Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a plurality of vehicles having vehicle interface circuitry and configured to accommodate one or more riders. In certain embodiments, a vehicle of the plurality of vehicles is configured to receive respective inputs from the one or more riders via the vehicle interface circuitry, and wherein the respective inputs are related to one or more game features of a game environment; and a game controller configured to receive information from the vehicle interface circuitry related to the respective inputs; and provide instructions to modify the game environment based on at least one of the respective inputs.

Abstract: A system of an amusement park attraction includes an optical sensor configured to detect light and provide optical data based on the detected light and a controller having circuitry communicatively coupled to the optical sensor. The controller is configured to receive the optical data, process the optical data to detect a first movement of a user and a second movement of a handheld or wearable object, detect a correlation between the first movement and the second movement, and associate the handheld or wearable object with the user based on the correlation.

Abstract: A drag-inducing mat includes a main body configured to accommodate a rider. The main body includes a rider surface configured to face the rider and an opposing surface configured to face a slide surface. The drag-inducing mat also includes a sipe array defined within the opposing surface. The sipe array includes a plurality of sipes that extends from a first lateral edge of the main body to a second lateral edge of the main body to selectively induce friction between the main body and the slide surface based on force applied to the sipe array by the rider.

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 monitoring system includes a video assembly comprising at least one camera positioned in a predetermined area and configured to transmit a real-time video feed of a physical location in the predetermined area. The monitoring system further includes a control system configured to receive the real-time video feed from the at least one camera. The control system includes a memory device and a processor configured to generate a virtual model of a predetermined area based on instructions stored on the memory device, wherein the processor is configured to incorporate the real-time video feed into the virtual model at a virtual location in the virtual model corresponding to the physical location in the predetermined area. The control system also includes a display unit configured to display the virtual model.

Abstract: A restraint system for a ride vehicle includes a rigid restraint configured to extend across a passenger to secure the passenger within a seat of the ride vehicle and a soft restraint coupled to the rigid restraint. The soft restraint includes a pliable material configured to conform to a substantial portion of a torso of the passenger and a haptic feedback system integrated with the soft restraint. The haptic feedback system is configured to generate vibrational forces and impart the vibrational forces to the torso of the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle connection system in accordance with present embodiments includes a first connection mechanism having a shaft with a first portion coupled to a second portion by a hinged joint. A locking element extends from the second portion. Guides extend on opposing sides of the second portion such that a channel is formed between the guides and the guides block movement of the second portion about the hinged joint outside of the channel. The guides are positioned between the locking element and the hinged joint along the shaft. A second connection mechanism is configured to couple with the first connection mechanism and includes a locking box configured to receive the locking element via an aperture in the locking box and configured such that rotation of the locking element while in the locking box via rotation of the shaft interlocks the locking element with the lock box.

Abstract: A dark ride tower system includes a tower having first and second levels. The first level includes a stationary room having stationary walls and the second level includes an adaptable room having adaptable walls configured to be rearranged into a plurality of physical configurations. The dark ride tower system also includes a lift system configured to alternatingly move a ride vehicle between the first and second levels. In addition, the dark ride tower system includes a first projection system configured to generate projection mapping on the stationary walls to simulate movement of the ride vehicle relative to the stationary room while the ride vehicle is disposed within the stationary room. The dark ride tower system also includes a second projection system configured to generate projection mapping on the adaptable walls to present a show scene while the ride vehicle is disposed within the adaptable room.

Abstract: A quick disconnect system for an accessory electrically coupled to a component of an amusement attraction includes a multi-part electrical enclosure including a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a first opening on the first side, and a relief pass through. The multi-part electrical enclosure is configured to: have a first electrical cable coupled to the accessory pass into the multi-part electrical enclosure via the first opening and have a second electrical cable pass into the second side of the multi-part electrical enclosure to enable the first and second cables to be coupled together within the multi-part electrical enclosure. The relief pass through is configured to provide strain relief to both the first electrical cable and the second electrical cable and to prevent disconnection of the accessory from the multi-part electrical enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods may increase facial recognition throughput by reducing search data as a person traverses through a theme park. Systems and methods include storing facial identification data in a theme park database as guests enter a theme park and removing facial identification data in the theme park database as guests exit the theme park. In this manner, the theme park database includes facial identification data of guests inside the theme park, and not of guests who have left the theme park, thereby reducing the size of the theme park database as guests exit the theme park. Similarly, this approach may be implemented within each of the various areas of the theme park, such that the size of databases associated with each area of the park only includes entries corresponding to guests in the particular park area.

Abstract: A special effects communication system may include a camera system at a first location that generates a first dataset based on one or more images or impressions of a first user at the first location. The special effects communication system may also include a control system communicatively coupled to the camera system and a special effects system. The control system may receive a second dataset corresponding to a second user present at a second location or to one or more users at one or more locations while the first user is present at the first location. The control system may also provide one or more control signals to cause the special effects system at the first location to generate special effects to present a visual and/or auditory likeness of the second user using special effects material and/or mediums.

Abstract: An amusement park attraction includes a ride vehicle configured to travel along a path of the amusement park attraction, an attraction controller configured to generate virtual elements, and a robot assembly disposed on the ride vehicle. The head of the robot assembly is configured to adjust positions relative to the ride vehicle. The amusement park attraction further includes a headset communicatively coupled to the attraction controller and a camera disposed in the head of the robot assembly. The headset is configured to be disposed on the head of the robot assembly. The headset is also configured to display the virtual elements generated by the attraction controller based on a headset position in the amusement park attraction. The camera is configured to acquire data indicative of the virtual elements displayed by the headset.

Abstract: A handheld object includes a reference element having an angle-identifying element that is captured differently in images depending on a viewpoint of a camera. The angle-identifying element generates a first characteristic in a first captured image from a first viewpoint of the camera, and a second characteristic in a second captured image from a second viewpoint of the camera. Based on the characteristic generated by the angle-identifying element in a captured image, the orientation of the handheld object is determined. A pointing target of the handheld object is also determined based on the orientation of the handheld object and determining the position of the reference element. The reference element also includes a device identifier. The camera captures a first portion of the device identifier a first image, and a second portion of the device identifier in a second image. The portions are combined together to form the complete device identifier.

Abstract: A system includes a head-mounted virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) display system, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to display an image on a graphical display of the head-mounted VR/AR display system. The system further includes a scaffolding system comprising a headpiece configured to be worn by a user; wherein the headpiece comprises at least one fastener configured to fasten and unfasten the head-mounted VR/AR display system to the headpiece, and configured to fasten and unfasten a headgear to the headpiece.

Abstract: An actuatable surface system may include a plurality of actuatable assemblies. Each actuatable assembly may include a flexible membrane and a bracket at least partially sealing the flexible membrane within the bracket. A fluid conduit is configured to apply fluid to a rear side of the flexible membrane to cause the flexible membrane to form a raised structure relative to the bracket, which in turn causes a surface layer, e.g., a projection surface, to protrude to accommodate the raised structure. A controller is configured to address each individual actuatable assembly to cause the fluid source to apply the fluid to form the raised structure.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems that include bogie systems configured to travel along track members that define a ride path, to detach certain track members from adjacent track members, and to re-attach the detached track members to other track members that may not be orthogonal or coplanar. By employing the embodiments described herein, the system may be able to seamlessly change the direction of travel of a ride vehicle from a lateral direction to a longitudinal direction, from a lateral direction to a vertical direction, or from a vertical direction to the longitudinal direction, to name but a few.

Abstract: An interface in accordance with present embodiments includes a base and a theme portion disposed on the base. A first layer is disposed on the base and includes a mixture with metallic powder suspended within a translucent medium. A second layer is disposed on the base over the first layer and over the theme portion, and includes the mixture. A third layer is disposed on the base and on the theme portion over only portions of the second layer. The third layer includes paint and paint thinner. A fourth layer is disposed on the theme portion over the third layer and exposed portions of the second layer. The fourth layer also includes the mixture.

Abstract: An amusement park system in accordance with present embodiments includes multiple separated park areas, an autonomous vehicle configured to drive along ground surfaces within the multiple separated park areas, and a gondola system configured to transport the autonomous vehicle between the multiple separated park areas. The amusement park system further includes a control system configured to operate the autonomous vehicle to engage with and disengage from the gondola system to facilitate transport of the autonomous vehicle by the gondola system.

Abstract: A resistance control system for a passenger support of an amusement attraction includes a first foundation, a second foundation, and a support extending between the first foundation and the second foundation. The second foundation is pivotably coupled to the support at a pivot joint. The resistance control system also includes a motor and a linkage system coupled to the motor and to the second foundation such that the motor is configured to output a torque to adjust, via the linkage system, a resistance to movement of the second foundation about the pivot joint and relative to the first foundation.

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.