What would you think about... AR coasters?

[djmcbell]

So, loads of parks are doing VR coasters. I must admit that I'm not too keen on the idea, and it sounds like there are plenty of people who aren't. But there are some who are, and it seems a relatively cheap way to revitalise an attraction and give your park something big again (hello Galactica). Plus, I still haven't tried it and I'd definitely give it a go.

But, what would you say to Augmented Reality coasters, as opposed to standard Virtual Reality?

For those who don't know, AR allows you still to see your physical surroundings, but with stuff overlaid. In the case of a VR coaster, for instance, you would still be seeing everything "as it is" (so you would see your headset's camera, allowing you to see the "outside world"), but then different effects could be added such as the ground under the roller coaster track opening up and jets of lava that nearly hit the train. Or, if it gets that good, put in a virtual crowd in an area that is being attacked by a dinosaur.

It would be more difficult to do than regular VR, but possibly has some merits. Or maybe not. I'm still unsure about VR coasters myself - I ride them for the physical sensation and can't really say needing something interesting to look at was high on my list of priorities, but then I haven't tried one yet.

 

[DelPiero]

Any change to a world class coaster such as Superman/Bizarro which reduces throughput significantly is a stupid idea, that includes any type of VR/AR
However, if the right coasters are targeted then the ideas do have merit, Air/Galactica was a decent choice, although I don't think it is worth it on the other flyers. Most indoor rides or family coasters such as Europa's VR offering could benefit.

 

[Hyde]

FWIW, augmented reality has essentially already been achieved with 4D attractions (Spiderman, Dark Kastle, etc.). That is melding 3D projections with real life effects and structures.

AR could have it's merits, but would still be a ways off in technology. The best AR we can achieve right now requires 3D glasses and 3D projectors - achieving this on a fast moving roller coaster would only be best accomplished using VR headsets to compensate for consistent framerates.

A more immediate opportunity for adding to VR deployment could be adding pyrotechnics and other sensory effects to add an extended sense of reality. Not just seeing an explosion, but feeling an explosion.

 

[djmcbell]

Not quite what I had in mind. I do like Spiderman (wasn't keen on DarKastle, Speed Of Magic), but I wouldn't really consider them AR - not in the technical sense. I'd consider them nice, shiny dark rides (and very nice and shiny they are too).

With AR, I'm meaning something more like Google Glass, where you can wear it and be walking down a street (whilst looking like a prat) and the glasses will overlay the opening times of shops, for instance.

On a roller coaster, it would essentially be exactly the same - only perhaps a dinosaur is rampaging about below you.

However, I do partially see your point about things technically. To be honest, now we've got VR, would there be any benefit at all of AR? We can transport ourselves to a whole other universe (if we so want), why bother going halfway? Plus there are more technical limitations as the projected "scene" would have to take into account riders in front of you, the restraints/train, the track etc.

As an aside, there are coasters out there, I guess, which do what Hyde describes, mixing projections and screens with a roller coaster (Mummy and Harry Potter Gringotts at Universal, though I haven't been on HP yet).

 

[GuyWithAStick]

If it can be done seamlessly and well, yes, it'd be great. But like people said, the technology isn't there yet. But if it was, then yes.

Sent from my VS820 using Tapatalk

 

[mouse]

After the lift hill I'm not really focusing on on-ride visuals anyway. I don't look out for aspects of the environment because I'm busy enjoying the ride. With full VR theres a full immersive 'landscape', however AR would be more reliant on people focusing on individual details instead of enjoying the ride elements. Unlike (most) dark rides, coasters are more than just visual experiences, so I don't think AR would be very effective.

 

[Jarrett]

I actually mentioned this at the ACE Q&A at SFNE Saturday.

When being asked what we thought of the VR, the park didn't quite get the positive reaction they wanted and asked for our input. I mentioned the possibility of Google Glass on a goony glasses strap as an alternative. One where you could see Lex and Superman duking it out with explosions and crap around you but still saw the park you were in. My selling points for this were A. the ability of riders to get their glasses on before the ride starts so they can see themselves board the trains and eliminate the step from boarding and B. claustrophobic riders or riders with motion sickness might be able to access it a bit better.

Their response? "Interesting idea, maybe some Pokemon Go action in there."

 

[coaster addict]

VR on a roller coaster that you've already ridden, for example, is fun, but you typically remember the layout well. It is, however, a bit more fun to ride a roller coaster for the first time but with VR headsets on as you likely will not know the feel of the course. Still, technology on rides is a great new addition. AR would be fun just the same, but load times continue to be one of the primary sticking points!