Interaction system and method with feedback device

Abstract

The wearable device includes a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a second RFID tag, one or more feedback devices configured to provide feedback to a guest, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to generate a first control signal in response to an interaction between electromagnetic radiation having a first frequency and a first RFID tag and configured to generate a second control signal in response to an interaction between electromagnetic radiation having a second frequency and a second RFID tag, the first control signal causes a first type of feedback via one or more feedback devices and the second control signal causes a second type of feedback via one or more feedback devices.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201880086631.6, entitled “Interactive System and Method with Feedback Device”, filed on November 13, 2018. The Chinese patent application claims priority and benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 617,506, entitled “Interactive System and Method with Feedback Device”, filed on January 15, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to interactive systems and methods. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to interactive systems and methods for providing feedback to guests in an amusement park using a wearable device. Background Art

[0003] Amusement parks and / or theme parks may include a variety of entertainment attractions. Some existing attractions may provide guests with immersive or interactive experiences. For example, guests may visit areas with various features, such as audio, video, and special effects. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of modern attractions, and the corresponding increase in expectations among amusement park and / or theme park guests, there is a need for improved and more creative attractions, including attractions that provide more interactive and personalized experiences. Summary of the invention

[0004] Some embodiments that are commensurate in scope with the original claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but these embodiments are only intended to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure can encompass various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the wearable device includes a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a second RFID tag, one or more feedback devices configured to provide feedback to the guest, and a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is configured to generate a first control signal in response to interaction between electromagnetic radiation having a first frequency and the first RFID tag and is configured to generate a second control signal in response to interaction between electromagnetic radiation having a second frequency and the second RFID tag, wherein the first control signal causes a first type of feedback via the one or more feedback devices, and the second control signal causes a second type of feedback via the one or more feedback devices.

[0006] In one embodiment, a system includes a wearable device, the wearable device including a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having a first memory storing corresponding identification information. The system also includes a first reader, the first reader is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a first frequency, the first frequency enabling the first reader to read the corresponding identification information from the first memory and to write data to the first memory of the first RFID tag. The system also includes one or more light emitters and a microcontroller, the one or more light emitters being supported by the wearable device, and the microcontroller being supported by the wearable device. The microcontroller is configured to receive at least one of a first signal and a second signal, the first signal indicating that the emitted electromagnetic radiation is received at the first RFID tag, the second signal indicating that the data is written to the first memory, and the microcontroller is configured to generate a control signal, the control signal causing at least one of the one or more light emitters to light up based on the received first signal or the received second signal.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation having a first frequency from a first reader; and transmitting identification information from a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag supported by a wearable device to the first reader in response to receiving the transmitted electromagnetic radiation having the first frequency. The method also includes receiving a first signal from the first RFID tag at a microcontroller supported by the wearable device, the first signal indicating that electromagnetic radiation including the first frequency was received at the first RFID tag. The method also includes generating a first control signal using the microcontroller in response to receiving the first signal at the microcontroller, wherein the first control signal causes one of a plurality of available types of illumination of one or more light emitters supported by the wearable device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, and wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an interactive system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is to show that according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Illustration of the communication between a reader and a wearable device used in an interactive system; Figure 3 It is to show that according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Illustration of communication between a reader and multiple wearable devices used in an interactive system; Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Graphical representation of team feedback provided by the interactive system; Figure 5 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A front view of a wearable device used in an interactive system; and Figure 6 The operation according to one aspect of the present disclosure is Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for interacting with a system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as in accordance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it will still be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill who benefits from the present disclosure.

[0010] Amusement parks feature a wide variety of entertainment, such as amusement park rides, shows, and games. Different types of entertainment may include features that enhance the experience of guests at the amusement park. For example, a game may detect a guest's interaction with a rendered image displayed on a display screen. However, some interactive systems may provide a suboptimal experience due to a lack of feedback to notify the guest that the interaction was successful (e.g., recognized by the interactive system). In addition, some interactive systems may not determine the identity of the guest interacting with the interactive elements, and therefore may not accurately or efficiently track the score or other game statistics for each guest. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a system and method that provides feedback to the guest to indicate to the guest that the interaction was actually detected by the interactive system and / or track the game statistics for each guest.

[0011] Thus, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing feedback to guests using radio frequency identification (RFID) based on their interactions with an interactive system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an interactive system that includes one or more RFID readers and a plurality of wearable devices, each of which has one or more RFID tags and one or more feedback devices (e.g., lights) that cooperate to indicate successful interactions with interactive elements of an attraction. Components of the interactive system disclosed herein may also facilitate tracking a guest's interactions and progress (e.g., game statistics) as the guest travels through an attraction.

[0012] As used below, the term "user" may refer to a user of an interactive system, and a user may be a guest at an amusement park. As an example, a user may wear or carry a wearable device having one or more feedback devices as the user travels through an attraction. The attraction may have various interactive elements, which may be any of a variety of images or objects (e.g., rendered images, virtual elements, or graphical elements presented on a display screen; physical targets; costumed characters). To experience the attraction, the user may interact with the interactive elements, such as by touching a physical target or approaching a costumed character, for example.

[0013] One or more RFID readers of the interactive system may be positioned at various locations around the scenic spot and / or positioned adjacent to certain interactive elements. In operation, one or more RFID readers communicate with one or more RFID tags within a wearable device of a user. Communication between one or more RFID readers and one or more RFID tags may trigger a feedback response (e.g., lighting a light) via one or more feedback devices of the wearable device, thereby providing feedback to notify the user that, for example, the interactive system has detected a user within the scenic spot and / or has detected an interaction between the user and an interactive element. Communication between one or more RFID readers and one or more RFID tags may also enable the interactive system to track the user's progress (e.g., game statistics) as the user travels through the scenic spot. For example, the interactive system may detect and keep track of the number of targets contacted by the user and / or the number of costumed characters encountered by the user.

[0014] In addition, in one embodiment, the interactive system can provide feedback indicating the user's status (e.g., level in a game) via one or more feedback devices of the wearable device. For example, when a certain number of scores or high levels in a game are reached, one or more RFID readers can write data to one or more RFID tags in the wearable device, and the data triggers a feedback response (e.g., lighting up multiple lights) via one or more feedback devices. Therefore, when the user interacts with the interactive elements of the attraction and / or when the user reaches certain levels (e.g., milestones or achievements), the interactive system can provide substantially immediate feedback. In addition, the interactive system can enable the user to receive such feedback without the need for external devices such as mobile phones or information stations, thereby providing a more immersive and enjoyable experience.

[0015] Now turning to the attached figure, Figure 1is a schematic representation of an interactive system 10 that includes a reader system 12 (e.g., a radio frequency identification [RFID] reader system) and a wearable device 14. In one embodiment, the wearable device 14 is a wearable device or a portable device, such as a bracelet, necklace, trinket, pin, or toy, that can be worn or carried by a user as the user travels through an attraction. As discussed in more detail below, the reader system 12 is capable of communicating with the wearable device 14 via electromagnetic radiation, and the communication enables tracking of the user's progress through the attraction (e.g., number of rides completed, areas visited, interactive elements contacted, costumed characters encountered, virtual achievements earned). The communication also enables the wearable device 14 to provide feedback to the user indicating progress and / or various interactions via feedback responses (e.g., light, sound, or tactile) output by the wearable device 14.

[0016] like Figure 1 , one embodiment of the reader system 12 includes a first reader 16 and a second reader 18 communicatively coupled to a computing system 20 (having a memory 54 and a processor 56) that accesses information stored in one or more databases 22 (e.g., a cloud-based storage system). In general, the first reader 16 and the second reader 18 transmit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., signals) to the wearable device 14. In one embodiment, the first reader 16 transmits a signal 24 of one frequency (e.g., a range), and the second reader 18 transmits a signal 26 of another frequency (e.g., a range) different from the first frequency. In addition to transmitting the signals 24, 26, the first reader 16 and the second reader 18 can receive signals, such as signals returned from the wearable device 14 and signals from the computing system 20. In one embodiment, the computing system 20 instructs the readers (e.g., the first reader 16 and the second reader 18) to send the signals 24, 26 to the wearable device 14 based on information stored in the data encoded in the one or more databases 22. Therefore, it should be understood that the first reader 16 and the second reader 18 may be transceivers capable of both sending and receiving signals.

[0017] like Figure 1As illustrated in FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the wearable device 14 includes a first RFID tag 28, a second RFID tag 30, a microcontroller 32, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and a power circuit 36, which cooperate to enable the wearable device 14 of the interactive system 10 to function as disclosed. As illustrated, the wearable device 14 has four LEDs 34; however, it should be understood that the wearable device 14 can have fewer or more LEDs 34. The first RFID tag 28 and the second RFID tag 30 each include an antenna 38 for transmitting and receiving signals, a memory 40 for storing information (e.g., a unique identification code), a microchip 42, and an integrated circuit 44 for powering the microchip 42. In addition, the integrated circuit 44 powers the power circuit 36, which provides power to the microcontroller 32. In one embodiment, the power circuit 36 ​​may include an energy storage device (e.g., a capacitor, a supercapacitor, or a battery) configured to store power. As shown, the microcontroller 32 of the wearable device 14 includes a memory 46 and a processor 48. The memory 46 stores computer readable instructions that are executed by the processor 48 to control the operation of the microcontroller 32 .

[0018] Typically, the antenna 38 of the first RFID tag 28 is designed to receive the signal 24 from the first reader 16, and the antenna 28 of the second RFID tag 30 is designed to receive the signal 26 from the second reader 18 of the reader system 12. The microcontroller 32 recognizes the interaction between the tags 28, 30 and the readers 16, 18, and sends a signal (e.g., a control signal) to one or more of the LEDs 34 to provide feedback to the user. In one embodiment, the wearable device 14 of the interactive system 10 may include additional or alternative feedback devices, such as an audio device configured to emit a sound or a tactile member configured to provide a tactile output (e.g., a vibration). Additionally or alternatively, backscatter indicating a unique identification code is emitted by the first RFID tag 28 and / or the second RFID tag 30, and the backscatter is used by the computing system to track the user's progress (e.g., game statistics) as the user travels through the attraction.

[0019] More specifically, the first reader 16 of the reader system 12 continuously transmits the signal 24. The antenna 38 of the first RFID tag 28 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation (e.g., signal 24) from the first reader 16 and transmit a signal 50 to the first reader 16. The integrated circuit 44 converts the electromagnetic radiation received by the antenna 38 into electricity to provide power to the microchip 42, which generates backscatter (e.g., signal 50). The backscatter contains information (e.g., a unique identification code) stored in the memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28. The backscatter (e.g., signal 50) is received by the first reader 16, which can send a signal to the computing system 20. The computing system 20 can process the signal to determine the identity of the user associated with the wearable device 14 (e.g., the user can register the wearable device 14 to associate the wearable device 14 with the user before experiencing the attraction) and / or update the information of the wearable device 14 in one or more databases 22 (e.g., game statistics). In this way, the interactive system 10 can track the progress of the user (e.g., game statistics) as the user travels through the attraction.

[0020] In addition, once power is supplied to the microcontroller 32, the processor 48 of the microcontroller 32 may also receive and process a signal from the first RFID tag 28 indicating that the signal 24 from the first reader 16 is received at the first RFID tag 28. The processor 48 of the microcontroller 32 may then execute instructions stored on the memory 46 of the microcontroller 32 to illuminate one or more of the LEDs 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d to provide feedback to the user. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 32 may be programmed to provide a certain type of illumination (e.g., number of lights, color, flashing pattern, length of time) in response to a signal indicating that the signal 24 from the first reader 16 is received at the first RFID tag 28. For example, when the first RFID tag 28 receives the signal 24 from the first RFID reader 16, the microcontroller 32 may illuminate the first LED 34a. In one embodiment, the signal 24 transmitted by the first reader 16 is an ultra high frequency (UHF) signal (e.g., having a frequency between approximately 300 megahertz and 3 gigahertz). Thus, the first RFID tag 28 may receive the signal 24 from the first reader 16 when the first RFID tag 28 is located at a relatively long distance from the first reader 16 (eg, up to approximately 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more meters).

[0021] In addition, the second reader 18 may continuously transmit the signal 26. The antenna 38 of the second RFID tag 30 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation (e.g., signal 26) from the second reader 18. The integrated circuit 44 converts the radiation received by the antenna 38 into electricity to provide power to the microchip 42, which generates backscatter (e.g., signal 52). The backscatter contains information stored in the memory 40 of the second RFID tag 30 (e.g., a unique identification code). It should be understood that in some embodiments, the information stored in the respective memories 40 of the first RFID tag 28 and the second RFID tag 30 can be linked (e.g., the backscatter generated in response to receiving the signal 26 at the second RFID tag 30 can contain information stored in the memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28), or the first RFID tag 28 and the second RFID tag 30 can share a memory 40 (e.g., being a dual RFID tag capable of receiving signals of different frequencies). The backscatter (e.g., signal 52) is received by the second reader 18, which can send the signal to the computing system 20. The computing system 20 can process the signal to determine the identity of the user associated with the wearable device 14 and / or update information (e.g., game statistics) of the wearable device 14 in one or more databases 22. Because the first RFID reader 16 can be associated with a particular area (e.g., a room) of the attraction, and the second RFID reader 18 can be associated with a particular interactive element (e.g., a target) of the attraction, the computing system 20 can track both the approximate location of the user and the user's interaction with the interactive elements. In this way, the interactive system 10 can track the user's progress (e.g., game statistics) as the user travels through the attraction.

[0022] In addition, once power is supplied to the microcontroller 32, the processor 48 of the microcontroller 32 may also receive and process a signal from the second RFID tag 30 indicating that the signal 26 from the second reader 18 is received at the second RFID tag 30. The processor 48 of the microcontroller 32 may then execute instructions stored on the memory 46 of the microcontroller 32 to illuminate one or more of the LEDs 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d to provide feedback to the user. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 32 may be programmed to provide a certain type of illumination (e.g., the number of lights, color, flashing pattern, length of time) in response to a signal indicating that the signal 26 from the second reader 18 is received at the second RFID tag 30. For example, when the second RFID tag 30 receives the signal 26 from the second RFID reader 18, the microcontroller 32 may illuminate the second LED 34b. In one embodiment, the signal 26 transmitted by the second reader 16 is a near field communication (NFC) signal (e.g., having a frequency between approximately 10 and 20 megahertz). Thus, when the second RFID tag 30 is within a relatively short distance (e.g., approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 centimeters) of the first reader 16, the second RFID tag 30 can receive the signal 26 from the second reader 18. Because the first RFID reader 16 can be associated with a particular area of ​​the attraction (e.g., a room), and the second RFID reader 18 can be associated with a particular interactive element of the attraction (e.g., a target), the lighting up (or other feedback, such as audio or tactile) on the wearable device 14 can provide a variety of types of feedback to the user. For example, in response to receiving the signal 24 from the first RFID reader 16, the lighting up of the first LED 34a can notify the user interaction system 10 that the user has been detected in the particular area of ​​the attraction, and in response to receiving the signal 26 from the second RFID reader 18, the lighting up of the second LED 34b can notify the user interaction system 10 that the user has been detected interacting with the particular interactive element.

[0023] Generally, the second reader 18 operates similarly to the first reader 16; however, the first reader 16 communicates with the first RFID tag 28 (rather than the second RFID tag 30), and the second reader 18 communicates with the second RFID tag 30 (rather than the first RFID tag 28). The wearable device 14 includes at least two RFID tags 28, 30, each of which is configured to communicate with a corresponding reader 16, 18 that transmits a signal 24, 26 that travels a different distance. The first RFID tag 28 and the first reader 16 communicating over a relatively long distance enable tracking of the approximate location of the wearable device 14 and charging of the wearable device 14, while the second RFID tag 30 and the second reader 18 communicating over a relatively short distance enable monitoring of interactions based on contact (or close proximity) between a user and an interactive element in an attraction.

[0024] In one embodiment, the interactive system 10 may include multiple first readers 16 at different locations within the attraction. As the user moves through the attraction, the user's location is updated in the database 22 based on which first reader 16 is currently communicating with the wearable device 14. In one embodiment, feedback may be provided to the user based on each interaction with each of the first readers 16. For example, one first reader 16 may be located at the entrance of the attraction, while another first reader 16 may be located in a room or area of ​​the attraction. In this case, the wearable device 14 provides feedback (e.g., lighting of the first LED 34a) when the user enters the attraction, thereby notifying the user that they have been detected by the interactive system 10. Then, once the user enters the room or area, the wearable device 14 provides another feedback (e.g., the same feedback or different feedback, such as lighting of the second LED 34b), thereby notifying the user that they have been detected by the interactive system 10 as being in a new area.

[0025] In one embodiment, one or more first readers 16 and one or more second readers 18 can cooperate to improve the user's immersive experience. For example, a user can enter an area containing one or more first readers 16. The area may include one or more targets, each of which is associated with or adjacent to one or more second readers 18. As discussed above, once the wearable device 14 is within the range (e.g., a relatively long range) of one first reader 16 in the area, the wearable device 14 communicates with one first reader 16, the database 22 is updated, and the wearable device 14 can provide feedback to the user that they have been detected in the area. In addition, once the wearable device 14 (e.g., due to the user hitting, touching, or walking over a target associated with a second reader 18) is within the range (e.g., a relatively short range) of a second reader 18, the wearable device 14 communicates with one second reader 18, the database 22 is updated, and the wearable device 14 can provide feedback to the user that they have successfully interacted with the target (e.g., a score has been assigned).

[0026] As discussed above, the microcontroller 32 may be programmed to provide some feedback to the user based on the interaction between the RFID tags 28, 30 of the wearable device 14 and the readers 16, 18. Additionally or alternatively, the memory 40 of the wearable device 14 may be updated (e.g., one or more of the readers 16, 18 may write to the memory 40 of one or more RFID tags 28, 30), thereby enabling the wearable device 14 to provide other feedback, such as feedback indicating the user's progress (e.g., level within a game), wait time, etc. For example, upon detecting a first interaction of the user with the second reader 18, the computing system 20 may instruct the first reader 16 to write data to the corresponding memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28, which (e.g., when received and processed by the microcontroller 32) causes the microcontroller 32 to illuminate the first LED 34a. However, upon determining that the user has completed a predetermined number of successful interactions with the target (e.g., based on communications between the second RFID tag 30 and the second reader 18 associated with the target), the computing system 20 may instruct the first reader 16 to write data to the corresponding memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28, the data causing the microcontroller 32 to illuminate a plurality of LEDs (e.g., LEDs 34a-d or any combination thereof) and / or trigger a feedback response via a speaker or haptic). Thus, feedback is provided based on information stored in the database 22. For example, the database 22 may contain information about the user's progress based on the user's interactions with one or more first readers 16 and second readers 18 throughout the attraction, and feedback may be provided once certain conditions are met (e.g., a level or score is achieved). In this way, the wearable device 14 may provide feedback indicating the user's overall progress or performance.

[0027] In one embodiment, the user may prompt or request feedback by entering a special area (e.g., a status update area) having one or more first readers 16. Communication between the first RFID tag 28 of the wearable device 14 and one of these first readers 16 may cause the computing system 20 to instruct the first reader 16 to write data to the corresponding memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28 to provide feedback indicating the user's progress. In one embodiment, each time the first RFID tag 28 communicates with one first reader 16 and / or one second reader 18, the user may receive such feedback indicating the user's progress. Thus, the user may be repeatedly updated about progress as the user travels through the attraction.

[0028] In one embodiment, the LEDs 34a-d can be used to provide an indication of the wait time for an attraction. For example, upon detecting that a user is approaching an attraction (e.g., based on communication between the first RFID tag 28 and the first reader 16 near the entrance to the attraction), the computing system 20 can instruct the first reader 16 to write data to the corresponding memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28, which (e.g., when received and processed by the microcontroller 32) causes the microcontroller 32 to illuminate the LEDs 34a-d in a manner that communicates the wait time or whether a particular wait time threshold is met. For example, at least one LED 34 can be multi-colored (e.g., configured to emit red, yellow, and green light), and each color indicates an approximate wait time (e.g., a first color indicates a wait time greater than 15 minutes, a second color indicates a wait time less than 5 minutes, and a third color indicates no wait). Because multiple first readers 16 can be located throughout an attraction or amusement park, the user can continue to receive feedback about the wait time even after the user moves out of range of the first reader 16 near the entrance of the attraction (e.g., because other first readers 16 can write data to the corresponding memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28). In one embodiment, each LED 34 can represent an approximate wait time (e.g., 5, 10, 15 minutes), so that the number of LEDs 34 that are lit provides an indication of the wait time (e.g., four LEDs indicate a wait time of 60 minutes or more, three LEDs indicate a wait time of 45 minutes or more, two LEDs indicate a wait time of 30 minutes or more, and one LED indicates a wait time of 15 minutes or more). In one embodiment, the LEDs 34 can represent a countdown timer. For example, upon detecting that the user is approaching the attraction, all LEDs 34a-d are initially illuminated and then sequentially turned off as the countdown timer expires.

[0029] As described above, in one embodiment, the antenna 38 of the first RFID tag 28 may only receive UHF waves, while the antenna 38 of the second RFID tag 30 may only receive NFC waves. For example, the first RFID tag 28 may only communicate with (e.g., receive or transmit) UHF waves, while the second RFID tag 30 may only communicate with NFC waves. When UHF signals travel longer distances, the first RFID tag 28 may frequently or continuously receive UHF signals emitted by the first reader 16 when the user travels through the attraction, but when the user positions the wearable device 14 close to the second reader 18, the second RFID tag 30 may only receive NFC signals emitted by the second reader 18. Therefore, in one embodiment, the UHF signal may be used to power or charge the wearable device 14 (e.g., via power harvested by the integrated circuit 44 and the power circuit 36). However, NFC signals may also be used to power or charge the wearable device 14 in a similar manner.

[0030] It should be understood that the interactive system 10 can track multiple users and provide feedback on multiple wearable devices 14. For example, multiple users can each wear a corresponding wearable device 14 that is configured to communicate with multiple first readers 16 and second readers 18 disposed in different locations within the attraction. It should also be understood that in one embodiment, the wearable device 14 of the interactive system 10 can include a single RFID tag (e.g., a dual-frequency RFID tag) capable of communicating with a signal at a first frequency (e.g., a range of frequencies) and a signal at a second frequency (e.g., another range of frequencies) to facilitate the techniques disclosed herein.

[0031] Figure 2is an illustration of one embodiment of an interactive system 10. As illustrated, the interactive system 10 includes two first readers 16a and 16b, a second reader 18 disposed within or near a target 58, and a wearable device 14 worn by a user 60. The first readers 16a and 16b and the second reader 18 are communicatively coupled to a computing system 20 and a database 22. The first reader 16a continuously emits a signal 24a that can be received by a first RFID tag 28 of the wearable device 14 within a first area 62a (e.g., a zone or room of a tourist attraction), and similarly, the first reader 16b continuously emits a signal 24b that can be received by a first RFID tag 28 of the wearable device 14 within the second area 62b once the user 60 travels into the second area 62b. Thus, depending on the location of the user 60, the wearable device 14 can communicate (e.g., receive signals / electromagnetic radiation, backscatter information) with one or both of the first reader 16a in the first area 62a or the first reader 16b in the second area 62b. Based on which first reader (e.g., 16a or 16b) is communicating with the wearable device 14, the computing system 20 determines the location of the user 60 and updates the database 22 with data indicating the location of the user 60. In addition, while the wearable device 14 of the user 60 is communicating with the first reader 16a or the first reader 16b, power is harvested and provided to the microcontroller 32. As a result, the microcontroller 32 begins processing signals received from the first RFID tag 28 and / or reading data written to the memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28. For example, the microcontroller 32 may receive a signal from the first RFID tag 28 indicating that the first RFID tag 28 has communicated with one of the first readers 16 and may provide a corresponding feedback response (e.g., lighting one or more LEDs). As described above, the first RFID tag 28 may receive a signal from the first reader 16 that writes data to the memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28, the data causing the microcontroller 32 to provide a particular feedback response.

[0032] like Figure 2, the second reader 18 is disposed within or near a target 58. The target 58 may be any of a variety of objects or features within the attraction. In one embodiment, the target 58 is a stationary physical object; however, the target 58 may be a virtual object (e.g., an image on a display screen, a virtual element, a graphical element) or a movable object, such as a costumed character traveling around the attraction. The second reader 18 emits a signal 26 that is receivable within an area 64. In operation, when a user 60 brings a wearable device 14 into the area 64, the wearable device 14 communicates with the second reader 18. As a result, the second RFID tag 30 of the wearable device 14 emits backscatter that includes information identifying the user. The second reader 18 sends this information to the computing system 20 to indicate that the user 60 has been detected by the second reader 18 and has therefore interacted with the target 58. In addition, the microcontroller 32 may receive a signal from the second RFID tag 30 indicating that the second RFID tag 30 has communicated with the second reader 18 and may provide a corresponding feedback response (e.g., lighting one or more LEDs).

[0033] It should be understood that the microcontroller 32 can be configured to generate a first control signal in response to receiving a signal from the first RFID tag 28 indicating that the first RFID tag 28 has communicated with one of the first readers 16, and to generate a second control signal in response to receiving a signal from the second RFID tag 30 indicating that the second RFID tag 30 has communicated with the second reader 18, and to generate a third control signal in response to receiving a signal indicating that both the first RFID tag 28 and the second RFID tag 30 have communicated with the respective readers (i.e., the first reader 16 and the second reader 18), wherein the first control signal causes a first feedback response, the second control signal causes a second feedback response, and the third control signal causes a third feedback response. The first, second, and third feedback responses can be different types of feedback responses, such as a type of illumination (e.g., number of lights, color, flashing pattern, duration), a type of sound (e.g., volume, tone, beep pattern, duration), or a type of tactile sensation (e.g., intensity, duration).

[0034] At some point, the user 60 may not be in the area 62a or 62b, and therefore may not receive the signals 24a and 24b from the first readers 16a and 16b. In one embodiment, even when outside the areas 62a and 62b, the wearable device 14 can continue to provide power (e.g., for 5, 15, 30, 60 or more seconds) using the power stored in the power circuit 36. Therefore, even when the user is outside the areas 62a and 62b, the wearable device 14 can provide feedback (e.g., light up an LED to indicate progress, wait time, etc.), thereby providing the user with more time to observe the feedback response. In one embodiment, when the user 60 leaves the area 62a defined by the signal 24a emitted from the first reader 16a, the feedback response (e.g., the lighting of the LED) can stop.

[0035] Figure 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of an interactive system 10, which includes a first user 60a, a second user 60b, a second reader 18 disposed within or near an object 58, and a first reader 16. The second reader 18 and the first reader 16 are communicatively coupled to the computing system 20 and the database 22. In addition, the second reader 18 emits a signal 26 across an area 64. The first user 60a wears a first wearable device 14a including one or more LEDs 34, and the second user 60b wears a second wearable device 14b including one or more LEDs 34. In one embodiment, the second reader 18 has a relatively small communication range, and therefore, the second reader 18 communicates with the wearable device 14 when the user makes physical contact with the object 58 containing the second reader 18, or when the wearable device 14 is otherwise brought into the area 64. In addition, the first reader 16 has a relatively long communication range, and therefore continuously communicates with the wearable devices 14a and 14b through electromagnetic radiation.

[0036] In operation, when the first user 60a makes contact with the target 58 containing the second reader 18 (e.g., touches or hits the target 58), the wearable device 14 provides feedback 66 through the illumination of one or more LEDs 34. More specifically, the contact made by the first user 60a with the second reader 18 brings the first wearable device 14a (specifically, the second RFID tag 30 of the first wearable device 14a) into the range of the second reader 18. Because the second user 60b is at a distance 68 outside the range of the second reader 18, the second user 60b does not receive feedback from the one or more LEDs 34 of the second wearable device 14b. In an embodiment, both the first user 60a and the second user 60b (e.g., by simultaneously contacting the target 58) can be within the range of the second reader 18. In such a case, the LEDs 34 from both the first wearable device 14 and the second wearable device 14b will cause appropriate feedback.

[0037] Figure 4 An embodiment of an interactive system 10 illustrating team feedback (eg, feedback to a plurality of users who are designed or assigned to a team) is shown. Figure 4 As illustrated in , there is a first user 60a, a second user 60b, a third user 60c, a second reader 18, and a first reader 16. The second reader 18 and the first reader 16 are electrically coupled to the computing system 20 and the database 22. The first user 60a, the second user 60b, and the third user 60c have a first wearable device 14a, a second wearable device 14b, and a third wearable device 14c, respectively, each of which has one or more LEDs 34. The first user 60a and the third user 60c are part of a team, and therefore, can wear a team indicator 70 that distinguishes the first user 60a and the third user 60c from the second user 60b. In one embodiment, the team indicator can be a physical characteristic (e.g., color, shape, pattern) of the wearable device 14. In one embodiment, teams may be created or determined by computing system 20 based on information stored in database 22 (e.g., families or other users linked together by characteristics such as game level, groups entering attractions at the same time, age, last name; characteristics of wearable device 14; requests for team selection or assignment entered by users). Thus, first user 60a and third user 60c are on a first team (e.g., team A), while the second user is on a second team (e.g., team B).

[0038] like Figure 4As shown in FIG. 6 , a first wearable device 14a worn by a first user 60a is within an area 64 to interact with a signal 26 emitted by a second reader 18. As discussed above, the second reader 18 receives information from the memory 40 of the second RFID tag 30 of the first wearable device 14a based on backscattering. The information is sent to the computing system 20, which then identifies the first user 60a based on the information. In addition, based on the information stored in the database 22, the computing system 20 determines that the first user 60a is on team A. Therefore, the computing system 20 sends a signal (e.g., a control signal) instructing the first reader 16 to perform the following operations: send electromagnetic radiation to the wearable devices 14a, 14c of the first and third users 60a, 60c, write data to the memory 40 of the corresponding first RFID tag 28. The corresponding microcontroller 32 of each of the wearable devices 14a, 14c reads the data written to the memory 40 of the corresponding first RFID tag 28. The updated memory 40 includes data that, when read by the microcontroller 32, causes the microcontroller 32 to initiate a particular feedback response.

[0039] As illustrated, feedback responses are provided via the lighting of the LEDs 34 of the first wearable device 14a and the third wearable device 14c. Thus, a single interaction between one user (e.g., the first user 60a) and the target 58 can cause all users on the team to receive feedback due to the interaction. In one embodiment, users of the same team may be in different zones (e.g., not receiving signals from the same first reader 16), but may still receive feedback because all first readers 16 may be communicatively coupled to the computing system 20. In one embodiment, feedback is provided only to users who receive signals 24 from the same reader 16. In one embodiment, all users of the same team, regardless of which first reader 16 they receive signals 24 from, receive feedback.

[0040] Figure 5An illustration of a wearable device 14 according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown. Although the wearable device 14 is shown as having a tether 71 (e.g., a rope or cord) coupled to a housing 73, it should be understood that the wearable device 14 can have any suitable form. For example, the wearable device 14 may include a strap (e.g., to secure the housing 73 to the user's wrist), or the wearable device 14 may be a small ornament or toy carried by the user. As shown, the wearable device 14 includes a first LED display 72, a second LED display 74, an audio device 76 (e.g., a speaker), and a tactile member 78 (e.g., a vibration device). Any combination of the LED 34, the tactile member 78, the audio device 76, or other feedback devices can be activated to provide feedback to the user. It should be understood that the wearable device 14 may include only one of these feedback devices or any combination of these feedback devices.

[0041] As shown, the wearable device 14 may include multiple LED displays (e.g., a first LED display 72 and a second LED display 74), and each LED display may provide various types of feedback. For example, the first LED display 72 may provide feedback indicating interaction with one or more first readers 16 and / or one or more second readers 18, while the second LED display 72 may provide feedback indicating a waiting time for an attraction. Figure 5 , the first LED display 72 and the second LED 74 display each include three LEDs (34a-c and 34d-f, respectively). In one embodiment, the wearable device 14 may include any number of LED displays having any number of LEDs (e.g., 1, 2, or more than 2 LED displays including one or more LEDs). In one embodiment, a single LED display (e.g., LED display 72) may provide some or all of the various types of feedback disclosed herein.

[0042] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process 80 for operating a wearable device 14 according to the present technology. It is to be understood that the steps discussed herein are merely exemplary, and certain steps may be omitted or added, and the steps may be performed in a different order. In one embodiment, the process 80 may be performed by the first RFID tag 28 and / or the second RFID tag 30 in cooperation with the microcontroller 32 of the wearable device 14.

[0043] The process 80 begins with the antenna 38 of the first RFID tag 28 and / or the second RFID tag 30 receiving electromagnetic radiation from the corresponding first reader 16 or second reader 18 (box 82). As discussed above, after the antenna 38 receives the electromagnetic radiation, the antenna 38 returns backscatter with information stored in the memory 40 of the RFID tag 28, 30 to the corresponding reader 16, 18. In one embodiment, the information may include an identification number specific to the wearable device 14, and thus identify the user (e.g., the user using the wearable device 14). In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first reader 16 travels a relatively long distance, while the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second reader 18 travels a relatively short distance. The first RFID tag 28 is capable of communicating with the first reader 16, and the second RFID tag 30 is capable of communicating with the second reader 18.

[0044] Once the wearable device 14 has received the electromagnetic radiation, the wearable device 14 harvests power from the electromagnetic radiation (block 84). As discussed above, the first RFID tag 28 and the second RFID tag 30 can each include an integrated circuit 44 that powers the microchip 42. In addition, the integrated circuit 44 powers the power circuit 36, which provides power to the microcontroller 32 (block 86) and provides power to other components of the wearable device (e.g., a feedback device). In one embodiment, the power circuit 36 ​​can include an energy storage device (e.g., a capacitor, a supercapacitor, or a battery) that is electrically coupled to the receiver coil and stores power when the wearable device 14 receives a signal from the first reader 16 and / or the second reader 18.

[0045] Once the microcontroller 32 is powered, the processor 48 executes commands stored in the memory 46 to receive and / or process signals from the first RFID tag 28 and / or the second RFID tag 30 (block 88). In one embodiment, the microcontroller 32 can be programmed to continuously or periodically query the first RFID tag 28 and / or the second RFID tag 30 when powered.

[0046] The microcontroller 32 then outputs a signal (e.g., a control signal) to one or more feedback devices (block 90). In one embodiment, the control signal may cause one or more of the LEDs 34 and / or other feedback devices (e.g., audio device, haptic) to be activated. In one embodiment, the control signal is a variable voltage applied to one of the LEDs 34, which causes the intensity of the LED 34 to change. In one embodiment, the signal is an oscillating voltage signal that causes the LED 34 to flash.

[0047] A feedback device (e.g., LED, haptic, audio device) provides a feedback response to the user (block 92). The feedback response may be provided in response to an interaction between the wearable device 14 and a reader system 12 disposed in the attraction. For example, the feedback response may include illuminating an LED 34 to notify the user that they have entered the zone of the first reader 16 (e.g., the user's wearable device 14 is successfully communicating with the first reader 16) or successfully interacting with an interactive element (such as a target 58).

[0048] As noted above, the memory 40 of the first RFID tag 28 and / or the second RFID tag 30 can be written by the first reader 16 and / or the second reader 18. Thus, based on the information tracked in the database 22 (e.g., leveling up, reaching a high score), the user can receive feedback responses when achieving a goal. In one embodiment, the feedback responses can be generated by different users who successfully achieve a goal (e.g., if the users are on the same team). In one embodiment, the feedback response can include one or more LEDs 34 that indicate the time (e.g., the wait time or the remaining time in an area of ​​the attraction). In one embodiment, the feedback response can include a sound from the audio device 76 of the wearable device 14 to indicate that the user needs to perform an action (e.g., start a game, move to the next area, join a game, etc.). In one embodiment, the increase in the volume of the sound from the audio device 76, the intensity of the LED lighting, or the intensity of the tactile member 78, for example, can indicate progress toward a goal in the attraction.

[0049] Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to an interactive system having a reader system and a wearable device, which sends a feedback response based on the communication between the RFID tag of the wearable device and the reader of the reader system. More specifically, the reader system includes a reader (e.g., one or more first readers 16 and one or more second readers 18), which communicates (e.g., transmits and receives signals) with a first RFID and a second RFID of the wearable device through electromagnetic radiation during operation. The reader continuously emits electromagnetic radiation within a range (e.g., a communication range), and when the wearable device enters the range, the reader communicates with the wearable device. For example, one reader (e.g., a first reader) may have a communication range that is greater than the communication range of another reader (e.g., a second reader). Therefore, the first reader typically communicates with the first RFID of the wearable device more frequently and / or at different times than the second reader communicates with the second RFID tag. Readers that communicate with RFID tags more regularly or for longer periods of time may be more suitable for powering power harvesting devices, and thus enable feedback devices (e.g., audio devices, tactile members, one or more LEDs) to be included in wearable devices that may require more power to operate. In one embodiment, the RFID reader is set in a stationary target that guests can interact with (e.g., touch or hit). In one embodiment, the RFID reader is set in a movable target (e.g., in the costume of a character set at an amusement park). Although the embodiments disclosed herein include two RFID readers with two different communication ranges, it should be understood that any number of readers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more readers) configured to have any number of different communication ranges (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more different communication ranges) may be provided within the system. In addition, the wearable device may include any number of RFID tags (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more RFID tags) configured to communicate with various readers to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0050] Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It will be understood, therefore, that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. Figure 1-6 Any features shown or described may be combined in any suitable way.

[0051] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly advance the art and, therefore, is not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at the end of this detailed description contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "steps for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A feedback system for use in a scenic spot, the feedback system comprising: a plurality of readers within the attraction, wherein each reader of the plurality of readers is associated with a respective interactive element of a plurality of interactive elements in the attraction and is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within a frequency range; A wearable device configured to be worn by a user within the attraction, the wearable device comprising: an RFID tag comprising a memory storing identification information and readable by each of the plurality of readers; one or more light emitters configured to emit light; and a microcontroller configured to control the one or more light emitters to emit the light; and A computing system configured to: tracking a number of wearable device interactions between the plurality of interactive elements in the attraction and the wearable device based on a number of times the identification information of the RFID tags is read by the plurality of readers; and directing at least one of the plurality of readers to write data to the memory of the RFID tag, the data indicating the number of wearable device interactions between the plurality of interactive elements in the attraction and the wearable device; Wherein, the microcontroller is configured to access the data from the memory of the RFID tag and to control the one or more light emitters to emit the light to indicate the number of wearable device interactions between the plurality of interactive elements within the attraction and the wearable device as feedback.

2. The feedback system according to claim 1, wherein: The computing system is configured to direct at least one of the multiple readers to write data to the memory of the RFID tag in response to the number of wearable device interactions between the multiple interactive elements in the attraction and the wearable device reaching a threshold, the data indicating the number of wearable device interactions between the multiple interactive elements in the attraction and the wearable device.

3. The feedback system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more light emitters include a plurality of light emitters, and the microcontroller is configured to cause a first number of the plurality of light emitters to emit the light as the feedback to indicate the number of wearable device interactions between the plurality of interactive elements within the scenic spot and the wearable device as a first value, and is configured to control a second number of the plurality of light emitters to emit the light as the feedback to indicate the number of wearable device interactions between the plurality of interactive elements within the scenic spot and the wearable device to have a second value.

4. The feedback system according to claim 1, wherein: The microcontroller is configured to control the one or more light emitters to emit the light as further feedback in response to receiving the electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range at the RFID tag.

5. The feedback system according to claim 1, wherein: The computing system is configured to store the number of wearable device interactions between the plurality of interactive elements in the attraction and the wearable device in a database, and to associate the number of wearable device interactions between the plurality of interactive elements in the attraction and the wearable device with the identification information.

6. The feedback system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of additional readers within the attraction, wherein: Each additional reader of the plurality of additional readers is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an additional frequency range, and the wearable device includes an additional RFID tag readable by each additional reader of the plurality of additional readers.

7. A method for providing feedback to a user in a tourist attraction, the method comprising: emitting electromagnetic radiation within a frequency range from a reader associated with an interactive element in the attraction; transmitting identification information via an RFID tag supported by a wearable device carried by the user in response to receiving the electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range; updating a score associated with the wearable device using one or more processors communicatively coupled to the reader in response to receiving the identification information at the reader; writing data, using the reader or another reader, to a memory accessible by a microcontroller of the wearable device, the data indicating a score associated with the wearable device; as well as One or more feedback devices supported by the wearable device are controlled using the microcontroller and in response to the data being written to the memory to provide feedback indicative of a score associated with the wearable device.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more feedback devices include a plurality of light emitters, and the method includes controlling the plurality of light emitters using the microcontroller and in response to the data being written to the processor to provide the feedback, the feedback being indicative of a score associated with the wearable device.

9. The method according to claim 7, comprising: comparing, using the one or more processors, a score associated with the wearable device to a threshold; and In response to determining that the score associated with the wearable device reaches the threshold, writing the data to the memory accessible by the microcontroller of the wearable device using the reader or another reader, the data indicating the score associated with the wearable device.

10. The method of claim 7, comprising controlling the one or more feedback devices using the microcontroller to provide additional feedback in response to receiving the electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range at the RFID tag.

11. A first wearable device, comprising: a first RFID tag associated with a first user of the first team; A microcontroller configured to: receiving electromagnetic radiation having data associated with an interaction between a second wearable device of a second user of the second team and the interactive element; and The memory of the first RFID tag is updated with the data.

12. The first wearable device according to claim 11, wherein: The first team and the second team are the same, and wherein the electromagnetic radiation is received based on the first user being associated with the same team as the second user.

13. The first wearable device according to claim 11, wherein: The electromagnetic radiation is received from a first reader associated with a first area, and wherein the interactive element is associated with a second reader associated with a second area.

14. The first wearable device according to claim 13, wherein: The first area does not overlap with the second area.

15. The first wearable device according to claim 11, wherein: The microcontroller is also configured to: Feedback is provided based on the interaction between the interactive element and the second wearable device.

16. The first wearable device according to claim 15, further comprising one or more feedback devices, wherein: The microcontroller is configured to provide the feedback via the one or more feedback devices, and wherein the feedback comprises an audible output, tactile feedback, optical feedback, or a combination thereof.

17. A method comprising: receiving, via a first RFID tag associated with a first user of the first team, electromagnetic radiation having data associated with an interaction between a second wearable device of a second user of the second team and the interactive element; as well as The memory of the first RFID tag is updated with the data via a microcontroller.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The first team and the second team are the same, and wherein the electromagnetic radiation is received based on the first user being associated with the same team as the second user.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The electromagnetic radiation is received from a first reader associated with a first area, and wherein the interactive element is associated with a second reader associated with a second area.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The first area does not overlap with the second area.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Feedback is provided based on the interaction between the interactive element and the second wearable device.

22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising providing the feedback via one or more feedback devices, and wherein: The feedback includes audible output, tactile feedback, optical feedback, or a combination thereof.

23. A feedback system comprising: a first reader in a first zone; a second reader in a second area associated with the interactive element; a first wearable device associated with a first user; a second wearable device associated with a second user; and A computing system configured to: receiving, from the second reader, a first signal indicating an interaction between the second wearable device associated with the second user and the interactive element; determining that the first user associated with the first wearable device and the second user associated with the second wearable device are in a team; as well as A second signal is transmitted to the first reader, the second signal directing the first reader to transmit a third signal to the first wearable device associated with the first user, wherein the third signal indicates the interaction between the interactive element and the second wearable device of the second user.

24. The feedback system of claim 23, wherein: The computing system is also configured to: determining that a third user associated with a third wearable device and the second user associated with the second wearable device are in different teams; and Based on determining that the third user is in a different team than the second user, determining not to transmit a fourth signal to the first reader, the fourth signal instructing the first reader to send a fifth signal to the third wearable device associated with the third user.

25. The feedback system of claim 23, wherein: The first area and the second area do not overlap.

26. The feedback system of claim 23, wherein: The first wearable device associated with the first user further includes: one or more feedback devices; and A microcontroller configured to: receiving the third signal from the first reader; and Based on the third signal received from the first reader, feedback is caused to be provided to the first user via the one or more feedback devices.

27. The feedback system of claim 26, wherein: The feedback includes audible output, tactile feedback, optical feedback, or a combination thereof.

28. The feedback system of claim 23, wherein: The computing system is also configured to: tracking a location of the second user associated with the second wearable device based on a first type of reader having a first communication range; and A number of interactions of the second user with the plurality of interactive elements is tracked based on a second type of reader having a second communication range.

29. The feedback system of claim 28, wherein: The first wearable device also includes a power harvesting circuit configured to harness power from electromagnetic radiation from the first type of reader, and wherein the first communication range is greater than the second communication range.

30. The feedback system of claim 29, wherein: The first wearable device also includes one or more feedback devices powered by the power harvesting circuit, and wherein the one or more feedback devices on the first wearable device are configured to provide feedback based on the interaction between the interactive element and the second wearable device of the second user.

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