Full-Stack Waterpark Technology
How VRSlide® Works…
Each standard VRSlide® system comes equipped with 25 Virtual Reality Headsets. When not in operation, the headsets are placed on an array of wireless charging stations at the ‘back of house’ of your park.
During the VRSlide® installation process, our team will digitize your slide path and create Virtual Reality worlds that are specifically tailored to your slide path. In our data collection process, we monitor the speed and movement of a variety of riders and program this information into the VR experiences.
Our installation team then installs our proprietary SplashSync Sensors at points in the ride where riders experience different movement patterns. The result is a perfectly synchronized physical and visual experience that will thrill riders with a brand new sensation.
During operation, headsets display a color through the lenses – Green, Yellow, or Red. These colors indicate the level of battery life of the headset and inform operators which headsets are good for hours of operation and which ones should be recharged soon.
When guests approach VRSlide®, they typically pay for their ride(s) by tapping an RFID bracelet (not included with the system) at a payment station or handing the ride operator a pre-purchased ticket/multi-ride pass. The guest can then choose their VR experience by pointing to our NFC launch plates; the operator simply taps the headset to the corresponding NFC launch plate and the experience is ready to begin.
For riders that do not choose to ride with VR; no problem! The slide still functions completely normally and riders can enjoy the slide without the addition of VR.
VRSlide® operations are able to run all day. Each headset lasts for about 3 to 4 hours on a single charge and can instantly be swapped out for a recharged headset without any interruption.
Transporting the headsets from the bottom of the slide to the top of the slide is determined by the operator. Some operators have chosen to upgrade their systems with a conveyor belt or dumbwaiter system that smoothly transports headsets in under a minute. Other operators have chosen to allow staff to carry the headsets in groups of 10 by using a cart or a handheld tray. We’ll be happy to work with you to customize the best solution.
After daily operation, each headset is connected over Wi-Fi to allow Ballast to monitor usage, activity and optimal performance. Operators get an analytics login to our platform so they can monitor the usage and maximize their operating schedules.
From contract signing and down payment to opening day, please account for around 10-12 weeks.
Sensors.
Each VRSlide® installation begins with a digital map of the waterslide candidate. Ballast will analyze the path of the waterslide and determine how many sensors are necessary and where they should placed along the slide path. Our proprietary sensors are waterproof, weatherproof and intelligent; if our software detects a problem, we will immediately be notified remotely.
Analytics.
Analytics from each day of operation are uploaded to Ballast’s servers and viewed by our specialists. If we notice abnormalities in operation, device performance or system stability, our technicians will remotely adjust the systems or contact your team to service the installation.
Software.
The software that powers VRSlide® has been written in the most modern languages available and intelligently keeps the rider’s VR experience synchronized with the movement of the rider. With every ride logged, our system learns the patterns of each slide and adapts to make future rides even smoother. We’re first in class for software analysis.
Wireless Upgrades.
Upgrades can be delivered wirelessly with the flip of a switch. If your park would like to order new content experiences or make adjustments to existing experiences, our team can design experiences remotely and wireless upgrade existing systems with no on-site support necessary.