Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention are a system and method that use projected structured patterns of light and linear optical sensors for motion tracking. Sensors are capable of recovering two-dimensional location within the projection area, while several sensors can be combined for up to six degrees of freedom tracking. The structure patterns are based on m-sequences, in which any consecutive subsequence of m bits is unique. Both digital and static light sources can be used. The system and method of the present invention enables high-speed, high precision, and low-cost motion tracking for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: An enhanced interactive television broadcast is disclosed wherein an audio/video broadcast is viewed on a first display system, and an “enhancement” to the broadcast is simultaneously viewed or experienced on a second, separate display system. The “enhancement” is synchronized to the broadcast, and delivered to a user as a code fragments, such as a JavaScript message. URLs are not required. Portions or elements of a web page are reduced to single code fragments, rendered client-side upon receipt. The invention implements Network Time Protocol (NTP) to synchronize the client's application clock to global time. Messages, or JavaScript code fragments, are time-stamped and evaluated based on the client's application clock.

Abstract: An enhanced interactive television broadcast is disclosed wherein an audio/video broadcast is viewed on a first display system, and an “enhancement” to the broadcast is simultaneously viewed or experienced on a second, separate display system. The “enhancement” is synchronized to the broadcast, and delivered to a user as a code fragments, such as a JavaScript message. URLs are not required. Portions or elements of a web page are reduced to single code fragments, rendered client-side upon receipt. The invention implements Network Time Protocol (NTP) to synchronize the client's application clock to global time. Messages, or JavaScript code fragments, are time-stamped and evaluated based on the client's application clock.

Abstract: A product and method for providing a read along educational activity to a user are provided. The product is a single data storage medium containing both book information and associated, coordinated audio narration information. The book information comprises visual images of a book, including pages of a book, moving images of the pages being turned, text on the pages of the book, and pictures or illustrations related to the book or story. The user views the book information on a video screen, as if it were an actual book, while listening to the associated and coordinated audio narration. The product also comprises supplemental features to enhance the read along activity and assist in learning.

Abstract: A sound delivery system comprises at least one elongated speaker mounting element. A multiplicity of individual speakers are mounted in the mounting element to form a linear array of speakers with each speaker being adapted to radiate sound in a direction transverse to the array. The number of speakers and the spacing between them are selected so as to focus the sound emanated by the speakers by reducing dispersion of sound in the direction of the linear array. A device is also included for coupling audio signals to the speakers.

Abstract: A sound delivery system comprises at least one elongated speaker mounting element. A multiplicity of individual speakers are mounted in the mounting element to form a linear array of speakers with each speaker being adapted to radiate sound in a direction transverse to the array. The number of speakers and the spacing between them are selected so as to focus the sound emanated by the speakers by reducing dispersion of sound in the direction of the linear array. A device is also included for coupling audio signals to the speakers.

Abstract: A speed control apparatus for a waterway traveling vehicle which can guide the vehicle when it is traveling along the waterway, while applying a damping force to slow or stop the vehicle. A turning frame is provided in the waterway and is guided by a guide member for angular movement. The turning frame is urged by a spring mechanism to align in a predetermined direction, and the damping mechanism is mounted on the turning frame. When the vehicle approaches the damping mechanism obliquely, the turning frame is angularly moved to make the damping mechanism align with the direction of vehicle travel. The damping mechanism is then returned to a predetermined direction under the restoring action of the spring mechanism. In this manner the direction of the vehicle is corrected to the proper direction and is slowed or stopped by the action of the damping mechanism.

Abstract: A latent image projection system, and related method, for displaying entertaining visual effects and optical illusions by projecting a polarization-encoded latent image onto a polarization-preserving viewing screen. The latent image is revealed using a polarized analyzer having its polarization direction aligned with a polarization direction associated with the latent image. A "magic window" special effect is produced by sizing the analyzer to reveal only a portion of the latent image. A Pepper's Ghost image is created by orienting a dielectric plate so that its surface analyzes the latent image on the screen and superimposes it onto the image of a real object. A dielectric surface, such as a pond of water, placed between a viewer and the screen will analyze and reveal the latent image when the viewer views the reflection of the screen on the surface of the water.

Abstract: A computer animation production system (2) for processing digital image data is disclosed. The computer animation production system (2) contains at least one information processing device (44-76) for enabling at least one user to develop, utilize and enhance digital image data. The information processing device (44-76) is associated with a first (4) and a second (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14) global area network (4). The first global area network (4) is for communicating digital control information to at least one information processing device. The digital control information includes image database information. The second global area network (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14) is for communicating the digital image data to the at least one information processing device (44-76). The digital image data includes pixel characteristic information for image reproduction on the information processing device.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device includes a launcher for launching and igniting a plurality of pyrotechnic stars for creating an aerial fireworks display. The launcher comprises a launching tube having an igniter that ignites the pyrotechnic stars as they are being expelled from the launching tube under the force of pressurized air. The igniter may comprise a section of the launching tube having a locally reduced diameter so that the pyrotechnic star frictionally engages it during launch, causing a striker composition on the interior of the launching tube to ignite a prime composition on the exterior surface of the pyrotechnic star. Alternatively, the igniter may comprise a flame within the launching tube to ignite the prime composition on the star. Various feeding mechanisms are provided to rapidly feed a large number of pyrotechnic stars for launching from the launching tube. The launcher utilizes pressurized air to launch the pyrotechnic stars and, thus, minimizes adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rendering and displaying in a real time 3-D computer graphic system a sequence of images of a subject using a plurality of time-sequenced textures such that at least a portion of the subject appears animated. The time-sequenced textures are derived from sources such as digitized frames or fields captured from a video recording of a live actor who may be engaged in a scripted performance, or a digitally-recorded cartoon animation sequence, and can be mapped in different ways to different types of surface geometries to achieve animation.

Abstract: An improved computer graphic work station is disclosed of the type that includes a digitizer for allowing an artist or other user to input a drawing into a computer, and an imaging device to produce an image of the drawing as it is being drawn. A beam splitter reflects at least a portion of the produced image to the eye of the user. The position and orientation of the beam splitter may be varied by a user relative to the imaging device in order to allow the user to align the workstation by causing the reflected image to appear, in the user's eye, to be substantially coincident with the drawing. Once aligned, the user may adjust the position and orientation of the digitizing surface without upsetting the alignment.

Abstract: A method and system are provided which allow sounds emanated by objects in a viewer-interactive, computer-generated graphic virtual world, and other virtual world sounds (e.g., a music score), to be reproduced using flexibly and automatically scheduled resources of a virtual world sound system. Sound system resources are allocated in accordance with priority values associated with sounds, sound-emanating objects or requests for sound channel allocation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which a vehicle is guided along a path defined by a centerline and left and right boundaries parallel to and spaced laterally on opposite sides thereof and in which a passenger in the vehicle can steer it for lateral movement between the boundaries. The method and apparatus utilize an electrical conductor to define the center of the pathway and a sensor for sensing the position of the vehicle relative to the electrical conductor. Based on a comparison of the position of the vehicle and the steering command received from the passenger, as well as the steer angle position of the vehicle, the vehicle is confined to a predetermined envelope, while permitting the passenger to steer the vehicle within the envelope.

Abstract: A system and method for launching projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode in the air into a pyrotechnic display. The projectile includes a shell constructed from a binding agent and an explosive additive which explodes the shell into small particles. The explosive additive, which may be nitrocellulose, causes the exploded particles to be rapidly burned and consumed to form lightweight, inert flakes that fall harmlessly to the ground. The projectile is aimed and launched by a launcher to rapidly expel the projectile from a launching tube. Once in the air at a predetermined location in the sky, a fuse inside the projectile operates to detonate the projectile into its intended pyrotechnic display. The fuse is extremely accurate and enables detonation of the projectile at precise altitudes. An electronic control system controls launching and detonation of the projectiles in a precise and repeatable manner.

Abstract: A dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in an amusement park attraction or other environment includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including computer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Abstract: An amusement ride includes a vehicle traveling down a chute through a region of water. The vehicle is shaped to minimize splashing and to allow water to flow away from the vehicle. The vehicle flanks are curved to deflect splashing water down and away from the vehicle, and the vehicle bow has upper flanks to deflect water down and away from the vehicle. The vehicle bottom has a concave channel to accommodate water displaced by the vehicle. The vehicle has sets of wheels for traveling, for guiding lateral motion, and for interlocking with floating prevention mechanism. A groove along each side of the vehicle accommodates a splash prevention member on the water chute.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement ride having a self-propelled electric powered ride vehicle capable of maximum acceleration of about 0.3 to as much as about 1.1 G's in either direction using a unique pinch wheel drive system, and including an on board vehicle controller and peripheral equipment for controlling the vehicle. The pinch wheel drive system, which compresses driven wheel motor packages against a tractive surface, generates compression using a system which is independent of the vehicle's weight and motion. A master controller is provided for ride systems having multiple self-propelled vehicles on the same track for communicating with and coordinating the movement of the ride vehicles. This allows precise control of multiple ride vehicles to allow faster dispatch and shorter intervehicular spacings by implementing a floating zone control.

Abstract: A transport system for moving along a track on a support surface. The system includes a body, a guide system and a powered self-steering caster assembly. The guide system cooperates with the track to apply lateral forces to the body to guide it along a predetermined path when a propulsive force is applied to the body. The powered self-steering caster assembly has a pivot joint and a wheel driven by a motor. The wheel has a center of rotation and is rotatably mounted to engage the support surface and roll in a forward direction. The pivot joint is mounted to the body to allow the wheel to pivot about a predetermined axis intersecting the support surface forward of the engagement between the wheel and the support surface. The wheel drives the body and pivots in response to frictional side slip forces between the wheel and the support surface without restraint from a steering linkage.

Abstract: A virtual reality system is provided in which a user can be guided within a virtual space to a specific destination within a specific time while providing the impression that the user is free to roam the virtual space at will. A leader object or "virtual guide" is projected ahead of the user and is constrained to move along a predetermined path. The user is allowed to move at will within a controlled distance of the leader object. That distance may change depending on the user's location and on elapsed time. Thus the user can be advanced through the virtual reality experience by advancing the leader object.