Choreographed ride system and method

Abstract

A ride vehicle (10) includes a ride assembly (20) configured to carry a rider, a base (18) configured to be coupled to the ride assembly (20), and a control system (32) configured to control the coordination of movement of the ride vehicle (10) with movement of a separate ride vehicle (10). The base (18) includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface, a vertical movement system (40) configured to move the ride assembly (20) vertically relative to the base (18), and a rolling system (44) configured to move the ride assembly (20) angularly relative to the base (18).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 863,598, filed on June 19, 2019, entitled “Chronographed Ride Systems and Methods,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to ride vehicles. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ride vehicles that can move around a coordinated ride path, relative to each other, and in multiple directions.

[0004] Some ride vehicles are ridden by users for transportation and / or entertainment purposes. For example, some amusement rides (such as carousels) and other structured ride systems include ride vehicles that move in a circular pattern along a fixed path on a surface. During operation, the movement of the ride vehicle is typically confined to a fixed path along the ride surface. It is now recognized that such movement of the ride vehicle may detract from the user's experience while riding the ride vehicle.

[0005] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is considered 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 will be read from this perspective, rather than as an admission of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0006] The following is an overview of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are merely presented to provide the reader with a brief overview of these certain embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may include various aspects that may not be illustrated below.

[0007] In an embodiment, a ride vehicle includes: a ride assembly configured to carry a rider; a base configured to be coupled to the ride assembly; and a control system configured to control the coordination of movement of the ride vehicle with movement of a separate ride vehicle. The base includes: a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface; a vertical movement system configured to move the ride assembly vertically relative to the base; and a rolling system configured to move the ride assembly angularly relative to the base.

[0008] In an embodiment, a ride vehicle includes a ride assembly configured to carry a rider and a base configured to be coupled to the ride assembly. The base includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface and a ride assembly movement system configured to move the ride assembly relative to the base. The ride vehicle also includes a ride vehicle control system configured to: receive a signal from a sensor indicating a position of the ride vehicle; determine that a distance between the position of the ride vehicle and a corresponding position along a ride path exceeds a threshold distance; and output a signal to the surface movement system indicating an instruction to adjust the position of the ride vehicle in response to determining that the distance exceeds the threshold distance.

[0009] In an embodiment, a ride system includes a ride control system and a plurality of trackless ride vehicles configured to traverse a surface. The ride control system is configured to: send one or more choreographed ride paths to the plurality of trackless ride vehicles; detect respective positions of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles relative to each other and to the one or more choreographed ride paths within a ride facility area; and send a plurality of commands to the plurality of trackless ride vehicles to control movement of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles based on the respective positions of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles relative to each other and to the one or more choreographed ride paths.

[0010] Various minor refinements of the features noted above may exist with respect to various aspects of the present disclosure. Additional features may likewise be incorporated into these various aspects. These minor refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, various features discussed below with respect to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure, either alone or in any combination. The brief summary presented above is intended only to make the reader aware of certain aspects and contexts of the embodiments of the present disclosure, without limiting the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] 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 refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a ride system including a ride vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0014] Figure 3 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a surface movement system is provided. Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0015] Figure 4 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a vertical movement system is provided. Figure 1 A block diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0016] Figure 5 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a scrolling system is provided. Figure 1 A block diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0017] Figure 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a ride vehicle control system for a ride vehicle;

[0018] Figure 7 According to aspects of the present disclosure, there are multiple vehicles for riding Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0019] Figure 8 is suitable for controlling according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A flowchart of a method of riding a system;

[0020] Fig. 9 According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is a vehicle for riding located at a first corresponding position. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0021] Fig.10 According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is a vehicle for riding located at a second corresponding position. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0022] Fig.11 According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is a vehicle for riding located at a third corresponding position. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system;

[0023] Fig.12 is suitable for controlling according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for a ride system; and

[0024] Fig.13 is suitable for controlling according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A flow chart of a method of a ride system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system-related constraints and business-related constraints. In addition, it should be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time consuming, but will be no more than a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill who benefits from this disclosure.

[0026] Certain ride systems include ride vehicles that can carry riders (e.g., users) within a ride facility area of ​​the ride system. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ride vehicles that can move around a ride path within a ride system and move relative to each other. For example, a ride system may include multiple ride vehicles that can be located within a ride facility area to carry riders for entertainment and / or transportation of riders. The movement of the ride vehicles can be choreographed along the ride path and / or relative to each other and other parts of the ride system. In addition, the ride vehicles can move in certain directions relative to the surface of the ride system while moving along the ride path, and / or can include ride components that can carry riders and move relative to the surface of the ride system. For example, the ride vehicle can include mechanisms and parts (e.g., ride components) that can move vertically and / or horizontally in various directions (e.g., can move in any planar direction, can spin, and can turn) and can roll.

[0027] In some embodiments, a ride vehicle and / or a ride system may include a control system that controls the movement of the ride vehicle within the ride facility area. For example, based on the position of the ride vehicle relative to the ride path (e.g., based on the actual position of the ride vehicle relative to the expected position of the ride vehicle along the ride path), the control system may adjust the trajectory of the ride vehicle or the route taken. In some embodiments, when the ride vehicle travels within the ride facility area, certain factors may affect the trajectory of the ride vehicle, such as obstacles located within the ride facility area, the weight of passengers located on the ride vehicle, the weight of other items disposed on the ride vehicle or a portion thereof, obstructions attached to the ride vehicle that may be dragged behind, in front of, or to the side of the ride vehicle, and / or passenger input (e.g., a passenger shifts his weight, a passenger turns the steering wheel or generally adjusts the trajectory of the ride vehicle, a passenger adjusts the speed of the ride vehicle, etc.). As such, the control system may adjust the trajectory of the ride vehicle or the route taken to generally follow the ride path and account for such factors.

[0028] In addition, based on the position of the ride vehicle along the ride path (e.g., the advancement of the ride vehicle along the ride path), the control system can control the horizontal movement, vertical movement, and rolling of the ride vehicle or the ride components of the ride vehicle. As such, the ride vehicles and ride systems described herein can move in various directions and in a choreographed manner to transport and / or entertain the riders. In certain embodiments, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicle can be viewed by people other than the riders (such as spectators and / or people waiting to ride the ride vehicle). As such, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicle can provide an entertainment attraction for people viewing the ride system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ride system may be an amusement ride system that can provide entertainment to riders riding the amusement ride system and to people viewing the amusement ride system. The amusement ride system may have a particular theme, such that the ride path of the ride vehicle and / or certain decorative aspects of the ride vehicle and the ride system generally match the theme.

[0030] Go to the attached picture, Figure 1 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 of a ride system 11. To facilitate discussion, the ride vehicle 10 and certain components of the ride vehicle 10 may be described with reference to a vertical axis or direction 12, a longitudinal axis or direction 14, and a transverse axis or direction 16. As illustrated, the ride vehicle 10 may include a base 18, a ride assembly 20 (e.g., a seat) coupled to the base 18, and a bar 22 extending from the base 18 generally along the vertical axis 12. The base 18 may move the ride vehicle 10 along a ride path and / or along a surface 23 of the ride system 11, and the ride assembly 20 may carry a rider (e.g., a user) of the ride vehicle 10. For example, a rider may ride the ride vehicle 10 for entertainment purposes and / or transportation purposes. As illustrated, the ride assembly 20 is coupled to a decorative feature 24 that resembles a lion. The decorative feature 24 is coupled to the base 18 via a support device 26. The decorative feature 24 may provide the rider with an experience that simulates interacting with the decorative feature 24 (such as riding the lion in the illustrated embodiment). In some embodiments, decorative feature 24 may be another animal (e.g., a tiger, an elephant, a bird, a fish), a character (e.g., a superhero, a storybook character, a unicorn), a structure, an ornament, and / or an object. Alternatively, in some embodiments, decorative feature 24 may be omitted from ride vehicle 10 such that ride assembly 20 is coupled to base 18 via support device 26, or ride assembly 20 may be integral with base 18.

[0031] The ride vehicle 10 may include a bar 22 to provide an experience similar to a conventional ride vehicle, such as a carousel ride vehicle. As such, the bar 22 may be a decorative feature that enhances the experience of a rider while riding the ride vehicle 10. Additionally, the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24 may be coupled to the bar 22. For example, the bar 22 may support the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24, may couple the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24 to the base 18, and / or may serve as a movement mechanism configured to enable the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24 to move generally along the vertical axis 12 and relative to the base 18. In some embodiments, the bar 22 may be omitted from the ride vehicle 10.

[0032] During operation of the ride vehicle 10, riders may sit on the ride assembly 20, and the ride vehicle 10 may traverse the surface 23 of the ride system 11 via the base 18. As described in more detail below, the ride vehicle 10 may move along a choreographed ride path within the ride system 11 (e.g., along the surface 23 of the ride system 11), and / or the ride vehicle 10 may include mechanisms that enable the ride vehicle 10 and / or the ride assembly 20 to move vertically (e.g., generally along the vertical axis 12), horizontally (e.g., generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the transverse axis 16), and roll (e.g., generally rotate about the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the transverse axis 16) while moving along the ride path. The ride vehicle 10 may provide entertainment and / or transportation for the riders while moving along the choreographed ride path and / or in various directions. For example, the choreographing of the ride vehicle 10 and the corresponding choreographing of adjacent ride vehicles may generally match the theme of the ride vehicle 10 and / or the ride system. In the illustrated embodiment, the theme may be lion related, and the choreography and movement of the ride vehicle 10 may simulate the movement of a lion. Additionally, the movement of the ride vehicle 10 may simulate the movement of a merry-go-round ride vehicle (e.g., the ride assembly 20 may move generally along the vertical axis 12 in an elliptical pattern while moving along the surface 23 of the ride system 11).

[0033] Moreover, the ride system 11 may include additional features that generally match the theme of the ride system 11. For example, the ride system 11 may include audio effects, lighting effects, and other suitable effects that riders may hear, see, experience, or otherwise sense within the environment of the ride system 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio effects and / or lighting effects may generally be associated with a lion ride and / or a carousel ride.

[0034] Figure 2 It includes taking public transportation 10 Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 11 of a ride vehicle 10. The ride system 11 includes a ride control system 32 that communicates with a ride vehicle control system 34 of the ride vehicle 10. As illustrated, the ride control system 32 and the ride vehicle control system 34 are communicatively coupled via a wireless connection 36 (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). In some embodiments, the ride control system 32 and the ride vehicle control system 34 may be communicatively coupled via a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), CANbus, ISObus, etc.).

[0035] The ride vehicle 10 includes a surface movement system 40, a vertical movement system 42, and a rolling system 44 that are communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle control system 34 so that the ride vehicle control system 34 can control the surface movement system 40, the vertical movement system 42, and the rolling system 44. In some embodiments, the surface movement system 40, the vertical movement system 42, and / or the rolling system 44 can be directly communicatively coupled to the ride control system 32 so that the ride control system 32 can control the surface movement system 40, the vertical movement system 42, and / or the rolling system 44.

[0036] The surface movement system 40 can move the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11 generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the lateral axis 16. For example, the surface movement system 40 can move the ride vehicle 10 in any planar direction (e.g., along a plane parallel to the surface 23), can turn the ride vehicle 10, and can spin the ride vehicle 10. The vertical movement system 42 can move the ride assembly 20 generally along the vertical axis 12 relative to the base 18 and / or relative to the surface 23 of the ride system 11. The rolling system 44 can roll or angle the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 and / or relative to the surface 23 of the ride system 11 (e.g., generally angularly move the ride assembly 20 and / or tilt the ride assembly 20). In some embodiments, the vertical movement system 42 and / or the rolling system 44 can be included in a ride assembly movement system configured to vertically and / or angularly move the ride assembly relative to the base 18.

[0037] As such, the ride vehicle control system 34 may control the surface movement system 40, the vertical movement system 42, and the rolling system 44 as the ride vehicle 10 moves within the ride system 11 to move the riders seated on the ride assembly 20. By moving the riders as the ride vehicle 10 travels along a ride path within the ride system 11, the ride vehicle 10 may provide the riders with an entertainment experience that simulates the movement of a carousel ride, animals, superheroes, and / or other entertainment systems or characters.

[0038] Figure 3 A surface moving system 40 including a ride vehicle 10 Figure 1 1. As described above, the surface movement system 40 can cause the ride vehicle 10 to move generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the transverse axis 16 and in any planar direction. The surface movement system 40 can also cause the ride vehicle 10 to rotate and / or spin along the surface 23 of the ride system 11. In some embodiments, the surface movement system 40 can cause the ride vehicle 10 to rotate in a first direction while simultaneously spinning the ride vehicle 10 in a second direction. For example, the surface movement system 40 can cause the ride vehicle 10 to rotate toward the left while simultaneously spinning the ride vehicle 10 to the right (e.g., while simultaneously spinning the ride vehicle 10 in a clockwise direction when viewed from a top view).

[0039] As illustrated, the surface movement system 40 includes a surface movement actuator 50, a surface movement mechanism 52, and a surface position sensor 54. The surface movement actuator 50 can be actuated to cause the surface movement mechanism 52 to move the ride vehicle 10. For example, the surface movement actuator 50 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, etc., and can be coupled to each of the surface movement mechanisms 52. After being actuated by the surface movement actuator 50, the surface movement mechanism 52 can rotate, turn, or perform any other suitable movement to cause the ride vehicle 10 to move along the surface 23 of the ride system 11. For example, the surface movement mechanism 52 can be a wheel, a ball (e.g., a steel ball or a rubber ball), another suitable movement mechanism, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 can include more or fewer surface movement mechanisms 52 (e.g., one surface movement mechanism 52, two surface movement mechanisms 52, five surface movement mechanisms 52, etc.).

[0040] The surface position sensor 54 may output a signal indicating the position of the ride vehicle 10 within the ride system 11. For example, the surface position sensor 54 may sense the position of the ride vehicle 10 along the longitudinal axis 14, along the transverse axis 16, relative to another ride vehicle, relative to a ride path, relative to other portions of the ride system 11, along the surface 23, etc., and output a signal indicating the position of the ride vehicle 10. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive the signal indicating the position of the ride vehicle 10 from the surface position sensor 54. The ride vehicle control system 34 may adjust the trajectory (e.g., route) of the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11 based on the surface position of the ride vehicle 10. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 may output a signal to the surface movement actuator 50 to actuate and cause the surface movement mechanism 52 to move the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11. In some embodiments, surface movement actuator 50 may be omitted or may be integrated with surface movement mechanism 52 such that ride vehicle control system 34 may communicate directly with surface movement mechanism 52 to cause surface movement mechanism 52 to move ride vehicle 10. Additionally, ride control system 32 may communicate directly with surface movement system 40, or portions thereof, to control movement of ride vehicle 10 along surface 23 of ride system 11.

[0041] Figure 4 A vertical movement system 42 comprising a ride vehicle 10 Figure 11 is a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a ride system 11 of FIG. As described above, the vertical movement system 42 can cause the ride vehicle 10 to move generally along the vertical axis 12 (e.g., generally upward, downward, and / or in an elliptical motion as the ride vehicle 10 moves within the ride system 11). As illustrated, the vertical movement system 42 includes a vertical movement actuator 60, a vertical movement mechanism 62, and a vertical position sensor 64. The vertical movement actuator 60 is configured to be actuated, thereby causing the vertical movement mechanism 62 to cause the ride assembly 20 to move generally relative to the base 18 and / or the ride vehicle 10. For example, the vertical movement actuator 60 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, etc., and can be coupled to the vertical movement mechanism 62. After being actuated by the vertical movement actuator 60, the vertical movement mechanism 62 can rotate, turn, or perform any other suitable movement to cause the ride assembly 20 to move generally vertically relative to the base 18. For example, the vertical movement mechanism 62 may include a gear that can move along the rod 22, a pulley system, another suitable movement mechanism configured to move the ride assembly 20, and the like. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 may include additional vertical movement mechanisms 62 (e.g., two vertical movement mechanisms 62, three vertical movement mechanisms 62, five vertical movement mechanisms 62, and the like). The vertical movement of the ride assembly 20 may simulate the movement of a galloping animal, the movement of a carousel ride system, or any other suitable movement associated with the movement of the ride vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system 42 may be combined with the surface movement caused by the surface movement system 40. For example, the surface movement system 40 may cause the ride vehicle 10 to turn, spin, or otherwise move along the surface 23 of the ride system 11 as the ride assembly 20 moves upward or downward (e.g., vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system 42).

[0042] The vertical position sensor 64 may output a signal indicating the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 or the vertical position of the ride vehicle 10. For example, the vertical position sensor 64 may sense the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 along the vertical axis 12 and / or relative to the base 18 and output a signal indicating the vertical position of the ride assembly 20. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive the signal indicating the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 from the vertical position sensor 64. The ride vehicle control system 34 may adjust the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 based on the vertical position of the ride assembly 20. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 may output a signal to the vertical movement actuator 60 to actuate, thereby causing the vertical movement mechanism 62 to move the ride assembly 20 generally upward and / or downward. In some embodiments, the vertical movement actuator 60 may be omitted or may be integrated with the vertical movement mechanism 62, so that the ride vehicle control system 34 may directly communicate with the vertical movement mechanism 62 to cause the vertical movement mechanism 62 to move the ride assembly 20. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may communicate directly with the vertical movement system 42, or portions thereof, to control the movement of the ride assembly 20. In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 may control the vertical movement of the ride assembly 20 of the ride vehicle 10 based on the corresponding vertical positions of other ride assemblies 20 of other ride vehicles 10. For example, the ride control system 32 may control the vertical movement / position of the ride assembly 20 of the ride vehicle 10 based on another ride assembly 20 of another separate ride vehicle 10 being located at a first vertical position.

[0043] Figure 5 The rolling system 44 of the ride vehicle 10 is Figure 11. As described above, the rolling system 44 can cause the ride assembly 20 to move generally angularly relative to the base 18 and / or the surface 23 of the ride system 11. As illustrated, the rolling system 44 includes a rolling actuator 70, a rolling mechanism 72, and a rolling sensor 74. The rolling actuator 70 is configured to be actuated to cause the rolling mechanism 72 to move generally angularly relative to the base 18 and / or the surface 23 of the ride system 11. For example, the rolling actuator 70 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, or a combination thereof, and can be coupled to the rolling mechanism 72. Upon actuation by the rolling actuator 70, the rolling mechanism 72 can rotate, turn, or perform any other suitable movement to cause the ride assembly 20 to move generally angularly relative to the base 18. As illustrated, the ride assembly 20 is coupled to the pole 22, and the rolling mechanism includes a lever configured to tilt the ride assembly 20 and the pole 22 relative to the base 18 (e.g., to generally angularly move the ride assembly 20 and the pole 22 relative to the base 18). In some embodiments, the rolling mechanism 72 can tilt the ride assembly 20 relative to the pole 22 and / or the base 18, and can include any other suitable mechanism that can generally angularly move the ride assembly 20. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 can include additional rolling mechanisms 72 (e.g., two rolling mechanisms 72, three rolling mechanisms 72, five rolling mechanisms 72, etc.). The tilting motion of the ride assembly 20 can simulate the ride assembly leaning into a turn via the surface movement system 40 as the ride vehicle 10 traverses the surface 23, or can simulate other movements associated with the movement of the ride vehicle 10.

[0044] The roll sensor 74 may output a signal indicating the angular position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 and / or the surface 23. For example, the roll sensor 74 may sense the angular position of the ride assembly 20 about the lateral axis 14 and / or the longitudinal axis 16, and may output a signal indicating the angular position of the ride assembly 20. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive the signal indicating the angular position of the ride assembly 20 from the roll sensor 74. The ride vehicle control system 34 may adjust the angular position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 based on the angular position of the ride assembly 20. For example, the ride vehicle control system may output a signal to the roll actuator 70 to actuate, thereby causing the roll mechanism 72 to generally angularly move the ride assembly 20 (e.g., tilt / tilt the ride assembly 20). In some embodiments, the roll actuator 70 may be omitted or may be integral with the roll mechanism 72, such that the ride vehicle control system 34 may communicate directly with the roll mechanism 72 to cause the roll mechanism 72 to move the ride assembly 20. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may communicate directly with the rolling system 44 , or portions thereof, to control movement of the ride assembly 20 .

[0045] Moreover, rolling movement caused by rolling system 44 can be combined with surface movement caused by surface movement system 40 and / or vertical movement caused by vertical movement system 42. For example, when ride assembly 20 is tilting to the left or right (e.g., rolling movement caused by rolling system 44), surface movement system 40 can cause ride vehicle 10 to rotate, spin, or otherwise move along surface 23 of ride system 11, and / or vertical movement system 42 can cause ride assembly 20 to move generally vertically relative to base 18.

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of exemplary components of a ride vehicle control system 34 of the ride vehicle 10. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 may include a communication component 80, a processor 82, a memory 84, a storage device 86, an input / output (I / O) port 88, a display 90, and the like. The communication component 80 may be a wireless or wired communication component that may facilitate communication between the ride vehicle control system 34 and the ride control system 32, the surface movement system 40, the vertical movement system 42, and the scrolling system 44. For example, the communication component 80 may be a wired connection and / or Figure 2-5 Prepare for wireless connection 36.

[0047] Processor 82 may be any suitable type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer executable code. Processor 82 may also include multiple processors that may perform the operations described below.

[0048] The memory 84 and storage device 86 may be any suitable article of manufacture that can function as a medium for storing processor executable code, data, and the like. These articles of manufacture may represent computer-readable media (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage device) that may store processor executable code used by the processor 82 to implement the presently disclosed techniques. The memory 84 and storage device 86 may also be used to store data and various other software applications. The memory 84 and storage device 86 may represent non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage device) that may store processor executable code used by the processor 82 to implement the various techniques described herein. It should be noted that non-transitory merely indicates that the medium is tangible, not a signal.

[0049] The I / O port 88 may be an interface that may be coupled to other peripheral components, such as input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), sensors, and input / output (I / O) modules. The display 90 may be operable to depict visualizations associated with the software or executable code being processed by the processor 82. In one embodiment, the display 90 may be a touch display capable of receiving input from an occupant of the ride vehicle control system 34. For example, the display 90 may be any suitable type of display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0050] It should be noted that the components described above with respect to the ride vehicle control system 34 are exemplary components, and that the ride vehicle control system 34 may include additional or fewer components as shown. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may include components similar to those described with respect to the ride vehicle control system 34, such as communication components, processors, memory, storage devices, input / output (I / O) ports, and / or displays.

[0051] Figure 71 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 11 having a ride vehicle 10A and a ride vehicle 10B positioned generally adjacent to each other. The ride vehicle 10A may generally follow a ride path 100A extending along a surface 23 of the ride system 11. The ride vehicle 10B may generally follow a ride path 100B extending along the surface 23. As illustrated, the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B are generally similar and extend in various directions along the surface 23. In some embodiments, the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B, or portions thereof, may be generally dissimilar and / or may extend in different directions relative to each other. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 may be trackless such that the ride vehicle 10 may generally move in any direction along the surface 23 and will follow the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B. As described herein, the trackless ride vehicle 10 may move according to a common choreographed routine of the ride system 11 (eg, along the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B and other associated movements within the ride system 11 ).

[0052] Each of the ride vehicle control system 34A and the ride vehicle control system 34B and / or the ride control system 32 may control the movement of the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B, respectively, to generally follow the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34A may receive data representing the ride path 100A (e.g., part of a common choreographed routine) from the ride control system 32. In some embodiments, the common choreographed routine may include transitioning the ride vehicle 10A from a rider boarding area (e.g., a ride queue) to the ride path 100A. As the ride vehicle 10A travels along the surface 23, the ride vehicle control system 34A may receive a signal indicating the position of the ride vehicle 10A, such as a signal from the surface position sensor 54. The ride vehicle control system 34A may compare the position of the ride vehicle 10A with a corresponding position along the ride path 100A to determine whether the ride vehicle 10A is following the ride path 100A. For example, the ride path 100A may include a plurality of locations (e.g., dozens of locations, hundreds of locations, or thousands of locations) disposed along the surface 23. The ride vehicle control system 34A may determine whether a distance between the location of the ride vehicle 10A and a corresponding location along the ride path 100A exceeds a threshold ride path distance (e.g., one centimeter, two centimeters, ten centimeters, one meter, two meters, five meters). Based on a determination that the distance between the location of the ride vehicle 10A and a corresponding location along the ride path 100A exceeds the threshold ride path distance, the ride vehicle control system 34A may adjust the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10A to generally return the ride vehicle 10A to the ride path 100A or to direct the ride vehicle 10A along the ride path 100A.

[0053] In some instances, as the ride vehicle 10 travels along the surface 23, certain factors may affect the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10 such that the ride vehicle 10 may move off course (e.g., the current ride path may be different than the intended ride path). Such factors may include obstacles located on the surface 23, the weight of passengers located on the ride vehicle 10, the weight of other items disposed on the ride vehicle 10 or a portion thereof, obstructions attached to the ride vehicle 10 that may be dragging behind, in front of, or to the side of the ride vehicle 10, and / or passenger input (e.g., a passenger shifting their weight, a passenger turning the steering wheel or generally adjusting the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10, a passenger adjusting the speed of the ride vehicle 10, etc.).

[0054] As illustrated, the current ride path 102 of the ride vehicle 10B is different from the expected ride path 100B. For example, the ride vehicle 10B may move from following the expected ride path 100B to following the current ride path 102 based on obstacles along the expected ride path 100B (e.g., obstacles detected by sensors of the ride vehicle 10B). The ride vehicle control system 34B may receive a signal indicating the position of the ride vehicle 10B along the surface 23B. The ride vehicle control system 34B may determine whether a distance 104 between the position of the ride vehicle 10B and a corresponding position along the ride path 100B (e.g., the expected position of the ride vehicle 10B as indicated by the ghost ride vehicle 106) exceeds a threshold ride path distance. Based on a determination that the distance 104 between the location of the ride vehicle 10B and a corresponding location along the ride path 100B exceeds the threshold ride path distance, the ride vehicle control system 34B may adjust the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10B to generally return the ride vehicle 10B to the intended ride path 100B.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 may receive a signal indicating the position of each ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23, and may control the trajectory (e.g., route) of one or more ride vehicles 10 based on the relative positions to each other. For example, the ride control system 32 may receive a signal indicating the position of the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B, and may determine whether the distance 108 between the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B is less than a threshold ride vehicle distance (e.g., one centimeter, two centimeters, ten centimeters, one meter, two meters, five meters). Based on the distance 108 being less than the threshold ride vehicle distance, the ride control system 32 may adjust the determination of the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10A and / or the ride vehicle 10B, such that the ride control system 32 causes the distance 108 to generally increase. In some embodiments, the ride control system 32 may continuously (e.g., periodically every tenth of a second, half a second, one second, two seconds, five seconds, ten seconds) adjust the route of one or more ride vehicles 10 based on the positioning feedback of at least a subset of other individual ride vehicles 10.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may determine a threshold ride path distance and / or a threshold ride vehicle distance for the ride vehicle 10 based on the ride path 100, the weight of the ride vehicle 10, the type of the ride vehicle 10, the size of the ride vehicle 10, the size of the surface 23, the weight of the riders riding the ride vehicle 10, the obstacle(s) located within the ride facility area, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may determine at periodic intervals during operation of the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 whether the distance between the location of the ride vehicle 10 and the corresponding location along the ride path 100 exceeds the threshold ride path distance and / or whether the distance between the ride vehicles 10 is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance. The periodic interval may be any period between one tenth of a second and one second, between one second and three seconds, between one second and ten seconds, between five seconds and one minute, or any other suitable period.

[0057] Figure 8 Is suitable for control Figure 1 1 and 11. Although the following description of the method 120 is detailed as being performed by the ride control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system can perform the method 120 described below. In addition, it should be noted that although the method 120 is described below in a particular order, the method 120 can be performed in any suitable order.

[0058] At block 122, the ride control system 32 may receive input indicating a ride path 100A for the ride vehicle 10A. For example, the ride control system 32 may receive a rider input indicating selection of a particular ride path, choreographed movement (e.g., maneuvering) of a plurality of ride vehicles 10 including a corresponding ride path 100 for each ride vehicle 10, or any other suitable input. In some embodiments, the rider may be an operator of the ride system 11. Additionally, the rider may be riding the ride vehicle 10 and may provide input indicating a desired experience while riding the ride vehicle 10. The desired experience may correspond to a level of movement of the ride vehicle 10, an intensity of movement of the ride vehicle 10, and other experiences associated with the ride system 11. The ride path 100 for each ride vehicle 10 includes movement along the surface 23 of the ride system 11 and motion (e.g., spin, vertical / elliptical motion, roll, and turn) of the ride vehicle 10 as it moves along the surface 23.

[0059] At block 124, the ride control system 32 may send the ride path 100A to the first ride vehicle 10A, such as via the wireless connection 36. The ride control system 32 may also send the ride path 100B to the ride vehicle 10B and send the other ride paths 100 to the other respective ride vehicles 10. In response, the ride vehicle 10A may follow the ride path 100A, and the ride vehicle 10B may follow the ride path 100B.

[0060] At block 126, the ride control system 32 may receive a signal indicating the position of the first ride vehicle 10A. The position of the first ride vehicle 10A may be a position along the surface 23 and along the ride path 100A within the ride system 11 as detected by the surface position sensor 54. In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may also receive signals indicating the vertical position of the ride vehicle 10A and / or the angular position of the ride vehicle 10A from the vertical position sensor 64 and the roll sensor 74, respectively.

[0061] In order to follow the ride path 100, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may output signals to actuators of the ride vehicle 10. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 may determine that the ride vehicle 10A should be at a surface position, a vertical position, a rolling position, and / or should be performing a particular movement (e.g., a spinning movement, a rolling movement, an elliptical movement, etc.) based on a particular position along the ride path 100A. Based on the position of the ride vehicle 10A along the ride path 100A, the ride vehicle control system 34 may output signals to the surface movement actuator 50, the vertical movement actuator 60, and the rolling actuator 70, respectively, to perform the appropriate surface movement, vertical movement, and rolling movement.

[0062] In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 may include sensors that can detect obstacles along the ride path 100 and output signals indicating the presence of the obstacle to the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34. The ride control system 32 or the ride vehicle control system 34 may control the movement of the ride vehicle 10 away from the ride path 100 and along the surface 23 based on the presence of the obstacle.

[0063] At block 128, the ride control system 32 may detect and / or determine a first distance (e.g., similar to a first distance) between the first ride vehicle 10A and a corresponding location along the ride path 100A. Figure 7As described above, the ride control system 32 may determine whether the first distance exceeds the threshold ride path distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride system 11. The distance 104 may be caused by obstacles along the ride path 100A and the movement of the ride vehicle 10A to avoid the obstacles.

[0064] At block 130, the ride control system 32 receives a signal indicating the location of the second ride vehicle 10B. In some embodiments, the location of the second ride vehicle 10B may be relative to the location of the first ride vehicle 10A. At block 132, the ride control system 32 may detect and / or determine a second distance (e.g., Figure 7 As described above, the ride control system 32 may determine whether the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride system 11. In certain embodiments, input indicating a rider's desired experience while riding the ride vehicle 10A may allow the first ride vehicle 10A to move closer to the second ride vehicle 10B. As such, rider input may cause the threshold ride vehicle distance to vary based on rider preferences.

[0065] At box 134, the ride control system 32 can control the movement of the first ride vehicle 10A and / or the second ride vehicle 10B in response to determining that the first distance exceeds the threshold ride path distance and / or the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance (e.g., by outputting a signal indicating an instruction to adjust the movement of the ride vehicle 10A or 10B). For example, as the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B move along the surface 23, the ride control system 32 can periodically determine whether the first distance is greater than the threshold ride path distance and / or whether the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance and can control the corresponding trajectory of the ride vehicle 10A and / or the ride vehicle 10B based on the determination.

[0066] After outputting a signal indicating an instruction to adjust the movement of the ride vehicle 10A or 10B, the method 120 may return to block 126 and may receive a next signal indicating the position of the first ride vehicle 10A relative to the ride path 100A. During operation of the ride system 11 (e.g., as the ride vehicles 10 move within the ride system 11), the ride control system 32 may iteratively perform blocks 126-134. As such, the ride control system 32 may control the ride vehicles 10 to facilitate the ride vehicles 10 to generally follow the choreographed ride path 100 and prevent the ride vehicles 10 from contacting each other during operation of the ride system 11.

[0067] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 1, which has ride vehicles 10 disposed at first respective positions relative to each other and relative to their respective ride paths 100 within a ride facility area 140 of the ride system 11 and along a surface 23. The ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 of each respective ride vehicle 10 may control the movement (e.g., maneuvering) of each respective ride vehicle 10 within the ride facility area 140. For example, each ride vehicle 10 may have a respective ride path 100, and the ride paths 100 may be arranged so that the ride paths 100 generally flow with each other, match each other, match a theme of the ride system 11, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle 10A may follow the ride path 100A, and the ride vehicle 10B may follow the ride path 100B. Additionally, as described above, as the ride vehicles 10 travel along the ride paths 100, each ride path 100 may be programmed to include movement along the surface 23 using the surface movement mechanism 52, generally vertical movement using the vertical movement mechanism 62, and generally angular movement of the ride vehicle 10 and / or ride assembly 20 using the rolling mechanism 72. The ride control system 32 and / or ride vehicle control system 34 of each respective ride vehicle 10 may control the ride vehicle 10 to generally follow the ride paths 100 and to effectuate the various vertical, surface, and / or angular movements.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the ride system 11 may have a theme associated with a horse and / or carousel ride system. As such, the movement of the ride vehicle 10 along the choreographed ride path 100 may simulate the movement of a horse and / or carousel ride system. Such movement of the ride vehicle 10 may be entertaining for passengers riding the ride vehicle 10 and / or people viewing the ride vehicle 10. Moreover, the ride system 11 may include additional features that generally match the theme of the ride system 11. For example, the ride system 11 may include audio effects, lighting effects, and other suitable effects within the environment of the ride system 11 that the riders may hear, see, experience, or otherwise feel. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio effects and / or lighting effects may generally be associated with a horse and / or carousel ride system.

[0069] As illustrated, the ride system 11 includes twenty-four ride vehicles 10 disposed within the ride facility area 140 of the ride system 11. In some embodiments, the ride system 11 may include more or fewer ride vehicles 10 (e.g., two ride vehicles 10, three ride vehicles 10, five ride vehicles 10, ten ride vehicles 10, thirty ride vehicles 10, etc.). Additionally, as illustrated, each ride vehicle 10 is configured to carry two riders. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle 10 may be configured to carry more or fewer riders (e.g., one rider, three riders, four riders, etc.). The illustrated embodiment may include each ride vehicle 10 located at a first respective position along a respective ride path 100. As described in more detail below, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The ride vehicle 10 is illustrated at a second position and a third position along its ride path 100 , respectively.

[0070] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 1, which has ride vehicles 10 at second respective locations relative to each other and relative to their respective ride paths 100 within a ride facility area 140 of the ride system 11 and along a surface 23. As illustrated, each of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B has been separately Fig. 9 The first position is moved to Fig.10 The other ride vehicles 10 have also moved relative to the second position of the ride facility area 140 and along the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B. Fig.10 position moves.

[0071] Fig.11 yes Figure 11, which has ride vehicles 10 located at third respective positions relative to each other and relative to their respective ride paths 100 within a ride facility area 140 of the ride system 11 and along a surface 23. As illustrated, each of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B has been Fig.10 Move to the second position of Fig.11 The third position of the vehicle and moves along the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B.

[0072] As each ride vehicle 10 moves along a corresponding ride path 100, the ride control system 32 can control the movement of the ride vehicles 10 to facilitate matching the desired choreography associated with the ride system 11. For example, the ride control system 32 can control the movement of the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B to facilitate generally placing the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B, respectively, at a desired location. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 The first position, the second position, and the third position of the ride vehicle 10A may be determined by the ride control system 32. As described above, the ride control system 32 may compare the position of the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B to the corresponding position along the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B. The ride control system 32 may control the movement of the ride vehicle 10A and / or the ride vehicle 10B (e.g., adjust the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10A and / or the ride vehicle 10B) based on a determination that the distance between the position of the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B and the corresponding position along the ride path 100A and the ride path 100B exceeds a threshold ride path distance. In addition, the ride control system 32 may determine whether the distance 108 between the corresponding position of the ride vehicle 10A and the corresponding position of the ride vehicle 10B is less than a threshold ride vehicle distance, and control the movement of the ride vehicle 10A and / or the ride vehicle 10B based on the determination.

[0073] Fig.12 Is suitable for control Figure 1 1. Although the following description of the method 160 is detailed as being performed by the ride control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method 160 described below. In addition, it should be noted that although the method 160 is described below in a particular order, the method 160 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0074] At block 162, the ride control system 32 receives input indicating a choreography of a ride vehicle 10 (e.g., two or more ride vehicles 10) along a respective ride path 100. For example, the input may include, among other data, a program or other suitable file having the ride path 100 for each respective ride vehicle 10. The input may be provided by an operator of the ride system 11 and / or may be received from another system communicatively coupled to the ride control system 32. In some embodiments, the input may be stored in the ride control system 32 and may be retrieved after receiving instructions to operate the ride system 11. Additionally, as described herein, the input may be received from a user (e.g., a rider) riding the ride vehicle 10 or a user about to ride the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., a user in a queue for the ride system 11).

[0075] At box 164, the ride control system 32 sends the ride path 100 to the ride vehicles 10. For example, each ride path 100 may be unique to a particular ride vehicle 10, and the ride control system 32 may output the ride path 100 to each of the corresponding ride vehicles 10. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive the ride path 100 and may begin operating the ride vehicles 10 to generally follow the ride path 100.

[0076] At block 166 , the ride control system 32 receives signals indicating the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10 relative to their respective ride paths 100 and / or relative to each other. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 and / or the surface position sensor 54 may output signals to the ride control system 32 .

[0077] At block 168, after receiving the positions of the ride vehicles 10, the ride control system 32 may control the movement of the ride vehicles 10 based on the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10 relative to the ride path 100 and / or relative to each other. For example, the ride control system 32 may control the movement of a particular ride vehicle 10 (e.g., adjust the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10) based on a determination that a distance between the position of the ride vehicle 10 and a corresponding position along the ride path 100 exceeds a threshold ride path distance. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may determine whether the distance 108 between the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10 is less than a threshold ride vehicle distance, and control the movement of the ride vehicle 10 based on that determination. In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 may control the movement of the ride vehicles 10 by outputting a signal to the ride vehicle control system 34. For example, the ride control system 32 may output a signal to the ride vehicle control system 34 so that the ride vehicle control system 34 may coordinate the movement of its respective ride vehicle 10 with the movement of other (e.g., separate) ride vehicles 10.

[0078] After controlling the movement of the ride vehicles 10 based on the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10 relative to the ride paths 100, the method 160 may return to block 166 and may receive a subsequent signal indicating the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10 relative to their respective ride paths 100 and / or relative to each other. During operation of the ride system 11 (e.g., as the ride vehicles 10 move within the ride system 11), the ride control system 32 may iteratively perform blocks 166 and 168. As such, the ride control system 32 may control the ride vehicles 10 to facilitate the ride vehicles 10 to generally follow the choreographed ride paths 100 and to prevent the ride vehicles 10 from contacting each other during operation of the ride system 11.

[0079] As described above, the ride control system 32 may determine the ride path 100 based on rider inputs, such as inputs received from riders riding or about to ride the ride vehicle 10 and / or operators of the ride system 11 . Fig.13 1 is a flow chart of a method 180 suitable for determining a ride path 100 based on rider input. Although the following description of the method 180 is described in detail as being performed by the ride control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method 180 described below. Furthermore, it should be noted that although the method 180 is described below in a particular order, the method 180 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0080] At box 182, the ride control system 32 may receive input indicating a desired rider experience. The rider may be riding the ride vehicle 10, about to ride the ride vehicle 10, and / or waiting in a queue for the ride system 11 to ride the ride vehicle 10. The input provided by the rider may include a desired rider experience, such as a desired intensity level for the ride system 11, a desired theme for the ride system 11, and other preferences of the rider. The desired intensity level may indicate the proximity of various obstacles (e.g., walls, other ride vehicles 10) that the rider may wish to approach. That is, a first intensity level may correspond to allowing the ride vehicles 10 to travel within two meters (e.g., a threshold ride vehicle distance) of each other, while a second, higher intensity level may correspond to allowing the ride vehicles 10 to travel within one meter of each other to create a feeling in the rider that the ride vehicles 10 may collide. Additionally, the desired intensity level may include the amount of vertical movement and / or rolling of the ride assembly 20. For example, a first intensity level may correspond to allowing the ride vehicle 10 to move vertically to a lesser extent and / or roll to a lesser extent than a second, higher intensity level. The desired theme may be one related to a movie, television show, fictional character, pop culture reference, and may include specific ride paths of the ride vehicle 10 and other variations of the ride system 11. For example, if the rider selects a theme related to birds or aircraft, the ride path of the ride vehicle 10 may simulate the flight of a bird or aircraft. Other preferences that may be provided via rider input include language selection, character selection, rider height and / or weight, and other similar preferences.

[0081] Additionally, at box 184, the ride control system 32 receives additional rider inputs. The additional rider inputs may be received from different riders relative to the inputs received at box 182. For example, the additional inputs may be received from an operator of the ride system 11 and may include the choreography of the ride vehicle 10, the theme of the ride system 11, a threshold ride path distance, a threshold ride vehicle distance, and other rider inputs. The choreography of the ride vehicle 10 and / or the theme of the ride system 11 may include ride paths 100 that simulate the movement of certain objects, such as ride components of a carousel, animals (e.g., horses, dogs, dinosaurs), vehicles (e.g., airplanes, trains, ships, cars), and fictional characters (e.g., ghosts, superheroes). The threshold ride path distance may be a minimum distance between each ride path 100, and the threshold ride vehicle distance may be a minimum distance between each ride vehicle 10. In certain embodiments, the theme of the ride system 11 may include the choreography of the ride vehicle 10, the threshold ride path distance, and the threshold ride vehicle distance. As such, an operator may provide a single input (eg, a theme) to allow a ride vehicle 10 to move along its respective ride path 100 and based on a threshold ride path distance and a threshold ride vehicle distance.

[0082] At box 186, based on the rider inputs received at boxes 182 and 184 (e.g., rider inputs received from riders riding the ride vehicle 10 and rider inputs received from an operator), the ride control system 32 determines a ride path 100 for the ride vehicle 10. For example, the ride control system 32 may determine the ride path 100 based on a desired intensity level for the ride system 11, a desired theme for the ride system 11, the choreography of the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., the ride path 100), a threshold ride path distance, a threshold ride vehicle distance, and other rider inputs.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 may adjust the initial ride path 100, and / or may resolve conflicts between rider inputs when determining the ride path 100. For example, if an operator provides input indicating an initial ride path 100 corresponding to a first intensity level (e.g., block 184), and a rider (e.g., a rider riding the ride vehicle 10) provides input indicating a second intensity level that is generally more intense than the first intensity level, the ride control system 32 may adjust the initial ride path 100 provided by the operator to a higher intensity ride path 100 corresponding to the second intensity level. The higher intensity ride path 100 may include more relative surface movement, vertical movement, and rolling as the ride vehicle 10 travels along the ride path 100 than the ride path 100 provided for the first, lower intensity level. Additionally, the higher intensity ride path 100 may allow the ride vehicles 10 to move closer to each other (e.g., the threshold ride vehicle distance may be relatively lower than the ride path 100 provided for the first, lower intensity level). As such, the ride control system 32 may provide, via the method 180 , a customized rider experience that allows riders to at least partially determine / control the choreography of the ride path 100 and the ride vehicle 10 .

[0084] As explained above, the ride system of the present disclosure can provide one or more useful technical effects in terms of enhancing the experience of the rider when riding the ride vehicle of the ride system. For example, the ride system can include a plurality of ride vehicles configured to carry riders within the ride facility area for the entertainment of the riders and / or to transport the riders. The movement of the ride vehicles can be arranged along a ride path and / or relative to each other and other parts of the ride system, and can be controlled by a ride control system and / or a ride vehicle control system. The ride system can determine the ride path based on various rider inputs (such as operator inputs and inputs indicating a desired rider experience).

[0085] In addition, the ride vehicle can move in certain directions relative to the surface of the ride system while moving along the ride path, and / or can include ride components that are configured to carry riders and move relative to the surface of the ride system. For example, the ride vehicle can include mechanisms and parts (e.g., ride components) that can move vertically and / or horizontally in various directions (e.g., can move in any planar direction, can spin, and can turn) and can roll. As such, the ride vehicles and ride systems described herein can move in various directions and in a choreographed manner to transport riders and / or entertain riders. In some embodiments, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicle can be viewed by people other than the riders (such as, people waiting to ride the ride vehicle). The choreographed movement of the ride vehicle can provide an entertainment attraction for people viewing the ride system.

[0086] While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It will, therefore, be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0087] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of a practical nature that arguably improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at 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 will be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements will not be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A means of transport, comprising: a ride assembly configured to carry a rider; a rod extending through the ride assembly, wherein the ride assembly is coupled to the rod; a base configured to couple to the pole and to the ride assembly via the pole, wherein the pole extends from the base, and wherein the base includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface, a vertical movement system configured to vertically move the ride assembly via the pole and relative to the base, and a rolling system configured to angularly move the ride assembly via angular rotation of the pole relative to the base; as well as A control system is configured to control the coordination of movement of the ride vehicle with movement of separate ride vehicles.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The control system is configured to direct the surface movement system to maneuver the ride vehicle relative to the individual ride vehicles based on a common choreographed routine that includes transitioning the ride vehicle between a ride path and a rider seating area.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The common choreographed routine includes a corresponding choreographed ride path for the individual ride vehicles and each of the ride vehicles.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The control system is configured to continuously control adjustments to routes of the ride vehicles based on position feedback for at least a subset of the individual ride vehicles.

5. The riding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The surface movement system is configured to rotate the ride vehicle, spin the ride vehicle, and move the ride vehicle in a straight line.

6. The ride vehicle of claim 1, comprising a surface position sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a surface position of the ride vehicle along the surface.

7. The riding vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The control system is configured to determine a relative position of the ride vehicle with respect to one or more of the separate ride vehicles based on the signal indicative of the surface position and data received by the control system regarding one or more of the separate ride vehicles.

8. The riding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The vertical movement system includes a vertical position sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a vertical position of the ride assembly, and the control system is configured to coordinate actuation of the vertical movement system based on the vertical position and data received by the control system regarding the vertical positioning of one or more of the individual ride vehicles.

9. The riding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the rod is exposed above the ride assembly.

10. A means of transport, comprising: a ride assembly configured to carry a rider; a base configured to be coupled to the ride assembly, wherein the base includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface and a ride assembly movement system configured to move the ride assembly relative to the base; and A vehicle control system configured to: receiving a signal from a sensor indicative of the location of the ride vehicle; receiving a data set including a weight of the ride vehicle and a dimension of the ride vehicle; determining that a distance between the location of the ride vehicle and a corresponding location along a ride path exceeds a threshold distance; determining one or more adjustments to the position of the ride vehicle based on the position, the data set, and the distance in response to determining that the distance exceeds the threshold distance; and A signal indicative of an instruction to adjust the position of the ride vehicle is output to the surface movement system in response to determining that the distance exceeds the threshold distance.

11. The riding vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The vehicle control system is configured as follows: receiving an indication of an obstacle located along the ride path; and Additional signals are output to the surface movement system to adjust the position of the ride vehicle based on the obstacles along the ride path.

12. The riding vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The ride vehicle control system is configured to determine at periodic intervals during operation of the ride vehicle whether the distance between the location of the ride vehicle and the corresponding location along the ride path exceeds the threshold distance.

13. The riding vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The ride vehicle control system is configured to direct the surface movement system and the ride component movement system based on a programmed routine so that maneuvers are coordinated with corresponding systems located on a separate ride vehicle.

14. The riding vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The ride vehicle control system is configured to determine the threshold distance based on the ride path, the type of ride vehicle, additional weight of the rider, one or more rider inputs indicating a desired experience, or a combination thereof.

15. The riding vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The ride vehicle control system is configured to continuously control the adjustment of the position of the ride vehicle based on positioning feedback of at least one individual ride vehicle.

16. The riding vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The ride vehicle control system is configured to receive data indicative of the ride path, the threshold distance, or both from a ride control system.

17. A riding system comprising: a plurality of trackless ride vehicles configured to traverse a surface, wherein each of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles includes a respective ride assembly configured to move vertically and angularly relative to a base of a respective trackless ride vehicle of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles, and wherein the base of the respective trackless ride vehicle is configured to traverse the surface; as well as A ride control system configured to: A common choreographed routine is sent to the plurality of trackless ride vehicles, wherein the common choreographed routine includes the following choreographed movements: a respective ride assembly of each respective trackless ride vehicle of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles moving vertically and angularly relative to the base of the respective trackless ride vehicle; movement of the base of each respective trackless ride vehicle of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles along the surface; detecting a respective position of each respective trackless ride vehicle of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles relative to each other and relative to one or more programmed ride paths of the common programmed routine within a ride facility area; as well as A plurality of commands are sent to the plurality of trackless ride vehicles to control movement of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles based on the respective positions of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles relative to each other and relative to the one or more choreographed ride paths.

18. The ride system of claim 17, wherein: The ride control system is configured to: determining that a distance between the corresponding locations of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles is less than a threshold distance; and In response to determining that the distance is less than the threshold distance, a signal is sent to at least one ride vehicle of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles to adjust at least one position of the at least one ride vehicle within the ride area.

19. The ride system of claim 18, wherein: The ride control system is configured to determine the threshold distance based on the one or more choreographed ride paths, multiple weights of the multiple trackless ride vehicles, multiple types of the multiple trackless ride vehicles, multiple sizes of the multiple trackless ride vehicles, one or more weights of one or more passengers riding the multiple trackless ride vehicles, one or more passenger inputs indicating a desired experience for the one or more passengers, or a combination thereof.

20. The ride system of claim 17, wherein: The ride control system is configured to send the plurality of commands to the plurality of trackless ride vehicles to control movement of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles based on the common choreographed routine including the one or more choreographed ride paths and transitioning the plurality of trackless ride vehicles between the one or more choreographed ride paths and rider boarding areas.

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