Patent ID: 12186678

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

Typical amusement park ride systems (e.g., roller coasters or dark rides) include a ride vehicle that follows a ride path (e.g., a track) through a series of features. Such features may include tunnels, turns, ups, downs, loops, and the like. Even though amusement park ride systems may provide rides that only last a few minutes because the ride vehicles often travel at high speeds, the foot print of the ride path may be quite large. Accordingly, the costs associated with building an amusement park ride system and the space required to do so may be significant. Naturally, this is a more acute issue for an amusement park housing many ride systems within limited space.

By using the systems and techniques described herein to create the illusion of speed and/or directional transition for passengers in a slowly moving or stationary ride vehicle, the length of ride path covered by the ride vehicle, the footprint of the ride, and the cost to build the ride may be reduced. By reducing the footprint of one or more rides, an amusement park may be capable of having a larger number of ride systems, which may be generally referred to as rides, and the distance between rides that amusement park guest have to walk may be reduced, or the size of an amusement park having a set number of rides may be reduced.

FIG.1shows one embodiment of a ride system10. The ride system10may include a ride vehicle14that holds one or more passengers12. In some embodiments, multiple ride vehicles12may be coupled together (e.g., by a linkage). The ride vehicle14travels along a ride path16. The ride path16may be any surface on which the ride vehicle14travels. In some embodiments, the ride path16may be a track. The ride path16may or may not dictate the path traveled by the ride vehicle14. That is, in some embodiments, the ride path16may control the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and/or orientation) of the ride vehicle14as it progresses, similar to a train on train tracks. In other embodiments, there may be a system for controlling the path taken by the ride vehicle14. For example, the ride path16may be an open surface that allows the passengers12to control certain aspects of the movement of the ride vehicle14via a control system resident on the ride vehicle14.

The ride system10may also include one or more tunnels18, through which the ride vehicle14passes. The tunnels18may have one or more walls20. The walls20may be rigid or flexible. For example, in some embodiments, the walls may be structural members, while in other embodiments, the walls may be decorative (e.g., a sheet of fabric held in place by a support structure. The walls20may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The tunnels18may be features in and of themselves, or the tunnels18may be combined with other features. That is, one or more of the tunnels18may be combined with a turn, an up, a down, a loop, or some combination thereof. At least one of the tunnels18may be curved such that from an intermediate position within the tunnel18, the end of the tunnel18may not be visible.

The ride system10includes a projection system22, which may project images on surfaces throughout the ride (along the ride path16). The projection system22may include one or more projectors24, one or more self-illuminating panels26, or other systems and/or devices for projecting images on surfaces visible from the ride vehicle14. For example, the projection system22may be used to project images onto the walls20of a tunnel18. This may be done by projecting images onto the walls20from within the tunnel18, projecting images from outside the tunnel18onto transparent or translucent walls, as shown inFIG.1, such that the images can be seen by a passenger12in the ride vehicle14. In other embodiments, images may be displayed on the walls20of the tunnel using self-illuminating panels26(e.g., an LCD display, a plasma display, and the like). It should be understood, however, that these are merely examples and that the projection system22envisaged may include other ways to display images on surfaces visible from the ride vehicle14. As will be described in more detail later, the projection system22may be used to project images on the walls20of a tunnel18, or other surfaces visible from the ride vehicle14, in order to create the illusion that the ride vehicle14is moving faster than it actually is, that the ride vehicle14is moving when it is actually stationary, or to create an illusion of, or hide, directional transition.

FIG.2is a schematic of the control system50for the ride system10. The control system50may include control circuitry52which may control and/or receive inputs from various components throughout the ride system10. The control circuitry may include a processor54and a memory component56. The processor54may be used to run programs, execute instructions, interpret input, generate control signals, and/or other similar functions. The memory component56may be used to store data, programs, instructions, and so forth.

The control circuitry52may be in communication with the ride vehicle14, which may be equipped with one or more actuators58and/or one or more sensors60. The actuators58on the ride vehicle14may control motion (move forward, move backward, turn, brake) of the ride vehicle14, or other actuators (e.g., actuators for passenger12safety harnesses) on the ride vehicle14. The actuators58may be controlled by a control signal output by the control circuitry52. The sensors60may sense one or more parameters indicative of the position, tilt, velocity, acceleration, etc. of the ride vehicle14.

The control circuitry52may also be in communication with the projection system22. For example, based on the inputs from the sensors60on the ride vehicle14, the control circuitry52may output images for each of the projectors24or self-illuminating panels26to project, or may instruct the projectors24or self-illuminating panels26which images to project. In some embodiments, the images may be stored in the memory component56of the control circuitry52. In other embodiments, the projection system22or each projector24or self-illuminated panel26may store the images to be projected.

The control circuitry52may also be in communication with various actuators62and sensors64for the tunnel18, the ride path16, one or more set pieces, or other components within the ride system10. The actuators62may be distributed throughout the tunnel18, the ride path16, one or more set pieces, or other components (e.g., a motion base, a turntable) within the ride system, giving the control circuitry52control over the movement of those objects. The sensors may be distributed throughout the same tunnel18, the ride path16, one or more set pieces, or other components within the ride system and configured to send signals to the control circuitry52. The signals may be indicative of position, velocity, acceleration, operating conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure), and the like. The various actuators58,62, sensors60,64, and projection devices24,26allow the control circuitry52to coordinate the various components of the ride system10in order to facilitate the illusion of speed to a passenger12in the ride vehicle14.

The control circuitry52may also be in communication with a sound system66, which may include one or more sound projection devices68(e.g., speakers, subwoofers, etc.) The sound system66may be used in conjunction with the projection system22to create the illusion of speed by projecting sounds that may or may not correspond to the images projected by the projection system22. Similarly, the control circuitry52may be in communication with a wind generation system70, which may include one or more wind generating devices72(e.g., fans, blowers, etc.). The wind generation system70may be used to create airflow to simulate wind (steady wind, gusts of wind, etc.) to further enhance the illusion of speed.

In some embodiments, the ride system10may include a motion base and/or turntable74, which may include a number of actuators76and sensors78. The motion base may be used to tilt, vibrate, rotate, or move the ride vehicle14in some other way. As will be discussed in more detail later, these movements may be used to enhance the illusion of speed.

FIG.3is an overhead schematic representation of one embodiment of the ride system10with a pass-through tunnel18configuration. The ride vehicle14enters the tunnel18at a first end90and decelerates as the ride vehicle14approaches an intermediate position92within the tunnel18. In some embodiments there may be multiple intermediate positions92. As the ride vehicle14proceeds through the tunnel18, a number of projectors24project images on the walls20such that the passenger12is encouraged to perceive that the ride vehicle14is not decelerating. For example, in one embodiment, the images projected on the walls20may accelerate (e.g., provide moving images that appear to correspond to acceleration of the ride vehicle14with respect to the images) at the same rate that the ride vehicle14decelerates in order to create the illusion of constant velocity. In another embodiment, the images projected on the walls20may accelerate at a rate greater than the rate at which the ride vehicle14decelerates, creating the illusion of acceleration. In yet another embodiment, the images projected onto the walls20may not create the illusion of acceleration or constant velocity, but rather may disorient the passenger12such that the passenger is unaware of the ride vehicle's deceleration. The projection system22in the embodiment shown inFIG.3includes a number a projectors24disposed outside of the tunnel18. In such an embodiment, the walls20would be translucent or transparent such that a passenger12in the ride vehicle14would be able to see the images on the walls20from the inside of the tunnel18. It should understood, however, that a similar illusion may be created using a projection system22having a number of projectors24, self-illuminating panels26, or other projection devices located inside the tunnel18, outside the tunnel18, or both. Additionally, in some embodiments, a sound system66having a number of speakers68, may project sound and/or a wind generation system70, having a number of fans72may generate airflow to similar wind, in some cases working in conjunction with the projection system22to create the illusion of speed.

In one embodiment, the ride vehicle14comes to a stop at an intermediate position92. As previously mentioned, there may be more than one intermediate position92within the tunnel18. The intermediate position92may be any location or area within the tunnel at which a passenger12in the ride vehicle14is unable to see the first end90and/or second end94of the tunnel18(e.g., the ends90and94are beyond the visual horizon from the perspective of the passenger12). As the ride vehicle14comes to a stop and remains stationary at the intermediate position92, the projection system22projects images on the walls20of the tunnel18that create an illusion of motion for the passenger12, even though the ride vehicle is not moving, such that the passenger12does not perceive that the ride vehicle14has stopped. The images projected on the walls20may create the illusion of constant velocity, increasing velocity, decreasing velocity, or a combination thereof. For example, though the walls20may be a smooth surface, the projection system may project a moving brick, stone, or other textured surface on the walls20in order to create the illusion of speed. The images may also include stationary features in a hypothetical tunnel, such as support beams, and the like to further make the illusion of speed more realistic. In some embodiments, the ride path16and corresponding hardware may be covered or otherwise obstructed from the passenger's12view, and in some cases projected upon by the projection system22to make the illusion more realistic.

In some embodiments, the intermediate position92may be atop a motion base74or other moving platform, which may be capable of tilting and or vibrating the ride vehicle14to enhance the illusion of speed. The wind generation system70may blow air at passengers12in the ride vehicle14as the ride vehicle14progresses through the tunnel18or sits stationary at the intermediate position92. The air blown at passengers12by the wind generation system70may further enhance the illusion of speed by simulating the feel of moving through air at high speeds.

As discussed with regard toFIG.2, the ride vehicle14, the projection system22, the motion base74, the wind generation system70, the sound system66, and any other components may be under the control of the control system50. For example, based upon input (e.g., the position of the ride vehicle14, the velocity of the ride vehicle14) from sensors60on the ride vehicle14and sensors64disposed elsewhere throughout the system10, the control system50may control actuators28on the ride vehicle14, the images projected by the projection system22, actuators62on the motion base, actuators62within the wind generation system70, and so forth. In other embodiments, the ride system10may lack a control system52, such that the ride system10is a “push-play” system which performs the same sequence of repeatable steps, with no feedback loop, each time an operator starts the system10.

After a period of time during which the ride vehicle14is stationary or moving slowly along the ride path16(e.g., not including movement of any motion base74) at or within the intermediate position, the ride vehicle14begins to accelerate away from the intermediate position92. During this time, the projection system22may project images onto the walls20of the tunnel18such that the passenger12is discouraged from perceiving that the ride vehicle14is accelerating from a stop. For example, the images projected by the projection system22may decelerate (e.g., provide moving images that correspond to deceleration of the ride vehicle14from the perspective of the passenger12) at the same rate at which the ride vehicle14accelerates to create the illusion to the passenger12of constant speed. In some embodiments of the ride system10, the projection system22may accelerate and decelerate the projected images opposite the accelerations and decelerations of the ride vehicle14such that the passenger12perceives that the ride vehicle14is moving at a constant speed while it is in the tunnel18. In other embodiments, the images projected by the projection system22may accelerate and decelerate at different rates than the ride vehicle14in order to disorient the passenger. Furthermore, the projection system22may use flashes of light, darkness, loud sounds, and other projected images to disorient the passenger12.

As the ride vehicle14accelerates away from the intermediate position92, the ride vehicle proceeds toward the second end94of the tunnel18, where the ride vehicle14exits the tunnel18. Upon exiting the tunnel18, the ride vehicle14may proceed to the remainder of the ride, which may include another similar tunnel18, or any other combination of features.

FIGS.4,5,6, and7include perspective views of an embodiment of the system10in which the second end94of the tunnel18is configured to be maneuvered into different orientations, which may include disconnection from the ride path16. As shown inFIG.4, the ride vehicle14enters the tunnel18through the first end90. The ride vehicle14decelerates as it approaches an intermediate position92. As with the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the projection system22may project images onto the walls20of the tunnel as the ride vehicle14approaches the intermediate position92in order to create the illusion of speed. At some point, either before or after the ride vehicle14comes to rest at the intermediate position92, the second end94of the tunnel18may disconnect from the ride path16(FIG.5) such that a second end94of the tunnel18may not be visible to the passenger12. In some embodiments, the tunnel may be disposed upon a tunnel platform120. One or more actuators62may be used to control movement of the tunnel. Additionally, one or more sensors64may be disposed throughout the tunnel18or tunnel platform120to monitor its operation.

As with the embodiment shown inFIG.3, when the ride vehicle stops or slows at the intermediate position92, the projection system22may project images on the walls20of the tunnel to create the illusion of speed. The system10may include a motion base74, a tilting platform, a wind generation system70, a sound system66, and the like in order to enhance the illusion of speed. However, in the embodiment shown inFIGS.4-7, the ride system10has the capability to simulate turns in either direction, as well as ups, down, and combinations thereof. For example,FIG.6shows an embodiment of the system10wherein the second end94of the tunnel18is tilted up to simulate an upward slope. Similar methods could be used to simulate a downward slope. SimilarlyFIG.7shows that the system10may be capable of simulating turns to both the right and left. By having the capability to simulate speed through right turns, left turns, upward slopes, downward slopes, and combinations thereof, the ride system10may be capable creating the illusion of speed for passengers12in the ride vehicle14for longer periods of time than a similar system10that simulates a single turn. The moving platform (e.g., motion base)74may facilitate simulation of actual speed and directional changes by moving in coordination with changes to the tunnel configuration. For example, in the orientation illustrated inFIG.4, movement of the motion base74may simulate the forces associated with moving up a steep slope. Similarly, movement of the motion base74may simulate forces associated with different types of turns and direction changes in coordination with corresponding orientation changes of the tunnel18.

After a period of time during which the ride vehicle14is stationary or moving slowly along the ride path16at the intermediate position92, the ride vehicle14may operate to accelerate away from the intermediate position92. At some point before the ride vehicle14exits the tunnel18, the second end94of the tunnel may orient into a position that facilitates passage of the vehicle14(e.g., by reconnecting with an aspect of the ride path16). During this time, the projection system22may project images onto the walls20of the tunnel18such that the passenger12is encouraged to not perceive that the ride vehicle14is accelerating from a stopped or slowed state. For example, the projection system22may accelerate and decelerate the projected images opposite the accelerations and decelerations of the ride vehicle14such that the passenger12perceives that the ride vehicle14is moving at a constant speed while it is in the tunnel18. In other embodiments, the images projected by the projection system22may accelerate and decelerate at different rates than the ride vehicle14in order to disorient the passenger. As shown inFIGS.4-7, the projection system22may project onto the ride path16(e.g., projected lane lines) to further enhance the illusion of speed. Furthermore, the projection system22may use flashes of light, darkness, and other projected images to disorient the passenger12.

As the ride vehicle14accelerates away from the intermediate position92, the ride vehicle proceeds toward the second end94of the tunnel18, where the ride vehicle14exits the tunnel18. Upon exiting the tunnel18, the ride vehicle14may proceed on the ride path16through the remainder of the ride, which may include another similar tunnel18, or any other combination of features.

FIGS.8,9, and10show another embodiment of the ride system10in which the second end94of the tunnel18disconnects from the ride path16. As with the embodiment shown inFIGS.4-7, the ride vehicle14enters the tunnel18through a first end90and decelerates as the ride vehicle14approaches an intermediate position92. The projection system22projects images on the walls20of the tunnel18to create the illusion of speed as the ride vehicle approaches the intermediate positon92. At some point before or after the ride vehicle14comes to rest or slows at the intermediate position92, the second end94of the tunnel18disconnects from the ride path16. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.8-10, the tunnel18may be disposed upon a motion base74. The motion base may include actuators62and/or sensors64to facilitate movement of the tunnel18. Whereas the bottom of the tunnel18shown inFIGS.4-7may be flexible, the bottom of the tunnel18inFIGS.8-10may be rigid. Accordingly, the rigid sections134,136of the tunnel may be connected by a hinge138and a flexible joint140that accounts for a gap between sections136. For example, the flexible joint may be one or more flexible pieces of fabric that cover a gap between tunnel sections134,136. In another embodiment, the flexible joint140may include one or more sets of telescoping panels that move relative to one another as tunnel section136tilts up and down. In yet another embodiment, the flexible joint140may include bellows, or some other flexible structure to account changes in spacing between the tunnel sections136,134. In some embodiments, the tilting tunnel section136may be actuated by the motion base74. In other embodiments, the tunnel may be actuated by an actuator62(e.g., a linear actuator). While the ride vehicle14is stationary, the tunnel may tilt upward (FIG.9) and downward (FIG.10) in order to simulate the illusion of speed over ups and downs in the ride path16. In some embodiments, the illusion of upward and/or downward speed shown inFIGS.8,9, and10may be used to make the passenger perceive that the ride spends more time going down than it does going up, even though the ride may have a net-zero elevation gain.

As with the other embodiments discussed, after a period of time at which the ride vehicle14is stationary or in a slowed state at the intermediate position within the tunnel18, the ride vehicle14begins to accelerate away from the intermediate position and proceed through the tunnel. At some point before the ride vehicle14exits the tunnel18, the second end94of the tunnel reconnects with the ride path16. As the ride vehicle14proceeds, the projection system22projects images onto the walls20of the tunnel18that maintain the illusion of speed. The images projected by the projection system22may decelerate at the same rate at which the ride vehicle14accelerates to create the illusion of constant velocity or the projected images may appear to accelerate and decelerate at rates different from the accelerations and decelerations of the ride vehicle14to disorient the passenger. The projection system22may also use flashes of light, darkness, and other projected images to further create the illusion of speed or disorient the passenger12.

FIGS.11,12, and13show an embodiment of the ride system10in which the ride vehicle14enters and exits through the same end90of the tunnel18, rather than traveling through the tunnel18. In some embodiment, the tunnel18may not be a tunnel in the classical sense (i.e., having an entrance and an exit, through which the ride vehicle14passes), but instead be a faux-tunnel150having an entrance, but no exit. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.11-13, the cross-sectional area of the tunnel18decreases from the first end90to the second end94in a conical or cornucopia shaped fashion. In some embodiments, the tunnel18may come to a point at the second end94. In other embodiments, the second end94of the tunnel18may be open, but smaller than the opening at the first end90of the tunnel18. Such an embodiment may create an illusion that the tunnel18is longer than it really is. In yet other embodiments, the second end94of the tunnel18may have the same cross-sectional areas as the first end90. As is shown inFIGS.11-13, the direction the tunnel18curves may be used to simulate ups, downs, and curves. As with previously discussed embodiments, the tunnel18may be flexible (e.g., fabric over a skeleton support structure), allowing it to bend in various directions, or the tunnel18may be rigid, and then rotate about the first end90to simulate changes in direction.

The ride vehicle14enters the tunnel18through a first end90and proceeds to an intermediate position92. As the ride vehicle14proceeds toward the intermediate position92, the projection system22projects images on the walls20of the tunnel18that create the illusion of speed. For example, the images projected on the walls20may create the illusion of constant velocity, increasing velocity, decreasing velocity, or a combination thereof.

As the ride vehicle14decelerates in its approach to the intermediate position92, the projection system22may project images into the walls20of the tunnel18to create the illusion of movement, even though the ride vehicle14may be stationary, slowed, or coming to a stop at the intermediate position92. As previously discussed, the intermediate position may be atop a motion base74. The intermediate position92may also be atop a turntable152. While the ride vehicle14remains stationary or slowed at or within the intermediate position92, the one or more tunnel actuators62may move the second end94of the tunnel18, varying the curvature and/or direction of the tunnel18to simulate ups, downs, turns, or some combination thereof. In such an embodiment, the tunnel18may be made of a flexible material (e.g., flexible cloth draped over a support structure) to accommodate a stationary first end90and a mobile second end94. In other embodiments, the tunnel18may be rigid and be configured to rotate about a bearing154(e.g. a ball bearing or some other rotational interface) at the opening at the first end90of the tunnel18, such that in a first position (FIG.11), the tunnel simulates a right turn, in a second position (FIG.12), the tunnel simulates an upward trajectory, in a third position (FIG.13), the tunnel simulates a downward trajectory, and in a fourth position (not shown), the tunnel simulates a left turn. As previously discussed, the images projected by the projection system22may create the illusion of a constant velocity, or may create the illusion of rates of acceleration that vary wildly to disorient the passenger12. Additionally, the ride system10may use a motion base74, a wind generation system70, a sound system66, or other systems to further enhance the illusion of speed.

After a period of time, the ride vehicle14turns around, accelerates away from the intermediate position92, and exits the tunnel18through the first end90. The ride vehicle14may be turned around by a turn-table, the ride vehicle14itself may have a mechanism for turning the passengers around, or the ride path16may include a 180 degree turn disposed within the tunnel18(shown inFIGS.11-13). The ride system10may use darkness or bright flashes of light from the projection system in order to disorient the passenger12as the ride vehicle14turns around and exits the tunnel18, such that the passenger12is unaware that the ride vehicle14has turned around or otherwise changed directions. Upon exiting the tunnel18, the ride vehicle may proceed to the remainder of the ride, which may include another similar tunnel18, or any other combination of features.

FIGS.14and15show an embodiment of the ride system10having set pieces mounted to a carousel on the inside of a turn. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.14and15, the tunnel18may be disposed about a turn in the ride path16. Unlike previously depicted embodiments, the tunnel18only has a wall on the outside of the turn. However, in some embodiments, the tunnel18may have walls20on both the inside and the outside of the turn at the entrance (e.g. the first end90) and/or at the exit (e.g., the second end94) of the tunnel18. The carousel160, which may include one or more actuators62and/or sensors64under the control of the control system52, may enhance the illusion of speed by providing surfaces or objects (e.g., set pieces162) that move relative to the ride vehicle14. In some embodiments, a number of set pieces162or other objects may be attached to the carousel160. For example, the set pieces162may include beams, arches, or other objects that travel by, over, or around the ride vehicle14as the carousel160spins.

As with previously discussed embodiments, the ride vehicle14enters the tunnel18through a first end90and proceeds to an intermediate position92. The ride vehicle14decelerates as it approaches the intermediate position92. As the ride vehicle14approaches the intermediate position92, the ride system10creates the illusion of speed. For example, the images projected by the projection system22and the carousel160may accelerate as the ride vehicle14decelerates. The acceleration of the images and carousel160may be equal and opposite the deceleration of the ride vehicle14to create the illusion of constant velocity. In other embodiments, the images and the carousel160may accelerate faster than the ride vehicle accelerates in order to create the illusion of acceleration. Various other combinations may be possible. As the ride vehicle14approaches the intermediate position92, the various other systems under the control of the control system50(e.g., wind generation system70, sound system66, motion base74, ride vehicle actuators58and sensors60, tunnel actuators62and sensors64) may assist in creating the illusion of speed.

The ride vehicle14may then come to rest or slow at an intermediate position92, at which the passenger's view of the first end90and the second end94of the tunnel18are obstructed. The ride vehicle14may remain stationary or slowed at the intermediate position92for a period of time. During this time, the ride system10, under the control of the control system50, creates the illusion of speed. For example, the projection system22may project moving images on the walls20of the tunnel18that create the illusion of speed. The carousel160may spin, either at a constant speed or at varying speeds, such that one or more surfaces, objects, or set pieces162pass over, by, or around the ride vehicle14. As with other embodiments, the intermediate position92may be atop a motion based that tilts or vibrates the ride vehicle14. A wind generation system70(e.g., one or more fans72) may enhance the illusion of speed by blowing air on the passenger12. Additionally, the sound system66may play noises that make it sound as though the ride vehicle14is moving.

After a period of time at which the ride vehicle14is stationary or in a slowed state, the ride vehicle14may accelerate away from the intermediate position92and proceed through the tunnel18to the second end94of the tunnel. As the ride vehicle14proceeds to the second end of the tunnel, the ride system10continues to create the illusion of speed. The illusion may be created by the projection system22, the sound system66, the wind generation system70, a motion base, or any number of actuators disposed throughout the ride system10. In some embodiments, the various systems may be under the control of the control system50, which controls the various systems based on input from sensors on the ride vehicle60, sensors in the tunnel64, or sensors disposed elsewhere throughout the system10. In other embodiments, the system10may be a “push-play” system, wherein the ride operator pushes a start button and the ride system goes through the same series of steps in the same fashion over and over again. In some embodiments, for example, the images projected by the projection system22and the carousel160may decelerate as the ride vehicle14accelerates away from the intermediate position92so as to create the illusion of constant speed while the ride vehicle14is in the tunnel18. In some embodiments, the carousel160and the images projected by the projection system22may stop moving by the time the ride vehicle14reaches the second end94of the tunnel18. In other embodiments, the projected images and/or the carousel160may accelerate and decelerate in order to create the illusion of varying speeds while the ride vehicle is in the tunnel. Upon exiting the tunnel18, the ride vehicle14may proceed along the ride path16to any number of other features of the ride system10, which may or may not include additional tunnels18.

FIGS.16,17,18, and19show an embodiment of the ride system10in which one or more set pieces162are moved in a substantially lateral direction180, as opposed to the set pieces162mounted to the rotating carousel160shown inFIGS.14and15. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.16-19, once the ride vehicle14enters the tunnel18, the ride vehicle14may either remain stationary at an intermediate position92, or move slowly through the tunnel18as a plurality of set pieces162move in a substantially lateral direction180to create the illusion that the ride vehicle14is moving faster than it actually is. Though the set pieces shown inFIGS.16-19are rectangular in shape, it should be understood that this is merely to illustrate the movement of the set pieces162, and that the set pieces may be of any shape or size. The set pieces162may be moved using one or more tracks, which may be at the tops, bottoms, or sides of the set pieces162. However, other systems for moving the set pieces162may be possible. As shown inFIG.19, once the ride vehicle14as passed through one or more of the set pieces162, the set pieces move backward, opposite the lateral direction, to reset for the next ride vehicle14to enter the tunnel18. It should be understood thatFIGS.16-19show one possible feature of the ride system10and that the laterally moving set piece162feature may be combined with other features described herein (e.g., vanishing point tunnel, flexible tunnel, tunnel with entry and exit through single end, tunnel with carousel).

FIG.20shows an embodiment of the ride system10in which set pieces162are guided through the tunnel by a treadmill-type system200. In the embodiment shown inFIG.20, a plurality of set pieces162are linked to one another by a belt, chain, or other flexible series of linkages. ThoughFIG.20shows attachment at the top of each set piece162, attachment could also be from the bottom, a side of the set piece162, or somewhere else.

As with other embodiments, the ride vehicle enters the tunnel through a first end90. The ride vehicle may decelerate toward, and come to rest at, an intermediate position, or the ride vehicle14may proceed slowly through the tunnel18. The set piece system200may then begin to move the set pieces162to create the illusion that the ride vehicle14is moving faster than it actually is. The set pieces162may be cycled above the ride path16, under the ride path16, or around the side (e.g., obscured by a wall20), and back around in front of the ride vehicle14. The same set pieces162may be guided by, over, or around the ride vehicle14an unlimited number of times, thus allowing the illusion of speed created by the set pieces162passing by, over, or around the ride vehicle14to continue indefinitely. It should be understood, however, thatFIG.20is simplified to communicate the movement of the set pieces162, and that the set piece system200may operate under the control of the control system50, and/or in conjunction with the projection system22, the sound system66, the wind generation system70, a motion base, actuators disposed throughout the ride system10, or any other number of systems to enhance the illusion of speed.

After a period of time, the ride vehicle14accelerates toward the second end94of the tunnel18. The rate of speed at which the set piece system200moves the set pieces162may change corresponding to the acceleration and deceleration of the ride vehicle. For example, the set piece system200may be configured to maintain a constant relative velocity between the ride vehicle14and the set pieces162in order to create the illusion of constant velocity. In some systems, this may be achieved by the control system50reacting to inputs from sensors60on the ride vehicle, sensors64in the tunnel18, or sensors disposed elsewhere throughout the system10, and adjusting the speed of the set pieces162, or the speed of the ride vehicle accordingly. In other embodiments, this effect may be achieved without a control system50. Additionally, the set piece system200may work in conjunction with other previously described systems (projection system22, sound system66, wind system70) to create or enhance the illusion of speed.

FIG.21shows a process220for creating the illusion of speed using the ride system10. In block222the ride system10or the tunnel18receives the ride vehicle14. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle14may enter the tunnel18from an open end at either side of the tunnel18.

In block224, images are projected and/or set pieces162are moved as the ride vehicle decelerates. The ride vehicle14decelerates between the first end90of the tunnel18, where the ride vehicle14entered the tunnel18, and an intermediate position92within the tunnel18, from which the second end of the tunnel is not visible. As the ride vehicle decelerates, the projection system22projects images on the walls20of the tunnel18, and/or the set piece system200moves set pieces162in order to create the illusion of speed. The projection system22may include a number of projectors24, self-illuminating panels26, or some other way to display images on a surface. In some embodiments, the projected images or set pieces162may accelerate, or appear to accelerate, at a rate opposite the deceleration of the ride vehicle14in order to create the illusion of constant velocity. For example, the ride vehicle14may enter the tunnel, decelerate, perhaps even stop, accelerate, and then exit the tunnel. During this time, the projection system may project images on the walls of the tunnel20such that the passenger12perceives that the ride vehicle14is moving through the tunnel18at a constant velocity. In other embodiments, the acceleration of the ride vehicle14and the projected images and/or set pieces may be mismatched to create the illusion of acceleration or deceleration. For example, the projected images may create the illusion for the passenger that the ride vehicle14has covered a much greater distance while it was in the tunnel18than it actually has.

The images projected onto the walls may simulate traveling through a tunnel in a car or a train. For example, the projected images may simulate a moving texture (e.g., brick, stone, rock, and so forth) onto the surface of a smooth wall. The projected images may include tunnel features, such as doors, windows, support structures, and so forth.) In yet other embodiments, the images projected onto the walls20of the tunnel18may not simulate a tunnel at all. For example, the projected images may include the sky, clouds, trees, buildings, bodies of water, wild life, aircraft, trains, other vehicles, and the like.

In some embodiments, the ride system10may also utilize other systems (e.g., a sound system66, a wind generation system70, lighting, a motion base74, and a carousel160) to further enhance the illusion of speed. The ride vehicle14may come to a stop at an intermediate position92within the tunnel18. For example, accelerating projected images may be vibration of a motion base74, increasing airflow through the tunnel cause by the wind generation system70, and sounds produced by the sound system66(e.g., an engine revving, gear changes, simulation of the Doppler effect that corresponds to the projected images, and so forth). In some embodiments, the control circuitry52may receive inputs from one or more sensors60aboard the ride vehicle14, and correspondingly control the projection system22, the sound system66, the wind generation system70, the ride path16, tunnel18, set pieces162, or other components according to a control program or algorithm to create an illusion of speed. In other embodiments, actuators throughout the ride system10may be actuated to create a repeatable ride experience that does not vary from cycle to cycle based on input from sensors.

In block226, images are projected and/or set pieces are moved to create the illusion of speed. As previously discussed, the projection system22may project images on the walls20of the tunnel18and/or set pieces162may be moved through the tunnel18in order to create the illusion of speed for a passenger12in the ride vehicle14. Other systems, such as a sound system66, a wind generation system70, lighting, a motion base74, a carousel160, and so forth, may be used to further enhance the illusion of speed. In some embodiments, the tunnel18may be disconnected from the ride path16and moved. After a period of time at which the ride vehicle14is stationary or in a slowed state at the intermediate position92, the ride vehicle14begins to accelerate away from the intermediate position92. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle14may accelerate toward the second end94of the tunnel18and proceed through the tunnel18. In other embodiments, the ride vehicle14may accelerate back toward the first end90of the tunnel18, exiting the tunnel18from the same end that it entered. In some embodiments, however, the ride vehicle14may not accelerate out of the tunnel18. Instead, the ride vehicle14may proceed at a constant speed from the intermediate position92to the second end94of the tunnel.

In block228, images are projected and/or set pieces are moved as the ride vehicle14accelerates away from the intermediate position92. In some embodiments, the projected images or set pieces162may decelerate as the ride vehicle14accelerates, creating the illusion of constant speed. In other embodiments, the acceleration of the ride vehicle14and the acceleration or deceleration of the projected images or set pieces162may be mismatched in or to create the illusion of acceleration, deceleration, or to disorient the passenger12. In some embodiments, the ride system10may use bright lights or darkness to disorient the passenger12while the ride vehicle14turns around. Other systems, such as a sound system66, a wind generation system70, lighting, a motion base74, a carousel160, etc., may be used to further enhance the illusion of speed.

Technical effects of the disclosure include creating the illusion of speed and/or directional transition for a passenger12without the ride vehicle14covering as much ground as the passenger12perceives. The systems and methods disclosed herein may be used to shrink the footprint of amusement park ride systems, reducing the amount of real estate necessary for the ride systems. The disclosed techniques may be used to increase the number of ride systems in an amusement park of a set size, to reduce the amount of real estate necessary for an amusement park having a desired number of ride systems, or to reduce the cost of building and operating an amusement park.

While only certain features of the invention 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 true spirit of the invention.