Baxter, Anthony W.; Anaheim Hills, CA
Fink, David G.; Glendale, CA
Redmann, William G.; Moorpark, CA
Snoddy, Jon H.; Pasadena, CA
Spencer, II, David W.; Saugus, CA
Watson, Scott F.; Glendale, CA
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.
We claim:
1. A dynamic ride vehicle that carries a passenger and that moves along a path through an environment external to the vehicle, comprising:
(a) a chassis that selectively moves the vehicle along the path with respect to the environment;
(b) a body that carries the passenger and that permits viewing by the passenger of the environment;
(c) a motion apparatus connecting the body to the chassis and permitting at least one degree of controlled motion of the body independent of motion of the chassis; and
(d) a programmable controller that controls the motion of the body and the motion of the chassis and the relative motion between the body and the chassis.
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