Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a source of electromagnetic radiation that operates to emit electromagnetic radiation into an active playing area. The system also includes a sensing device that operates to receive the electromagnetic radiation after being reflected from a retro-reflective material of an article positioned in the active playing area and operable to generate data based on receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation from a series of article positions. Further, the system includes a controller that operates to process the data generated by the sensing device to determine whether the series of article positions correlate to a stored gesture and output a control signal to actuate an effect when the series of article positions correlate to the stored gesture.

Abstract: An entertainment enhancement system includes an infrared projection system configured to output an infrared image to a target surface. The infrared projection system includes a controller configured to coordinate projection of the infrared image with a separate action by generating instructions for projecting the infrared image based on data received by the controller indicative of an active status of the separate action and an infrared emitter configured to receive the generated instructions and emit the infrared image to the target surface. The system also includes a viewing device configured to be wearable by a user. The viewing device includes at least one lens and a filter assembly configured to shift the infrared image from an infrared frequency to a visible light frequency such that the infrared image is viewable on the target surface via the viewing device.

Abstract: A ride system includes a base, a ride vehicle, a platform assembly positioned between the base and the ride vehicle, and an extension mechanism coupled to the platform assembly and positioned between the base and the ride vehicle. The platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, and the platform assembly is configured to actuate each of the six legs so as to move the first platform relative to the second platform in different configurations based on which of the six legs is actuated. The extension mechanism is configured to extend and contract so as to move the ride vehicle away from and toward, respectively, the base of the ride system.

Abstract: A resistance control system of an amusement attraction includes a support assembly having a base, a pivot joint, and a support beam extending between the base and the pivot joint. The resistance control system includes a spring plate coupled to the pivot joint of the support assembly, and includes at least one spring engaged with the spring plate. Additionally, the resistance control system includes an actuator plate positioned between the spring plate and the base of the support assembly, as well as at least one actuator coupled between the actuator plate and the base. The at least one actuator is configured to move and secure the actuator plate relative to the pivot joint to adjust a resistance to movement about the pivot joint.

Abstract: A system includes a medium disposed on a base, a plurality of transducers coupled to the base, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of transducers such that each individual transducer of the plurality of transducers is individually addressable by the controller. The controller is configured to receive feedback and to instruct at least some of the individual transducers of the plurality of transducers to activate to move the medium on the base to create a shaped surface based on the feedback.

Abstract: The ride vehicle system includes a ride vehicle having a ride vehicle base configured to interface with a ride track and move along the ride track. The ride vehicle also has a movable arm having a base end and a free end. The moveable arm moves along one or more motion-controlled axes. The movable arm is mounted to the ride vehicle at the base end. A ride seat is attached to the free end of the movable arm. A coupling device couples a first portion of the movable arm to the ride vehicle base, the ride seat to a second portion of the movable arm, the ride seat to the ride vehicle base, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A resistance control system of an amusement attraction includes a support assembly having a base, a pivot joint, and a support beam extending between the base and the pivot joint. The resistance control system includes a spring plate coupled to the pivot joint of the support assembly, and includes at least one spring engaged with the spring plate. Additionally, the resistance control system includes an actuator plate positioned between the spring plate and the base of the support assembly, as well as at least one actuator coupled between the actuator plate and the base. The at least one actuator is configured to move and secure the actuator plate relative to the pivot joint to adjust a resistance to movement about the pivot joint.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating a flame effect. An embodiment includes a nozzle assembly with an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle. At least a portion of the inner nozzle is nested within at least a portion of the outer nozzle. The system also includes a fuel source with two or more separate types of fuel.

Abstract: An inverted Stewart platform assembly includes a first platform having a first surface, a second platform having a second surface facing the first surface of the first platform, and six legs extending between and coupling the first platform and the second platform. The six legs are configured to be actuated between a first arrangement in which adjustable lengths of the six legs, measured from the first platform to the second platform, are substantially equal to one another, and a plurality of second arrangements in which the adjustable lengths of the six legs are not substantially equal to one another, wherein each leg of the six legs forms, in the first arrangement, an angle of less than or equal to 45 degrees with a plane defined by the first platform.

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: A method in accordance with present embodiments includes receiving a signal that a vehicle is positioned on a motion base system; and actuating a plurality of motion bases of the motion base system to actuate independently of one another to cause the vehicle to roll, pitch, or heave. Actuating the plurality of motion bases includes providing a first signal to an electrical actuator associated with a first motion base; actuating a movable deck of the first motion base to move a first distance relative to its housing at a first time point; providing a second signal to an electrical actuator associated with a second motion base; and actuating a movable deck of the second motion base to move a second distance relative to its housing at the first time point.

Abstract: A resistance control system of an amusement attraction includes a support assembly having a base, a pivot joint, and a support beam extending between the base and the pivot joint. The resistance control system includes a spring plate coupled to the pivot joint of the support assembly, and includes at least one spring engaged with the spring plate. Additionally, the resistance control system includes an actuator plate positioned between the spring plate and the base of the support assembly, as well as at least one actuator coupled between the actuator plate and the base. The at least one actuator is configured to move and secure the actuator plate relative to the pivot joint to adjust a resistance to movement about the pivot joint.

Abstract: A system includes a medium disposed on a base, a plurality of transducers coupled to the base, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of transducers such that each individual transducer of the plurality of transducers is individually addressable by the controller. The controller is configured to receive feedback and to instruct at least some of the individual transducers of the plurality of transducers to activate to move the medium on the base to create a shaped surface based on the feedback.

Abstract: An entertainment enhancement system includes an infrared projection system configured to output an infrared image to a target surface. The infrared projection system includes a controller configured to coordinate projection of the infrared image with a separate action by generating instructions for projecting the infrared image based on data received by the controller indicative of an active status of the separate action and an infrared emitter configured to receive the generated instructions and emit the infrared image to the target surface. The system also includes a viewing device configured to be wearable by a user. The viewing device includes at least one lens and a filter assembly configured to shift the infrared image from an infrared frequency to a visible light frequency such that the infrared image is viewable on the target surface via the viewing device.

Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a source of electromagnetic radiation that operates to emit electromagnetic radiation into an active playing area. The system also includes a sensing device that operates to receive the electromagnetic radiation after being reflected from a retro-reflective material of an article positioned in the active playing area and operable to generate data based on receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation from a series of article positions. Further, the system includes a controller that operates to process the data generated by the sensing device to determine whether the series of article positions correlate to a stored gesture and output a control signal to actuate an effect when the series of article positions correlate to the stored gesture.

Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.

Abstract: An attraction loading system is provided that includes a turntable configured to rotate about a vertical axis. A ride vehicle is configured to travel along a loading path disposed about a perimeter of the turntable. A first track switch of the system is disposed along the loading path to direct the ride vehicle to a main portion of the loading path from an attraction path, or to direct the ride vehicle to the main portion of the loading path from a secondary portion of the loading path. A second track switch of the system is disposed along the loading path to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the loading path to the attraction path, or to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the loading path to the secondary portion of the loading path.

Abstract: An entertainment imagery system including a structure that incorporates a display and a sensor that operates to detect activity. The display includes an electronic ink system that operates to provide animation on the display via transitioning electronic ink particles within the electronic ink system. A controller of the entertainment imagery system operates to control the electronic ink system to provide the animation in coordination with the activity detected by the sensor.

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: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.