System and method for tracking vehicles in parking structures and intersections

Abstract

The present application relates to systems and methods for tracking vehicles in parking structures and intersections. A dynamic signal-to-noise ratio tracking system enables detection of vehicles within a field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system can include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automation as a result of this evaluation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of national patent application number 201580039470.1, which was filed on May 21, 2015, and is entitled "System and method for tracking vehicles in parking lot structures and intersections".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 001,551, filed May 21, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Technology

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to the field of tracking systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for enabling tracking of elements in various situations via a dynamic signal-to-noise ratio tracking system.

[0005] Tracking systems have been widely used to track the movement, position, orientation, distance, and other aspects of objects in a wide variety of situations. Such existing tracking systems generally consist of a transmitter that emits electromagnetic energy and a detector configured to detect the electromagnetic energy (sometimes after it has been reflected away from the object). It is now recognized that conventional tracking systems have certain drawbacks, and improved tracking systems are desirable for use in a variety of situations, including amusement park attractions, workplace surveillance, sports, fireworks displays, factory floor management, robotics, security systems, parking and transportation, and others. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle traffic control system may include: a transmitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation into a detection area; a detector configured to detect reflected electromagnetic radiation caused by the reflected electromagnetic radiation from a reflective element within the detection area; and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the transmitter and the detector. The control circuitry is configured to monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by the detector and to evaluate information relating to one or more vehicles within the detection area based on the monitored reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system also includes an automation device communicatively coupled to the control circuitry and configured to provide user-perceptible indications relating to one or more vehicles within the detection area. The control circuitry is configured to cause the automation device to provide specific user-perceptible indications based on the evaluated information relating to the one or more vehicles.

[0007] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for tracking and controlling the movement of a vehicle includes: filling a detection area with electromagnetic radiation using a transmitter, wherein the detection area corresponds to a portion of a parking structure or a vehicle path; using a detector to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected from within the detection area; using control circuitry communicatively coupled to at least the detector to monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation to assess information relating to one or more vehicles within the detection area; and using the control circuitry to control an automation device to influence the movement of the vehicle within the detection area, based at least in part on the assessed vehicle information.

[0008] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a vehicle traffic control system includes: control circuitry configured to monitor reflected electromagnetic radiation and associate the reflected electromagnetic radiation with a reflecting element within a detection area; identify changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation and associate the identified changes with vehicle information; evaluate the vehicle information to determine vehicle movement, vehicle size, vehicle shape, vehicle position, or a combination thereof; and control automation devices to provide a display or output associated with the vehicle movement within the detection area, or the vehicle position, or both, based at least in part on the evaluated vehicle information. Attached Figure Description

[0009] 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 are used throughout the figures to denote the same parts, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a tracking system that uses a dynamic signal-to-noise ratio device to track an object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another tracking system that uses a dynamic signal-to-noise ratio device to track an object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 It is a method of tracking echo markers on a person according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tracking system;

[0013] Figure 4 According to embodiments of this disclosure, the tracking of the position and movement of a person or object in space and time is achieved by... Figure 1 A schematic representation of the analysis performed by the tracking system;

[0014] Figure 5 It is an embodiment of the present disclosure having for use via Figure 1 A tracking system that uses a grid pattern of retroreflected markers to track the location of people in a room (top view of the room);

[0015] Figure 6 This refers to tracking a person without tracking the movement of the echo marker or obstruction of the echo marker, according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 An elevation view of the tracking system;

[0016] Figure 7 It is an embodiment of the present disclosure having a device installed on the walls and floor of a room for use via Figure 1 A tracking system that uses a grid pattern of retroreflected markers to track the positions of people and objects within a room; a side view of the room.

[0017] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure with different coatings so that different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation can be directed towards... Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the retroreflected markers reflected back by the detector of the tracking system;

[0018] Figures 9A-9C depict embodiments of the present disclosure in which one of the embodiments may be derived from... Figure 1 The tracking system tracks objects in three spatial dimensions;

[0019] Figure 10 The figure illustrates the use of an embodiment according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for using a tracking system to track reflections and control amusement park components based on the tracked reflections;

[0020] Figure 11 The figure illustrates the use of an embodiment according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a tracking system for tracking reflections to assess vehicle information and a method for controlling amusement park components based on the assessed information;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an amusement park area according to embodiments of the present disclosure, which utilizes a tracking system to monitor vehicle information at intersections and parking structures and controls amusement park components based on the vehicle information to influence vehicle movement and position.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a top view of an embodiment of a road intersection and a tracking system that can be integrated into the intersection to control traffic, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 14 Integration with, according to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 13 An expanded view of the tracking system in the streetlights associated with the intersection;

[0024] Figure 15A top view of a tracking system integrated into an entrance system for controlling vehicles to an open-air parking lot or a garage parking lot, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a parking advisory system that utilizes a tracking system to assess information about vehicles and provides parking recommendations based on that assessment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a garage traffic control system according to embodiments of the present disclosure, which uses a tracking system to assess the movement of vehicles through a garage parking structure and provides visual instructions to drivers within the parking structure based on the assessment.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a vehicle assistance system according to embodiments of the present disclosure, which utilizes multiple tracking systems to assess whether certain parking spaces are occupied and assists drivers in parking their vehicles in the parking spaces.

[0028] Figure 19 A top view of a parking space with a retroreflective marker positioned close to the dividing line of the parking space, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, so that the tracking system can assess the position of a vehicle within the parking space;

[0029] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a vehicle assistance system within a garage parking structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which utilizes a tracking system to assess whether guests can request assistance with their vehicles.

[0030] Figure 21 According to embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of retroreflective markers are provided to enable... Figure 20 The tracking system can assess whether guests are using the signal-assisted transportation tag's unfolded view; and

[0031] Figure 22 This is a top view of an amusement park traffic control system within an attraction area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which utilizes multiple tracking systems to assess the location of guests and / or service vehicles and controls access to various pathways based on the assessed location. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Generally, tracking systems can use various inputs from the surrounding environment to track certain objects. The source of the input can, for example, depend on the type of tracking being performed and the capabilities of the tracking system. For instance, a tracking system can use sensors positioned in the environment to actively generate outputs that are received by a main controller. The controller can then process the generated outputs to determine certain information used for tracking. An example of such tracking may include tracking the movement of an object to which the tracking sensors are fixed. Such systems may also utilize one or more devices used to bathe a certain area with electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields, etc., where the electromagnetic radiation or magnetic field is used as a reference, against which the controller compares the sensor outputs. As can be appreciated, such active systems, if implemented to track many objects or even people, can be quite expensive to implement and processor-intensive for the main controller of the tracking system.

[0033] Other tracking systems (such as some passive tracking systems) can perform tracking without the need for a light source. For example, some tracking systems can use one or more cameras to obtain the outline or a rough skeletal estimate of an object, person, etc. However, in situations where background lighting may be strong, such as outdoors on a hot and sunny day, the accuracy of such systems may be reduced due to varying degrees of noise received by the detectors of the passive tracking system.

[0034] In light of the foregoing, it is now recognized that traditional tracking systems have certain drawbacks, and there is a desire for improved tracking systems for use in a variety of scenarios, including amusement park attractions, workplace surveillance, motion and security systems, and others. For example, it is now recognized that improved tracking systems can be used to enhance operations in various amusement park environments and other entertainment attractions.

[0035] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a dynamic signal-to-noise ratio tracking system uses emitted electromagnetic radiation and (in some embodiments) retroreflection to enable the detection of markers and / or objects within the field of view of the tracking system. The disclosed tracking system may include: a transmitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within the field of view; a sensing device configured to detect electromagnetic radiation retroreflected from an object within the field of view; and a controller configured to perform various processing and analysis routines, including interpreting signals from the sensing device and controlling automated equipment based on the position of the detected object or marker. The disclosed tracking system may also be configured to simultaneously track multiple different objects (using the same emission and detection features). In some embodiments, the tracking system tracks the position of a retroreflection marker placed on an object to estimate the object's position. As used herein, a retroreflection marker is a reflective marker designed to approximately reflect electromagnetic radiation back in the direction from which it is emitted. More specifically, according to the retroreflection marker used in this disclosure, when illuminated, it reflects electromagnetic radiation back towards the emission source within a narrow cone. Conversely, some other reflective materials (such as luminescent materials) can undergo diffuse reflection, in which electromagnetic radiation is reflected in many directions. Furthermore, mirrors that also reflect electromagnetic radiation typically do not experience retroreflection. Instead, mirrors undergo specular reflection, in which electromagnetic radiation incident on the mirror (e.g., light such as infrared, ultraviolet, visible, or radio waves) is reflected (away from the source) at equal but opposite angles.

[0036] The reflective materials used in the embodiments described below are readily available from many commercial sources. One example includes reflective tape, which can be suitable for many different objects (e.g., environmental features, clothing items, toys). Due to the manner in which such markings are used in combination with the detector 16 used according to this disclosure, the reflective markings cannot be eroded by sunlight or even in the presence of other emitters emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths overlapping with the wavelength of interest. Therefore, the disclosed tracking system can be more reliable than existing optical tracking systems, especially in outdoor environments and in the presence of other electromagnetic emission sources.

[0037] While this disclosure is applicable to many different scenarios, the embodiments disclosed herein (among others) pertain to various aspects of controlling amusement park equipment (e.g., automated equipment) based on information obtained from such dynamic signal-to-noise ratio tracking systems. Indeed, it is recognized that reliable and efficient amusement park operations can be performed using the disclosed tracking system, even in the presence of numerous moving objects, guests, employees, sounds, lights, etc., which can additionally create high levels of noise for other tracking systems.

[0038] In some aspects of this disclosure, the control system of an amusement park (e.g., a control system associated with a specific area of ​​the amusement park, such as rides) can use information obtained from a dynamic signal-to-noise ratio tracking system to monitor and evaluate information about vehicles (e.g., guest vehicles, service vehicles) in that area to determine whether certain automated processes can be triggered or otherwise permitted. The evaluated information about vehicles in the amusement park may include, for example, the location, movement, size, or other information about one or more vehicles in a parking structure, at an intersection, or within an attraction area of ​​the amusement park. By way of non-limiting example, this information may be evaluated to determine whether a vehicle has an appropriate size and shape for a parking space, whether parking of a vehicle within certain parking structures is authorized to facilitate movement throughout the parking structure, to provide parking space recommendations, and so on.

[0039] As a result of performing such assessments, the control system may generate control signals or other outputs that cause an automated device in the guest attraction area (or other areas of the amusement park) to perform a specific function. Functions performed by the automated device may include, for example, automatically opening and closing entrance doors, illuminating lights for vehicle drivers as warnings or similar indicators, and similar actions.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 This can help to better understand certain aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 The general diagram illustrates one of the ways in which a dynamic signal-to-noise ratio tracking system 10 (hereinafter referred to as "tracking system 10") can be integrated with amusement park equipment 12 according to this embodiment. As illustrated, the tracking system 10 includes a transmitter 14 (which may be all or part of a transmitting subsystem having one or more transmitting devices and associated control circuitry) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of one or more wavelengths (e.g., light, such as infrared light, ultraviolet light, visible light, or radio waves) in a normal direction. The tracking system 10 also includes a detector 16 (which may be all or part of a detection subsystem having one or more sensors, cameras, etc., and associated control circuitry) configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected as a result of the emission, as described in more detail below.

[0041] To control the operation of transmitter 14 and detector 16 (the transmitting subsystem and the detecting subsystem) and to execute various signal processing routines caused by the transmitting, reflecting, and detecting processes, tracking system 10 also includes a control unit 18 communicatively coupled to transmitter 14 and detector 16. Therefore, control unit 18 may include one or more processors 20 and one or more memories 22, which may be generally referred to herein as “processing circuitry.” By a particular but non-limiting example, one or more processors 20 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. Additionally, one or more memories 22 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM)), optical drives, hard disk drives, or solid-state drives. In some embodiments, control unit 18 may form at least a portion of a control system configured to coordinate the operation of various amusement park features, including device 12. As described below, such an integrated system may be referred to as an amusement park attraction and control system.

[0042] The tracking system 10 is specifically configured to detect the position of illuminated components, such as retroreflective markers 24 with appropriately correlated retroreflective material relative to grids, patterns, emission sources, fixed or moving environmental elements, etc. In some embodiments, the tracking system 10 is designed to utilize relative positioning to identify whether there is a correlation between one or more such illuminated components and a specific action to be performed by the amusement park equipment 12, such as triggering show effects, dispatching rides, closing doors, synchronizing security cameras with movement, etc. More generally, actions may include control of machine movement, image formation or adaptation, and similar processes.

[0043] As illustrated, reflective markers 24 can be located on object 26, which can correspond to any number of static or dynamic features. For example, object 26 can represent boundary features of an amusement park attraction, such as floors, walls, doors, etc., or it can represent items that can be worn by guests, amusement park employees, or similar objects. Indeed, as explained below, numerous such reflective markers 24 can be present within the area of ​​an amusement park attraction, and the tracking system 10 can detect some or all of the reflections from the markers 24 and perform various analyses based on this detection.

[0044] Referring now to the operation of tracking system 10, transmitter 14 operates to emit electromagnetic radiation (referred to for illustrative purposes as extended electromagnetic radiation beam 28, electromagnetic radiation beam 28) to selectively illuminate, bathe, or fill the detection area 30 with electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation beam 28 means... Figure 1Generally, this refers to any form of electromagnetic radiation that can be used according to this embodiment, such as various forms of light (e.g., infrared light, visible light, UV) and / or other bands of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., radio waves, etc.). However, it is also recognized that in some embodiments, it may be desirable to use certain bands of the electromagnetic spectrum depending on various factors. For example, in one embodiment, it may be desirable to use various forms of electromagnetic radiation that are invisible to the human eye or outside the range of human hearing, so that the electromagnetic radiation used for tracking does not distract guests from their experience. Furthermore, it is recognized that certain forms of electromagnetic radiation (such as certain wavelengths of light (e.g., infrared light)) may be more desirable than others, depending on the specific environment (e.g., whether the environment is "dark" or whether people are expected to walk through the path of the beam). Again, detection area 30 may correspond to all or part of an amusement park attraction area, such as a stage performance, a ride loading area, a waiting area outside the entrance to the ride or performance, etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 may represent multiple beams (beams of electromagnetic radiation) emitted from different sources (all parts of the emitting subsystem). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transmitter 14 is configured to emit the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 at a frequency corresponding to the material of the retroreflection marker 24 (e.g., capable of being reflected by the retroreflection element of marker 24). For example, the retroreflection marker 24 may comprise a coating of retroreflective material disposed on the body of the object 26 or a sheet of solid material coupled to the body of the object 26. In a more specific but non-limiting example, the retroreflective material may comprise spherical and / or prism reflective elements incorporated into a reflective material to enable retroreflection. Again, in some embodiments, a plurality of such retroreflection markers 24 may be present and may be arranged in a specific pattern stored in memory 22 to enable further processing, analysis, and control routines to be performed by the control unit 18 (e.g., a control system).

[0046] The retroreflection marker 24 reflects most of the electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet, visible wavelengths, or radio waves) incident from the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 back toward the detector 16 within a relatively well-defined cone having a central axis that is substantially the same angle as the angle of incidence. This reflection facilitates the system 10's identification of the location of the retroreflection marker 24 and its correlation with various information stored in the memory 22 (e.g., patterns, possible locations). This location information (obtained based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation) can then be used by the control unit 18 to execute various analysis and / or control routines, such as determining whether this will trigger the amusement park equipment 12 or perform other controls.

[0047] Specifically, in operation, the detector 16 of system 10 can be used to detect the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 reflected from the retroreflected mark 24 and provide the detection-related data to the control unit 18 via communication line 31 for processing. The detector 16 can be operated to specifically identify the mark 24 based on certain specific wavelengths of the emitted and reflected electromagnetic radiation, thus avoiding the problem of false detection. For example, the detector 16 can be specifically configured to detect certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., corresponding to the wavelengths emitted by the transmitter 14) by using physical electromagnetic radiation filters, signal filters, etc. Furthermore, the detector 16 can utilize optical detection features and a specific arrangement of electromagnetic radiation filters to essentially capture only the reflected electromagnetic radiation.

[0048] For example, detector 16 can be configured to detect the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reflective marker 24, while filtering the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation reflected by the unreflective marker 24 (including those of interest). Thus, detector 16 can be configured to specifically detect (e.g., capture) reflected electromagnetic radiation while not detecting (e.g., capturing) unreflected electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, detector 16 can utilize the directionality associated with the reflection to perform this selective filtering. Therefore, while detector 16 receives electromagnetic radiation from various sources (including false reflections and ambient electromagnetic radiation), detector 16 is specifically configured to filter out all or substantially all false reflections while retaining all or substantially all desired signals. Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal actually processed by detector 16 and control unit 18 is very high, regardless of the signal-to-noise ratio present for the electromagnetic band of interest outside detector 16.

[0049] For example, detector 16 may receive reflected electromagnetic radiation (e.g., from reflected marker 24) and ambient electromagnetic radiation from an area (e.g., a guest attraction area). The ambient electromagnetic radiation may be filtered, while the reflected electromagnetic radiation (which is directional) may not be filtered (e.g., it may bypass the filter). Thus, in some embodiments, the "image" generated by detector 16 may include a substantially dark (e.g., black or blanked) background signal, where substantially only reflected electromagnetic radiation provides contrast.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the reflected electromagnetic radiation may include different wavelengths that are distinguishable from each other. In one embodiment, the filter of detector 16 may have optical properties and may be located within the detector such that the optical detection means of detector 16 receives essentially only the electromagnetic wavelengths reflected by the retroreflection marker 24 (or other retroreflection elements) and any desired background wavelengths (which may provide background or other landscape information). To generate a signal from the received electromagnetic radiation, detector 16 may, as an example, be a camera having multiple electromagnetic radiation capturing features (e.g., charge-coupled device (CCD) and / or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors corresponding to pixels). In one example embodiment, detector 16 may be an amp® high dynamic range (HDR) camera system available from Contrast Optical Design and Engineering, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico.

[0051] Since the retroreflection achieved by the retroreflection markers 24 causes a cone of reflected electromagnetic radiation to be incident on the detector 16, the control unit 18 can then correlate the center of the cone (where the reflected electromagnetic radiation is strongest) with the point source of the reflection. Based on this correlation, the control unit 18 can identify and track the location of this point source, or it can identify and monitor the pattern of reflections achieved by a number of such retroreflection markers 24.

[0052] For example, once the control unit 18 receives data from the detector 16, it can use the known visible boundaries or established orientation of the detector 16 to identify the location (e.g., coordinates) corresponding to the detected retroreflective marker 24. When multiple fixed retroreflective markers 24 exist, the control unit 18 can store the known locations (e.g., positions) of the retroreflective markers 24 to enable reflection pattern monitoring. By monitoring the reflection patterns, the control unit 18 can identify certain retroreflective markers 24 that are obstructed (blocked) by various moving objects, guests, employees, etc. It should also be noted that the basis for these comparisons can be updated based on, for example, how long a particular retroreflective marker 24 has been located and how long it has been used at its location. For example, the stored reflection pattern associated with one of the markers 24 can be periodically updated during a calibration phase, which includes a period of time during which no object or person is expected to pass by the marker 24. Such recalibration can be performed periodically so that a marker that has been used for an extended period of time and has lost its retroreflective capability is not misidentified in response to a detected obstruction event.

[0053] In other embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to tracking one or more of the echo markers 24, the tracking system 10 may be configured to detect and track various other objects located within the detection area 30. Such objects 32 may include, among other things, riding vehicles, people (e.g., guests, employees), and other mobile amusement park equipment. For example, the detector 16 of the system 10 may be used to detect the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 reflected from the object 32 (without the echo markers 24) and provide the data associated with this detection to the control unit 18. That is, the detector 16 may detect the object 32 entirely based on the diffuse or specular reflection of electromagnetic energy from the object 32. In some embodiments, the object 32 may be coated with a specific coating that reflects the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 in a detectable and predetermined manner. Therefore, once the control unit 18 receives data from the detector 16, the control unit 18 can determine that the coating associated with the object 32 reflects electromagnetic radiation and can also determine the source of the reflection to identify the location of the object 32.

[0054] Whether the echo marker 24 is fixed or moving, the control unit 18 can perform the process of emitting the electromagnetic radiation beam 28, sensing the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the echo marker 24 (or the object 32 with no or essentially no reflective material) and determining the position of the echo marker 24 or the object 32 multiple times within a short period of time. This process can be performed at different intervals, wherein the process is initiated at a predetermined time point, or it can be performed substantially continuously, such that it is restarted substantially immediately after the process is completed. In embodiments where the echo marker 24 is fixed and the control unit 18 performs echo pattern monitoring to identify marker obstruction, the process can be performed at intervals to obtain a single echo pattern at each interval. This can be considered as representing a single frame having reflection patterns corresponding to the patterns of the obstructed and unobstructed echo marker 24.

[0055] On the other hand, such procedures can be executed essentially continuously to facilitate the identification of paths and / or trajectories through which the retroreflected marker 24 has moved. The marker 24 moving within the detection area 30 will be detected within a specific time frame or simply in a continuous series. Here, a pattern of reflection will be generated and identified over a certain time period.

[0056] According to the embodiments described above, detector 16 and control unit 18 can operate on various time frames depending on the tracking to be performed and the expected spatial and temporal movement of the tracked object. As an example, detector 16 and control unit 18 can operate in combination to complete all logical processes (e.g., updating analysis and control signals, processing signals) within the time interval between capture events of detector 16. Such processing speed enables substantially real-time tracking, monitoring, and control where applicable. By way of non-limiting example, detector capture events can be between approximately 1 / 60th of a second and approximately 1 / 30th of a second, thus generating between 30 and 60 frames per second. Detector 16 and control unit 18 can operate to receive, update, and process signals between the capture of each frame. However, according to some embodiments, any interval between capture events can be utilized.

[0057] Once a specific pattern of reflection has been detected, the control unit 18 can determine whether the pattern is associated with a stored pattern that is recognized by the control unit 18 and corresponds to a specific action to be performed by the amusement park equipment 12. For example, the control unit 18 can perform a comparison of the position, path, or trajectory of the reflection mark 24 with the stored position, path, or trajectory to determine the appropriate control action for the equipment 12. Alternatively, as described in more detail below, the control unit 18 can determine whether a specific pattern acquired at a specific point in time is associated with a stored pattern and will be associated with a specific action to be performed by the amusement park equipment 12. Furthermore, the control unit 18 can determine whether a specific set of patterns acquired at a specific point in time is associated with a stored pattern change and will be associated with a specific action to be performed by the amusement park equipment 12.

[0058] While control unit 18 can cause certain actions to be performed automatically within the amusement park as described above, it should be noted that similar analyses can also be applied to prevent certain actions (e.g., preventing or stopping actions in amusement park equipment 12). For example, in the case where ride vehicles can be automatically dispatched, control unit 18 can stop automatic dispatch based on changes in the tracking echo marker 24, or even prevent dispatch by the ride operator before additional measures are taken (e.g., additional confirmation that the ride vehicle is ready for departure). Such controls can also be applied to other amusement park equipment. For example, due to intervention by control unit 18 as a result of the determination of certain patterns as described herein, flame effects, fireworks, or similar performance effects can be prevented from being triggered, stopped, or reduced in intensity.

[0059] The configuration of system 10 has been generally described. It should be noted that the arrangement of transmitter 14, detector 16, control unit 18, and other features can be varied based on application-specific considerations and the manner in which control unit 18 performs the evaluation based on electromagnetic radiation from the echo marker 24. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the tracking system 10 shown, the transmitter 14 and the sensor or detector 16 are integral features, such that the operating plane associated with the detector 16 substantially overlaps with the operating plane associated with the transmitter 14. That is, the detector 16 is located in substantially the same position as the transmitter 14, which can be desirable due to the retroreflectivity of the mark 24. However, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to this configuration. For example, as described above, retroreflection can be associated with a reflecting cone, wherein the highest intensity is in the middle of the reflecting cone. Therefore, the detector 16 can be located in an area where the retroreflection of the mark is not as strong as at its center but can still be detected by the detector 16.

[0060] By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, transmitter 14 and detector 16 may be coaxial. However, detector 16 (e.g., an infrared camera) may be located at a different position relative to transmitter 14, which may include an infrared light bulb, one or more diode emitters, or similar sources. Figure 2 As illustrated, transmitter 14 and detector 16 are separate devices located at different positions on environmental features 40 (e.g., walls or ceilings) within the entertainment attraction area. Specifically, Figure 2 The transmitter 14 is located outside the window 42 of the storefront containing the other components of the system 10. Figure 2 The detector 16 is located away from the transmitter 14, but is still oriented to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected from the retroreflection mark 24 and originating from the transmitter 14.

[0061] For illustrative purposes, arrows 44 and 46 indicate that a light beam (a beam of electromagnetic radiation) is emitted from emitter 14 (arrow 44) into detection area 30, reflected back by retroreflection mark 24 on object 26 (arrow 46), and detected by detector 16. The light beam indicated by arrow 44 is only one of many electromagnetic radiation emissions (beams) that fill or selectively illuminate detection area 30 from emitter 14. It should be noted that, according to this disclosure, other embodiments may still utilize different arrangements and implementations of the components of system 10 in different environments.

[0062] The general operation of the tracking system 10 in detecting the position of the echo marker 24 and / or the object 32 has now been discussed, such as Figure 1As shown below, some applications of tracking system 10 will be described in more detail. For example, it may be desirable to track the position of people within a specific area by using a publicly available tracking system. This can be useful, for example, for controlling routes within a loading area of ​​a vehicle, controlling access to different areas, determining the appropriate time when performance effects can be triggered, determining the appropriate time when certain automated machines can be moved, and can also be useful for assisting live performances (e.g., preventing actors from moving on stage). That is, during a performance, it is assumed that an actor will be standing at a specific location on the stage at certain times. To ensure that the actor reaches his or her proper position at the correct time, tracking system 10 can be installed on the stage and used to track the position and / or movement of all actors on stage. Feedback from tracking system 10 can be used to evaluate how well the actor has reached the desired point on stage.

[0063] Beyond its use on stage, the tracking system 10 can be used in situations involving tracking and / or evaluating shoppers in stores or other commercial environments. That is, stores can be equipped with a publicly accessible tracking system 10 to determine where customers spend their time within the store. As an alternative to triggering performance effects, such a tracking system 10 can be used to monitor the flow of people within the store and thus control the availability of certain items, manage the flow of people, etc. For example, information collected via the publicly accessible tracking system 10 can be used to identify and evaluate which equipment or displays within the store are most attractive, to determine which items for sale are most popular, or to identify which areas of the store (if any) are too crowded. This information can be analyzed and used to improve store layout, product development, crowd management, and other matters.

[0064] It should be noted that, in addition to those described above, other applications for tracking the location of people, objects, machines, etc., within the area may exist. The currently disclosed tracking system 10 can be configured to identify and / or track the location and movement of people and / or objects within the detection area 30. The tracking system 10 can implement this tracking in several different ways described above and explained in more detail below. It should be noted that the tracking system 10 is configured to simultaneously detect the location of one or more people, one or more objects 32, or combinations of different features in the same detection area 30 using a single transmitter 14, detector 16, and control unit 18. However, the use of multiple such transmitters 14, detectors 16, and control units 18 is also within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, one or more of the transmitters 14 and one or more of the detectors 16 may be present in the detection area 30. Considerations such as the type of tracking to be performed, the desired tracking range, and the redundancy to be performed can at least partially determine whether to utilize multiple or a single transmitter and / or detector.

[0065] For example, as described above, the tracking system 10 can generally be configured to track target movement both spatially and temporally (e.g., over time within the detection area 30). When utilizing a single detection device (e.g., detector 16), the tracking system 10 can monitor reflected electromagnetic radiation from a defined orientation to track people, objects, etc. Because detector 16 has only one viewpoint, such detection and tracking can be limited in some embodiments to performing tracking only in a single plane of motion (e.g., tracking is in two spatial dimensions). As an example, such tracking can be utilized in situations where the target being tracked has a relatively low number of degrees of freedom (e.g., when movement is restricted to a constrained path (e.g., an orbit)). In one such embodiment, the target has a defined vector orientation.

[0066] On the other hand, when multiple detection devices (e.g., two or more of detectors 16) are used to track a target in both space and time, the tracking system 10 can monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation from multiple orientations. Using these multiple advantages, the tracking system 10 can be able to track targets with multiple degrees of freedom. In other words, the use of multiple detectors can provide both vector orientation and range for the tracked target. Such tracking can be particularly useful in situations where it is desirable to allow the tracked target to have unrestricted movement in space and time.

[0067] Multiple detectors may also be desirable for redundancy in tracking. For example, multiple detection devices applied to situations where the target's movement is restricted or unrestricted can enhance the reliability of tracking performed by tracking system 10. The use of redundant detectors 16 can also enhance tracking accuracy and help prevent the target from being geometrically obstructed by complex surfaces such as winding passages, hills, folded clothing, open doors, etc.

[0068] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the tracking system 10 can track the relative positions of multiple targets (e.g., people, objects, machines) located within the detection area 30 by using retroreflection markers 24. Figure 3 As illustrated, a retroreflective marker 24 can be placed on person 70. Alternatively, marker 24 can be located on a machine or other object (e.g., object 26). Therefore, in addition to or as a replacement for person 70, the techniques disclosed herein for tracking the movement of person 70 in space and time can also be applied to the movement of objects in an amusement park. In such embodiments, marker 24 can be located on or outside object 26 (e.g., a residence), such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0069] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the echo marker 24 is positioned on the outside of a person's clothing. For example, the echo marker 24 can be applied as an echo strip to an armband, headband, shirt, personal identification feature, or other item. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the echo marker 24 can be sewn into the clothing or applied as a coating. The echo marker 24 can be positioned on the clothing of the person 70 at a location accessible to the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 emitted from the transmitter 14. As the person 70 moves near the detection area 30 (in the case of object 32, object 32 can move across the area 30), the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 is reflected from the echo marker 24 and returns to the detector 16. The detector 16 communicates with the control unit 18 by sending a signal 72 to the processor 20, indicating the reflected electromagnetic radiation detected via the detector 16. The tracking system 10 can interpret this signal 72 to track the position or path of the person 70 (or object 32) moving near the designated area (i.e., tracking the person or object in space and time). Again, depending on the number of detectors 16 used, the control unit 18 can determine the vector value, orientation, and significance of the movement of a person and / or object based on the received echo electromagnetic radiation.

[0070] exist Figure 4 The schematic map illustrates the tracking of person 70 (which can also represent a moving object). More specifically, Figure 4 The figure illustrates a series of 80 frames 82 captured over a period of time by detector 16 (e.g., a camera). As mentioned above, in some embodiments, multiple such frames can be generated per second (e.g., between 30 and 60). It should be noted that Figure 4 The output may not be an actual representation of the output generated by the tracking system 10, but is described herein to facilitate understanding of the tracking and monitoring performed by the control unit 18. Each frame 82 represents a detection area 30 and the location of the echo markers 24 within the area 30. Alternatively, frame 82 may represent marker obstructions within the area 30, such as when the grid of markers 24 is blocked by an object or person.

[0071] As shown, the first frame 82A includes a first instance of a retroreflection marker (designated 24A) with a first position. As series 80 progresses over time, the second frame 82B includes a second instance of retroreflection marker 24B, which is shifted relative to the first instance, and so on (thus producing third and fourth instances of retroreflection markers 24C and 24D). After a certain period of time, the control unit 18 has generated series 80, where the operation of generating series 80 is generally indicated by arrow 84.

[0072] The series 80 can be evaluated by the control unit 18 in many different ways. According to the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 18 can evaluate the movement of the person 70 or object 32 by evaluating the position of the marker 24 (or the obstruction of some markers) over time. For example, the control unit 18 can obtain the vector orientation, range, and significance of the movement of the tracked target based on the number of detectors 16 used to perform tracking. Thus, it can be considered that the control unit 18 will evaluate a composite frame 86 representing the movement of the tracked echo marker 24 (or the tracked obstruction of marker 24) over time within the detection area 30. Therefore, the composite frame 86 includes various instances of the echo marker 24 (including 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D), which can be analyzed to determine the overall movement of the marker 24 (and therefore the person 70 and / or object 26, whichever may be the case).

[0073] As in Figure 4 The diagram also illustrates that this monitoring can be performed relative to certain environmental elements 88 (which may be fixed within the detection area 30 and / or associated with reflective materials). The control unit 18 can operate not only based on the position of the detected marker 24, but also based on extrapolated movement of the environmental element 88 (e.g., the projection path of the retroreflected marker 24 through the detection area 30 or the projection position of the marker grid block).

[0074] exist Figure 5 The schematic map illustrates another method for tracking one or more people 70 or objects 32 within an area. Specifically, Figure 5 The diagram shows a top view of a group of people 70 standing in detection area 30. Although not shown, the tracking system 10 may be directly present above this detection area 30 to detect the positions of people 70 (and other objects) present within the detection area 30 (e.g., to obtain a plan view of the detection area 30). In the illustrated embodiment, retroreflective markers 24 are located in a grid pattern 90 on the floor 92 of the detection area 30 (e.g., as a coating, strip, or similar attachment method). The retroreflective markers 24 can be arranged in any desired pattern (e.g., grid, rhombus, line, circle, solid coating, etc.), which can be a regular pattern (e.g., repeating) or a random pattern.

[0075] This grid pattern 90 can be stored in memory 22, and individual parts of the grid pattern 90 (e.g., individual markers 24) can be associated with the positions of certain environmental elements and amusement park features (e.g., amusement park equipment 12). Thus, the position of each marker 24 relative to such elements can be known. Therefore, when a marker 24 reflects an electromagnetic radiation beam 28 back to detector 16, the position of the reflecting marker 24 can be determined and / or monitored by control unit 18.

[0076] As illustrated, when a person 70 or object 32 is located on one or more of the retroreflective markers 24 on the floor 92, the blocked markers cannot reflect the emitted electromagnetic radiation back to the detector 16 above the floor 92. Indeed, according to an embodiment, the grid pattern 90 may include retroreflective markers 24 spaced apart by a distance that allows detection of a person or object located on the floor 92 (e.g., blocking at least one of the retroreflective markers 24). In other words, the distance between the markers 24 may be small enough that an object or person can be located on at least one of the retroreflective markers 24.

[0077] In operation, detector 16 can be used to detect electromagnetic radiation beams 28 reflected back from retroreflecting markers 24 that are not obscured by a person or object located in detection area 30. As discussed above, detector 16 can then provide data associated with this detection to control unit 18 for processing. Control unit 18 can perform a comparison of the detected electromagnetic radiation beams (e.g., detected patterns) reflected back from uncovered retroreflecting markers 24 with the locations of completely uncovered grid patterns 90 (e.g., stored patterns) and / or the locations of other known grid patterns obstructed by certain markers 24. Based on this comparison, control unit 18 can determine which markers 24 are covered and then approximate the location of person 70 or object 32 in the plane of floor 92. Indeed, using a grid located on floor 92 in conjunction with a single detector 16 makes it possible to track movement in two dimensions. If higher-order tracking is desired, additional grids and / or additional detectors 16 can be utilized. In some embodiments, control unit 18 can adjust the operation of amusement park equipment 12 based on the location of person 70 or object 32 in detection area 30.

[0078] The control unit 18 can execute the process of emitting electromagnetic radiation beam 28, sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation from uncovered echo markers 24 on floor 92, and determining the position of person 70 multiple times within a short period of time in order to identify a series of positions of person 70 moving near floor 92 (to track the movement of the group). Indeed, such procedures can be performed continuously to facilitate the identification of paths that person 70 has moved through within detection area 30 during a specific time frame or simply in a continuous series. Once one or more positions or paths of person 70 have been detected, the control unit 18 can further analyze the position or path to determine whether any action should be performed by device 12.

[0079] As mentioned above, in contrast to Figure 1 As discussed in detail, the control unit 18 can be configured to identify certain objects within the detection area 30 that are expected to pass through the path of the electromagnetic radiation beam 28, including objects not marked with reflective material. For example, as Figure 6As illustrated, certain embodiments of the tracking system 10 can be configured such that the control unit 18 can identify a person 70 (which is also intended to represent an object 32) located in the detection area 30 without using the retroreflection marker 24. That is, the control unit 18 can receive data indicating electromagnetic radiation reflected back from the detection area 30, and the control unit 18 can compare a digital identification tag of the detected radiation with one or more possible data identification tags stored in the memory 22. Specifically, if the identification tag of the electromagnetic radiation reflected back to the detector 16 matches sufficiently closely with the identification tag of the person 70 or the known object 32, the control unit 18 can determine that the person 70 or the object 32 is located in the detection area 30. For example, the control unit 18 can identify “dark spots” or areas within the detection area 30 where electromagnetic radiation is absorbed rather than reflected. These areas may have a geometry that the control unit 18 can analyze (e.g., by comparing with the shape, size, or other characteristics of stored objects or people) to identify the presence, location, size, shape, etc., of an object (e.g., person 70).

[0080] For reference Figure 1 , 2 As can be understood from points 3 and 6, tracking system 10 can be located in various positions to obtain different views of detection area 30. Indeed, it is now recognized that different positions and combinations of positions of one or more of the tracking systems 10 (or one or more elements of the tracking system 10, such as multiple detectors 16) can be expected to obtain certain types of information about the retroreflection mark 24 and its obstruction. For example, in Figure 1 In this system, the tracking system 10, and particularly the detector 16, is positioned to obtain an elevation view of objects 26 and 32, each equipped with at least a retroreflection marker 24. Figure 2 In this configuration, detector 16 is positioned to obtain a top perspective view of detection area 30, enabling the detection of retroreflective markers 24 located on various environmental elements, moving objects, or people. Figure 3 and 6 In one embodiment, detector 16 can be positioned to obtain a plan view of detection area 30.

[0081] These different views can provide information that the control unit 18 can use for specific types of analysis and, in some embodiments, can depend on the specific environment in which they are located. For example, in Figure 7In this system, the tracking system 10, and specifically the transmitter 14 and detector 16, are positioned to obtain a perspective view of a person 70 (or object 32) in a detection area 30. The detection area 30 includes a floor 92 and walls 93 on which retroreflective markers 24 are located, forming a grid pattern 90. Here, the person 70 is blocking a subset of the markers 24 located on the walls 93. The subset of markers 24 cannot be illuminated by the transmitter 14, cannot reflect electromagnetic radiation back to the detector 16, or neither is possible, because the person 70 (also intended to represent an object) is located between the subset of markers 24 and the transmitter 14 and / or detector 16.

[0082] The grid pattern 90 on the wall 93 can provide, for example, Figure 3 and 6 The plan view shown may not provide all the information. For example, the obstruction of the retroreflective marker 24 allows the control unit 18 to determine the height of the person 70, the outline of the person 70, or, in embodiments where the object 32 is present, the dimensions and outline of the object 32. Such determinations can be made by the control unit 18 to assess whether the person 70 meets the height requirements for the riding device, to assess whether the person 70 is associated with one or more objects 32 (e.g., a bag, a walker), and can also be used to correlate with... Figure 3 and 6 The plan view described herein provides greater accuracy in tracking the movement of person 70 or object 32 through detection area 30. That is, control unit 18 can better associate movement identified by the barrier 24 with a specific person 70 by determining the person's silhouette, height, etc. Similarly, control unit 18 can better track the movement of object 32 through detection area 30 by identifying the geometry of object 32 and specifically associating the identified movement with object 32. In some embodiments, tracking the height or silhouette of person 70 can be performed by tracking system 10 so that control unit 18 can provide recommendations to person 70 based on analysis of the person's assessed height, silhouette, etc. Similar determinations and recommendations can be provided for object 32 (such as vehicles). For example, control unit 18 can analyze the silhouette of a passenger at the entrance to a queuing area for a ride-on device. Control unit 18 can compare the overall dimensions, height, etc. of person 70 with ride-on device rules to warn individuals before they spend time queuing or provide confirmation that they are able to ride the ride-on device. Similarly, control unit 18 can analyze the overall dimensions, length, height, etc. of the vehicle to provide parking recommendations based on available space. Alternatively, control unit 18 can analyze the overall dimensions, contours, etc. of the automated equipment components before allowing the equipment to perform a specific task (e.g., moving through a group of people).

[0083] Pattern 90 can also be located on both wall 93 and floor 92. Therefore, tracking system 10 can receive reflected electromagnetic radiation from the marker 24 on wall 93 and floor 92, enabling monitoring of movement in three dimensions and detection of marker obstruction. Specifically, wall 93 can provide information in the height direction 94, while floor 92 can provide information in the depth direction 96. Information from both the height direction 94 and depth direction 96 can be correlated with information from the width direction 98, which can be obtained from both plan and elevation views.

[0084] Indeed, it is now recognized that if two objects 32 or people 70 overlap in the width direction 98, they can be at least partially distinguished from each other using information obtained from the depth direction 96. Furthermore, it is now recognized that the use of multiple emitters 14 and detectors 16 at different locations (e.g., different locations in the width direction 98) allows for the differentiation of height and contour information when some information may be lost or when only one emitter 14 and detector 16 is present and not easily distinguishable. More specifically, if there is overlap between objects 32 or people 70 in the width direction 98 (or more generally, overlap in the direction between the mark 24 on the wall 93 and the detector 16), using only one emitter 14 and detector 16 may result in the loss of some information. However, embodiments using multiple (e.g., at least two) detectors 16 and / or emitters 14 can facilitate the generation of differentiated retroreflection patterns by the mark 24 and observation from detectors 16 and / or emitters 14 located at different viewpoints. Indeed, since marker 24 is retroreflective, it causes electromagnetic radiation to be reflected back towards the electromagnetic radiation source, even when multiple sources are emitting substantially simultaneously. Therefore, the first electromagnetic radiation emitted from transmitter 14 from a first viewing angle will be reflected back by marker 24 towards the first source in transmitter 14, while the second electromagnetic radiation emitted from transmitter 14 from a second viewing angle will be reflected back by marker 24 towards the second source in transmitter 14. This makes it possible to generate and monitor multiple sets of tracking information by control unit 18.

[0085] It is now recognized that the retroreflection markers 24 on wall 93 and floor 92 can be the same or different. Indeed, the tracking system 10 can be configured to use the directionality of the retroreflected electromagnetic radiation from wall 93 and floor 92 to determine which electromagnetic radiation is reflected from wall 93 relative to which electromagnetic radiation is reflected from floor 92. In other embodiments, different materials can be used for markers 24, such that, for example, different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation can be reflected back towards emitter 14 and detector 16 by different materials. As an example, the retroreflection markers 24 on floor 92 and wall 93 can have the same retroreflective element, but have different layers for filtering or additionally absorbing the emitted electromagnetic radiation, such that the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the retroreflection markers 24 on floor 92 and wall 93 has characteristics and different wavelengths. Since different wavelengths will be reflected, detector 16 can detect these wavelengths and separate them from the ambient electromagnetic radiation filtered by the filtering elements within detector 16.

[0086] To illustrate this point, Figure 8 An enlarged cross-sectional view is depicted of exemplary retroreflective markers 24 disposed on a floor 92 and a wall 93 within a detection area 30. Each marker 24 on the floor 92 and the wall 93 includes a reflective layer 96 and a retroreflective material layer 98, which may be the same or different for the floor 92 and the wall 93. In the illustrated embodiment, they are the same. During operation, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter 14 can pass through a transmissive coating 99 before impacting the retroreflective material layer 98. Therefore, the transmissive coating 99 can be used to adjust the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the marker. Figure 8 In this embodiment, the marker 24 on the floor 92 includes a first transmissive coating 99A, which differs from the second transmissive coating 99B in the marker 24 on the wall 93. In some embodiments, the different optical properties between the first and second transmissive coatings 99A and 99B can cause different bandwidths of electromagnetic radiation to be reflected by the marker 24 on the floor 92 and the marker 24 on the wall 93. Although this is presented in the context of being set on the floor 92 and the wall 93, it should be noted that markers 24 with different optical properties can be used on various different elements within the amusement park (such as on human and environmental elements, human and mobile devices, etc.) to facilitate separation for processing and monitoring by the control unit 18.

[0087] Any one or a combination of the techniques described above can be used to monitor a single object or person or multiple objects or people. Indeed, even when using only one detector 16, it is now recognized that a combination of multiple echo-marked grids (e.g., on the floor 92 and wall 93 as described above) or a combination of one or more echo-marked grids fixed to a moving object or person and one or more tracked echo-markers 24 can be used to enable 3D tracking. Furthermore, it is recognized that using multiple echo-markers 24 on the same person or object can enable the tracking system 10 to track both position and orientation.

[0088] In this regard, FIG9A illustrates an embodiment of an object 26 having multiple retroreflection marks 24 located on different faces of the object 26. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the retroreflection marks 24 are positioned at three different points on the object 26 corresponding to three orthogonal directions of the object 26 (e.g., the X, Y, and Z axes). However, it should be noted that other placements of the multiple retroreflection marks 24 may be used in other embodiments. Additionally, the tracing depicted in FIG9A can be performed as generally illustrated in the map, or alternative methods may be employed, such as... Figure 7 The grid of retroreflection marker 24 shown.

[0089] As described above, the tracking system 10 may include, for example, a plurality of detectors 16 configured to sense electromagnetic radiation reflected from the object 26. Each retroreflection mark 24 disposed on the object 26 may reflect the emitted electromagnetic radiation beam 28 at a specific, predetermined frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation beam 28. That is, the retroreflection mark 24 may reflect the same or different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, as described above relative to... Figure 8 Generally speaking.

[0090] Control unit 18 is configured to detect and distinguish electromagnetic radiation reflected at these specific frequencies, and thus track the movement of each of the individual echo markers 24. Specifically, control unit 18 can analyze the position of the detected individual echo markers 24 to track the roll (e.g., rotation about the Y-axis), pitch (e.g., rotation about the X-axis), and yaw (e.g., rotation about the Z-axis) of object 26. That is, instead of simply determining the position of object 26 in space relative to a specific coordinate system (e.g., defined by detection area 30 or detector 16), control unit 18 can determine the orientation of object 26 within the coordinate system, which enables control unit 18 to perform enhanced tracking and analysis of the movement of object 26 through detection area 30 in space and time. For example, control unit 18 can perform predictive analysis to estimate the future position of object 26 within detection area 30, which can enable enhanced control of the movement of object 26 (e.g., to avoid collisions, to take a specific path through an area).

[0091] In some embodiments, such as when object 26 is a motorized object, tracking system 10 can track the position and orientation of object 26 (e.g., a ride-on vehicle, automaton, drone) and control object 26 to move along a path in a predetermined manner. Control unit 18 may additionally or alternatively compare the results with the expected position and orientation of object 26, for example, to determine whether object 26 should be controlled to adjust its operation and / or to determine whether object 26 is operating properly or requires some kind of maintenance. Additionally, the estimated position and orientation of object 26 determined via tracking system 10 can be used to trigger actions (including blocking certain actions) performed by other amusement park equipment 12 (e.g., performance effects). As an example, object 26 may be a ride-on vehicle, and amusement park equipment 12 may be a performance effect. In this example, when object 26 is in the expected position and / or orientation, it may be desirable to trigger only amusement park equipment 12.

[0092] Continuing with the pre-formed tracking method in three spatial dimensions, Figure 9B depicts an example of an object with first marker 24A, second marker 24B, and third marker 24C located in positions similar to those illustrated in Figure 9A. However, from the perspective of a single detector 16, the detector 16 can see a two-dimensional representation of markers 24A, 24B, 24C, and object 16. From a first perspective (e.g., a top view or bottom view), the control unit 18 can determine that the first and second markers 24A, 24B are separated by a first observation distance d1, the first and third markers 24A, 24C are separated by a second observation distance d2, and the second and third markers 24B, 24C are separated by a third observation distance d3. The control unit 18 can compare these distances with known or calibrated values ​​to estimate the orientation of object 26 in the three spatial dimensions.

[0093] Move to Figure 9C As object 26 rotates, detector 16 (and corresponding control unit 18) can detect that the apparent shape of object 26 is different. However, control unit 18 can also determine that the first and second marks 24A, 24B are separated by an adjusted first observation distance d1', the first and third marks 24A, 24C are separated by an adjusted second observation distance d2', and the second and third marks 24B, 24C are separated by an adjusted third observation distance d3'. Control unit 18 can determine the distance detected in the orientation in FIG9B and the distance detected in the orientation in FIG9B. Figure 9CThe difference between the distances detected in the orientation is used to determine how the orientation of object 26 has been changed, and then the orientation of object 26 is determined. Alternatively, control unit 18 may compare the adjusted observation distances d1', d2', d3' caused by the rotation of object 26 with stored values ​​to estimate the orientation of object 26 in the three spatial dimensions, or further refine the update of the orientation determined based on the changes between the distances in Figures 9B and 9C.

[0094] As described above, this embodiment addresses (among others) the use of the disclosed tracking system 10 to track objects and / or people within an amusement park environment. As a result of this tracking, the control unit 18 may, in some embodiments, enable the execution of certain automated functions within various subsystems of the amusement park. Therefore, having described the general operation of the disclosed tracking system 10, more specific embodiments of tracking and control operation are provided below to facilitate a better understanding of certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0095] Now go to Figure 10 An embodiment of a method 100 for monitoring changes in reflected electromagnetic radiation to track the movement of a target and control amusement park equipment based on the results of this monitoring is illustrated as a flowchart. Specifically, method 100 includes the use of one or more transmitters 14 (e.g., a transmitting subsystem) of a detection area 30 filled (box 102) with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation beam 28) by a transmitting subsystem. For example, control unit 18 may cause one or more of the transmitters 14 to intermittently or substantially continuously fill the detection area 30 with emitted electromagnetic radiation. Again, the electromagnetic radiation can be any suitable wavelength capable of being reflected back by the reflective markers 24. This includes, but is not limited to, ultraviolet, infrared, and visible wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. It will be appreciated that different transmitters 14 and, in some embodiments, different markers 24 can utilize different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to facilitate the differentiation of various elements within area 30.

[0096] After the detection area 30 is filled with electromagnetic radiation according to the action generally indicated by box 102, method 100 proceeds to the detection (box 104) of electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected from one or more elements (e.g., retroreflection marker 24) in the detection area 30. This detection can be performed by means of electromagnetic radiation as described above relative to... Figure 1 and 2As generally described, detection can be performed relative to one or more of the detectors 16 positioned relative to transmitter 14. As described above and elaborated in more detail below, the feature performing the detection can be any suitable element capable of and specifically configured to capture reflected electromagnetic radiation and cause the captured reflected electromagnetic radiation to be correlated to an area of ​​detector 16, such that information transmitted from detector 16 to control unit 18 retains positional information about which of the markers 24 reflects electromagnetic radiation to detector 16. As a specific but non-limiting example, one or more of detectors 16 (e.g., existing as a detection subsystem) may include charge-coupled devices within an optical camera or similar feature.

[0097] As described above, during the operation of the tracking system 10, and while the person 70 and / or objects 26, 32 are present within the detection area 30, changes in reflected electromagnetic radiation can be expected. These changes can be tracked (block 106) using a combination of one or more detectors 16 and routines executed by the processing circuitry of the control unit 18. As an example, tracking changes in reflected electromagnetic radiation according to actions generally indicated by block 106 may include monitoring changes in the reflection pattern from the grid over a period of time, monitoring changes in spectral identification marks potentially caused by certain absorptive and / or diffuse or specular reflective elements present within the detection area 30, or by monitoring certain moving retroreflective elements. As described below, the control unit 18 may be configured to perform certain types of tracking of reflection changes depending on the nature of the control to be performed in a particular amusement park attraction environment.

[0098] Essentially simultaneously, or shortly after tracking changes in reflected electromagnetic radiation according to an action generally indicated by block 106, certain information can be evaluated (block 108) by control unit 18 as a result of these changes. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the evaluation information may include information about one or more individuals (e.g., amusement park guests, amusement park employees) to enable control unit 18 to monitor the movement and positioning of various individuals and / or to determine whether a person is appropriately positioned relative to certain amusement park features. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the information evaluated by control unit 18 may include information about objects 26, 32, which may be environmental objects, moving objects, amusement park equipment 12, or any other device, article, or other feature present within detection area 30. Further details regarding the manner in which information can be evaluated are described below with reference to specific examples of amusement park equipment at least partially controlled by control unit 18.

[0099] As illustrated, method 100 also includes controlling (box 110) the amusement park equipment based on information evaluated according to actions generally represented by block 108 (e.g., monitored or analyzed motion of people and / or objects). It should be noted that this control can be performed in conjunction with simultaneous tracking and evaluation so that control unit 18 can appropriately perform the many steps set forth in method 100 on a substantially continuous basis and in real time (e.g., approximately the capture rate of detector 16). Additionally, the amusement park equipment controlled according to actions generally represented by block 110 can include automated equipment such as ride-on vehicles, gates, point-of-sale kiosks, information displays, or any other actuable amusement park equipment. As another example, control unit 18 can control certain performance effects, such as the ignition of flames or fireworks, as a result of tracking and evaluation performed according to method 100. Further details regarding some of these specific examples are described below.

[0100] According to a more specific aspect of this disclosure, this embodiment relates to monitoring vehicles in and adjacent to an amusement park attraction area, and controlling amusement park equipment based on this information. The amusement park equipment controlled according to this embodiment may include, for example, entrance gates, lights, cameras, text indicators, etc.

[0101] Based on this, Figure 11 The figure illustrates an embodiment of a method 120 for monitoring reflected patterns and controlling automated amusement park equipment as a result of monitoring traffic within and around an amusement park area. As illustrated, method 120 includes monitoring (box 122) reflected patterns. Monitoring, performed according to the action generally indicated by box 122, can be considered as being performed alone or in combination with other features of the amusement park control system using tracking system 10. For the sake of discussion, the present disclosure described below can refer to a control system communicatively coupled to a number of different devices including tracking system 10 and the amusement park equipment to be controlled.

[0102] According to box 122, the monitored reflection pattern may include the above-mentioned features. Figure 3 -9 describes the method for monitoring many different features. Therefore, monitoring performed according to block 122 may include monitoring patterns generated over time by a tracked marker within the detection area 30, or it may include monitoring reflection patterns generated at any given moment by a plurality of retroreflective markers 24 located within the detection area 30. Further still, monitoring performed according to block 122 may not involve the use of the markers 24, such as in cases where a tracking system 10 is employed to track specular and / or diffuse reflections or reflections from certain inherent retroreflective elements associated with a vehicle.

[0103] In some embodiments, such as when one or more of the retroreflective markers 24 are located on a vehicle, while other retroreflective markers 24 are located on other objects 32, walls 93, floors 92, or any other environmental features in the detection area 30, the combination of reflective patterns can be monitored according to box 122. Furthermore, the combination of retroreflective elements and retroreflective markers 24 can be monitored and utilized to determine different types of information.

[0104] Method 120 may further include determining (block 124) the difference between the detected reflective pattern and a stored reflective pattern. For example, the detected pattern may be considered as a pattern generated at any given time (e.g., using a grid) or over time by one or more tracked retroreflective markers 24 (and / or retroreflective elements). The stored pattern may be considered as a pattern stored in the memory 22 of the control unit 18, which may be associated with different types of information, such as vehicle size and / or shape information, certain types of movement or location, certain types of imports associated with the vehicle, vehicle positioning, etc. In one embodiment, the control unit 18 may determine the difference between the detected reflective pattern and the stored reflective pattern to further determine whether the detected pattern is associated with a specific control action associated with the stored pattern. Alternatively or additionally, this comparison may output information for subsequent determinations, as described in further detail below.

[0105] The method 120 may also include evaluating (box 126) vehicle information based on the difference between the identified monitored pattern and the stored pattern (which also provides similarity information). As an example, a vehicle may include curved, luminous, translucent, or specularly reflective elements that enable some type of reflection. Indeed, vehicles are often equipped with certain reflective elements that are illuminated by the lights of other vehicles to facilitate safe driving at night. This embodiment of the tracking system 10 can utilize these reflective elements to track and evaluate information about the vehicle 172 to facilitate automated control of various amusement park equipment. For example, the tracking system 10 may determine the vehicle's dimensions (e.g., by determining the distance between the reflective turn signal housings of the vehicle), the vehicle's shape (e.g., by determining the reflective patterns associated with one or more turn signals, taillights, and / or headlights), and so on, and compare the determined reflective pattern with stored patterns associated with known vehicle brands and models. Accordingly, evaluating vehicle information may include using the monitored reflections to determine information about the vehicle. Furthermore, combinations of evaluations may be performed. For example, reflective elements that are part of a vehicle (such as turn signal reflectors, headlight reflectors, and taillight reflectors) can be used to assess the size and shape of the vehicle, while also monitoring reflective markings 24 attached to the vehicle (e.g., when a parking pass has been purchased) to assess where the authorized vehicle is going.

[0106] Method 120 may also include using assessed vehicle information to prompt the activation (including preventing) of automated amusement park equipment (block 128). For example, the assessed vehicle information may prompt control unit 18 to trigger user-perceptible instructions (e.g., the illumination of multiple lights to prompt a display to provide parking recommendations) to automatically dispatch assistance or similar actions to vehicles that cannot move.

[0107] Figure 12 An embodiment of an amusement park area 138 utilizing a disclosed tracking system 10 according to one or more aspects of the method 120 described above is schematically illustrated. More specifically, the disclosed tracking system 10 can be used in different portions of the amusement park area 138 where guests and / or amusement park staff can drive vehicles (such as in and connected to the private driving and controlled entrance 140). Such areas may include an open-air parking area 142 as shown, a garage parking structure 144, and an amusement park attraction area 146 connected to the private driving and controlled entrance 140 via certain pathways (e.g., vehicle paths and / or walking paths).

[0108] By way of non-limiting example, the disclosed tracking system 10 can be used as part of a traffic control system 148 utilized in private driving and controlled entry 140. As described in further detail below, this traffic control system 148 can utilize the disclosed tracking system 10 to control traffic at intersections between streets or vehicle pathways, for example, by guiding traffic based on monitored vehicle movement (e.g., using user-perceptible indicators such as lights, or graphic or textual information). As another example, an open-air parking area 142 may include a parking advisory system 150 that utilizes the disclosed tracking system 10 to provide parking recommendations and assist vehicles in parking within certain spaces.

[0109] The parking garage structure 144 can also utilize tracking systems 10 from various systems. For example... Figure 12As illustrated, the parking garage structure 144 may include a parking information system 150, a parking garage traffic control system 152, and / or a vehicle assistance system 154. As described below, the parking information system 150 may be configured to recommend parking spaces, assist guests in parking their vehicles in certain spaces, etc. The parking garage traffic control system 152 may, for example, be configured to monitor the movement of vehicles throughout the parking garage structure 144 and may provide warnings or similar information to the driver while preventing collisions and providing any other information that may be useful as guests move through the parking garage structure 144. The vehicle assistance system 154 may utilize the publicly available tracking system 10 to recognize situations where guests may require assistance with their vehicles. This may occur, for example, if a guest leaves and returns to find their vehicle unable to start or otherwise malfunctioning. For example, the publicly disclosed tracking system 10 can monitor parking spaces within the garage parking structure 144 to obtain indications that a guest may have a vehicle malfunction, for example by identifying an indicator of an open hood of the vehicle, or by detecting the presence of one or more echo markers of wavelengths that are specifically associated with the tracking system 10 and prompt the control unit 18 to notify the garage parking attendant that the guest needs assistance.

[0110] The publicly disclosed tracking system 10 can also be used to control traffic within the amusement park attraction area 146. As shown, the amusement park area 138 may include an amusement park traffic control system 156 integrated within various sections of the amusement park attraction area 146. As described in further detail below, the amusement park traffic control system 156 can be configured to monitor various pathways throughout the amusement park attraction area 146 in order to control the movement of vehicles relative to guest pathways, for example, by providing visual cues (e.g., using user-perceptible cues such as lights, graphics, or text information) to amusement park staff who can drive vehicles throughout the amusement park. The tracking system 10 can also be configured to monitor movement to automatically control the opening of doors within the amusement park to allow access to various separate service pathways that may traverse guest pathways.

[0111] As can be recognized from the foregoing discussion, amusement park area 138 may include a number of areas utilizing embodiments of tracking system 10. In this regard, the discussion presented below describes various embodiments of how tracking system 10 can be integrated into area 138 as a guest proceeds from controlled entrance 140 through amusement park area 138, through various parking areas, and to attraction area 146.

[0112] As mentioned above, the tracking system 10 can be used to control traffic at intersections. Figure 13For example, a top view of such an intersection 170 could utilize a currently disclosed tracking system 10 to more efficiently direct traffic through the intersection 170. The intersection 170 could represent, for example, an intersection outside amusement park area 138, a vehicle intersection within amusement park area 138 (e.g., within private driving and controlled entrances 140), and a pathway (e.g., pedestrian and vehicle pathway) intersection within amusement park area 138 (e.g., at amusement park attraction area 146). Indeed, in one aspect, intersection 170 could represent... Figure 12 Implementation of embodiments of traffic control system 148 and / or amusement park traffic control system 156.

[0113] The illustrated intersection 170 is a four-way intersection with two traffic lanes in each direction. However, in other embodiments, intersection 170 may include a number of lanes guiding vehicle 172 in any number of directions (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more). Intersection 170 may include a tracking system 10 (e.g., mounted to or suspended on the same cable as a light used for traffic guidance) positioned in each direction of travel at intersection 170. However, in other embodiments, any desired number of tracking systems 10 (e.g., one per lane) may be positioned at any desired location to provide clear visibility of vehicle 172 in the space where it stops at intersection 170 (e.g., before the light turns green or some other indication that allows vehicle 172 to pass). The space where vehicle 172 stops at intersection 170 may include reflective markers 24 positioned thereon. In some embodiments, each lane may include a single reflective marker 24, but other embodiments may include a group of reflective markers 24, as illustrated.

[0114] The tracking system 10 can emit electromagnetic radiation beams 28 toward the spaces preceding the intersection 170, and the electromagnetic radiation reflected back from the retroreflection marker 24 can indicate whether any vehicle 172 is waiting at the intersection 170. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 172 passes through the intersection 170 without waiting along the first and second segments 174 and 176 of the road, which are at opposite ends of the intersection 170. More specifically, the detector 16 can detect the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the retroreflection marker 24 along these two segments 174 and 176. For example, the detector 16 can detect multiple changes in the reflection pattern of the retroreflection marker 24 in the first and second segments 174 and 176 within a relatively short time frame (e.g., a few seconds, such as a change in reflection detected between approximately 0.1 seconds and approximately 5 seconds), thereby indicating that the vehicle 172 is passing the retroreflection marker 24 but has not stopped at the marker 24.

[0115] On the other hand, some of the vehicles 172 illustrated are waiting to cross intersection 170 along the third and fourth sections 178 and 180 of the road on opposite ends of intersection 170, which extend in a direction (e.g., substantially perpendicular) intersecting with the first and second sections 174, 176. Detector 16 may not detect any electromagnetic radiation reflected from the covered retroreflective marker 24 (e.g., detect changes in the reflection pattern from the retroreflective marker 24 occurring for a relatively long period (e.g., greater than 10 seconds), and control unit 18 can therefore determine that vehicles 172 are waiting for a green light. As a result of this determination, control unit 18 can send control signals to the lights of intersection 170 to adjust traffic flow.

[0116] In this respect, such as Figure 14 As shown in the expanded view, the tracking system 14 can be integrated with various signs at intersection 170, such as traffic lights 182 with a first light indicator 184, a second light indicator 186, and a third light indicator 188 (e.g., green, yellow, and red lights). Referring to an example where vehicles 172 on third and fourth segments 178, 180, as determined by the control unit 18, are waiting to proceed through intersection 170, the control unit 18 can cause the first light indicator 184 (e.g., red light) to illuminate for the first and second segments 174, 176 (e.g., after the second light indicator 186 (e.g., yellow light) has been illuminated for a short time, causing traffic to slow down), and cause the third light indicator 188 (e.g., green light) to illuminate for the third and fourth segments 178, 180. In this way, the tracking system 10 can improve the efficiency of traffic signals at intersection 170. Although the illustrated embodiment includes reflective markers 24 in the spaces of segments 174, 176, 178, and 180, other embodiments of the tracking system 10 can be configured to identify vehicles 172 waiting at intersection 170 based on a comparison with predetermined and stored identification markers of electromagnetic radiation reflected from vehicles 172. Furthermore, the tracking system 10 can be configured to detect several different types of vehicles 172 (e.g., based on reflective markers 24 or detected vehicle identification markers), such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, trailers, or any other vehicles 172 that may be stopped at intersection 170. Indeed, the tracking system 10 can be configured to detect reflections from tags issued by government agencies (e.g., license plate tags or windshield tags). Therefore, the currently disclosed tracking system 10 can provide a more robust method for tracking vehicles 172 at intersection 170 because the reflective markers 24 (or other reflective materials) will not be washed away in sunlight.

[0117] When guests enter the amusement park area 138 via private drive and controlled entrance 140, they are presented with a variety of parking options based on the various amusement park attractions they intend to visit, the locations they might be in relation to the location of the amusement park area 138, and so on. In this regard, guests may have already purchased or are presented with the option to purchase a specific type of parking for their vehicle 172. In some embodiments, the tracking system 10 may be configured to identify tags or similar characteristics associated with parking purchases, as described below. For example, in some embodiments, private drive and controlled entrance 140 may enable guest vehicles 172 to enter either or both of the open-air parking area 142 or the garage parking structure 144 based on various identification information associated with the vehicle 172.

[0118] like Figure 15 As shown, for example, vehicle 172 may be fitted with a vehicle tag 200, which may include one or more of the reflective markers 24. The vehicle tag 200 may be a hanging tag attached to a rearview mirror, a sticker affixed to the windshield of vehicle 172, or a similar feature. As vehicle 172 moves through amusement park area 138 (e.g., driving through controlled entrance 140), vehicle 172 may encounter an embodiment of an entrance system 202 having a tracking system 10 configured to identify certain types of vehicle tags 200 based on specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation reflected by one or more of the markers 24. Entrance system 202 can be considered as representing a specific embodiment of a traffic control system 148 configured to direct vehicle traffic through different areas of amusement park area 138.

[0119] As illustrated, vehicle 172 can travel along entrance passage 204 and encounter controlled entrance gate 206 of entrance system 202. Controlled entrance gate 206 may include a first movable gate 208 and a second movable gate 210 as illustrated and exemplified, each connected to a respective door activation device 212, 214 (i.e., first door activation device 212 and second door activation device 214, respectively). Door activation devices 212, 214 are configured to move their respective movable gates 208, 210 to allow vehicle 172 to pass through to reach open-air parking area 142 or garage parking structure 144, as described below.

[0120] Door activation devices 212, 214 can be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to control unit 18 of tracking system 10 (or other features of the amusement park control system communicatively coupled to control unit 18). As described below, tracking system 10 can control the operation of door activation devices 212, 214 in response to monitoring echoes from entrance passage 204. Thus, entrance passage 204, and specifically a portion of the access control door 206 of that passage 204, can be considered as detection area 30 of tracking system 10. The transmitter of system 10 emits an electromagnetic radiation beam 28 into entrance passage 204, thereby illuminating vehicle tag 200 and any echoing material (such as echo marker 24) specifically present on tag 200. Upon receiving electromagnetic radiation echoed from vehicle tag 200, detector 16 can send a signal indicating that a specific wavelength has been received for processing by control unit 18. Thus, control unit 18 can evaluate the echoed electromagnetic radiation based on various analyses associated with the detected wavelength and determine which of the first or second movable doors 208, 210 should be opened.

[0121] As illustrated, control unit 18 has determined, based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation from vehicle tag 200, that the first movable door 208 should be opened. As generally indicated by arrow 216, control unit 18 has provided an appropriate control signal to first door activation device 212 to cause the first movable door 208 to open the first entrance path 218 leading to the open-air parking area 142. In other embodiments, control unit 18 may determine the reflected electromagnetic radiation in a manner that indicates control unit 18 should open the second movable door 210 to allow vehicle 172 to enter the second entrance path 220 leading to the garage parking structure 144.

[0122] It should be noted that the tracking system 10 may not necessarily be directly communicatively coupled to the various components of the traffic control system 148. Instead, as shown, the control unit 18 may communicate directly or indirectly with the door controller 222. The door controller 222 may include associated processing circuitry storing instructions associated with control actions specific to doors 208, 210 and / or information about the wavelengths of the reflected radiation associated with these control actions. Thus, determination based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation received by the tracking system 10 can be performed by the tracking system 10 itself or by other features communicating with the tracking system 10. By way of example, the control unit 18 may include specific code or another implementation for door actuation and control, or may simply send raw or minimally processed data to the door controller 222, which may then prompt the door activation devices 212, 214 to open any of doors 208, 210 based on various comparisons between the identified wavelength and the stored wavelengths associated with the opening of any of doors 208, 210.

[0123] The door controller 222 may also be communicatively coupled to various ticket booths or other ticketing systems that enable the door controller 222 to determine (e.g., based on the optical properties of the retroreflective marker 24) whether the vehicle tag 200 is associated with the purchase of a parking space in the open-air parking area 142 or the garage parking structure 144. For example, the door controller 222 (or control unit 18) may compare the wavelength detected from the vehicle tag 200 with a stored value associated with a specific parking purchase and may open either of the doors 208, 210 accordingly.

[0124] As guests continue or pass through entrance pathway 204 and enter either the first or second entrance pathway 218, 210, parking advice system 150 can be provided to vehicles 172 and associated guests with parking recommendations in the open-air parking area 142 or the garage parking structure 144. Figure 16 Embodiments of a parking information system 150 including an electronic display 230 and an embodiment of a tracking system 10 are depicted. More specifically, the illustrated electronic display 230 is located on the ground near the first or second entrance path 218 in a suitable position visible from a vehicle 172 (e.g., when the vehicle is traveling toward either the open-air parking area 142 or the garage parking structure 144) to provide user-perceptible indications such as lights, graphics, or text information. However, in other embodiments, the electronic display 230 may be part of a mobile device (such as a mobile phone, tablet, GPS, etc.) configured to communicate with the amusement park's control circuitry, such as the circuitry of one or more of the tracking systems 10 (e.g., implemented as part of the parking information system 150 or another monitoring system). The illustrated parking information system 150 utilizes an embodiment of a detector 16 and a transmitter 14 positioned near the display 230 (e.g., on top of it), which enables the transmitter 14 to cause the vehicle tag 200 to reflect back electromagnetic radiation subsequently received by the detector 16. The reflected electromagnetic radiation can indicate various aspects of the vehicle 172. For example, various aspects of the vehicle 172 may include the size of the vehicle 172, the weight of the vehicle 172, the number of passengers in the vehicle 172, and similar information associated with the vehicle tag 200 (e.g., stored in a database accessible by the tracking system 10).

[0125] As an example, the vehicle tag 200 could reflect electromagnetic radiation by signaling to the control unit 18 that passengers in the vehicle 172 have purchased a specific type of ticket (e.g., a higher price for a parking space closer to the amusement park attraction area 146). Figure 16In one embodiment, the control unit 18 is configured to evaluate the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the vehicle tag 200 and provide recommendations based on various aspects associated with the tag 200. As illustrated, the control unit 18 may cause the display 230 to provide textual or graphical information 232 that the driver of the vehicle 172 can view to facilitate parking.

[0126] The recommendations provided by control unit 18 can be based on additional information not limited to vehicle tag 200. For example, as shown, control unit 18 can also be coupled to parking monitoring system 234, which can be at least partially located within open-air parking area 142 or garage parking structure 144. Parking monitoring system 234 can also have an associated tracking system 10. Parking monitoring system 234 can monitor the number of available parking spaces and provide this information to control unit 18. Based on information related to vehicle 172 (e.g., based on information obtained from vehicle tag 200 or based on other types of information that can be obtained from echo or associated data), parking monitoring system 234 can compare available parking spaces with vehicle information so that control system 18 can provide more appropriate recommendations. Here, control unit 18 is prompting electronic display 230 to provide recommended parking locations based on vehicle data.

[0127] As another example, the tracking system 10 may utilize curved glass present on the vehicle 172 to assess its size and / or shape, and provide recommendations based on that assessment. For example, various glass-containing features of the vehicle 172 (such as the vehicle's windshield 235) may be curved and subject to at least a certain amount of refraction from the electromagnetic radiation beam 28 detected by the detector 14. The detector 16 may receive the refraction of electromagnetic radiation and may assess the nature of the refraction to determine or otherwise estimate the size and / or shape of the vehicle 172. The tracking system 10 may additionally or alternatively utilize refraction from headlights, taillights, parking lights, fog lights, etc., of the vehicle, which in some cases have refraction quality. Indeed, the tracking system 10 may assess refraction from any or a combination of these features present on the vehicle 172 to evaluate the vehicle 172 and provide parking recommendations.

[0128] Alternatively, one or more grid patterns 236 of reflective markers 24 positioned along the first and second entrance paths 218, 220 may be present. The tracking system 10 can monitor reflections from the grids 236 and evaluate various aspects related to the vehicle 172 based on changes in reflections from the markers 24 (e.g., changes in the reflection pattern). For example, the tracking system 10 can evaluate the size and shape of the vehicle 172 based on how many grids 236 it covers (based on changes in reflections from the grids 236) to determine appropriate (e.g., regular or compact) parking spaces for the vehicle 172.

[0129] Similar grids can also be positioned within the open-air parking area 142 and / or the garage parking structure 144. Continuing the journey of guests through the amusement park area 138, in embodiments where vehicles 172 travel to the second entrance path 220 and the garage parking structure 144, guests will encounter the tracking system 10 and various embodiments of its integration with various features of the garage parking structure 144. Figure 17 An example of such integration is described in the text. Figure 17 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a garage traffic control system 152 that includes a publicly disclosed tracking system 10 installed on the wall 250 of the garage parking structure 144.

[0130] As illustrated, wall 250 separates a first group of parking spaces 252 and a second group of parking spaces 254, which may be located in opposite directions (e.g., at an angle in opposite directions) to facilitate parking based on the direction of travel through the garage parking structure 144. As can be appreciated, when some vehicles 172 travel through the garage, there may be situations where vehicles 172 attempt to navigate around the corner 256 of wall 250. This embodiment includes a disclosed tracking system 10 mounted on or near the corner 256 to facilitate travel through the garage parking structure 144 and mitigate potential scraping or other collisions between vehicles 172 or with features of the garage structure. Figure 17 In a particular embodiment shown, the tracking system 10 includes a transmitter 14 and a detector 16 located at a corner 256, such that the transmitter 14 illuminates a first set of retroreflective markers 258 and a second set of markers 260.

[0131] Detector 16 is also positioned to receive reflected electromagnetic radiation from a first set of echo markers 258 and a second set of echo markers 260. The positioning of the first set of echo markers 258 causes a first intended travel path 262, considered as a first vehicle path 262, to pass through the first set of markers 258. Therefore, as vehicle 172 travels along path 262, it will cover at least some of the markers 24 associated with the first set of markers 258, thereby causing a change in the reflection pattern produced by the first set 258. Tracking system 10 can determine the intended path of vehicle 172 around corner 256 based on how much vehicle 172 covers portions of the first set 258. Tracking system 10 can also perform similar functions regarding the positioning of the second set of echo markers 260 along a second intended travel path 264, which can be considered as a second vehicle path 264. Based on monitoring the reflection patterns from the first set of markers 258 and / or the second set of markers 260, the control unit 18 associated with the tracking system 10 (or another control unit of the amusement park control system) can determine whether the actual vehicle path determined by the vehicle 172 traveling along the first and second expected vehicle paths 262, 264 needs to be adjusted. Furthermore, the sets 258, 260 of the retroreflective markers 24 can have different optical properties to facilitate differentiation between the sets 258, 260 by the tracking system 10. For example, the sets 258, 260 of the retroreflective markers 24 can have different coatings that cause different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to be reflected back to the detector 16. Therefore, in some embodiments, the detector 16 may include one or more optical filters, comprising a bandwidth individually covering each wavelength or a single bandwidth covering two wavelengths. Such filters can make it easier for the tracking system 10 to identify and evaluate specific retroreflections from markers 24.

[0132] As a result of performing such determination, control unit 18 may provide one or more visual indications to vehicles on the first and / or second vehicle paths 262, 264 to report to passengers in vehicle 172 the possible presence of an approaching vehicle to be avoided. Indeed, tracking system 10 may be configured to notify vehicle 172 of the presence of another vehicle 172 on the opposite side of wall 250 based on any echo detection of the presence of another vehicle 172.

[0133] To provide such indications, the tracking system 10 may be communicatively coupled to perceptible indicators, such as a first set of warning lights 266 and a second set of warning lights 268. The first set of warning lights 266 may include associated first light 270 and second light 272, and the control unit 18 may cause selective illumination of either the first light 270 or the second light 272 to provide a visual warning or similar indication to a vehicle 172 traveling along a first intended path 262. Similarly, the control unit 18 may cause selective illumination of either a third light 274 or a fourth light 276 of the second set of lights 268 to provide a warning or similar indication to a vehicle 172 traveling along a second intended path 264.

[0134] The indications provided by the garage traffic control system 152 are not necessarily limited to colored lights or similar indicators. Rather, in some embodiments, the garage traffic control system 152 may include various types of doors or similar physical blocking features used to block the movement of one vehicle 172 while another vehicle 172 is passing through. Similarly, the garage traffic control system 152 may include other types of warning indications, such as audible indications or actual images of vehicles traveling through the garage parking structure 144. In some embodiments, the garage traffic control system 152 may also be communicatively coupled to a workstation associated with a parking attendant's cabin or office, so that parking attendants can be notified of any potential situations that need to be addressed (e.g., stopped vehicles or items obstructing the path of other vehicles).

[0135] Once vehicle 172 has arrived close to certain parking spaces 252, 254, the passengers begin to park vehicle 172 in one of parking spaces 280. For example... Figure 18 As shown, or as an alternative to the embodiments described above, the disclosed tracking system 10 can be used to assist guests in parking their vehicles 172 in parking spaces 280. Specifically, Figure 18 An embodiment of a traffic assistance system 154 that utilizes multiple tracking systems 10 to assist guests with their parking is described. However, it should be noted that the traffic assistance system 154 disclosed herein can be implemented in other embodiments using a single disclosed tracking system 10.

[0136] Figure 18 The tracking system 10 can be configured to assist guests with parking and / or send information about [the following information] above. Figure 16The aforementioned parking lot monitoring system 234 provides parking space occupancy information. In the illustrated garage parking structure 144, the disclosed tracking system 10 is used to improve the efficiency of parking area / structure management. Specifically, the tracking system 10 can be configured to determine where a vehicle 172 is parked so that visual indications of available parking spaces can be provided to passengers inside the vehicle 172. For example, visual indications can be provided by lights 290 mounted on or near the wall 250 of each parking space 280. As illustrated, the control unit 18 can monitor reflective markers 24 located on the floor 292 of the parking structure 144 and, upon detecting a change in the reflective light from one of the parking spaces, can cause the light 290 to illuminate when the parking space 280 is empty or de-illuminate when the parking space 280 is occupied. Such lights 290 can guide people entering the parking structure 144 to one of the available parking spaces 474 in less time than if parking were done without such indication. Here, the lights 290 associated with parking spaces B10 and B11 are illuminated to notify guests that the parking space is vacant.

[0137] Furthermore, information relating to the occupancy of parking space 280 can be directed to parking monitoring system 234, which can be associated with one or more centralized control systems of amusement park area 138. Therefore, parking monitoring system 234 may include associated processing circuitry containing code or other stored instructions that cause the parking monitoring system to forward occupancy information to parking information system 150 and / or automated parking ticket booths, update or cause an updated database to be associated with parking ticket sales, etc.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the parking spaces 280 is equipped with its own tracking system 10 (e.g., transmitter 12, detector 16, and control unit 18 configured to control light 290). The tracking system 10 can be configured to detect the presence of a vehicle 172 in the corresponding parking space 280. In the illustrated embodiment, each parking space 280 has a group of retroreflective markers 24 disposed on the parking space 280 at the appropriate location occupied by the vehicle 172 to be parked in the parking space 280. Thus, the detector 16 can send a signal representing the presence (or absence) of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the retroreflective markers 24 to the control unit 18, which sends a control signal to the light 290 based on the signal from the detector 16. This control signal can change the state of the light 290 (e.g., from red to green, from off to on) when the retroreflective markers 24 are no longer covered after being previously covered and can be detected. Thus, the tracking system 10 can indicate which parking space 280 is available at a given time in a manner that allows a person to identify and move relatively far to park in the empty parking space 280. It should be noted that although the illustrated vehicle 172 is a car, the tracking system 10 can also detect the presence of other types of vehicles 172. For example, a cluster of echo markers 24 can be arranged where, from the perspective of the detector 16, a car, motorcycle, or any other vehicle 172 could cover the echo markers 24. Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiment shows parking spaces 280 each with their own tracking system 10 (e.g., transmitter 12, detector 16, etc.), it should be noted that in other embodiments, the parking lot structure 144 may include a single tracking system 10 that detects and sends control signals to lights 290 on multiple parking spaces 280 at once.

[0139] According to certain embodiments of this disclosure, the disclosed tracking system 150 can also be used to assess certain aspects related to how the vehicle 172 is located within the parking space 280. Reference now is made to... Figure 19 (This is a top view of an embodiment of one of the parking spaces within the garage parking structure 144), the marker 24 can be located at various positions relative to the parking space 280 so that the tracking system 10 can assess the location of the vehicle 172. Figure 19 The embodiments shown can be viewed as representing the perspective of transmitter 14 and detector 16, and those elements are not shown accordingly for clarity.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the marker 24 can be located on either side of the dividing line 300. Generally, the dividing line 300 demarcates the boundary of the parking space 280. In some embodiments, the dividing line 300 may include a reflective material. Thus, the tracking system 10 is able to detect the boundary of the parking space 280 based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation. The marker 24 located on either side of the line 300 allows the control unit 18 to assess, for example, whether there is sufficient space on either side of the parking space 280 to park another vehicle in the adjacent parking space 301, based on information about a vehicle 172 that may be parked in the adjacent parking space 301. As an example, if a vehicle in parking space 280 would cover some or all of a set of markers 302 located inside one of the lines 300, then the vehicle 172 in parking space 280 is considered relatively close to the line 300. However, if the first set of markers 302 is covered (or partially covered) but none of the lines 300 are covered, then the vehicle 172 can be considered properly parked in parking space 280. On the other hand, if the tracking system 10 receives the reflected electromagnetic radiation such that the control unit 18 determines that the change in the reflected electromagnetic radiation pattern from line 300 is partially or completely blocked, the parking advisory system 150 recommends that only the smaller vehicle 172 be parked in the adjacent parking space 301. Signals (such as lights above parking space 280) can be used to indicate the improperly parked vehicle 172.

[0141] The illustrated parking space 280 does not necessarily need to include reflective material for line 300. Instead, in some embodiments, the first set of markers 302 may be positioned close enough to line 300 that any coverage of any of the markers 24 in the set 302 will indicate that vehicle 172 in parking space 280 is too close to line 300. As a result of such determination, the control unit 18 of the tracking system 10, or other features communicating with the control unit 18, may provide the person parking vehicle 172 in parking space 280 with indications that they should adjust the position of their vehicle 172 or that their vehicle may have dimensions unsuitable for parking space 280 (e.g., as indicated by...). Figure 18 (The illuminated light shown in the diagram). Again, based on the coverage of marker 24, the tracking system 10 can provide input to the parking advisory system 150 so that parking recommendations are provided as appropriate.

[0142] In some embodiments, the amusement park area 138 may include embodiments of a parking garage structure 144 and / or a vehicle assistance system 154 within the open-air parking area 142 that enables assistance to be provided when guests experience problems with their vehicles 172. Figure 20 Such an embodiment of system 154 is depicted in the perspective view shown in the figure. Specifically, Figure 20The perspective view depicts an embodiment of a garage parking structure 144 having multiple parking spaces 280 monitored by a disclosed tracking system 10. As shown, the transmitter 14 of the tracking system 10 can fill an area of ​​the parking structure 144 with electromagnetic radiation of certain wavelengths, which can be reflected back from vehicle tags 200 and / or reflected, diffused, or specularly reflected from elements of vehicles 172. The control unit 18 can be configured to evaluate whether reflected electromagnetic radiation (e.g., reflected light) from within the parking spaces 280 indicates whether one or more of the vehicles 172 require assistance (e.g., maintenance, starting, repair).

[0143] In the illustrated embodiment, the tracking system 10 is configured to monitor a vehicle tag 200, and more specifically, one or more retroreflective markers 24 on the vehicle tag 200. The vehicle tag 200 may include a first retroreflective marker 24A that reflects normally. According to one embodiment, the vehicle tag 200 may also include a second retroreflective marker 24B, which is normally covered by a removable opaque material 310 that prevents the second retroreflective material 24B from receiving and / or reflecting electromagnetic radiation. For example, the vehicle tag 200 may include a feature that allows passengers to remove the removable opaque material 310 and receive assistance instructions when their vehicle 172 experiences a problem. Thus, if the tracking system 10 detects a reflection from the second retroreflective marker 24B, the tracking system 10 may take appropriate instructive and / or control actions.

[0144] To achieve this detection, the first and second echo markers 24A and 24B can be configured to echo electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths, or can have different optical properties that can be distinguished by the tracking system 10. Therefore, the tracking system 10 can be configured to identify when the second echo marker 24B begins to echo electromagnetic radiation from the transmitter 14. In response to detecting this echo generated by the second marker 24B, the tracking system 10 can provide an instruction to the workstation 312 associated with the garage attendant's cabin or office to notify the attendant that one or more vehicles 172 may require assistance. For example, such notification can be provided visually on the garage attendant display 314 or audibly using a series of beeps or some other audible indication, or a combination thereof.

[0145] Alternatively, the first and second echo markers 24A and 24B can be configured in substantially the same manner. That is, the first and second echo markers 24A and 24B can be configured to echo electromagnetic radiation in substantially the same manner and at substantially the same wavelength (e.g., within the tolerances defined by the filters of detector 16 or control unit 18 or both). In such embodiments, the tracking system 10 can be configured to determine the proximity of one echo marker 24 to another. When it is determined with a certain degree of confidence that the two currently echoing echo markers are close enough to each other that they may be located on the same vehicle tag 200, the tracking system 10 can initiate communication with workstation 312 to notify the parking attendant that vehicle 172 requires assistance.

[0146] Furthermore, the vehicle assistance system 154 may not necessarily require the use of the vehicle tag 200 and its associated reflective marker 24. Instead, in addition to or as an alternative to the vehicle tag 200, the tracking system 10 can be configured to detect certain types of reflections indicating a vehicle problem, such as a raised vehicle hood 316. For example, portions of the vehicle hood 316 may reflect light 28 emitted from the emitter 14 in a unique manner recognizable to the detector 16 and the control unit 18. Thus, when it is determined that a passenger has raised the vehicle hood, the tracking system 10 can initiate communication to the workstation 312 to enable automatic assistance for the passenger. Such detection can also be achieved through pattern detection based on the raised configuration of the system 10, in which case the detector 16 may have an elevation view of the vehicle 172. For example, the detector 16 may detect the vehicle tag 200 and its associated marker 24 until the hood 316 is raised. The raised hood 316 can prevent the detector 16 from receiving the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the echo marker 24 (e.g., due to the raised hood 316 blocking the marker 24 from receiving the electromagnetic radiation beam 28).

[0147] After guests enter the amusement park area 138 via private driving and controlled entrance 140 and park their vehicles 172 (e.g., within the open-air parking area 142 or garage parking structure 144), there is little action to be taken during parking other than monitoring the vehicles (which is of concern to the guests' vehicles). However, the public tracking system 10 can also be used to control certain types of pedestrian traffic and combinations of pedestrian and vehicle traffic within the amusement park attraction area 146. Figure 22 The top view depicted in the image shows an example of how the publicly visible tracking system 10 can be used as part of a traffic control system 156 in an amusement park attraction area 146.

[0148] Specifically Figure 22The illustration shows an embodiment of a guest pathway 330 that connects a first attraction area 332A to a second attraction area 332B. The guest pathway 330 may primarily handle pedestrian traffic as guests move between various attractions within the amusement park. However, smaller vehicles, such as trolleys or similar transport vehicles, may also travel along the guest pathway 330. The illustrated guest pathway 330 intersects with a service path 334, which connects a first service area 336A to a second service area 336B. The first and second service areas 336A and 336B may be service areas associated with attraction area 332 or other features of the amusement park. It is understood that service area 336A may not be visible to guests from the viewpoint available along the guest pathway 330, and indeed, service area 336A may be hidden.

[0149] For example, such as Figure 22 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, various environmental features 338 can be positioned at different locations around the pathway 330, thereby obstructing the view of the service area 336. By way of example, environmental features 338 may include physical features with or without recreational functions, such as kiosks for certain types of games, performances, restaurants, shops, restrooms, etc. Therefore, it should be recognized that in some cases, guests may not be able to easily see vehicle traffic, such as service vehicles or trolleys 340, traveling along the service path 334.

[0150] According to this embodiment, the tracking system 10 can be configured to monitor the intersection of guest path 330 and service path 334 and control the flow of pedestrian traffic and / or service traffic based on this monitoring. As shown, the tracking system 10 can be positioned at various locations that enable monitoring sufficient to control the entry of service vehicles 340 into different sections of service path 334. As illustrated, a first embodiment of the tracking system, labeled tracking system 10A, can be fixed to an environmental feature 338 of the amusement park. For example, the first embodiment of tracking system 10A can be fixed to a building or other similar structure of environmental feature 338. Alternatively, a second embodiment of the tracking system, labeled tracking system 10B, can be a separate unit appropriately positioned to monitor reflections from either or both of paths 330, 334.

[0151] As shown, the tracking system 10 can be communicatively coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly) to the door actuator 342, which controls the movement of a movable door 344 positioned along path 334 on either side of the guest path 330. Figure 22An example of how the tracking system 10 can be operated to control traffic flow in an amusement park is that the tracking system 10 can monitor echoes along any one or both of paths 330, 334, which can be echoes from fixed markers 24 set on paths 330, 334 (e.g., as grid 345), or can be echoes installed on individuals 70 or other objects 32 (see [reference]). Figure 1 and 7 The tracking system 10 can initiate the movement of the moving gate 344 when a sufficient number of people 70 are located outside a certain range of the service path 334, so that the service vehicle 340 can move along the path 334.

[0152] The tracking system 10 may have alternative or additional functions associated with the amusement park traffic control system 156. For example, the tracking system 10 may be communicatively coupled to one or more displays 346, which are configured to provide visual cues to guests on path 330 to inform them that they are lingering in a certain area of ​​path 330 to allow service vehicles 340 to pass, or simply as a reminder that service vehicles 340 will soon pass. Alternative or additional cues may also be provided, such as audible cues or cues provided by amusement park staff when they receive automated cues from the tracking system 10 (or other amusement park control systems that communicate with the tracking system 10).

[0153] While only certain features of this embodiment have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations falling within the true spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A traffic control system for a vehicle (10), comprising: A transmitter (14) is configured to fill a detection area (30) with electromagnetic radiation (28), wherein the detection area (30) includes a portion of a parking lot structure (144), wherein the transmitter (14) operates to emit electromagnetic radiation (28) in the form of an extended electromagnetic radiation beam, such that the entire detection area (30) is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation. The detector (16) is configured to detect the reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) caused by the reflection of the emitted electromagnetic radiation (28) from a plurality of reflective markers (24) set in the detection area (30). A control circuit (18) is communicatively coupled to the transmitter (14) and the detector (16), wherein the control circuit (18) is configured to monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) detected by the detector (16) and use the monitored reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) to evaluate information relating to one or more vehicles (26, 172) within the detection area (30); An automated device (290), communicatively coupled to the control circuit (18), is configured to provide user-perceptible indications in relation to one or more vehicles (26, 172) in the detection area (30), wherein the control circuit (18) is configured to cause the automated device to provide specific user-perceptible indications when a change in the reflected electromagnetic radiation is detected. The parking lot structure (144) has parking spaces (280), wherein the parking spaces include a plurality of retroreflective markers (24) positioned in an area corresponding to the intended position of a vehicle (26, 172) when parked in the parking space; The detection area (30) includes at least a portion of the parking space (280), and the control circuit (18) is configured to determine whether the parking space (280) is occupied by a vehicle (26, 172) by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers (24). The automation device (290) provides a visual indication of the occupancy of the parking space (280), and the control circuit (18) is configured to trigger the automation device (290) when the parking space (280) is vacant or occupied. The control circuit (18) is configured as follows: Whether one or more vehicles are improperly parked is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers; Whether one or more vehicles require assistance is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers; Instructions are provided based on a determination of whether the one or more vehicles are improperly parked or require assistance; and The changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation are identified and the identified changes are associated with vehicle information, wherein the identified changes include electromagnetic radiation reflected from a group of at least two of a plurality of reflected elements located on the vehicle. Evaluate vehicle information to determine the size of the vehicle by determining the distance between each of at least two retroreflecting elements, to determine the shape of the vehicle, or a combination thereof, by determining the retroreflection pattern of electromagnetic radiation from said at least two retroreflecting elements; and The assessed vehicle information is used to control automated devices to provide guidance for the movement of vehicles within the detection area, or the location of vehicles, or both, as displayed or output.

2. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the automation device includes lights, communication devices, signs or any combination thereof.

3. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the detector (16) comprises one or more optical filters configured to filter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that do not correspond to the electromagnetic radiation (28) emitted by the transmitter (14), such that the optical detection features of the detector (16) substantially receive only those wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation including the emitted electromagnetic radiation (28) and the electromagnetic radiation (28) reflected back to the detector (16).

4. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit (18) is configured to: The reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) is associated with multiple reflected markers (24) located in an area corresponding to the expected location; Monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) to obtain the reflection changes of multiple reflected markers (24) in the area corresponding to the expected position; and The reflection variation of multiple reflective markers (24) is correlated with the coverage of the markers by vehicles (26, 172) parked in the parking space to determine whether the parking space is occupied.

5. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The parking structure (144) has a plurality of parking spaces (280), each of the plurality of parking spaces (280) including a plurality of retroreflective markers (24) positioned in an area corresponding to the expected location of a vehicle (26, 172) when the vehicle occupies the parking space (280); The control circuit (18) is configured to use electromagnetic radiation reflected by a plurality of retroreflective markers (24) in each parking space (280) to determine whether each of the plurality of parking spaces (280) is occupied by the corresponding vehicle (26, 172); The automation device includes a display configured to provide text or graphic information related to the occupancy of the plurality of parking spaces (280), wherein the display is located outside the parking structure (144) and along a vehicle path (204, 334) leading to the parking structure (144), or is part of a mobile device configured to communicate with the control circuit (18). and The control circuit (18) is configured to cause the display to update the text or graphic information when a definite change in occupancy associated with the plurality of parking spaces (280) is detected.

6. The system (10) of claim 5, wherein the control circuit (18) is configured to determine which of the plurality of parking spaces (280) are not occupied by the corresponding vehicle (26, 172) when a substantially unchanged reflection is detected from a plurality of reflection markers (24) associated with an unoccupied parking space (280), and the control circuit (18) is configured to cause the display to provide a recommended parking space (280) at least when the unoccupied parking space is determined.

7. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The parking lot structure (144) has parking spaces (280) corresponding to at least a portion of the detection area (30); The automation device includes a parking attendant notification device, and the control circuit (18) is configured to: The reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) is associated with a reflected mark (24) located on or inside a vehicle (26, 172) parked in the parking space (280); Determine whether the detected reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) is associated with inoperable vehicles (26, 172); as well as If the control circuit (18) determines that the vehicle (26, 172) is inoperable, it prompts the parking attendant notification device to provide the parking attendant with a perceptible indication that the vehicle (26, 172) in the parking space (280) is inoperable.

8. The system (10) of claim 7, wherein the control circuit (18) is configured to associate reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) with a reflective mark (24) positioned on or within a vehicle tag located in a parking space (280), and the control circuit (18) is configured to use the reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) reflected from the reflective mark (24) to determine whether the reflective mark (24) is intended to signal that the vehicle (26, 172) cannot move.

9. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The parking structure (144) has multiple parking spaces (280), which include a first group of parking spaces (252, 280) and a second group of parking spaces (254, 280), wherein the first group and the second group of parking spaces (252, 254, 280) are separated from each other by the walls of the parking structure (144). The transmitter (14) and detector (16) are positioned on the wall, and the detection area (30) includes a portion of a parking structure (144) near the edge of the wall such that the detector (16) has a top perspective view of a first expected vehicle path traveling around the wall in a first direction and a second expected vehicle path extending around the wall in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, and wherein the first expected vehicle path is associated with a first set of echo markers in a plurality of echo markers (24) and the second expected vehicle path is associated with a second set of echo markers in a plurality of echo markers (24); The control circuit (18) is configured to use the echoes from multiple echo markers (24) monitored from the first group (258) to determine whether the vehicle (26, 172) is traveling along a first expected vehicle path (262), and the control circuit (18) is configured to use the echoes from multiple echo markers (24) monitored from the second group (260) to determine whether the vehicle (26, 172) is traveling along a second expected vehicle path (264); and The automated device includes: a first consultation feature, which is communicatively coupled to the control circuit (18) and configured to provide user-perceptible instructions to vehicles (26, 172) traveling along a first expected vehicle path; and a second consultation feature, which is communicatively coupled to the control circuit (18) and configured to provide user-perceptible instructions to vehicles (26, 172) traveling along a second expected vehicle path, wherein the control circuit (18) is configured to adjust the user-perceptible instructions provided by the first consultation feature, the second consultation feature, or both when it is determined that the vehicle (26, 172) is present on the first expected vehicle path or the second expected vehicle path.

10. A method for tracking and controlling the movement of a vehicle (26, 172), the method comprising: The detection area (30) is filled with electromagnetic radiation (28) using a transmitter (14), wherein the detection area (30) is projected with an extended electromagnetic radiation beam such that the entire detection area is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the detection area (30) includes a portion of a parking structure (144) having parking spaces (280), wherein the parking spaces (280) include a plurality of retroreflective markers (24) positioned in an area corresponding to the expected position of a vehicle (26, 172) when the vehicle is parked in the parking space (280); Electromagnetic radiation (28) reflected from multiple echo markers (24) arranged within the detection area (30) is detected using a detector (16). The monitored reflected electromagnetic radiation (28) is used to evaluate information relating to one or more vehicles (26, 172) within the detection area (30). The monitoring and evaluation are performed by a control circuit (18) that is at least communicatively coupled to the detector (16). A control automation device configured to provide user-perceptible indications in relation to one or more vehicles (26, 172) in the detection area (30), at least a portion of which includes the parking space (280), the control comprising: This enables the automated device to provide a specific, user-perceptible indication when it detects a change in the reflected electromagnetic radiation. Whether the parking space (280) is occupied by a vehicle (26, 172) is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers (24); and The automation device (290) is triggered when the parking space (280) is empty or occupied. The method further includes: Whether one or more vehicles are improperly parked is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers; Whether one or more vehicles require assistance is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers; Instructions are provided based on whether the one or more vehicles are improperly parked or require assistance; The changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation are identified, and the identified changes are correlated with vehicle information, wherein the identified changes include electromagnetic radiation reflected from a group of at least two of a plurality of retroreflecting elements located on the vehicle; and Evaluate vehicle information to determine the size of the vehicle by determining the distance between each of at least two retroreflecting elements, to determine the shape of the vehicle, or a combination thereof, by determining the retroreflection pattern of electromagnetic radiation from said at least two retroreflecting elements; and The assessed vehicle information is used to control automated devices to provide guidance for the movement of vehicles within the detection area, or the location of vehicles, or both, as displayed or output.

11. A traffic control system for a vehicle, comprising control circuitry configured to: Monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation and associate the reflected electromagnetic radiation with multiple reflected elements within the detection area, wherein the entire detection area is exposed to electromagnetic radiation; The changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation are identified and the identified changes are associated with vehicle information, wherein the identified changes include electromagnetic radiation reflected from a group of at least two of the plurality of reflected elements located on the vehicle. Evaluate vehicle information to determine the size of the vehicle by determining the distance between each of at least two retroreflecting elements, to determine the shape of the vehicle by determining the retroreflection pattern of electromagnetic radiation from the at least two retroreflecting elements, or a combination thereof; The assessed vehicle information is used to control automated devices to provide a display or output of guidance for the movement of vehicles within the detection area, or the location of vehicles, or both. It is determined whether one or more vehicles are improperly parked by monitoring the echoes from multiple echo markers; Whether one or more vehicles require assistance is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers; as well as Instructions are provided based on a determination of whether the one or more vehicles are improperly parked or require assistance.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to: The reflected electromagnetic radiation is associated with a set of reflected elements from a plurality of reflected elements, which are positioned along two or more roads at opposite ends of an intersection of two or more roads and the intersection within the detection area. Determine whether the reflected electromagnetic radiation from this set of reflective elements has been reflected by a reflective element located on one of the two or more roads; Associating the group of retroreflecting elements from which no retroreflected electromagnetic radiation was detected with the location of a vehicle positioned above the group of retroreflecting elements; and In response to the established association, the selective illumination of traffic lights is adjusted.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to: The reflected electromagnetic radiation is associated with one of a plurality of reflected elements, which is mounted on the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is positioned on the entrance path of the detection area; Determine whether the retroreflective element installed on the vehicle from which the retroreflected electromagnetic radiation is detected is permitted to enter the parking area; and If the retroreflective element installed on the vehicle is allowed to enter the parking area, it causes the door actuator to move the movable door to the open position.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to: The reflected electromagnetic radiation is associated with a reflective element among multiple reflective elements located in an area corresponding to the expected position of the vehicle in the detection area; Monitoring the reflected electromagnetic radiation to obtain changes in the reflection of a retroreflecting element within a region corresponding to the intended location of the vehicle; and The variation in the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the retroreflector is correlated with the coverage of the retroreflector by the vehicle at the intended location of the vehicle.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the intended location of the vehicle is a parking space.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to: Using reflected electromagnetic radiation from one of a plurality of reflective elements in a parking space, it is determined whether one of the plurality of parking spaces is occupied by a vehicle, wherein the parking space includes a reflective element positioned in an area corresponding to the expected location of the vehicle when the vehicle occupies the parking space; and When a parking space experiences a confirmed change in occupancy, the display is prompted to update the text or graphic information.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the control circuit is configured to: As the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the additional reflective elements in the additional parking spaces remains substantially unchanged, it is determined that the additional parking spaces in the plurality of parking spaces are not occupied by the vehicle; and When it is determined that the additional parking space is not occupied, the display is prompted to provide recommended parking spaces.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to: The reflected electromagnetic radiation is associated with one of a plurality of reflected elements positioned on or within a vehicle parked in a parking space corresponding to at least a portion of the detection area; Determine whether the retroreflecting element from which the retroreflected electromagnetic radiation is detected is located on or inside a non-movable vehicle; as well as If the control circuit determines that the vehicle is not drivable, it prompts the parking attendant notification device to provide the parking attendant with a perceptible indication that the vehicle in the parking space is not drivable.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the control circuit is configured to: Associate the reflected electromagnetic radiation with a reflective element located on or inside a vehicle tag on a vehicle parked in the parking space; and The result of detecting the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the reflected element determines whether the reflected element intends to signal that the vehicle cannot move.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to: By monitoring the reflected electromagnetic radiation from a first set of reflected elements among a plurality of reflected elements positioned along a first expected vehicle path, it is determined whether the vehicle is traveling along the first expected vehicle path within the detection area; and Whether the vehicle is traveling along the second expected vehicle path within the detection area is determined by monitoring the reflected electromagnetic radiation from a second set of reflected elements among a plurality of reflected elements positioned on the second expected vehicle path.

21. A traffic control system for a vehicle, comprising control circuitry configured to: Monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation and associate the reflected electromagnetic radiation with multiple reflected elements within a parking structure, wherein the parking structure includes multiple parking spaces, wherein the parking spaces are entirely exposed to electromagnetic radiation; The changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation are identified and the identified changes are associated with vehicle information, wherein the identified changes include electromagnetic radiation reflected from a group of at least two of the plurality of reflected elements located on the vehicle. as well as The vehicle is positioned within one of the multiple parking spaces based on the changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation. The control circuit is configured as follows: Evaluate vehicle information to determine the size of the vehicle by determining the distance between each of at least two retroreflecting elements, to determine the shape of the vehicle by determining the retroreflection pattern of electromagnetic radiation from the at least two retroreflecting elements, or a combination thereof; The assessed vehicle information is used to control automated devices to provide guidance for the movement of vehicles within the detection area, or the location of vehicles, or both, as displayed or output. It is determined whether one or more vehicles are improperly parked by monitoring the echoes from multiple echo markers; Whether one or more vehicles require assistance is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers; as well as Instructions are provided based on a determination of whether the one or more vehicles are improperly parked or require assistance.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the control circuitry is configured to actuate a display to provide an indication that the vehicle is positioned within a parking space among the plurality of parking spaces.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the display includes a light configured to illuminate when one of the plurality of parking spaces is not occupied by the vehicle.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the light is mounted to a wall, the wall being configured to separate a first group of parking spaces from a second group of parking spaces.

25. The system of claim 21, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine that the vehicle is positioned within the parking spaces of the plurality of parking spaces based on the absence of reflected electromagnetic radiation from the parking spaces.

26. A method for tracking and controlling the movement of a vehicle, comprising: Monitor the reflected electromagnetic radiation and associate the reflected electromagnetic radiation with multiple reflected elements within the detection area, wherein the entire detection area is exposed to electromagnetic radiation; The changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation are identified and the identified changes are associated with vehicle information, wherein the identified changes include electromagnetic radiation reflected from a group of at least two of the plurality of reflected elements located on the vehicle. The vehicle information is evaluated to determine the size of the vehicle by determining the distance between each of at least two retroreflecting elements, to determine the shape of the vehicle by determining the retroreflection pattern of electromagnetic radiation from the at least two retroreflecting elements, or a combination thereof; The assessed vehicle information is used to control automated devices to provide guidance for the movement of vehicles within the detection area, or the location of vehicles, or both, as displayed or output. It is determined whether one or more vehicles are improperly parked by monitoring the echoes from multiple echo markers; Whether one or more vehicles require assistance is determined by monitoring the echoes from the plurality of echo markers; as well as Instructions are provided based on a determination of whether the one or more vehicles are improperly parked or require assistance.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein identifying changes in the reflected electromagnetic radiation and associating the identified changes with vehicle information further comprises detecting obstruction of a reflective element among a plurality of reflective elements within the detection area.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising determining that the vehicle is positioned above the retroreflectors of the plurality of retroreflectors within the detection area when obstruction of the retroreflectors of the plurality of retroreflectors within the detection area is detected.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the retroreflector of the plurality of retroreflector elements is positioned within a parking space of the parking lot structure.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising determining that the vehicle is positioned within the parking space of the parking structure upon detecting obstruction of one of a plurality of retroreflective elements positioned within a parking space of the parking structure.

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