GB2282976A

GB2282976A - Children's amusement ride

Info

Publication number: GB2282976A
Application number: GB9324727A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Slater
Original assignee: INT LASER PROD Inc; International Laser Productions Inc
Current assignee: INT LASER PROD Inc; International Laser Productions Inc
Priority date: 1993-10-20
Filing date: 1993-12-02
Publication date: 1995-04-26
Also published as: GB9324727D0

Abstract

A coin or token-operated young children's ride 1 comprising a fixed enclosure 2 having therein a seat 5 for a child to sit on during a ride, a display screen 6 within the enclosure on which images may be displayed during the ride for viewing by the child, control means for controlling the display of images on the screen, means for generating sound in accordance with the images, and means for moving the seat 5 relative to the fixed enclosure 2 and screen 6. The control means further operates to move the seat during the ride in accordance with the images displayed on the screen. The ride can further include input means 8, 9a, 9b, 9c, for the child to operate during the ride, and the display of images can be adapted in accordance with the operation of the input means. A sensor to detect the presence of a child on the seat is preferably included in the ride. The display of images to attract customers to the ride can be adapted when the presence of a child is detected. <IMAGE>

Description

Children's Amusement Ride The present invention relates to coin or tokenoperated amusement apparatus, and in particular relates to coin or token-operated rides for young children.

Children's rides have been a common feature of shops, supermarkets and shopping centres for many years. They typically comprise model vehicles or animals constructed from fibreglass on which a child may sit. A small motor is used to vibrate the model lightly, in order to entertain the child. The ride begins upon the insertion of a coin or token, and lasts for a short period of time such as one or two minutes. These rides are typically used by children from the ages of 2 to 5 years.

The entertainment value of such children's rides in the modern day is open to question. Children are becoming more sophisticated at younger ages, have access to more complex and varied toys, and experience relatively high technology entertainment devices, such as televisions, everyday of their lives. The children of today are therefore less likely to be entertained for long by merely sitting on a vibrating fibreglass model. Furthermore, although the models may be of different shapes, the basic entertainment provided, i.e. the movement of the model, is very similar in every case and thus there is no significant variation between individual children's rides. All of this means that the appeal of such rides is decreasing, thereby affecting the frequency of their use.On the otherhand, parents nowadays have more money available to spend on entertainment for their children and more time for leisure activities. There are also millions of potential new customers for children's rides born every year.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin or token-operated young children's ride, comprising: a fixed enclosure having therein a seat for a child to sit on during a ride; a display screen within the enclosure on which images may be displayed during the ride for viewing by the child; control means for controlling the display of images on the screen; means for generating sound in accordance with the images; and means for moving the seat relative to the fixed enclosure and screen; wherein said control means further operates to move the seat during the ride in accordance with the images displayed on the screen.

The provision of a display screen displaying images, with associated sound, during the ride as well as a moving seat, greatly enhances the entertainment value of the ride.

The child is provided with further stimuli, namely sound and visual images, which especially appeal to children used to watching television. The images displayed on the screen may be in the form of a story, such as a train ride or a space journey, and can tell the story in the manner of a short film. These images can have an educational content, thus increasing the appeal of the ride to parents. The display of images also increases the adaptability and variability of the ride. Different rides may simply be provided by displaying different sets of images on the screen.

The movement of the seat is in accordance with the images displayed on the screen, rather than the simple continuous vibration of the prior art. For example, the seat may be tilted either to the left or right as the space rocket or train turns, or may be activated to vibrate as the space rocket takes off. There is therefore interaction between the stimuli being presented to the child, again increasing the sophistication and overall appeal of the ride. The sound may likewise be synchronised with the images.

It should be noted that this aspect of the invention relates to a coin feed ride for young children, e.g. 2 to 8 years, of a type which might commonly be found in shops, shopping malls, etc. It is distinct from large simulation rides of a type more commonly found at amusement parks in which a number of adults or older children are seated within a moving enclosure which is activated in synchronism with a video screen realistically to simulate vehicle or other movement. Such systems are much higher cost than the present invention and not suitable for shopping mall use; they are not coin feed, and do not incorporate the mechanically less complex provision of a moving seat within a fixed enclosure to enhance a video ride.

The display screen may be any suitable screen for displaying video images, such as a television monitor. A suitable microprocessor may be used as the control means, and the images to be displayed may be stored in the memory of the microprocessor, or are preferably stored on video discs. In the latter case, the control means includes a laser disc player to reproduce the images. The seat may be moved using any suitable known motors and mechanisms.

The ride further includes means for producing sounds.

The sounds produced may be controlled by the control means in accordance with the images displayed on the screen. The sound provides a further form of stimulus to the child, and thus enhances the entertainment value of the ride. The sounds may be recorded on the compact video disc in conjunction with the images, and can be reproduced by normal amplifiers and loudspeakers.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ride includes input means adapted to be operable by the child during the ride, whereby the child may interact with the ride in accordance with the images displayed on the screen, the subsequent images then being adapted in accordance with the operation of the input means.

The possibility for the child to interact with the ride significantly increases the ride's appeal. The child may be an active participant in the ride, rather than simply a passenger. This will appeal to children used to controlling their own entertainment, for example by using television remote controls.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin or token-operated children's ride, comprising: a seat for a child to sit on during the ride; actuating means for moving the seat whilst the ride is in progress; a display screen in front of the seat on which images may be displayed during the ride for viewing by a child; control means for controlling the display of images on the screen; and input means adapted to be operable by the child during the ride, whereby the child may interact with the ride, at least at selected times during the ride, in accordance with the images of the ride displayed on the screen, said control means then displaying images which are adapted in accordance with the operation of the input means.

The input means may comprise a movable joystick.

Messages may be displayed on the screen prompting the child to steer left or right, and movement of the joystick in the correct direction will cause the images to be altered accordingly.

The child may instead or additionally be given the option of different routes to take during the ride, and buttons to select the various routes may be provided as input means for pressing by the child. For example, in a ride set in space, the child may be given the choice of flying to Mars or Venus. The choice made by the child will affect all of the subsequent images to be displayed during the ride. This option allows the versatility of the ride to be greatly increased, since a given ride may feature one or more sections in which the child can opt to take one path or another, thereby effectively allowing a single ride to incorporate a plurality of different but related rides.

The control means can be arranged to operate such that the display of images will continue in the event of no, or an incorrect, operation of the input means. This allows the ride to take account of a child failing to interact with the ride, thereby allowing continuation of the ride in such cases. This is especially applicable when extremely young children are using the ride, since they may not interact in due time, or may interact incorrectly.

The movement of the seat is also preferably controlled in accordance with the operation of the input means by the child. For example, movement of the joystick to steer the rocket may also cause the seat to move or tilt in the corresponding direction to give the child the impression that the ride is turning. This movement of the seat in response to operation of the input means can be arranged to occur throughout the ride, or only be active when the relevant images are being displayed.

The ride preferably includes means whereby a user can select from a choice of rides (i.e. sets of ride images to be displayed). These means could be simply buttons to be pressed in response to prompts shown on the display screen.

The user may therefore select different rides (i.e. sets of images), such as a train journey, a journey into space, or a journey through prehistoric times. The possibility of there being options on which route to take within the ride itself, as well as different rides to choose from in the first place, means that the ride of the present invention provides a great deal more choice and variety for children than previous children's rides.

In a preferred embodiment of the ride, it includes means for selecting the language of both the sound to be produced and any text in the images to be displayed during the ride, and for producing the sound and images in accordance with the selected language. This selection means may comprise buttons which the child can press in response to an initial prompt on the display screen. This again increases the usability of the ride, since, for example, a given ride may be used in more than one country, thereby simplifying production.

The ride preferably lasts for a predetermined period of time. This time may be from, for example, ninety seconds to two minutes in duration. This increases the attractiveness of the ride, especially to younger children, since the ride will last a sufficiently long duration irrespective of their actions. The child therefore knows that he or she is guaranteed a given amount of entertainment, and that there is no chance of the ride finishing after only a very short time. The child does not therefore become discouraged from using the ride again, nor do the parents consider the ride to lack value for money because it only has a short duration.

The control means preferably operates to display images in an attract mode whenever the ride is not being used (i.e. a ride is not in progress). This attract mode may flash on and off at regular intervals, and can depict for example segments of the rides themselves, and prompts to encourage parents and/or children to insert coins or tokens. The control means can operate to display images in the attract mode prior to a coin or token being inserted, to then display the images for a ride, and to revert to the attract mode once the ride has finished.

By means of the attract mode, potential customers are attracted to the ride, and are encouraged to use it. This is especially of importance when the ride is competing for custom in an area in which more than one children's ride is located.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ride includes a sensor to detect the presence of a child on the seat of the ride. This sensor can, for example, comprise a load or weight detecting device associated with the seat and actuated when a load above a certain threshold level is placed on the seat. Other sensors are however possible, for example infra-red or other photo-sensitive devices. The control means is preferably operated to stop the attract mode of displayed images and to display images to prompt the insertion of a coin or token to begin a ride, whenever the sensor detects the presence of a child whilst the control means is operating in the attract mode.

By interrupting the attract mode and prompting the insertion of a coin or token as soon as a child sits in the seat, the ride of the present invention increases the possibility that the child will use the ride, since there is an immediate reinforcing instruction to insert a coin or token. There is less risk of the child leaving the ride without using it, either due to boredom or impatience whilst waiting for the attract mode to finish, or by being unsure as to what to do to actuate the ride. This is especially applicable when the users of the ride are young children, since they will quickly lose interest, or will possibly be unable to work out for themselves how to activate the ride.

In view of the above, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin or tokenoperated video amusement apparatus, comprising: a display screen on which images may be displayed; a seat for a user to sit on when using the apparatus; control means for controlling the display of images on the screen, said control means operating to display images in an attract mode prior to a coin or token being inserted, to display amusement images for a predetermined period following the insertion of a coin or token, and to revert to the attract mode after said predetermined period; and sensor means to detect the presence of a user on the seat; wherein said control means interrupts said attract mode and displays images to prompt the insertion of a coin or token in response to said sensor means detecting the presence of a user.

Similarly, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a coin or token-operated amusement apparatus including a seat for a user to sit on when using the apparatus, comprising: displaying on a display screen images in an attract mode to encourage the insertion of a coin or token into the apparatus; determining whether or not a coin or token has been inserted; displaying, upon the determination of the insertion of a coin or a token, amusement images for a predetermined period of time; and redisplaying the attract mode images once said predetermined period of time has ceased; said method further comprising sensing whether or not a user is on the seat; and interrupting said attract mode and displaying further images to prompt the insertion of a coin or token, in response to sensing the presence of a user on the seat.

The rides of the present invention preferably have more than one part, so that the child may, for example, play one part of the ride and once that part has finished, may choose to proceed with the next part of the same ride.

A space ride may, for example, contain a first part consisting of a rocket journey to Mars and a second part to continue the journey to Saturn. In this case, the control means preferably displays images to prompt the insertion of a further coin or token to play the next part of the ride, and if a coin or token is inserted, proceeds with the next part of the ride. If no coin or token is inserted within a given time period, the control means can revert to the attract mode to allow a new ride to be begun.

By providing rides with more than one part, the versatility of the children's ride of the present invention is increased. Furthermore, the child is encouraged to have another go on the ride immediately, and thus, especially if the child has enjoyed the first part, the probability of the child spending some more money on the ride is increased. In this regard, since a given ride can be continued with to play further parts, there is a definite possibility that a child will wish to continue with the same ride in order to explore it further. It is therefore important that an opportunity be given to the child to decide whether or not to continue, and to acquire the money necessary to do so. This is achieved by operating the ride and display in the above manner. The time limit for inserting a coin or token to continue with the next part of the ride should therefore allow the child sufficient time to decide to continue, and to obtain more money from their parents, or to fumble for their own money. A suitable time limit has been found to be around 30 seconds.

It is not desirable to continue with the offer to continue with the next part of the ride indefinitely, since the child may leave the ride, or may not wish to continue but instead wish to have a different ride. It is also necessary to attract new customers, or perhaps to recover the present child's attention. The option of continuing with the next part of the ride is therefore only offered for the given time period before the ride reverts to the attract mode.

If all the parts of a given ride have been taken up by a single user, ride preferably reverts to the initial attract mode immediately.

In a preferred embodiment, the control means operates in accordance with the output of the seat sensor when offering the option of continuing with the next part of the ride. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, if the sensor still detects the presence of a child after a given part of a ride has finished, the control means operates to offer, for a predetermined period of time, the option of continuing with that ride, prior to reverting to the attract mode, but the control means automatically reverts immediately to the attract mode as soon as the sensor stops detecting the presence of the child on the seat. To continue the ride, the child inserts a further coin or token during the predetermined time period.

The period after a ride has been finished can be critical in terms of amount of custom which a children's ride will take. Thus, if the child leaves the seat during the predetermined time period, it is not desirable to continue to give the option of continuing the existing ride, but is much more desirable to revert immediately to the attract mode so that new custom may be attracted. This is especially applicable if there are is a queue of children waiting to use the ride, since the next child is not going to want to wait for the continuing option display to cease before being able to use the ride. Children have short attention spans, and could easily be attracted to an alternative ride during this delay. It is therefore especially advantageous to cease the option of continuing with a particular ride as soon as the previous user leaves the ride.

The present invention therefore also includes a fifth aspect, in which there is provided a coin or token-operated amusement apparatus, comprising: a display screen on which images are displayed; a seat for the player to sit on when using the apparatus; control means for controlling the display of images on said screen, said control means operating to display images in an attract mode prior to a coin or token being inserted, and to display amusement images of a first amusement sequence following the insertion of a coin or token; and sensor means to detect the presence of a user on the seat; wherein whilst said sensor means detects the presence of the user after an amusement sequence has finished, said control means operates to provide, for a predetermined period of time, the option of continuing with a further amusement sequence related to the first sequence by inserting a further coin or token into the apparatus, prior to reverting to the attract mode, and wherein said control means reverts immediately to the attract mode if said sensor means stops detecting the presence of the user during the predetermined period of time.

Similarly, the present invention also includes a sixth aspect, in which there is provided a method of operating a coin or token-operated amusement apparatus including a seat for a user to sit on when using the apparatus, comprising: displaying on a display screen images in an attract mode to encourage the insertion of a coin or token into the apparatus; determining whether or not a coin or token has been inserted; displaying, upon the determination of the insertion of a coin or a token, amusement images of first amusement sequence; sensing whether or not a user is on the seat; and, whilst the presence of the user is still sensed after an amusement sequence has finished, controlling said apparatus to provide, for a predetermined period of time, the option of continuing with a further amusement sequence related to the first sequence by inserting a further coin or token into the apparatus, prior to redisplaying images in the attract mode; the method further comprising redisplaying the images in the attract mode immediately the presence of the user is no longer sensed.

It is envisaged that the apparatus of the present invention could incorporate more than one seat, so that more than one child may use the ride at a given time. The interactive elements of the ride may be identical for each child, or may be operated independently. The seats may move in unison, or could be adapted to move individually.

The presently preferred form has however only a single seat.

The seat or seats preferably include a safety harness in which the child may be strapped, should the parents so wish.

The ride is preferably surrounded by an enclosure which encloses the display screen, the input means, and the seat. The display screen, seat, and enclosure are preferably arranged such that the field of view of the child on the ride is filled by the images displayed, but the child can still see out of the enclosure with his or her peripheral vision. This means that the child can still see his or her parents if they stand to either side of the ride, thus providing comfort to the child. This is especially advantageous when young children are to use the ride. The enclosure may also securely surround the control electronics, cash box and other equipment for the automatic running of the ride. The enclosure may be formed from fibreglass moulding, metal panels, or any other suitable material. It is conveniently generally dome shaped.

As can be seen, the present invention provides a substantially improved children's ride, which is exciting and interesting, and offers the child greater interactive possibilities than was previously possible. This improved ride is very attractive to both children and parents alike.

The increased sophistication of the ride increases the age range of children using the ride from 2 to 5 years old, to 2 to 8 and possibly even 10 years old. The number of potential customers for the ride and its income are therefore also increased.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the children's ride of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic cut-away view of the children's ride of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the support for the seat in the children's ride of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the tilting of the seat in the ride of the present invention; Figures 5a, 5b and Sc are a flow-chart showing the main operation routine of the ride of the present invention; and Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are flow-charts showing subroutines of the main routine of the ride of the present invention.

In Figure 1 the children's ride of the present invention is shown generally at 1. It comprises a fixed, self-contained dome 2 to enclose the components of the ride mounted on a base 4. The dome may be constructed from fibreglass, or any other suitable material, and the base is constructed for example from cold rolled steel. The dome is built sturdily, and is suitable for indoor or covered outdoor locations. It has a smooth silk finish, which may be decorated with attractive logos and patterns. The interior of the dome is divided into two halves, the viewing section, and the electronics and equipment section, which are separated by a steel panel 26.

The seat 5 on which the child sits when using the ride faces the video screen 6 on which images are displayed during the ride. The seat 5 is also moulded from fibreglass, and is suitably proportioned for a child to sit therein. A safety harness is provided for strapping the child into the seat. The seat faces directly inside the dome 2, so that the child has a good view of the screen 6, but the dome 2 is arranged such that the child can still see his or her parents with his or her peripheral vision.

Below the screen is a control panel 3 on which there are located slots 7a and 7b for the insertion of a coin or token to activate the ride, as well as a joystick 8 and various sets of buttons 9a, 9b, 9c for controlling and interacting with the ride. These buttons and joystick may be any sort known in the art. The buttons are adapted to light up both before and during the ride, in order to attract the child's attention.

The rear section of the dome 2 contains the video monitor, metal cashbox and other equipment for the automatic running of the ride. It is separated from the forward section by a steel panel 26 and may be accessed through a door in the rear of the dome 2. Figure 2 shows the internal components schematically.

The images are shown on a 25 inch colour television monitor 11, which has a plastic vacuum formed bezel 10.

The television is preferably a Hantarex-'Model Polo 25, but any suitable display may be used.

The ride is controlled by means of the main controller 13, which is in the form of a suitable microprocessor. The main controller 13 controls all the operations of the ride. The main controller is preferably a CAI Electronics/Model ILP 001, but any suitable controller may be used. The main programs for running the ride are stored in the permanent memory of the microprocessor.

The coin or token slots 7a and 7b lead to a coin or token acceptor 12 which checks the coin or token inserted before allowing it to it fall down the coin chute 16 into the cashbox 15. This coin-accepting mechanism is preferably a Comparator Model C640, but any suitable coinaccepting mechanism may be used.

The images to be displayed on the screen are stored on a video disc inserted in a laser disc player 14, which is controlled by the controller 13. This laser disc player is preferably a Pioneer/Model LD-V2200, but any suitable laser disc player with serial ports may be used. The microprocessor reads the relevant image and sound data from the video disc and reproduces it before, during and after the ride. The images are created by computer digitised animated graphics. The video disc also includes twin soundtracks for storing the sound used during the game in two different languages. Similarly, if the images displayed contain any text they can show the text in more than one language or there can be two sets of images with text in different languages. This allows the ride to operate bilingually and is selectable by the child by depressing the appropriate input button 9a.

A power supply 25 for the ride is also enclosed by the rear of the dome 2 and supplies electrical power to all components of the ride.

The seat 5 is mounted on a mounting plate 19 under which is located a motor 18 for moving the seat during the ride. This is shown in more detail in Figure 3. The motor 18 can cause the seat 5 both to vibrate and to tilt or rock from side to side. The vibration motor is an electric motor with an eccentric weight keyed to its output shaft which is linked to the mounting plate 19 to cause the seat 5 to vibrate. A gear motor 22 with a cam 23 connected to stays 24 attached to the mounting plate 19 tilts the seat 5 left or right by turning the cam 23 in the appropriate direction, as shown in Figure 4. When the motor 18 rotates clockwise, the seat 5 pivots toward the right since the stays 24 attach to both the seat and the cam 23.

Similarly, when the motor rotates counter-clockwise, the seat 5 pivots toward the left.

The motor 18 is mounted such that the axis of the motor shaft is positioned at a downward angle relative to the plane of the mounting plate 19. This amplifies the amount of vibration generated when the motor 18 is reciprocally rotating rapidly between a clockwise and anticlockwise position. Thus, a small degree of reciprocal rotation of the motor will induce vibration in the seat while a greater degree of rotation causes the seat to pivot or tilt toward one side. Note, that the motor 18 does not rotate through a complete revolution.

The seat mounting plate 19 includes rubber vibration mounts 20 so that substantially all the vibration motion is directed toward the seat 5 while the base 4 is substantially isolated from the vibration caused by the vibration motor 18. The vibration mechanism may be similar to the mechanism depicted in US-A-5018510.

The operation of the motor 18 to move the seat 5 during the ride is controlled by the controller 13. The seat 5 moves independently of the fixed dome 2.

A weight activated detection switch 21 is provided as a sensor to sense the presence of a child on the seat. It provides a signal to the controller 13 whenever any weight above a predetermined threshold weight is present on the seat 5. This detection switch is preferably a Microswitch Model 2ML1-E1, but can be any suitable detection switch known in the art.

The operation of the ride will now be described with reference to Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b and 6c.

Figures 5a, 5b and Sc show the main operation routine for the ride. The controller 13 initially operates to display images on the screen 6 in an attract mode as shown in step S1 (Figure 5a). The attract mode flashes on and off at regular intervals, and depicts exciting segments of the ride images, and/or images to encourage the insertion of a coin or token. This periodic display of images in the attract mode occurs until the sensor 21 detects the presence of a child in the seat 5 at step S2. The controller 13 then displays images from the video disc prompting the insertion of a coin or token into the slot 7a and 76 in step S3. The attract mode images are stored on a separate track of the laser disc.

Once a coin or token has been inserted, it is checked to see if it is suitable at step S4 by means of the coin or token acceptor 12, and, provided the coin or token is okay, the operation then proceeds to step S5 at which the child is offered the choice of which ride to have. The choice of ride is made by pressing one of the input buttons 9c, which light up and flash (step S6) at this stage in order to indicate to the child which buttons to press. The buttons remain lit until a ride is selected (step S7).

The next step S8 is for the child to choose the language in which the ride is to run. This selection is made by pressing one of the input buttons 9a, which again light-up and flash (step S9, Figure 5b) until the language is chosen (step S10).

Next in step S11 the laser disc player 14 is activated, and in step S12 the seat motor 18 is activated.

The ride itself then begins in step S13 and takes place. The controller 13 operates the laser disc player 14 to reproduce the amusement sequence images and sound for the ride selected, and operates the motor 18 to move the seat 5 in accordance with the images displayed (step S14).

An example of a ride is a journey through space. The main controller 13 displays images of a space rocket on a launch pad and then the astronauts inside the cockpit. The countdown to lift-off is displayed and broadcast, before showing the rocket taking off with accompanying sounds and vibration of the seat 5. Once in space, images of the view outside the rocket can be shown, such as the planets, satellites or asteroids.

During the ride there are a number of opportunities for the child to interact with the ride. At the relevant moments during the ride, the main operation routine branches to interaction sub-routines in step S15. These interaction sub-routines can occur at any time during the ride and any number of times during the ride, depending on the ride being played. The flow charts in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the control steps of the interaction subroutines.

The first sub-routine in Figure 6a, allows the child to steer the space rocket or other vehicle using the joystick 8. The controller 13 displays images on the screen 6 instructing the child to steer the rocket left or right using the joystick 8 to avoid an asteroid in step S101. The movement of the joystick 8 is detected by the main controller in step S102. The display of images is adapted in accordance with the detected movement of the joystick 8 in step S103, to give the impression that the space rocket is being turned, and the seat 5 is rocked or tilted by the motor 18 in order to give the child the sensation that the rocket is turning. If the child does not move the joystick within a predetermined time period T2 (step S104), the ride automatically proceeds to step S103 to allow the ride to continue.The time T2 is a few seconds so that the child has time to move the joystick, but the ride is not unduly delayed. The ride then returns to the main ride routine in step S105.

The joystick 8 is only active to tilt the seat 5 and affect the images during this sub-routine, and at all other times during the ride movement of the joystick 8 has no effect.

In Figure 6b, a sub-routine is shown in which in step S201 images requiring the child to press the buttons 9b on the control panel 3 (Figure 1) to raise protection shields in a meteor attack are displayed during the ride and the relevant button 9b lit up in step S202 until the child presses it (step 5203) . The controller 13 then displays images of meteors hitting the shields and vibrates the seat 5 with the motor 18 in step S204. If the child fails to press the button during time T3 (step S205), the controller 13 will display an image whereby the shields have been raised by another means in step S206, so that the ride continues with step S204. Again, T3 is a few seconds.

Hence, the main controller 13 provides predetermined response intervals during which a child may respond to stimuli from the main controller. The ride then returns in step S207 to the main ride routine.

The child is also offered an option during the ride to make a decision on the direction in which he or she wishes to go in the ride. The sub-routine for this interaction is shown in Figure 6c. The child is asked in step S301 to select which planet he or she wishes to visit during their space journey. The child makes this choice by pressing one of the buttons 9b which are lit up (step S302). The buttons are monitored in step S303 to see which one is pressed. The controller 13 then adapts all of the subsequently displayed images on the screen 6 in step S304 in accordance with the choice made by the child. The controller 13 will revert to a standard route for the ride in step S307, should the child not make a selection quickly enough (step S306).The period T4 is again a few seconds to allow the child time to make a choice, but is short enough so that no undue delay can occur. Once the selection has been made, the main routine is returned to in step S305.

Once the ride has been completed, i.e. when all the images for that ride have been displayed, and the predetermined duration of the ride has elapsed (step S16), the ride program ends in step S17 (Figure 5c). The seat sensor 21 is then checked in step S18 to determine whether or not the child is still sat in the seat. If the seat sensor detects that the child has left the seat, then the control means 13 reverts immediately to displaying images in the attract mode in step S1.

On the otherhand, if the seat sensor detects that the child is still present, the controller 13 proceeds to step S19, at which it determines whether or not the ride has a further part which can be played. If there is a further part to the ride, the controller 13 displays a new image (step S20) prompting the insertion of a further coin or token to continue with the ride, by starting the next part of the ride from the point at which the ride has just finished, in order to explore the particular ride further.

In the rocket journey in part 2 of the ride the rocket travels to other planets.

This further prompting is displayed for a predetermined period T1 (step S23). If the insertion of a coin is detected during this period in step S21, then the controller 13 proceeds to step S22 and the next part of the ride is commenced, by returning to step S13 and displaying another sequence of images related to the sequence just finished.

On the otherhand, if the period T1 expires without a coin or counter being inserted, then the controller 13 returns to displaying images in the attract mode at step S1. Furthermore, should the seat sensor 21 detect that the child has left the seat during the period T1, then the display immediately reverts to the attract mode step S1.

T1 is, for example, 30 seconds in duration.

When all the parts of a particular ride have been used by a single child, it is not possible to continue with the same ride any further, and the controller 13 immediately reverts to the attract mode (step S1) at step S19. Of course, should the child still be seated in the seat 5, the seat sensor 21 will be activated and thus control will proceed to step S3 at which point the child can insert another coin or token to begin a different ride, or to recommence the same ride with the option of choosing a different route in the ride to explore that ride further.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention provides a significantly improved children's ride over those available previously. The enhanced entertainment value and attractiveness of the ride of the present invention will extend the age range of children who use such rides, and will thus greatly increase their potential revenue.

Claims

Claims:

1. A coin or token-operated young children's ride, comprising: a fixed enclosure having therein a seat for a child to sit on during a ride; a display screen within the enclosure on which images may be displayed during the ride for viewing by the child; control means for controlling the display of images on the screen; means for generating sound in accordance with the images; and means for moving the seat relative to the fixed enclosure and screen; wherein said control means further operates to move the seat during the ride in accordance with the images displayed on the screen.

2. A ride as claimed in claim 1, further comprising input means adapted to be operable by the child during the ride, whereby the child may interact with the ride in accordance with the images of the ride displayed on the screen, and wherein said control means then displays images which are adapted in accordance with the operation of the input means.

3. A coin or token-operated children's ride, comprising: a seat for a child to sit on during the ride; actuating means for moving the seat whilst the ride is in progress; a display screen in front of the seat on which images may be displayed during the ride for viewing by a child; control means for controlling the display of images on the screen; and input means adapted to be operable by the child during the ride, whereby the child may interact with the ride, at least at selected times during the ride, in accordance with the images of the ride displayed on the screen, said control means then displaying images which are adapted in accordance with the operation of the input means.

4. A ride as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said input means comprises a joystick which may be moved by the child.

5. A ride as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the control means operates to display images during the ride offering the child the choice of the subsequent sets of ride images to be displayed; the input means comprises means whereby the child may select the subsequent ride images to be displayed; and the control means adapts all of the subsequent images to be displayed in accordance with the operation of the input means.

6. A ride as claimed in claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the control means operates to move the seat in accordance with the operation of the input means.

7. A ride as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control means further operates to display images in an attract mode prior to a coin or token being inserted, and wherein the control means reverts to the attract mode once a ride has finished.

8. A ride as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising sensor means to detect the presence of a child on the seat.

9. A ride as claimed in claims 7 and 8, wherein the control means interrupts the attract mode and displays images to prompt the insertion of a coin or token in response to the sensor means detecting the presence of a child.

10. A coin or token-operated video amusement apparatus, comprising: a display screen on which images may be displayed; a seat for a user to sit on when using the apparatus; control means for controlling the display of images on the screen, said control means operating to display images in an attract mode prior to a coin or token being inserted, to display amusement images for a predetermined period following the insertion of a coin or token, and to revert to the attract mode after said predetermined period; and sensor means to detect the presence of a user on the seat; wherein said control means interrupts said attract mode and displays images to prompt the insertion of a coin or token in response to said sensor means detecting the presence of a user.

11. A ride as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein after a first sequence of ride images has been displayed, the control means operates to offer the option of continuing with another sequence of ride images related to the first sequence by inserting a further coin or token into the ride.

12. A ride as claimed in claims 7, 8 and 11, wherein, whilst the sensor means detects the presence of a child, the control means operates to offer the option of continuing with another sequence of ride images for a predetermined period for time, prior to reverting to the attract mode, and wherein the control means reverts immediately to the attract mode if the sensor means stops detecting the presence of the child during the predetermined period of time.

13. A coin or token-operated amusement apparatus, comprising: a display screen on which images are displayed; a seat for the player to sit on when using the apparatus; control means for controlling the display of images on said screen, said control means operating to display images in an attract mode prior to a coin or token being inserted, and to display amusement images of a first amusement sequence following the insertion of a coin or token; and sensor means to detect the presence of a user on the seat; wherein whilst said sensor means detects the presence of the user after an amusement sequence has finished, said control means operates to provide, for a predetermined period of time, the option of continuing with a further amusement sequence related to the first sequence by inserting a further coin or token into the apparatus, prior to reverting to the attract mode, and wherein said control means reverts immediately to the attract mode if said sensor means stops detecting the presence of the user during the predetermined period of time.

14. A method of operating a coin or token-operated amusement apparatus including a seat for a user to sit on when using the apparatus, comprising: displaying on a display screen images in an attract mode to encourage the insertion of a coin or token into the apparatus; determining whether or not a coin or token has been inserted; displaying, upon the determination of the insertion of a coin or a token, amusement images for a predetermined period of time; and redisplaying the attract mode images once said predetermined period of time has ceased; said method further comprising sensing whether or not a user is on the seat; and interrupting said attract mode and displaying further images to prompt the insertion of a coin or token, in response to sensing the presence of a user on the seat.

15. A method of operating a coin or token-operated amusement apparatus including a seat for a user to sit on when using the apparatus, comprising: displaying on a display screen images in an attract mode to encourage the insertion of a coin or token into the apparatus; determining whether or not a coin or token has been inserted; displaying, upon the determination of the insertion of a coin or a token, amusement images of first amusement sequence; sensing whether or not a user is on the seat; and, whilst the presence of the user is still sensed after an amusement sequence has finished, controlling said apparatus to provide, for a predetermined period of time, the option of continuing with a further amusement sequence related to the first sequence by inserting a further coin or token into the apparatus, prior to redisplaying images in the attract mode; the method further comprising redisplaying the images in the attract mode immediately the presence of the user is no longer sensed.

16. A coin or token-operated children's ride substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A coin or token-operated amusement apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A method of operating a coin or token-operated amusement apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.