ELEVATION CHANGE ILLUSION THROUGH SET DESIGN
An attraction may include a track section extending at a track angle along a guest travel direction, and one or more set elements positioned adjacent the track section, the set elements at a non-perpendicular angle to the guest travel direction to create an illusion of elevation change different than the track angle. The track section may define a first vanishing point from a guest perspective. The set elements may define a second vanishing point from the guest perspective, the second vanishing point different than the first vanishing point. The second vanishing point may be above or below the first vanishing point. The first vanishing point may be on a horizon line, and the second vanishing point may be below the horizon line to create an illusion of gaining elevation along the track section. The attraction may include a ride vehicle configured to carry the guest along the track section.
The present application relates to theme park rides or attractions, such as an illusion of elevation change through set design for rides or attractions.
BACKGROUNDGuests are expecting more and more thrills and “how did they do that” moments in rides and attractions, even expecting a ride vehicle to perform actions it cannot do. At the same time, there is a desire to simplify attractions to be more cost effective. Also, there is a need to fit new attractions to existing and/or available space and buildings. Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods that address the concerns above or at least offers an alternative to existing solutions.
BRIEF SUMMARYIn one example, an attraction includes a track section extending at a track angle along a guest travel direction, and one or more set elements positioned adjacent the track section, the one or more set elements at a non-perpendicular angle to the guest travel direction to create an illusion of elevation change different than the track angle.
Optionally, the track section defines a first vanishing point from a perspective of a guest, and the one or more set elements define a second vanishing point from the perspective of the guest, the second vanishing point above or below the first vanishing point. The track section may be a flat track section extending to define the first vanishing point. The one or more set elements may be non-perpendicular to the flat track section to define the second vanishing point above or below the first vanishing point to create the illusion of elevation change along at least a portion of the flat track section. The second vanishing point may be defined below the first vanishing point, such that the illusion of elevation change comprises an illusion of gaining elevation along the portion of the flat track section. The first vanishing point may be on a horizon line. The track section may be parallel to the horizon line.
Optionally, the one or more set elements include a focal point creating a visual destination for the guest.
Optionally, the one or more set elements include stair elements positioned adjacent the track section. The illusion of elevation change may include an illusion of changing stories along the building facade.
In another example, an attraction includes a track section defining a first vanishing point from a perspective of a guest, the first vanishing point on a horizon line, and one or more set elements defining a second vanishing point from the perspective of the guest, the second vanishing point above or below the horizon line to create an illusion of elevation change along the track section.
Optionally, the first vanishing point is defined by horizontal parallel lines at an interface between the track section and the one or more set elements.
Optionally, the track section has a length, wherein the attraction further includes a visual feature configured to provide an illusion of distance along the track section that is different than the length. The visual feature may include varying lighting or painting along the length of the track section. The visual feature may include a repeating pattern of the one or more set elements, the repeating pattern having a varying pattern repeat distance along the length of the track section.
In another example, an attraction includes a track section defining a first vanishing point from a perspective of a guest, a ride vehicle configured to carry the guest along the track section, and one or more set elements angled or positioned relative to the track section to define a second vanishing point from the perspective of the guest, the second vanishing point different than the first vanishing point to create an illusion of elevation change along the track section.
Optionally, the first vanishing point is along a guest travel direction of the ride vehicle along the track section, wherein the second vanishing point is along a direction of illusion from the perspective of the guest, the direction of illusion extending above or below the guest travel direction. The direction of illusion may be angled between 10 degrees and 20 degrees below the guest travel direction. The guest travel direction may be horizontal.
Optionally, the track section extends at a track angle along a guest travel direction, wherein the one or more set elements are angled relative to the track angle to create the illusion of elevation change different than the track angle.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description.
The disclosed systems provide an elevation change illusion through set design without moving mechanical parts or video projection and media. Using geometry and forced perspectives, an attraction can provide an illusion of elevation change. For example, through set design by angling set elements relative to a track section, guests or riders may feel like they are going up or down within the set to a greater degree than reality. For example, the disclosed systems may provide a realistic sensation of going up or down stairs, or traversing different levels, in a flat and level show building. The illusion relies upon forcing the perspective of the rider or guest to a different level or point than the track, such as via angling set elements relative to the track direction. For example, an illusion of elevation change may be created by different vanishing points from the perspective of the rider or guest, with one vanishing point defined by the track section and another vanishing point created by the angled set elements.
In other examples, the ride vehicle 108 is omitted from the attraction 100, and the one or more guests 112 may move along the track section 102 in other manners. For example, the track section 102 may be defined by an escalator, a moving walkway, or other conveyor mechanism to transport guests 112 through the set 104. In another examples, the track section 102 may define a floor or other ground surface on which the guests 112 may walk through the set 104. The attraction 100 may be configured to provide an immersive guest experience. For example, the attraction 100 may be a ride of a theme park, an amusement park, a waterpark, etc. In another example, the attraction 100 may be part of an exhibition, a tourist attraction, or other experience.
The track section 102 may extend along a portion or the entirety of the attraction 100. For example, the track section 102 may be defined along a segment of the attraction 100, such as at a beginning portion, at an end portion, or in a middle portion of the attraction 100. The track section 102 may be a unique section of track within the attraction 100, or the track section 102 may be similar to other portions of the track. For example, the track section 102 may extend along the same angle or surface as other portions of the track. With additional reference to
Referring to
In one example, the set 104 may be static with only the ride vehicle 108 moving along the track section 102. For example, the set 104 may include limited to no moving parts or sections. In another example, the attraction 100 may include active elements configured to provide secondary aspects for an immersive experience. As one example, the active elements may include wind generators, sound generators, smell generators, video projectors, or other elements to emphasize an effect. For instance, a video projection may change as the ride vehicle 108 moves along the track section 102, providing an illusion that set elements 126 are changing, such as to force the perspective of the guest 112. As another example, portions or sections of the set 104 may move, such as based on the position of the ride vehicle 108 along the track section 102. For example, one or more set elements 126 may tilt or change in dimension to emphasize an effect. The emphasized effect of the active elements may include a perceived change in elevation, a perceived change in speed, an illusion for traversing a space in a direction that the guest 112 is not moving, or the like.
With additional reference to
As one example, set elements 126 that are expected to be horizontal (e.g., floors, lower edges of windows and doors, tops of stairs, beams, roof overhangs, etc.; “horizontal” elements) may be built to extend at a non-horizontal angle. Similarly, set elements 126 that are expected to be vertical (e.g., posts, side edges of windows and doors, stair risers, balusters, etc.; “vertical” elements) may be built to extend at a non-vertical angle. In this manner, “horizontal” elements may be angled up or down relative to horizontal, and “vertical” elements may be angled away from vertical. In other words, the set 104 may be tilted, such that the typical vertical-horizontal reference frame for the guest 112 as defined by the “horizontal” and “vertical” elements is skewed from reality.
The illusion of elevation change may be created by different vanishing points from the perspective of the guest 112. For example, with reference to
The second vanishing point 134 may be the point at which a projection of the set elements 126 appears to converge in the perspective of the guest 112. In one example, the second vanishing point 134 may be the point at which a projection of the “horizontal” elements converges in the perspective of the guest 112. For example, the set elements 126 may include a building facade 138 having multiple stories (e.g., a first story 140A and a second story 140B). The second vanishing point 134 may be defined by second converging parallel lines 142 defined by the “horizontal” set elements 126. Referring to
The positional relationship of the converging lines defining the first vanishing point 132 and the second vanishing point 134 may facilitate the illusion of elevation change. For example, the first converging parallel lines 136 may define respective parallel vertical planes (e.g., vertical track planes). The second converging parallel lines 142 defining the second vanishing point 134 may extend within vertical planes that are parallel to the vertical track planes. In one example, the “horizontal” and “vertical” elements may each extend within vertical planes that are parallel to the vertical track planes.
The second vanishing point 134 may be different than the first vanishing point 132 to create the illusion of elevation change along the track section 102. For example, the second vanishing point 134 may be above or below the first vanishing point 132. In examples, the first vanishing point 132 may be on a horizon line. The track section 102 may be parallel to the horizon line. The horizon line may be the line where the ground and the sky meet. In such examples, the second vanishing point 134 may be above or below the horizon line to create the illusion of elevation change along the track section 102. In one example, the illusion of elevation change may include an illusion of changing stories along the building facade 138. For example, the building facade 138 may have multiple stories, described below, with the multiple stories angled towards the track section 102 to define the second vanishing point 134. In such examples, the angling of the set elements 126 may trick the guest 112 into believing the ride vehicle 108 is going up or down to different stories along the building facade 138. In one example, the second vanishing point 134 is defined below the first vanishing point 132, such that the illusion of elevation change includes an illusion of gaining elevation along the track section 102, although other configurations are contemplated.
Referring to
Referring to
The visual feature 156 may force a sense of perspective of the guest 112. For example, the repeating pattern 162 may be defined by repeating balusters, stairs, openings, marks, or other set elements 126 that are expected to be spaced equally along the length L of the track section 102 or set 104. To force the perspective of the guest 112, the repeating pattern 162 may have a varying pattern repeat distance along the length L of the track section 102. For example, the distance between the repeating balusters, stairs, openings, or marks may decrease along the length L of the track section 102, providing an illusion that the length L is greater than it actual is. The painting 160 may also force the perspective of the guest 112, such as painting a set element 126 with a color gradient from darker to lighter to simulate distance or height. The varying lighting 164 may also force the perspective of the guest 112. For example, the amount of light provided on a set element 126 may fade along at least one of its dimensions to simulate distance or height. The lighting 164 may also help to set the varying pattern repeat distance along the length L of the track section 102, such as to emphasize each repeating element of the repeating pattern 162.
In addition, or as alternative, to an illusion of distance, the visual features 156 may create an illusion of height. For example, the height of the set elements 126 may vary along the length L of the track section 102 or along the height of the set 104 to force a height perspective of the guest 112. For example, lighting, painting, or dimensions may vary along the height of one or more set elements 126 to make the set elements 126 appear taller than they are. For example, windows, openings, or other set elements 126 on the building facade 138 may get smaller with distance above the track section 102, making the building facade 138 (e.g., a tower) feel taller than it is.
Referring to
The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an” are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.
Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.
Finally, the above discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An attraction comprising:
- a track section extending at a track angle along a guest travel direction; and
- one or more set elements positioned adjacent the track section, the one or more set elements at a non-perpendicular angle to the guest travel direction to create an illusion of elevation change different than the track angle.
2. The attraction of claim 1, wherein:
- the track section defines a first vanishing point from a perspective of a guest; and
- the one or more set elements define a second vanishing point from the perspective of the guest, the second vanishing point above or below the first vanishing point.
3. The attraction of claim 2, wherein:
- the track section is a flat track section extending to define the first vanishing point; and
- the one or more set elements are non-perpendicular to the flat track section to define the second vanishing point above or below the first vanishing point to create the illusion of elevation change along at least a portion of the flat track section.
4. The attraction of claim 3, wherein the second vanishing point is defined below the first vanishing point, such that the illusion of elevation change comprises an illusion of gaining elevation along the portion of the flat track section.
5. The attraction of claim 2, wherein the first vanishing point is on a horizon line.
6. The attraction of claim 5, wherein the track section is parallel to the horizon line.
7. The attraction of claim 1, wherein the one or more set elements comprises a focal point creating a visual destination for the guest.
8. The attraction of claim 1, wherein the one or more set elements comprises stair elements positioned adjacent the track section.
9. The attraction of claim 1, wherein the one or more set elements comprises a building facade having multiple stories, the multiple stories angled towards the track section to define the second vanishing point.
10. The attraction of claim 9, wherein the illusion of elevation change comprises an illusion of changing stories along the building facade.
11. An attraction comprising:
- a track section defining a first vanishing point from a perspective of a guest, the first vanishing point on a horizon line; and
- one or more set elements defining a second vanishing point from the perspective of the guest, the second vanishing point above or below the horizon line to create an illusion of elevation change along the track section.
12. The attraction of claim 11, wherein the first vanishing point is defined by horizontal parallel lines at an interface between the track section and the one or more set elements.
13. The attraction of claim 11, wherein the track section has a length, and wherein the attraction further comprises a visual feature configured to provide an illusion of distance along the track section that is different than the length.
14. The attraction of claim 13, wherein the visual feature comprises varying lighting or painting along the length of the track section.
15. The attraction of claim 13, wherein the visual feature comprises a repeating pattern of the one or more set elements, the repeating pattern having a varying pattern repeat distance along the length of the track section.
16. An attraction comprising:
- a track section defining a first vanishing point from a perspective of a guest;
- a ride vehicle configured to carry the guest along the track section; and
- one or more set elements angled or positioned relative to the track section to define a second vanishing point from the perspective of the guest, the second vanishing point different than the first vanishing point to create an illusion of elevation change along the track section.
17. The attraction of claim 16, wherein the first vanishing point is along a guest travel direction of the ride vehicle along the track section, and wherein the second vanishing point is along a direction of illusion from the perspective of the guest, the direction of illusion extending above or below the guest travel direction.
18. The attraction of claim 17, wherein the direction of illusion is angled between 10 degrees and 20 degrees below the guest travel direction.
19. The attraction of claim 17, wherein the guest travel direction is horizontal.
20. The attraction of claim 16, wherein the track section extends at a track angle along a guest travel direction, and wherein the one or more set elements are angled relative to the track angle to create the illusion of elevation change different than the track angle.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 10, 2025
Publication Date: Aug 13, 2026
Inventors: Daniel Mark Joseph (Windermere, FL), Jessica Anne Klouda (Winter Garden, FL), Martha Patricia Gutierrez Navarro (Windermere, FL), Jason William Monahan (Celebration, FL)
Application Number: 19/049,168