Modular omnidirectional actuated floors providing an interactive user experience

Number: 12386413
Published: 2025-08-12
Filed: 2023-10-05
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Wetherell; Jack et al.
CPC: A63F13/428; A63F13/25; A63G31/16; G06F3/016; A63F13/213; A63F13/214; G06F3/017; G06F3/0346; G06F3/0304; A63F13/28; A63F13/27; G06F3/011
Verdict: Low Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Modular omnidirectional actuated show-floor interactive hardware (granted).

Abstract

An interactive user experience system is disclosed. The system includes a processor, a display in electrical communication with the processor and configured to display a visual content of interactive content, a modular tile floor in electrical communication with the processor and including a plurality of tiles configured to move independently to induce or respond to a desired motion for a user in contact with the modular tile floor, a sensor in electrical communication with the processor. The sensor detects at least one of an orientation or a position of the user on the modular tile floor, and based on the detected orientation or position of the user, the processor modifies at least one of the visual content or a movement of the plurality of tiles.

Background

FIELD (1) The present application relates to systems and methods of simulating movement corresponding to interactive content to provide an immersive user experience. BACKGROUND (2) Various gaming or simulated experiences attempt to provide immersive experiences to consumers. Current immersive experiences include gaming devices, simulation systems, or amusement rides. However, the experiences often fail to effectively simulate the entirety of the experience. For example, many experiences do not allow users to move during interaction with the device limiting engagement with the experience. For simulated experiences that do allow a user to move during the experience, the movement is often limited to a predefined set of movements. The predefined movements may be unnatural or may make a user aware of the boundaries of the system and limit user engagement or enjoyment with the experience. (3) Accordingly, there is a need for a system providing an immersive experience and allowing a user to move naturally or in unique ways during the experience. BRIEF SUMMARY (4) In one example, an interactive user experience system includes a processor, a display in electrical communication with the processor and configured to display a visual content of interactive content, a modular tile floor in electrical communication with the processor and including a plurality of tiles configured to move independently to induce or respond to a desired motion for a user in contact with the modular tile floor,

Claims

1. An interactive user experience system comprising: a processor; a display in electrical communication with the processor and configured to display a visual content of interactive content; a modular tile floor in electrical communication with the processor and comprising: a plurality of tiles configured to move independently to induce or respond to a desired motion for a user in contact with the modular tile floor; an object positioned on the modular tile floor, wherein the object is separate from the user and positioned to define a gap between the object and the user along the modular tile floor, and wherein a position of the object is controlled by the modular tile floor; and a sensor in electrical communication with the processor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect at least one of an orientation or a position of the user on the modular tile floor, and determine a gesture of the user, the gesture indicating a desired direction of movement of the object; wherein based on the detected orientation or position of the user, the processor is configured to modify at least one of the visual content or a movement of at least one of the plurality of tiles, and wherein the processor is configured to move the object in a direction corresponding to the desired direction of movement of the object. || 14. A method for providing an interactive user experience with a modular tile floor, the method comprising: determining a simulated experience from interactive content; displaying visual content to a first user and a second user corresponding to the interactive content; determining a current orientation of the first user and the second user relative to the modular tile floor by a sensor; manipulating a position of the first user and the second user by the modular tile floor responsive to the simulated experience and the current orientation of the first user and the second user; receiving an input from the first user to control a movement of the second user on the modular tile floor; and changing, based on the input from the first user, a motion of the modular tile floor corresponding to the second user.