Alcorn Mcbride V+ series, User Manual

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7-2 Application Notes
Large Theatre Control
Many large shows are designed in a theatre format. This design provides
high guest throughput by utilizing a PreShow, where guests gather to watch
a short film or audio-animatronic presentation. As these guests are
watching the PreShow, another group of guests is already in the Theatre
watching the main show. The attraction is timed so that when the Preshow
is over and the operator has given any special instructions to the guests, the
automatic entrance doors open. The previous group will have left the
theatre only moments earlier. As the entrance doors close and the main
show starts again, another group of guests is gathering to watch the
Preshow.
This application note discusses the design of a large theatre just like the one
described above. This design utilizes an Alcorn McBride V16+ and several
generic show elements to create a simple, but powerful theatre experience.
The Theatre In Question
Every show design starts with an attraction description. This is where the
desired guest experience, operator interface and performance requirements
come together to create a show equipment list. For our imaginary theatre
we have selected a multi-channel audio film projection theatre and a multi-
screen video preshow area. As with most shows of this type the preshow
and theatre run in relative synchronization, allowing guests to accumulate in
the preshow during the film presentation in the main theatre.
As we shall see, a single V16+ will provide total control of both theatres,
including operator consoles, projector, doors, audio equipment, and the
DVD Players. For the sake of completeness our application also
incorporates some specialty hardware located in the main theatre. In this
instance the V16+ handshakes with a ride control system which sends
motion data to moving seats located in the theatre. In a more generic
installation this could instead control special effects or other show-
synchronized activities within the main theatre.
You can follow along with this application note in WinScript by opening
MYSHOW.AMW
(located in the WinScript\Scripts\Examples\ directory).
Note
This application note assumes that the reader possesses rudimentary
scripting skills. New users should take the WinScript Tutorial in Chapter 3
before continuing.
Architecture
The V16+ is the ultimate collector of all operator and status inputs and the
distribution point for commands throughout the attraction.