NEORUNNER
A prototype built to show what is possible when combining trackless ride and augmented reality technology to create the next generation dark ride. Riders face off against another racer and have the ability to drive their own ride vehicle through a building collecting power-ups and points. Points are used to unlock shortcuts and power-ups can aid ones team or hinder the opponent. To convey the overall look and feel of the attraction, the game engine Unity was used to design an interactive racing environment capable of supporting two players.
Linear actuators were selected to control roll and pitch movement. They were connected to bell cranks, which were designed using MATLAB. Equations were derived for the linkage motion and a program written to optimize the size of the cranks to meet three criteria: output force, travel distance, and speed. The plot is used to visualize link movement.
Using Autodesk Inventor, the base and cockpit frames were designed. Note the linear actuators (red), bell cranks (green), connecting drive links (blue), and the windshield heads up display projector (orange) . All critical linkage components met a factor of safety of 1.5.
Motion control was handled by an Arduino Uno. A gyroscope and potentiometers monitored user steering input to update the position of the simulator in real time. Position data was fed to Unity via serial communication. Buttons used to activate power-ups were also connected to the Uno.
Unity 3D model of the attraction. C# was used for scripting events such as power-up management, shortcut activation, and user interface updates. Using the gyroscope information sent by the Uno, the visual elements projected on the windshield can remain level with the horizon as the simulator rolls and pitches.
Completed cockpit frame lowered onto base. Steel comprised the rigid substructure to which wood was fastened. The wood defined the overall form while providing a bonding surface for air craft fabric.
View through the cockpit window. The augmented reality component of the attraction comes from the green text and track projected on the windshield covered in a special reflective film, serving as a heads-up display that updates in real time. In the background, the Unity model is projected onto a screen via another projector mounted on the ceiling.
