Interactive Ride Vehicle Motion Control Using Passenger Force Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park rides often lack immersive and interactive experiences, limiting guest engagement and realism due to predetermined paths and limited passenger input options.
Innovation Solution
An interactive ride system featuring a motion control system, a motion assembly, and force sensors that allow passengers to input changes in vehicle orientation, combined with a motion control system to dynamically adjust vehicle positions based on passenger inputs, creating a more immersive and realistic experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predetermined path and set route are used for the ride vehicle, then the ride system is simple to operate and control, but the guest engagement and immersion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ride system transitions from a static predetermined path to a dynamic adaptive path that changes in real-time based on passenger inputs. The motion control system continuously adjusts vehicle position and orientation along the track according to sensor data from passenger actions, making the ride experience variable and responsive while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where force sensors detect passenger inputs (such as leaning or pulling on controls), the control system processes this data, and the motion assembly adjusts the vehicle accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the ride to adapt to passenger preferences while the system manages the complexity of real-time adjustments automatically.
2Ease of manufacture
If the physical track and pathway are visible to the passenger, then the ride structure is simple and accessible, but the immersion and realism are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different visual qualities to different parts of the ride environment. The physical track structure is concealed or camouflaged in areas where immersion is critical, while remaining visible in areas where structural understanding is needed. Thematic elements and scenery are strategically positioned to mask the track, creating localized immersive zones that enhance realism without requiring complete track concealment throughout.
3Device complexity
If simple variations in ride path are provided through limited user input, then the ride system is easier to control, but the entertainment value and guest engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages vehicle positioning along the track, responds to various types of passenger inputs (leaning, pulling, pushing), coordinates with the thematic environment displays, and ensures safety constraints are met. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide diverse ride experiences without proportionally increasing control complexity, as a single integrated system handles all these tasks.
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
The system enhances guest engagement and immersion by allowing passengers to interactively control their ride experience, providing multiple unique experiences through dynamic vehicle movements and thematic environments.
Implementation Method 1
Force sensors positioned in the vehicle seat sense forces applied by the passenger to the vehicle seat
Implementation Method 2
a motion assembly, a vehicle coupled to the motion assembly and configured to be moved along at least one axis by the motion assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
An immersive or interactive ride experience system may include a motion control system, a motion assembly, a vehicle coupled to the motion assembly and configured to be moved along at least one axis by the motion assembly, and a force sensor coupled to the vehicle and in electrical communication with the motion control system, wherein the force sensor is configured to be activated by a passenger supported by the vehicle and the motion control system generates instructions for the motion assembly to change a position of the vehicle relative to the at least one axis based on the force sensor.