A newly published patent from Disney aims to utilize projectors within an attraction to “conceal” other ride vehicles. The idea is that while Omnimover-style systems are great for ensuring a ride has high capacity, they are not great when it comes to providing an immersive experience. Other attractions space out ride vehicles to provide a more immersive, intimate experience, but the throughput of such attractions may be lower than the high-capacity Omnimover. This newly published patent aims to solve the problem of ride vehicles in close proximity by utilizing a projector-based system to camouflage other vehicles.
Projector-Based System to Camouflage Other Ride Vehicles
As seen in the patent figure screenshot above, Disney proposes using a projector to “hide” other ride vehicles in the line of sight of guests to provide a more immersive experience. The ride vehicles in the patent appear to resemble the Doom Buggy ride vehicle from the Haunted Mansion attraction.
The example given in the patent for how a ride vehicle may be concealed is projecting a pattern of tree branches when a ride vehicle moves through a forest scene. The projection could be programmed to allow for dynamic scenes to be shown throughout the ride. Additionally, Disney envisions an implementation where a second set of projectors could project information that would appear to be floating. Going back to the example of tree branches being projected in a forest scene, a second set of projectors could project safety instructions or closed captioning of narration. This information would appear to be “floating” given the tree branches already projected onto the ride vehicle.
Disney says that being able to conceal a ride vehicle will greatly simplify the ride design. Currently, ride designers may have to compromise to try and create immersive moments by turning ride vehicles, modifying the track route, or creating very dark environments to accommodate the story. By implementing a system that allows for the concealment of other ride vehicles, designers may have more options when creating a ride system.
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