping on the adaptive wall 30 via a second projection system (e.g., upper tier projector 32) while the vehicle 16 is disposed within the adaptive chamber 28 to present a show scene (block 60).

[0039] Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include using the lifting system 36 to pitch, roll, and / or heave the vehicle 16 while the first projection system (e.g., the lower level projector 24) generates a projection mapping on the fixed wall 22 to simulate horizontal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle 16. Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include operating the adaptive wall 30 of the adaptive chamber 28 to align perpendicular to the fixed wall 22 of the fixed chamber 20 to form a fully enclosed tower. Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include generating synchronized projection mappings on both the adaptive wall 30 and the fixed wall 22 via the first and second projection systems (e.g., the lower level and upper level projectors 24, 32) while the adaptive wall 30 and the fixed wall 22 are perpendicularly aligned to visually simulate a gravity drop. Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include using the lifting system 36 to drop the vehicle 16 to physically simulate a gravity drop. Also, in some embodiments, method 52 can include any of the other techniques described herein.

[0040] Figures 22 and 23 are top views of the lower floor 18 and upper floor 26 of the dark ride tower system 10, respectively. The specific components and the configuration of the components are merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, a plurality of the dark ride tower systems 10 described herein can be combined into a dark ride tower system complex in an amusement park. Figures 24-27 are top views of a plurality of dark ride tower systems 10 arranged in different layouts of the dark ride tower system complexes 62, 64, 66. For example, Figures 24 and 25 are top views of the lower floor 18 and upper floor 26 of eight dark ride tower systems 10 arranged within the dark ride tower system complex 62, respectively. Also, Figures 26 and 27 are top views of the lower floor 18 of ten and twelve dark ride tower systems 10 arranged within the dark ride tower system complexes 64, 66, respectively. As shown in Figures 24, 26, and 27, the plurality of dark ride tower systems 10 can share a common passage 68 that enables access to the respective boarding / alighting zones 12 of the dark ride tower systems 10. As will be described in more detail herein, the advantage of the arranged dark ride tower systems 10 is the ability to provide guests 14 with almost infinite different dark ride experiences within a relatively small space. The arrangements of the dark ride tower system complexes 62, 64, 66 shown in Figures 24-27 enhance these advantages by facilitating a relatively close arrangement of the plurality of dark ride tower systems 10.

[0041] Although only some features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0042] The technology claimed in this specification is applicable to tangible things and specific examples of a practical nature that reliably improve the art, and thus is not an abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical thing. Further, if any claim appended to the end of this specification includes one or more elements designated as "means for [performing]... [function]" or "steps for [performing]... [function]", such elements shall be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6. On the other hand, for any claim that includes elements designated in any other form, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6.

Claims

1. A dark ride tower system for an amusement park, comprising a tower including a first tier having a fixed chamber with a fixed wall and a second tier having an adaptable chamber with an adaptable wall configured to be repositioned in a plurality of arrangements, a vehicle configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park, a lifting system configured to alternately move the vehicle between the first tier and the second tier, a first projection system configured to generate a projection mapping on the fixed wall while the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber to simulate movement of the vehicle relative to the fixed chamber, a second projection system configured to generate a projection mapping on the adaptable wall while the vehicle is disposed within the adaptable chamber to present a show scene, a controller configured to synchronize movement of the vehicle caused by the lifting system, repositioning of the adaptable wall, and generation of the projection mapping on the fixed wall and the adaptable wall via the first and second projection systems, A dark ride tower system comprising the above.

2. The lifting system is configured to translate and rotate the vehicle relative to a virtual central axis of the lifting system. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

3. The lifting system is configured to move the vehicle in a plurality of degrees of freedom relative to a virtual central axis of the lifting system. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

4. The lifting system is configured to pitch, roll, and / or heave the vehicle while the first projection system generates a projection mapping on the fixed wall to simulate movement of the vehicle. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

5. The controller is configured to operate to reposition the adaptable wall from a first arrangement to a second arrangement while the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

6. The controller is configured to operate to align the adaptive wall of the adaptive chamber with the fixed wall of the fixed chamber to form a completely enclosed tower. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

7. The first and second projection systems are configured to generate synchronized projection mappings on both the adaptive wall and the fixed wall while the adaptive wall and the fixed wall are aligned to visually simulate a free fall. The dark ride tower system according to claim 6.

8. The lifting system is configured to lower the vehicle to physically simulate the free fall. The dark ride tower system according to claim 7.

9. Including one or more additional scene elements disposed within the adaptive chamber while the vehicle is disposed within the adaptive chamber. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

10. The second tier is disposed above the first tier within the tower. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

11. The second tier is disposed below the first tier within the tower. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

12. The lifting system includes a suspension lifting system or a ground-based lifting system. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

13. The dark ride tower system is one of a plurality of dark ride tower systems of a dark ride tower system complex. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1.

14. The lifting system of the dark ride tower system of an amusement park moves the vehicle alternately between a first tier including a fixed chamber having a fixed wall and a second tier including an adaptive chamber having an adaptive wall configured to be repositioned in a plurality of arrangements. While the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber, the first projection system of the dark ride tower system generates a projection mapping on the fixed wall to simulate the movement of the vehicle with respect to the fixed chamber. While the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber, the controller of the dark ride tower system is operated to reposition the adaptive wall from a first arrangement to a second arrangement. While the vehicle is disposed within the adaptation chamber, a second projection system of the dark ride tower system generates projection mapping on the adaptation wall to present a show scene; A method, comprising.

15. While the first projection system generates the projection mapping on the fixed wall to simulate the movement of the vehicle, the lifting system pitches, rolls and / or heaves the vehicle; The method according to claim 14.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the controller operates to align the adaptation wall of the adaptation chamber with the fixed wall of the fixed chamber to form a completely enclosed tower. The method according to claim 14.

17. While the adaptation wall and the fixed wall are aligned to visually simulate a free fall, the first and second projection systems generate synchronized projection mapping on both the adaptation wall and the fixed wall; The method according to claim 16.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the lifting system physically simulates the free fall by dropping the vehicle. The method according to claim 17.

19. A dark ride system for an amusement park, comprising: A fixed chamber having a fixed wall; An adaptation chamber having an adaptation wall configured to be repositioned in a plurality of arrangements; A vehicle configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park; A lifting system configured to alternately move the vehicle between the fixed chamber and the adaptation chamber; A first projection system configured to generate projection mapping on the fixed wall while the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber to simulate the movement of the vehicle relative to the fixed chamber; A second projection system configured to generate projection mapping on the adaptation wall while the vehicle is disposed within the adaptation chamber to present a show scene; A controller configured to synchronize the movement of the vehicle caused by the lifting system, the repositioning of the adaptation wall, and the generation of the projection mapping on the fixed wall and the adaptation wall via the first and second projection systems; A dark ride system comprising.

20. The controller is configured to operate to relocate the adaptive wall from a first arrangement mode to a second arrangement mode while the vehicle is disposed within the fixed chamber. The dark ride system according to claim 1.

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