Abstract: Present systems and methods are directed to a system that includes a visualization device that includes a display viewable by a user. The system also includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the visualization device. The computer graphics generation system includes a processor and a memory device communicatively coupled to the processor, such that the memory device stores instructions that cause the processor to generate an environment of real-world images, augmented-reality images, or a combination thereof. The instructions also cause the processor to receive and analyze data associated with the environment to determine an appropriate text location, determine appropriate textual characteristics for text based at least in part on the appropriate text location, and overlay the text having the appropriate textual characteristics onto the environment at the appropriate text location.

Abstract: An entertainment figure system includes an entertainment figure having an attachment point, a bogie coupled to a track and to the attachment point of the entertainment figure via a cable and a winch coupled to the cable. The bogie is configured to translate along the track and the winch is configured to adjust a length of the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a distance between the attachment point and the bogie.

Abstract: A system includes an image generation system for generating streaming media of a real-world environment based at least in part on image data captured via a camera of a mobile device, to generate one or more augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real-world environment based at least in part on data relating to user interaction with the mobile device, and to transmit the streaming media of the real-world environment along with the one or more augmentations to be displayed on a display of the mobile device. The system also includes a physical interaction system for determining one or more physical effects to be implemented for a physical object in the real-world environment based at least in part on the data relating to the user interaction with the mobile device, and to transmit a signal to the physical object to implement the determined one or more physical effects.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a ride attraction system includes a track, a bogie coupled to the track and configured to move along the track, and an attachment coupled to the bogie and configured to couple a user to the bogie. The ride attraction system also includes an image controller coupled to the bogie and configured to supply virtual reality (VR) and/or mixed reality (MR) images to the user via headgear.

Abstract: A restraint system for a ride vehicle includes a soft restraint configured to extend across a passenger to secure the passenger within a seat of the ride vehicle. The soft restraint includes a pliable material configured to conform to a substantial portion of a torso of the passenger, and a sensory stimulation system integrated with the soft restraint. The sensory stimulation system is configured to generate sensory effects and impart the sensory forces to the torso of the passenger. The soft restraint also includes an inflatable bladder system integrated with the soft restraint and the inflatable bladder system is configured to inflate with a gas to increase contact between the soft restraint and the torso of the passenger.

Abstract: An animation system includes an animated figure, multiple sensors, and an animation controller that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the animation controller to receive guest detection data from the multiple sensors, receive shiny object detection data from the multiple sensors, determine an animation sequence of the animated figure based on the guest detection data and shiny object detection data, and transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence. The guest detection data is indicative of a presence of a guest near the animated figure. The animation sequence is responsive to a shiny object detected on or near the guest based on the guest detection data and the shiny object detection data.

Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.

Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.

Abstract: A control system includes a ride controller configured to maintain a plurality of rules indicative of permitted states of the free-roaming ride vehicle within a game area and including gameplay rules. The ride controller is configured to receive monitoring data indicative of a current state of a free-roaming ride vehicle, receive a signal indicative of a user request to perform a requested action with the free-roaming ride vehicle, model performance of the requested action from the current state to determine a modeled state of the free-roaming ride vehicle, and determine whether the modeled state complies with the plurality of rules. In response to determining the modeled state does not comply with the plurality of rules, the ride controller is configured to determine a proximate action that complies with the plurality of rules and provide a control signal to instruct the free-roaming ride vehicle to perform the proximate action.

Abstract: An inflatable assembly may include a housing that has a plurality of adjustment inflatables that may form a range of shapes at different levels of inflation. The inflatable may also include one or more sensors disposed on the housing and one or more valves disposed in the housing. The valves are controllable and configured to direct fluid flow into the plurality of adjustment inflatables. The assembly may also include a processor that receives data from the one or more sensors disposed on the housing and adjust one or more positions of the one or more valves based on the data to control fluid flow into one or more of the plurality of adjustment inflatables.

Abstract: A capsule ride system includes a capsule, where the capsule includes a drum, which may include a curved annular wall that may define a chamber. The capsule also includes a platform that may fit within the chamber and that supports a restraint for a passenger. The system further includes a drive system capable of driving rotation of the capsule about a central axis of the capsule and driving forward and/or rearward movement of the capsule along a track.

Abstract: A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.

Abstract: An interactive video game system includes an array of volumetric sensors disposed around a play area and configured to collect respective volumetric data for each of a plurality of players. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the array of volumetric sensors. The controller is configured to: receive, from the array of volumetric sensors, respective volumetric data of each of the plurality of players; to combine the respective volumetric data of each of the plurality of players to generate at least one respective model for each of the plurality of players; to generate a respective virtual representation for each player of the plurality of players based, at least in part, on the generated at least one respective model of each player of the plurality of players; and to present the generated respective virtual representation of each player of the plurality of players in a virtual environment.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system includes a virtual reality attraction system. The virtual reality attraction system includes virtual reality (VR) and/or augmented reality (AR) headgear configured to display AR images and/or VR images to a user, and at least one user-assisted vehicle configured to accommodate the user. The vehicle includes a frame configured to permit the user to provide at least partial motor power to move the vehicle within the attraction. The frame defines a boundary about the user. The vehicle also includes a harness coupled to the frame and configured to provide support to the user when the user is in the vehicle, and a vehicle controller configured to communicate the AR and/or VR images to the virtual reality (VR) and/or augmented reality (AR) headgear.

Abstract: An amusement park system in accordance with present embodiments includes a tower having a central passage disposed therethrough, a ride vehicle disposed within the central passage, and a drive system coupled to the ride vehicle. The drive system is configured to displace the ride vehicle vertically within the central passage of the tower, and the tower is configured to rotate about the drive system.

Abstract: An augmented reality system for an amusement ride includes a facial recognition sensor that detects a guest's face, a skeletal recognition sensor that detects a guest's body, a presence sensor that detects a guest's presence, and a controller. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to generate an augmented reality animation based on a first signal indicative of the guest's presence received from the presence sensor. In response to receiving a second signal indicative of the guest's body from the skeletal recognition sensor, the controller is configured to update the augmented reality animation based on the guest's body. Further, in response to receiving a third signal indicative of the guest's face from the facial recognition sensor, the controller is configured to update the augmented reality animation based on the guest's face.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to read data stored on an RFID tag associated with a user and to generate a first signal indicative of the data and indicative of a location of the RFID tag, a sensor system configured to detect a user interaction with an interactive element and to generate a second signal indicative of the user interaction, and a processor configured to match the user to the user interaction based on the first signal and the second signal and to update a user database to reflect that the user is matched to the user interaction.

Abstract: An entertainment system has an interactive component for an amusement park. The interactive component includes a detection device disposed within a housing and configured to read an identification tag via long range and short range radio communications, an interactive sensor disposed within the housing and configured to detect physical interaction with a portion of the interactive component, a control device communicatively coupled to the detection device and the interactive sensor, where the control device is configured to receive feedback from the detection device and the interactive sensor, an effect device configured to receive a signal from the control device and to generate an effect based on detection of the physical interaction, and a transmitter configured to transmit data to the identification tag based on detection of the physical interaction with the portion of the interactive component while detecting the identification tag within a threshold distance of the interactive component.

Abstract: A ride system includes at least one ride vehicle. The at least one ride vehicle is configured to receive a ride passenger. The ride system includes electronic goggles configured to be worn by the ride passenger. The electronic goggles include a camera and a display. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the electronic goggles, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the electronic goggles, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the electronic goggles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomously generating one or more images are disclosed. According to at least one embodiment, a method of autonomously generating one or more images includes: receiving, by a content server, an image having one or more characteristics rendering the image suitable for display at a device of a first breakpoint type; in response to receiving the image, autonomously deriving, by the content server, at least one image from the received image, the at least one derived image having one or more characteristics optimized for display at a device of a second breakpoint type different from the first breakpoint type; and controlling, by the content server, a display to display the received image and the at least one derived image.