Staggered cross-aligned object detection

Abstract

A system and method for performing occupancy detection are disclosed. Photoelectric sensors, such as pass-through sensors (E, R), are arranged in an angled cross pattern so that the light beams (108) of the pass-through sensors (E, R) cover a substantial portion of the seating surface of a seat (200A, 200B, 400). When the light beams (108) forming the angled cross pattern are interrupted, an object is detected in the seat (200A, 200B, 400). The pass-through sensors (E, R) can be held in a narrow armrest (106, 202) of a seat (200A, 200B, 400) by a bracket (300, 300') attached to the seat frame. Furthermore, pass-through sensors (E, R) for adjacent seats (200A, 200B, 400) can also be held by the bracket (300, 300').

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 774,123, filed on November 30, 2018, and entitled “Staggered Cross-Aligned Object Detection,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to object detection and, more particularly, certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to staggered alignment of sensors for detection of objects.

[0004] Amusement park rides are becoming increasingly complex, offering more excitement and more elaborate designs than ever before. Furthermore, ride safety is paramount. Unfortunately, thoughtful safety features can often hinder creative constraints that would improve the aesthetics of a ride.

[0005] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may be related to various aspects of the current technology, 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. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read from this perspective, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Certain embodiments corresponding in scope to the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather, are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] The present embodiment relates to an object detection system that provides a wide coverage area for object detection while maintaining a low profile so that the object detection system can be implemented in a manner that minimizes the obstruction of inventive constraints. Staggered pairs of through-beam sensors are positioned in a cross pattern. This configuration allows the sensors to fully cover the cross-section of a curved seat while allowing the device to fit neatly into the limited space within the seat's armrest, resulting in improved aesthetics and increased coverage over conventional object detection systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a row of seats with an object detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figures 2A-2B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the individual seats in the row of seats;

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a seat bracket for supporting an object detection system in a seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a seat equipped with an object detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figures 5A-5G is a sample image illustrating coverage of an object detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of ride control based on output from an object detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 FIG2 is a schematic top-down view of a row 100 of seats 102A-G with installed object detection systems 104A-G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, each of object detection systems 104A-G is installed in an armrest 106 of seats 102A-G. Object detection systems 104A-G each include a sensor for detecting occupancy of the seat. As will be discussed in greater detail below, such occupancy information can be useful for implementing safety features at an attraction and / or for providing targeted attraction features to specific seats based on occupancy status.

[0016] In the current arrangement, the sensors include photoelectric sensors. More specifically, a pass-through beam sensor arrangement of an emitter and receiver pair is used to detect the presence of objects in seats. To do so, a sensor configuration of two emitters (E) and two receivers (R) is used to cover the relevant seating area where object detection should occur. The emitters are directed in such a way that a beam 108 is provided from the receivers in a cross formation 110 across each of the seats 102A-G. As will be illustrated in subsequent figures, the cross formation is also angled so that the beam is not parallel to the seat bottom. This allows for greater seat coverage provided by the sensor.

[0017] In the case of a through-beam sensor, the receiver is in the line of sight of the transmitter. An object is detected when one or more of the beams 108 are blocked from reaching the receiver. More specifically, when present, the object intersects the beams between the transmitter and receiver. By using a crossing pattern of beams 108, the beams can cover a larger area, thereby increasing the area where an object can intersect with the beams 108. Consequently, using this pattern may result in more accurate object detection than through sensors arranged in a different pattern.

[0018] Figures 2A-2B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of individual seats 200A and 200B in row 100 of seats is shown. As shown, the transmitter and receiver locations for these seats 200A and 200B are slightly tilted relative to each other. For example, seat 200A is shown with a transmitter at points 11 and 12 and a receiver at points 71 and 72. In contrast, the adjacent seat 200B in row 100 is shown with a transmitter at points 21 and 22 and a receiver at points 81 and 82. Thus, the transmitter and receiver in seat 200B are slightly shifted forward compared to those in seat 200A. As will be discussed in more detail below, this is to account for the placement of transmitters and receivers for adjacent seats in a shared armrest (e.g., armrest 202), despite the armrest being relatively narrow (e.g., and unable to support multiple transmitters and / or receivers for two adjacent seats in a shared location).

[0019] As can also be appreciated, as discussed above, each receiver and its corresponding transmitter are located at different horizontal and vertical positions, resulting in an angled intersection pattern 110. The angled intersection pattern 110 provides a significant coverage area for the pass-through sensor by generating a larger beam (and therefore a larger area between the transmitter and receiver that an object can utilize to intersect the beam). This can be particularly useful with chairs having curved seating surfaces, as occupants may be positioned downward, requiring a greater range of detection coverage.

[0020] The positioning of the transmitters and receivers can be staggered for each seat. For example, seat three can have a sensor positioning similar to that of seat one. Seat four can have a sensor positioning similar to that of seat two. By using these staggered sensor positionings, transmitters and / or receivers can be supported for adjacent chairs in a shared, narrow armrest. Furthermore, while two transmitters are shown in opposing armrests for a particular seat, resulting in two receivers in opposing armrests for that particular seat, it is important to note that two transmitters can be in one armrest, and two receivers in opposing armrests.

[0021] Figure 3 3 is a perspective view of a seat bracket 300 for supporting an object detection system in a seat, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Bracket 300 includes portion 302 for attaching bracket 300 to a seat frame. Furthermore, gap 304 spans the width of bracket 300 and is sized to hold a transmitter that can be oriented toward either side of bracket 300. This enables bracket 300 to support a transmitter for two adjacent seats. Gap 306 spans the width of bracket 300 and is sized to hold a receiver that can be oriented toward either side of bracket 300. This enables bracket 300 to support a receiver for two adjacent seats.

[0022] Figure 4 FIG4 is a perspective view of a seat 400 equipped with an object detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, seat 400 includes a bracket 300 and an opposing bracket 300', which is a mirror image of bracket 300. Portion 302 facilitates attachment of brackets 300 and 300' to seat frame 402. As discussed above, gap 304 holds an emitter, which transmits a light beam to a receiver held in gap 306. As can be appreciated, the emitters and their corresponding receivers are positioned at different horizontal and vertical positions, resulting in an angled cross-pattern 110 that spans a significant portion of the seat's seating surface area. Furthermore, gap 404 serves to hold an emitter and / or receiver for an adjacent chair (e.g., gap 404 of bracket 300 holds an emitter and / or receiver to the left for an adjacent chair, while gap 404 of bracket 300' holds an emitter and / or receiver to the right for an adjacent chair).

[0023] Figures 5A-5G is a sample image illustrating the coverage of an object detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For demonstration purposes, a white rope is used to illustrate the light beam generated by the transmitter held in the armrest of the seat. Figure 5AAs shown in FIG, armrest cover 500 covers the bracket and sensor, thereby protecting the sensor and also providing improved aesthetics to the seat. As shown, by using an angled cross pattern for the pass-through sensor, even a very small occupant of the seat (e.g., one that rises two inches from the seat bottom) will be detected. In other words, in the demonstrated example, an occupant with very narrow legs (e.g., 2 inches in diameter) will cause an interruption in the angled cross pattern's beam, thereby causing the object to be detected in the seat. Figure 5B A close up view of the seat bottom and an object raised two inches above the seat bottom is shown. The object intersects the light beam 108, causing an occupant to be detected in the seat. Figure 5C The same example is shown in a top view. Figure 5D A 2-inch diameter simulated occupant in a seat is shown. Figure 5E -G is an alternative top view illustrating the coverage of the angled intersection pattern of the pass-through sensor beam.

[0024] Figure 6 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process 600 for ride control implemented by a control system based on output from an object detection system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Process 600 begins by receiving output from an object detection system (block 602). This output indicates the detected occupancy status of a particular seat in an entertainment attraction. For example, this output can be an indication that seat 1 is occupied (e.g., an object is detected in seat 1) or, alternatively, that seat 1 is unoccupied (e.g., an object is not detected in seat 1). This output can be provided by a processor of the object detection system, which generates this output based on whether at least one of the light beams generated by the object detection system fails to reach an intended receiver. In such a case, this can indicate that an object is detected (e.g., the seat is occupied).

[0025] At decision block 604, if the output indicates an object has been detected, optional targeted features can be triggered at the occupied seats (block 606). For example, video or other graphical content can be presented to one or more occupied seats, while these features are not provided to unoccupied seats. As another example, if occupancy is detected, an automatic seat belt check can be implemented by polling the seat belt sensor for an indication of whether the seat belt is fastened for the occupied seat. Such a check can be limited to occupied seats, thereby providing a better understanding of whether the patron is wearing the seat belt while reducing indications of unfastened seat belts for unoccupied seats.

[0026] If no object was detected (e.g., no seat occupancy was detected), then at decision block 608, a determination is made as to whether an object was previously expected (e.g., occupancy was previously expected). This can be determined by considering the current occupancy data to see whether occupancy was previously detected during the attraction's current run. If so, this may indicate that the patron should be in the seat, as occupancy should not change during a particular run of the attraction. In other words, in some embodiments, occupancy status should not change between the beginning and end of an entertainment attraction experience. If such an occupancy change occurs (e.g., an object was expected but not detected), safeguards may be implemented (block 612). For example, the attraction may be paused until the inconsistency is resolved. Otherwise, if no inconsistency exists (e.g., no object was detected but not expected), normal attraction operation may be maintained (block 610).

[0027] Process 600 is just one example of how the object detection system described herein can be used. The discussion of process 600 is not intended to limit the scope of how the present object detection system can be used. In fact, there may be many other uses for occupancy detection of seats.

[0028] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of a practical nature that arguably advance the art and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements be construed under 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be construed under 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. An object detection system, comprising: a first sensor for the first seat, comprising a first transmitter and a first receiver; a second sensor for a second seat comprising a second transmitter and a second receiver, wherein the second seat is adjacent to the first seat; a bracket holding the first sensor of the first seat and the second sensor of the second seat, wherein the bracket is disposed in a common armrest of the first seat and the second seat, and wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are held by the bracket such that light beams generated by the first emitter and the second emitter form an angled intersection with other light beams provided by other emitters; A processor configured to: identifying whether at least one of the light beams fails to reach an intended receiver of the first receiver or the second receiver; and providing an indication of an object being detected or an object not being detected based on whether said at least one of said light beams fails to reach said intended receiver, wherein the bracket includes a void configured to hold the first transmitter, the first receiver, or both, and wherein the bracket includes an additional void configured to hold the second transmitter, the second receiver, or both.

2. The object detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The first sensor, the second sensor, or both include photosensors.

3. The object detection system according to claim 2, wherein: The photoelectric sensor includes a pass-through sensor.

4. The object detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket includes a portion configured to be attached to a seat frame.

5. The object detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The object detection system is configured to detect an object that extends approximately 2 inches above a bottom portion of any of the first seat and the second seat.

6. An object detection system bracket, configured to: retaining the first transmitter, the first receiver, or both for the first seat; and maintaining a second transmitter, a second receiver, or both for a second seat adjacent to the first seat; in, The first emitter, the first receiver, or both, and the second emitter, the second receiver, or both are held such that light beams generated by the first emitter and the second emitter form an angled intersection with further light beams provided by other emitters, and wherein the object detection system bracket is configured to be disposed in a common armrest of the first seat and the second seat, wherein the bracket includes: a void configured to retain the first transmitter and the first receiver; An additional void is configured to hold the second transmitter and the second receiver.

7. The object detection system bracket of claim 6, comprising a portion configured to attach to a seat frame.

8. The object detection system support according to claim 6, wherein: The object detection system bracket is configured to hold the first transmitter, the first receiver, the second transmitter, and the second receiver.

9. An entertainment attraction seat, comprising: an object detection system configured to detect occupancy of the entertainment attraction seat using an angled intersection pattern with respect to light beams generated by sensors of the object detection system; as well as A first bracket disposed in a first armrest, wherein the first bracket includes a void and an additional void, wherein the first bracket is configured to support a portion of the sensor of the object detection system for the entertainment attraction seat through the void, and wherein the first bracket is configured to support a portion of the sensor for a second object detection system for a seat adjacent to the entertainment attraction seat through the additional void.

10. The amusement attraction seat according to claim 9, wherein: The first bracket is configured to support the portion of the sensor for the second object detection system at a position oblique from a position of the portion of the sensor of the object detection system.

11. The amusement attraction seat according to claim 9, comprising a second bracket disposed in the second armrest, wherein: The second bracket is configured to support a second portion of the sensor of the object detection system for the amusement attraction seat.

12. The amusement attraction seat according to claim 11, wherein: The second bracket is configured to support a portion of a sensor for a second object detection system adjacent to a seat of the amusement attraction seat.

13. The amusement attraction seat according to claim 11, wherein: The second bracket is a mirror image version of the first bracket.

14. The amusement attraction seat according to claim 9, wherein: The object detection system includes a processor configured to provide an indication of an occupancy status of the entertainment attraction seat to a control system, the control system configured to perform an action based on the occupancy status.

15. The amusement attraction seat according to claim 9, wherein: The sensors are arranged so that transmitter and receiver pairs are located in different horizontal and vertical positions in opposing armrests of the amusement attraction seat.

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