Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a safety system for coupling a rider to an amusement attraction with a track assembly including a junction box, and a plurality of control surfaces. The plurality of control surfaces includes slideable and rollable control surfaces. The safety system includes a carriage system for coupling the rider to the track assembly including a main support assembly, and a rolling safety mechanism including a rotatable element. The rotatable element includes a track engagement surface including rolling and sliding surfaces. In some embodiments, the rolling safety mechanism includes a plurality of pucks. Some embodiments include a rolling safety mechanism with a partially truncated ellipsoidal member rotatably mounted to a control support. In other embodiments, the rolling safety mechanism includes two partially truncated ellipsoidal members each positioned at substantially opposite ends of a support frame that includes at least one lanyard support.

Abstract: A bifurcation method and system for a passive continuous belay system that allows for a user to select multiple pathways using intermediate tracks. A main track and the intermediate tracks provide a linear passive continuous belay using an anchor mechanism that is configured to grasp the outside of the structural member track, using rolling elements and/or low-friction sliding. The user may select multiple pathways using intermediate lateral tracks to provide Cartesian movement at designated (e.g., perpendicular) transition or junction. points.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The attraction may include blaster cannons, sorting stations, fountain components, registration stations, video monitors, targets, and other interactive elements. Several of these components may receive and/or propel elements (such as foam balls, water, light or lasers, etc.) and accumulate points for users based upon this activity. A registration and tracking system can keep track of specific users and their activities for the purpose of generating or compiling statistics or generating a score for the users. A mobile application associated with the interactive play center may be used during play to indicate additional information or features about the amusement attraction or to allow for continued entertainment by users even after they have left the entertainment venue or interactive play center. This may be conveyed via augmented reality or other visual/audible notification.

Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The play center may include at least one interactive element (such as a button, handle, pull-rope, switch, etc.) that is configured to be interacted with by a user. The play center may also include at least one consequence element (such as a water nozzle, tipping bucket, etc.) that is configured to provide a consequence (such as a spray of water) based upon interaction by a user with the at least one interactive element. In certain embodiments, it may not be apparent, for example via visual, audible, or other indications to a user which consequence element, or how a given consequence element will respond, in response to an interactive element, lending to a sense of surprise and/or need for experimentation on the play center.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: An attraction capable of incorporating user interactivity. The attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat or slideboard with handles that allows the user to manipulate its position or other associated elements while on the attraction. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. This signal may aid in determining whether a rider has successfully manipulated the element, for example, at an appropriate time. Sensors along the attraction may also be configured to track the user and/or ride vehicle via determining vicinity of the user and/or ride vehicle at a known location. Various rewards and/or features may be enabled based upon successful manipulation and/or user position. The attraction may include one or more illuminating features. Statistics or other information may be determined, stored, and/or provided (e.g., using mobile applications and/or scoreboards) relating to user performance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a braking safety system for controlling the velocity of a vehicle on an amusement attraction. The braking system includes a track assembly including a plurality of control surfaces configured to support and guide the vehicle on the amusement attraction, a carriage system for coupling the vehicle to the track assembly, and at least one adaptive braking system configured to adaptively control the velocity of the vehicle on the track assembly. In some embodiments, the at least one adaptive braking system is configured to engage at least one of the following: a passive element or an active element to reduce the velocity of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the at least one adaptive braking system is configured to enable speed reduction of the vehicle using either one or a combination of magnetic field interaction, aerodynamic drag, and friction.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction capable of incorporating user skill or agility. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat with handles that allows the rider thereon to manipulate its position or other elements while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. Sensors located along the slide are configured to interact with tags having corresponding identification information, such tags either worn by the rider in accessories or embedded or coupled with the ride vehicle. When a tag is within a predetermined distance or vicinity of a sensor, one or more aspects of the waterslide attraction may be modified, such as by turning on jets of fluid or assigning score points associated with the identification information. A screen or mobile application displays various characteristics corresponding to travel performance down the slide.

Abstract: A bifurcation method and system for a passive continuous belay system that allows for a user to select multiple pathways using intermediate tracks. A main track and the intermediate tracks provide a linear passive continuous belay using an anchor mechanism that is configured to grasp the outside of the structural member track, using rolling elements and/or low-friction sliding. The user may select multiple pathways using intermediate lateral tracks to provide Cartesian movement at designated (e.g., perpendicular) transition or junction points. Desired tracks may be selected by a user via sliding along a support plate or track in a junction box and/or by rotating a portion of the junction box. Amusement attraction activities that include non-harnessed play may be intertwined or located adjacent to activities utilizing harnessed play.

Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The attraction may include blaster cannons, sorting stations, fountain components, registration stations, video monitors, targets, and other interactive elements. Several of these components may receive and/or propel elements (such as foam balls, water, light or lasers, etc.) and accumulate points for users based upon this activity. A registration and tracking system can keep track of specific users and their activities for the purpose of generating or compiling statistics or generating a score for the users. A mobile application associated with the interactive play center may be used during play to indicate additional information or features about the amusement attraction or to allow for continued entertainment by users even after they have left the entertainment venue or interactive play center. This may be conveyed via augmented reality or other visual/audible notification.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction capable of incorporating user skill or agility. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat with handles that allows the rider thereon to manipulate its position or other elements while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. Sensors located along the slide are configured to interact with tags having corresponding identification information, such tags either worn by the rider in accessories or embedded or coupled with the ride vehicle. When a tag is within a predetermined distance or vicinity of a sensor, one or more aspects of the waterslide attraction may be modified, such as by turning on jets of fluid or assigning score points associated with the identification information. A screen or mobile application displays various characteristics corresponding to travel performance down the slide.

Abstract: A mobile application for execution upon an electronic device for an amusement park or waterpark. The mobile application provides information, entertainment or other convenience data to the user while the user is within the park. The mobile application may be configured to determine a position of the electronic device within the park and display notifications including discounts at nearby vendors or restaurants, menus of nearby eateries, or ride recommendations based upon wait times. The mobile application may allow the user to make reservations at nearby restaurants within the park. The mobile application may generate an efficient ride sequence for the user based upon characteristics of either the user or the user's participation within the park and navigate the user around the park according to the ride sequence. Puzzles, games, or other entertainment or educational activities may be displayed to the user for providing rewards based upon their participation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.