System and method for holding and charging personal electronic devices on board a vehicle

Abstract

Current systems and methods relate to a ride system (10) including a personal electronic device (PED) holding system (24) for a ride vehicle (12). The PED holding system (24) includes a lock (60) configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED (40) of a passenger of the ride vehicle (12) to the ride vehicle (12) during a ride cycle. The PED holding system (24) also includes a charging system (42, 44) configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED (40) during the ride cycle.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure generally pertains to amusement parks.

[0002] Many amusement parks include rides, in which vehicles carry one or more passengers along a ride path. As the vehicles travel along the ride path, they can change speed and / or direction. The ride path may include many features, such as tunnels, turns, loops, and so on. Various performance effects can be provided on and / or around the environment of the vehicles to enhance the experience for one or more passengers.

[0003] This section aims to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may relate to the present technology, which are described and / or claimed 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 in this context, and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summarizes certain embodiments corresponding in scope to the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of the possible forms of this subject matter. In fact, this subject matter may encompass a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a riding system includes a personal electronic device (PED) retention system for riding in a vehicle. The PED retention system includes a lock configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a passenger's PED to the vehicle during a riding cycle. The PED retention system also includes a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED during the riding cycle.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a PED retention system for a vehicle includes a container configured to contain a PED belonging to a passenger of the vehicle during a ride cycle. The container allows the passenger to access the camera function of the PED during the ride cycle. The PED retention system also includes a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED while it is contained within the container during the ride cycle.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a PED holding system includes charging the energy storage component of the PED using a charging system of the PED holding system in response to the PED being locked to a vehicle via a lock. 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 perspective view of a ride system that can be used in an amusement park according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 It is possible to implement the embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a personal electronic device (PED) retention system used in a ride-hailing system, wherein the PED retention system includes a charging system;

[0011] Figure 3 It is possible to implement the embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A front view of a PED retention system used in a passenger ride system, wherein the PED retention system includes a tethering assembly configured to couple a passenger’s PED to a cable of a charging system.

[0012] Figure 4 It is possible to implement the embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A perspective view of a PED retention system used in a passenger ride system, wherein the PED retention system includes openings for allowing passengers to view and / or access features of the PED;

[0013] Figure 5 It is possible to implement the embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A front view of the PED holding system used in the riding system, wherein the PED holding system includes an adjustable arm;

[0014] Figure 6 It is a vehicle with a ride control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the passenger seating system, showing that the seating control system enables communication between the passenger's PED and other components of the seating system; and

[0015] Figure 7 It is based on the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for using a PED-based system to maintain order in a passenger vehicle 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 will be nothing more than routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0017] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0018] The systems and methods disclosed herein generally relate to a Personal Electronic Device (PED) retention system for a ride system in an amusement park. The ride system may include any type of attraction or experience designed to entertain passengers, such as attractions including rides that travel along a path, rides that move without traveling along a path, or attractions including rooms or theaters with stationary or movable seats for passengers to sit in while watching videos, etc. The PED retention system may include features that retain (e.g., contain, secure) the PED of a passenger in the ride during a ride cycle (e.g., during at least a portion of the ride cycle; between loading and unloading). The PED retention system may also include features that charge energy storage components (e.g., batteries) of the PED during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the PED retention system may include features that allow passengers to access certain features of the PED (e.g., cameras) during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the PED retention system may facilitate communication between the PED and other components of the ride system. In some such cases, for example, passengers may be able to use the PED during a ride cycle to control performance effects such as lighting effects on or around the vehicle. Therefore, the present embodiments advantageously retain the PED during a ride cycle (e.g., preventing the PED from falling off the vehicle) and also allow passengers to charge and / or use the PED to customize their experience on the vehicle during a ride cycle.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a ride system 10 that can be used in an amusement park. The ride system 10 may include a vehicle 12 that can travel along a ride path 14 (e.g., a track). As the vehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14, it may pass by one or more performance effects 16 (e.g., performance elements such as lights or animated figures). The vehicle 12 may include one or more seats 18 and / or one or more passenger restraints 20 (e.g., knee bars, seat straps) arranged to hold one or more passengers on the vehicle 12.

[0020] The vehicle 12 may also include one or more PED retaining devices 22 (e.g., containers, compartments, enclosures, recesses, cables, tethers), which may be part of a PED retaining system 24. For example, as shown, a PED retaining device 22 may be provided for each seat 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the PED retaining device 22 for the seats 18 in the front row is located in or on the front dashboard of the vehicle 12, while the PED retaining device 22 for the seats 18 in other rows is located in or on the seats 18 in the adjacent row (e.g., the rear surface of the seat 18). However, it should be appreciated that the PED retaining device 22 can be positioned at any suitable location on the vehicle 12 (e.g., in or on the seat 18, in or on the passenger restraint 20, in or on the bottom surface or floor of the vehicle 12, in or on the side surface of the vehicle 12, in or on the inward-facing or outward-facing surface of the vehicle 12).

[0021] It should also be recognized that more than one vehicle 12 may travel along the travel path 14. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the vehicle 12 may not travel along the travel path 14; instead, the vehicle 12 may be stationary or may move (e.g., tilt, rotate, raise, lower) without crossing the travel path 14 (e.g., not moving forward or backward along the travel path 14). Additionally, the vehicle 12 may have any suitable number of seats 18 arranged in any suitable configuration (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 or more seats).

[0022] The PED holding device 22 can be any of a variety of forms that enable the PED holding device 22 to hold the passenger's PED. Figure 2-5Various embodiments of the PED holding device 22 are depicted to facilitate discussion; however, these embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and the features of the illustrated embodiments can be combined in any of a wide variety of ways. In view of this, Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an embodiment of a PED retaining device 22, which is part of a PED retaining system 24. As shown, the PED retaining device 22 includes a container 30 defined by a plurality of walls 32. The container 30 may be coupled to a vehicle 12 (e.g., coupled to a frame or surface 34 of the vehicle 12 via one or more fasteners 36, such as bolts or welds), or the container 30 may be integrally formed with the surface 34 of the vehicle 12 (e.g., a monolithic construction). The container 30 may extend outward from the surface 34 of the vehicle 12 as shown, or the container 30 may be recessed such that the container 30 is partially or completely recessed relative to the surface 34 of the vehicle 12. For example, the container 30 may simply be a recess or opening sized to receive a PED 40 from a passenger formed in the surface 34 of the vehicle 12.

[0023] PED 40 may be a device that is carried onto and off the vehicle 12 with the passenger. In some cases, PED 40 is a device that the passenger takes to an amusement park, carries to different attractions within the park, and / or takes home from the park. PED 40 may be owned by the passenger or otherwise under the passenger's control (e.g., rented or borrowed for a period of time). PED 40 may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, watch, camera, laptop computer, e-reader, MP3 player, toy, rechargeable battery, or any other portable electronic and / or rechargeable device.

[0024] Container 30 may be associated with at least one charging system (such as wired charging system 42 and / or wireless charging system 44) configured to charge PED 40 when it is located within container 30. For example, in operation, a passenger may place PED 40 within container 30 and then manually move cable 46 of wired charging system 42 to couple a connector (e.g., a male connector) at one end of cable 46 to a corresponding connector (e.g., a female connector) on PED 40, enabling wired charging system 42 to charge energy storage components (e.g., batteries) of PED 40 (e.g., using power from power source 48). It should be appreciated that, instead of cable 46, wired charging system 42 may include a docking station having connectors positioned in a fixed location relative to container 30. In such a case, a passenger may position PED 40 relative to the docking station to couple connectors to corresponding connectors on PED 40, enabling wired charging system 42 to charge energy storage components of PED 40. Cable 46 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable; however, wired charging system 42 may include any other suitable type of cable or connector configured to charge PED 40 when physically connected to or engaged with a corresponding connector of PED 40. In embodiments with wireless charging system 44, wireless charging system 44 may include a transmitter positioned near or within container 30, and the transmitter may interact with receiver of PED 40 to charge PED 40 via any suitable wireless charging technology, such as inductive charging and / or radio frequency charging.

[0025] In some embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be stationary, moving slowly in place, or slowly traversing the travel path 14. In some such cases, the configuration of the container 30 and / or the connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to maintain the PED 40 within the container 30 and on the vehicle 12 during a travel cycle. In some such cases, the PED 40 may be kept substantially stationary within the container 30, or otherwise held within the container 30 in a location that allows the wireless charging system 44 to charge the PED 40 during a travel cycle.

[0026] However, it may be desirable to further secure the PED 40 within the container 30. For example, during a ride cycle, a cover 52 (e.g., a lid, support, mesh, belt) may be positioned over the PED 40. The cover 52 can have any of a wide variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 52 includes a hinged cover that pivots relative to the base 53 of the container 30 from an open configuration (e.g., open position; open state) to a closed configuration (e.g., closed position; closed state) to enclose the PED 40 within the container 30. The cover 52 may be manually adjusted to a closed configuration by a passenger and / or by an operator, or the cover 52 may be adjusted to a closed configuration electronically controlled (e.g., prior to a ride cycle) by an actuator via an electronic controller. The cover 52 may include a rigid element 56 (e.g., hard plastic or metal) and / or a compressible element 58 (e.g., foam). The rigid element 56 may protect the PED 40 within the container 30 and provide support to the compressible element 58. When the cover 52 is in the closed configuration, the compressible element 58 can contact and compress against the PED 40 to prevent movement of the PED 40, thereby facilitating charging of the PED 40 and / or preventing relative movement between the PED 40 and the vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. Thus, the container 30 can protect the PED 40, for example, by preventing relative movement between the PED 40 and the vehicle 12 and / or by surrounding the PED 40 with multiple walls 32 (e.g., by isolating the PED 40 from the environment surrounding the vehicle 12). In some embodiments, the container 30 can be waterproof (e.g., the container 30 can prevent water from entering the interior of the container 30). The container 30 can accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes and / or can be adjustable to accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes (e.g., the walls 32 can be adjustable).

[0027] In some embodiments, the PED holding device 22 may include a lock 60. The lock 60 can have any of a wide variety of configurations and generally moves between an unlocked configuration (e.g., unlocked position; unlocked state) that allows access to the PED 40 held by the PED holding device 22 and a locked configuration (e.g., locked position; locked state) that prevents access to the PED 40 held by the PED holding device 22. As discussed in more detail below, the lock 60 can be in a locked configuration during a ride cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock 60 is configured to lock the cover 52 to the base 53 of the container 30, and the lock 60 includes two locking elements 64, 66 that engage with each other to keep the cover 52 in a closed configuration. The locking elements 64, 66 can be any suitable type of locking mechanism (e.g., magnetic lock; mechanical fasteners such as latches; electronically activated locks).

[0028] In some embodiments, lock 60 can be manually adjusted by the passenger and / or operator at any time before, during, and after a ride cycle to enable access to PED 40 at any time, including during a ride cycle. However, in other embodiments, lock 60 may be an electronically activated lock that remains in a locked configuration during a ride cycle, thereby preventing the passenger from accessing PED 40 held by container 30 during a ride cycle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, when lock 60 is in the locked configuration, the passenger cannot open container 30 and cannot remove PED 40 from container 30.

[0029] If lock 60 is electronically activated, lock 60 may be part of a locking system 68 (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) locking system) that includes a receiver 70 that receives activation and deactivation signals from a transceiver (e.g., on or around vehicle 12). In operation, when an activation signal is received at receiver 70 (e.g., before a ride cycle), lock 60 can transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. Lock 60 may remain in the locked configuration until a deactivation signal is received at the receiver. Then, when a deactivation signal is received at receiver 70 (e.g., after a ride cycle), lock 60 can transition from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more charging systems 42, 44 and locking system 68 may work together to incentivize passengers to lock PED 40 within container 30, thereby reducing the risk of PED 40 falling from vehicle 12. For example, one or more charging systems 42, 44 may charge the energy storage device of PED 40 only when lock 60 is in a locked configuration. In such a case, locking system 68 may provide feedback (e.g., via a sensor 72 that detects whether lock 60 is in a locked or unlocked configuration) to an electronic controller associated with PED holding system 24 indicating the configuration of lock 60. Upon receiving feedback indicating that lock 60 is in a locked configuration, the electronic controller may direct power to be supplied from power source 48 through one or more charging systems 42, 44 to charge the energy storage component of PED 40. Other variations of this technology are contemplated. For example, in embodiments where lock 60 is absent, charging systems 42, 44 (one or more) may charge the energy storage device of PED 40 only when the housing 52 is in a closed configuration (e.g., as detected by sensors) and / or when PED 40 is detected (e.g., as detected by sensors) to be fully and / or properly positioned within container 30. Thus, passengers who connect PED 40 to the cable 46 of the wired charging system 42 but continue to hold and / or manipulate PED 40 in an unintended manner during a ride cycle will not enjoy the benefit of having their PED 40 charged during the ride cycle. As discussed in more detail below, additionally or alternatively, access to various other features (e.g., camera and / or audio features of PED 40; camera and / or audio features in the environment surrounding the vehicle 12) and / or the functionality of these features may be based on the configuration of housing 52 and / or the position of PED 40 within container 30. Therefore, the PED retention system 24 can incentivize passengers to lock the PED 40 inside the container 30 in any of a variety of ways.

[0031] Figure 3This is a front view of an embodiment of a PED retention system 24 that can be used in passenger vehicle 12. As shown, the PED retention system 24 includes a PED retention device 22 having a tethering assembly 80 (e.g., a strap, net, cord) configured to couple a PED 40 to a cable 46 of a wired charging system 42. As noted above, in some cases, the configuration of the container 30 and / or the connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to retain the PED 40 on passenger vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. However, it may be desirable to have another connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 via the tethering assembly 80 (e.g., in addition to the connection between the connector of the cable 46 and the corresponding connector of the PED 40) to facilitate charging and / or further secure the PED 40 to passenger vehicle 12 during a ride cycle.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the tethering assembly 80 includes: a cable portion 82 coupled to and in contact with cable 46 (and / or a connector located at the end of cable 46); and two PED portions 84 extending from the cable portion 82 to wrap around PED 40. The cable portion 82 may be relatively rigid, while the PED portions 84 may be relatively flexible (e.g., compared to the cable portion 82). Each PED portion 84 may each include a first end coupled to the cable portion 82 and a second end coupled to the cable portion 82 (or to the first end of the corresponding PED portion 84). For example, the first end may be secured to or rigidly fastened to the cable portion 82, while the second end may be removably coupled to the cable portion 82 via a fastener 86 (e.g., a snap, buckle, hook, and loop interface). In operation, a passenger may manually move cable 46 to engage a connector of cable 46 with a corresponding connector of PED 40. The passenger can then wrap the PED portion 84 around the PED 40, and couple the respective second end of each of the PED portions 84 to the cable portion 82. The passenger can adjust (e.g., tighten) the PED portions 84 such that the cable portion 82 and the PED portions 84 substantially drive the cable 46 and PED 40 toward each other to facilitate charging of the PED 40 during the ride cycle and / or secure the PED 40 to the ride vehicle 12 even during portions of the ride cycle in which the ride vehicle 12 moves rapidly, rotates, flips, etc. Therefore, the PED portions 84 can also accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes (e.g., one passenger can use the tethering assembly 80 to hold their PED 40 of a first size, and another passenger can use the tethering assembly 80 to hold their PED 40 of a second size different from the first size). In some embodiments, the fastener 86 may be Figure 2Lock 60 and / or can be used as Figure 2 The lock 60 operates and can therefore be electronically activated to prevent the PED 40 from detaching from the cable 46 and from the vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. In this case, the wired charging system 42 and the lock 60 can work together such that the wired charging system 42 charges the energy storage device of the PED 40 only when the lock 60 is in the locked configuration. Furthermore, the tethering assembly 80 can be positioned relative to the PED 40 to allow the passenger to view at least some portion of the PED 40 (e.g., the display screen) and / or access at least some features of the PED 40 (e.g., the camera features and / or audio features of the PED 40) during a ride cycle.

[0033] The tethering assembly 80 can have any of a wide variety of configurations, but can generally couple to and contact both cable 46 and PED 40. For example, the tethering assembly 80 can include any number of cable portions 82 and PED portions 84. In some embodiments, the tethering assembly 80 can be a mesh extending from cable 46 to wrap around PED 40 to prevent movement of cable 46 relative to PED 40. It should be appreciated that the tethering assembly 80 can also include resilient portions (e.g., PED portions 84) that can extend to wrap around PED 40 to prevent relative movement between cable 46 and PED 40. It should also be appreciated that the tethering assembly 80 can be coupled to containers (such as...) Figure 2 The container 30 is used in conjunction with the PED 40. For example, the container 30 can hold the PED 40, and the tethering assembly 80 can be used to enhance the connection between the cable 46 and the PED 40. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the tethering assembly 80 can be configured, for example, by means of components surrounding the wireless charging system 44 ( Figure 2 The component is wound around PED 40 to couple it to PED 40.

[0034] Figure 4This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a PED holding system 24 that can be used in a passenger vehicle 12. As shown, the PED holding device 22 includes a container 30 with an opening 88 that allows a passenger to view at least a portion of the PED 40 (e.g., a display screen) and / or access at least some features of the PED 40 (e.g., camera features and / or audio features of the PED 40). In some embodiments, the opening 88 may be an open space between the walls 32 of the container 30, and the opening 88 may allow a passenger to touch the PED 40 when it is inside the container 30. However, in some embodiments, the opening 88 may be a window (e.g., a transparent component) positioned between the walls 32 of the container 30 (e.g., opaque walls) to cover the PED 40 when it is inside the container 30. In such a scenario, a passenger may not be able to touch PED 40 while it is inside container 30, but may still be able to view at least a portion of PED 40 and / or access at least some features of PED 40 through opening 88 (e.g., the lens of PED 40's camera may be able to obtain an image through opening 88). It should also be appreciated that opening 88 can be any of a wide variety of configurations, including any of a wide variety of sizes and locations.

[0035] The walls 32 of container 30 may extend outward (e.g., toward the passenger) from the surface 34 of the vehicle 12 and / or may bend inward (e.g., toward each other). Therefore, the walls 32 can prevent the PED 40 from moving laterally (e.g., left-right) relative to container 30 and from moving longitudinally (e.g., back-and-forth) relative to container 30. As shown, the PED 40 may also be supported by and rest upon one of the walls 32 forming the bottom of container 30. In some embodiments, container 30 may be connected to at least one charging system (such as wired charging system 42 and / or wireless charging system 44). Figure 2 Associated with this, the charging system is configured to charge the PED 40 when it is located within the container 30. The container 30 may accommodate PED 40 of different sizes, and / or may be adjustable to accommodate PED 40 of different sizes (e.g., the wall 32 may be adjustable).

[0036] In some embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be stationary, move slowly in place, or slowly traverse the travel path 14. In some such cases, the configuration of the container 30 and / or the connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to maintain the PED 40 within the container 30 and on the vehicle 12 during a travel cycle. In some such cases, the PED 40 may be kept substantially stationary within the container 30 or otherwise held within the container 30 in a location that allows the wireless charging system 44 to charge the PED 40 during a travel cycle.

[0037] However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to use, for example, a cover 52 to further secure the PED 40 within the container 30. Similar to... Figure 2 The mask 52, Figure 4 The cover 52 includes a hinged cover that, as indicated by arrow 54, pivots from an open configuration to a closed configuration relative to the base 53 of the container 30 to enclose the PED 40 within the container 30. The cover 52 can be manually adjusted to a closed configuration by a passenger and / or by an operator, or the cover 52 can be adjusted to a closed configuration electronically via an actuator controlled by an electronic controller (e.g., prior to a ride cycle). The cover 52 may include a rigid element 56 and / or a compressible element 58. When the cover 52 is in the closed configuration, the compressible element 58 can contact and compress against the PED 40 to prevent vertical movement (e.g., up and down) of the PED 40 relative to the container 30, thereby facilitating charging of the PED 40 and / or further securing the PED 40 to the ride vehicle 12. Preventing movement of PED 40 relative to container 30 (and therefore relative to vehicle 12) can also facilitate viewing images (including streaming video) on the screen of PED 40 and / or using certain features of PED 40 (e.g., the camera of PED 40).

[0038] It should be appreciated that container 30 may include additional compressible elements that contact and compress against other surfaces of PED 40 to help prevent vertical, lateral, and / or longitudinal movement of PED 40 relative to container 30. Container 30 may also include Figure 2 The lock 60 can be electronically activated to prevent the cover 52 from separating from the base 53 and to prevent the PED 40 from separating from the cable 46 and from the vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. In this case, the charging systems 42, 44 and the lock 60 can work together such that the charging systems 42, 44 charge the energy storage device of the PED 40 only when the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0039] In operation, the passenger can position the PED 40 within the container 30, for example, by lowering the PED 40 into the container 30 in the direction of arrow 89. The passenger (or operator) can manually couple the connector of cable 46 to the corresponding connector of the PED 40, or can otherwise couple the PED 40 to the wired charging system 42 or the wireless charging system 44. Figure 2 Passengers (or operators) can close the cover 52 and lock it to the base 53 of the container 30 via the lock 60. However, in some embodiments, the cover 52 can be adjusted to a closed configuration, and / or the lock 60 can be adjusted to a locked configuration via instructions from an electronic controller. The cover 52 and the lock 60 can remain in these configurations during a ride cycle.

[0040] Even when PED 40 is held and / or locked within container 30, passengers can view at least a portion of PED 40 and / or access at least some features of PED 40 via opening 88. For example, passengers can view the screen of PED 40, enabling them to view pop-up notifications (e.g., text messages or social media messages), images displayed on the screen (e.g., images captured by the camera of PED 40), information related to the currently playing audio track (e.g., via the speaker of PED 40), and / or any other information that may be desired to be displayed on the screen of PED 40. Passengers may be able to touch PED 40 to interact with it to type and send text messages, operate the camera of PED 40, select an audio track to play during the ride loop, and / or use PED 40 to perform any of a variety of other operations. For example, while riding in vehicle 12 along ride path 14, passengers can operate the camera of PED 40 to take photos and / or record their own videos. For example, photos and / or videos can be stored locally on the PED 40, and / or videos can be streamed (e.g., live streaming) via a network (e.g., cellular network or other wireless network).

[0041] In some embodiments, certain features of PED 40 and / or the use of PED 40 (e.g., camera features and / or audio features) may be available to the passenger only when lock 60 is in a locked configuration. For example, a passenger may be incentivized to run a software application on PED 40 during a ride cycle (e.g., due to various features of the software application, such as features that enable the passenger to play games during a ride cycle or otherwise view unavailable information or media on the screen of PED 40 during a ride cycle), and the application may enable the use of the camera on PED 40 and / or access to the audio track only when lock 60 is in a locked configuration. In some cases, a software application may make certain of its features (e.g., game features, media) available on PED 40 only when lock 60 is in a locked configuration. Features of PED 40 (e.g., camera features and / or audio features) may be automatically activated when lock 60 is in a locked configuration (e.g., in the absence of passenger input). For example, when lock 60 is in the locked configuration, the software application on PED 40 can enable PED 40 to automatically take photos and / or record videos (e.g., during and / or at certain parts of a ride cycle).

[0042] Ideally, the PED holding device 22 could be adjusted to enable multiple different viewing orientations for the camera functions of the PED 40. Therefore, Figure 5 It is possible Figure 1 A front view of an embodiment of the PED holding system 24 used in the riding system, wherein the PED holding device 22 is adjustable to enable multiple different viewing directions for the camera function of the PED 40. The PED holding device 22 can have any of a variety of configurations, but may include those with... Figure 4The container 30 is similar to and mounted on an adjustable arm 90 (e.g., a rotatable arm, a flexible arm, a telescopic arm). The container 30 can accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes and / or can be adjustable to accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes. The adjustable arm 90 can be mounted to or supported on the surface 34 of the vehicle 12. The adjustable arm 90 can have any number of degrees of freedom to change the position and / or angle of the camera relative to the vehicle 12, but in some embodiments, the adjustable arm 90 can rotate at least as indicated by arrow 92. The adjustable arm 90 can additionally or alternatively move vertically as indicated by arrow 94. The adjustable arm 90 can additionally or alternatively move longitudinally (e.g., back and forth; toward and away from the passenger) and / or laterally (e.g., left and right). Such movement enables the camera of the PED 40 to capture images of the passenger, adjacent passengers, and / or the environment surrounding the vehicle 12. For example, when the vehicle 12 is climbing the hill of the riding path 14, the passenger may expect the PED 40 to be oriented to capture an image (e.g., a video image) of the front of the vehicle 12, and when the vehicle 12 is descending the hill of the riding path 14, the passenger may expect the PED 40 to be oriented to capture an image of the passenger.

[0043] In some embodiments, a passenger may manually adjust the adjustable arm 90 by touching and applying force to it. Alternatively, the passenger may adjust the adjustable arm 90 using an input device 100 of the vehicle 12 (e.g., a touchscreen, control panel, joystick). As discussed in more detail below, the PED 40 may be communicatively coupled to the vehicle 12 and / or the riding system 10 (e.g., via a wired charging system 42, a wireless charging system 44, or another suitable wired or wireless communication system). Thus, in some embodiments, a passenger may use the PED 40 to adjust the adjustable arm 90. For example, the passenger may view a virtual control panel 102 on the screen of the PED 40, and touching the virtual control panel 102 may cause movement of the adjustable arm 90.

[0044] In some embodiments, the movement of the adjustable arm 90 can be pre-programmed prior to the ride cycle. For example, the adjustable arm 90 can be configured to move between first positions that orient the PED 40 (e.g., at a first camera position and / or at a first camera angle) to capture images of the front of the vehicle 12 during some portions of the ride cycle, and orient the PED 40 (e.g., at a second camera position and / or angle) to capture images of the passenger during other portions of the ride cycle. In this way, the PED holding system 24 facilitates the generation of more interesting and pleasant images even in the absence of any input from the passenger during the ride cycle (e.g., when the passenger does not touch the PED 40 during the ride cycle). Consequently, the images may also have better quality because the images may not show the passenger moving their hand to touch the PED 40 or to adjust the adjustable arm 90. The movement of the adjustable arm 90 can be pre-programmed so that the adjustable arm 90 moves in the same manner during each ride cycle, or multiple different movement sequences can be pre-programmed so that the adjustable arm 90 moves in different manner during different ride cycles. Therefore, a passenger may receive different images each time they experience a ride. In some embodiments, a passenger may be able to select one of several different movement sequences or otherwise provide input related to their preference for movement of the adjustable arm 90 before riding (e.g., at any time before riding via PED 40), before or within the queue for riding, and / or via the input device 100 of the vehicle 12. For example, a passenger may provide input to restrict movement of the adjustable arm 90 such that the camera of PED 40 does not capture an image of the seat on one side of the passenger (e.g., another passenger not traveling with that passenger), and / or a passenger may provide input to cause movement of the adjustable arm 90 such that the camera of PED 40 captures an image of the seat on the other side of the passenger (e.g., another passenger traveling with that passenger).

[0045] It should be realized that Figure 5 The container 30 can be used with the cover 52 and / or the lock 60. In some such cases, one or more charging systems 42, 44 and the lock 60 can work together such that the charging systems 42, 44 charge the energy storage device of the PED 40 only when the lock 60 is in the locked configuration. Furthermore, certain features and / or uses of the PED 40 may be available to passengers only when the lock 60 is in the locked configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustable arm 90 may be movable only when the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0046] The PED holding device 22 also allows passengers to access the PED 40 to select and / or play audio tracks during a ride cycle. Audio tracks can be played via speakers on the PED 40. As discussed in more detail below, the PED 40 can be communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle 12 and / or the ride system 10 (e.g., via a wired charging system 42, a wireless charging system 44, or some other suitable wired or wireless communication system). Therefore, in some embodiments, the audio track selected by the passenger using the PED 40 can be played via speakers 104 of the ride vehicle 12 and / or via speakers surrounding the ride vehicle 12. Furthermore, audio tracks can be selected from a storage device stored in the PED 40, from a remote storage device capable of streaming via a wireless network, and / or from a ride storage device stored in the ride system 10 (e.g., on the ride vehicle 12). Because of communication between PED 40 and the riding system 10, audio tracks stored in the riding storage device can be displayed on the screen of PED 40. In this way, passengers can customize their experience while riding in the riding vehicle 12. In some embodiments, certain audio features (e.g., the ability to view audio tracks stored in the riding system 10 and / or the ability to play audio tracks selected via PED 40 on the vehicle's speakers 104 and / or speakers surrounding the environment of the riding vehicle 12) may be available to passengers only when the lock 60 is in a locked configuration.

[0047] As noted above, PED 40 can communicate with ride system 10. In some cases, PED holding system 24 can facilitate this communication between PED 40 and ride system 10 (e.g., via wired charging system 42 or wireless charging system 44), and / or can locate PED 40 to facilitate passenger use of PED 40 during ride cycles. Considering the foregoing, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a ride system 10, which has a ride control system 110 that enables communication between the passenger's PED 40 and other components of the ride system 10.

[0048] As shown, the PED holding device 22 holds the PED 40 on the vehicle 12. The PED 40 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wired charging system 42, a wireless charging system 44, or via another wired or wireless communication system) to a vehicle controller 112 (e.g., an electronic controller) located on the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 may additionally or alternatively include an input device 100, a speaker 104, and / or a display screen 114 (e.g., a touchscreen). In some embodiments, some or all of these components on the vehicle 12 may mirror or effectively replace / act as components of the PED 40 during a ride cycle. For example, the display screen 114 may be positioned adjacent to or on the container 30 (e.g., on the cover 52 of the container 30). In response to the lock 60 being in a locked configuration or at some other time, the display screen 114 may mirror the screen of the PED 40 such that the display screen 114 appears to be the screen of the PED 40. Alternatively, icons, images (e.g., stored on PED 40), audio tracks (e.g., stored on PED 40), etc., that may otherwise be displayed on the screen of PED 40, can be displayed on display screen 114. For example, during a ride cycle, the passenger can then interact with display screen 114 to select an audio track to be played via speaker 104 or to implement any of the other techniques disclosed herein. Advantageously, this can make the passenger feel as if he or she is interacting with their own PED 40 and can provide an interface that is comfortable or familiar to the passenger.

[0049] It should be recognized that the vehicle controller 112 can implement various disclosed operations based on the configuration of lock 60 (e.g., from sensor 72 [ Figure 1 Upon receiving feedback, the vehicle controller 112 can instruct the power supply 48[ Figure 1 [Power is delivered to charge the energy storage components of PED 40]. The vehicle controller 112 can also communicate with the ride environment controller 118 (e.g., an electronic controller) (e.g., via a wireless network 116), which is configured to control various performance effects 120 (e.g., performance elements, such as lighting or animated figures) in the environment surrounding the vehicle 12 as the vehicle travels along the ride path 14. Figure 1One or more performance effects 16). The ride environment controller 118 may also be configured to direct the display of information (e.g., images) on the ride facility display screen 122 and / or the playback of audio via the ride facility speaker 124. The ride facility display screen 122 and / or the ride facility speaker 124 may be located in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. For example, the ride facility display screen 122 may be located near the end of the ride path 14, or at the exit of a attraction (e.g., next to an exit door), or in an operating room designated for use by the operator of the ride facility. As another example, the ride facility speaker 124 may be located in a section of the ride facility 12 along the ride path 14.

[0050] In operation, PED 40 can work with components of the riding system 10 to enhance the passenger experience. For example, PED holding system 24 can enable passengers to operate the camera of PED 40 as the riding vehicle 12 travels along the riding path 14, or enable the camera of PED 40 to otherwise capture images as the riding vehicle 12 travels along the riding path 14. Passengers can view images captured by the camera of PED 40 on the screen of PED 40, on the display screen 114 of the riding vehicle 12, on the riding facility display screen 122, and / or on any other screen communicatively coupled to the riding system 10. For example, PED 40 can capture images of passengers as the riding vehicle 12 descends from the hill of the riding path 14, and the images can be displayed on the display screen 114 of the riding vehicle 12 and / or on the riding facility display screen 122 located at the exit of the riding facility, so that passengers can view the images on a larger display screen (e.g., the riding facility display screen 122 in contrast to the screen of PED 40). In some embodiments, PED 40 may capture an image of one of the performance effects 120, and the image may be displayed on the seating facility display screen 122 in the control room so that the operator can see the performance effect 120 (e.g., see whether the performance effect 120 is working properly or not).

[0051] In some embodiments, the PED holding system 24 allows passengers to interact with the PED 40 to select audio tracks for playback as the vehicle 12 travels along the riding path 14. Audio tracks can be played via speakers on the PED 40, speakers 104 on the vehicle 12, and / or speakers 124 on the riding facility. Furthermore, audio tracks can be selected from audio tracks stored in a storage device on the PED 40, from audio tracks stored in a remote storage device that has left the vehicle 12 and can be streamed via a wireless network (e.g., network 116), and / or from audio tracks stored in a riding storage device located on the vehicle 12. For example, due to communication between the PED 40 and the riding system 10, audio tracks stored in the riding storage device can be displayed on the screen of the PED 40 for passenger selection.

[0052] Various other functions may be implemented via communication between PED 40 and the riding system 10. For example, the PED holding system 24 may include an adjustable arm 90, and in such a case, the passenger may control the movement of the adjustable arm 90 via inputs at, for example, PED 40, input device 100, and / or display screen 114. Furthermore, PED 40 may be used to display any information typically displayed on display screen 114. Thus, in some cases, PED 40 may act as the display screen 114 of the riding vehicle 12 (e.g., in place of display screen 114), or may act as a replica display screen, allowing the passenger to view information on both the screen of PED 40 and the display screen 114 of the riding vehicle 12. Various displays and screens can be configured based on user preferences and / or available devices. For example, one passenger may not have a PED 40 and may view information on the display screen 114 of the vehicle 12, another passenger may view information on the display screen 114 which mirrors the screen of the PED 40, another passenger may view information only on the screen of the PED 40, and yet another passenger may view information on both the screen of the PED 40 and the display screen 114 of the vehicle 12.

[0053] The PED holding system 24 can also enable passengers to interact with other features of the ride system 10 and / or control the performance effects 120 during ride cycles (e.g., as the ride vehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14). For example, a software application on the PED 40 can allow passengers to play games related to the ride system 10 (e.g., answering trivia questions) during ride cycles to enhance the experience. As another example, when communication between the PED 40 and the ride environment controller 118 is initiated (e.g., via the ride vehicle controller 112 and / or via network 116), a software application on the PED 40 can enable passengers to provide input via the PED 40 to control the performance effects 120. Passengers can provide input to illuminate lights along the ride path 14, activate animated characters, or otherwise change the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12 during ride cycles (e.g., water effects, smoke effects, moving walls). It should be recognized that the riding system 10 can also enable passengers to control effects on the riding vehicle 12 (e.g., lights on the riding vehicle 12), control the movement of the riding vehicle 12 (e.g., steering, speed), and / or otherwise influence other aspects of the riding experience via input at PED 40.

[0054] Because of the communication between PED 40 and the ride system 10, the ride system 10 can acquire passenger information that can enhance the passenger experience. For example, the ride system 10 can obtain information about the passenger's preferred language from PED 40 (e.g., settings on PED 40), and the ride system 10 can then provide communication in the passenger's preferred language (e.g., text on the screen of PED 40, display screen 114, or ride facility display screen 122). It should be appreciated that the communication and / or associated functionality between PED 40 and the ride system 10 (e.g., selecting an audio track on PED 40 to play via ride facility speaker 124, using PED 40 to control performance effects 120) may only be available when lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0055] As shown, the vehicle controller 112 may include a memory device 130 and a processor 132, which enable the vehicle controller 112 to control (e.g., via control signals) components of the vehicle 12, including the adjustable arm 90 of the PED holding system 24. The ride environment controller 118 may include a memory device 134 and a processor 136, which enable the ride environment controller 118 to control (e.g., via control signals) performance effects 120 and other components of the ride system 10. The vehicle controller 112 may include a communication component 138, and the ride environment controller 118 may also include a communication component 140. The communication components 138 and 140 enable communication between the vehicle controller 112 and the ride environment controller 118 via a network 116. Communication components 138 and 140 may additionally or alternatively be able to communicate with PED 40 via network 116 (e.g., PED 40 may wirelessly communicate with vehicle controller 112 and / or ride environment controller 118). For example, a passenger may provide input via PED 40 to instruct the activation of one of the performance effects 120, and this input may be wirelessly transmitted from PED 40 to ride environment controller 118 via network 116.

[0056] One or more vehicle cameras 142 may be provided on the vehicle 12 (e.g., traveling with the vehicle 12), and / or one or more vehicle cameras 144 may be provided in the environment surrounding the vehicle 12. Images acquired by the vehicle cameras 142 and / or vehicle cameras 144 may be transmitted to the PED 40 (e.g., via a wired charging system 42, a wireless charging system 44, or another suitable wired or wireless communication system) and may be displayed on the screen of the PED 40. In some cases, in response to the PED 40 being locked within the container 30, certain functions associated with the vehicle cameras 142 and / or vehicle cameras 144 may be made available to passengers. For example, vehicle camera 142 and / or vehicle camera 144 may acquire images of the passenger only when the passenger experiences a ride while the PED 40 is locked inside the container 30, and / or any images acquired by vehicle camera 142 and / or vehicle camera 144 may be provided to the passenger only while the PED 40 is locked inside the container 30 (e.g., provided to the PED 40 for display on the PED 40). Other similar technologies are contemplated to incentivize passengers to lock the PED 40 inside the container 30. For example, if the PED 40 is locked inside the container 30 during a ride cycle, the passenger may be able to purchase or download any images acquired by vehicle camera 142 and / or vehicle camera 144 at a discount.

[0057] Memory devices 130 and 134 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions executable by processors 132 and 136 and / or data (e.g., thresholds) to be processed by processors 132 and 136. For example, memory devices 130 and 134 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), hard disk drive, optical disk drive, and / or the like. Additionally, processors 132 and 136 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, memory devices 130 and 134 may store instructions executable by processors 132 and 136 to perform the methods and control actions described herein for riding system 10.

[0058] It should be realized that Figure 6 The ride control system 110 described herein is merely exemplary, and various other configurations can be utilized to implement the techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the various functions described herein can be partitioned in any suitable manner among the ride vehicle controller 112, the ride environment controller 118, and / or one or more other processing devices (e.g., the processor of PED 40). Additionally, it should be appreciated that references... Figure 1-6 The various features and elements shown and described can be combined or interchanged with each other.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of method 150 using the PED holding system 24 in the ride system 10. Method 150 disclosed herein includes various steps indicated by blocks. It should be noted that at least some steps of method 150 can be implemented as an automated procedure by a system such as the ride system 10. Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps can be performed in any suitable order, and, where appropriate, some steps can be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, steps can be added to or omitted from method 150. Moreover, certain steps or portions of method 150 can be implemented by separate devices. For example, a first portion of method 150 can be implemented by the processor 132 of the ride vehicle controller 112, while a second portion of method 150 can be implemented by the processor 136 of the ride environment controller 118.

[0060] In step 152, method 150 may begin by receiving or engaging with PED 40 from PED retention system 24. For example, a passenger may place PED 40 within container 30 and / or couple PED 40 to wired charging system 42. In step 154, lock 60 of PED retention system 24 may be adjusted from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to prevent access to PED 40 and / or prevent PED 40 from being detached from vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. In step 156, charging systems 42, 44(of) of PED retention system 24 may charge the energy storage component of PED 40. In some embodiments, charging systems 42, 44(of) may charge the energy storage component of PED 40 in response to lock 60 being in a locked configuration.

[0061] In step 158, the camera of PED 40 can be used to acquire images during the ride cycle. In some embodiments, the camera may be accessible to passengers and / or operable in response to lock 60 being in a locked configuration. In step 160, PED 40 can be used to select and / or play audio tracks during the ride cycle. In some embodiments, the selection and / or playback functionality may be made available in response to lock 60 being in a locked configuration. In step 162, PED 40 can be used to control features of the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., adjustable arm 90, movement of the ride vehicle 12) and / or features of the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., performance effects 120). In some embodiments, PED 40 may be operable to control such features in response to lock 60 being in a locked configuration.

[0062] While only certain features of the present embodiments 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.

[0063] The techniques proposed and claimed herein are referenced and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of practical nature, which arguably improve upon the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [implementing]…[function]” or “step for [implementing]…[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are intended not to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A riding system, comprising: A personal electronic device (PED) retention system for use in transportation, wherein the PED retention system includes: A lock configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock the passenger's PED to the vehicle during a ride cycle; and A charging system configured to charge the energy storage component of the PED during the ride cycle, wherein the PED holding system is configured to enable features of software applications on the PED in response to the PED being locked to the vehicle via the lock.

2. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The PED retention system includes a container configured to contain the PED during the ride cycle.

3. The riding system according to claim 2, wherein, The PED holding system includes a compressible material configured to contact the PED when it is contained within the container and to prevent movement of the PED relative to the container.

4. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The charging system is configured to charge the energy storage component of the PED in response to the PED being locked to the vehicle via the lock.

5. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The charging system includes a wired charging system, which includes a cable having a connector configured to connect to a corresponding connector of the PED.

6. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The charging system includes a wireless charging system configured to wirelessly charge the energy storage component of the PED.

7. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The PED holding system includes: an adjustable arm configured to move during the ride cycle to adjust the position of the PED relative to the frame of the vehicle; and an electronic controller configured to control the adjustable arm to move during the ride cycle to adjust the position of the PED relative to the frame of the vehicle.

8. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The PED holding system is configured to enable the use of the PED camera during the ride cycle.

9. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The PED holding system includes an opening that allows the passenger to view the PED's display screen when the PED is locked to the vehicle via the lock.

10. The riding system of claim 1, comprising a camera on or around the vehicle, wherein, In response to the PED locking to the vehicle via the lock, the functions associated with the camera become available to the passenger.

11. The riding system according to claim 1, comprising a riding vehicle display screen on the riding vehicle, wherein, The vehicle display screen is configured to mirror the display screen of the PED when the PED is locked to the vehicle via the lock.

12. The riding system of claim 1, further comprising a riding control system configured to communicatively couple to the PED, wherein, The ride control system is configured such that input from the passenger at the PED can influence the performance effect in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle during the ride cycle.

13. The riding system according to claim 12, wherein, The ride control system is configured such that input from the passenger at the PED can affect the performance effect in response to the PED locking onto the vehicle via the lock.

14. A personal electronic device (PED) retention system for use in a vehicle, wherein, The PED holding system includes: A container configured to contain the PED of the passenger of the vehicle during a ride cycle, wherein the container enables the passenger to access the camera function of the PED during the ride cycle; A charging system configured to charge the energy storage component of the PED during the ride cycle, while the PED is contained within the container; and A lock, configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock the PED within the container, wherein the PED holding system is configured to enable software application features in response to the PED being locked within the container via the lock.

15. The PED holding system according to claim 14, wherein, The charging system is configured to charge the energy storage component of the PED in response to the PED being locked inside the container via the lock.

16. The PED holding system of claim 14, comprising an adjustable arm coupled to the container, wherein, The adjustable arm is configured to move during the ride cycle to adjust the position of the container and the PED relative to the frame of the ride vehicle.

17. A method for operating a personal electronic device (PED) retention system during a travel cycle, wherein, The method includes: In response to the PED being locked to the vehicle via the lock of the PED holding system, the charging system of the PED holding system is used to charge the energy storage component of the PED during the riding cycle; and The feature that enables software applications on the PED to be implemented in response to the PED being locked to the vehicle via the lock.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising enabling access to a camera of the PED during the ride cycle in response to the PED being locked to the vehicle via the lock.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising using an electronic controller to receive input via the PED and controlling features of the vehicle or features of performance effects in the environment surrounding the vehicle based on the input.

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