Interactive Tower Ride Vehicles for Variable Rider-Controlled Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tower rides in amusement parks offer limited variability in ride experiences, lacking the dynamic interactions and immersive elements found in other types of attractions like roller coasters.
Innovation Solution
An interactive tower attraction system featuring ride vehicles that move in multiple degrees of freedom, equipped with user input devices and a controller that adjusts motion based on rider interactions with the environment and other vehicles, incorporating augmented reality (AR) and special effects (SFX) to create personalized and variable experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tower rides are used, then the ride structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ride experience variability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ride vehicle's motion characteristics changeable during operation. The controller dynamically adjusts motion parameters such as drop speed, ascent rate, and vehicle orientation based on real-time sensor feedback and pre-programmed sequences, transforming a static tower ride into a dynamic experience with multiple variable motion patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms using sensors that detect rider position, vehicle orientation, and motion characteristics. This feedback is continuously processed by the controller to adjust subsequent motion sequences, creating a closed-loop system that adapts the ride experience in real-time based on actual ride conditions and rider responses
2Adaptability or versatility
If interactive elements are added to tower rides, then rider engagement is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that performs multiple functions: it manages vehicle motion control, processes sensor data, coordinates audio-visual effects, and implements interactive sequences. This multi-functional controller consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, adding interactivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ride system incorporates self-service elements where the automated controller and sensor systems independently manage interactive sequences, effect coordination, and motion adjustments without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically responding to sensor inputs and executing pre-programmed interactive scenarios
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple degrees of freedom are implemented, then motion variety is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tower structure into modular sections, each capable of independent motion control. The ride vehicle is also segmented into independently controllable components (seats, restraints, display elements), allowing complex multi-degree-of-freedom motion to be achieved through coordinated movement of simpler modular units rather than requiring a single complex mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A ride attraction system includes a plurality of tower tracks, a plurality of ride vehicles, wherein each ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles comprises a stepped platform configured to provide tiered seating and wherein each ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles is coupled to a respective tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and configured to move in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the respective tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and independently of other ride vehicles of the plurality of ride vehicles, at least one user input device associated with each ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles, wherein each user input device of the at least one user input device is configured to receive user inputs and provide user input signals, and a controller configured to receive the user input signals from the at least one user input device and to provide instructions to a ride vehicle controller of an individual ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles to execute a motion pattern of the individual ride vehicle based on the received user input signals, wherein the motion pattern of the individual ride vehicle comprises movement along an axis of the respective tower track, wherein the individual ride vehicle moves independently of other ride vehicles of the plurality of ride vehicles while executing the motion pattern.