Connected Augmented Theme Environment for Real-Time Guest Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing theme park attractions are static and do not dynamically change based on guest interactions or environmental factors, lacking a flexible and immersive experience.

Innovation Solution

A system that monitors guest interactions through mobile devices, wearable devices, and physical objects to generate augmented reality images and physical effects in real-time, adapting the environment based on crowd dynamics and interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed equipment and building layouts are used to create themed attractions, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the environment becomes static and cannot change over time based on guest interactions or environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming static themed environments into dynamic ones that can change over time. The system uses real-time data from guest interactions, mobile devices, and environmental sensors to dynamically adjust lighting, projections, and physical effects in themed areas, allowing the environment to adapt without changing the physical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses projections and visual displays to create virtual copies or overlays of themed elements that can be changed without modifying physical structures. This allows multiple theme configurations to exist simultaneously in the same physical space, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If real-time monitoring and augmented reality systems are implemented to enable dynamic environmental changes, then guest experience is enhanced and personalization is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguest experience qualityVSAvoidsystem infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional system where a single integrated platform handles guest interaction tracking, environmental monitoring, augmented reality content delivery, and physical effect control. This universal system reduces the need for separate specialized systems, making the complex infrastructure more manageable while enhancing guest experience through coordinated multi-functional operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that sits between guest interactions and environmental responses. This mediator system processes data from various sources, determines appropriate environmental adjustments, and coordinates the delivery of augmented reality content and physical effects, thereby managing system complexity through structured intermediate processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4438146B1Systems and methods for a connected augmented environment
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
  • EP4438146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4438146B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4438146B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An amusement park system is described which comprises a monitoring system, configured to monitor one or more employees of an amusement park, one or more mobile devices, one or more wearable devices, one or more themed devices, or one or more physical objects disposed within a real-world environment of the amusement park to detect a plurality of guest interactions of a plurality of guests of the amusement park during a time period. The system also comprises an augmented experience system configured to generate images and/or implement physical effects in the real-world environment based at least in part on data relating to the plurality of guest interactions detected by the monitoring system during the time period.