IMMERSIVE MOBILE THEATER

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for moving a ride vehicle in an immersive mobile theater. A ride vehicle is received in an enclosure. The ride vehicle is received from a first track to a track segment within the enclosure. The movement of the ride vehicle is restricted to the track segment within the enclosure. The enclosure, with the ride vehicle inside, is moved from a first physical location to a second physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. An immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure while moving the enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical location and while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. The ride vehicle is released from the track segment within the enclosure to a second track.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to amusement park rides. Many amusement park rides include ride vehicles which often complete some form of circuit. The present disclosure provides systems and methods for moving a ride vehicle between two different locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an environment in which the present systems and methods may be practiced.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of an enclosure that may be used in connection with the present systems and methods.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a ride vehicle as it is entering into an enclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a traditional ride vehicle on the track segment within the enclosure.

FIG. 5 is one example of a suspended ride vehicle on the track segment within the enclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the ride vehicle entering the enclosure from an exit track section of the track.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the ride vehicle within the enclosure as the enclosure is being moved from a first physical location (e.g., the bottom of the tower, in line with the exit track section) to a second physical location (e.g., the top of the tower, in line with the entry track section).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the ride vehicle exiting the enclosure to an entry track section of the track.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an enclosure with a ride vehicle inside traversing along an enclosure track.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for moving a ride vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for moving a ride vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Amusement rides, also known as amusement park rides, carnival rides, theme park rides, attractions, and the like, come in all shapes and sizes. In general, amusement rides use movement to amuse (e.g., please, charm, entertain, delight, thrill) guests (e.g., riders). Examples of amusement rides include roller coasters, water rides (e.g., log flume), bumper cars, bumper boats, drop towers, and the like. In some cases, amusement rides include ride vehicles (e.g., a roller coaster car for a roller coaster, a “log” boat for a log flume, a gondola for a drop tower, a bumper car). The present systems and methods are applicable to any amusement ride that includes a ride vehicle. While the discussion herein is focused on the use of the present systems and methods in the context of amusement rides, it is appreciated that the present systems and methods may be used in a variety of circumstances, where enhanced amusement is desirable. Thus, ride vehicles are not limited to just amusement ride vehicles. For example an automobile or a bicycle could also be a ride vehicle.

The present systems and methods are directed to receiving a ride vehicle that includes one or more riders, for example, into an enclosure (e.g., theater) at a first location, immersing the riders (in the ride vehicle) in a media event, moving the entire enclosure (with the ride vehicle inside) to a second location that is different from the first location, and sending the ride vehicle out of the enclosure at the second location.

For example, a roller coaster car is received into a theater at the bottom of a tower where the riders in the roller coaster car are immersed in a story-telling media event. In this example, the riders in the roller coaster car are immersed in the story-telling media event as they enter the theater, as the theater is moved, and as the roller coaster car exits the theater. The roller coaster car exits the theater at the top of the tower, which is a different location from where the roller coaster car entered the theater. At the top of the tower the traditional gravity-driven thrill ride associated with a roller coaster may begin. For instance, the roller coaster car my follow the roller coaster track back to the bottom of the tower where the process may repeat.

In one example, the movement of the theater may be constrained to the vertical axis so the theater moves up and down (functions as an elevator, for example). In another example the movement of the theater may be vertical, lateral, longitudinal, and/or rotational, including any combination of the foregoing. In some cases, the theater may move along a track or course that is separate from the track or course of the ride vehicle. This track or course of the enclosure may define the movement of the enclosure as it moves along the track or course. In some examples, the theater may move along any shape of track or course (with any combination of twists, turns, tilts, rotations, hills, bumps, and/or drops, for example). In yet another example, the movement of the theater may be rotary as with a turret-style switch track.

In some embodiments, the motion of the entire theater including the projection equipment and the ride vehicle may be synchronized with the motion shown in the media. For example, the immersive story-telling media is coordinated with the movement of the theater to add to the effect of the immersive experience.

It is noted that the theater with the ride vehicle inside moves from one physical location to a new physical location. This movement that results in a change in physical location is different from the movement of a ride simulator in which the ride simulator or passenger seats move (in sync with the media, for example), but the physical location of the ride simulator is fixed.

The ride vehicle may be any type of amusement vehicle such as a conventional sit-down vehicle (e.g., sit-down roller coaster), an inverted vehicle, a prone position flying vehicle, a stand-up vehicle, or any variant of an amusement vehicle. As a ride vehicle, the ride vehicle may have its own track or course that it travels when not in the theater. In one example, the ride vehicle may enter the theater at a low point in its track or course and may exit the theater at an elevated point in its track or course, where it will descend through its track or course to the low point again, so as to create a circuit (where the present systems and methods are used to complete one or more portions of the circuit).

The theater includes one or more screens/displays for displaying movie-like media. Examples of screens include reflective domes and reflective screens, which reflect the image(s) produced by one or more projectors. Examples of displays include large format displays and borderless displays. Examples of display technologies for both displays and projectors include light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), laser, liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal on Silicon (LCoS), and the like. Depending upon the orientation of the ride vehicle (the primary field of view of the riders, for example), the display may be mainly overhead or underneath the ride vehicle.

In some cases, the theater may include a single entrance/exit. The single entrance/exit may be in the back of the theater so as to allow for an uninterrupted viewing surface at the front of the theater. In some embodiments the track segment within the theater or a portion of the track segment within the theater may be rotatable so that the ride vehicle may ingress and egress in the forward direction. As noted herein, this rotatable portion of the track segment may also be incorporated into the immersive experience to enhance the immersive/alternate reality experience.

The theater may also include one or more speakers (e.g., surround speakers) for providing a complete video and audio immersive experience. In addition, the immerse experience may be augmented (with movement) by coordinating the visual/audio experience with the movements that result from the course of the theater's movements.

The theater may provide this immersive experience to the riders that are in the ride vehicle. This immersive experience may be curated to engage some or all of the riders' senses (e.g., sight, hearing, movement, smell, etc.) so as to whisk the riders away into an alternate reality (e.g., virtual reality). This alternate reality may begin as (or even slightly before) the ride vehicle enters the theater and may continue until (or even slightly after) the ride vehicle exits the theater.

In some cases, the present systems and methods may be used to add a new component of amusement to an amusement ride. In one example, the present systems and methods may be used to contextualize the amusement ride so that the track or course of the ride vehicle has added meaning, and thus provides greater amusement.

For instance, the immerse experience may immerse riders who are in a prone position ride vehicle in a virtual reality experience of being in a hang glider and being carried in the back of a truck up to the edge of a cliff. The prone position ride vehicle may exit (at the top of roller coaster) where the ride vehicle begins the thrilling course down the track. Except now, with the context of hang gliding from the immersive experience, the thrilling course down the track may not just be a thrilling ride of acceleration, but in the minds of the now contextualized riders, the course becomes an experience of flying the hang glider, with real wind through the swoops, dives, loops, and turns, etc., of the course. In this way the immersive experience may have a transforming effect on amusement rides.

Additionally or alternatively, the present systems and methods may enhance the amusement associated with less amusing portions/components of the amusement rides. For example, the present systems and methods may enhance the amusement associated with getting the ride vehicle to a location where the thrilling part of the ride starts.

Roller coasters, for instance, have long had exciting (or to some, fear wrenching) methods for getting ride vehicles elevated (to the top of a hill, for example). These methods include long, chain-driven lift hills, winches, pneumatic-powered launchers, electric-powered launchers, and the like. Each of these mechanisms creates its own unique flavor of excitement and/or anticipation. As such, these mechanisms add to the overall amusement of the ride. Each of these mechanisms, however, comes at a cost, whether in terms of land use, operating costs, and/or maintenance cost. These costs have led to the use of alternative lift mechanisms, such as elevators. Elevators, however, may not provide the same level of amusement as the views and anticipation brought on by a tall lift hill or the thrill of being accelerated by an electric or pneumatic launcher. The present systems and methods may be applied to the elevator experience and similar experiences to enhance the amusement associated with these experiences.

Additionally or alternatively, the present systems and methods allow for a whole new class of ride elements, that is, a whole new class of amusement experiences. For example, the present systems and methods may be associated with movement in any direction (e.g., vertically, laterally, longitudinally, and/or any combination of the foregoing). In other words, the present systems and methods may be used in connection with movement in any direction, resulting in a whole new class of rides, for example, rides where the present systems and methods provide a mini ride within the overall amusement ride.

While specific applications vary, the present systems and methods are directed to an amusement ride that transports a ride vehicle from one location to another location in an immersive theater (e.g., an enclosure). The ride vehicle travels on a track or course into the immersive theater. Although the immersive theater is depicted herein as a dome, it is understood that the immersive theater may be any suitable enclosure (e.g., of any shape), including partial enclosure. The immersive theater provides visual and/or audio entertainment while both the immersive theater and the ride vehicle are moved from one physical location to another. For example, the immersive theater with the ride vehicle inside may travel vertically up a tower. At the destination physical location (e.g., the top of the tower), the ride vehicle exits the immersive theater and travels on a track or course (that is connected to the track or course that the ride vehicle entered the immersive theater from, for example). In one example, the ride vehicle may be at a point of highest potential energy at the destination physical location, whereupon the ride vehicle may begin a thrilling ride down the track or course (a roller coaster track, for example). The immersive theater may travel back to the first physical location (e.g., the bottom of the tower) to pick up the next ride vehicle.

It is appreciated that the present systems and methods may allow for the use of multiple ride vehicles and/or multiple immersive theaters in connection with a single track or course.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers may be used in different drawings to identify the same or similar elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular structures, architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the claimed invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the various aspects of the invention claimed may be practiced in other examples that depart from these specific details. In certain instances, descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an environment 100 in which the present systems and methods may be practiced. A ride vehicle 105 (e.g., ride vehicles 105A-C) may be configured for traveling on a track 110. The track 110, which includes an entry track 110A (that leads into the main gravity-driven track, for example) and the exit track 110B (that comes from the main gravity-driven track, via the loading/unloading zone 135, for example), may form a partial circuit that is completed via the elevators, for example. In one example, as illustrated, the track 110 may be a roller coaster track. In alternative embodiments, the track 110 may be any track that at least partially uses gravity for locomotion of the ride vehicle 105. The track 110 may utilize one or more elevators 115 to elevate the ride vehicle 105 from the bottom of the track 110 (e.g., the exit track 110B, the point of lowest potential energy, for example) to the start of the track 110 (e.g., the entry track 110A, the point of highest potential energy, for example). As illustrated in FIG. 1, three elevators 115A, 115B, and 115C may be used to accommodate the desired throughput rate of ride vehicles 105 through the elevator portion of the ride.

Although, three ride vehicles 105 are illustrated, it is appreciated that more or less ride vehicles may be used without departing from the scope of the present systems and methods. While not illustrated, in one example, the loading/unloading zone 135 may include a turntable or switching system that enables the ride vehicle 105 to enter any one of the elevators 115A-C (via a respective exit track 110B, for example). The various stages of the elevator experience are illustrated in the elevators 115A-C.

In the elevator 115A, the ride vehicle 105A is entering an enclosure 120A (e.g., immersive theater) from the exit track 110B. Each enclosure 120A-C may be a partial enclosure (e.g., a screen, such as an arc extending a quarter, third, or semicircle, partial sphere, or similar) or a complete enclosure (e.g., with some sort of walls, floor, and roof to form a room, enclosed space, or similar). In some embodiments there may be an entry/exit area 130 in the enclosures 120A-C. The entry/exit area 130 may remain open or may be closed with a door (a rollup door, for example). The ride vehicle 105A may enter the enclosure 120A via a track segment (e.g., track segment 125) that is affixed to at least a portion of the enclosure 120A.

The immersive experience may begin as the ride vehicle 105B enters the enclosure 120B. For example, riders in the ride vehicle 105B may have the experience of traveling through a dark tunnel into an illuminated virtual reality. In the enclosure (e.g., the enclosures 120A-C), a combination of video projectors and speakers creates an immersive alternate reality for amusing the riders during the elevator portion of the ride. The enclosures 120A-C may move from the bottom of the tower 150 (that includes elevators 115A-C, for example) to the top of the tower 150 with a ride vehicle 105 inside. Accordingly, riders in the ride vehicle 105 may enjoy an immersive experience throughout (or through some selected portions of) the elevator portion of the ride.

In the elevator 115B, the ride vehicle 105B is within the enclosure 120B with the riders enjoying an immersive experience as the entire enclosure 120B is moving (e.g., movement 140) from its first physical location at the bottom of the tower 150 to the second physical location at the top of the tower 150. The ride vehicle 1056 may be affixed, using brakes and/or some latching mechanism, to the track segment 125 within the enclosure 120B. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 105B is moveable within some limited bounds on the track segment 125 to further enhance the immersive experience.

Once the enclosure 120C has reached its destination, such as the top of the tower 150, as illustrated in the elevator 115C, the enclosure 120C stops and the ride vehicle 105C exits the enclosure 120C. In one example, as illustrated, the at least a portion of the track segment 125 may be rotatable so that the ride vehicle 105C may turn around within the enclosure 120C and exit the enclosure 120C in a forward orientation. During the exit from the enclosure 120C the ride vehicle 105C may transition from the track segment 125 within the enclosure 120C to the entry track 110A at the top of the tower 150. The entry track 110A may be the main track 110 or may lead to the main track 110. In one example, a turntable (e.g., turntable 145) or alternative switching system may be used to allow each of the entry tracks 110A to be able to connect to a single main line track 110. Once the ride vehicle 105C has exited the enclosure 120C, the enclosure 120C may return to the first physical location at the bottom of the tower 150 to pick up another ride vehicle 105.

The riders, having enjoyed an immersive experience throughout the elevator experience, may now begin a thrilling ride down the track 110. At the end of the track 110, the ride vehicle 105 may stop at the loading/unloading zone 135 to unload the riders who have completed the amusement ride experience and to load new riders for the amusement ride experience, whereupon the process may be repeated. In some cases, multiple elevators 115 may be used to accommodate a particular throughput rate of ride vehicles 105. In some embodiments, the elevator experience is extended or prolonged (the speed of the elevator experience is changed, for example) to coordinate with the length of time required for the immersive media presentation.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example where the enclosures 120 operate on a vertical track like an elevator, it is appreciated that the present systems and methods are applicable to a variety of scenarios, including those in which the enclosure 120 operates on any shape of enclosure track.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example 200 of an enclosure 120 that may be used in connection with the present systems and methods. The enclosure 120 may be an example of the enclosures 120A-C illustrated with respect to FIG. 1. In one example, as illustrated, the enclosure 120 may be a dome with an entry/exit area 130 (e.g., doorway) for entering into and/or exiting out of the enclosure 120. In some cases, the entry/exit area 130 may be closeable (with a rollup door, for example) to block out any unwanted light (that might interrupt the immersive experience, for example). Although not shown, the enclosure 120 may optionally include a floor (below a track segment 125, for example).

The track segment 125 may be affixed to the enclosure 120. In some cases, at least a portion of the track segment 125 may be rotatable so as to allow the ride vehicle to enter and exit in different orientations. The track segment 125 may correspond with the track 110 that the ride vehicle 105 is configured to travel on.

Although the enclosure 120 is illustrated as being a dome with the internal surface being defined by the external surface, the internal structure and the external structure of the enclosure 120 may differ and may take on any number of shapes. The dome shape may be beneficial for covering the interior surface with projected images that surround and immerse the viewer in an alternative reality.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example 300 of a ride vehicle 105 as it is entering into an enclosure 120. The enclosure 120 is an example of the enclosure 120 illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1 and/or 2. The ride vehicle 105 is an example of the ride vehicles 105A-C illustrated with respect to FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ride vehicle 105 may include a plurality of seats for riders (e.g., a rider 310). The ride vehicle 105 may be configured to maximize the field of view of the various riders 310. In this example, the ride vehicle 105 includes a minimal platform for the feet of the riders 310 and seats for the riders 310 (including rider restraints, which are not shown) but little to obstruct the view to the sides, to the front, or above. As illustrated the seats may be tiered, as well, to maximize the viewing field of riders 310 in subsequent rows. Maximizing the viewable field enhances the immersive experience as well as enhances the thrill of the entire amusement ride. It is appreciated that the illustrated ride vehicle 105 is one example of a ride vehicle 105 and that alternative designs (e.g., stand-up, prone position, etc.) and styles (e.g., suspension) of ride vehicles 105 may be used without departing from the scope of the present systems and methods.

The enclosure 120 may be in a position that allows a track segment 125 to align with an exit track 110B so that the ride vehicle 105 may seamlessly move from the exit track 110B to the track segment 125. In some cases, the immersive experience may have already begun so as the ride vehicle 105 enters the enclosure 120 the riders 310 have the illusion of entering an alternative reality.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example 400 of a traditional ride vehicle 105 on a track segment 125 within an enclosure 120. As illustrated, the track segment 125 is isolated from the track 110. The ride vehicle 105 may be attached (using brakes, a latching mechanism, or the like) to the track segment 125. In some cases, the ride vehicle 105 may be immovably fixed to the track segment 125. In other cases, the ride vehicle 105 may have limited motion (e.g., forward and backward motion) along the track segment 125. In either case, the ride vehicle 105 and the track segment 125 may move together as a single unit. In this manner the enclosure 120 with the ride vehicle 105 inside (on the track segment 125) may be moved to a new location.

The enclosure 120 includes one or more projectors 405 (e.g., projectors 405A-B) for projecting a video component of an immersive media presentation on the interior surface of the enclosure 120. In one example, the dome structure of the enclosure 120 may allow for the entire internal surface of the enclosure 120 to be a projection screen. The combination of the immersive dome-shaped screen and the multiple projectors 405 may allow for seamless coverage of the entire screen. Although the illustrated enclosure 120 is illustrated as a dome (e.g., a hemisphere, some portion of sphere), it is appreciated that the enclosure 120 may be more bubble like to further enhance the visual immersion. The one or more projectors 405 may be strategically placed to provide seamless coverage of the screen.

Although not shown, the enclosure 120 may additionally include one or more speakers for providing an audio portion of the immersive media presentation. The immersive video portion and the immersive audio portion of the immersive experience may be synchronized to envelop the ride vehicle 105 (and any riders 310 thereon) in a complete immersive alternative reality. In some cases, this immersive alternative reality may be a story-telling immersive experience that contextualizes or otherwise prepares the riders 310 for the amusement associated with the remainder of the ride along the track 110.

In some cases, an entry/exit area 130 may have a covering that acts as a screen so that the immersive experience may continue even if the track segment 125 (and thus the ride vehicle 105) is rotated within the enclosure 120.

FIG. 5 is one example 500 of a suspended ride vehicle 105 on a track segment 125 within an enclosure 120. The perspective of a rider 310 is different in the ride vehicle 105. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the enclosure 120 may be designed to maximize the visual component of the immersive media presentation. In this case, the enclosure 120 is an upside down dome (a bowl, for example). Thus, the design of the enclosure 120 may be selected based on the type and style of the ride vehicle 105 that will be within the enclosure 120. The enclosure 120 may include a plurality of projectors 405 (e.g., projectors 405C-D), which may be placed in different strategic locations to optimize the viewing experience of the riders 310.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the use of the present systems and methods in the context of an elevator 115. While, in this example, an enclosure 120 travels along a vertical track (in an elevator shaft, for example), it is appreciated that the track or course that the enclosure 120 travels on may take any form (e.g., have bumps, hills, turns, twists, drops, vibrations, etc.) to enhance the thrill and/or enhance the immersive media presentation (by adding a complementary motion portion of the experience that coincides with one or more thematic elements of the immersive media presentation, for example).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example 600 of a ride vehicle 105 entering an enclosure 120 from an exit track section 110B of a track 110. In one example, the ride vehicle 105 may have traveled the track 110, unloaded a set of riders (e.g., riders 310), and loaded a new set of riders prior to proceeding on the exit track section 110B. The ride vehicle 105 may move onto a track segment 125 using traditional locomotion techniques. In some cases, the immersive media presentation, including the immersive video portion of the immersive media presentation, may have already started or may start upon the entrance of the ride vehicle 105 into the enclosure 120.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example 700 of a ride vehicle 105 within an enclosure 120 as the enclosure 120 is being moved from a first physical location (e.g., the bottom of the tower 150, in line with an exit track section 110B) to a second physical location (e.g., the top of the tower 150, in line with an entry track section 110A). While the ride vehicle 105 is within the enclosure 120 and/or while the enclosure 120 is being moved from the first location to a second location, an immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure 120. This immersive media presentation may entertain, tell a story, and/or contextualize the riders to enhance the amusement associated with the amusement ride. During the movement of the enclosure 120 with the ride vehicle 105 inside, a track segment 125 is isolated from a track 110. The ride vehicle 105 instead is coupled to the track segment 125, which is coupled to the enclosure 120, with the enclosure 120 being carried along a track or course that is separate from the track 110. In some cases, at least a portion of the track segment 125 may be rotated while the ride vehicle 105 is located within the enclosure 120 so that the ride vehicle 105 may exit through an entry/exit area 130 that it entered through.

In addition to the video and audio components of the immersive media presentation, the movement (motion induced by the enclosure track, twists, turns, and features of the track), change in motion (e.g., starting and stopping of the motion along the enclosure track, changing of speed along the enclosure track, and the like), and/or added motion (e.g., vibrators, rotation, movement along the track segment 125, and the like) may each be synchronized to correspond with thematic elements in the immersive media presentation. In this way, the immersive media presentation may incorporate sight, sound, and motion to enhance the immersive experience.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example 800 of a ride vehicle 105 exiting an enclosure 120 to an entry track section 110A of a track 110. The ride vehicle 105, which may have been rotated previously, may exit from a track segment 125 to the entry track section 110A of the track 110. In some cases, the enclosure 120 may include a mechanism for allowing the ride vehicle 105 to exit. In one example, the track segment 125 may tip slightly or may be at an angle to allow the exit from the enclosure 120 to be gravity driven. In another example, the enclosure 120 may include an alternative driving means (e.g., electric motors, electromagnetic propulsion, pneumatic propulsion, and the like) for moving the ride vehicle 105 out of the enclosure 120 onto the entry track section 110A of the track 110.

In some cases, the ride vehicle 105 may exit to begin a different phase of the amusement ride experience. For example, the ride vehicle 105 may begin a thrilling descent down the track 110. Once the ride vehicle 105 has exited the enclosure 120, the enclosure 120 may traverse the enclosure track (backwards, for example) so that the enclosure 120 is once again lined up with an exit track section 110B of the track 110 and ready to receive another ride vehicle 105.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example 900 of an enclosure 120 with a ride vehicle 105 inside traversing along an enclosure track 905. As illustrated, the enclosure 120 may include a cart 910 that interfaces with the enclosure track 905. The cart 910 enables the enclosure 120 to travel along the enclosure track 905 in a similar way as the ride vehicle 105 travels along its track (e.g., track 110). The enclosure track 905 may be vertical as in the case of an elevator, may be substantially horizontal (as illustrated), and/or may have any combination of vertical components, lateral components, and/or longitudinal components (including hills, drops, turns, spirals, and twists, for example).

It is appreciated that the enclosure track 905 may be selected so as to enhance the immersive media presentation and/or to enhance the overall amusement of the ride. As noted above, the combination of the immersive media presentation and the movement of the enclosure 120, with the ride vehicle 105 inside, may enable a whole new category of amusement park rides and/or experiences.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 for moving a ride vehicle. The method 1000 may be performed by the enclosure 120 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In particular, the method 1000 may be performed by one or more control circuits (e.g., programmable logic controller (PLC), special-purpose processor and memory, and the like). Although the steps of the method 1000 are illustrated as being performed in a particular order, it is understood that the steps of the method 1000 may be reordered without departing from the scope of the method 1000.

At step 1005, a ride vehicle is received in an enclosure. The ride vehicle is received from a first track to a track segment within the enclosure. At step 1010, movement of the ride vehicle is restricted to the track segment within the enclosure. At step 1015, the enclosure is moved from a first physical location to a second physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. At step 1020, an immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure. The immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure while moving the enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. Providing the immersive media presentation within the enclosure includes projecting a video presentation portion of the immersive media presentation on an interior surface of the enclosure. At step 1025, the ride vehicle is released from the track segment within the enclosure to a second track.

The steps of the method 1000 may be performed by an application specific processor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method 1100 for moving a ride vehicle. The method 1100 may be performed by the enclosure 120 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In particular, the method 1100 may be performed by one or more control circuits. Although the steps of the method 1100 are illustrated as being performed in a particular order, it is understood that the steps of the method 1100 may be reordered without departing from the scope of the method 1100.

At step 1105, a ride vehicle is received in an enclosure. The ride vehicle is received from a first track to a track segment within the enclosure. At step 1110, movement of the ride vehicle is restricted to the track segment within the enclosure. At step 1115, the enclosure is moved from a first physical location to a second physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. At step 1120, an immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure. The immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure while moving the enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. Providing the immersive media presentation within the enclosure includes projecting a video presentation portion of the immersive media presentation on an interior surface of the enclosure. At step 1125, at least one change in velocity of the enclosure is coordinated with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation. At step 1130, at least one change in motion of the enclosure is coordinated with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation. At step 1135, the ride vehicle is released from the track segment within the enclosure to a second track.

The steps of the method 1100 may be performed by an application specific processor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

Some of the infrastructure that can be used with embodiments disclosed herein is already available, such as general-purpose computers, mobile phones, computer programming tools and techniques, digital storage media, and communications networks. A computing device may include a processor such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, logic circuitry, or the like. The computing device may include a computer-readable storage device such as non-volatile memory, static random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM, read-only memory (ROM), disk, tape, magnetic memory, optical memory, flash memory, or other computer-readable storage medium.

Various aspects of certain embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. A component or module may refer to, be part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, a software module or component may include any type of computer instruction or computer-executable code located within or on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. A software module or component may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as a routine, program, object, component, data structure, etc., which performs one or more tasks or implements particular abstract data types.

In certain embodiments, a particular software module or component may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations of a computer-readable storage medium, which together implement the described functionality of the module or component. Indeed, a module or component may comprise a single instruction or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several computer-readable storage media. Some embodiments may be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by a remote processing device linked through a communications network.

Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the disclosure is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure. The scope should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for moving a ride vehicle, comprising: receiving the ride vehicle in an enclosure, wherein the ride vehicle is received from a first track to a track segment within the enclosure;restricting movement of the ride vehicle to the track segment within the enclosure;moving the enclosure from a first physical location to a second physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure;providing an immersive media presentation within the enclosure, wherein the immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure while moving the enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure, and wherein providing the immersive media presentation within the enclosure comprises projecting a video presentation portion of the immersive media presentation on an interior surface of the enclosure; andreleasing the ride vehicle from the track segment within the enclosure to a second track.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the immersive media presentation within the enclosure comprises: generating a sound presentation portion of the immersive media presentation within the enclosure.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical location results in at least one change in velocity.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein providing the immersive media presentation within the enclosure comprises: coordinating the at least one change in velocity with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical location comprises: moving the enclosure along a third track that is separate from the first track and the second track.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the third track provides at least one change in motion during the movement of the enclosure, and wherein providing the immersive media presentation within the enclosure comprises: coordinating the at least one change in motion with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation. The method of claim 1, further comprising:rotating the track segment while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the immersive media presentation within the enclosure comprises: coordinating rotation of the track segment with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a reflective dome.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle has a first potential energy at the first physical location and has a second potential energy at the second physical location, the second potential energy being different from the first potential energy.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second track is coupled to the first track to form a circuit for the ride vehicle, and wherein the movement of the enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical location completes the circuit between the first track and the second track.

12. A system for enhanced amusement, comprising: a ride vehicle track having an exit track section and an entry track section;an enclosure track that is separate from the ride vehicle track;an enclosure that is moveable along the enclosure track, wherein the enclosure includes a track segment, and wherein the track segment aligns with the exit track section at a first position along the enclosure track and aligns with the entry track section at a second position along the enclosure track, and wherein the enclosure includes at least one projector that projects a video portion of an immersive media presentation on an interior surface of the enclosure; anda ride vehicle that is moveable along the ride vehicle track and to and from the track segment, wherein the immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure while the enclosure is moving between the first position along the enclosure track and the second position along the enclosure track.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first position along the enclosure track is physically different from the second position along the enclosure track.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure further includes: means for receiving the ride vehicle on the track segment from the exit track section of the ride vehicle track;means for restricting the movement of the ride vehicle to the track segment within the enclosure; andmeans for releasing the ride vehicle from the track segment to the entry track section of the ride vehicle track.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure further includes: means for rotating at least a portion of the track segment within the enclosure.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure further includes: one or more speakers that generate an audio portion of the immersive media presentation within the enclosure.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure comprises a reflective dome.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure track extends vertically.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure track includes a variation that changes a course of the enclosure as it moves along the enclosure track, wherein the change in the course is synchronized with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation.

20. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of enclosure tracks, the plurality of enclosure tracks including the enclosure track;a plurality of enclosures, the plurality of enclosures including the enclosure, wherein each enclosure is associated with one of the plurality of enclosure tracks, each enclosure having a track segment that aligns with the exit track section at a first position along a respective enclosure track and aligns with the entry track section at a second position along the respective enclosure track; anda plurality ride vehicles, the plurality of ride vehicles including the ride vehicle, wherein each of the plurality of ride vehicles operates simultaneously and completes a circuit comprising the ride vehicle track between the entry track section and the exit track section and a track segment in one of the plurality of enclosures between the exit track section and the entry track section.