Dynamic Laser Obstacle Course via Sequential Beam Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based amusement attractions, such as escape rooms and laser mazes, lack innovative developments in their laser systems and control methodologies, which limits the complexity and variety of the participant experience.
Innovation Solution
An amusement system comprising arrays of beam emitters and receivers on opposing sides of a path, controlled by a central system to dynamically activate and deactivate laser beams, simulating moving obstacles in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal directions, creating a variable and challenging obstacle course.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional laser maze attractions use fixed laser beams, then the system is simple to operate, but the participant experience lacks complexity and variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static laser beams into dynamic, moving obstacles. The controller sequentially activates and deactivates beam emitters to create laser beams that move horizontally, vertically, or diagonally across the participant's path. This dynamic behavior increases the complexity and variety of the participant experience without requiring complex physical reconfiguration of the laser system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the sequential activation and deactivation of beam emitters. The controller operates emitters in a repeating sequence, turning them on and off at predetermined intervals to simulate moving laser beams. This periodic control pattern creates the illusion of beam movement while using a relatively simple emitter array and controller system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam emitters are activated simultaneously to create larger obstacles, then the challenge and complexity increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the laser obstacle system into multiple independent beam emitters arranged in arrays. Each emitter can be controlled individually or in groups, allowing the creation of various obstacle configurations by activating different combinations of emitters. This segmentation enables complex challenge patterns while maintaining manageable system architecture through modular emitter units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the laser beam obstacle concept into multiple spatial dimensions by arranging emitters in two-dimensional arrays and activating them in patterns that create horizontal, vertical, and diagonal beam movements. This multi-dimensional emitter arrangement and activation pattern increases challenge complexity without requiring proportionally increased device complexity, as the same emitter array can create various obstacle types through different activation sequences.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the participant experience by providing a dynamically changing laser-based obstacle course that increases challenge and complexity, accommodating different participant sizes and skills while maintaining a high level of engagement and scoring precision.
Implementation Method 1
each device in the first and second arrays comprises either a beam emitter operable to transmit a respective visible beam
Implementation Method 2
a beam receiver operable to detect receipt thereby of a visible beam
Data Source
AI summary
An immersive amusement system features a path to be traversed by participants, a first array of devices mounted on a first side of said path, and a second array of devices mounted on an opposing second side of said path. Each device comprises either a beam emitter operable to transmit a respective visible beam, or a beam receiver operable to detect receipt thereby of a visible beam. The arrayed devices are setup in co-operable pairs, of which each co-operable pair comprises a beam emitter in one of said arrays and a corresponding beam receiver in the other of said arrays. A controller operably connected to the arrayed devices is configured to selectively activate and deactivate said beam emitters to cause transmission of visible beams from said beam emitters to said corresponding beam receivers, and to monitor for breaking of any of said visible beams by any of said participants.