Show element rigging system

Abstract

An improved system is directed to a show element rigging system that may be incorporated into appropriate show elements to enable flexible movements by leveraging spring mechanics. The show element rigging system may include a driver element and a driven element, where the driver element and the driven element are connected via flexible strips. The flexible strips may act as springs; when deformed, the flexible strips store elastic energy that may be converted to mechanical energy, which may be manifested as oscillatory movements and the like of the strips and the driven element connected therewith.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 751,518, entitled “SHOW ELEMENT RIGGING SYSTEM,” filed Jan. 30, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, 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. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues often provide a selection of unique attractions. For example, an amusement park may include a variety of attractions, such as rides and show performances, that utilize complex show elements (e.g., show sets and animated figures) to entertain guests.SUMMARY

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

[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a show element rigging system includes a first show element configured to couple with a base and a second show element. The show element rigging system also includes flexible strips including a first flexible strip extending along and offset from a second flexible strip, where the flexible strips extend between and couple to the first show element and the second show element such that the second show element is cantilevered from the first show element via the flexible strips. The show element rigging system further includes at least one actuator configured to displace the second show element from an equilibrium position relative to the flexible strips and initiate oscillation of the second show element via the flexible strips. The show element rigging system also includes a controller configured to control the at least one actuator based on at least one input.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a show element rigging system includes a base system including one or more bases, a first show element configured to selectively couple with the base system, a second show element configured to selectively couple with the base system, and a coupler system including one or more couplers configured to selectively secure the first show element, the second show element, or both to the base system. The show element rigging system also includes flexible strips including a first flexible strip extending along and offset from a second flexible strip, where the flexible strips extend between and couple to the first show element and the second show element. The show element rigging system further includes at least one actuator configured to displace the first show element or the second show element from an equilibrium position relative to the flexible strips and initiate oscillation of the second show element or the first show element, respectively, via the flexible strips and a controller configured to control the at least one actuator based on at least one input.

[0007] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving an input to cause oscillation of a first show element that is cantilevered from a second show element via flexible strips, wherein the second show element is configured to couple with a base, and the flexible strips include a first flexible strip extending along and offset from a second flexible strip and the flexible strips extend between and couple to the first show element and the second show element. The method also includes, in response to the input, controlling at least one actuator to displace the first show element from an equilibrium position relative to the flexible strips.

[0008] It is appreciated that implementations in accordance with the present disclosure can include any combination of the aspects and features described herein. That is, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure are not limited to the combinations of aspects and features specifically described herein, but also include any other appropriate combinations of the aspects and features provided.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presently disclosed embodiments will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a show element rigging system, including a driven element coupled to a driver element via flexible strips that may enable lateral movements with respect to the driver element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B are top views of an embodiment of the show element rigging system transitioning between configurations, wherein the flexible strips may be attached to the show elements via movable attachments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of an embodiment of the show element rigging system, wherein a driven element and a driver element are configured such that the driven element may be enabled to make vertical movements with respect to the driver element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the driven element of FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, wherein the driven element may be configured to transit between a released configuration and a stationary configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a portion of an embodiment of an attraction that implements the show element rigging system of FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers'specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that 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 incorporate the recited features.

[0017] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0018] It is presently recognized that an entertainment venue (e.g., amusement park, theatre, sports arena, hotel, restaurant, retail location, and / or any other type of venue) may desire to design complex show elements (e.g., show sets and animated figures) to entertain guests. For example, the show elements may be designed to establish a certain themed environment and / or create certain dynamic special effects in an attraction (e.g., ride, haunted house, escape room, performance stage, maze, walkway or path, scenery, store display, window display, other show area, and / or any other type of attraction) at the entertainment venue. At times, the show elements may be constructed to move within the attraction environment and interact with each other and / or with other components of the environment. For example, a first animated figure may be constructed such that it may appear to be swayed (e.g., swung, oscillated, wagged) by a second animated figure in a scene (e.g., a fighting scene). Such movements and the like of the show elements may be coordinated by a rigging system, which may include various types of rigging hardware (e.g., pulleys, blocks, hoists, winches, ropes, cables), support structures (e.g., bars, grids, trusses, beams), mounting / attachment apparatus (e.g., clamps, brackets, hooks, slings), and / or other electromechanical systems (e.g., motors, actuators, sensors). In the aforementioned example of a first animated figure appearing to be swayed by a second animated figure, a rigging system may be designed such that the first animated figure may appear to be swayed smoothly and realistically, requiring that the rigging system must enable flexible and sophisticated movements in vertical, horizontal, and / or lateral directions. However, rigging systems that allow for a high degree of flexibility usually come with increased complexity and bulk due to the need for sophisticated mechanical components and control systems. Such rigging systems may be costly to construct and / or difficult to hide from multiple view angles. Accordingly, it is presently recognized that, depending on the required precision, scale and the nature of the application, it would be desirable to provide a simpler, less obtrusive rigging system that allows for seamless, flexible movements of the show elements.

[0019] The present disclosure is directed to a show element rigging system that may be incorporated into appropriate show elements to enable flexible movements by leveraging spring mechanics. The show element rigging system may include a driver element and a driven element, where the driver element and the driven element are connected via flexible strips. The flexible strips may act as springs; when deformed, the flexible strips store elastic energy that may be converted to mechanical energy, which may be manifested as oscillatory movements of the strips and the driven element connected therewith.

[0020] With the preceding in mind, FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a show element rigging system 100, where a first show element (a driven element 102) coupled to a second show element (a driver element 104) via flexible strips 106 may be enabled to make oscillatory lateral movements 108 with respect to the second show element (the driver element 104). As illustrated, the flexible strips 106 (e.g., a first flexible strip and a second flexible strip) may be two long, flat strips, each with one end attached to the driven element 102 and the other end attached to the driver element 104. The strips 106 may be attached substantially parallel to each other to ensure substantially uniform distribution of forces. In this embodiment, the flexible strips horizontally connect the driven element 102 and the driver element 104 in a cantilever configuration, wherein the driven element 102 is cantilevered from the driver element 104. This cantilevered configuration allows the flexible strips 106, which are elastic and act as springs, to bend along their length horizontally. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible strips 106 include two strips. However, in other embodiments, the flexible strips 106 may include more than two strips.

[0021] In an embodiment, the driver element 104 may be anchored to a stable surface, such as the ground, a platform, a stand, or any other structure that may block any movement of the driver element 104. Any displacement of the driven element 102 from its equilibrium position (e.g., natural resting position of the driven element 102) may cause the flexible strips 106 to bend and create a restoring force due to a tendency for the show element rigging system 100 to return to equilibrium. Upon being released, the displaced driven element 102 will move toward the equilibrium position, but due to inertia, the driven element 102 will overshoot and oscillate around the equilibrium position. As such, the driven element 102 may make oscillatory movements 108 with respect to the driver element 104. In the illustrated embodiment, such oscillatory movements may be predominantly lateral.

[0022] The speed, range of motion, and other properties of such movements may be dictated by many factors. For example, the material properties of the flexible strips 106 may be one of the many factors. The flexible strips 106 may be formed from stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, titanium, bronze, polymer composite, or any suitable material that meets flexibility (e.g., bending), strength, stability, weight requirements specific to individual applications of the show element rigging system 100. For example, the flexible strips 106 may be made from materials selected based on the weight of the driven element 102 to block the strips 106 from being subject to excessive torques or sheer forces.

[0023] As illustrated, the flexible strips 106 may be flat strips with substantially uniform width and thickness. The flexible strips 106 may have cross-sectional lengths extending substantially in alignment with gravity (e.g., in a vertical direction). The use of such flat flexible strips 106 may help manage and minimize vertical deformation of the strips 106, often depending on the stiffness and / or flexural rigidity of the strips 106. However, it should be appreciated that the flexible strips 106 may be in any suitable shape and / or size, depending on individual applications of the show element rigging system 100. Indeed, the shape of the flexible strips 106 may influence the type and nature of the movements the driven element 102 undergoes once initiated. For example, the flexible strips 106 may have a rod-like shape having a circular cross-section such that it may produce a greater variety of movements including flexural vibrations (e.g., in the vertical plane), torsional movements, etc. In an embodiment, the flexible strips 106 may have a nonuniform cross-section. For example, the flexible strips 106 may be tapered, gradually narrowing from one end to the other. As such, the strips 106 may have varying flexibility along the length. Further, depending on the desire movements of the driven element 102, the flexible strips 106 may be coiled into a spiral shape, formed in a curve, shaped in a wavy pattern, or take any other suitable shape or form. In an embodiment, the flexible strips 106 may be perforated to adjust flexibility or reduce weight. In any case, the flexible strips 106 may have any suitable dimensions (e.g., length, thickness, width, diameters, circumference). It is known that the geometry of the flexible strips 106 may dictate how stiff / flexible the flexible strips 106 may be. For example, the flexibility of flat straight configurations of the flexible strips 106 may be inversely proportional to the length of the flexible strips 106 but directly proportional to the width and thickness of the flexible strips 106. As such, the flexible strips 106 may be designed to meet specific requirements of individual applications of the show element rigging system 100 and need not to be limited to a specific shape or size.

[0024] Further, the flexible strips 106 may include other features and mechanisms that may enable the driven element 102 to move in a desired pattern in a three-dimensional space. In an embodiment, a compliant structure 110 may be placed between the flexible strips 106. As used herein, a compliant structure 110 may be any flexible mechanical system that creates desired motions by leveraging elastic deformations such as bending or flexing as opposed to jointed rigid body motions of conventional mechanisms. For example, a compliant structure 110 comprising repeating unit cells arranged in a lattice pattern may be placed between the flexible strips 106 to provide structural support for the flexible strips 106. As such, the flexible strips 106 may flex while maintaining their overall strength.

[0025] Thus, by altering the material and / or geometrical properties of the flexible strips 106, the show element rigging system 100 may be configured to enable the driven element 102 to produce a variety of movements, including but not limited to the lateral movements 108 illustrated in FIG. 1. As will be described in detail below, certain characteristics of the driven element 102 may also affect the movements the driven element 102 is initiated to produce. For example, the mass of the driven element 102 may affect the oscillation frequency, sensitivity, response time, and other characteristics of the produced movements. Generally, increasing the mass of the driven element 102 decreases the oscillation frequency of the produced movements, whereas reducing the mass of the driven element 102 increases the oscillation frequency. Similarly, mass distribution, shape, material properties of the driven element 102 may affect the produced movements. As such, the driven element 102 may be designed to meet specific requirements of individual applications of the show element rigging system 100 and need not to be limited to a specific shape or size. For example, in an embodiment, the driven element 102 may include a shell that resembles a certain character while covering lightweight materials and / or hollow sections or cavities to reduce overall weight.

[0026] With the foregoing in mind, in one embodiment, the show element rigging system 100 may include various systems to dynamically adjust characteristics of the driven element 102, the driver element 104, and / or the flexible strips 106. In an embodiment, the show element rigging system 100 may include a mass distribution system 112 configured to transition weights 113 onto and off of the driven element 102 (e.g., through a selectorized weight system). As such, the show element rigging system 100 may produce different movements as the weight of the driven element 102 changes. The mass distribution system 112 may be integrated to the show element rigging system 100 in any other suitable manner. For example, the weights 113 may be integrated into the flexible strips 106 and configured to slide along the flexible strips. As such, the mass distribution system 112 may slide a suitable amount of the weights 113 through the flexible strips 106 between the anchored driver element 104 and the driven element 102 to adjust weight of the driven element 102. In an embodiment, same amounts of the weights 113 may be added or removed through the individual flexible strips 106 to maintain the balance of the driven element 102; yet in another embodiment, different amounts of the weights 113 may be intentionally added or removed through the individual flexible strips 106 to create a weight imbalance of the driven element 102 to change the movement behavior (e.g., the oscillation frequency, sensitivity, response time) of the driven element 102 in response to displacement, creating complex, non-linear movements of the driven element 102.

[0027] Furthermore, the show element rigging system 100 may include a stiffener system 114 configured to extend or retract one or more stiffeners 115 (e.g., sheaths) along the flexible strips 106 to increase or decrease flexibility of the flexible strips 106. In an embodiment, the stiffener system 114 may extend the one or more stiffeners 115 to block the movements of the driven element 102. In an embodiment, the stiffener system 114 may only extend or retract the stiffeners 115 on one of the flexible strips or extend or retract the stiffeners 115 on individual flexible strips to different degrees to change the flexibility of flexible strips 106, thus changing the movement behavior (e.g., the oscillation frequency, sensitivity, response time) of the driven element 102 in response to displacement to create complex, non-linear movements of the driven element 102.

[0028] The movements of the driven element 102 may be initiated in various ways. For example, an actor may manually move (e.g., by pushing) the driven element 102 to create a displacement between the driven element 102 and the driver element 104 and cause the flexible strips 106 to bend (i.e., store elastic energy). In an embodiment, the system 10 may include one or more actuators 116 to create the displacement between the driven element 102 and the driver element 104. Such displacement may be realized by actuating the driven element 102, driver element 104, or both. Using the illustrated embodiment as an example, the one or more actuators 116 may be incorporated into the driven element 102; the one or more actuators 116 may hold onto and displace the driven element 102 to a desired location and subsequently release the driven element 102 to initiate the oscillatory movements 108. Alternatively, the actuator 116 may be incorporated into the driver element 104; the actuator 116 may cause the driver element 104 or a portion of the driver element 104 (e.g., the arms of the driver element 104) to displace to a desired location away from the driven element 102 and subsequently release the driven element 102. Note that the displacement is not limited to lateral displacement as illustrated in FIG. 1; in an embodiment, such displacement may be any suitable displacement (e.g., rotational displacement) in space relative to the equilibrium position of the show element rigging system 100. For example, the driven element 102 may be displaced and released at an angle to create non-linear movements. As another example, the driver element 104 may be rotated, via the actuators, about an axial coupling with its base to initiate the movements of the driven element 102. The method of initiating the movements of the driven element 102 may not be limited to the above-mentioned examples, so long as the displacement between the driven element 102 and the driver element 104 is created. However, it should be noted that the amount of displacement may dictate the movements the driven element 102 is initiated to undergo. Further, in an embodiment, the one or more actuators 116 may include an ejection mechanism to exert additional external forces on the show element rigging system 100 such that the driven element 102 may be released at a desired speed / acceleration and / or at a desired trajectory different from that if the driven element 102 were released freely.

[0029] The show element rigging system 100 may include one or more sensors 118 to monitor the movements of the driven element 102. The one or more sensors 118 may generate sensor data indicative of a position, orientation, velocity, and / or acceleration of the driven element 102. The one or more sensors 118 may include but may not be limited to potentiometers, differential transformers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial measurement units, and optical sensors. In an embodiment, the show element rigging system 100 may perform a calibration run, where the calibration run includes one or more calibration trials; in each trial, movement of the driven element 102 may be initiated through the one or more actuators 116 and via a different initiation method (e.g., driven element 102 released from a distinct position, at a distinct angle, at a distinct speed / acceleration), and the one or more sensors 118 may generate sensor data indicative of the movement pattern respective to trials. The sensor data may indicate three-dimensional position, orientation, velocity, acceleration, and other motion characteristics of the driven element 102 at a fixed or adjustable time increment to describe the movement pattern of the driven element 102 upon initiation. As such, the show element rigging system 100 may create a library including a plurality of actuation initiations, where each of the actuation initiations includes a unique initiation method of the driven element 102 and is linked to a corresponding movement pattern. Each of the actuation initiations may include the actuation parameters (e.g., degrees of rotation, length of displacement, actuator speed / acceleration, timing) to adjust to for individual actuators 116 to conduct the specific initiation method. The show element rigging system 100 may additionally look up and select an appropriate actuation initiation to produce a desired movement pattern.

[0030] Additionally, in an embodiment, calibration trials corresponding to the adjustable characteristics of the show element rigging system may be conducted. For example, calibration trials corresponding to different weights of the driven element 102 and / or different flexibility levels of the flexible strips 106 may be conducted to calibrate the mass distribution system 112 and / or the stiffener system 114. Sensor data indicative of different movement patterns corresponding to the adjustable characteristics may be collected and, subsequently, documented in the library. As such, the show element rigging system 100 with a specific set of adjustable characteristics may look up and select an appropriate actuation initiation to produce a desired movement pattern.

[0031] The show element rigging system 100 may include additional features, such as a computing system or control system 120 (also referred to as a controller) with a processor 122, a memory device 124, an output device 126, and a communication device 128. It should be noted that the control system 120 may include and / or represent one or more control systems 120. Likewise, each component (e.g., the processor 122, the memory device 124) may include and / or represent one or more such components. As described herein, in one embodiment, the driven element 102 is configured to perform movements such as oscillatory movements 108 and the like. In such cases, the control system 120 may provide instructions (e.g., control signals) to the one or more actuators 116 to initiate the movements of the driven element 102. The driven element 102 may swing in space and undergo certain movement pattern depending on the actuation initiation as indicated by these instructions. Advantageously, the show element rigging system 100 may leverage on the elastic energy stored in the flexible strips 106 and may not require any additional mechanical input from other bulky components of a rigging system to sustain the movements of the driven element 102 while providing the desired show effect for the guests.

[0032] In an embodiment, the control system 120 may control the one or more actuators 116 in this manner to repeat the movement, such as to repeat the show effect for different groups of guests (e.g., during different show performances or ride cycles). In an embodiment, the control system 120 may control the one or more actuators 116, the mass distribution system 112, the stiffener system 114, or a combination thereof, dynamically such that different groups of guests may enjoy different or even personalized show effects. For example, the control system 120 may provide instructions to initiate a first movement pattern that spans across a smaller area for a group of guests with children under a certain age limit, and provide instructions to initiate a second movement pattern that spans across a larger area for a group of guests without children under a certain age limit. In this example, the memory device 124 may store a guest profile library where the control system 120 may determine, via the processor 122, an age, a preference (e.g., thrill level preference), and / or other guest information of the individual guests in a guest group.

[0033] In an embodiment, the control system 120 may adjust the one or more actuators 116, the mass distribution system 112, the stiffener system 114, or a combination thereof, dynamically during a show based on sensor data indicative of the current movement pattern of the driven element 102. For example, the control system 120 may adjust the oscillation frequency of the driven element 102 indicated by the sensor data to a new, desired oscillation frequency by controlling the one or more actuators 116, the mass distribution system 112, the stiffener system 114, or a combination thereof.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors 118 may be deployed to monitor the environment surrounding the show element rigging system 100. For example, the one or more sensors 118 may monitor the people (e.g., guests, actors) and the objects that may be present in the proximity of the show element rigging system 100. The control system 120 may determine, via the processor 122, a movement boundary of the driven element 102 to block any collision of the driven element 102 while it is swung in space. For example, the control system 120 may determine a movement boundary such that the driven element 102 is at least a certain distance away from the people and the objects in the environment. Such determination may be made with sensor data from the one or more sensors 118 that is indicative of positions, locations, velocities, accelerations of the individual people and objects within the environment. Such movement boundaries may be updated at a fixed or adjustable time increment as the people and the objects move within the system, particularly in situations where the movement of the people and the objects may be predictable. More specifically, in an embodiment, the guests may be carried through the environment on a vehicle configured to follow a drive path within a time frame. The control system 120 may, based on the drive path of the vehicle, determine one or more movement boundaries at one or more time instances within the time frame and identify a movement pattern such the driven element 102 is always within movement boundaries upon initiation.

[0035] It should be noted that although the present disclosure primarily discusses the disclosed rigging system in terms of creating and / or controlling relative movements between two animated figures, the rigging system may be incorporated into an attraction to create desire interactions between any suitable types of show elements. Such show elements may include or have an appearance of at least part of an animated figure, a costume, a show prop, a vehicle, a building, a wall, and / or any other structure. For example, the rigging system may be incorporated into a show set representing a tree such that a branch of the tree may sway or wiggle and jiggle relatively to the trunk of the tree to simulate different weather conditions of the themed environment. In this example, the relative movement between the branch and the trunk may be driven and controlled by the rigging system.

[0036] It should also be noted that, in an embodiment, the roles of the driven element 102 and driver element 104 may be switched. For example, at a first time instance, a first element (acting as the driven element 102) may be initiated to be swung around a second element (acting as the driver element 104); yet at a second time instance, the second element, which may be anchored at the first time instance, may be swung instead around the element first element, which may be swung at the first time instance. In this example, certain mechanisms may be integrated into the show element rigging system 100 such that the first element and / or the second element may be constrained from movements or released to movements. For example, a magnet may be integrated into the show element rigging system 100 (e.g., at the base of the first and / or second elements) such that the show elements may transit between a released configuration and a stationary configuration. An embodiment of such a configuration of the show element rigging system 100 is illustrated and described in detail below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the flexible strips 106 are attached to the show elements (e.g., the driven element 102 and the driver element 104) through fixed attachments. However, in an embodiment, the flexible strips 106 may be attached in other manners to enable advanced control of the movements of the driven element 102.

[0038] FIGS. 2A and 2B are top views of an embodiment 200 of the show element rigging system 100, where the flexible strips 106 may be attached to the driven element 102 and the driver element 104 via movable attachments. The two flexible strips 106 may be attached to the driver element 104 via a first attachment 202 and a second attachment 204, respectively. Similarly, the flexible strips 106 may be attached to the driven element 102 via a third attachment 206 and a forth attachment 208, respectively. In an embodiment, these attachments 202, 204, 206, and 208 may be moveable. For example, as illustrated, the first attachment 202 may be configured such that the first attachment 202 may slide transversely (e.g., along a sliding track) about the driver element 104 in direction 210. Additionally, the attachment 202 may be blocked from movement (e.g., through clamps, screws, or any other suitable retention or blocking mechanism) when the attachment 202 is at a desired position with respect to the driver element 104.

[0039] As a more specific example, the attachment 202 may transition between a first attachment site 212a as illustrated in FIG. 2A and a second attachment site 212b as illustrated in FIG. 2B. When the attachment 202 is attached to the driver element 104 at the first attachment site 212a, the flexible strips 106 are attached symmetrically. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, when the attachment 202 is at the first attachment site 212a, the deformation of flexible strips 106 may not cause the driven element 102 to rotate or substantially rotate, even when the driven element 102 is displaced from its equilibrium position.

[0040] In contrast, the second attachment site 212b is posterior to the first attachment site 212a with respect to the driver element 104 and, thus, the attachment 202 is attached to the driver element 104 at a more posterior location compared to the attachment 204. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, when the attachment 202 is at the second attachment site 212b, the deformation of flexible strips 106 may cause the driven element 102 to rotate.

[0041] Thus, by controlling the attachment sites of the respective movable attachments 202, 204, 206, and 208, the system 200 may be enabled to create and / or control rotational movements of the driven element 102. For example, the attachments 202, 204, 206, and 208 may be configured such that they may be attached at varying heights to enable tilting of the driven element 102. In an embodiment, sliding tracks along different directions may be integrated into the elements 102 and / or 104 to create complex three-dimensional rotational movements. In an embodiment, the movements of the movable attachments 202, 204, 206, and 208 are executed through the actuators 116, which may be configured to move the moveable attachments 202, 204, 206, and 208 to desired locations.

[0042] As previously described, the system 200 may include certain retention mechanism to block the attachments 202, 204, 206, and 208 from movement. In an embodiment, each individual movable attachment may transit from a locked configuration where the attachment is blocked from movement to a released configuration where the attachment is subject to movement. In an embodiment, the movement of the driven element 102 may be initiated by moving one or more attachments of the moveable attachments 202, 204, 206, and 208 from an equilibrium configuration of the system 200 to cause deformation of the flexible strips 106 and storage of elastic energy therein. Subsequently, the one or more attachments may be released such that the driven element 102 may be swung in space in response to the release of the elastic energy in the flexible strips 106.

[0043] The show element rigging system 100 and the like may also be enabled to create vertical movements of the driven element 102. FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of aspects of an embodiment 300 of the show element rigging system 100 of FIG. 1, where a driven element 102 and a driver element 104 are configured such that the driven element 102 may be enabled to make vertical movements with respect to the driver element 104.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the show element rigging system 300 is configured such that the driven element 102 is enabled to be swung with respect to the driver element 104, where the driven element 102 and the driver element 104 are connected through a pair of flexible strips 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the driven element 102 may extend horizontally in the equilibrium configuration of the show element rigging system 300. The show element rigging system 300 may include a pulley system 301 to enable advanced control of the movements of the driven element 102. For example, the pulley system 301 may include a pulley wheel 302, where a first end of a cable 304 running over the pulley wheel 302 may be attached to the driven element 102. The cable 304 may wrap around a support structure 306 affixed in the driver element 104. When a second end of the cable 304 is pulled through the pulley wheel 302, the driven element 102 may rotate upward in an arc 308a around the support structure 306 to configuration 102a as the cable length between the driven element 102 and the pulley wheel 302 shortens. In contrast, when the second end of the cable 304 is let out through the pulley wheel 302, the driven element 102 may rotate downward in an arc 308b around the support structure 306 to configuration 102b as the cable length between the driven element 102 and the pulley wheel 302 lengthens.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the show element rigging system 300 may include other features to enable rotations within the vertical plane. For example, the show element rigging system 300 may include a hinge 310 (e.g. a pair of hinged attachments) between the driven element 102 and the flexible strips 106. The flexible strips 106 are coupled via the hinge 310 to the driven element 102 and the driven element 102 is configured to rotate about the hinge 310 relative to the flexible strips 106. In an embodiment, the hinge 310 comprises a component of a pulley system (similar to the previously described pulley system 301) configured to rotate the driven element 102 about the hinge 310. In an embodiment, the hinge 310 may be controlled through actuators 116 to automate the rotations of the hinge 310. Thus, the driven element 102 may rotate upward in an arc 312a around the hinge 310 to configuration 102c or downward in an arc 312b to configuration 102d.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the driven element 102 of FIGS. 1-3B, wherein the driven element 102 may be configured to transit between a released configuration and a stationary configuration. As previously described, the driven element 102 may rotate vertically through the hinge 310 or other components of the show element rigging system 300. The show element rigging system 300 may include other features to enable the driven element 102 to perform a wider range of movements. As another example, a hinge 310 may be integrated as a joint (e.g., shoulder joint of the driven element 102 as illustrated) such that the driven element 102 may be presented to the audience in alternative poses.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the driven element 102 may rotate vertically such that the driven element 102 lands on a platform 402 in configuration 102e. The driven element 102 may be configured to selectively secure to the platform 402 through a magnetic coupler 403 including a magnet 404 and a metallic component 406. The platform 402 may have the magnet 404 embedded underneath its surface that may attract the metallic component 406 integrated to the bottom of the driven element 102. As such, the magnetic force between the magnet 404 and the metallic component 406 may hold the driven element 102 to the platform 402, blocking further movements of the driven element 102. Thus, the driven element 102 may transit from a released configuration to a stationary configuration and even transition from role of the driven element 102 to a driver element.

[0048] In an embodiment, the magnet 404 may be deactivated to release the driven element 102 from the stationary configuration back to the released configuration. For example, the magnet 404 may be an electromagnet generated through the flow of electric current through a coil of wire; by reducing or turning off the current (e.g., disconnecting a power source), the magnet 404 may be disabled. Alternatively, the magnet 404 may be a permanent magnet that may be moved away from the metallic component 406 (e.g., manually or through an actuator) such that the metallic component 406 may be subject to a weaker magnetic field. Thus, the driven element 102 may transit from the stationary configuration back to the released configuration.

[0049] The ability to transit between the released configuration and the stationary configuration may enable the show element rigging system 300 and the like to control the show elements therein further. As previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, the roles of the driven element 102 and driver element 104 may be switched. Through features such as the combination of the magnet 404 and the metallic component 406, a first element initially acting as the driven element 102 may become temporarily anchored to the platform 402. In an embodiment, a second element initially acting as the driver element 104, which may be in the stationary configuration by default, may have similar features integrated, such that the second element may be in the released configuration while the first element is in the stationary configuration. Thus, the show element rigging system 300 may be configured such that the first element, by switching roles from the driven element 102 to the driver element 104, may serve as a fixed base and the second element, after switching roles from the driver element 104 to the driven element 102, may be swung around the first element, or vice, versa, at respective times. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the show element rigging system 300 may include a base system that the first element and the second element may be selectively coupled with through a first coupler (e.g., electromagnet) and a second coupler, respectively. As such, the show element rigging system 300 may selectively secure the first show element or the second show element to the base system and, subsequently, selectively control the movement of the second element or the first element, respectively.

[0050] In an embodiment, the switching of roles between the driven element 102 and the driver element 104 may be coordinated through a time processing function of the control system 120. The time processing function may generate a timing scheme, where the control system 120 may control the various appropriate components of the show element rigging system 300 based on the timing scheme to ensure a seamless transition. For example, the control system 120 may generate instructions to position the first and second elements and / or enable / disable the magnet 404 at different time instances of the timing scheme.

[0051] The show element rigging system 100 and the like may produce flexible and non-intrusive 6-degree-of-freedom movements of the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104. In an embodiment, the control system 120 may predict a movement pattern of a show element (e.g., the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104), given a current status of the show element. For example, the control system 120 may store information of the rigging system, including weight, dimension and material properties of the driven element 102, the driver element 104, and the flexible strips 106 in its memory device 124. The control system 120 may receive sensor data from the sensors 118 indicative of a current position, orientation, velocity, and / or acceleration of the driven element 102 and the driver element 104. The control system 120 may receive control parameters associated with the one or more actuators 116 of the show element rigging system 100 and, accordingly, generate a simulation of the movement pattern of the driven element 102. For example, the simulation may be generated using a machine learning model, where the machine learning model is trained according to physical behavior tests of the show element rigging system 100 to identify underlying relationships between control inputs to the one or more actuators 116 and the outputted movement patterns of the driven element 102. Thus, the movement patterns of the driven element 102 may be planned; any adjustments to the movement patterns may also become more predictable, especially in embodiments where the dynamic show effects may be desirable.

[0052] Conversely, in an embodiment, the control system 120 may determine control parameters associated with the one or more actuators 116 in response to inputs indicative of a desired movement pattern. For example, an operator of the show element rigging system 100 may wish to deflect the driven element 102 from a current movement path, and the control system 120 may, accordingly, provide instructions to the one or more actuators 116 to move the driven element 102 toward a new movement path. As another example, the operator of the show element rigging system 100 may wish to halt the movements of the show elements (e.g., the driven element 102 and the driver element 104), and the control system 120 may, accordingly, provide instructions to the one or more actuators 116 to constrain the show elements from further movements.

[0053] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a portion of an attraction 500 that implements the show element rigging system 100 of FIGS. 1-4. As shown, the attraction 500 is a ride attraction that includes a ride vehicle 502 that carries one or more guests 504. The show element rigging system 100 may be implemented such that the driver element 104 may swing the driven element 102, producing flexible and non-intrusive 6-degree-of-freedom movements of the driven element 102 to provide a show effect to the one or more guests 504. For example, the control system 120 may provide instructions to the at least one actuator 116 to drive the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104 to cause deformation of the flexible strips 106 and storage of elastic energy therein, where the elastic energy, upon release, may cause the driven element 102 to produce the flexible and non-intrusive movements with up to 6 degrees of freedom. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible strips 106 may be hidden (e.g., covered) within an outer layer of the driver element 104 to produce an illusion of a unified show element.

[0054] In an embodiment, the initiation of such movements may be timed or coordinated with a ride cycle performed by the ride vehicle 502. For example, the control system 120 may receive ride system data such as guest data associated with the one or more guests 504 and / or ride vehicle positioning data indicative of a position of the ride vehicle 502 within the attraction 500 and relative to the show elements (e.g. the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104). The guest data associated with the one or more guests 504 may be retrieved from the guest profile library and include guest information such as ages, preferences (e.g., thrill level preference), and / or other guest information of the individual guests the one or more guests 504. The ride vehicle positioning data may be based on a programmed schedule for the ride vehicle 502 and / or sensor data from one or more sensors (e.g., the sensors 118) on the ride vehicle 502 and / or in the attraction 500, for example. In any case, while the ride vehicle 502 is at a target position to place the one or more guests 504 in a vicinity of the show elements 102 and / or 104 (e.g., approaching, near, and / or within viewing range of the show elements 102 and / or 104), the control system 120 may provide the instructions to the at least one actuator 116 to initiate the movements of the driven element 102. For example, the at least one actuator 116 may drive the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104 to cause the show element 102 to be swung over the ride vehicle 502, to fall toward the ride vehicle 502, and so forth. In certain embodiments, as previously described, the control system 120 may dynamically adjust the movements to be initiated based on the guest data. For example, the control system 120 may initiate movements that swing closer to the ride vehicle 502 if the one or more guests 504 are above a certain age threshold or have indicated a preferred thrill level over a certain thrill level threshold. As another example, the control system 120 may initiate movements that swing not as close to the ride vehicle 502 if the one or more guests 504 are below a certain age threshold or have indicated a preferred thrill level below a certain thrill level threshold. Advantageously, the show element rigging system 100 may provide a realistic show effect of swinging the driven element 102 over the ride vehicle 502 and may be brought close to the ride vehicle 502.

[0055] As described herein, the control system 120 may also provide instructions to control the produced movements of the show element(s) (e.g., the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104). For example, the control system 120 may predict and adjust the movements of the driven element 102, through controlling the one or more actuators 116, to block collision of the driven element 102 with the ride vehicle 502, guest 504, and other people and objects within the attraction 500. Further, the control system 120 may provide instructions to the one or more actuators 116 to return aspects of the show element rigging system 100 (e.g., the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104) to a default configuration for a next ride vehicle in the attraction 500.

[0056] While FIG. 5 provides an example in a context of a ride attraction, it should be appreciated that these techniques may be implemented in any suitable attraction or venue, such as in a walkthrough attraction in which the guests walk along a pathway, a conveyor attraction in which the guests are carried on a conveyor, a show performance, and so forth. It should be understood that the show element rigging system 100 may include more or less components than described herein. For example, the show element rigging system 100 may include various other components and / or devices (e.g., lighting, speakers, fluid output devices) in order to provide other show effects, such as visual effects (e.g., light), audio effects (e.g., sound), smoke effects, water effects, and the like, that may further enhance the experience of the guests. The control system 120 may be communicatively coupled to the various other components and devices and may instruct generation of the other show effects to complement or supplement the produced movements of the show elements (e.g., the driven element 102 and / or the driver element 104).

[0057] While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0058] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for (perform)ing (a function) . . . ” or “step for (perform)ing (a function) . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A show element rigging system, comprising:a first show element configured to couple with a base;a second show element;flexible strips including a first flexible strip extending along and offset from a second flexible strip, wherein the flexible strips extend between and couple to the first show element and the second show element such that the second show element is cantilevered from the first show element via the flexible strips;at least one actuator configured to displace the second show element from an equilibrium position relative to the flexible strips and initiate oscillation of the second show element via the flexible strips; anda controller configured to control the at least one actuator based on at least one input.

2. The show element rigging system of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to rotate the first show element about an axial coupling of the first show element with the base.

3. The show element rigging system of claim 1, wherein the first show element is configured to selectively secure to the base through a magnetic coupler.

4. The show element rigging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to select an actuation initiation from a plurality of actuation initiations based on a desired movement pattern received as the at least one input and control the at least one actuator based on the actuation initiation.

5. The show element rigging system of claim 1, comprising a mass distribution system configured to transition weights onto and off of the second show element.

6. The show element rigging system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to control the mass distribution system based on sensor data indicative of an oscillation frequency of the second show element.

7. The show element rigging system of claim 1, comprising a stiffener system configured to extend one or more stiffeners along the first flexible strip, the second flexible strip, or both.

8. The show element rigging system of claim 1, comprising a compliant structure including repeating unit cells coupling the first flexible strip to the second flexible strip across the offset to provide structural support for the flexible strips.

9. The show element rigging system of claim 1, wherein the flexible strips comprise flat strips of metal with cross-sectional lengths extending substantially in alignment with gravity.

10. The show element rigging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive ride system data as the input and control the at least one actuator based on the ride system data.

11. The show element rigging system of claim 10, wherein the ride system data comprises guest data or ride vehicle positioning data.

12. The show element rigging system of claim 1, wherein the first flexible strip is coupled to the first show element via a movable attachment, wherein the movable attachment is configured to move towards or away from the second show element.

13. The show element rigging system of claim 12, wherein the second flexible strip is coupled to the first show element via an additional movable attachment, wherein the additional movable attachment is configured to move towards or away from the second show element.

14. The show element rigging system of claim 1, wherein the flexible strips are coupled via a hinge to the second show element and the second show element is configured to rotate about the hinge relative to the flexible strips.

15. The show element rigging system of claim 14, wherein the hinge comprises a component of a pulley system configured to rotate the second show element about the hinge.

16. A show element rigging system, comprising:a base system comprising one or more bases;a first show element configured to selectively couple with the base system;a second show element configured to selectively couple with the base system;flexible strips including a first flexible strip extending along and offset from a second flexible strip, wherein the flexible strips extend between and couple to the first show element and the second show element;a coupler system comprising one or more couplers configured to selectively secure the first show element, the second show element, or both to the base system;at least one actuator configured to displace the first show element or the second show element from an equilibrium position relative to the flexible strips and initiate oscillation of the second show element or the first show element, respectively, via the flexible strips; anda controller configured to control the at least one actuator based on at least one input.

17. The show element rigging system of claim 16, wherein the coupler system comprises respective electromagnets configured to magnetically couple with the first show element and the second show element.

18. A method, comprising:receiving an input to cause oscillation of a first show element that is cantilevered from a second show element via flexible strips, wherein the second show element is configured to couple with a base, and the flexible strips include a first flexible strip extending along and offset from a second flexible strip and the flexible strips extend between and couple to the first show element and the second show element; andin response to the input, controlling at least one actuator to displace the first show element from an equilibrium position relative to the flexible strips.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the input is indicative of a desired movement pattern of the first show element, and wherein the method comprises:selecting an actuation initiation from a plurality of actuation initiations based on the input; andcontrolling the at least one actuator to actuate based on the actuation initiation to initiate the desired movement pattern of the first show element.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the input comprises ride system data, and wherein the method comprises:receiving ride system data; andcontrolling the at least one actuator based on the ride system data.

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