Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment utilized to provide amusement park experiences.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below.

Various amusement rides have been created to provide passengers with unique motion and visual experiences. In one example, roller coasters and theme rides can be implemented with multi-passenger vehicles that travel along a fixed path. In addition to the excitement created by the speed or change in direction of the vehicles as they move along the path, the vehicles themselves may generate special effects, e.g., sound and/or motion effects. Although a repeat rider may be familiar with the general path of the ride, the special effects may create interest during second and subsequent rides. In another example, certain rides may be implemented with projection elements to create varying scenery and movement as the passenger vehicles travel along the path. However, it is now recognized that regardless of such enhancements to these passenger vehicle rides, the rider in the passenger vehicle may not feel immersed in the ride. For example, the rider is generally aware of being within a ride because of the presence of other passengers in the multi-passenger vehicle as well as being aware of the confines of the vehicle itself. Such awareness of the ride may prevent the ride experience from being a more accurate simulation. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved amusement ride vehicle that simulates certain experiences. Document <CIT> discloses a passenger support system within an annular structure, coupled to a path and configured to move along the path of the annular structure to rotate the passenger support system about a centre axis of the annular structure when the simulator ride is in operation and provides an additional tilt or rotation relative to the base. The present invention provides a simulator ride according to claim <NUM>.

In accordance with one embodiment, a simulator ride may include a headset with a display designed to be worn by a passenger. The simulator ride includes an annular structure comprising a path integrated with the annular structure, arranged along an interior surface of the annular structure. A passenger support system is coupled to the path of the annular structure and designed to move along the path and rotate about a center axis of the annular structure when in operation. The passenger support system may include a clamp style leg restraint and a rear restraint. Additionally, the annular structure is configured to be articulated in one or more degrees of freedom by the simulator ride.

In accordance with another embodiment, a multi-passenger simulator ride may include multiple annular structures and corresponding headsets designed to receive signals and display images based on the signals. The multi-passenger simulator ride may also include multiple corresponding passenger support systems, each coupled to one of the annular structures. Additionally, the passenger support systems rotate within the annular structures about a center axis of the annular structures. Each of the passenger support systems may include a leg restraint and a rear restraint. Each leg restraint may be designed to maintain a passenger against the rear restraint.

The present disclosure provides an amusement/simulator ride that may include a passenger support system implemented without an enclosed ride vehicle or other passenger-enclosing structure. In this manner, the passenger may feel a more accurate or realistic simulated experience. The amusement ride, as provided herein, may be implemented as an annular structure containing a passenger support system within. The annular structure may allow passengers to be spun around an axis of the structure to simulate various physical effects (e.g., feelings of flipping, somersaulting, flying, accelerating, etc.). Additionally, the annular structure may be implemented alone or in an assembly of multiple annular structures.

Movement of the passenger support system, and thus, the passenger, within the annular structure, causes the sensation of airflow around the passenger's body (e.g., arms and legs) and may allow the passenger a heightened amusement ride experience. Additionally, relatively minor movement of the passenger support system may create additional forces on the rider's body due, in part, to the distribution of gravitational forces. The combination of physical effects such as airflow and g-forces, along with visual effects such as a visual effect device, screen, or façade may provide the passenger with an immersive amusement ride experience.

While the disclosed embodiments are generally described in the context of amusement park rides, it should be understood that the simulator as provided herein may also be used in other contexts. For example, the simulator may be used for flight training, driving training, sports training (e.g., gymnastics, ice skating, etc.), or therapy purposes.

<FIG> is a side view of an amusement ride <NUM> utilizing an annular structure <NUM> with a passenger support system <NUM> implemented within the annular structure <NUM>. The passenger support system <NUM> is designed to hold a passenger <NUM> in a seated or reclining position during movement (i.e. rotation) about a center axis <NUM>. The forward-facing direction of the seated position is co-planar to the annular structure <NUM> (i.e., looking at the inner side of the annular structure, for example, as depicted in <FIG>).

In one embodiment, the passenger support system <NUM> may include one or more restraints that hold the passenger <NUM> in place while the passenger support system <NUM> moves within the annular structure <NUM> while the amusement ride <NUM> is in operation. The restraints may include a calf restraint <NUM> and/or a knee restraint <NUM> that, in certain embodiments, may contribute a majority of a total restraining force of the passenger support system <NUM>. For example, the calf restraint <NUM> and/or knee restraint <NUM>, may make up <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>% of the restraining force of the passenger support system <NUM>. Collectively, or each by themselves, the calf restraint <NUM> and the knee restraint <NUM> may also be referred to as leg restraints. The calf restraint <NUM> may hold the legs of the passenger <NUM> against a calf rest <NUM>, and the knee restraint <NUM> may hold the thighs of the passenger <NUM> in the seat <NUM>. The calf rest <NUM> and the seat <NUM> may also be considered components of the leg restraints. Accordingly, the restraining force may be a clamping force of the leg restraints exerted on the passenger <NUM>. Additionally, a back rest <NUM> and chest restraint <NUM> may further hold the passenger <NUM> in a specified position. The chest restraint <NUM> may be configured as a plate or generally planar structure that, together with the back rest <NUM>, forms an additional clamp-like structure on the chest. In one embodiment, the leg clamping force of the leg restraints exerted on the passenger <NUM> may be greater than a chest clamping force of the chest restraints exerted on the passenger <NUM>. Collectively or each by themselves, the seat <NUM> and back rest <NUM> may also be referred to as rear restraints. In another embodiment, the chest restraint <NUM> and rear restraints may encompass the majority of the restraining force of the passenger support system <NUM>. One or more restraining belts <NUM> may also be incorporated by directly holding the passenger <NUM> to the passenger support system <NUM>, holding the restraints in place, or a combination of both. As would be appreciated, the leg restraints, back rest <NUM>, chest restraint <NUM>, and restraining belts <NUM> may collectively or each by themselves be referred to as the restraints, and may be padded and/or covered in a comfortable material to aid in passenger enjoyment.

The restraints of the passenger support system <NUM> may actuate to allow efficient ingress and egress from the amusement ride <NUM> and sufficient restraining force. For example, the calf restraint <NUM>, knee restraint <NUM>, and chest restraint <NUM> may clamp downward onto the passenger <NUM> in a clamshell style motion. The restraints may pivot together as one, or multiple pivot points may be employed allowing each restraint to contact the passenger <NUM> separately. In another embodiment, the restraints may clamp straight down in a press type motion. Actuation may be hydraulically, mechanically, spring, or manually actuated or a combination thereof. It should also be understood that the restraints may be altered in shape, size, number, position, and/or actuation depending on the amusement ride <NUM> implementation. The passenger support system <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> that couples the passenger support system <NUM> to a passenger support base <NUM> that in turn is configured to move relative to and along a path <NUM> on a surface <NUM> of the annular structure <NUM>. For example, the path <NUM> may be a channel into which a portion of the passenger support base <NUM> extends, or the path <NUM> may be a track on which the passenger support base <NUM> travels. While in the depicted embodiment the path <NUM> is positioned along an interior surface of the annular structure <NUM>, it should be understood that in other embodiments the passenger support system <NUM> may be coupled to a passenger support base <NUM> that moves along a lateral or exterior surface of the annular structure <NUM>.

Once secured with the passenger support system <NUM>, the passenger <NUM> may be subjected to movement around the center axis <NUM> of the annular structure <NUM> along the path <NUM>, which forms at least a partial annulus along the annular structure <NUM>. <FIG> shows the passenger support system <NUM> rotated within the annular structure <NUM> in a configuration that may simulate flying, flipping, etc. In certain embodiments, a virtual reality (or augmented reality) device, such as a visual effect device <NUM>, may be employed to enhance the experience of the passenger <NUM> by providing a visual and/or audio effects to the passenger <NUM>. Such a visual effect device <NUM> may be implemented as a worn headset, e.g., a helmet, visor, or glasses. The visual effect device <NUM> may include a display that displays images that enhance the movement of the passenger support system <NUM>. The images may be provided by a ride control system, as provided herein, and may be selected to align with the movement of the passenger <NUM>.

In particular embodiments, the visual effect device <NUM> (e.g., virtual reality goggles) immerses the passenger <NUM> in a ride narrative and may be used instead of or in addition to a projection screen, a view of which may be blocked by the annular structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the visual effect device <NUM> may permit immersive experiences even in the context of complex passenger support or movement structures. The amusement ride <NUM> may alternatively or additionally include additional special effects capabilities. For example, a screen <NUM> and/or speaker, which may utilize one or more audio/visual technologies (e.g., LCD, LED, OLED, projection, dynamic speakers, woofers, 3D, 4D, etc.) may be coupled to the annular structure <NUM>. The screen <NUM> may move in conjunction with the passenger support system <NUM> such that the screen <NUM> is always oriented in the natural direction of the passenger's gaze.

The rotational motion, as shown by the transition between <FIG>, may be achieved by moving the passenger support system <NUM> along the path <NUM> within the annular structure <NUM>. This may include flipping the passenger <NUM> upside down during the course of one revolution. The nature and speed of the rotation may be selected based on the desired sensation. For example, the passenger support system <NUM> may be held for a period of time in the flipped position as in <FIG> to simulate flying. To simulate flipping or somersaulting, a full rotation may be completed in a single motion sequence. The rotation may be designed to rotate in one direction (e.g., clockwise) or be bi-directional (e.g., both clockwise and counter-clockwise). Additionally, the passenger support system <NUM> may be stopped at any point around the center axis <NUM> to induce a desired effect on the passenger <NUM>. The path <NUM> may act as a guide for keeping the passenger support system <NUM> in line with the annular structure <NUM>, and may be implemented as a channel or groove. One or more motors, geared assemblies, or electromagnetic conductors may make up a motorized system to spin the passenger support system <NUM> around the central axis <NUM>, and may be contained within the path <NUM>, located on the exterior of the annular structure <NUM> or passenger support system <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> illustrates an arrangement of the annular structure in which the path <NUM> is defined by one or more annular rails <NUM> relative to which the passenger support system <NUM> may move. While the depicted embodiment shows two co-axial annular rails <NUM>, it should be understood that more or fewer may be employed. Further, in certain embodiments, the annular rails <NUM> are configured with a gap between that permits the passenger <NUM> an unobstructed view of a projector screen (e.g., dome screen <NUM> of <FIG>). The passenger support system <NUM> may be coupled to the annular rails <NUM> via tie rods <NUM> and rail brackets <NUM>. The rail brackets <NUM> couple the passenger support system <NUM> to the annular rails. In addition to supporting the passenger support system <NUM>, the tie rods <NUM> may also assist in holding the annular rails <NUM> together along with multiple cross bars <NUM>. Although multiple components of the annular structure <NUM> may function primarily for structural integrity, (i.e., the cross bars <NUM>), graphics, screens, or other amusement ride <NUM> effects may be incorporated into or on them for an enhanced passenger experience.

In some embodiments, bushings, bearings, wheels, or a low friction material may be utilized to allow the sliding motion of the passenger support system <NUM> on the annular structure <NUM>. To offset the weight of the passenger <NUM> and the passenger support system <NUM> during motion, one or more counter weights may be employed around the annular structure <NUM> and rotate with the passenger support system <NUM>. Furthermore, the passenger support system <NUM> may be directly connected to the annular structure <NUM> via a motorized system to facilitate movement.

Although the annular structure <NUM> may be utilized in a single-passenger ride, a multi-passenger embodiment may also be employed to facilitate groups of passengers <NUM> at one time. For example, a single annular structure <NUM> may include multiple passenger support systems <NUM> and/or be implemented in a ride system including one or more other annular structures <NUM>. One embodiment, shown in <FIG>, includes one or more rows of annular structures <NUM>. These rows may be offset vertically and/or horizontally to allow better views for the passengers <NUM>. Such an offset may come in the form of row stacking. The passenger support system <NUM> may include stacked passenger rows such that a rear row is positioned either higher or lower, relative to the ground, than the front row. The multiple annular structures <NUM> may be held by a support structure <NUM> and implemented sitting on the ground, or suspended from the ceiling <NUM> via a rigging <NUM>. The rigging <NUM> may use cables, chains, pulleys, motors, or other suspension equipment to support and/or move the annular structure <NUM>. Additionally, an actuator assembly <NUM>, e.g. a rotator ring, may be utilized instead of, or in conjunction with, the rigging <NUM> to facilitate desired movements of the annular structure <NUM>. An articulating arm <NUM> may control the movement of the rear and front row relative to one another and the ground.

The rigging <NUM> and/or actuator assembly <NUM> give the annular structures <NUM> up to six degrees of freedom of movement. The passenger support systems <NUM> within the annular structures <NUM> can also spin about the center axis <NUM>. The passenger <NUM> can be subjected to translational movements on the x, y, or z axis, rotational movements about the x, y, or z axis, or a combination thereof. It will also be appreciated that a support structure <NUM>, rigging <NUM>, actuator assembly <NUM>, and articulating arm <NUM>, may also be utilized for a single rider experience. In certain embodiments, a canopy <NUM> or other element may be employed to shield certain structural components of the support structure <NUM>, rigging <NUM>, actuator assembly <NUM>, and/or the articulating arm <NUM> from passenger view.

To help immerse the passenger <NUM> in the amusement ride <NUM>, an audio/visual representation may be presented to the passenger <NUM>. The representation may be displayed via a visual effect device <NUM>, a dome screen <NUM>, or a combination thereof to provide or enhance the simulated environment in the amusement ride <NUM>. The dome screen <NUM> may be any suitable technology such as projection, LED, OLED, or LCD. In one embodiment, the annular structure <NUM> is suspended from a rigging <NUM> and the dome screen <NUM> is shown beneath and/or to the side of the passenger <NUM>, such that the passenger <NUM> experiences being above the environment. In another embodiment, the dome screen <NUM> is positioned on the wall and/or ceiling above the passenger <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the dome screen <NUM> mostly or entirely encompasses the passenger <NUM> to further immerse the passenger <NUM> in the adventure experience. The dome screen <NUM> and/or the visual effect device <NUM> may also include 3D technology. The visual effect device <NUM> may be a headset worn by the passenger <NUM> or one or more screens placed within and/or just outside of the annular structure <NUM> or a combination thereof. For example, screens may be placed within and around the annular structure <NUM> while the passenger <NUM> wears 3D glasses.

The visual and/or aural representation presented to the passenger(s) <NUM> may also be synchronized to the movement of the passenger support system <NUM> via the control circuitry. For example, the visual effect device <NUM> and/or dome screen <NUM> may depict images that correlate to a simulated roll or somersault as seen from the view of a hypothetical character, and the passenger support system <NUM> may spin the passenger <NUM> to simulate the g-forces of a plane doing a somersault.

Customization of the amusement ride <NUM> for different groups or individual passengers <NUM> may also be done to maximize the interest and comfort of first-time and repeat passengers <NUM>. In one embodiment, passengers <NUM> may vote or provide input individually or as a group prior to boarding to determine, for example, a theme for the amusement ride <NUM>. The theme may, in turn, be used as an input for ride audio/visual effects and/or motion effects. In single-passenger rides, or if individual visual effect devices <NUM> are being utilized in a multi-passenger ride, each passenger <NUM> may select an adventure from a list of premade adventures or design their own. In other embodiments, all passengers <NUM> are presented with the same audio/visual effects and/or adventure. Alternatively or additionally, both single and multi-passenger rides may have individual adjustments for the motion felt by each passenger <NUM>. For example, certain passengers may experience higher g-forces relative to other passengers <NUM>, based on user profile or user selection.

Additionally, the images depicted by the visual effect devices <NUM> may be controlled by each passenger <NUM> by utilizing controls located within the annular structure <NUM>. Each passenger <NUM> may also have a "stop motion button" to limit or stop motion of their respective passenger support systems <NUM> should they feel uncomfortable during the amusement ride <NUM>. Additionally, due to the various motions and g-forces the passenger <NUM> may be subjected to, arm restraints may be employed to keep the passenger's arms from moving beyond a desired area. In such a case, the arm restraints may leave enough mobility so the passenger <NUM> may still operate the amusement ride <NUM> controls. Additionally or alternatively, padded arm rests and shields may be utilized to contain passenger arm movement.

In one embodiment, the passenger support system <NUM> may include one or more handles extending in-front of or beside the passenger <NUM>. The handles may allow the passenger <NUM> to rest his/her arms or hold on to the passenger support system <NUM> during operation of the amusement ride <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the handles may be movable and/or be part of the controls for an individual experience. For example, during operation of the amusement ride <NUM>, moveable handles may allow the passenger <NUM> to feel as if he or she is driving a motorcycle, flying a plane, a glider, or any other suitable transportation device. Further, present embodiments may include sensing/haptic mechanisms on the handles that communicate with the control circuitry to translate feedback from the sensors into movement of the passenger support system <NUM> for an enhanced simulator experience.

While the annular structure <NUM> as provided herein permits rotation of a restrained passenger <NUM> relative to the annular structure <NUM>, the annular structure <NUM> itself also moves move to create more complex motion patterns and sensations for the passenger <NUM>. As stated above, the annular structure <NUM> may be employed on the ground or suspended from a rigging <NUM>. In either case, an articulating base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, coupled to the annular structure <NUM> (e.g., on an exterior surface <NUM>) may facilitate certain rotational movements of the annular structure <NUM> relative to the articulating base <NUM>, as shown by reference arrows <NUM>. As would be appreciated, the articulating base <NUM> may be mounted on the ground, ceiling, or a bogie, suspended from a rigging <NUM>, or in a wall mount configuration depending on the amusement ride <NUM> implementation. As shown in <FIG>, the articulating base <NUM> may include one or more actuators <NUM> to assist in tilting or rotating the annular structure <NUM>. In some embodiments of the amusement ride <NUM>, the passenger support system <NUM> may be fixed relative to the annular structure <NUM>. In this case, the entire annular structure <NUM> may be rotated about the center axis <NUM> by the articulating base <NUM>. For example, the annular structure <NUM> may have a lip along the exterior surface <NUM> coupled to one or more rollers <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> may hold the annular structure <NUM> to the articulating base <NUM> and/or provide a driving force to rotate the annular structure <NUM> about the center axis <NUM>.

The articulating base <NUM> may also be part of a transport system that supports and moves the annular structure <NUM> along a path of the amusement ride <NUM>. As would be appreciated, the amusement ride may utilize a transport system without an articulating base <NUM>. The transport system may simply facilitate moving the annular structure <NUM> from one room to another or provide a coaster type experience. The transport system may include a cart <NUM> (e.g., a bogie) that couples one or more annular structures <NUM> to a track <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>. The track <NUM> may facilitate translational movement while the annular structure <NUM> and/or articulating base <NUM> facilitate rotational motions of the passenger support system <NUM>. The cart <NUM> may utilize motors, electromagnetic forces, brakes, compressed air, cables or any suitable system to initiate or continue movement along the track <NUM>. Additionally, the dips, rises, and/or turns of the track <NUM> may induce forces that cause rotational motions of the passenger support system <NUM> without the activation of a motorized system. The induced forces may be utilized in conjunction with brakes and/or the motorized system to reduce or accentuate the movement felt by the passenger <NUM>.

Additionally, the track <NUM> may support the use of multiple carts <NUM> at one time, thus allowing for a continuous flow of passengers <NUM> to board and exit the amusement ride <NUM>. Also, the cart <NUM> may include multiple annular structures <NUM> to allow multiple passengers <NUM> to experience the amusement ride <NUM> at once. For example, each cart <NUM> may have two side-by-side annular structures <NUM>. Multiple carts <NUM> could also be linked together to form a train. However, the amusement ride <NUM> may include any suitable number of annular structures <NUM> or carts <NUM>. The annular structures <NUM> may be arranged in a manner that allows each passenger <NUM> to have a desirable field of view of the environment. For example, in some embodiments, trailing carts <NUM> in a train may be taller than previous carts <NUM> or offset horizontally to facilitate better views of the environment.

In some embodiments, a visual effect device <NUM>, dome screen <NUM>, speakers, or other audio/visual devices may be supplemented or replaced by physical effects and displays such as sculptures, posters, façades, water effects, temperature changes, optical illusions, etc. Physical effects and displays may be particularly important when a transport system is utilized, as it may not be practical in some cases to position screens all along the track <NUM>. Furthermore, physical effects and displays may give the passenger <NUM> an even more realistic experience over virtual effects. Physical effects and displays may also be utilized to cover structural components or give the passenger <NUM> the opportunity to physically touch the environment. As would be appreciated, physical effects are not limited to embodiments that include a track <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a flow chart of a process <NUM> of one embodiment of the amusement ride <NUM>. Certain steps may be automatically controlled by the control circuitry, or individually actuated by the passenger <NUM> or a ride attendant. As indicated by process block <NUM>, signals are sent to engage the restraints before the amusement ride <NUM> begins. At this time, the visual effect device <NUM>, if equipped, would also be secured to the ride or passenger <NUM>. The restraints may remain engaged and locked throughout the duration of the amusement ride <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the ride <NUM> controls the movement of or in the annular structure <NUM>, which may be movement of the passenger support system <NUM> within the annular structure <NUM>. Additionally, as shown in process block <NUM>, the visual effects of the ride <NUM> may be controlled during the ride <NUM>. The controlled visual effects may include display on dome screens <NUM>, visual effect devices <NUM>, physical effects, physical displays (e.g., a physically moving object), or other displays. The control circuitry may also maintain a synchronization between the movement of the passenger support system <NUM> and the visual effects as stated in process block <NUM>. For example, audio and visual effects portraying a rocket taking off may be provided to a passenger <NUM> while simultaneously spinning the passenger <NUM> such that the forces felt by the passenger <NUM> simulate what is being shown.

Furthermore, at block <NUM>, the method may incorporate feedback from the passenger controls on the movement and visual effects. As the passenger <NUM> is being subjected to the movement and visual effects, he or she may wish to take control of the adventure and change what is happening. For example, a passenger may push an acceleration control, and be presented with g-forces that simulate acceleration. Feedback may also come as a change in the visual effects. For example, if the passenger <NUM> is wearing a visual effect device <NUM> and turns his or her head up, down, left, or right, the visuals may change based on the direction the passenger <NUM> is looking. If the passenger <NUM> looks to the right or up, the visual may pan right or up accordingly. Feedback programmed by the passenger <NUM> or ride attendant prior to or at the start of the amusement ride <NUM> may also be incorporated throughout the ride.

At the conclusion of the amusement ride <NUM>, signals are sent to release the restraints and/or locks holding the passenger <NUM> in the passenger support system <NUM> in process block <NUM>. Although the flow chart <NUM> is shown in a given order, it should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, portions of the flow chart may be reordered, deleted, and/or occur simultaneously.

The amusement ride <NUM> may operate under a control system <NUM>, as shown in the block diagram of <FIG>. The control system <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, which may include one or more processing devices, and a memory <NUM> storing instructions executable by the processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by the processor <NUM> or by any general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. The control system <NUM> may also include communications circuitry <NUM> and/or input and output circuitry <NUM> to facilitate communication with other components of the simulator ride <NUM>. In addition, the control system <NUM> may be coupled, either directly or wirelessly, to an operator input device or operator interface <NUM> that, in operation, may be used by a ride technician to provide input used to control one or more ride features. The operator interface <NUM>, or other components of the ride <NUM>, may be located remotely from the control system <NUM> in certain embodiments and may be, for example, implemented on a mobile device. Further, certain elements of the control system <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, communications circuitry <NUM>, I/O <NUM>) may also be present in other depicted controllers of the amusement ride <NUM>.

In operation, the control system <NUM> may control movement of one or more components of the amusement ride <NUM>. It should be understood that the depicted embodiment is by way of example, and certain embodiments may omit or combine depicted elements. For example, the control system <NUM> may communicate with and provide instructions to an annular structure controller <NUM> to control movement of the annular structure <NUM>. In embodiments in which the annular structure moves along a track (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), the control system <NUM> provides instructions to a bogie controller <NUM> to control velocity and/or braking. The control system <NUM> may also control certain motion via control of a suspension rig controller <NUM>, e.g., that controls a rotator ring controller and one or more cable movements. In addition, the control system <NUM> may also provide instructions to a passenger row controller <NUM> to control positioning of the passengers and movement of a row of annular structures <NUM> relative to one another. The passenger support system controller <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the control system <NUM> to generate signals that restraints are in place, to provide passenger input (e.g., before or during the ride), or to provide drive signals that drive a motor of the passenger support system <NUM> to cause the passenger support system <NUM> to move relative to the annular structure <NUM>, etc..

In yet another embodiment, the control system <NUM> may provide instructions to one or more special effects controllers, such as a headset controller <NUM> (e.g., to control circuitry in visual effect devices <NUM> such as helmets or glasses or to cause audio or visual effects) and a projector controller <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured to independently address individual annular structures <NUM> for individual control of effects, e.g., each visual effect device <NUM> and passenger support system <NUM>/annular structure <NUM> may be capable of providing unique and separate effects relative to other passenger support systems <NUM>/annular structures <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may also provide synchronization between the effects (i.e., the signals provided to the controllers are coordinated simultaneously).

While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A simulator ride (<NUM>) comprising:
an annular structure (<NUM>) comprising a path (<NUM>) integrated with the annular structure and
arranged along an interior surface of the annular structure (<NUM>), wherein the path is arranged along at least a portion of the annular structure to form at least a partial annulus;
a passenger support system (<NUM>) within the annular structure (<NUM>) and coupled to the path and configured to move along the path of the annular structure to rotate the passenger support system about a center axis (<NUM>) of the annular structure when the simulator ride is in operation, wherein the passenger support system (<NUM>), in use, holds the passenger in a seated position having a forward-facing direction co-planar to the annular structure (<NUM>); and
a ride base (<NUM>) configured to support the annular structure and configured to rotate and/or tilt the annular structure (<NUM>) in one or more degrees of freedom, wherein the annular structure (<NUM>) is configured to rotate relative to the ride base (<NUM>).