Rear-entry style seating for motion-based attractions

Abstract

The ride vehicle includes a platform including a front portion and a rear portion. The ride vehicle also includes a row of seats disposed on the platform. Each seat in the row of seats is configured for a passenger to board from the rear portion and, when seated, for the passenger to face the front portion. The ride vehicle is configured such that each passenger enters the ride vehicle through the rear portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0003] ,

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 193,390, filed on May 26, 2021, entitled "REAR - ENTRY STYLE SEAT ON MOTION - BASED ATTRACTION", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and devices for use with amusement park rides.

Background Art

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure described below. The discussion here is thought to be useful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these descriptions should be understood as not an admission of prior art but as being read from this perspective.

[0004] Since the early 20th century, the popularity of amusement parks (or theme parks) has substantially increased. Certain amusement park rides are designed to provide unique movements and visual experiences to riders. For example, an amusement park ride can include a vehicle that moves along a path or utilizes a motion - base. However, some of these vehicles may limit the rider's freedom of movement and, consequently, the rider's ability to interact with the ride environment. Therefore, it can be desirable to provide a vehicle that allows the rider more freedom to interact with the ride environment.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of the invention that fall within the scope of the claims described below are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of the particular embodiments disclosed. In fact, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a platform which includes a front section and a rear section. The vehicle also includes rows of seats arranged on the platform. Each seat in the row of seats is configured such that when a passenger boards from the rear and is seated, the passenger faces the front section. The vehicle is configured such that each passenger enters the vehicle through the rear section.

[0007] In one embodiment, the vehicle system includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes a platform. The vehicle also includes a plurality of seats arranged on the platform and facing the same direction. Each of the plurality of seats is configured such that when a passenger boards from the rear and is seated, the passenger faces forward. Each seat includes a pad configured to be positioned near the front of the seated passenger and a back restraint configured to contact the back of the seated passenger in the seated configuration and to change from the seated configuration to the riding configuration. The pad and back restraint are configured to allow the seated passenger free movement of the arms and upper torso in order to interact with the vehicle environment while in the seated configuration.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of boarding a vehicle includes the step of orienting the vehicle so that each passenger enters the vehicle from behind each of the multiple seats. Each seat faces the same direction. Each seat includes a pad configured to be positioned near the front of the seated passenger and a back restraint configured to contact the back of the seated passenger. The method also includes the step of maintaining the back restraint of each seat in a lowered position as the passenger boards each seat from the rear. The method further includes the step of raising the back restraint of each seat to contract the back of the seated passenger so that the seated passenger is seated in an upright position between the pad and the back restraint, thereby securing the seated passenger to the vehicle while allowing the seated passenger to move their arms and upper torso freely to interact with the vehicle environment.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be further understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle having rear-entry style seating (e.g., a dark ride vehicle) according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 2] This is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 3] This is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, which has seated passengers, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for boarding the vehicle shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 5] A rear perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle of FIG. 1 having a passenger on a boarding platform, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 6] A rear perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with a passenger seated (e.g., rear restraint lowered), according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 7] A rear perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with a passenger seated (e.g., rear restraint raised), according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 8] A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle system (e.g., a dark ride system) in a vehicle environment (e.g., a dark ride environment) with a vehicle having a vehicle equipped with a track system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 9] A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle system (e.g., a dark ride system) in a vehicle environment (e.g., a dark ride environment) having a vehicle including or utilizing an automated guided vehicle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a component of a vehicle system (e.g., a dark ride system) of an amusement attraction (e.g., a motion-based dark ride), according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For the sake of a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual embodiments will be described in this specification. As with any technical or design project, in the development of such an actual implementation configuration, it should be understood that in order to achieve specific goals of developers that may vary for each implementation configuration, such as compliance with system- and business-related constraints, a number of implementation-specific decisions need to be made. Furthermore, although such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood by those skilled in the art having the advantages of the present disclosure that they are routine operations in design, fabrication, and manufacture.

[0021] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" shall be taken to mean that one or more of the elements are present. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist. In addition, it should be understood that references to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be construed as precluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure are directed toward systems and methods for providing passengers of a ride vehicle (e.g., a dark ride vehicle) with more degrees of freedom to interact with the ride (e.g., a dark ride). For example, the disclosed systems and methods include a ride vehicle including a platform having a plurality of rows of seats arranged thereon, where each seat faces the same direction (e.g., the platform or the front of the ride vehicle). Each passenger enters the ride vehicle from the rear before sitting in a seat. Each seat includes a pad (e.g., a front restraint) that engages with the front of the seated passenger. Each seat also includes a back restraint that remains in a lowered position (e.g., adjacent to the platform) while the passenger is seated and rises against the passenger's back when the passenger is seated. The pad and back restraint allow the seated passenger to freely move their arms and upper torso to interact with the ride (e.g., virtually or physically). The ride vehicle may include a transport system (e.g., a motion base or reaction deck) that allows for six degrees of freedom of movement of the ride vehicle. Vehicles can move along tracks or in trackless environments. The vehicle's inherent seating provides passengers with greater mobility and, consequently, greater freedom to interact with the vehicle environment.

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 are a front and rear perspective view, respectively, of one embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 (e.g., a dark ride vehicle) having rear-entry style seats or seat modules 12 (e.g., bicycle-style seats). One or more of the ride vehicles 10 can be used as part of a motion-based attraction in a dark environment. The ride vehicle 10 includes a platform 14 coupled to a transport system 16. The platform 14 includes a front section 18 and a rear section 20. The front and rear sections are defined in relation to how passengers or riders are oriented when seated in one of the seats 12. For example, a seated passenger faces the front section 18, and the back of the passenger faces the rear section 20. As shown, a first row 22 of seats 12 is located on the platform 14 adjacent to the front section 18, and a second row 24 of seats 12 is located on the platform 14 adjacent to the rear section 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the platform 14 includes multiple levels or decks of different heights. For example, the first row 22 and the second row 24 of seat 12 are located on decks 26 and 28, respectively. Deck 26 is located below deck 28 (for example, directly below deck 28) so that the view of passengers seated in the second row 24 is not obstructed. Passengers descend stairs from deck 28 to deck 26 to reach the first row 22 of seat 12. The number of rows of seat 12 and the number of decks may vary (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.). The number of seats 12 per row may also vary (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.). In certain embodiments, the number of seats 12 within each row may differ between rows. For example, as shown, the number of seats 12 in the first row 22 and the second row 24 are 6 and 4, respectively. In certain embodiments, each row of seat 12 may contain a number of seats of the same name. As shown in the diagram, the seats 12 at the ends of rows 22 and 24 are sandwiched between panels 30 and 32. The platform 14 is open in front of the first row 22 and behind the second row 24. The open front of the first row 22 allows all passengers in the vehicle 10 to view the presentation.For example, a presentation (providing boarding and / or vehicle instructions, and / or content related to the vehicle's theme) can be shown while passengers board the vehicle 10. Because the rear of the second row 24 is open, each passenger can board the vehicle 10 from the rear (i.e., the rear section 20). Thus, each passenger before boarding the vehicle 10 will be positioned behind all the seats 12.

[0024] Each seat 12 includes a front restraint 34, a rear restraint 36, and a seat portion 38 (shown in Figure 2). In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include other features (e.g., handlebars, monitors, etc.). The seat portion 38 supports the occupant when riding in the seat 12 (e.g., when seated in the seat portion 38). The front restraint 34 (e.g., a padded bar or structure) extends near the front of the seated passenger to provide stability. As shown, the front restraint 34 has a U-shape. The shape of the front restraint 34 can be different. The front restraint 34 may be located as part of or on the frame 39 that defines the area of ​​the seat 12. The rear restraint 36 (e.g., a back restraint) contacts and supports the back of the seated passenger to provide seating support. Part of the rear restraint 36 (i.e., the part that contacts the passenger's back) may include a padded structure (e.g., a pad placed on metal). While the vehicle 10 is in motion, the rear restraint 36 is in a lowered position adjacent to the platform 14 (e.g., boarding configuration). In certain embodiments, the rear restraint 36 can contact the platform 14 in the lowered position. While the rear restraint 36 is in the lowered position, passengers enter the vehicle 10 from the rear section 20 (e.g., via the boarding platform). Upon reaching their respective seats 12, passengers straddle the seat section 38 from the rear and sit down. For this purpose, the seat section 38 can be shaped to have dimensions that allow passengers to straddle it (e.g., an elongated shape). Once the passenger is seated, the rear restraint 36 is raised to contact the passenger's back to facilitate seating support (e.g., seated configuration). Along with this, the front restraint 34 and rear restraint 36 provide stability to the passenger (while seated in an upright position) and allow free movement of the passenger's arms and upper torso to interact with the vehicle (for example, as depicted in Figure 3 with passenger 56 seated in the vehicle 10). For example, the passenger can interact with different elements of the vehicle virtually (for example, via augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR)) or physically (for example, via soft robotics or similar). In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include footrests 40 on both sides of the seat portion 38 for placing the feet in or on them.In some embodiments, each seat 12 may include cups on both sides of the seat portion 38 for placing the knees inside. Each seat 12 may also include vehicle-themed elements 42 (for example, wheels as depicted in Figures 1 and 2) to enhance the vehicle environment.

[0025] In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include various transducers positioned within various components of the seat 12 (e.g., handlebars, front restraints 34, rear restraints 36, seat 38, etc.). For example, an audible output may be provided to the passenger via a speaker. The seat 12 may also include tactile transducers that stimulate different parts of the passenger (e.g., face, hands, back, etc.). For example, air or water may be directed towards the passenger. A scent may also be emitted. Tactile stimulation may also be provided by an object pressing against or touching a part of the passenger. Stimulation may also be provided by adjusting the temperature of a part of the seat 12.

[0026] In certain embodiments, each passenger may be provided with an AR or VR headset to wear on their head while in the vehicle, enabling them to interact with an AR or VR environment related to the theme of the vehicle. An AR or VR headset for each seat 12 may be coupled (e.g., physically, electronically, communicatively, etc.) to the seat 12 and / or the vehicle 10.

[0027] In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include a gesture tracking system (for example, in a device box integrated within the seat 12). The gesture tracking system is coupled to a controller of the vehicle 10 (for example, located on or remotely from the vehicle 10) and can track the gestures of seated passengers. In response to detected passenger gestures, the movement of the vehicle 10 can be modified. For example, the vehicle 10 may rotate, turn, change course, or change orientation. The vehicle 10 may modify its movement based on the gestures of one or more passengers. In certain embodiments, detected gestures may change what passengers see in their respective AR or VR headsets. Similar responses may be performed based on or in relation to other movements of one or more passengers detected by other aspects of the vehicle 10, such as a detector in the seat 12 that tracks the weight shifts of one or more passengers.

[0028] The transport system 16 enables movement of the vehicle 10 in at least three degrees of freedom (e.g., directions aligned with the vehicle 10 and parallel to directions 44, 46, and 48). In certain embodiments, the transport system 16 enables movement of the vehicle 10 in six degrees of freedom. For example, the movement of the vehicle 10 can be parallel to directions 44, 46, 48, roll 50, pitch 52, and yaw 54. The transport system 16 and platform 14 can interact to form a motion base or reaction deck. For example, the transport system 16 may include wheels, linkage mechanisms (e.g., between the transport system 16 and platform 14), and other devices that enable different movements of the vehicle 10. The transport system 16 can function as an automated guided vehicle (AGV) when moving the vehicle 10 along a path through a vehicle environment (e.g., a trackless dark ride environment). As an AGV, the vehicle 10 can move along a substantially smooth vehicle path with the assistance of, for example, optics, markers, magnets, sensors, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the transport system 16 can be coupled to a track to enable the vehicle 10 to move along the track in a vehicle environment (e.g., a dark ride environment).

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of method 58 for boarding the vehicle 10. Method 58 includes the step of orienting the vehicle 10 so that each passenger 56 enters the vehicle 10 from the rear 20 (e.g., behind each seat 12 of the vehicle 10) (block 60) and over the downward-facing rear restraint 36. As shown in Figure 5, the vehicle 10 is oriented so that the rear 20 of the platform 14 is adjacent to the boarding platform 62 where the passengers 56 are waiting to board. Before boarding the vehicle 10, passengers 56 already on the vehicle 10 may have to exit the vehicle 10 before re-boarding the vehicle 10. Disembarking may take place on the boarding platform 62 or elsewhere before the vehicle 10 is oriented toward the boarding platform 62. Method 58 also includes the step of maintaining the rear restraint 36 in a disembarking position adjacent to the platform 14 (e.g., boarding configuration) (block 64) while the passengers 56 are boarding. The rear restraint 36 can be lowered or changed from a seated configuration (e.g., in contact with the passenger's back) to a seated configuration (e.g., adjacent to or in contact with the floor of the vehicle 10) while the previous passenger is disembarking. The lowered position of the rear restraint 36 allows the passenger 56 to enter the vehicle 10 from the rear section 20 (e.g., via the boarding platform 62). As the passenger 56 proceeds to each seat 12, as shown in Figure 6, they pass over the lowered rear restraint 36 and straddle the seat section 38 from the rear. Once the passenger 56 is seated, the rear restraint 36 is raised (block 66) until it contacts the passenger's back (e.g., in the seated configuration), as shown in Figure 7. Together, the front restraint 34 and rear restraint 36 provide stability to the passenger (while seated in the upright position) and allow free movement of the passenger's arms and upper torso to interact with the vehicle while in the seated configuration. While the passengers are on board and / or before leaving the boarding platform 62, a presentation (providing instructions for boarding and / or the vehicle, and / or providing content related to the theme of the vehicle) can be presented to the passengers 56 on a display (e.g., a flat-screen television, computer monitor, or projection surface) that is integrated with or located in front of the vehicle 10 (for example, in front of the open front section 18 of the vehicle 10).

[0030] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 68 (e.g., a dark ride system) in a ride environment 70 (e.g., a dark ride environment) equipped with ride vehicles 10 (e.g., dark ride vehicles) utilizing a track system 72. The ride vehicles 10 are as described in Figures 1 to 7. As shown, multiple ride vehicles 10 move along a track 74 (e.g., a path) of the track system 72 through a theme element 75. In certain embodiments (as shown), multiple ride vehicles 10 can be connected via a link mechanism 76 as they move along the track 74. In other embodiments, multiple ride vehicles 10 can move along the track 74 independently of each other (i.e., without being physically connected). As described above, each ride vehicle 10 can be enabled to move at least 3 degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle 10 can be enabled to move at least 6 degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom provide a motion-based attraction (e.g., in a dark ride environment). Part of the movement of the vehicle 10 can be determined by the gestures of one or more passengers 56.

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle system 78 (e.g., a dark ride system) in a vehicle environment 80 (e.g., a dark ride environment) in which a vehicle 10 (e.g., a dark ride vehicle) is an AGV or uses an AGV. The vehicle 10 is as described in Figures 1 to 7. As shown, multiple vehicle vehicles 10 move along a smooth, trackless surface 82 along a path 84 through a theme element 86. The path 84 can be predetermined or partially predetermined based on sensors 88 on the vehicle 10 that detect markers 90 placed throughout the vehicle environment 80 (e.g., on or near the theme element 86) to guide the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the sensors 88 and markers 90 can be swapped so that the markers 90 are placed on the vehicle 10 and the sensors 88 are placed throughout the vehicle environment. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the markers 90 and / or sensors 88 can be utilized in both ways. In certain embodiments, at least part of the movement of the route 84 or the vehicle 10 can be determined (at least partially) by one or more passengers 56. As described above, each vehicle 10 may be capable of movement of at least 3 degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, each vehicle 10 may be capable of at least 6 degrees of freedom in its movement. These degrees of freedom provide a movement-based attraction (for example, in a dark ride environment). Part of the movement of the vehicle 10 can be determined by the gestures of one or more passengers 56.

[0032] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the components of a ride vehicle system 92 (e.g., a dark ride vehicle system) for an amusement attraction (e.g., a motion-based dark ride). The ride vehicle 10 includes a platform 14 and a transport system 16 as described in Figures 1 and 2. The ride vehicle 10 also includes a plurality of seat modules 12 as described in Figures 1 and 2. For example, each seat module 12 includes a front restraint 34, a rear restraint 36, and a seat or seat portion 38, as described above.

[0033] Each seat module 12 may include one or more transducers 94. The transducers 94 may be located within various components of the seat 12 (e.g., handlebars, front restraints 34, rear restraints 36, seat 38, etc.). For example, an audible output may be provided to the passenger via a speaker. The seat module 12 may include tactile transducers that stimulate different parts of the passenger (e.g., face, hands, back, etc.). For example, air or water may be directed towards the passenger. A scent may also be emitted. Tactile stimulation may also be provided by an object pressing on or touching a part of the passenger. Stimulation may also be provided by adjusting the temperature of a part of the seat module 12.

[0034] Each seat module 12 may also include a gesture tracking system 96 (for example, in an equipment box integrated within the seat module 12). The gesture tracking system 96 is coupled to a controller 98 of the vehicle 10 (for example, located on or remotely from the vehicle 10) and can track the gestures of seated passengers. In response to detected passenger gestures, the movement of the vehicle 10 may be altered. For example, the vehicle 10 may rotate, turn, change its route, or change its orientation. The vehicle 10 may alter its movement based on the gestures of one or more passengers. In certain embodiments, detected gestures may change what passengers see in their respective AR or VR headsets 100. The gesture tracking system 96 may also represent a system that tracks passenger movement (for example, tilting within the seat module 12) and operates to control based on such movement, either in conjunction with or separately from other forms of gestures.

[0035] The vehicle 12 may also include an AR or VR headset 100 for each passenger to wear on their head while on the ride, enabling passengers to interact with an AR or VR environment related to the theme of the ride. An AR or VR headset 100 for each seat 12 may be coupled (e.g., physically, electronically, communicatively, etc.) to the respective seat 12 and / or vehicle 10. Each AR or VR headset 100 may be coupled to a ride controller 98.

[0036] The vehicle controller 98 may be located within the vehicle system 92 (for example, within each vehicle 10 (as depicted), or somewhere in the overall vehicle environment), or outside the vehicle system 92 (for example, to remotely control the vehicle system 92). The controller 98 may include a memory 101 that stores instructions for controlling components within the vehicle system 92 (for example, an AR or VR headset 100, a transducer 94, a gesture tracking system 96, a rear restraint 36, a transport system 16, etc.). Furthermore, the controller 98 may include a processor 102 configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 102 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. Furthermore, the memory 101 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, or a solid-state drive.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the vehicle system 92 includes a truck system 104 (similar to, for example, the truck system 72 in Figure 8) for transporting the vehicle 10. In other embodiments, the vehicle system 92 includes a trackless system 106 (such as the one shown in Figure 9) (e.g., utilizing an AGV) for transporting the vehicle 10.

[0038] The methods presented and described in the claims herein are referenced to and applied to substantial purposes and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improves the art of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or truly theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for performing the function" or "steps for performing the function," such elements shall be construed in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. However, with respect to any claim containing elements designated in any other way, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act.

[0039] Although only specific features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of many variations and modifications. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to protect all such modifications and modifications that fall within the true technical spirit of the disclosed subject matter. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 10 Vehicles 12 seats 14 Platforms 18 Front section 20 Rear part 22 First column 24 Second column

Claims

1. It is a vehicle, A platform including a front section and a rear section, the rear section being open, A first row of seats adjacent to the front section and a second row of seats adjacent to the rear section, wherein the first and second rows of seats are arranged on the deck on the platform, The seats in the first and second rows of the seating arrangement are configured such that when a passenger boards the seat from the rear and is seated, the passenger faces the front portion. The vehicle is configured such that each passenger in both the first and second rows of seats enters the vehicle from behind each seat in the first and second rows of seats, via the rear section. The vehicle is configured such that each passenger in the first row of seats passes through the second row of seats to reach the first row of seats. A vehicle in which each seat in the first and second rows of seats is provided with a gesture tracking system coupled to the controller of the vehicle, the gesture tracking system being configured to detect the passenger's gestures and to cause the controller to change the vehicle's route based on the passenger's detected gestures.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is configured to allow a seated passenger to interact with the vehicle by enabling free movement of their arms and upper torso.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is equipped with a back restraint, the back restraint being configured to descend toward the platform to facilitate the boarding of the passenger from the rear, and to rise to contact the back of the passenger to facilitate the seating support of the passenger.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is provided with a pad configured to be positioned near the front of the passenger when the passenger is seated.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, comprising a transport system coupled to the platform, wherein the transport system is configured to enable six degrees of freedom of movement for the vehicle.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is provided with a transducer located within the seat that provides an audible or tactile stimulus to a seated passenger.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is equipped with an augmented reality or virtual reality headset configured to be worn by the seated passenger during the ride, enabling the seated passenger to interact with the environment of the vehicle.

8. It is a vehicle system, A platform including a front section and a rear section, the rear section being open, The platform includes a first row of seats and a second row of seats arranged on a deck and oriented in the same direction, Equipped with, Each seat in the first and second rows of seats is configured such that a passenger boards from the rear of the seat and faces forward when seated, and each seat in the first and second rows of seats includes a pad configured to be positioned near the front of the seated passenger and a back restraint configured to contact the back of the seated passenger in the seated configuration and to change from the seated configuration to the boarded configuration, the pad and the back restraint configured to allow free movement of the arms and upper torso of the seated passenger in order to interact with the vehicle environment while the seated passenger is in the seated configuration, the vehicle is configured such that each passenger in both the first and second rows of seats enters the vehicle from behind each seat in the first and second rows of seats via the rear section, and the vehicle is configured such that each passenger in the first row of seats passes through the second row of seats to reach the first row of seats. Each seat in the first and second rows of seats is equipped with a gesture tracking system coupled to the vehicle's controller, the gesture tracking system being configured to detect the passenger's gestures and to cause the controller to change the vehicle's route based on the gestures. Vehicle system.

9. The vehicle system according to claim 8, wherein the back restraints of each seat in the first and second rows of seats are configured to descend toward the platform in the boarding configuration to facilitate boarding of passengers in the first and second rows of seats from the rear, and the back restraints are configured to rise toward contact with the backs of each seated passenger in the seating configuration.

10. The vehicle system according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle comprises a transport system configured to transport the vehicle through the vehicle and to enable six degrees of freedom of movement for the vehicle.

11. The vehicle system according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of augmented reality or virtual reality headsets configured to be worn by the passengers while in the vehicle, so that the passengers can interact with the environment of the vehicle system.

12. The ride system according to claim 10, wherein the ride vehicle is configured to move along the track of the dark ride system.

13. The vehicle system according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle is an automated guided vehicle configured to move in a trackless environment.

14. The vehicle system according to claim 10, wherein one or more components of each seat in the first and second rows of seats are provided with transducers located within each seat for providing auditory or tactile stimulation to the seated passenger.

15. A method of boarding a vehicle, A step of orienting the vehicle so that each passenger enters the vehicle from behind each seat in a first row of seats and a second row of seats arranged on the deck of the vehicle's platform, wherein the platform includes a front section and a rear section, the rear section being open, the first row of seats adjacent to the front section, the second row of seats adjacent to the rear section, each seat in the first and second rows of seats oriented in the same direction, and each seat in the first and second rows of seats comprises a pad configured to be positioned near the front of the seated passenger, and a back restraint configured to contact the back of the seated passenger, the vehicle being configured so that each passenger in both the first and second rows of seats enters the vehicle through the rear section, and each passenger in the first row of seats passes through the second row of seats to reach the first row of seats. Steps and A step of maintaining the back restraints of each seat in the first and second rows of seats in the lowered position, allowing passengers to board each seat from the rear, The steps include raising the back restraints of each seat in the first and second rows of seats to contact the back of the seated passenger, so that the seated passenger is seated in an upright position between the pad and the back restraint, thereby securing the seated passenger to the vehicle, while allowing the seated passenger to freely move their arms and upper torso to interact with the vehicle environment, Includes, A method wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is equipped with a gesture tracking system coupled to the controller of the vehicle, the gesture tracking system being configured to detect the passenger's gestures and to cause the controller to change the route of the vehicle based on the gestures.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising the step of presenting a presentation to the passenger while the passenger is riding in the vehicle, wherein the presentation is presented in front of an open portion of the vehicle oriented toward the front of the seated passenger.

17. The first row of seats is located on the first deck, the second row of seats is located on the second deck, and the first deck is located lower than the second deck. The vehicle according to claim 1.

Images