Patent Description:
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these statements are to be read in this light and not as admissions of prior art.

Throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues, special effects can be used to help immerse guests in the experience of a ride or attraction. Immersive environments may include three-dimensional (3D) props and set pieces, robotic or mechanical elements, and/or display surfaces that present media. In addition, the immersive environment may include audio effects, smoke effects, and/or motion effects. Thus, immersive environments may include a combination of dynamic and static elements. However, installation of an immersive environment is complex, and certain elements of the immersive environment are difficult to update or change to incorporate new narratives. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of modern ride attractions, and the corresponding increase in expectations among theme or amusement park patrons, improved and more creative attractions are desirable, including ride attractions having more complex immersive environments.

<CIT> describes a system and methods for increasing security at sensitive locations from unwanted third parties through the use of fluidized granular solids.

It should be noted that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

In an embodiment, a granular material effect system includes a plurality of granular particles disposed in a container, a nozzle configured to activate to direct a fluid into the container, an actuator coupled to a prop and disposed in the container within the plurality of granular particles, and a controller communicatively coupled to the nozzle and the actuator. The controller is configured to instruct the nozzle to activate to direct the fluid into the container such that at least a portion of the granular particles are suspended within the fluid, and to instruct the actuator to move the prop relative to the container while the nozzle is activated.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better noted when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that utilize shaped granular material, such as sand, to form three-dimensional (3D) effects that are programmable and dynamic. In an embodiment, the disclosed shaped granular material effects are provided within an entertainment venue, such as an amusement or theme park. Accordingly, the shaped granular material effects may be used to create 3D objects (surfaces, prop elements, texture, etc.) within an attraction. Further, the shaped granular material effects may move or shift as part of the overall immersive environment, creating more complex environmental cues to help immerse a guest.

While granular material may be used as an inert part of landscaping (e.g., sand on a beach) the present disclosure is directed to techniques for dynamic activation of granular material to create shapes, textures, and objects using granular material. In an embodiment, the granular material may ripple or flow to enhance the cues for wind effects, may suddenly reveal a hidden object, and/or may create complex shapes and textures that are enhanced by additional effects, such as projection mapping. For example, the granular material may be used for a show effect, such as to provide dynamic scenery or a surrounding. In addition, the granular material may create a base within which other objects are moved to add complexity to the immersive environment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system that may facilitate movement of objects through granular material. The granular material may be formed from granular particles. As used herein, granular particles may include any suitably sized particle, such as sand, sugar, salt, metal powder, polystyrene, foam, acrylic beads, sawdust, glass, another suitable particle, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the granular particles may include color-changing materials (e.g., that change color based on temperature) or materials that glow under fluorescent light. The granular particles may include particles of different types (sizes, materials) or may be homogenous (e.g., of a same type). The objects and the granular particles may be used as a show effect in an attraction of an amusement park, such as to display an animated presentation, in which the objects may be moved relative to the granular particles.

However, moving the objects through the granular particles may be difficult. The granular particles may be dense and, therefore, may restrict movement of the objects when the objects are submerged in the granular particles. Thus, a degree of motion of certain objects may be limited, thereby limiting a visual effect provided by the system. Alternatively, an excessive force may be used to effectively move the objects through the granular particles. In this manner, increased energy associated with providing the excessive force may be consumed.

Thus, facilitating movement of the object through the granular particles may enhance the system in providing a visual effect. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the system may inject fluid through the granular particles. In one embodiment, the system injects the fluid through the granular particular such that at least a portion of the individual granular particles are suspended within the fluid, rather than stacked atop one another. As such, the granular particles may be more easily displaced to enable an object to move through the granular particles. In addition to enabling objects to move more easily through the granular particles, the system may inject fluid through the granular particles to achieve other effects that may enhance the presentation provided by the system, such as to enhance a user interaction with the granular particles.

Turning now to the drawings, <FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of a granular material effect system <NUM> having a container <NUM> in which a plurality of granular particles <NUM> may be disposed. As used herein, the container <NUM> may include any component, such as an enclosure, a tub, a tank, a pit, a reservoir, or any other suitable object that holds the granular particles <NUM> in a defined area during fluidization of the granular particles <NUM>. The granular material effect system <NUM> may be implemented in an entertainment setting, such as for an attraction of an amusement park, for a prop of a show or performance, and so forth, and the granular particles <NUM> may be used to produce a desired effect. The granular material effect system <NUM> may inject fluid through (e.g., fluidize), the granular particles <NUM> to move the granular particles <NUM> within the container <NUM>. In this manner, the granular particles <NUM> may be more easily moved within the container <NUM> and/or shaped to produce a visual effect. For example, the granular particles <NUM> may appear to have liquid properties and characteristics, such as wave-like movement.

In an embodiment, the granular material effect system <NUM> may include one or more props <NUM>. The prop <NUM> may be controlled in conjunction with the injection of fluid through the granular particles <NUM>. For example, the prop <NUM> may emerge out of, submerge into, and/or move through the granular particles <NUM>. Such movement of the prop <NUM> relative to the granular particles <NUM> may enhance the effect of the prop <NUM>. In an additional or an alternative embodiment, users <NUM> (e.g., amusement park guests, show performers) may interact with the granular particles <NUM>. For example, the users <NUM> may move within the container <NUM> and position themselves within the granular particles <NUM>. In this manner, the granular material effect system <NUM> may be similar to a sandbox and/or a ball pit in which the users <NUM> may move within the granular particles <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having an array of individually addressable nozzles <NUM> that are configured to activate to inject fluid into the container <NUM> holding the granular particles <NUM>. As used herein, the nozzles <NUM> may include any suitable device that may emit a fluid through the granular particles <NUM>, such as a fan, a blowers, a sprayer, and/or another suitable component. Each nozzle <NUM> of the array of nozzles <NUM> may be disposed about a different location of the container <NUM>, and may force or draw a fluid (e.g., ambient air, water, gaseous mixture) through the container <NUM>, thereby fluidizing or aerating the granular particles <NUM> to suspend or move the granular particles <NUM> in the container <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, each nozzle <NUM> may direct the fluid orthogonally to a plane created by a longitudinal axis <NUM> and a lateral axis <NUM>. The fluid emitted by each nozzle <NUM> is defined by a shape and an orientation of the fluid outlet <NUM> of each nozzle and a position within the container <NUM>, such that the granular particles <NUM> at the particular area are generally directed orthogonally to the plane created by the axes <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the nozzles <NUM> may direct the fluid in other orientations relative to the plane created by the axes <NUM>, <NUM>, such as parallel to the plane created by the axes <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment, one or more of the nozzles <NUM> may be actuatable and capable of changing an orientation of the fluid outlet <NUM> with respect to the container <NUM> under instructions from the controller <NUM> to further direct the fluid along a desired axis.

Moreover, the nozzles <NUM> may be controlled independently from one another, and may each direct a fluid through the container <NUM> at controlled flowrates. For instance, a first set <NUM> of nozzles <NUM> may direct the fluid through the container <NUM> at a first flowrate and a second set <NUM> of nozzles <NUM> may direct the fluid through the container <NUM> at a second flowrate, in which the second flowrate is different than (e.g., greater than) the first flowrate. In this manner, the second set of nozzles <NUM> may force the granular particles <NUM> to a different (e.g., higher) height an axis parallel to the vertical axis <NUM> as compared to a height from the plane created by the axes <NUM>, <NUM> to which the first set of nozzles <NUM> may force the granular particles. As a result, controlling the nozzles <NUM> to direct the fluid through the container <NUM> at different flowrates may generally move the granular particles <NUM> to different positions within the container <NUM> to form shaped protrusions <NUM>. By way of example, the nozzles <NUM> may be controlled to cause certain manners of movement (e.g., vertical jet) of the granular particles <NUM> at different locations of the container <NUM>, and such movement of granular particles <NUM> may be coordinated (e.g., with backing music).

In the illustrated embodiment, the container <NUM> includes boundaries that generally align with axes parallel to the axis <NUM>, the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and/or the lateral axis <NUM>, respectively. However, in an additional or an alternative embodiment, the container <NUM> may include boundaries that are not orthogonal to axes parallel to the axis <NUM>, the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and/or the lateral axis <NUM>, such as slopes. Such geometries of the container <NUM> may cause movement and/or positioning of the granular particles <NUM> (e.g., sliding along the boundaries) without activation of the nozzles <NUM>. In a further embodiment, the container <NUM> may also move (e.g., tilt) to cause movement of the granular particles <NUM> within the container <NUM>. In any case, the nozzles <NUM> may also be activated while the granular particles <NUM> are moving within the container <NUM>, thereby causing further movement and/or positioning of the granular particles <NUM>.

The granular material effect system <NUM> may include or be communicatively coupled to a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may have a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disc drives, solid-state drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions to operate the granular material effect system <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. The controller <NUM> may also include a user interface <NUM> such as a touch screen, a trackpad, a button, a switch, another suitable component, or any combination thereof, with which a user may interact to operate the granular material effect system <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may receive a user input as a result of the interaction between the user and the user interface <NUM> and may output a signal to operate the granular material effect system <NUM> based on the interaction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to control each of the individual nozzles <NUM> independently, such as to activate and deactivate the individual nozzles <NUM> according to desired timing and/or to control a flowrate of the fluid directed by each individual nozzle <NUM>. As an example, a user (e.g., one of the users <NUM>) may utilize the user interface <NUM> to change or set an operation of one of the nozzles <NUM> to direct the fluid through the container <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the controller <NUM> may control each of the individual nozzles <NUM> based on an operating parameter of the granular material effect system <NUM> as indicated by a sensor <NUM> communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM>. That is, the sensor <NUM> may transmit feedback indicative of the operating parameter to the controller <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may change or set the operation of the individual nozzles <NUM> based on the feedback. For example, the operating parameter may include a time that the granular material effect system <NUM> is in operation, a profile of the granular particles <NUM>, a position of props <NUM> and/or users <NUM> within the granular material effect system <NUM>, or any combination thereof.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having the nozzles <NUM> configured to inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> and having the prop <NUM> configured to move within the container <NUM>. Movement of the prop <NUM> relative to the granular particles <NUM> may produce an effect that enhances the appearance of the prop <NUM>. For example, fluid injection through the granular particles <NUM> may result in a liquid like appearance and characteristics (fluidization) of the granular particles <NUM>, and the prop <NUM> may move through the granular particles <NUM> as if the prop <NUM> is traveling through (e.g., swimming across) a body of water. In an example implementation, the prop <NUM> may be made at least in part from a mesh or bored material to enable the fluid to be directed through the prop <NUM>. As such, the prop <NUM> does not block the fluid directed through the container <NUM> of the granular particles <NUM> by the nozzles <NUM> and enables the array of nozzles <NUM> to inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> effectively.

The prop <NUM> may be coupled to a prop actuator <NUM>, which may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, another suitable actuator, or any combination thereof, and may be communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM>. The prop actuator <NUM> may include multiple segments <NUM> that are movably coupled to one another. The controller <NUM> may coordinate the segments <NUM> to move (e.g., rotate) relative to one another in order to move the prop <NUM> within the container <NUM>, such as parallel to vertical axis <NUM>, the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and/or the lateral axis <NUM>. In one implementation, the prop actuator <NUM> may have a base segment <NUM> that is coupled to the container <NUM> and remains stationary with respect to the container <NUM>. That is, the base segment <NUM> is coupled to a single section of the container <NUM>, and the other segments <NUM> may move relative to the base segment <NUM> and to one another. Additionally or alternatively, the base segment <NUM> may be movably coupled to the container <NUM>. For instance, the base segment <NUM> may be configured to move linearly (e.g., slide) across the container <NUM> to move the prop <NUM>. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may instruct the prop actuator <NUM> to move the prop <NUM> while remaining submerged within the granular particles <NUM>, such that the prop actuator <NUM> is not visible. As an example, the sensor <NUM> may be configured to determine a position of the prop actuator <NUM> with respect to the granular particles <NUM>. Based on the determined position of the prop actuator <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may instruct the prop actuator <NUM> to move in a manner that keeps the prop actuator <NUM> covered by the granular particles <NUM>. Thus, the prop <NUM> may appear to be moving without the use of the prop actuator <NUM>, further enhancing the effect of the prop <NUM> in motion. The base segment <NUM> may include a platform that moves a previously submerged prop <NUM> toward a surface <NUM> of the granular particles <NUM>. In this manner, a hidden object (e.g., a "lost" object) may be revealed based on desired triggers. The movement of the prop <NUM>, as disclosed, may be synchronized with fluid injection into the granular particles <NUM> to permit ease of prop actuation through the granular particles <NUM> to enhance the effect. Further, retraction of the prop <NUM> into the submerged position may also be synchronized with fluid injection for ease of retraction.

In an embodiment, the granular material effect system <NUM> may be used as a show effect, such as to present an animation that users <NUM> may watch. For instance, the granular material effect system <NUM> may be used in a ride system and may display an animation as the users <NUM> pass by the granular material effect system <NUM>. In an additional or an alternative embodiment, the users <NUM> may be able to control a certain extent of the movement of the prop <NUM>. For example, the prop <NUM> may be a user-associated or owned item, and the granular material effect system <NUM> may have several props <NUM> that are each movable. The user <NUM> may select one of the props <NUM> (e.g., via the user interface <NUM>), and the controller <NUM> may instruct the selected prop <NUM> to move to deliver the selected prop <NUM> toward the user interface <NUM> and to the user <NUM>. In a further embodiment, the users <NUM> may directly control movement of the prop <NUM>. By way of example, the user <NUM> may utilize the user interface <NUM> to move the prop <NUM> to designated locations within the container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having the nozzles <NUM> configured to inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> and having a projector <NUM> configured to project an image onto the granular particles <NUM>. The projector <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may instruct the projector <NUM> to project a particular image onto the granular particles <NUM>. In one embodiment, the projector <NUM> may project the image onto the granular particles <NUM> based on an activation of the nozzles <NUM>. For instance, the nozzles <NUM> may be activated to produce a wave-like movement of the granular particles <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may project an image of a tidal wave onto the granular particles <NUM>. The activation of the nozzles <NUM> may also form different profiles of the granular particles <NUM> (e.g., elevate different sections of the granular particles <NUM> to different heights relative to the vertical axis <NUM>), and the controller <NUM> may instruct the projector <NUM> to project the image based on the profile of the granular particles <NUM>. To this end, the sensor <NUM> may be a position sensor configured to transmit feedback to the controller <NUM> indicative of the profile of the granular particles <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the controller <NUM> may instruct the projector <NUM> to project an image based on a time of operation of the granular material effect system <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may instruct the projector <NUM> to project a series of images to produce a video displayed on the granular particles <NUM>. The image projected by the projector <NUM> may also be displayed onto the prop(s) <NUM>. As an example, the prop(s) <NUM> may appear to change a contour of the granular particles <NUM>, and projecting the image onto the prop(s) <NUM> may cause the image to appear three dimensional and more life-like. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may instruct the projector <NUM> to project a particular image based on a determined position of the prop(s) <NUM> (e.g., as determined by the sensor <NUM>), such as for contour mapping.

In <FIG>, the depicted prop or props <NUM> do not include the prop actuator <NUM> that moves each prop <NUM>. Instead, the prop(s) <NUM> may be moved by interaction with the granular particles <NUM> and/or the fluid ejected by the nozzles <NUM>. For example, the granular material effect system <NUM> may include lateral nozzles <NUM> that may each direct fluid through the container <NUM> in a crosswise direction. The lateral nozzles <NUM> may be operated at different power levels to direct the fluid and move the prop(s) <NUM> across the container <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or the lateral axis <NUM>. It should be noted that a position of each prop <NUM> may be substantially maintained when the granular particles <NUM> are not fluidized. That is, when the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are not directing the fluid through the container <NUM>, the granular particles <NUM> may stack atop one another. While the granular particles <NUM> are stacked atop one another, it may be difficult to move the prop(s) <NUM> through the granular particles <NUM>. In this manner, the controller <NUM> may instruct the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> to activate and inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> and also to move the prop(s) <NUM> to a respective target position in the container <NUM>. Upon determination that the prop(s) <NUM> are in the respective target position (e.g., based on feedback from the sensor <NUM>), the controller <NUM> may suspend operation of the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> such that the granular particles <NUM> are no longer fluidized. The granular particles <NUM> may then stack atop one another to hold the prop(s) <NUM> in the respective target positions.

For example, in <FIG>, a first prop 56A may be moved to and fixed in a position that is partially submerged in the granular particles <NUM>, a second prop 56B may be moved to and fixed in a position that is completely submerged in the granular particles <NUM>, and a third prop 56C may be moved above the granular particles <NUM> along an axis parallel to the vertical axis <NUM> to a position that is not submerged at all within the granular particles <NUM>. In this illustrated embodiment, it may be difficult to move the first prop 56A and the second prop 56B through the granular particles <NUM> while the granular particles <NUM> are not fluidized, because each of the first prop 56A and the second prop 56B are at least partially submerged in the granular particles <NUM>. However, the third prop 56C may be moved more easily (e.g., by the user <NUM>) because the third prop 56C is not partially submerged in the granular particles <NUM>. In an additional or alternative implementation, the controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to any of the props <NUM>, and the props <NUM> may be configured to emit fluid so as to fluidize the granular particles <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may controllably effectuate the props <NUM> to emit the fluid, thereby moving the granular particles <NUM> within the container <NUM>. Movement of the granular particles <NUM> may also move the props <NUM>. As such, the controller <NUM> may use any combination of the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> and the props <NUM> to inject fluid into the container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having the nozzles <NUM> that are configured to be activated based on a position of the user <NUM> within the container <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> may suspend operation of nozzles <NUM> that are located adjacent to the user <NUM> and may enable operation of a remainder of the nozzles <NUM>. As such, the granular particles <NUM> adjacent to the user <NUM> may not be fluidized, but a remainder of the granular particles <NUM> may be fluidized. As the user <NUM> changes position within the container <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may dynamically adjust the operation of the nozzles <NUM> to inject fluid through different sections of the granular particles <NUM>, such that the granular particles <NUM> adjacent to the user <NUM> are not fluidized. Although <FIG> illustrates that the injection of the granular particles <NUM> is based off the position of the user <NUM>, it should be noted that the activation of the nozzles <NUM> to inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> may be based on the position of any other component, such as the prop <NUM>, within the container <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be a position sensor and/or a motion sensor to determine the position of the user <NUM>. For example, the sensor <NUM> may be a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a camera, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor, an electro-optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, another suitable sensor, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may acquire an image of the container <NUM> and determine the position of the user <NUM> based on the acquired image of the container <NUM>. In an additional or an alternative embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be a pressure sensor to determine the position of the user <NUM>. In other words, the sensor <NUM> may determine a presence of a force (e.g., a weight) exerted by the user <NUM> onto the container <NUM>. The location of the user <NUM> may then be determined based on the location of the determined force.

Based on position information associated with the user <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may trigger certain granular material effects via selective activation of one or more nozzles <NUM>, thereby causing movement of the granular particles <NUM> within the container <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may cause selective activation of nozzles <NUM> to move the granular particles <NUM> away from the user <NUM> to cause a clearing or depression <NUM> positioned around the user <NUM>. The clearing <NUM> may move with the user <NUM> using updated position information of the user <NUM>, to create a parting effect and/or a puff or small explosion effect <NUM> caused by an intense (high fluid flowrate) and short duration activation of nozzles <NUM> at certain locations, for example. Other effects as provided herein (e.g., prop actuation, texture effects, color effects) that are based on user position and/or movement are also contemplated. In addition, the granular material effect system <NUM> may base additional or alternative effects on user position and/or identity. In an embodiment, the user <NUM> may carry a user-associated device <NUM>, depicted here as a bracelet, that is linked to a user profile accessible by the granular material effect system <NUM>. In an embodiment, verification of certain user profile or identification information may cause the granular material effect system <NUM> to initiate certain effects as provided herein, which may be further controlled based on the received position information. In one example, user-specific effects, such as writing a username or initials in the granular particles <NUM> using selective nozzle activation, may be based on detection of a wireless signal from the user-associated device <NUM>. The user-associated device <NUM> may be implemented as a user-worn or carried device, such as a mobile device, necklace, or headgear. The user-associated device <NUM> may include communication circuitry, such as a transceiver, that is configured to communicate with the sensor <NUM> and/or the controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having the nozzles <NUM> configured to activate to change a layering of the granular particles <NUM>. For instance, the granular material effect system <NUM> may include a first layer <NUM> of a first type (e.g., a first color) of granular particles <NUM>, and a second layer <NUM> of a second type (e.g., a second color) of granular particles <NUM> that is different than the first type of granular particles <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may receive feedback (e.g., from the sensor <NUM>) indicative of a target orientation of the first layer <NUM> of the granular particles <NUM> relative to the second layer <NUM> of the granular particles <NUM>. In response, the controller <NUM> may instruct the nozzles <NUM> to activate and change how the first layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> are arranged (e.g., along an axis parallel to the vertical axis <NUM>). For instance, a first set <NUM> of nozzles <NUM> at a first section of the container <NUM> may not be activated, and the first layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> at the first section may be positioned on top of the second layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> at the first section. However, a second set <NUM> of nozzles <NUM> at a second section of the container <NUM> may be activated, and the second layer <NUM> at the second section of granular particles <NUM> are positioned on top of the first layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> at the second section. In one embodiment, the granular particles <NUM> of the second layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> may be less dense or buoyant than the granular particles <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM>. As such, the second layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> may be displaced a greater distance upon activation of the nozzles <NUM>. In this manner, activation of the nozzles may move the first layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> above the second layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> to rearrange the position of the first layer <NUM> relative to the second layer <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates activating the nozzles <NUM> to rearrange the granular particles <NUM> parallel to the axis <NUM>, activation of the nozzles <NUM> may additionally or alternatively change how the first layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> of granular particles <NUM> may be oriented relative to one another parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or the lateral axis <NUM>.

In an example, the granular material effect system <NUM> may be used as a stage for a performance. During a first scene of the performance, the first layer <NUM> may be positioned above the second layer <NUM>. The first layer <NUM> may be visible to the audience and may present a particular setting for the performance, while the second layer <NUM> is not visible to the audience. At the second scene of the performance, the controller <NUM> may receive feedback indicative that the second layer <NUM> is to be positioned above the first layer <NUM> and, in response, the controller <NUM> may instruct the nozzles <NUM> to activate to move the second layer <NUM> above the first layer <NUM>. As such, the first layer <NUM> is visible to the audience in the second scene, whereas the second layer <NUM> is not visible to the audience. The second layer <NUM> may then present a different setting for the performance. In this manner, the granular material effect system <NUM> may enable the setting of the performance to be changed out by merely activating the nozzles <NUM>, and without having to change part of the stage manually. Thus, a cost or a time associated with changing part of the stage may be reduced with the implementation of the granular material effect system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having different projectors <NUM> that may each project a different image seen by the users <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the granular material effect system <NUM> includes a first projector 140A and a second projector 140B, but it should be noted that the granular material effect system <NUM> may include any suitable number of projectors <NUM> in alternative embodiments. The granular material effect system <NUM> may also have one or more props <NUM> that may be disposed within the granular particles <NUM>, and the prop(s) <NUM> may have reflective properties that enable the prop(s) <NUM> to be used as a screen or a surface onto which images may be projected. The first projector 140A is configured to project a first image onto the prop(s) <NUM>, such as onto a first side <NUM> of the prop(s) <NUM>, and the second projector 140B is configured to project a second image onto the prop(s) <NUM>, such as onto a second side <NUM> of the prop(s) <NUM>. Different users <NUM> may view a different image projected onto the prop(s) <NUM> based on a position of the user <NUM> relative to the prop(s) <NUM>. As illustrated, a first user 58A, who is positioned adjacent to the first side <NUM> of the prop(s) <NUM>, may view the first image projected onto the prop(s) <NUM> by the first projector 140A. However, a second user 58B, who is positioned adjacent to the second side <NUM> of the prop(s) <NUM>, may view the second image projected onto the prop(s) <NUM> by the second projector 140B.

In an additional or an alternative embodiment, the projectors <NUM> may project the respective images directly onto the granular particles <NUM>. By way of example, the granular particles <NUM> may have reflective or retroreflective properties (e.g., microscale glass beads) and may be positioned in a manner to enable the granular particles <NUM> to be used as a screen or surface onto which the images may be projected. In one embodiment, the granular particles <NUM> may be continuously poured into the container <NUM> from an elevated height to form a vertical column, or a waterfall like movement, that enables the images to be projected onto the granular particles <NUM>. Using a similar technique described above, the first projector 140A may project a first image onto the granular particles <NUM> (e.g., toward one of the sides of the granular particles <NUM>) and the second projector 140B may project a second image onto the granular particles <NUM> (e.g., toward a different side of the granular particles <NUM>). Thus, the users <NUM> may view different images projected onto the granular particles <NUM> based on the location of the users <NUM> relative to the granular particles <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, granular particles <NUM> at different sections within the container <NUM> may be disposed at different heights parallel to the axis <NUM> to enable different images to be projected onto various sides of the granular particles <NUM> at the different sections. In a further embodiment, the granular particles <NUM> may be moved while falling into the container <NUM>. As an example, fluid, vibrations (e.g., ultrasonic waves), and/or other suitable perturbation techniques may be implemented to create varying degrees of controlled movement of the granular particles <NUM> as the granular particles <NUM> fall into the container <NUM>. For instance, such perturbation techniques may cause the falling granular particles <NUM> to create wave-like movement, and the projectors <NUM> may project water-like images onto the granular particles <NUM> to create a realistic cascade special effect.

In one example implementation, the first projector 140A may project tree-like features onto the prop(s) <NUM> and water-like features onto the granular particles <NUM>. Thus, the first projector 140A immerses the granular material effect system <NUM> in a first setting, which may be a forest. The second projector 140B may project shrub-like features onto the prop(s) <NUM> and ice-like features onto the granular particles <NUM> to immerse the granular material effect system <NUM> in a second setting, which may be a tundra. Thus, based on the location of the user <NUM> relative to the prop <NUM>, the user <NUM> may see or be surrounded by a particular setting.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having multiple ignition sources <NUM> that are each configured to create a flame. For example, the nozzles <NUM> may direct a fluid mixture, which contains a flammable fluid (e.g., natural gas), through the container <NUM> to inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM>. Each of the ignition sources <NUM> may create a flame when the flammable fluid is directed near the ignition source <NUM> and may create a visual effect that the granular particles <NUM> adjacent to the ignition source <NUM> is on fire. The fluid mixture may have a particular composition of flammable fluid and non-flammable fluid to create a particularly sized flame. By way of example, fluid mixture having a greater ratio of flammable fluid to non-flammable fluid may result in a larger flame than a fluid mixture having a smaller ratio of flammable fluid to non-flammable fluid. In one implementation, different nozzles <NUM> may direct fluid mixtures having different compositions of flammable fluid and non-flammable fluid, such that differently-sized flames may be produced at different areas of the container <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, each ignition source <NUM> is positioned directly above the nozzles <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM>, but additionally or alternatively, the ignition sources <NUM> may be positioned at the sides of the container <NUM> parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or the lateral axis <NUM>. Moreover, each ignition source <NUM> may be controlled independently of one another, such that the flames are local to the area surrounding the particular ignition source <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may activate certain ignition sources <NUM> at one section of the container <NUM> to enable flames to be created at that section, but the controller <NUM> may not activate certain ignition sources <NUM> at another section of the container <NUM>, such that flames are not created at the other section.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> having a fluid injection prop <NUM> that is configured to move granular particles <NUM> surrounding the prop <NUM>. The prop <NUM> may emit the fluid, which may drive granular particles <NUM> away from the prop <NUM>. In one embodiment, the prop <NUM> may inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> instead of the nozzles <NUM>. That is, operation of the nozzles <NUM> may be suspended, such that the granular particles <NUM> are not fluidized, and are stacked atop one another. However, the prop <NUM> may inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> upon positioning the prop <NUM> adjacent to the granular particles <NUM>. In this manner, the granular material effect system <NUM> may create the effect that the prop <NUM> is remotely moving the granular particles <NUM> (i.e., without contacting the granular particles <NUM>).

In one embodiment, the prop <NUM> may be user-controlled. For example, one of the users <NUM> may hold the prop <NUM>, which may have a component <NUM> configured to emit the fluid and inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM>. The user <NUM> may control when the component <NUM> emits the fluid and may position the component <NUM> as desired within the container <NUM>. Thus, the user <NUM> may generally control fluidization of the granular particles <NUM> via the prop <NUM>. In an additional or an alternative embodiment, the controller may automatically control the prop <NUM>, including automatically activating emission of the fluid by the component <NUM> and/or adjustment of the position of the prop <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the granular material effect system <NUM> that is configured to inject fluid through the granular particles <NUM> to facilitate removal of debris <NUM> that may be disposed within the granular particles <NUM>. The debris <NUM> may include trash, dirt, or any other unwanted items that may be dropped into the container <NUM>. As mentioned, aeration or fluidization of the granular particles <NUM> may enable objects to move more easily through the granular particles <NUM>. Thus, while the granular particles <NUM> are injected with a suitable fluid, such as air, a sheet <NUM> may be moved through the granular particles <NUM> to capture the debris <NUM>, and to remove the captured debris <NUM> out of the container <NUM>. The sheet <NUM> may be a net or a mesh having openings that are sized to enable the granular particles <NUM> to sift and filter through the sheet <NUM>. Thus, the sheet avoids capturing the granular particles <NUM>. However, the openings may also be sized to enable the debris <NUM> to be captured by the sheet <NUM>, rather than filtered through the sheet <NUM>. Thus, after the sheet <NUM> is moved through the container <NUM>, the debris <NUM> may be removed from the container <NUM>, but the granular particles <NUM> may remain within the container <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to move the sheet <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to a sheet actuator <NUM> that may move the sheet <NUM> through the container <NUM>. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may instruct the actuator <NUM> to move the sheet <NUM> through a particular section of the container <NUM>. For example, the granular particles <NUM> may not typically be fluidized during operation of the granular material effect system <NUM>, and debris <NUM> may collect within the container <NUM> over time. A first section <NUM> of the container <NUM> may have a high amount of debris <NUM> (e.g., as determined by the sensor <NUM>) and a second section <NUM> of the container <NUM> may have a low amount of debris <NUM>. Thus, the controller <NUM> may operate the granular material effect system <NUM> to remove the debris from the first section <NUM> of the container <NUM>. To this end, the controller <NUM> may activate a first set <NUM> of nozzles <NUM> to inject fluid into the first section <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Meanwhile, the controller <NUM> may not activate a second set <NUM> of nozzles <NUM>, and the granular particles <NUM> of the second section <NUM> are not fluidized and may remain stacked atop one another. The controller <NUM> may then instruct the actuator <NUM> to move the sheet <NUM> through the first section <NUM> of the container <NUM>, but not the second section <NUM> of the container <NUM>. As a result, the debris <NUM> disposed in the first section <NUM> may be removed from the container <NUM>, but the debris <NUM> disposed in the second section <NUM> may remain in the container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method or process <NUM> that may be employed by the granular material effect system <NUM> of <FIG> to remove debris within the container <NUM>. For example, a controller, such as the controller <NUM>, may be configured to execute the method <NUM>. It should be noted that the steps of the method <NUM> may be performed differently in other embodiments, such as for different configurations of the granular material effect system <NUM>. As an example, additional steps may be performed, or certain steps depicted in <FIG> may be removed, modified, or performed in a different order.

At block <NUM>, a presence of debris <NUM> in the container <NUM> may be determined. In one embodiment, the presence of debris <NUM> may include a determined amount of debris that is above a threshold amount, and the amount may include a discrete quantity, a weight, a surface area, a volume, or any combination thereof, associated with the debris <NUM>. Additionally, the presence of debris <NUM> may be associated with a particular area within the container <NUM>. In other words, it may be determined where the debris <NUM> is located, and if the amount of debris in that area is above a threshold concentration (e.g., a quantity per area of the container).

At block <NUM>, in response to determining the presence of debris <NUM> in the container, the granular particles <NUM> may be fluidized, such as via the nozzles <NUM>. In one embodiment, granular particles <NUM> at a certain area within the container <NUM> may be fluidized, such as an area having a high concentration of debris <NUM>. Granular particles <NUM> at a remainder of the container (e.g., having a low concentration of debris <NUM>) may not be fluidized, thereby reducing or limiting an energy consumption associated with fluidizing the container <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the debris <NUM> may be removed from the fluidized granular particles <NUM>. For example, the sheet <NUM> may be moved through the area of the container <NUM> in which the granular particles <NUM> are fluidized, and the sheet <NUM> may capture the debris <NUM> without capturing the granular particles <NUM>. The sheet <NUM> may then be moved out of the container <NUM> to remove the captured debris <NUM> from the container <NUM>. At block <NUM>, after the debris <NUM> has been removed from the fluidized granular particles <NUM>, fluidization of the granular particles <NUM> may be suspended or deactivated. The granular particles <NUM> may then stack atop one another.

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

Claim 1:
A granular material effect system (<NUM>), comprising:
a plurality of granular particles (<NUM>) disposed in a container (<NUM>);
a nozzle (<NUM>) configured to activate to direct a fluid into the container (<NUM>);
an actuator (<NUM>) disposed in the container (<NUM>) within the plurality of granular particles (<NUM>), wherein the actuator (<NUM>) is coupled to a prop (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the nozzle (<NUM>) and the actuator (<NUM>), wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to:
instruct the nozzle (<NUM>) to activate to direct the fluid into the container (<NUM>) such that at least a portion of the granular particles (<NUM>) are suspended within the fluid; and
instruct the actuator (<NUM>) to move the prop (<NUM>) relative to the container (<NUM>) while the nozzle (<NUM>) is activated.