Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for displaying a virtual image and for providing control over the "alpha channel" or transparency of the virtual image. The present invention uses a beam splitter to provide a virtual image to a viewer. Behind the beam splitter is a liquid crystal region for controlling the transparency of the virtual image. Behind the liquid crystal region is a background image. Control of the liquid crystal region is coordinated with control of the virtual image so as to make transparency and opacity of the liquid crystal region follow the portions of the virtual image that are intended to be transparent and opaque, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive system for a suspended or ground based roller coaster. Each vehicle has an attached drive fin. A plurality of pairs of drive wheels (pinch rollers) are disposed about the track and sequentially engage the drive fin to provide driving force. The drive wheels have a special linkage arrangement that permits the wheels to operate on curves or in a straight path. The linkage also provides self adjusting of the tension applied by the drive wheels to the drive fin to reduce wear and prevent slippage. The present invention uses pivots and tie bars to allow the system to articulate to accommodate the chording effects of the driven vehicle in a curve or helix. The self adjusting drive wheels operates during contact with the drive fin. The turning of the drive wheels in contact with the drive fin causes the drive wheels to generate a pinch force in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle drive fin.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a multi-band, digital audio noise filter that is especially useful in the restoration of motion picture film soundtracks. More particularly, the preferred embodiment presented herein utilizes a remote fader board having eight faders which permit a user to control thresholds for sixty-four frequency bins. These faders are monitored by a MOTOROLA 56000-series microprocessor, which accepts digitized audio input signals, performs a Fast Fourier Transform upon a 128 sample window to yield signal contribution for each of the sixty-four frequency bins, and derives FIR filter coefficients for noise attenuation. The digitized audio input signals, which have been stored in a circular input buffer, are convolved with the FIR filter and output as the digitized output signals of the restored motion picture soundtrack.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for producing position signals in response to induced pivoting motion of the apparatus by an user. The signals generated by the control device can be used to operate computer systems, entertainment systems, and automated processes. A circular contact disk is coupled to a suspension block that includes a universal joint allowing the contact disk to pivot in 360.degree.. The suspension block comprises a pneumatic spring for providing continuous suspension of the contact disk in response to motion of the contact disk. The suspension block further comprises dampers for providing continuous damping in response to motion of the contact disk. Also, the suspension block comprises stop cylinders for stabilizing the contact disk in a reference state. Transducers coupled to the contact disk generate position signals in response to motion of the contact disk. A chassis is coupled to the suspension block, thereby supporting the input mechanism.

Abstract: A negative bust illusion is formed of a surface (representing a negative of an object) that presents a concave side to viewers to generate an illusion that the object always gazes at viewers as they move within an enlarged field of view. The negative bust is analogous to a mold of the object, with its depth flattened to impart a wider effective range the illusion. The rigid shell has a cavity that defines the bust and is formed of a thin, translucent styrene material such that rear projection is readily imparted to the convex side for imparting animation to the gaze effect.

Abstract: An interactive video game with physical feedback is described. A plurality of icons are provided on a display. Each icon represents one of a plurality of players. A plurality of positioning devices, one for each player, are provided in front of the display. Each player stands on the positioning device, and the positioning device reacts to shifts in weight of the player and tilts in the direction in which the player shifts. Movement of the positioning device causes the display icon corresponding to the positioning device to move accordingly. Each player attempts to cause collisions with the icons of other players and avoid the icons of players attempting to cause collisions. In one embodiment, each player begins with a predetermined number of points. A player on the receiving end of a collision loses points, A player causing a collision does not lose points. At the end of a predetermined time period, the player with the most points is the winner.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is a platen drive unit that propels the platens of vehicles moving along a track. The platen drive unit may be readily used at any portion of the track, since it acts as a castor about a kingpin assembly, thereby substantially reducing the effects of roller scrub in curved track portions. A self energizing structure balances a dual-pivot arrangement of frames, such that the drive roller of the unit is balanced to intersect the conveyance plane without imposing a "bump" or lurch upon a vehicle that first engages the drive roller. Additionally, the drive roller is preferably a dual-rate tire which features a compliant range, within which the tire is readily deformed, but which continues to drive the platen with a large normal force. Beyond the compliant range, the tire is not compliant to deformation. The dual-rate tire may be created by constricting the circumference and filling the deformed tire with a urethane filler, which is allowed to cure.

Abstract: An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer 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 in the amusement park attraction. 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: A seat having an acoustic waveguide for conveying sound from a remotely mounted loudspeaker to a location in close proximity to an occupant's ears is disclosed. The seat comprises a horizontal seating member upon which an occupant may sit and a loudspeaker located under the seating member for generating sound to be conveyed to the occupant's ears. A back rest member extends upwardly from the seating member and comprises an acoustic waveguide coupled to the loudspeaker for conveying sound to the occupant. The waveguide terminates at an upper location such that a virtual sound source is located in close proximity to the occupant's ears. In its present form, the seat has special application in the amusement ride industry where the conveyance of intelligible sound to occupants may be difficult in view of the noisy environment in which such amusement rides tend to operate. Multiple loudspeakers in combination with specially shaped waveguides may be employed to convey stereo sound to multiple occupants.

Abstract: A robotic assembly is provided that simulates the size, appearance and movement of a human torso. The torso includes a unique combination of high speed rotary and linear actuators arranged in a geometry that enables anatomically correct human-like movement, and which provides sufficient internal room and mounting surfaces for the actuators and related equipment such as hydraulic or pneumatic lines, electronic control circuits, valves, and audio playback devices. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides up to nine degrees of freedom. The upper torso includes a pair of rotary arm actuators ("rotacs") for rotating arms up to 200 degrees. The rotacs are pivotally attached to a centrally located mounting structure for up-and-down motion (shoulder shrugging) and for forward-and-back motion (shoulder forward).

Abstract: An innovative communication device and learning tool that enables marine mammals, such as dolphins, to communicate with humans and with each other. The communication device includes a keyboard having a plurality of hollow keys. Each key includes a switch which can be activated by the dolphin, and a two- or three-dimensional object which can be distinguished by dolphins from other objects in other keys both visually and through echolocation. A microprocessor based controller can be used to associate audible feedback, such as unique words or phrases, with each key and to generate that word or phrase when the proper key is selected. Thus, a dolphin can select a word or phrase by locating the associated key and by activating the switch for that key to communicate with humans or with another dolphin. Likewise, a human can activate the switch to generate a spoken word or phrase to communicate with a dolphin.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented in which at least one geometric distortion function is separately determined for application to a particular primary color component of a color video display to cause a geometric distortion that compensates for lateral chromatic aberration in an optical system used to view the display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating a fluid screen for use in entertainment. Provided is a mechanically simple and effective way of creating a fluid screen which facilitates the projection of still and moving pictures upon it. The fluid screen is generated by pumping water, or other comparable fluid, through a fluid screen nozzle having an axial flow director and a nozzle insert. The fluid, at a given pressure and flow rate, is directed through the axial flow director, past the internal end of the nozzle insert and its transition section and then onto and away from its radial stabilizer. The fluid is guided by the radial stabilizer of the nozzle insert to form the fluid screen. Each of the regions mentioned contribute to creating the desired shape of the projection surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an interactive video game whereby players sit opposite each other and view the game and each other through a semi-transparent image generated in real-time through the use of a first-surface reflection. The present invention uses opposing Heads-Up Displays (HUDs). Using opposing HUDs, an image can be apparently suspended between two players. The surface on which the image is displayed has sufficient transparency to allow each player to see the other player along with the image. Thus, the players can interact during play allowing for a more enhanced reward in the experience. The effect could be further enhanced by the use of stereo glasses and a stereo-pair of images on the display such that the players see 3-D images on the playing "surface.

Abstract: An irrigation control system is disclosed for controlling the irrigation of horticultural plants or crops grown in containers. The system includes a beam assembly for supporting the plant media system and a load cell for providing an electrical output signal proportional to the load applied to the beam assembly by the plant media system. The load cell is interfaced with a microcomputer which executes a control program of the present invention. The control program reads the signal from the load cell at selected intervals and signals for an irrigation event if the current weight of the plant media system is less than a predetermined base weight. A new predetermined base weight is calculated and reset after each irrigation event.