The Walt Disney Company

David G Fink

Scott Frazier Watson

Jon Hayes Snoddy

William G Redmann

David W Spencer, Ii

Anthony W Baxter

Marshall M Monroe

William L Wolf

A dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in an amusement park attraction or other environment includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including computer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Dynamic ride vehicle

An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path in the amusement park attraction. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Amusement park attraction

The invention is directed to an interactive video game whereby players sit opposite each other and view the game and each other through a semi-transparent image generated in real-time through the use of a first-surface reflection. The present invention uses opposing Heads-Up Displays (HUDs). Using opposing HUDs, an image can be apparently suspended between two players. The surface on which the image is displayed has sufficient transparency to allow each player to see the other player along with the image. Thus, the players can interact during play allowing for a more enhanced reward in the experience. The effect could be further enhanced by the use of stereo glasses and a stereo-pair of images on the display such that the players see 3-D images on the playing 'surface.' To further enhance the interactive experience, the virtual images are substantially coincident so that when one player looks up from the action in the game to see the opponent, the opponent's eyes are looking at roughly the same spot in space where the first player perceives the action to be. Thus, the present invention yields more direct communication between players, as well as an enhanced experience. The present invention yields additional applications such as where each player sees any number of images which correspond to the image of the 'opponent,' or 'electronic painting' applications. Other games can take advantage of the fact that the image is superimposed on the opponent such as trying new facial features or clothing.

Method and apparatus for a virtual video game

Growing community of inventors

Glendale, CA, United States of America

David G Fink