System and Method to Create Faux Electrical Discharge Effects

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/755,626, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CREATE FAUX ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE EFFECTS”, filed February 7, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks often include interactive areas, including rides and attractions. Some interactive areas may include features that display special effects to observers. It is desirable for such features to provide special effects that are realistic and that immerse the observers in an illusion. However, it is now recognized that the functionality of some traditional special effects may have certain disadvantages. For example, a traditional special effect may be too easily identified (e.g., it may be difficult to achieve a realistic or believable special effect) by observers, which can limit the observers’ immersion in the desired illusion. Repeated viewing of some special effects may too readily reveal a nature of their operation by, for example, revealing a repeating pattern. Further, it may be undesirable to utilize certain special effects (e.g., pyrotechnics, high-voltage discharge devices, such as Tesla coils) in the presence of crowds. It is now recognized that it is desirable to provide different or unique features in certain special effects to facilitate provision of realism and concealment of operational aspects.

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are discussed below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system. The system includes one or more illumination devices that emit light. The system also includes a serpentine extension coupled to rotatable shaft. The rotation of the rotatable shaft causes the serpentine extension to rotate at an angular velocity. Further, the system includes a control system includes one or more processors. The control system is configured to control the one or more illumination devices to emit light toward or from the serpentine extension at an illumination timing frequency that is asynchronous with respect to the angular velocity.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes a serpentine extension coupled to a rotatable shaft. The system also includes one or more illumination devices configured to emit light towards the serpentine extension. The one or more illumination devices are separated from the serpentine extension. Further, the system includes a control system comprising one or more processors. The control system is configured to operate a motor or rotary actuator coupled to the article and configured to cause rotation of the serpentine extension such that the serpentine extension rotates about a rotational axis at an angular velocity. The control system is also configured to control the one or more illumination devices to emit light toward the serpentine extension at an illumination timing frequency that is asynchronous to the angular velocity.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for creating an illusion of electrical discharge effects. The method includes operating a motor to cause a serpentine extension to rotate at an angular velocity. The method also includes obtaining an illumination timing frequency that is asynchronous with respect to the angular velocity. Further, the method includes controlling one or more illumination devices to emit light from or direct light onto the serpentine extension based on the illumination timing frequency.

[0021] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0022] An amusement park attraction includes attraction features that provide immersive experiences to guests. The attraction features may include decorative elements that are viewed by the guests, and the attraction features may include interactive devices where the use of the attraction feature by the guest provides the immersive experience. It may be advantageous to provide an immersive experience to multiple guests in conjunction since this can reduce costs and/or allow guests traveling together to experience the immersive experience simultaneously.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a serpentine extension effect system that includes a serpentine extension rotates about a rotatable shaft (e.g., about a rotatory support shaft or motor shaft) using a motor or hand crank mechanism. The serpentine effect system also includes one or more illumination devices that emit light (e.g., light flashes) onto the serpentine extension. Together, the rotation of the serpentine extension and the light emitted by the illumination devices create an illusion or visualization of an energy discharge, plasma ionizing, electricity arcing, or the like. This illusion or visualization may be referred to as a “lightning arcing effect.” This effect is generated partly due to the serpentine extension having limited visibility when not illuminated and the serpentine extension rotating at a sufficient velocity (e.g., greater than or equal to 100, 200, or 500 rotations per minute (rpm) or otherwise a speed not perceptible to the human eye) such that the serpentine extension appears substantially invisible to the viewer. The serpentine extension (or portions thereof) is then illuminated at different times and/or locations along a motion path defined by rotation of the serpentine extension. This selective or inconsistent lighting facilitates provision of the special effect and an immersive experience to guests within a venue, such as a live show, a theatre, a trade show display, a domestic front lawn, a haunted house, or a themed entertainment area. As used herein, the “themed entertainment area” may include an amusement park attraction that may include interactive areas, rides, and attractions.

[0024] As referred to herein, a “serpentine extension” is an object that forms an asymmetric meandering or otherwise winding path to emulate the desired appearance of the effect. For example, the path may be a jagged path, a sinusoidal path, a curved path, or otherwise a path that changes direction at two or more locations, axes, or planes along the path. Accordingly, the serpentine may perform one or more non-planar and/or non-axial direction changes to produce a semi-random path. In some instances, the serpentine extension may include a main body having one or more branches that extend from the main body. Further, the disclosed serpentine extension rotates about a rotatable shaft of an article, such as an attraction feature or an interactive feature (e.g., handheld device or wearable device). While the serpentine extension rotates, the one or more illumination devices activate and deactivate, producing a strobe-like effect. When the intermittent light is illuminating the serpentine extension, the serpentine extension is observable to the guests. The serpentine extension is not observable to the guests when the serpentine extension is not illuminated, which is due to the lack of the light illuminating the serpentine extension and the serpentine extension rotating at a speed that is greater than human perception can ascertain. As described in more detail herein, it is presently recognized that illuminating the serpentine extension in an asynchronous manner relative to the rotation of the serpentine extension may produce the lightning arcing effect that is observable by guests from multiple viewing angles (e.g., different viewing quadrants about an axis of rotation of the rotating serpentine extension).

[0025] Certain conventional devices that combine rotations and illumination to produce a visual effect include zoetropes. In contrast to the disclosed serpentine effect system, zoetropes produce the visual effect by illuminating one or more objects in a synchronous manner relative to the rotation of the one or more objects. For example, during operation of a zoetrope, light is emitted at an illumination frequency that is synchronous with the rotational period of a rotating surface. In particular, light illuminates a particular location (e.g., a quadrant, polar coordinates) of the rotating surface at a synchronized frequency such that a series of objects are illuminated in a predetermined order to create the illusion that the object is moving. In contrast, the disclosed serpentine extension effect system illuminates one or more serpentine extensions in an asynchronous manner such that the one or more serpentine extensions are illuminated (e.g., observable) at different locations of a rotating surface. In this way, a random, or seemingly random, lightning arcing effect (e.g., appearing as lightning) is produced. Further, because the serpentine extension effect system illuminates the serpentine extension at different positions, the guests may not have to be in a specific position to observe the lightning arcing effect. Accordingly, multiple guests may observe the lightning arcing effect simultaneously and from a variety of viewing positions.

[0026] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a serpentine extensions effect system 10 implemented in an amusement park attraction 11. As shown, the serpentine extension effect system 10 includes a serpentine extension device 12 that has a serpentine extension 14, a rotatable shaft 16, and an article 18. As described herein, a “serpentine extension” is an object that extends along two or more directions from a proximate end to a distal end of the serpentine extension, thereby forming a path. In some embodiments, the path may have a jagged path, a sinusoidal path, a curved path, and the like. For example, the serpentine extension may include a semi-random or random walk in two or more dimensions or planes. As an example, a serpentine extension may look like a fixed lightning bolt or a tree root. In any case, the serpentine extension 14 rotates about a rotatable shaft 16 on the article 18. The rotatable shaft 16 may be driven to rotate by an actuator or motor, represented by driver 19.

[0027] The serpentine extension effect system 10 also includes one or more illumination devices 20 (e.g., illumination devices or light emitters). As described in more detail herein, the illumination devices 20 emit light that, in conjunction with the rotation of the serpentine extension 14, create a lightning arcing effect that is observable by multiple guests 22 (e.g., the first guest 22a and the second guest 22b) from multiple viewing directions (e.g., a first viewing direction 24a and a second viewing direction 24b). As described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4, the illumination devices 20 may emit light in a non-repeating, irregular, semi-random, random, or otherwise asynchronous pattern with respect to the rotation of the serpentine extension 14. The illumination devices 20 may emit light based on input from a control system or input from an activatable feature (e.g., a push button that a user may manually press). As shown, the illumination device 20 is external (e.g., separate or distinct from) to the serpentine extension 14 and is arranged or angled to emit light towards the serpentine extension 14 to illuminate the serpentine extension 14 (e.g., all or a portion of the serpentine extension). In some embodiments, the illumination devices 20 may be arranged to specifically illuminate one or more locations of the serpentine extension 14. In any case, the serpentine extension 14 may be formed of a reflective material to improve the visibility of the serpentine extension 14 when exposed to light. In some embodiments, the serpentine extension 14 may be formed of a fluorescent material (e.g., a UV fluorescent material), which may provide the serpentine extension 14 with an observable glow when light is directed onto it. When light is not directed onto the material of the serpentine extension 14, the material may have low visibility (at least in certain lighting conditions of its surroundings) since the serpentine extension may be rotating at a sufficiently high velocity such that it is not perceptible to the human eye and the non-illuminated appearance of the serpentine extension 14 appears matte or flat black.

[0028] As shown, the article 18 includes a form factor that corresponds to a Tesla coil. However, it should be noted that the article 18 may be any suitable type of handheld object that may provide an immersive experience to guests 22 within the amusement park attraction 11, such as a wand, a blaster, a cannon, a gauntlet, a sword hilt, and the like. In some embodiments, the article 18 may be a feature that is not typically held by the guests 22 within the amusement park attraction 11, but may otherwise provide an immersive experience to the guests 22 within the amusement park attraction 11. For example, the article 18 may have a form corresponding to a lightning rod, a crystal ball, and the like.

[0029] As described herein, in operation, the serpentine extension 14 rotates about the rotatable shaft 16 while the illuminating device 20 emits light. However, at least in some instances, external light sources may provide ambient or background lighting to the serpentine extension 14. Together, this operation creates a lightning arcing effect that is observable by multiple guests 22 from multiple viewing directions. As described in more detail herein with respect to FIG. 5, the first viewing direction 24a and the second viewing direction 24b may be in different quadrants with respect to a rotational axis 21 at the rotatable shaft 16. For example, the first guest 22a and the second guest 22b may be disposed on opposite side of the rotatable shaft 16. Nonetheless, both the first guest 22a and the second guests 22b may observe the lightning arcing effect.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the serpentine extension effect system 10, which may include certain processing circuitry (e.g., a processing system including one or more processors), memory circuitry (e.g., one or more memories), and communication circuitry. As shown, the serpentine extension effect system 10 may include a control system 30 that generally controls the serpentine extension device 12 to cause the serpentine extension 14 to rotate about the rotatable shaft 16 and the illumination devices 20 to illuminate. As shown, the control system 30 includes a processor 34 (representative of one or more processors), a memory 36 (representative of one or more memories), and an input/output device 38 to enable operators to communicate with the control system 30. The various functional blocks shown in FIG. 2 may include hardware elements (including circuitry), software elements (including machine-executable instructions) or a combination of both hardware and software elements (which may be referred to as logic). The processor 34 and/or the memory 36 (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may each be communicatively coupled directly or indirectly (e.g., through or via another component, a communication bus, a network) to one another to transmit and/or receive data between one another. It should be noted that FIG. 2 is merely one example of a particular implementation and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may be present in the control system 30. The input/output device 38 may include a mouse, joystick, control pad, or other selectable features, and other interfacing components that aid a user in controlling at least some of the operations of the illumination device 20 and/or serpentine extension 14. In some embodiments, the input/output device 38 may be a human-mind interface (HMI) device that utilizes biometric measurement inputs to determine control outputs for controlling at least some of the operations of the illumination device 20 and/or the serpentine extension 14.

[0031] The serpentine extension device 12 includes an actuator 46 and a motor 48. The motor 48 receives control signals from the processor 34 that cause the motor 48 to activate or otherwise adjust operation (e.g., speed or slow down the rotation about the rotational axis 21) of the actuator 46. The actuator 46 causes the serpentine extension 14 to rotate in a rotational direction 40 about the rotational axis 21 (e.g., the axis of rotation of the serpentine extension 14). It should be noted that the illustrated rotational direction 40 is meant to be non-limiting. In some embodiments, the serpentine extension 14 may rotate in an opposite direction or even oscillate back and forth in different rotational directions.

[0032] In some embodiments, the control system 30 and/or the serpentine extension device 12 may be powered by a power supply 39, such as a battery or plugged into an outlet. In some embodiments, the serpentine extension device 12 may be hand powered. That is, the serpentine extension device 12 may be configured to rotate the serpentine extension 14 using a hand crank that a guest may drive or otherwise turn.

[0033] The illumination device 20 emits light 50 that illuminates the serpentine extension 14 such that it is more readily observable by the guests 22. In some embodiments, the illumination device 20 may emit visible light that is reflected off of the serpentine extension 14 (e.g., or a material coating disposed on the serpentine extension 14). In some embodiments, the illumination device 20 may emit light having a particular frequency range, such as ultraviolet (UV) light or other light capable of causing the material forming the serpentine extension 14 and/or the material coating on the serpentine extension 14 to fluoresce, thereby producing a glowing effect. In some embodiments, the light may include UV-A wavelengths (e.g., between 300-400nm). For example, the illumination device 20 may include a light emitting diode (LED) that emits 365 nm light. In some embodiments, the illumination device 20 may be utilized in conjunction with one or more light filters (e.g., long pass filters, short pass filters, band pass filters) to provide light having UV-A wavelengths. In some embodiments, the illumination devices 20 may be disposed on the serpentine extension as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3B.

[0034] To produce the electric arc effect, the control system 30 may activate the motor 48 to cause the serpentine extension to rotate at a rotational speed (e.g., angular velocity) (e.g., greater than or equal to 250 rotations per minute (rpm), greater than or equal to 300 rpm, greater than or equal to 400 rpm, or greater than or equal to 500 rpm). Further, the control system 30 may activate the illumination device 20 such that the light 50 is emitted (e.g., the serpentine extension 14 is illuminated) at a frequency asynchronous to the angular velocity or speed. For example, the control system may activate the illumination devices at a non-uniform frequency for a duration that is timed with a pre-determined crackling sound effect.

[0035] In some embodiments, the variable offset may be a random number produced by a random number generator. In some embodiments, the variable offset may be a sinusoidal function or other function that oscillates between a minimum and maximum. In some embodiments, the illumination timing frequency may be equal to the variable offset. In some embodiments, the illumination timing frequency may be programmed to be non-continuous or even infrequent illumination. For example, the period of the “On” (e.g., illumination) and “Off” time may be different (non-uniform, asymmetric, non-identical) than an adjacent “On” or “Off” time. In some instances, this sequence (e.g., a combination of “On” or “Off” and adjacent “Off” or “On” times may be produced programmatically by predetermining the best sequence, saving it to memory, and then playing it back (e.g., or executing).

[0036] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the serpentine extension device 12 that includes a serpentine extension 14 extending from the rotatable shaft 16 on an article 18 and rotating in a rotational direction 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the article 18 is a surface 60. The surface 60 may be incorporated on a stationary element of an amusement park attraction. For example, the surface 60 may be incorporated on a feature that resembles a Tesla coil, a broken electrical cabinet, a crystal ball, and so on. As another non-limiting example, the surface 60 may be incorporated on a hand of a robotic character to create the illusion that the robotic character is emitting lightning bolts from their hand. In any case, to facilitate the discussion below, FIG. 3A includes an x-axis 62, a z-axis 66, and a y-axis 64.

[0037] As shown, the rotatable shaft 16 is at approximately the center of the surface 60. However, it should be noted that the rotatable shaft 16 may be disposed at any suitable position on the surface 60. For example, the rotatable shaft 16 may be disposed on a corner of the article 18, an edge of the article 18, offset from the center of the article 18, and so on. In some embodiments, the rotatable shaft 16 may be disposed on a rounded surface.

[0038] A proximate end 68 of the serpentine extension 14 extends through the surface 60 at the rotatable shaft 16, while the distal end 69 of the serpentine extension 14 remains free (e.g., the serpentine extension 14 has a cantilevered structure). A path 70 is formed from the proximal end 68 to the distal end 69 that generally extends away from the rotatable shaft 16 at an angle 72. As shown, the path 70 primarily extends in a direction parallel to the z-axis 66, which is oriented parallel to the rotational axis 21 of the surface 60. However, in some embodiments the path 70 may primarily extend in directions substantially parallel to the x-axis 62 or the y-axis 64. As described herein, the serpentine extension 14 may extend in two or more directions along the path 70. Accordingly, a first portion of the path 70 may extend substantially parallel to the x-axis 62 or at a first angle 72 relative to the rotational axis 21. Further, a second portion of the path 70 may extend substantially in a different direction at a second angle different from the first angle 72. In this way, the serpentine extension 14 may have a winding shape, resembling a lightning bolt.

[0039] In some instances, it may be advantageous to prevent vibration of the serpentine extension 14 as the vibration may prevent the rotating serpentine extension 14 from remaining not observable to the guests (e.g., when the serpentine extension 14 is not illuminated). It is presently recognized that having the sculptural form of the extension balanced about the rotational axis 21 may prevent vibration. Additionally, it may be advantageous to have the sculptural form of the serpentine extension 14 such that the vertices or bends of the structural form are minimized or substantially free of vertices or bends with respect to the rotational axis 21. In other words, if the serpentine extension 14 has several bends that visually overlap, this may prevent the serpentine extension 14 from being not observable (e.g., invisible) when rotating at a high speed. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to maintain each serpentine extension 14 or branch 74 such that it does not overlap or align with other features as it is rotating.

[0040] As shown, the serpentine extension 14 may include branching, such as a first branch 74A, a second branch 74B, and a third branch 74C (e.g., collectively, branches 74), which extend from a main body (e.g., trunk) of the serpentine extension 14. While three branches 74 are shown, it should be noted that the serpentine extension 14 may include any suitable number of branches, such as one, two, three, four, five, or more than five. In some instances, the serpentine extension 14 may have zero branches (e.g., the serpentine extension 14 may a singular beam). Each branch 74 may have a varying length (e.g., the length 75 of branch 74B is shown), however it should be noted that in some embodiments the branches may have the same length. Further, while the serpentine extension device 12 is shown as only having one serpentine extension 14, it should be noted that the serpentine extension device 12 may have any number of serpentine extensions 14, such as two, three, four, five, or more than five. Each serpentine extension 14 may extend the same or different lengths from the path 70. Further, the serpentine extensions 14 may be disposed in any suitable positions, such as within the plane formed by z-axis 66 and y-axis 64, the plane formed by z-axis 66 and x-axis 62, and so on.

[0041] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a second example of an article 18 of the serpentine extension device 12. In this illustrated embodiment, the article 18 is a prop 76, such as a partially stripped wire. Although the prop 76 is depicted as being a wire, it should be noted that the handheld device 76 may be other types of props, such as a Tesla coil, a blaster, a staff, a sword, or a sword hilt that emits the serpentine extension 14.

[0042] In some embodiments, the serpentine extension 14 may be coated with one or more materials (e.g., one or more material coatings or paint). As shown, the serpentine extension 14 includes (e.g., supports or is formed of) a material 78 which may facilitate concealment when not lit and high visibility when lit. In some embodiments, the material 78 may be capable of reflecting light with a high level of efficiency. For example, the material 78 may be a retroreflective material, a metal, or other type of reflective material. In some embodiments, the material 78 may be a luminescent, fluorescent, photo-luminescent, phosphorescent, retroreflective, or otherwise UV reactive material coating. For example, the material 78 may fluoresce upon illumination with ultraviolet (UV) light. In such embodiments, at least one illumination device 20 external to the serpentine extension 14 may emit UV light. In some embodiments, the material 78 may be a material coating disposed on the serpentine extension 14. For example, the serpentine extension 14 may be formed of a first material that is coated with a second material (e.g., the material 78).

[0043] As shown, the serpentine extension 14 of FIG. 3B includes multiple illumination devices 20 (e.g., light emitting diodes) disposed along the serpentine extension 14. In such embodiments, the illumination devices 20 may be disposed on any surface of the serpentine extension 14, such as on the main path of the serpentine extension (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. 3A), on the branches 74, or a combination thereof. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the illumination devices 20 are serpentine pattern illumination devices 79 that are disposed along the serpentine extension 14. The illumination devices 20 may be arranged to cover the serpentine extension, thereby producing a serpentine pattern. The illumination devices 20 may have a suitable size (e.g., 1mm or less) such that they appear to form a continuous, serpentine pattern (e.g., when illuminated).

[0044] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of a third example of an article 18 of the serpentine extension device 12. The article 18 may be an attraction feature. However, in some embodiments, the article 18 may be interactive device, a wearable device, or otherwise a device held or worn by a guest. In the illustrated embodiment, the article 18 is a handheld device 80, such as an orb. Further, the serpentine extension device 12 includes external illumination devices 81 (e.g., illumination devices 20) that are external to the serpentine extension 14.

[0045] In this embodiment, the serpentine extension device 12 includes a housing 82 (e.g., a transparent or semi-transparent housing) that holds or encapsulates the serpentine extension 14. Further, in this embodiment, the external illumination devices 81 may be disposed within the housing 82 and angled towards the serpentine extension 14 such that the external illumination devices 81 may illuminate the serpentine extension 14 as it rotates. The serpentine extension device 12 may include an angle reflector component 83 (e.g., a reflector cup, a concave mirror) that may direct the light towards the serpentine extension 14.

[0046] In this embodiment, the motor 48 and the power supply 39 are disposed within a handle 84 of the handheld device 80. By disposing the motor 48, the power supply 39, and other features (e.g., the actuator as described in FIG. 2) in the handle 84, the guest may not see these features and thus they will not detract from the guests’ experience. Additionally, in this embodiment, the serpentine extension device 12 may include a toggle 86 that may selectively activate the motor 48 and/or the external illumination devices 81.

[0047] As described herein, the external illumination devices 81 may emit light in a non-repeating, irregular, semi-random, random, or otherwise asynchronous pattern with respect to the rotation of the serpentine extension 14. It is presently recognized that controlling the external illumination devices 81 to emit light in an asynchronous manner relative to the rotation of the serpentine extension 14 may facilitate producing the lightning arcing effect described herein. The serpentine extension 14 may also include illumination devices 20 disposed along the serpentine extension 14 that emit light in a regular or more uniform pattern (e.g., chase lights or “Knight Rider” lights), while the external illumination devices 81 may emit light in an asynchronous pattern.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a timing diagram 90 illustrating an example illumination sequence for controlling the illumination devices 20. The timing diagram 90 indicates the illumination timing frequency for activating and deactivating illumination devices 20 (e.g., non-illumination timing frequency). For example, the timing diagram may indicate multiple “ON” and “OFF” sequences for a burst illumination (e.g., multiple relatively short “ON” and “OFF” sequences followed by a longer “OFF” sequence). As shown, the timing diagram 90 may include a first illumination period 92A, a second illumination period 92B, a third illumination period 92C, a fourth illumination period 92D, and a fifth illumination period 92E (collectively, illumination periods 92). It should be noted that only a portion of the illumination periods 92 are labeled to facilitate the discussion. During the illumination periods 92, one or more of the illumination devices 20 are activated and emitting light for an illumination duration 94. The timing diagram 90 shows a first illumination duration 94A of the first illumination period 92A. The timing diagram 90 also includes a second illumination duration 94B of the second illumination period 92B. Additionally, the timing diagram 90 may include a first non-illumination period 96A and a second non-illumination period 96B (e.g., collectively non-illumination periods96). During the non-illumination periods 96, the illumination devices 20 may not be activated, and thus, are not emitting light or are dimmed. To produce the lightning arc effect, it is presently recognized that it may be advantageous for the control system 30 to activate the illumination devices 20 such that time periods between illumination periods 92 vary, such as by varying the non-illumination periods 96. In some embodiments, the instructions related to the illumination timing frequency for activating the illumination devices may be stored in the memory 36 of the control system 30 and utilized by the control system 30 to control operation of the illumination devices 20. Although the timing diagram 90 is generally described with respect to activating and deactivating the illumination devices 20, it should be noted that the timing diagram 90 may similarly apply to an embodiment for adjusting a position of the illumination devices 20 such that they emit light towards or away from the serpentine extension 14. Further, it is understood that the serpentine extension 14 may periodically move away from the emitted light as it rotates. Accordingly, the timing diagram 90 may also apply to emitting light generally towards the rotatable shaft 16 or an initial position of the serpentine extension 14.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows the illumination devices 20 operating such that light is emitted in an asynchronous manner relative to the rotation of the serpentine extension 14. This may facilitate a seemingly random or organic presentation due to the POV of the lightning arcing effect for viewing by guests positioned in or positioned to observe different quadrants. The serpentine extension effect system 10 is shown during a first time period 100, a second time period 102, a third time period 104, and a fourth time period 106. The first time period 100, the second time period 102, the third time period 104, and the fourth time period 106 correspond to an illumination period 92 as described with reference to FIG. 4. As such, the first time period 100, the second time period 102, the third time period 104, and the fourth time period 106 correspond to a time period when illumination device 20 is activated, and thus, the serpentine extension 14 is observable by the guests 22 at viewing directions 24a and 24b. In this specific non-limiting example, the first time period 100, the second time period 102, the third time period 104, and the fourth time period 106 represent a sequential ordering of time periods. For example, and with reference to FIG. 4, the first time period 100 may correspond to first illumination period 92A, the second time period 102 may correspond to the second illumination period 92B, the third time period 104 may correspond to the third illumination period 92C, and the fourth time period 106 may correspond to the fourth illumination period 92D. As generally described above, the illumination duration 94 during the first time period 100, the second time period 102, the third time period 104, and the fourth time period 106 may vary or at least two of the illumination durations 94 may be the same.

[0050] As described herein, the serpentine extension 14 may be observable from viewing directions 24a and 24b with respect to the rotational axis 21 (e.g., that extends from the rotatable shaft 16 and out of the page) while it rotates about the rotational direction 40 and the illumination device 20 emits light. Further, when the illumination device 20 emits light at a timing frequency that is asynchronous to the frequency of rotation of the illumination device 20 emitting light, each viewing direction 24a, 24b may observe the serpentine extension 14 at a different point of view (POV) (e.g., quadrant) relative to the rotatable shaft 16 (e.g., or rotational axis 21).

[0051] To facilitate discussion, FIG. 5 includes the x-axis 62 and the y-axis 64. As shown, during the first time period 100, the serpentine extension 14 is in the first quadrant or set of coordinates of the coordinate plane formed by the x-axis 62 and the y-axis 64 <. During the second time period 102, the serpentine extension 14 is also in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane formed by the x-axis 62 and the y-axis 64 However, during the third time period 104, the serpentine extension 14 is in the fourth quadrant of the coordinate plane formed by the x-axis 62 and the y-axis 64. During the fourth time period 106, the serpentine extension 14 is in the third quadrant of the coordinate plane formed by the x-axis 62 and the y-axis 64. By activating the illumination devices 20 such that the serpentine extension 14 is selectively illuminated while rotating, this may give the guests 22 the impression they are viewing a three dimensional electrical arc. It should be noted that the quadrants depicted are used to exemplify the point of view (POV). The POV or the areas in which an observer may be numerous or may change as the guest moves through an area. If the POV changes as the guest moves (e.g., walking or riding in a ride vehicle) through an area where the serpentine extension 14 is utilized, this may improve the illusion of the electrical discharge effect. That is, due to parallax and the changing POV, the electrical discharge effect may appear more realistic, since the serpentine extension 14 is a three-dimensional element.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows an example process 110 for controlling the serpentine extension effect system 10, in which the control system 30 generally controls the rotation of the serpentine extension 14 and the illumination by the illumination devices 20. The process 110 of FIG. 6 may be used to create an illusion of lightning arc effects or similar illusions (e.g., special effects, theatrical effects), such as plasma effects, arcing effects, lightning effects, discharge effects, or plasma effects.

[0053] Although the process 110 is described as being performed by the processor 34, it should be noted that the process 110 may be performed by any suitable processor and/or multiple processors. For example, the process 110 may be performed by a controller that includes one or more processors. In some embodiments, the control system 30 may be a simple control system that stores instructions for blinking the illumination devices 20 as the control system 30 receives power. For example, when the serpentine extension device 12 utilizes a hand crank, the control system 30 may specify a blinking or illumination pattern to execute when the serpentine extension 14 rotates due to operation of the hand crank.

[0054] At block 112, the process 110 includes obtaining a rotation command. Obtaining the rotation command may include the processor 34 receiving a rotation command from an external device. In some embodiments, the processor 34 may execute a particular rotation command on a timing schedule. In some embodiments, the processor 34 may receive a trigger that causes the processor 34 to obtain the rotation commands, such as sensor data indicating a user has entered an area that includes the serpentine extension, or otherwise able to view the serpentine extension 14. The rotation command may include an angular velocity, an amount of current to be provided to a motor, or otherwise an indication of how fast the serpentine extension 14 should rotate. In some embodiments, the rotation command may indicate a time period during which the serpentine extension 14 should begin and end rotation. In some embodiments, the processor 34 may receive a rotation command including a motion profile that indicates an angular velocity, direction, oscillation or combination thereof, of the serpentine extension 14 as it rotates. In some embodiments, the processor 34 may vary the motion profile as the serpentine extension 14 rotates to increase the randomness of the motion profile.

[0055] At block 114, the process 110 includes rotating the serpentine extension 14 (FIG. 2) about the rotational axis 21 (FIG. 2). Rotating the serpentine extension 14 may include the processor 34 activating the motor 48 that drives the actuator 46, thereby causing the serpentine extension 14 to rotate, as described with respect to FIG. 2. As described with respect to FIG. 2, the rotational axis 21 may extend from an article 18 that is handheld, wearable, or a surface of an amusement park attraction feature or any other venue as described herein. The processor 34 may cause the motor 48 to drive the actuator 46 at a predetermined rotational period, which may be stored in the memory 36. In some embodiments, the serpentine extension 14 may be rotated manually by the guest using a hand crank.

[0056] At block 116, the process 110 includes obtaining an illumination pattern, such as a timing diagram 90 described with respect to FIG. 4. As described herein, it may be advantageous for the illumination devices 20 (FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A-3C) to illuminate the serpentine extension 14 such that the illumination pattern or frequency of illumination (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 4) is asynchronous relative to the rotation of the serpentine extension 14. In this way, the serpentine extension effect system 10 may produce a seemingly random lightning arcing effect where guests 22 (FIG. 1) may view the illuminated serpentine extension 14 at different quadrants relative to the rotatable shaft 16. In some embodiments, to perform block 114, the processor 34 may obtain or access a predetermined illumination pattern stored in the memory 36, and activate (e.g., cause the illumination device 20 to activate and deactivate its light) in accordance with the illumination pattern, as described with reference to FIG. 2. In some embodiments, to perform block 114, the processor 34 may generate an illumination pattern. For example, the processor 34 may utilize a random number generator to generate illumination periods 92, illumination durations 94, non-illumination periods 96, or a combination thereof, thereby producing the illumination pattern.

[0057] At block 118, the process 110 includes activating the illumination device 20 in accordance with the illumination pattern. For example, the processor 34 may send control signals to activate and deactivate the illumination devices 20 (FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A-3C) to produce a strobing effect. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the processor 34 may activate the illumination device 20 to emit light in accordance with a timing diagram 90. As described with respect to FIG. 4, the illumination pattern includes multiple illumination periods 92, illumination duration 94, and non-illumination periods 96. Accordingly, activating the illumination device 20 may include deactivating the illumination devices 20 for multiple non-illumination periods 96 such that at least one non-illumination period 96 is different from another non-illumination period 96. Additionally or alternatively, activating the illumination device 20 may include activating the illumination devices 20 for multiple illumination periods 92 such that at least one illumination duration 94 is different from another illumination duration 94.

[0058] At block 120, the process 110 includes determining whether a sequence is complete. The sequence may include a combination of the illumination pattern and the rotation command. Accordingly, determining whether the sequence is complete may include the processor 34 (FIG. 2) determining whether the serpentine extension 14 (FIG. 2) has rotated for a time period in accordance with the rotation command. In some embodiments, determining whether the sequence is complete may include the processor 34 (FIG. 2) determining whether the illumination pattern corresponding to the timing diagram 90 (FIG. 4) has performed. It should be noted that these are non-limiting examples, and that the processor 34 may utilize one or more criteria for determining whether the sequence is complete.

[0059] It should be noted that the process 110 of FIG. 6 may not be limited to serpentine extension devices 12 described above. That is, the serpentine extension device 12 may have other arrangements, as discussed in more detail below.

[0060] As described with reference to FIG. 3B, the serpentine extension 14 may be coated with one or more materials. To illustrate one example, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the serpentine extension 14. In this embodiment, the serpentine extension 14 includes a material form 130, which may be a material shaped to form the serpentine extension. As shown, the material form 130 includes a circular cross-section shape, however it should be noted that the material form 130 may include any type of cross-section shape, such as a parallelogram, an oval, a rectangle, an “X” shape, or any other shape.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the serpentine extension 14 includes two material layers. For example, the serpentine extension 14 includes a first layer 132 disposed on the material form 130. The first layer 132 may be a low reflectance material (such as a flat or matte coating). For example, the first layer 132 may have a light reflectance value (LRV) less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, or less than 5%. Additionally or alternatively, the first layer 132 may be a sufficient dark color that makes the serpentine extension 14 more difficult to see when it is positioned in a dark room and/or while rotating (e.g., to avoid human perception). As one non-limiting example, the first layer 132 may be a matte black coating. The serpentine extension 14 also includes a second layer 134 disposed on the first layer 132. The second layer 134 may be a luminescent (e.g., fluorescent) or otherwise a UV activated coating. That is, the second layer 134 may be a material capable of luminescing or fluorescing upon illumination with light having a suitable wavelength. In some embodiments, the second layer 134 may be a UV activated, matte, and relatively clear coating. It is presently recognized that utilizing a clear and/or matte coating, may make the second layer 134 relatively difficult to see by the guest when not illuminated with UV light.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows an orthographic side view of the serpentine extension device 12 where the serpentine extension 14 is fixed on two sides using supports 140. While the previous examples of the serpentine extension 14 are illustrated as being a serpentine extension 14 that is fixed on one side, it should be noted that in some instances the serpentine extension 14 may be arranged in a simply supported arrangement. For example, the serpentine extension 14 is fixed on a first side 142 and a second side 144 using the supports 140. As such, the serpentine extension 14 may rotate in the rotational direction 40 from the article 18 at a relatively fixed angle 146. For reference, FIG. 8 also includes the x-axis 62, the z-axis 66, and the y-axis 64.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows an example implementation of the simply supported serpentine extension 14. In this embodiment, the serpentine extension 14 is disposed within an attraction feature 150 and fixed on either side using the supports 140. Further, the illumination devices 20 may illuminate the serpentine extension 14 while the serpentine extension 14 rotates about the rotational direction 40. The attraction feature 150 is disposed next to a ride path 152. Accordingly, guests may pass the serpentine extension 14 as they ride along the ride path 152, and thus may view the serpentine extension 14 from multiple viewing directions.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section view of a fourth example of an article 18 of the serpentine extension device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the article 18 is a wearable device, such as a wearable thumb tip or wearable finger tip.

[0065] In this embodiment, the serpentine extension device 12 includes a thumb tip shell 160 (e.g., human digit tip shell, appendage tip shell, finger tip shell) that a guest may wear on an appendage, such as a digit (e.g., a thumb or a finger). The thumb tip shell 160 surrounds an interior portion 162 having dimensions that may hold, cover, or otherwise fit the appendage (e.g., a human digit tip). The serpentine extension 14 extends away from an exterior portion 163 of the thumb tip shell 160.

[0066] In this embodiment, the motor 48 and the power supply 39 are disposed within the interior portion 162 of the thumb tip shell 160. By disposing the motor 48, the power supply 39, and other features (e.g., the actuator as described in FIG. 2) in the interior portion 162, the guest may not see these features and thus they will not detract from the guests’ experience. Additionally, in this embodiment, the serpentine extension device 12 may include a toggle 86 (e.g., a microswitch) that may selectively activate the motor 48 and/or the external illumination devices 81. For example, a guest or other user wearing the thumb tip shell 160 may flex their thumb to activate the toggle 86, thereby causing the serpentine extension 14 to rotate.

[0067] In this embodiment, multiple illumination devices 20 are shown. For example, this embodiment includes an external illumination device 81 and an internal illumination device 164. The serpentine extension 14 may be illuminated by the external illumination device 81, the internal illumination device 164, or both. As such, in certain embodiments, the thumb tip shell 160 may include an internal illumination device 164. In other embodiments, the internal illumination device 164 may be omitted and the serpentine extension 14 may be illuminated by the external illumination device 81.

[0068] In this embodiment, the serpentine extension device 12 includes a circuit board 166. The circuit board 166 (e.g., including memory, storage, and a processor) may contain circuitry that stores instructions related to operating the serpentine extension device 15 in accordance with a timing diagram (FIG. 9). In some embodiments, the circuit board 166 may store instructions related to a motor speed of the motor 48, a charging speed of the power supply 39, an illumination pattern, or a rotation duration.

[0069] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0070] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function]…” or “step for [perform]ing [a function]…”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).