Show Effect Control for Real-Virtual Attraction Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park attractions face challenges in creating immersive environments with realistic special effects that seamlessly integrate with the real world, requiring complex and often unsatisfactory implementations.
Innovation Solution
A show effect system that captures real-world imagery, identifies key elements, and generates corresponding virtual elements to create a seamless transition between real and virtual environments, using displays and audio emitters to enhance the immersive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ride control systems are used, then basic ride operation is maintained, but guest immersion and thematic experience are compromised due to lack of synchronization with show elements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control channels, each corresponding to different ride elements (platforms, effects, lighting). This allows synchronized control of multiple ride components through a unified show script while maintaining operational independence of each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it controls ride movement, synchronizes thematic effects, coordinates lighting, and manages audio cues through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive guest immersion without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If ride speed is increased to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but synchronization precision with show elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ride control system dynamically adjusts speed and positioning based on real-time show script requirements. Rather than operating at fixed speeds, the system modulates ride velocity to precisely synchronize with thematic elements while maintaining overall throughput efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor ride position, speed, and synchronization status with show elements. This feedback enables real-time corrections to maintain precise synchronization even when throughput requirements demand higher operating speeds.
3Ease of operation
If ride operations are separated from show control, then operational simplicity is maintained, but thematic immersion is lost due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges ride control and show control into a single integrated operation interface. Operators control both mechanical ride elements and thematic show elements through one unified system, eliminating the need for separate control systems while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (50) for an attraction includes a sensor (76) configured to capture imagery (77) of a real world environment and a control system (70) communicatively coupled to the sensor (76). The control system (70) is configured to receive the imagery (77) captured by the sensor (76), identify a real world element of the imagery (77), generate image data that includes a virtual element that corresponds to the real world element, and transmit the image data for presentation in the attraction.