Interactive Ride Vehicle Motion Control Using Passenger Force Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amusement park rides often lack immersion and interactivity, limiting passenger engagement due to predetermined paths and visible non-thematic elements, which restricts the ability to fully engage with the experience.

Innovation Solution

An immersive and interactive ride system featuring a motion control system, a motion assembly, and a vehicle that can move along multiple axes, coupled with force sensors to adjust position based on passenger input, allowing for dynamic changes in orientation and movement, thereby enhancing the realism and interactivity of the experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a predetermined path is used for the ride, then the ride structure is simple and reliable, but the passenger engagement and immersion are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger engagementVSAvoidride structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static predetermined path into 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, allowing the ride experience to adapt to passenger preferences while maintaining a relatively simple physical track structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through force sensors that detect passenger inputs (such as pulling on control handles) and feed this information back to the motion control system. The system processes these signals and adjusts the vehicle's motion accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances passenger engagement without requiring complex ride infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If simple input variations are provided, then the ride operation is easy, but the immersion and realism are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimmersionVSAvoidinput complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a motion control system that translates simple passenger inputs (pulling on handles, leaning) into complex multi-axis motion adjustments. The intermediary system processes sensor signals and generates appropriate motion commands, allowing passengers to achieve immersive experiences through intuitive simple actions without needing to understand or manage the underlying system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If visible track elements are exposed, then the ride structure is simple, but the thematic immersion is broken

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethematic immersionVSAvoidtrack design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the visible track elements from the passenger's field of view through theming. The track structure is either concealed within thematic sets or designed to blend into the environment, allowing passengers to become immersed in the thematic experience without being reminded of the mechanical ride infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 provides a more immersive and realistic experience by allowing passengers to influence the ride's path and orientation through input devices, increasing engagement and entertainment value by offering multiple unique experiences.

Implementation Method 1

A force sensor may be 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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection: Force

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical motion: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240408503A1Rider controlled amusement park ride
Publication Date: 2024.12.12 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • US20240408503A1 patent drawing
  • US20240408503A1 patent drawing
  • US20240408503A1 patent drawing

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.