Vehicle guidance via infrared projection

Abstract

A system for guiding a vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of paths on a surface, where each path is defined by a light projection characteristic of a respective light projection that defines the respective path. The system also includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes a sensor configured to detect the light projection characteristic of a respective path of the plurality of paths, and a controller configured to guide the vehicle along the respective path having a light projection characteristic that matches an intended light projection characteristic assigned to the vehicle.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of vehicle guidance. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to vehicle guidance based on the use of infrared projection.

[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may relate to the various aspects of this disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is intended to provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read from this perspective, rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks comprise a wide variety of rides that offer unique experiences to each park's customers. Adding large attractions (such as rides and shows) generally provides amusement parks with additional capacity to accommodate larger numbers of customers. However, simply adding traditional rides without adding a layer of complexity may not be enough to generate sufficient customer interest to address customer traffic issues or offer an advantage over competitors. As modern attractions become more sophisticated and complex, and expectations among amusement park and / or theme park customers increase accordingly, there is a need for improved and more creative attractions, including those offering unique customer experiences. Moreover, safety is paramount when implementing these improved attractions. Mechanical safety mechanisms can sometimes wear out, requiring untimely repairs to the attraction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments corresponding in scope to the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may include a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system for guiding a vehicle is provided. The system includes multiple paths on a surface, each path defined by an infrared projection configured to be read by an infrared camera attached to the vehicle. The system also includes the vehicle. The vehicle includes an infrared camera / sensor mounted to its frame at a height sufficient to view the road in front of, behind, and / or around the vehicle. The vehicle includes a controller configured to guide the vehicle along the respective paths based on characteristics of the infrared projections detected by the sensors.

[0006] In another embodiment, a system for guiding vehicles is provided. The system includes multiple paths on a surface, each path defined by an infrared projection formed by an infrared laser diode attached to a structure (e.g., the ceiling and / or wall of a site). In some instances, the diodes can be placed considerably further from the site as needed (because the laser will remain collimated and reach a considerable distance). The system also includes multiple vehicles. Each of the multiple vehicles includes: an infrared camera / sensor mounted on its frame at a height sufficient to view the road in front of, behind, and / or around the vehicle; and a controller configured to guide the vehicle along a corresponding path of the multiple paths based on the characteristics of the infrared projection of the corresponding path detected by the sensor. For example, different paths may include different infrared patterns projected onto the travel surface, such as dots, dashes, lines, or other identifiable markings. Each of the multiple vehicles can identify the correct path based on these identifiable markings of the various paths.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for guiding a vehicle is provided. The method includes obtaining infrared projections on a travel surface at a controller of the vehicle to guide the vehicle along a path, wherein the path is one of a plurality of paths on the travel surface, and each of the plurality of paths is defined by one or more infrared projections observable by an infrared camera attached to the vehicle. The method further includes: detecting characteristics associated with the one or more infrared projections via sensors on the vehicle; and guiding the vehicle along one of the plurality of paths via the controller based on the characteristics detected by the sensors. Attached Figure Description

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

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a guided vehicle system for amusement parks that uses infrared projection to automate guidance, according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 Explanation of the use of aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 An example of a ride guidance system for an amusement park environment;

[0011] Figure 3 Explanation of the use of aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 An embodiment of a ride guidance system (e.g., with multiple vehicles) in an amusement park environment;

[0012] Figure 4 Description of aspects as provided in this disclosure Figure 2 and Figure 3 Examples of different characteristics of the path segments intercepted within line 4-4;

[0013] Figure 5 Explanation based on aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of a portion of the path within line 4-4 that has symbols or markings in infrared projection;

[0014] Figure 6 Explanation based on aspects of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 Examples of embodiments of paths with different characteristics extracted within line 4-4; and

[0015] Figure 7 It is for use in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for guiding vehicles within an amusement park using a vehicle guidance system. Detailed Implementation

[0016] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, which may vary depending on the implementation, such as compliance with system-related constraints and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, such development efforts may simply be routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0017] Amusement parks are characterized by a wide variety of entertainment, such as rides, shows, and games. Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a ride guidance system that uses infrared projection to implement automated vehicle guidance. While the current discussion will focus on ride guidance in amusement parks, the current system and technology can be used in a wide variety of applications, from robotic guidance to road or other vehicle guidance. The current discussion is not intended to limit the current vehicle guidance system to ride guidance in amusement parks. Multiple paths can be laid out on a surface. Each path is defined by an infrared projection (e.g., infrared light forming a recurring or non-recurring pattern that creates a specific path pattern, such as a specific shape and / or object (e.g., barcode, QR code, etc.)). In some embodiments, each path generally includes projection characteristics different from other paths, thereby making each path distinguishable from one another. Each vehicle can be equipped with an infrared camera or sensor configured to detect the emitted infrared light constituting the infrared projection. Due to the wavelength of infrared light, the infrared projection can be invisible to the human eye, and therefore invisible to passengers on the vehicle or people waiting to board the vehicle. Paths may intersect. Furthermore, multiple vehicles can move along the path simultaneously and pass each other. In some embodiments, passengers may be able to change the path a vehicle is moving along via input provided to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the characteristics of the infrared projection can vary along the path at different locations to change the speed of the vehicle (e.g., accelerate, decelerate, stop, etc.) or cause the vehicle to perform actions (e.g., spin). Due to the invisibility of the path, attractions may appear unpredictable to passengers, enhancing their riding experience.

[0018] Switch to the attached image. Figure 1 This is an illustrated embodiment of a transportation guidance system 10 for amusement parks, where the system uses infrared projection to determine the guidance of passengers. (See also...) Figure 1As illustrated in the described embodiments, system 10 may include a vehicle 12 (e.g., a ride-on vehicle), a path projection system 13, and a ride controller system 14. In some embodiments, system 10 may include multiple vehicles 12. System 10 may be configured to be used in conjunction with one or more infrared projections (from path projection system 13) projected onto a travel surface, wherein the infrared projections define one or more paths for the vehicle 12 to follow. Paths may be distinguished from each other based on the characteristics of the infrared projections. In some embodiments, each path may be defined by an infrared projection different from those defining other paths. In some embodiments, a particular path may include triggering characteristics (e.g., modified projections) at different locations along the path, which trigger different actions to be performed by the vehicle 12. These different actions may include changing speed (e.g., accelerating, decelerating, stopping, etc.) or other actions such as in-situ spin, initiating performance features, etc. In some embodiments, a particular path may include a central portion having a first characteristic and one or more side portions having different characteristics. These distinct sections can be used to identify how far vehicle 12 is deviating from the path (e.g., the central portion) and / or to correct the route to return on the path. In some embodiments, markings and / or patterns (e.g., dots, dashes, lines, scale lines, barcodes, QR codes, etc.) can be projected into or near an infrared projection or constitute an infrared projection to provide certain information to vehicle 12 and / or ride control system 14 (e.g., distance traveled, path information, speed, etc.). In some embodiments, these markings can indicate the validity of the path. For example, when a marking is expected but not found, this can indicate one or more malicious projections that should not be trusted for guidance.

[0019] In some embodiments, the path projection system 13 may include an infrared laser diode system attached to the ceiling or wall around the track, or optionally placed at a considerable distance from the viewpoint (because the laser will remain collimated and reach a considerable distance (i.e., used for drone navigation)). The infrared laser emitter can be placed off-axis to the side of the track or directly overhead to minimize potential obstruction that may occur due to the set or other visual interference.

[0020] These laser diodes can project linear patterns of dots, dashes, lines, or other identifiable marks onto a traveling surface. These diodes can be infrared (IR) laser designators aimed at regular intervals along a track to indicate the center of the traveling path. In another variation, an optical modifier can be included to stretch the laser spot into infrared segments. Thus, multiple segments can be sequentially positioned along the traveling path.

[0021] In another variation, an optical diffusion grating or waveguide can be placed in the optical path to generate a specific projected pattern (i.e., barcode, multiple dots and dashes, QR code) on the target surface. Fiber optics can also be used for this purpose, simultaneously directing a single light source in multiple directions to accommodate fewer required light sources and power supplies.

[0022] In another variation, scanning microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or digital micromirror devices (DMDs) can be used to actively scan desired programmable infrared patterns onto the ground or target surface. By projecting known infrared patterns from one or more non-airborne fixed locations onto a moving surface or environment, current technology addresses the fixed patterning of space and eliminates the need for prior knowledge or extensive data processing to derive position information, as is required in depth- or LiDAR-based SLAM navigation systems.

[0023] Vehicle 12 may include one or more cameras / sensors 18 configured to detect infrared projections. The one or more sensors 18 may be positioned along vehicle 12 (e.g., the bottom and / or front portion of vehicle 12) at a height sufficient to view the traveling surface in front of, behind and / or around vehicle 12.

[0024] Infrared pixel data from camera / sensor 18 can be processed locally or remotely (depending on configuration, weight, power, and critical requirements) and directly determine the required adjustments to the vehicle, or transmit the data to another computer or PLC for further action (i.e., Estop trigger, warning dispatch, automated route correction).

[0025] The vehicle 12 may also include a controller 20 configured to control the movement of the vehicle 12. The controller may include a memory 22 and a processor 24 configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 22. In some embodiments, the memory 22 may store a set of expected characteristics that should be observed via the sensor 18 when guiding the vehicle 12 along a particular path. Additionally, the memory 22 may store further characteristics that, when observed (or in some cases, when not observed), cause various actions of the vehicle (e.g., acceleration, deceleration, stopping, spinning, animate effects, etc.). In some embodiments, the memory 22 may store the entire path and any characteristics or changes in the infrared projection associated with the particular path. The controller 20 may be configured to compare the expected characteristics (e.g., from the memory 22 and / or the ride control system 14) with the infrared projection detected by the sensor 18 to identify guidance control of the vehicle 12 along the particular path. In some embodiments, this comparison may cause the controller 20 to correct the route back onto the path if the vehicle 12 deviates from the path or otherwise performs other activities.

[0026] The controller 20 can control the vehicle 12 via a steering system 26 coupled to the wheels of the vehicle 12. The controller can also be coupled to an input device 28 on the vehicle 12. The input device 28 may include a touchscreen, one or more buttons, a lever, or any other device. The input device 28 can enable passengers to provide input that leads to selection and / or change of route. For example, the input device 28 may offer passengers different options or scenarios (e.g., pathways through sections of a specific theme, difficulty levels of pathways, etc.). Various inputs received via the input device 28 can be associated with specific anticipated / assigned projection characteristics utilized by the controller 20 when guiding the vehicle 12. In some embodiments, passengers may be able to provide input before the ride begins, which determines the initial and / or subsequent routes utilized by the vehicle 12. In some embodiments, passengers may be able to provide input during the ride to change the route of the vehicle 12 (e.g., when the vehicle 12 encounters an intersection where the current route intersects with other routes). In some embodiments, the controller 20 may automatically determine the route (i.e., the expected / assigned features to be utilized) when guiding the vehicle 12, even when the passenger does not provide input.

[0027] In some embodiments, vehicle 12 may simultaneously follow one or more paths, which can cause both translational and rotational movements of vehicle 12. In practice, in some embodiments, controller 12 may employ sensors 18 programmed to track different projected paths. For example, a sensor 18 programmed to track "path 1" may be located at the front of vehicle 12, and a sensor 18 programmed to track "path 2" (e.g., a path with different characteristics than "path 1") may be located at the rear of vehicle 12. Controller 20 may control (e.g., via steering system 26) the wheels of vehicle 12 located near the front of vehicle 12 and the wheels of vehicle 12 located near the rear of vehicle 12 to follow the projected paths corresponding to path 1 tracked by sensor 18 and path 2 tracked by sensor 18. In this way, rotation of vehicle 12 can be encoded into the layout of the projected paths.

[0028] These inputs can also cause dynamic changes to the characteristics of the infrared projection. For example, if the input indicates a desired increase in riding speed, the characteristics of the infrared projection can be altered to trigger the riding controller system 14 to increase the riding speed. For instance, if the currently followed infrared projection includes dots, but the dashed projection indicates that the riding controller system 14 should increase the speed, then upon receiving the input, the dot projection can be dynamically changed to the dashed projection, thus instructing the riding controller system 14 to increase the speed.

[0029] In some implementations, a path integrity check system can be added to determine whether the path has been obstructed, damaged, or cut off, or whether it has been altered from the intended configuration. Optional overhead camera arrays can be added, or the vehicle's cameras / sensors 18 themselves can scan the path ahead to determine whether the linear path appears as expected or whether there are unexpected breaks within it. Any anomalies can be reported to the control system as failures or low confidence values.

[0030] When using variations of the projected barcode or other symbols, the system can determine whether any expected symbols are missing, out of order, or misaligned / off-axis due to drift, jitter, or misalignment. The pattern itself can also take this integrity determination into account. It can read repeating or optionally non-repeating patterns, and the camera system itself can determine whether the expected pattern, such as dots and dashes, has been presented. If not, it can issue an error or warning, or take action to correct the problem or issue an Estop command at that time.

[0031] Another modification that could be made to protect the system from unintended infrared light source interference would be to use the camera frame rate to modulate the laser source, or modulate its phase, so that the sensor would filter out unmodulated light sources (such as the sun) or other scene lighting.

[0032] It might also be possible to achieve this using standard theatrical setups with Goes Before Optics (gobo) lighting equipment, rather than projecting an infrared pattern through a physical mask and properly focusing it onto the target surface. In fact, it should be noted that gobo lighting equipment (e.g., gobo changers, slide projector-type devices) can be used to obtain real-time control over the basic quantity of the projected pattern. This could potentially reduce cost and complexity while adhering to standard lighting installation, fastening, aiming, and placement procedures.

[0033] Controller 20 may also be coupled to transceiver 30, which is configured to wirelessly communicate with ride control system 30 and / or other vehicles that may be located on the path. In some embodiments, vehicle 12 may transmit selected projection characteristics, position, speed, future changes in projection characteristics, and / or other information about vehicle 12 to other vehicles and / or ride control system 14 via transceiver 30. In some embodiments, controller 20 may receive the same information about other vehicles from vehicle and / or ride control system 14 via transceiver 30. In some embodiments, vehicle 12 may operate independently of ride control system 14. In some embodiments, control of vehicle 12 by controller 20 may be overridden via ride control system 14.

[0034] The ride control system 14 may include a controller 32 that controls one or more vehicles 12 within the ride attraction. In some embodiments, the controller 32 may communicate with a specific path (e.g., via one or more specific projection characteristics) for a particular vehicle 12 to be utilized. In some embodiments, the ride control system 14 may provide the vehicle 12 with the entire path and any characteristics or changes in characteristics associated with the specific path. In some embodiments, the ride control system 14 may provide the particular vehicle 12 with information associated with other vehicles (e.g., anticipated projection characteristics, position, speed, future changes in anticipated characteristics, and / or other information). Actions for the vehicle 12 associated with specific projection characteristics may have been stored on the vehicle 12 and / or provided to the vehicle 12 from the ride control system 14. The controller 32 may be coupled to a transceiver 38 capable of enabling wireless communication with the vehicle 12.

[0035] Processors 20 and 32 may each include multiple processors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more application-specific microprocessors and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or some combination thereof. For example, each processor 20 and 32 may include one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processors, Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processors, performance optimizations utilizing Enhanced RISC (PowerPC) processors, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrated circuits, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), or any other suitable processing device.

[0036] Each memory device 22 and 34 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory) or any combination thereof. Each memory device 22 and 34 may store a wide variety of information that can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, each memory device 22 and 34 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by the respective processors 20 and 32, such as instructions for controlling vehicle 12. One or more storage devices (e.g., non-volatile storage devices) may include ROM, flash memory, hard disk drive or any other suitable optical storage medium, magnetic storage medium or solid-state storage medium or combinations thereof.

[0037] Figure 2 Explanation of the use Figure 1 An embodiment of the transportation guidance system 10 in an amusement park environment. The depicted vehicle 12 is as follows: Figure 1 As described in [the text]. A vehicle 12 configured to accommodate one or more passengers may include wheels 42 on its bottom portion 40, which enable the vehicle 12 to move along a path 44 on a surface 46. The number of wheels 42 may vary. In some embodiments, the means of moving the vehicle may vary (e.g., tracks, etc.). The wheels 42 may be coupled to the steering system described above. The vehicle 12 may also include sensors 18 as described above on its bottom portion 40 (or other portions).

[0038] As depicted, multiple paths 44 can be projected onto surface 46. Paths 44 may include straight portions and / or curved portions. Three paths 48 (solid line), 50 (dashed line), and 52 (dotted line) are illustrated. The number of paths 44 can vary. In some embodiments, paths 44 or portions of paths 44 may be associated with a specific theme. In some embodiments, paths 44 or portions of paths 44 may be associated with different levels of excitement. For example, a less exciting path may include more straighter portions, slower speeds, and / or gentle turns. A more exciting path may include more curved portions, faster speeds, sharper turns, and / or spins. All three paths 48, 50, and 52 intersect at points 54 and 56. Paths 48 and 50 also intersect at point 58. Each path 44 can be primarily defined by different projection characteristics (such as different projection patterns (e.g., dash, dash, dash vs. dash, dot, dash), different projection shapes (e.g., first barcode vs. second barcode or circle vs. square, etc.), different spacing between shapes, different projection thicknesses, etc.). For example, the projection characteristics defining paths 48, 50, and 52 can each emit many different projection characteristics. One advantage of using infrared projection to define path 44 is that path 44 can be easily modified on surface 46, with virtually no facility costs. For example, different infrared sources can be activated to produce entirely different sets of path 44 or path 44 characteristics that alter the control of vehicle 12. Riding may occur in darkness or in an illuminated area.

[0039] At intersections 54, 56, and 58, combinations of convergence characteristics of path 44 can be projected. The controller of vehicle 12 can be programmed to identify these as convergence points and, in addition to these points, to identify characteristics other than those points to find assigned paths 44 other than the intersections, to maintain vehicle 12 along the assigned paths. In some embodiments, at intersections 54, 56, and 58, vehicle 12 can change its path as programmed in the controller of vehicle 12, or based on input received from passengers and / or stored anticipated changes to the characteristics of the controller of vehicle 12. However, in some embodiments, the illumination of the projected paths at intersections 54, 56, and 58 (e.g., path branching points) can be controlled, so that vehicle 12 may not necessarily need to decide which path to take when arriving at or approaching intersections 54, 56, and 58. In other words, vehicle 12 and path projection system 13 can be communicatively coupled to each other, such that projection system 13 illuminates the portion of the path of vehicle 12 immediately adjacent to vehicle 12 based on the position of vehicle 12, and deactivates one or more portions of the path of vehicle 12 that are far from (e.g., relatively far from) vehicle 12. Path projection system 13 can also deactivate illumination of other paths based on the position of vehicle 12 (or other information). For example, a controller (e.g., Figure 1 The controller 20 can use the position of the vehicle 12 to determine whether the path projection system 13 will illuminate one or more projected paths (or one or more portions of one or more projected paths) at intersections 54, 56, 58 and / or deactivate their illumination. This can cause the projected paths programmed into the vehicle 12 to become the only projected paths observed by the sensors 18 at or near intersections 54, 56, 58. In this way, the control system on the vehicle 12 (e.g., Figure 1 The controller 20 can be simplified because the vehicle 12 may not need to choose between multiple paths at intersections 54, 56, and 58. Moreover, by driving and / or deactivating the lighting of the projected paths at intersections 54, 56, and 58, it can be ensured that the two vehicles 12 are not located in the same area (e.g., "break zone").

[0040] Additionally, if, when determining the route to proceed when located at intersections 54, 56, and 58, vehicle 12 incorporates input from the customer indicating preferences for the route or route characteristics, this input can be transmitted to the ride control system (e.g., Figure 1The ride control system 14). In response to receiving the input, the ride control system can cause the route projection system 13 to project a route based on the input (e.g., customer preferences) and attraction rules. In other words, the ride control system can determine which routes should be activated (driven) and / or deactivated based on customer preferences and attraction-related rules.

[0041] like Figure 3 As depicted, multiple vehicles 12 may simultaneously move along path 44 on surface 46. Vehicles 12 and path 44 are as described above. Three vehicles 60, 62, and 64 and three paths 66, 68, and 70 are illustrated. The number of vehicles 12 and paths 44 can vary. Each vehicle 60, 62, and 64 may move along its respective path 66, 68, and 70 based on anticipated characteristics associated with that path. Vehicles 60, 62, and 64 may communicate with each other and / or with a ride control system. Thus, vehicles 60, 62, and 64 and / or the ride control system may be aware of the positions of other vehicles during a ride. In some embodiments, vehicles 60, 62, and 64 may change path 44 (as predetermined or in response to passenger input). In some embodiments, a change in path due to passenger input may be overridden due to the position of another vehicle 12 (e.g., overridden by the passenger's vehicle and / or the ride control system). In some embodiments, certain options input by the passenger may not be presented due to the location of other vehicles. In some embodiments, vehicle 12 may speed up, slow down, or stop in response to the location of other vehicles, the lack of expected characteristics in the infrared projection followed by vehicle 12, or both. In some embodiments, more than one vehicle 12 may travel on the same path 44.

[0042] Figure 4 Explanation as follows Figure 2 and Figure 3 Examples of embodiments of path 44 with different projection characteristics, which are intercepted within line 4-4 and constitute path 44. For example... Figure 4 As depicted, path 44 may include a central portion 72. In the current embodiment, the central portion 72 includes a first feature of a QR code pattern for guiding the vehicle 12 along path 44. To increase security, the intended QR code may change along the course of the central portion 72. This helps ensure that the pattern cannot be easily copied by unauthorized projections (e.g., from a passenger, etc.).

[0043] Multiple side portions may be located on the sides of the central portion 72. For example, a first side portion 74 may be located on the side of the central portion 72, and a second side portion 76 may be located on the sides of both the central portion 72 and the first side portion 74. The number of side portions may vary. In some embodiments, the first side portion 72 may have both a left side portion and a right side portion defined by a second characteristic different from the central portion 72, the second side portion 76, and any other side portions. Here, the first side portion 72 includes a repeating circular pattern. The third side portion 76 may have both a left side portion and a right side portion defined by a characteristic different from the central portion 72, the first side portion 76, and any other side portions. Here, the third side portion 76 includes a repeating dashed line pattern.

[0044] In some embodiments, the characteristics of the side portions 74, 76 can be associated with an indication of how much the vehicle 12 has deviated from the center portion 72 (e.g., distance, percentage, etc.). In some embodiments, the characteristics projected by the side portions 74, 76 can be associated with guiding the vehicle 12 toward the center portion 72 (e.g., correcting to the left, correcting to the right, etc.). In some embodiments, the characteristics projected by one or more inner side portions can be associated with an indication of how much the vehicle 12 has deviated from the center portion 72, while the characteristics projected by the outermost side portion can be associated with guiding the vehicle 12 toward the center portion 72. In some embodiments, the characteristics projected by the outermost side portion can be associated with guiding the vehicle 12 to stop due to deviation from path 44. In some embodiments, the side portions can have different widths. For example, the center portion 72 can be wider in length than the first side segment 74 and / or the second side portion 76. Widened side portions can be used to reduce false alarms in riding sections where there are no potentially collision-prone objects nearby. Moreover, the use of relatively wide side sections allows for vehicle use that enables the customer to exercise driving control (e.g., steering control) while still keeping the vehicle within a safe zone (e.g., a specific lane) as indicated by the side sections of the path.

[0045] It should be noted that the path projection system 13 can project a path onto the seating floor of the attraction. The seating floor can be covered using the projected path 44, which is a pattern of concentric circles with different radii, such as different projection patterns corresponding to different restrictions. For example, the attraction may allow customers to drive freely on the seating floor, but the attraction may also impose certain restrictions (e.g., speed limits, time limits, boundary zones, etc.) based on the characteristics of the specific concentric circles occupied by the vehicles on the seating floor. Different projection patterns can be used to determine the position (or other information) of the vehicles on the seating floor.

[0046] Figure 5 Explanation as follows Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of the portion of path 44 marked with a symbol or label 78, taken within line 4-4 and adjacent to path 44. For example... Figure 5 As depicted, symbols or markings may be projected adjacent to path 44 for detection by vehicle 12. As depicted, symbols or markings 78 may be barcodes. In some embodiments, symbols or markings may be scale lines, shapes, numbers, patterns, QR codes, or any other type of marking. Symbols or markings 78 may convey information related to path 44 (e.g., distance traveled, path information, speed, etc.) to vehicle 12 and / or the ride control system.

[0047] Figure 6 Explanation as follows Figure 2 and Figure 3The embodiments of different characteristics of a portion of path 44, intercepted within line 4-4 and located above the process of path 44, are described. As depicted, a large portion of path 44 (e.g., region 80) may be defined by a first characteristic (e.g., a diagonal pattern as illustrated herein) for guiding vehicle 12 along path 44. Other regions along path 44 may include different characteristics that can be associated with different control actions for vehicle 12. For example, region 80 may project a diagonal pattern, while region 82 may project double adjacent circular patterns. In some embodiments, the characteristic projected by region 82 may cause vehicle 12 to spin or perform another action (e.g., bounce, tilt, etc.). In some instances, a performance animation may be triggered by a vehicle controller based on the observation of this characteristic. In some embodiments, other regions (e.g., regions 84, 86) may provide other control actions (e.g., acceleration, deceleration, stopping, etc.) related to vehicle 12. One or more regions similar to regions 84, 86 may be spaced apart or may contact each other. These regions 84, 86 may include projection characteristics that differ from and are distinct from region 80. Each region 80, 84, 86 may control certain characteristics of the vehicle 12. For example, each region 80, 84, and 86 is associated with a specific speed for the vehicle 12. For instance, region 80 may be associated with the normal speed of the vehicle 12 along path 44, while region 84 may be associated with a faster speed, and region 86 may be associated with even faster speeds. Alternatively, region 84 may be associated with a slower speed, and region 86 may be associated with even slower speeds. In some embodiments, changes in aspects of the characteristics projected by the regions may be gradual. For example, in some embodiments, regions 80, 84, 86 may project different sizes of a common shape or pattern, wherein the shape or pattern indicates a speed change (or other control type), and the size indicates the magnitude of the speed change (or other control type). Path 44 may include a combination of regions for both acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 12.

[0048] Figure 7 It is used for utilization Figure 1A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 88 for guiding a vehicle 12 within an amusement park using a vehicle guidance system 10. One or more steps of method 88 may be performed by a vehicle controller 20 and / or a ride controller system 14. One or more steps of method 88 may be performed simultaneously and / or in a different order than depicted. Method 88 may include obtaining infrared projection characteristics to guide the vehicle 12 along path 44 (block 90). In some embodiments, more than one characteristic may be obtained by the vehicle 12. For example, a first portion of the ride may follow a first path having a first characteristic, and a second portion of the ride may follow a different path with different characteristics. Each vehicle 12 may be assigned a specific path (with specific expected characteristics to be found and followed). The assigned specific expected characteristics may be obtained from the corresponding memory of the vehicle controller 20 and / or the ride controller system 14. In some embodiments, prior to the start of the ride, the passenger may provide input based on presented choices (e.g., related to a theme, level of excitement, etc.), and this input may be associated with one or more specific expected characteristics associated with one or more paths 44. In some embodiments, when multiple vehicles are to be used during a ride, each vehicle 12 may acquire a corresponding expected characteristic or set of expected characteristics to define its corresponding path. In some embodiments, in the case of multiple vehicles, each vehicle 12 may acquire expected characteristics and / or other information relating to other vehicles and their corresponding paths before or during the ride. Based on the expected set of characteristics, some vehicles 12 may be instructed to ignore certain control characteristics, while other vehicles 12 may be instructed to perform control actions when the same characteristic is detected. For example, one vehicle 12 may ignore a double adjacent circular pattern that typically guides vehicle 12 to spin, while another vehicle 12 may spin when such a characteristic is observed.

[0049] Method 88 may also include detecting an infrared projection on the traveling surface at the vehicle 12 (box 92). Method 88 may also include detecting characteristics projected by the infrared projection via sensors on the vehicle 12 (box 94). For example, specific patterns of shape, size, thickness, object, etc., may be projected into the infrared projection.

[0050] Method 88 may include comparing the detected characteristic with a desired characteristic associated with vehicle 12 (box 96). When the detected characteristic matches the desired characteristic, method 88 may include guiding or moving vehicle 12 along path 44 and / or performing other control actions based on the matching desired and detected characteristics (box 98). For example, the control characteristics of vehicle 12 may indicate that, upon observing a specific characteristic, vehicle 12 should accelerate, tilt, spin, trigger performance characteristics, etc. Thus, upon observing such a characteristic, vehicle 12 may initiate that action (e.g., via a vehicle controller).

[0051] When the detected characteristic differs from the expected characteristic, method 88 may include the vehicle 12 performing a mitigation action. For example, in some instances, observing such a difference may indicate that the vehicle is on an inappropriate path 44. The vehicle 12 may be stopped and / or may be directed back to the appropriate path (e.g., by initiating an intermediate projection for the vehicle 12 to follow back to the appropriate path 44).

[0052] In some embodiments, method 88 may include receiving input from a passenger during the ride (box 102). The passenger may provide input based on presented choices (e.g., related to a topic, level of excitement, etc.), and this input may be associated with one or more specific characteristics associated with one or more paths 44. In some embodiments, the input may be associated with the same characteristic, and the vehicle 12 maintains the same path. In some embodiments, the passenger input may be associated with changing the desired characteristic and thus different characteristics of the path 44 used to guide the vehicle 12 (box 104). In some embodiments, the input may change the projected characteristic along an already assigned path. For example, if the currently followed path is currently at a projection point, the projection can be dynamically changed to a dash.

[0053] Although the embodiments described above pertain to an amusement ride, the same technology can be utilized in other applications. For example, the technology can be applied to any automated guided vehicle (AGV). It can also be applied to moving elements in ride / performance environments not designed for human transport. For instance, animated characters (e.g., walking robots) can use the same projected light navigation system discussed above to move along paths with light projections. Furthermore, while the discussion has focused on infrared projection, other projection methods such as visible light projection can be used. The current discussion is not intended to limit the embodiments to amusement rides or infrared projection.

[0054] While only certain features of this disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. The techniques set forth and claimed herein are referenced and applied to substantial objects and concrete examples of practical nature that can arguably improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical.

Claims

1. A system for guiding vehicles, comprising: Multiple paths are projected onto a surface using multiple light projection characteristics, each path defined by a light projection characteristic different from that of other paths defining the multiple paths; each of the multiple paths corresponds to a corresponding transportation experience among multiple available transportation experiences offered by the attraction; each of the multiple available transportation experiences includes one of multiple themes of the attraction or one of multiple excitement levels of the attraction; and a path providing a relatively higher level of excitement includes a relatively higher number of bends, sharp turns, spins, or any combination thereof than a path providing a relatively lower level of excitement. Means of transport, wherein the means of transport includes: A memory that stores one or more expected optical projection characteristics, each of which is associated with a control action; Sensors configured to detect the characteristics of multiple projected light paths projected onto the surface; and The controller is configured as follows: Receive instructions on the desired vehicle passenger experience among the multiple available vehicle passenger experiences associated with one of the multiple themes or one of the multiple excitement levels; Determine the first light projection characteristics of a first path of a first path among the plurality of paths on the surface providing the desired experience for the vehicle occupant; Using the sensor, the path matching the first light projection characteristic from the plurality of paths including the first projected light characteristic is identified as the first path; and Control the vehicle to move along the first path.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The second projected light characteristics of the first path are identified by the sensor; The vehicle is controlled to follow the first path based on a control action associated with a second light projection characteristic that matches the second projected light characteristic; as well as The first optical projection characteristic or the second optical projection characteristic is determined at least in part based on input provided by passengers of the vehicle.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is also configured to: Receive another input provided by the passenger during movement along the first path of the plurality of paths; Different optical projection characteristics are determined at least in part based on the other input; as well as The movement is changed from the first path to an alternative path by using different determined light projection characteristics.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The second projected light characteristics of the first path change at different locations along the first path to indicate different control actions to be performed by the controller at those different locations.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The different control actions include different speeds of movement of the vehicle along the first path, and the controller is configured to control the vehicle based on the different speeds of movement at the different locations along the first path.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The second optical projection characteristic is associated with spin control action; and The control action based on the second light projection characteristics along the first path includes causing the vehicle to spin based on the detection of the second projected light characteristics.

7. The system of claim 1 further includes a plurality of vehicles disposed on different paths of the plurality of paths, and a respective controller of the plurality of vehicles is configured to simultaneously guide the plurality of vehicles on the respective paths of the plurality of paths.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first projected light characteristic of the first path among the plurality of paths includes a central portion of the projection path, and the projection path includes a first portion on the side of the central portion, wherein the first portion includes different projected light characteristics.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is also configured to guide the vehicle toward the central portion of the projection path in response to the detection of the different projected light characteristics.

10. A system for guiding vehicles, comprising: Multiple paths projected onto a surface, wherein each path is defined by the projected light characteristics of a corresponding light projection and is distinct from other paths among the multiple paths, wherein each path corresponds to a specific vehicle passenger experience among multiple available vehicle passenger experiences offered by the attraction, wherein each of the multiple available vehicle passenger experiences includes one of multiple themes of the attraction or one of multiple excitement levels of the attraction, wherein a path providing a relatively higher level of excitement includes a relatively higher number of bends, sharp turns, spins, or any combination thereof than a path providing a relatively lower level of excitement; and Multiple means of transport, wherein each of the multiple means of transport includes: The allocated light projection characteristics, defined by the points of view associated with one of the multiple themes or one of the multiple excitement levels, provide the path to be followed for the desired vehicle passenger experience among the multiple available vehicle passenger experiences; Sensors configured to detect the characteristics of the projected light along the plurality of paths projected onto the surface; and The controller is configured as follows: The corresponding path in the plurality of paths is identified based on the matching between the projected light characteristics of the corresponding path and the assigned light projection characteristics; and Control the vehicle to move along the corresponding path.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the plurality of vehicles is configured to move along a different path by assigning a different light projection characteristic to each of the plurality of vehicles currently moving to follow it.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein, At least a subset of the plurality of vehicles are configured to move simultaneously along the respective paths by assigning common optical projection characteristics to the subset of the plurality of vehicles.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the corresponding light projections is invisible to passengers in the plurality of vehicles.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is also configured to change the path to be followed based on an input during movement along the respective path of the plurality of paths, wherein the input is associated with a specific optical projection characteristic to be followed.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The projected light characteristics of the respective paths among the plurality of paths detected by the sensor include different projected light characteristics at different locations along the respective paths among the plurality of paths.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, At least a subset of the different projected light characteristics represent different speeds of the vehicle along the respective paths of the plurality of paths, and the controller is further configured to adjust the speed of the vehicle along the respective paths of the plurality of paths based on detecting the at least subset of the different projected light characteristics.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein, At least a subset of the different projected light characteristics represent control requests to trigger scenic spot features located outside the vehicle along the corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the controller is further configured to trigger the scenic spot features along the corresponding path of the plurality of paths based on the detection of the at least subset of the different projected light characteristics.

18. A method for controlling a vehicle, comprising: The controller of the vehicle acquires assigned light projection characteristics that define the path to guide the vehicle along, the path providing a desired vehicle passenger experience among multiple available vehicle passenger experiences offered by attractions associated with one or more excitement levels of a corresponding theme, wherein the path is among multiple paths projected onto a surface; and each of the multiple paths is defined by different projected light characteristics and is distinct from the other paths among the multiple paths, wherein each of the multiple paths corresponds to a corresponding vehicle passenger experience among the multiple available vehicle passenger experiences offered by the attraction, wherein each of the multiple available vehicle passenger experiences includes one of the multiple themes of the attraction or one of the multiple excitement levels of the attraction, wherein a path providing a relatively higher level of excitement includes a relatively higher number of bends, sharp turns, spins, or any combination thereof than a path providing a relatively lower level of excitement; The path is identified by detecting the projected light characteristics defining the path via sensors on the vehicle, and by detecting the match between the assigned light projection characteristics and the projected light characteristics defining the path via the controller; and The vehicle is controlled to move along the path via the controller.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The assigned optical projection characteristics include a specific barcode, a specific QR code, a specific shape, a specific pattern of an object, or any combination thereof.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: When the assigned light projection characteristics cannot be detected by the sensors on the vehicle, the movement of the vehicle is suspended.

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