Patent Publication Number: US-2023149822-A1

Title: Modular sensory platform

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/278,983 filed on Nov. 12, 2021 and entitled MODULAR SENSORY PLATFORM, the entire contents of Application 63/278,983 being expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditionally, an experiential performance event or haunted house tour may rely on homemade or piecemeal enhancements to the sensory environment, such as overhead lighting and a mood-setting soundtrack. A museum tour, for example, may simulate ancient village life with a static set of local plants and buildings and a headphone recording or written placards guiding one through the tour. Unfortunately, the experience of a guest traveling though a low-budget event may be humdrum. 
     In a more elaborate or income-generating production, such as a theme park event or a flight simulator, the creators of the show may procure a custom virtual reality (VR) set with 2-way responsivity, motion platforms having six degrees of freedom (6DOF), and/or wind generators, fog, and other special effects. However, putting together an elaborate event or simulator tends to require a custom design, be very costly, have a long lead time, and serves a very exclusive clientele. A venue may also vary in floor area from tens of square feet to thousands of square feet, again requiring a custom design for each entertainment or training event. 
     In summary, there is gap in the art between event enhancements which are boring and inexpensive and those which highly impactful but prohibitively expensive. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In an embodiment, there is disclosed a modular sensory platform for amplifying a virtual reality, augmented reality, or real experience, including, but not limited to, haunted houses, training environments, museums, and other virtual and “real” experiences (henceforth “guest experience”) for a guest residing on the sensory platform located on an event floor of a venue. The platform may comprise an array of one or more standardized deck modules configurable to provide a contiguous platform walking area. Each of the one or more deck modules may have a deck frame with frame corners and a base deck for mounting to the event floor. The platform may further comprise a side edge bordering each of the decks, and a deck standing surface opposite the bottom side and removably mountable to each of the deck frames for supporting the guest. 
     The platform may further comprise a lift actuator positioned near multiple frame corners in the array for changing an actuating distance between the event floor and the standing surface according to a lift signal for each of the lift actuators. The actuating distance may be variable over a vertical travel. The platform may further comprise a predefined deck gap between any two adjacent decks in the contiguous array. One or more articulating joints may attach to the side edges corresponding to the predefined deck gap and thereby stabilize the deck gap while allowing the vertical travel. 
     The platform may further comprise a platform controller connectable to one or more of the deck modules in the array and preconfigurable to select or provide the lift signal for each of the lift actuators. The lift actuator may be configured to lift a corner from each of two decks when exactly two decks meet at their common corner. The platform controller may be configured to generate lift signals for achieving at least one of the following motion envelopes of the array for amplifying the guest experience: a ripple pattern, a uniform rise, a uniform drop, a tilt, a convex shape, and a concave shape. 
     In another embodiment, there is disclosed a modular sensory platform for generating or amplifying a guest experience on the sensory platform located on an event floor of a venue. The platform may comprise at least one deck module each having a deck frame with a base deck mounted to the event floor. A standing surface may removably mount to the deck frame opposite the base deck for supporting the guest. A side edge may border each deck module. 
     The platform may further comprise at least one lift actuator positioned along the side edge of or under at least one of the decks for changing an actuating distance between the event floor and the corresponding standing surface according to a lift signal for each actuator. The actuating distance may be variable over a vertical travel. One or more sensory stimuli may each be receivable of a stimulus signal and may be configured for mounting within each of the at least one deck module. The stimuli may include one or more of a vibration buzzer, a low-frequency transducer, a smoke effects unit, a heater, a water spritzer, air blast and scent supply lines, an air blaster and scent emitter, a haptic device, fiber optic lighting, LED lighting, and a fog unit. 
     The platform may further include a platform controller connected to each of the at least one deck and which may be preconfigured to select or provide the stimulus signal for each of the one or more sensory stimuli. The platform controller may also be preconfigured to select or provide the lift signal for each of the at least one lift actuator. One or both of the low frequency transducer and the vibration buzzer may be mounted such that a vibration in the standing surface is excitable. The platform controller may be configured to coordinate with event activities of the venue in order to further generate or amplify the guest experience. 
     In yet another embodiment, there is disclosed a method for generating or amplifying a virtual reality, augmented reality, or real experience for a guest attending an entertainment, display, performance, or training event in a venue. The method may comprise aggregating a plurality of standardized deck modules, each having a frame with corners. The deck modules may further include a side edge bordering the deck, a bottom side resting on an event floor of the venue, and a standing surface opposite the bottom side. A deck gap between adjacent decks of the plurality may be less than  1  inch for establishing a contiguous platform walking area 
     The method may further include integrating one or more sensory stimuli into each of the plurality of decks, where each stimuli may be receivable of a stimulus signal. The stimuli may include one or more of a vibration buzzer, a low-frequency transducer, a smoke effects unit, a water spritzer, a fog unit, air lines to an air blaster, scent lines for emitting scent, a heater, LED lighting, fiber optic lighting, and a haptic device. The method may further include mounting a lift actuator near the corners of each of the plurality of decks. The lift actuator may be capable of changing a distance between the event floor and the standing surface according to a lift signal. 
     The method may further comprise applying the stimulus signals to the one or more sensory stimuli via a platform controller and according to an experiential program of the controller coordinating with the event. The stimulus signals may generate one or more of the following effects for the guest: haptic, sound, smoke, mist, fog, air blast, scent, heat, and lighting. The method may further comprise applying the lift signals to the lift actuators via the platform controller and according to the experiential program. The lift actuators may generate one or more of the following motion envelopes in the platform walking area: a ripple pattern, a uniform rise, a uniform drop, a tilt, a convex shape, and a concave shape. Together, the platform walking area, the sensory stimuli, the lift actuators, and the platform controller may form the modular sensory floor generating or amplifying the guest experience. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the technology will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Illustrative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a sensory deck module in a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a control diagram for an aggregation of the deck modules for a modular sensory platform in an event environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an underside view of a deck module for a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates lift actuators in a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a side view of a concave motion in a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6   a    illustrates an articulating joint between two adjacent decks in a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6   b    illustrates various motion envelopes in a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a plan view of exemplary deck aggregations in a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates air apertures for an air blaster in a modular sensory platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments are described more fully below in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     When elements are referred to as being “connected” or “coupled,” the elements can be directly connected or coupled together, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements are referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled,” there are no intervening elements present. 
     The subject matter may be embodied as devices, systems, methods, and/or computer program products. Accordingly, some or all the subject matter may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, state machines, gate arrays, etc.) Furthermore, the subject matter may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. 
     Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information, and which can accessed by an instruction execution system. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, of otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. 
     Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media. 
     When the subject matter is embodied in the general context of computer-executable instructions, the embodiment may comprise program modules, executed by one or more systems, computers, or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. 
     As may be appreciated, based on the disclosure, there exists a need in the art for a low-cost sensory platform providing a standardized module integrated with a palette of adjustable sensory stimuli which enhance an entertainment, display, performance, or training event. Additionally, there exists a need in the art for a modular system for generating or amplifying a guest experience for venues whose floor area varies widely. Further, there exists a need in the art for implementing a simplified enhancement to an event experience in a short timeline. 
     First described are some integrated modular components of the disclosed system, followed by an aggregation of those components to form a complete system. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , in various embodiments, a modular sensory platform  10  may generate or amplify a guest  17  experience on the sensory platform  10  which may be located on an event floor  11  ( FIG.  5   ) of a venue  12  ( FIG.  2   ). The platform  10  may include at least one deck module  20  each having a deck frame  22  with a base deck (bottom side)  23  mountable to the event floor  11 . Each deck module  20  may include a standing surface  24  removably mountable to the deck frame  22  opposite the base deck  23  and configured to support the guest  17 . The standing surface  24  may be a non-slip covering. A side edge  26  may border each of the decks  20 . 
     The venue  12  may be a theater, a theme park, a museum, a training center, a concert hall, or any location where creators of event activities  13  ( FIG.  2   ) may wish to deepen a somatic experience of the guest  17 . Event activities  13  (experiential event) of the venue  12  may include one or more of a virtual reality program, an immersive theme experience, a museum display, a training simulator, a haunted house, a movie queue, a video broadcast, recorded music, a theater production, a concert, and an extreme environment simulator. The modular sensory platform  10  may be configured to amplify a virtual reality (VR), augmented reality, or real experience of the guest  17 . 
     Continuing, at least one lift actuator  30  may be positioned along the side edge  26  or under at least one of the decks  20  for changing an actuating distance  42  ( FIG.  5   ) between the event floor  11  and the corresponding standing surface  24 . Each of the lift actuators  30  ( FIG.  4   ) may be directed to extend or retract in accordance with a lift signal (not shown) supplied to each actuator. The actuating distance  42  may vary over a vertical travel  44  ( FIG.  1   ). For example, the vertical travel  44  between a maximum and minimum distance  42  may be approximately one inch. Alternatively, the vertical travel  44  of the deck  20  may be configured to be several inches. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , in various embodiments, the lift actuator  30  may be actuated by pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric means, and the lift signal may be a control of air pressure, hydraulic pressure, or electrical signaling, respectively. For example, the lift signal may be an electrical signal delivered to the lift actuators  30  for simulating an earthquake for the guest  17  standing on the deck  20 , for enhancing a musical track generated by loudspeakers in the venue  12 , or for tilting the deck  20  for amplifying a virtual reality experience. The deck modules  20  may conform to a standard size for modular aggregation of multiple decks, and may be rectangular with frame corners  27  of the deck frame  22 . Signaling the lift actuators  30  which are each positioned at the frame corners  27  of the deck may produce one or more of a tilt, a uniform rise, and a uniform drop in the standing surface. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , in various embodiments, the lift actuator  30  may include a mounting base (or floor base)  31  for mounting to or positioning on the event floor  11 . Mounting base  31  may be a flat mounting base for mounting to the event floor  11 . The actuator  30  may also include an extension  32  opposite the mounting base for attaching to the deck module  20  and effecting the vertical travel  44 . In one embodiment, the extension  32  may be an extension rod, as shown in  FIG.  4   , projecting upwards for attachment to the deck  20 . Alternatively, the extension  32  may be a lateral or vertical flange or plate (not shown) attachable to the side edge  26  or bottom side  23  of the deck frame  22 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  4   , a pneumatic actuator  30  may include an air input hose  34  for receiving air pressure to create the vertical travel  44 , an air exhaust hose  36  for retracting the actuator  30 , and a control valve (not shown) for controlling the actuator  30 . A solenoid (not shown) may be included for electrically engaging the actuator  30 . In one embodiment, the actuator  30  may be mounted to the event floor  11  and the to the deck frame  22  above. In alternative embodiments, the deck may comprise a lower section (not shown) mounted to the floor  11  and an upper section (not shown) to which the standing surface  24  is mounted, where the actuators  30  may be integral to the deck and in between the lower and the upper sections of the deck  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , in various embodiments, one or more sensory stimuli may be mounted within each deck  20  to enhance the somatic experience of the guest  17 . Each of the sensory stimuli may be receivable of a stimulus signal (not shown) for controlling the stimuli. The one or more sensory stimuli may be configured for mounting within each of the at least one deck module  20 , the stimuli including one or more of a vibration buzzer  50 , a low-frequency transducer  51 , a smoke effects unit  52 , a heater  53 , a water spritzer  54 , air blast and scent supply lines  55 , an air blaster and scent emitter  56 , a haptic device  57 , fiber optic lighting (not shown), LED lighting  59  ( FIG.  1   ), and a fog unit  60 . In a preferred embodiment, the one or more stimuli may be mounted underneath the standing surface  24 , with the exception of lighting  58  and  59 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , in various embodiments, each sensory stimulus may be configured to receive the stimulus signal from a platform controller  14  of the modular sensory platform  10 . The platform controller  14  may be configured to connect to each deck  20  and may be preconfigured to select or provide the stimulus signal for each of the one or more sensory stimuli. The platform controller  14  may also be preconfigured to select or provide the lift signal for each lift actuator  30  and may be configured to coordinate with activities  13  of the event for a synchronized virtual reality, augmented reality, or real experience. 
     Continuing, in various embodiments, the haptic device  57  may be any device that stimulates a sense of touch. For example, the haptic device may be incorporated as a leg tickler  57  comprising one or more pneumatically actuated hose whips (not shown) extending upward from the standing surface  24  and fed by air pressure from the air supply line  55 . The fog unit  60  may be mounted to the deck frame  22  and may be configured to release fog or mist upwards through slits or apertures in the standing surface  24  when signaled by the platform controller  14 . The fog unit may also serve as a plenum for storing at least one of fog and mist prior to release. 
     One or both of the low frequency transducer  51  and the vibration buzzer  50  may be mounted such that vibration is directly coupled to the standing surface  24  when signaled by the platform controller  14 . For example, one or both of the low frequency transducer  51  and the vibration buzzer  50  may be mounted to the deck frame  22  and/or the underside of the standing surface  24  in order to excite a vibration in the standing surface  24 . The low frequency transducer  51  may be configured to generate sound at or below the low end of the human audio spectrum (e.g., 20-100 Hz). The vibration buzzer  50  may also be a knocker device (not shown) that delivers a percussive impulse to the deck frame  22  in a way that conducts the impulse to the guest  17 . Each deck  20  may include one or more low frequency transducers and/or one or more vibration buzzers, or may not include any low frequency transducers or vibration buzzers. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3  and  8   , in various embodiments, the air and scent lines  55  may be configured to receive the respective stimulus signals from the platform controller  14  for controlling the air blaster and scent emission  56 . The standing surface  24  may include multiple air apertures  68  in the standing surface connectable to one or both of the air scent lines for providing the air blast and the scent stimulus, respectively. The standing surface of each deck may be divided into quadrants with a grouping of several air apertures in the center of each quadrant. The air blast and scent tubing may terminate at an air/scent inlet on the side edge of each deck for connection to the control and data line delivering stimulus input signals. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in various embodiments, LED strip lighting  59  may be positioned along the side edges  26  and/or the standing surface  24  of the deck  20 . Fiber optic lighting  58  (not shown) may be embedded in the standing surface  24  and may be fed with a light source. Lighting  58  and  59  may be turned on and off by respective stimulus signaling from the platform controller  14 . An experiential program of the program controller may synchronize stimulus signaling and actuator signaling with event activities  13  of the event to amplify the guest experience. LED lighting may also be synchronized with other stimuli of the sensory platform, such as the low frequency transducers or the vibration buzzer. Alternatively, the LED lighting may illuminate the platform when ambient lighting is low or may direct guests to various portions of the platform in synchrony with activities of an immersion experience or a training event. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 3   , in various embodiments, a control and data line  18  may conduct the lift and the stimulus signals from the platform controller  14  to each of the deck modules  20 , where the control and data line  18  may include wired and/or wireless connections. The control and data line  18  may include one or both of an air supply for the air blaster and air pressure for actuating the lift actuators. The control and data line  18  may also include a cable for conducting stimulus and lift signals including one or more of control signals and audio signals for the low frequency transducers  51  and/or vibration buzzer  50 . A set of input terminals on the low frequency transducer  51  may connect to an audio input signal source located either on the deck  20  or in the platform controller  14 . Additionally, vibration buzzers  50  may be configured to be controlled via the control and data line  18  ( FIG.  2   ) to provide the stimulus signal producing the sound or vibration. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  2  and  3   , a portion of a functionality of the platform controller  14  may be distributed onto a deck controller (not shown) disposed on each deck  20  for one or more of aggregating control and data delivery at a central location, storing sensory signals or signals such as scents and audio tracks, audio processing and amplification functions for driving the low frequency transducers  51  and/or vibration buzzers  50 , and storing preconfigured audio patterns selectable by a user of the sensory platform  10 . 
     Continuing, the platform controller  14  may be preconfigurable by providing an option to store one or more lift signals for actuating the lift actuator  30 , or may be preconfigurable by providing an option to select a pre-stored lift signal. The platform controller  14  may also be configured to respond to real time effects triggers (not shown), based on guest interaction, through an effects feed connection  28 . The decks  20  may include sensors, such as a pressure sensor or a motion sensor, that respond to the weight of the guest  17  by turning on and off portions of the LED lighting  59 . The decks  20  may also include sensory inputs for receiving guest inputs, such as a GPS location or heart rate, from a smart phone of the guest which may then provide a sensory response, such as turning on the LED lightning, stimulating the vibration buzzer, or any other stimuli built into the standing deck. The sensory inputs and the guest responses may be routed through the effects feed connection  28  and through control and data line  18  to platform controller  14 . 
     The platform controller  14  may also be preconfigurable by providing an option to store one or more stimulus signals for activating one or more of the sensory stimuli or may be preconfigurable by providing an option to select from multiple pre-stored stimulus signals. For example, the signaling of the scent blaster  56  may include storing one or more scents within each of the decks where the platform controller  14  may include a user interface (not shown) for selecting which scent to release at a particular rate, time, and duration. In another example, the stimulus signal for the low frequency transducer  51  may include one or more audio profiles selectable for routing to the low frequency transducer  51 . Alternately, the signal for the low frequency transducer  51  may be an input from any audio source. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  2  and  3   , in various embodiments, a selected lift signal may specify one or more of on/off times, a vibration frequency, an amount of the vertical travel, and an air pressure for the lift actuator  30 . The control and data line  18  may control the delivery of air pressure to the air input hoses  34  of the lift actuators  30 . Control and data line  18  may also deliver NC power and data to trigger the scent  56 , water  54 , fog or mist  60 , and lighting  58  and  59 . The platform controller  14  may also deliver data and control information through wireless means such as a WiFi or cloud networking. NC power  15  may preferably be delivered to each deck separately from the control and data line  18 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  2  and  5 - 7   , in various embodiments, an array  25  of standardized deck modules  20  may be configured to form a contiguous platform walking area  25   a.  A predefined deck gap  74  may be established between any two adjacent decks  20  in the contiguous array  25 . The decks  20  may be a standardized rectangle, square, or other regular polygon for forming a contiguous array  25 . One or more articulating joints  70  may link the side edges  26  corresponding to each deck gap  74  for bridging and stabilizing the adjacent decks  20  while allowing free movement during lift actuation. Alternatively, mounting the lift actuators  30  to the event floor  11  may stabilize the decks at the predefined deck gap  74  without using the joints  70 . Beneficially, the modular sensory platform  10  may be configured as any contiguous shape  25   a  and size ( FIG.  7   ) that may thereby accommodate a wide range of venues  12 . 
     Continuing, the articulating joint  70  may be a hinge allowing the adjacent decks to articulate in a vertical plane perpendicular to the deck gap  74 . The deck gap  74  may be less than around one inch. In a preferred embodiment, the predefined deck gap may be less than around ½ inch. The hinge  70  may comprise two vertical pads or plates (not shown) attachable to the side edge of each of the adjacent decks and linked by a hinge pin parallel to and between the two side edges. To facilitate vertical deck travel, each of the plates may further be housed in a sliding jacket (not shown). Alternately, the articulating joint may be constructed of a flap of rubber or elastomer fastened to each of the adjacent side edges  26  or standing surface  24  for stretching during up or down movement of the decks  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 5   , in an embodiment, the lift actuator  30  may be positioned near or at each frame corner  27  in the array  25  so that one actuator  30  may lift a common frame corner  27  of exactly two adjacent decks. The lift actuator  30  may be configured with two extensions for attaching to and lifting the exactly two adjacent decks meeting at their common corner. Similarly, in the larger arrays  25  of rectangular decks  20  (see  FIG.  7   ), many of the frame corners will be shared by four decks, and the lift actuator  30  may be configured with four extensions for attaching to and lifting exactly four decks at their common corner. For example, the 16-module array in  FIG.  7    has seven common corners shared by four decks. Beneficially, the use of double and quadruple-extension actuators  30  may substantially reduce cost, simplify installation, and better stabilize the relative deck positions compared to using single-extension actuators  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , in an embodiment, the actuator extension  32  may include a swivel  33  at an outer end of the extension  32  in order to accommodate oblique angles of the deck  20  as it moves through the actuating distance. In one embodiment, the swivel  33  may be a rod swivel embedded in an end of the extension rod  32 . The swivel may be a universal joint of any kind that facilitates a rigid attachment of the deck frame while allowing angular movement of the deck. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the decks  20  may be dimensioned at a 4×8 feet standard. Alternatively, half-sizes such as 4×4 feet or 2×4 feet, or double sizes such as 8×8 feet, and other integer subsets or supersets of the standard deck size may be combined while meeting a criterion that the corners line up for facilitating a common lift actuator. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  5  and  6     a , in various embodiments, one or more elastic gap fillers  76  may be configured to substantially fill the predefined deck gap  74  being stabilized by the one or more articulating joints  70 . The gap filler  76  may be a foam strip placed along a portion of the deck gap near the standing surface  24  and above the corresponding one or more articulating joints  70 . The foam strip may expand during a convex lifting of the adjacent decks and may compress during a concave sinking of the adjacent decks ( FIG.  5   ), and may thereby prevent tripping as the guest  17  walks across the deck gap  74 . In another embodiment not shown, a foam strip may cover the entire length of the deck gap  74 . In another embodiment, the deck gap  74  may be covered by a flexible standing surface  24  larger than the size of the deck  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6     b , in various embodiments, the platform controller  14  may be configured to generate lift signals for achieving at least one of the following motion envelopes ( FIG.  6   b   ) of the array  25  and thereby amplify the guest experience: a ripple pattern, a uniform rise, a uniform drop, a tilt, a convex shape, and a concave shape. The motion envelope may refer to the shape of the platform walking area  25   a  at a moment in time during articulation (e.g. convex up, tilt). Additionally, the motion envelope may refer to a continuously changing form (e.g. the ripple). A wave or ripple motion may be varied in frequency, wavelength, and/or direction (left-right, forward-back) to produce a three-dimensional effect. Beneficially, this wave action may generate or amplify an experience of an earthquake or ocean surface without the sophistication and expense of a flight simulator having six degrees freedom (6DOF). 
     In embodiments not shown, a common air inlet on the deck  20  may feed both the air input hoses  34  of the lift actuators  30  and the air inlet lines  55  for the air blaster and the scent emitter  56 . The deck  20  may include a deck controller (not shown) for regulating an air pressure of the air blaster and may store and initiate an air blast signal. Also, referring to  FIG.  1   , one or more handles  21  may be disposed on the deck  20  or carrying and placing the decks onto the event floor  11 , and may be recessed concavities or retractable appendages. 
     Advantageously, a variety of selectable and preconfigurable signals or signals for a variety of sensory stimuli and lift actuators may generate or enhance the guest experience without the cost of a customized product. As indicated herein, the “guest experience” can be virtual reality, augmented reality, or real experience. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , in an alternative embodiment, a fog plenum  64  may be configured to cap each of short ends of the rectangular deck  20  and may include a fog outlet slot  63  adjacent to and facing toward the standing surface  24  and a fog duct inlet  62  facing away. Additionally, the fog outlets  63  may be vents in the standing deck  24  releasing fog from a plenum underneath standing deck  24 . 
     The platform controller  14  may be configured to coordinate with activities  13  of the event to stimulate or amplify the guest experience. The platform controller  14  may connect to any number of decks  20  through the control and data line  18  and may be preconfigured to select the lift signal for each of the lift actuators  30 . A data connection may connect the platform controller  14  to an external event controller (not shown) for controlling activities of the event, such as playing a video, managing stage lighting, or operating robotic characters of an ongoing production. The event data connection may thereby synchronize the operation of the platform controller  14  with queues of the event controller to amplify the overall guest experience. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  7   , in an embodiment, at least one additional deck module  20  may be dispersed from the contiguous array  25  of the one or more standardized deck modules by more than the predefined deck gap  74 . The additional decks  20  may provide an additional one or more of the platform walking areas  25   a,  be connected to the platform controller  14 , be configured with the lift actuators  30  and the one or more sensory stimuli, and thereby provide a distributed sensory platform  10  in the venue  12 . 
     In summary, generating or amplifying a virtual reality, augmented reality, or real experience for a guest may comprise aggregating a plurality of standardized deck modules  20  and linking the side edges  26  between adjacent decks with an articulating joint  70  for maintaining the predefined deck gap  74 . One or more sensory stimuli may be integrated into each of the plurality of decks  20 , where each stimuli is receivable of the stimulus signal. The lift actuator  30  may be mounted near the frame corners  27  of each deck  20  for changing the distance  42  between the event floor  11  and the standing surface  24  according to the lift signal. The platform controller  14  may apply, according to an experiential program of the controller coordinated with the event, the stimulus signals to the one or more sensory stimuli. The sensory stimuli may generate one or more of the following effects for the guest: haptic, sound, smoke, mist, fog, air blast, scent, heat, and lighting. The platform controller  14  may apply, according to the experiential program, the lift signals to the lift actuators  30  for creating one or more of the following motion envelopes in the platform walking area  25   a:  a ripple pattern, a uniform rise, a uniform drop, a tilt, a convex shape, and a concave shape. 
     Although the above embodiments have been described in language that is specific to certain structures, elements, compositions, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the technology defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, elements, compositions and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed technology. Since many embodiments of the technology can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.