Patent Description:
Many amusement park-style rides include ride vehicles that carry passengers along a ride path, such as a track. As the ride vehicle travels along the ride path, the ride vehicle may be subjected to a variety of ride path features, such as turns, loops, twists, and so forth, that are part of the ride path.

It is common for ride vehicles and amusement park-style attractions to include other features that enhance the ride vehicle experience for passengers. For example, ride vehicles, ride paths, and/or other elements of the ride system may include lights, speakers, interactive elements, specialized environments, and/or other features that provide sensory stimulation for the passenger in the ride vehicle to enhance the ride experience. It will be appreciated that passengers enjoying the ride vehicle experience may desire different levels of sensory stimulation.

<CIT> describes an amusement machine, for example a coin-freed arcade machine, that comprises at least one handle which upon being grasped by the user of the machine, severely vibrates the handle giving the sensation of receiving an electrical shock The machine may be a simulation of an electric chair.

The present invention is directed to a ride vibrator according to claim <NUM>, and a method of controlling a ride vibrator according to claim <NUM>. Additional features and embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present disclosure are summarized below.

In an example useful for understanding the present invention, a ride vibration system includes a rider support feature coupled to a ride vehicle and accessible to a rider positioned in the ride vehicle. The system includes a vibrator with a motor that rotates an eccentric mass to generate vibrations. The vibrator is at least partially integrated with the rider support feature and transfers the vibrations to the rider support feature. An input device receives a vibration intensity selection. A controller couples to the vibrator and to the input device. The controller receives the vibration intensity selection and controls the motor to control an intensity of the vibrations.

In an example useful for understanding the present invention, a ride vibration system includes a restraint system that restrains a rider in a seat and a vibrator that generates vibrations. An input device receives a vibration intensity selection for the ride vibration system. A controller couples the vibrator to the input device. The controller receives the vibration intensity selection and controls an intensity of the vibrations.

In accordance with an embodiment, a high-frequency vibrator includes a shaft. An eccentric mass couples to the shaft. The eccentric mass vibrates the shaft in response to rotation of the shaft. A vibrator housing receives the shaft and the eccentric mass. The vibrator housing couples to a ride vehicle. A bearing couples to the shaft. The bearing transfers shaft vibrations to the vibrator housing. A motor couples to the shaft and rotates the shaft. An input device comprises a first touch-sensitive sensor disposed on a first handle portion of a handle and a second touch-sensitive sensor disposed on a second handle portion of the handle, wherein the input device couples to the motor. The input device changes a rotational speed of the motor to control vibration of the vibrator in response to a rider contacting the first handle portion of the handle or the second handle portion of the handle.

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

For example, a first object could be termed a second object, and, similarly, a second object could be termed a first object, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "has," "having," "includes," "including," "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, are inclusive terms that specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, as used herein, the term "if" may be construed to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context.

Amusement parks include many rides that provide unique and entertaining experiences for riders. Amusement parks typically include a wide variety of rides to accommodate the thrill sensitivities and immersive experience desires of different visitors. Accordingly, these rides are designed around a hypothetical riders, such as children, teenagers, adults, and/or senior citizens. For example, the amount of twist, rotation, acceleration, deceleration, height of ride, special effects, etc. are designed with a hypothetical rider in mind. The rides may also be designed to include special effects to create a more immersive experience such as incorporating fog, water, and vibration. Unfortunately, what may be thrilling to a child may not be for a teenager or adult. In accordance with present embodiments, the same ride may include adjustable special effects or adjustable sensations to accommodate different riders. By including adjustable special effects, two different riders may have an equally satisfying experience on the same ride. For example, differently aged siblings or parents and their children may share a ride and receive a ride tailored to their personal preferences. The ride vibration system discussed in detail below may increase the immersive experience of a ride by simulating vibrations from gun recoil, vehicle movement, explosions, electrical shock, among others. Furthermore, the amount and/or intensity of the vibrations produced by the vibration system may be tailored to the rider.

<FIG> respectively illustrate a front view and a perspective view of a ride vibration system <NUM> in accordance with present embodiments. The ride vibration system <NUM> may include a seat <NUM> that receives a rider <NUM> and a restraint system <NUM> that holds the rider <NUM> in the seat <NUM> during the ride. During the ride various images and scenes may flash and/or pass by the rider <NUM>. The rider <NUM> may associate these images and scenes with vibration, electrical shock, among others. To enhance the experience and/or make it more lifelike, the ride vibration system <NUM> includes one or more vibrators <NUM> that generate vibrations at specific times during the ride. For example, if the scene involves the firing of a potato gun, the vibrators <NUM> may generate vibrations so that the rider <NUM> senses a motion associated with the rapid recoil of the gun. In another example, the scene may involve electricity, and the vibrators <NUM> may generate high-frequency vibrations that may fool the rider <NUM> into believing they are being electrically shocked.

As illustrated, the vibrators <NUM> may be placed within restraint handles <NUM> of the restraint system <NUM>. These restraint handles <NUM> may be grabbed by the rider <NUM> during the ride enabling vibrations generated by the vibrators <NUM> to be transferred through the handles <NUM> and into the hands and body of the rider <NUM>. The amount of vibration produced by the vibrator <NUM> is controlled with a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> communicatively couples to the vibrator <NUM> (e.g., wired connection, wireless connection). The controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may be a microprocessor that executes software to control motors (e.g., high frequency motors, stepper motors) to generate vibrations in response to the location, time, current scene/image of the ride, or a combination thereof. The processor <NUM> may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors.

The memory <NUM> may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory <NUM> may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory <NUM> may store processor executable instructions, such as firmware or software, for the processor <NUM> to execute. The memory <NUM> may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The memory <NUM> may store data, instructions, and any other suitable data. In operation, the processor <NUM> executes instructions on the memory <NUM> to control the vibrators <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may control the vibrators <NUM> in response to feedback from the rider <NUM> and/or a ride operator. For example, the ride vibration system <NUM> may include one or more input devices (e.g., buttons and/or dials <NUM>, touch sensitive handles) that enable the rider <NUM> to adjust the intensity of the vibrations generated by the vibrator <NUM>. These buttons and/or dials <NUM> may be placed on the restraint system <NUM>, on the handles <NUM>, and/or on the seat <NUM> enabling a rider <NUM> to easily access and change the vibrational intensity. In some embodiments, buttons or dials <NUM> may be placed out of reach of the rider <NUM> while on the ride. The vibrational intensity may therefore be adjusted before the ride by the rider <NUM> and/or the ride operator. For example, the ride operator may ask the rider <NUM> what their desired ride intensity level is. The ride operator may then adjust the dial and/or push the button(s) <NUM> in response to the feedback from the rider <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rider <NUM>, prior to getting onto the ride, may be provided information regarding increasing or decreasing the intensity of the ride (e.g., during an informational video). The rider <NUM> may then adjust the dial(s) and/or button(s) <NUM> prior to being restrained. Once restrained, the rider <NUM> may no longer be able to access the button(s) and/or dial(s) <NUM> or they may be deactivated.

The input device(s) may enable a variety of control of the vibrators <NUM>. For example, a dial <NUM> may enable an analog like input to the controller <NUM> regarding the desired vibrational intensity. That is, the vibrational intensity may be varied to multiple levels between no vibration and a maximum vibration of the vibrators <NUM>. Buttons <NUM> may similarly control the amount of vibrational feedback. For example, a button <NUM> may turn the vibrator <NUM> completely on or completely off. In some embodiments, depressing the button <NUM> repeatedly may change the vibrational intensity level. In still other embodiments, the ride vibration system <NUM> may include multiple buttons <NUM> (e.g., color coded buttons) with each one associated with a specific vibrational intensity (e.g., low, medium, high).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the ride vibration system <NUM> may include two buttons or dials <NUM> (e.g., input devices) placed on the restraint system <NUM> over the shoulders. These buttons or dials <NUM> may individually control the respective vibrators <NUM> in the proximately located handles <NUM> or elsewhere on the seat <NUM> or restraint system <NUM>. For example, one button <NUM> may control vibrators <NUM> in the handles <NUM> or just one of the handles <NUM> and the other button <NUM> may control vibrators <NUM> in the seat <NUM> and/or in the other handle <NUM>. The buttons or dials <NUM> may also control all of the vibrators <NUM>. For example, adjusting one of the buttons or dials <NUM> may adjust the intensity of all of the vibrators <NUM>. In some embodiments, the buttons <NUM> may control different vibrational special effects. For example, one of the buttons <NUM> may control the intensity of all of the vibrators <NUM> for simulating vehicle vibration, recoil vibration, etc. and the other button <NUM> may control the intensity of vibrations that simulate electrical shock.

In some embodiments, the ride vibration system <NUM> may include an input device(s) that senses the touch of the rider <NUM> on the handles <NUM> with one or more sensors (e.g., touch-sensitive sensors). These sensors couple to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM>, in response to a signal from the sensor, activates the vibrators <NUM>. In some embodiments, depending on where the rider <NUM> grips the handle <NUM> the controller <NUM> may adjust the intensity of the vibrations. For example, each handle <NUM> may be divided into sections (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more sections). These sections may be color coded, include written messages, and/or include a physical divider (e.g., bands, circumferential lip). In one embodiment, the sections may be color coded red, yellow, and green to indicate the vibrational intensity available to the rider <NUM>. In operation, the rider <NUM> may grab the section on the handle <NUM> that correlates to the desired level of vibration. The sensors (e.g., touch-sensitive sensors) detect the location of the rider's hands on the handles <NUM> and in response drives one or more vibrators <NUM> to create the desired vibrational intensity. For example, each handle <NUM> may include a vibrator <NUM> for each section. The controller <NUM> may therefore drive the vibrator <NUM> associated with that section. In some embodiments, instead of driving individual vibrators <NUM> differently, the controller <NUM> may adjust all of the vibrators <NUM> to match the desired intensity. For example, each handle <NUM> may include one or more vibrators <NUM> that are driven at the same intensity level depending on which section of the handle <NUM> the rider <NUM> grabs.

<FIG> respectively illustrate a perspective view and a front view of a ride vibration system <NUM> in accordance with present embodiments. As illustrated, the ride vibration system <NUM> includes a restraint system <NUM> that holds a rider in the seat <NUM>. As explained above, to enhance the experience and/or make it more lifelike, the ride vibration system <NUM> includes one or more vibrators <NUM> that generate vibrations at desired times during the ride. For example, the vibrators <NUM> may generate vibrations that transfer to the rider and simulate vehicle vibration, shock via electricity, recoil, among others. The vibrators <NUM> may be placed within upper and lower restraint handles <NUM> and <NUM> of the restraint system <NUM>. These restraint handles <NUM>, <NUM> may be grabbed by the rider <NUM> during the ride, thereby enabling the vibrations generated by the vibrators <NUM> to be transferred through the restraint handles <NUM>, <NUM> and into the hands and body of the rider <NUM>. The vibrator <NUM> is controlled with the controller <NUM>, which controls motors (e.g., high frequency motors, stepper motors) to generate vibrations. The controller <NUM> communicatively couples to the vibrator <NUM> (e.g., wired connection, wireless connection).

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may control the vibrators <NUM> in response to feedback from the rider <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may provide a different vibratory experience depending on if the upper or lower restraint handles <NUM>, <NUM> are grabbed. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may detect, with a sensor, if the upper restraint handles <NUM> are being used and provide a more intense vibratory sensation. Similarly, the controller <NUM> may detect, with a sensor, if the lower restraint handles <NUM> are being used and provide a less intense vibratory experience, or in some embodiments no vibration. This arrangement may be reversed with the vibrators <NUM> in the upper restraint handles <NUM> providing less intense vibrations than the vibrators <NUM> in the lower restraint handles <NUM>. In some embodiments, instead of detecting which restraint handles <NUM>, <NUM> are being used, the controller <NUM> may always turn on all of the vibrators <NUM> at the desired time and for a desired time period. However, each restrain handle <NUM>, <NUM> is insulated or separated such that transfer of vibrations from one to the other is blocked or resisted. The rider then determines the ride experience depending on which restraint handles <NUM>, <NUM> are grabbed. In order to block the transmission of vibration into the restraint <NUM>, the ride vibration system <NUM> may include dampers <NUM> between the restraint handles <NUM>, <NUM> to block and/or reduce the transmission of vibration into the restraint <NUM> and/or seat <NUM>.

<FIG> respectively illustrate a side view and a perspective view of a ride vibration system <NUM> in accordance with present embodiments. As illustrated, the ride vibration system <NUM> may include handles <NUM> with vibrators <NUM>. As illustrated, the handles <NUM> do not form part of the restraint system <NUM> (e.g., chest restraint <NUM>). However, the handles <NUM> are positioned so that the rider may grab the handles <NUM> if a more intense experience is desired. The ride vibration system <NUM> is similar to that of the vibration systems discussed above, wherein the vibratory experience may be similarly controlled with one or more buttons and/or dials <NUM> (e.g., input devices), by grabbing the handles <NUM>, or the like. In some embodiments, the handles <NUM> may have dual functions. For example, in addition to providing sensory effects when engaged by the rider, they may operate as joy sticks to guide other aspects of the ride.

<FIG> respectively illustrate a side view and a perspective view of a ride vibration system <NUM> in accordance with present embodiments. The ride vibration system <NUM> includes a lap restraint system <NUM> that holds a rider in the seat <NUM>. The lap restraint system <NUM> may include one or more restraint handles <NUM> that a rider may grab during the ride. Vibrators <NUM> may be placed within the restraint handles <NUM> of the restraint system <NUM>. These restraint handles <NUM> may be grabbed by the rider <NUM> during the ride, enabling the vibrations generated by the vibrators <NUM> to be transferred through the restraint handles <NUM> to the rider <NUM>. The ride vibration system <NUM> may be similar to that of the vibration systems discussed above, wherein the vibratory experience may be similarly controlled with one or more buttons and/or dials <NUM> (e.g., input devices).

<FIG> respectively illustrate a side view and a perspective view of a ride vibration system <NUM>. As illustrated, the ride vibration system <NUM> may be coupled to the seat <NUM>. For example, the ride vibration system <NUM> may include one or more vibrators <NUM> coupled to a seat cushion <NUM> and/or to a back cushion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the seat cushion <NUM> and/or the back cushion <NUM> may be made from a hard or semi-hard material to facilitate vibration transfer from the vibrators <NUM> to the rider. For example, the cushions <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from hard foam. The vibratory experience may be similarly controlled with one or more buttons and/or dials <NUM>. The buttons <NUM> may be placed on the restraint <NUM> and/or on the seat <NUM>. As explained above, these buttons <NUM> may control the vibrational intensity of one or more vibrators <NUM> to customize the ride experience for the rider.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the vibrator <NUM>. The vibrator <NUM> includes a motor <NUM> (e.g., high frequency motor, stepper motor). The motor <NUM> is contained within a housing <NUM> (e.g., motor housing). In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a vibration dampening material (e.g., rubber, plastic) that resists vibration transfer from the vibrator <NUM> into a seat and/or restraint. The motor <NUM> couples to a shaft <NUM> with an eccentric mass <NUM>. The eccentric mass <NUM> unevenly distributes weight about the shaft <NUM>, which creates vibration as the motor <NUM> rotates the shaft <NUM>. These vibrations may then be transferred to a housing <NUM> through bearings <NUM>. As illustrated, the bearings <NUM> support the shaft <NUM> within the housing <NUM> at two locations. In some embodiments, there may be a different number of bearings <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). In some embodiments, the two locations may be on opposite sides of the eccentric mass <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be the handle on a ride (e.g., restraint handle) or a separate housing placed within the handle or other portion of a restraint system or seat. The vibrators <NUM> may therefore be modular, which may facilitate replacement over the lifetime of the ride.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the vibrator <NUM>. The vibrator <NUM> includes a motor <NUM> (e.g., high frequency motor, stepper motor). The motor <NUM> is contained within a housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a vibration dampening material (e.g., rubber, plastic) that resists vibration transfer. The motor <NUM> couples to a shaft <NUM> with multiple eccentric masses <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). The eccentric masses <NUM> unevenly distributes weight about the shaft <NUM>, which creates vibration as the motor <NUM> rotates the shaft <NUM>. These vibrations may then be transferred to a housing <NUM> through bearings <NUM>. As illustrated, the bearings <NUM> support the shaft <NUM> within the housing <NUM> to block contact between the shaft <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The vibrator <NUM> may include multiple bearings <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). For example, a pair of bearings <NUM> may be placed on opposite sides of each eccentric mass <NUM> along the longitudinal axis of the shaft <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be placed in the handle on a ride (e.g., restraint handle) or a separate housing placed within the handle or other portion of a restraint system or seat.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the vibrator <NUM> with different features relative to the previously illustrated embodiments. The vibrator <NUM> includes a motor <NUM> (e.g., high frequency motor, stepper motor). The motor <NUM> is contained within a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be the handle on a ride (e.g., restraint handle) or a separate housing placed within the handle or other portion of a restraint system or seat. The motor <NUM> couples to a shaft <NUM> with an eccentric mass <NUM>. The eccentric mass <NUM> unevenly distributes weight about the shaft <NUM>, which vibrates the shaft <NUM> as the motor <NUM> rotates the shaft <NUM>. These vibrations may then be transferred to a housing <NUM> through one or more connectors <NUM>, such as annular rings that couple to the motor <NUM> and to the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may couple to a mounting plate <NUM> that enables the vibrator <NUM> to couple to a ride. In some embodiments, the mounting plate <NUM> may be made out of or include a layer of vibration dampening material (e.g., rubber, plastic) that resists vibration transfer to a restraint system and/or a seat.

Present embodiments address a need for variability in haptic effects that can be efficiently presented for entertainment purposes during an amusement park ride. As discussed above, technical effects of the present embodiments include the ability to select certain thrill levels or intensity levels that are implemented through controlled vibration levels. It should be understood that other effects may also be controlled in conjunction with these haptic effects. For example, lighting on the ride vehicle or along the ride path may be adjusted in conjunction with the vibrational effects. Likewise, other sensory-based activity (e.g., audio presentation, video display, olfactory emission) may be coordinated with selected vibrational levels. As a result of implementing embodiments in accordance with the present techniques, the appeal of an amusement park ride can be multiplied. Indeed, a single ride system may appeal to numerous age groups and riders with varying thrill level interests.

Further, technical effects in accordance with present embodiments include efficient and intuitive selection of thrill levels. For example, selection of a thrill level may be required as part of engaging with the ride vehicle and mistaken adjustment may be avoided by blocking thrill level selection activities after the ride has started. However, in some embodiments, thrill level selection can be made throughout a course of the ride. Also, efficient and intuitive thrill level selection may be facilitated by simply grabbing a handle with appropriate labeling or a portion of a handle with appropriate labeling. Thus, not only is the ride more appealing to a larger set of amusement park guests because of the options but because the options are easily identified and selectable.

As used herein, the terms "inner" and "outer"; "up" and "down"; "upper" and "lower"; "upward" and "downward"; "above" and "below"; "inward" and "outward"; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation. The terms "couple," "coupled," "connect," "connection," "connected," "in connection with," and "connecting" refer to "in direct connection with" or "in connection with via one or more intermediate elements or members.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Moreover, the order in which the elements of the methods described herein are illustrate and described may be re-arranged, and/or two or more elements may occur simultaneously. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claim 1:
A ride vibrator (<NUM>), comprising:
a shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>);
an eccentric mass (<NUM>;<NUM>) coupled to the shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>), wherein the eccentric mass (<NUM>;<NUM>) is configured to vibrate the shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>) in response to rotation of the shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>);
a vibrator housing configured to receive the shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>) and the eccentric mass (<NUM>;<NUM>), wherein the vibrator housing is configured to couple to a ride vehicle;
a bearing (<NUM>) coupled to the shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>), wherein the bearing (<NUM>) is configured to transfer shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>) vibrations to the vibrator housing;
a motor (<NUM>;<NUM>) coupled to the shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>) and configured to rotate the shaft (<NUM>;<NUM>); and
an input device comprising a first touch-sensitive sensor disposed on a first handle portion of a handle (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and a second touch-sensitive sensor disposed on a second handle portion of the handle (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the input device is configured to couple to the motor (<NUM>;<NUM>), wherein the input device is configured to receive a selection of a change to a rotational speed of the motor (<NUM>;<NUM>) to control vibration of the vibrator (<NUM>) in response to a rider (<NUM>) contacting the first handle portion of the handle (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) or the second handle portion of the handle (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).