Abstract:
In order to provide an amusement ride having an enhanced experience factor, the amusement ride comprises a motion base, an audience platform mounted to the motion base, a plurality of seats, each accommodating at least one guest, supported on the audience platform, wherein the seats are arranged in at least one circular row, a 360° projection screen surrounding the audience platform, wherein the projection screen comprises a dome portion and a lower extension portion directly adjoining the dome portion, a plurality of projectors being arranged to project images on the entire projection screen.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention refers to amusement rides, such as amusement rides for amusement parks. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Theme or amusement park ride attractions have become increasingly popular. Amusement rides can generally be characterized into rides that include ride vehicles that travel along a track and rides that are fixed relative to the ground. In fixed rides, an audience platform or ride vehicle is typically situated on a motion base having multiple degrees of freedom. An amusement ride of this kind is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,206,230 B2. These types of motion bases are also frequently positioned adjacent to one or more projection screens. A series of images or a motion picture is then projected onto the screen. For added realism and effect, the movement of the motion base can be synchronized with the projected images. 
         [0003]    The motion base can move the audience platform in several different directions including angular movements, such as roll, pitch and yam, and linear movements, such as heave and surge. The various degrees of freedom can be used to simulate the effect of actually moving in synchronization with the projected images or motion picture. 
         [0004]    While prior art amusement rides have focused on improving the synchronization of the motion base movement with the projected motion picture, those rides often use projection screens that are limited in size. Consequently, prior art amusement rides have the drawback that the projections do not extend over the entire field of view of the individual user resulting in that the audience is not totally immersed into the ride experience. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved amusement ride having an enhanced experience factor. In particular, it is an object of the instant invention to provide an amusement ride offering an improved ride experience and increasing the audience&#39;s immersion into a virtual environment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In a first aspect of the invention, an amusement ride comprises a motion base, an audience platform mounted to the motion base, a plurality of seats, each accommodating at least one guest, supported on the audience platform, wherein the seats are arranged in at least one circular row, a 360° projection screen surrounding the audience platform, wherein the projection screen comprises a dome portion and a lower extension portion directly adjoining the dome portion, and a plurality of projectors being arranged to project images on the entire projection screen. Thus, the invention provides for an increase field of projection. Each of the portions of the projection screen surrounds the audience platform so that the screen extends over an angle of 360° when seen in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the dome portion and the extension portion of the projections screen are arranged and realized such that they together provide a projection surface extending over an angle of more than 180° measured in a vertical plane from a center of the dome. In this way, the projection screen extends not only above the audience&#39;s head, but also below their feet. In particular, the dome portion of the projection screen comprises a closed top so that the dome portion completely encases the audience platform also from above. 
         [0007]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dome portion of the projection screen is formed substantially in a shape of a hemispherical dome. Alternatively, the dome portion can have any other curved shape that surrounds the audience platform by 360° and that completely covers the audience platform from above. 
         [0008]    Preferably, the dome portion and the extension portion of the projection screen are immediately adjacent to each other, so that a continuous screen surface is achieved that does not have any gap between the dome portion and the extension portion. In particular, the dome portion and the extension portion of the projection screen merge in the same tangential plane, so that there is no substantial kink in the transition between both portions. 
         [0009]    According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the extension portion of the projection screen is formed substantially in a shape of a cylinder. 
         [0010]    In a second preferred embodiment of the invention the extension portion of the projection screen is in the form of a spherical extension of the dome portion. In particular, the spherical extension extends the dome portion beyond its hemispherical dome shape so that the projection screen is extended from a 180° segment of a sphere to a segment of a sphere having an angle greater than 180°, in particular at least 210°, preferably at least 230°. 
         [0011]    In a further aspect of the invention an amusement ride comprises a motion base, an audience platform mounted to the motion base, a plurality of seats, each accommodating at least one guest, supported on the audience platform, wherein the seats are arranged in at least one circular row, a 360° projection screen surrounding the audience platform and comprising a dome portion, and a plurality of projectors being arranged to project images on the entire projection screen, wherein the audience platform is in the form of a ring surrounding a vertical shaft and is arranged to be rotated about a vertical axis of the shaft. In this way, the audience&#39;s position within and under the dome can be changed easily and various rides can be performed. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the seats in the circular row are arranged such that the guests, when seated, are oriented radially outwardly so that the viewing direction is directly towards the projection screen. 
         [0013]    Alternatively or additionally, the motion base supporting the ring-shaped audience platform is preferably guided on the vertical shaft so as to be displaceable in the height direction. 
         [0014]    In order to enable the audience to easily and quickly access and/or leave the audience platform, a preferred embodiment provides for at least one stationary loading and unloading platform that is arranged within the cylindrical extension portion of the projection screen, said loading and unloading platform having a central opening with a diameter substantially corresponding to an outer diameter of the ring-shaped audience platform. Preferably, two or more audience platforms and two or more corresponding loading and unloading platforms can be arranged. The loading and unloading platforms are preferably arranged in parallel to each other and at different levels within or under the dome, in particular within the cylindrical extension portion of the projection screen. Thereby, each loading and unloading platform is assigned to a respective audience platform. 
         [0015]    According to a preferred embodiment, the loading and unloading platform has a circular outer circumference, wherein the loading and unloading platform has an outer diameter substantially corresponding to an inner diameter of the cylindrical extension portion of the projection screen. In this way, the loading and unloading platform forms a bottom surface of the cylindrical extension portion of the projection screen. Alternatively, the loading and unloading platform forms an intermediate bottom between an upper and a lower section of a projection area. Accordingly, the audience platform can be moved in the height direction in order to be alternatively positioned in the upper or in the lower projection area. 
         [0016]    In a further aspect of the invention an amusement ride comprises a motion base, an audience platform mounted to the motion base, a plurality of seats, each accommodating at least one guest, supported on the audience platform, wherein the seats are arranged in at least one circular row, a 360° projection screen surrounding the audience platform and comprising a dome portion, and a plurality of projectors being arranged to project images on the entire projection screen, wherein the audience platform has a circular outer circumference, the curvature of which substantially corresponds to the curvature of the spherical dome portion and the spherical extension portion of the projection screen. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the seats in the circular row are arranged such that the guests, when seated, are oriented radially inwardly, so that the viewing direction is directly towards the opposite surface of the projection screen. 
         [0018]    According to a preferred embodiment, the motion base is formed substantially in a shape of a ring, said ring being supported so as to tilt about a tilting axis extending along a diameter of the dome portion of the projection screen and to rotate about a rotating axis extending transverse to the tilting axis. The ring-shaped configuration of the motion base allows to keep the central part of the area below the dome free from any support structure, so that the audience&#39;s view is not disturbed in any way. 
         [0019]    Particularly preferred, the audience platform is also in the form of a ring. 
         [0020]    In order to enable the audience to easily and quickly access and/or leave the audience platform, a preferred embodiment provides for at least one circular loading and unloading platform arranged within the projection screen, an outer diameter of said loading and unloading platform substantially corresponding to an inner diameter of the ring-shaped audience platform. 
         [0021]    According to a preferred embodiment, an outer diameter of said circular loading and unloading platform substantially corresponds to an inner diameter of a lower opening of the spherical extension portion. In this way the loading and unloading platform, if arranged to be raised to a level of the audience platform and lowered to a parking position, forms a bottom of the projection screen in its lowered parking position. In this position, the loading and unloading platform may serve as an additional projection screen surface, so that a 360° projection can be realized not only in a horizontal plane, but also in a vertical plane. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The invention will now be further explained with reference to the drawings: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention with an audience platform in a loading position, 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the invention with the audience platform in an elevated position, 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of the first embodiment of the invention, 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention with an audience platform in a loading position, 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates a first cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention, 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  illustrates a second cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the invention, and 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5 , 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  illustrates a third cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled n the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing form the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
         [0032]    It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the germs “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 1 , in a first embodiment of the invention, a projection screen  1  is illustrated which comprises a dome portion  2  and an extension portion  3  in the shape of a cylinder. The dome portion  2  has the shape of a hemispherical dome. The cylindrical extension portion  3  immediately adjoins the dome portion  2  so that a continuous projection screen  1  is achieved. The projection screen  1  is supported on a cylindrical base wall  4 , which in turn is supported on a bottom plate  5 . If desired, the cylindrical base wall  4  may be used as an additional projection screen. 
         [0034]    A portion of the bottom plate  5  that is arranged under the dome  2  serves as a first loading and unloading platform  6 . A second loading and unloading platform  7  is arranged on a higher level. The first and the second loading platform  6  and  7  are used by guests to easily access a first audience platform  8  and a second audience platform  9 . The first audience platform  8  and the second audience platform  9  are formed substantially in a shape of a ring and are both mounted to a motion base  10 . 
         [0035]    The motion base  10  is arranged to surround a tower structure  11 , which is serving as a shaft to guide the motion base  10  in the height direction (double arrow  12 ). Specifically, the motion base  10  comprises an inner circular structure  13 , which is guided on vertical guiding rails mounted on the tower structure  11  for allowing vertical movement of the motion base  10 . The vertical movement is driven by means of hydraulic cylinders  14  supported in a basement  16 . Further the motion base  10  comprises an outer circular structure  15  arranged to be coaxial to the inner circular structure  13  and guided to be rotatable relative to the inner circular structure  13  according to arrow  17  ( FIG. 3 ). The first and second audience platforms  8  and  9  are mounted to the outer circular structure  15 . A rotational drive for rotating the outer circular structure  15  is also provided (not shown). The rotational drive and the vertical drive (hydraulic cylinders  14 ) can be operated independently from each other so that any combination of vertical movement and rotational movement can be imparted to the first and second audience platforms  8  and  9 . 
         [0036]    A plurality of seats  18  is mounted to the first and second audience platforms  8  and  9  in a circular row, as can be seen in the top view according to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    In order to project motion picture on the projection screen  1  a plurality of projectors are arranged to project images onto the outside of the screen  1 . The projection system is set up with high resolution projectors in a geometrical alignment which ensures a homogeneous projection of the individual image areas. Each separate image area overlaps with the adjacent areas to allow pixel-exact overlay in the transient areas by using digital image warping and blending to create a seamless overall projection. 
         [0038]    An auto-alignment system can be integrated to take care of either initial projection setup as well ongoing adjustments to guarantee a fully automatic calibration of the entire projection. This is realized with a number of network-cameras which observe the full projection area. 
         [0039]    The camera-system is also used to capture areas inside the entire projection which need to be digitally black masked e.g. for eventual movable platforms (such as the loading and unloading platform of  FIG. 5-8 ). 
         [0040]    In particular, the projectors are arranged to project motion picture on the entire projection screen. The projection screen surrounds the first and second audience platforms  8  and  9  so that the screen extends over an angle of 360° when seen in a horizontal plane (see  FIG. 3 ). Further, the dome portion  2  and the extension portion  3  of the projections screen  1  are arranged and realized such that they together provide a projection surface extending over an angle α of more than 180° measured in a vertical plane from a center of the dome. 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 2  the first and second audience platforms  8  and  9  are shown in an elevated position. Accordingly, the hydraulic cylinders  14  are shown in an extended position. 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 3  the circular row of seats  18  is illustrated. Further, it is shown that the tower structure  11  has a rectangular cross section. 
         [0043]    Further, an access path  19  is illustrated, via which guests can access the first and second loading and unloading platforms  6  and  7 . After the ride is terminated, the guest can leave the first and second loading and unloading platforms  6  and  7  on the opposite side by way of exit path  20 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment, which is substantially identical with the embodiment according to  FIGS. 1-3 , but has a third audience platform  21  and corresponding third loading and unloading platform  22 . 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 5 , in a third embodiment of the invention, a projection screen  23  is illustrated, which comprises a dome portion  24  and an extension portion  25  in the form of a spherical extension of the dome portion  24 . The extension portion  25  extends the hemispherical dome of the dome portion  24  to a dome extending over a segment of a sphere having an angle α greater than 180°, in particular at least 210°, measured in a vertical plane from a center of the dome. The extension portion  25  immediately adjoins the dome portion  24  so that a continuous projection screen  23  is achieved. 
         [0046]    A motion base  26  is arranged in the spherical projection screen  23  and is formed substantially in a shape of a ring. An audience platform  27  is supported on the motion base  26  and is also formed substantially in a shape of a ring. The outer diameter of the audience platform  27  essentially corresponds with the diameter of the spherical projection screen  23 . However, there is a small gap x of not more than 2m between the outer circumference of the audience platform  27  and the projection screen  23  in order to allow a friction free movement of the motion base  26  and the audience platform  27  within the dome. The motion base  26  is supported so as to tilt about a tilting axis  28  extending along a diameter of the spherical projection screen  23  and to rotate about a rotating axis  29  extending transverse to the tilting axis  28 . The tilting axis  28  is shown in  FIG. 6 , which is a cross sectional view along line VI-VI of  FIG. 5 . Further,  FIG. 6  shows two diametrically opposed pivoting shafts  30  that penetrate the projection screen  23  and support the motion base  26 . 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 5  the motion base  26  and the audience platform  27  are shown in a first tilted position and in a second tilted position in dotted lines. In the first tilted position the motion base  26  and the audience platform  27  have been tilted by an angle β30° from the horizontal position. In the second tilted position the motion base  26  and the audience platform  27  have been tilted by an angle β of −30° from the horizontal position. 
         [0048]    A tilting drive  31  is provided for tilting the motion base  26  about the tilting axis  28 . Further, a rotational drive for rotating the motion base  26  around the rotational axis  29  is also provided (not shown). The rotational drive and the tilting drive  31  can be operated independently from each other so that any combination of rotational movement and tilting movement can be imparted to the audience platform  27 . The tilting drive  31  and the rotational drive each comprise an electric or hydraulic motor. 
         [0049]    A plurality of seats  32  are mounted to the audience platform  27  in a circular row, as can be seen in the top view according to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0050]    In order to project motion picture on the projection screen  23  a plurality of projectors are arranged. The projectors are arranged such that the image of each projector overlaps the image of an adjacent projector. In this way, a continuous image can be projected on the entire projection screen  23 . 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 5  a loading and unloading platform  33  is shown in an elevated position, i.e. on the same level as the audience platform  27 . The loading and unloading platform  33  is used by guests to easily access the audience platform  27 . The loading and unloading platform  33  has a circular circumference and has an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the audience platform  27 . The loading and unloading platform  33  is mounted on a hydraulic cylinder  34  so as to be movable in the vertical direction. During the ride, the loading and unloading platform  34  can be lowered so as to reach the parking position shown in  FIG. 6 . In this parking position the loading and unloading platform  34  closes the opening  35  of the dome  23 . In the parking position the loading and loading platform  34  may be used as an additional projection screen. This allows the user to totally immerse into a virtual world, because he is completely surrounded by moving images. 
         [0052]    In particular, the projectors are arranged to project motion picture on the entire projection screen  23 . The projection screen  23  surrounds the audience platforms  27  so that the screen extends over an angle of 360° when seen in a horizontal plane (see  FIG. 8 ). Further, the dome portion  24  and the extension portion  25  of the projections screen  23  are arranged and realized such that they together provide a projection surface extending over an angle α of more than 210° measured in a vertical plane from a center of the dome. 
         [0053]    In the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  the motion base  26  is arranged to be movable in the height direction. To this end, the pivoting shaft can be moved between an position  30  and a position  30 ′. In this configuration, the projection screen has a dome portion  24 , a first extension portion and a second extension portion. The first extension portion  36  is in the form of a cylinder, the height of which substantially corresponds to the length of the travel path of the movable pivoting shaft  30 . The first extension portion  36  comprises a vertical slit in order to allow a vertical movement of pivoting shaft  30 . The second extension portion  37  (corresponding to the extension portion  25  of the embodiment according to  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) is a spherical extension of the dome portion  24 . 
         [0054]    In the top view according to  FIG. 8  an access path  38  and an access door  39  are illustrated, via which guests can access the audience platform  27  and the loading and unloading platform  33 . After the ride is terminated, the guest can leave the audience platform  27  and the loading and unloading platform  33  on the opposite side by way of exit door  41  and exit path  40 . The access path  38  and the exit path  40  are situated on the same level as the audience platform  27  and the loading and unloading platform  33  when in its loading and unloading position. 
         [0055]    The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0056]    Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.