Interactive toy

Abstract

The invention relates to an interactive toy. Systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein relate to improved interaction experiences. The system may be used to deliver an interactive scenic spot experience. The system may include a passenger vehicle having a plurality of passenger locations and a content presentation system that may present a virtual portion of a scenic spot experience viewable from the plurality of passenger locations. A system may include a transceiver that may transmit a trigger signal and at least one processor. The at least one processor may control delivery of a virtual portion of the scenic spot experience via the content presentation system, detect presence of a non-riding device, and deliver a trigger signal to the non-riding device via the transceiver, the trigger signal associated with the scenic spot experience.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of May 21, 2020, application number 202010433728.9, and invention name “Interactive Toy”.

[0002] Cross-references to related application data

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 16,421,223, filed May 23, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to toys. Background Art

[0005] Toys are objects that users possess to encourage play and imagination. Toys have long been used in many different types of play, including movement-based play, role play, and imaginative play. Toys incorporate technology to provide different modes of enjoyment and interaction. For example, some early toys included mechanisms that were actuated by pull cords to make noises, "talk," or move, while more recent toys have included processing capabilities.

[0006] Toys are manufactured in different forms and types, and may include building sets, character-type toys, such as action characters, character dolls or character dolls, animatronic dolls, and robots. Toys may also include non-character items, such as, for example, shopping carts, lawn mowers, baby accessories, or cowboy pistols and belts, and toys may include clothing, clothes, or clothing accessories. Although toys provide many different play experiences, it is desirable to further develop play items, including toys and any items used in play. Summary of the invention

[0007] Certain embodiments are directed to interactive play items that may include toys. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for interactive game play. The device includes: a body; a transmitter embedded in the body to transmit a self-describing signal for an interactive device; a receiver that can receive a trigger signal, the trigger signal being transmitted in response to the self-describing signal; and a memory that can store the trigger signal and multiple pre-programmed responses in response to the trigger signal. In some embodiments, the pre-programmed response includes one or more of an auditory response and a physical response. In some embodiments, the physical response may include any of moving an actuator, powering a light, and activating a motor. The device may include: a speaker that transmits an auditory response; and a processor that communicates with the memory and the receiver. The processor may process multiple instructions for completing the following processes: identifying a trigger signal; selecting one of multiple pre-programmed responses in response to the trigger signal; and executing one of multiple pre-programmed responses. In some embodiments, executing one of multiple pre-programmed responses includes transmitting an auditory response and executing at least one of a physical response.

[0008] In some embodiments, the memory may be a writable persistent storage that may store experience data and a plurality of preprogrammed responses. In some embodiments, the plurality of preprogrammed responses characterizes the behavior of the device. In some embodiments, the processor may update the memory with new experience data. In some embodiments, updating the memory with new experience data modifies a future selection of one of the plurality of preprogrammed responses in response to a received trigger signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device includes at least one sensor for generating experience data. In some embodiments, the experience data is associated with a location and a time. In some embodiments, the receiver can receive new experience data. In some embodiments, the processor can update the memory with the new experience data. In some embodiments, updating the memory with the new experience data modifies a future selection of one of a plurality of pre-programmed responses to the received trigger signal.

[0010] In some embodiments, one of the plurality of pre-programmed responses is selected based on a trigger signal. In some embodiments, selecting one of the plurality of pre-programmed responses comprises: identifying a set of potential responses based on the trigger signal; and selecting one of the set of potential responses. In some embodiments, one of the set of potential responses is randomly selected.

[0011] In some embodiments, executing one of the plurality of preprogrammed responses comprises: determining execution parameters for executing the preprogrammed responses; and executing one of the plurality of preprogrammed responses according to the execution parameters. In some embodiments, the execution parameters comprise at least one of a delay, an amplitude, and a duration.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for the delivery of an attraction experience. The system includes: a passenger vehicle having multiple passenger positions; a content presentation system that can present a virtual portion of an attraction experience that can be viewed from the multiple passenger positions; a transceiver that can transmit a trigger signal; and at least one processor. The at least one processor can: control the delivery of the virtual portion of the attraction experience via the content presentation system; detect the presence of a non-ride device, which can be, for example, a toy; and transmit a trigger signal to the non-ride device via the transceiver. In some embodiments, the trigger signal can be associated with the attraction experience.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one processor may determine an attribute of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the attribute of the non-ride device is based on the experience data. In some embodiments, the experience data is associated with a location and a time. In some embodiments, the trigger signal is based at least in part on the attribute of the non-ride device.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one processor may modify the attraction experience based on at least one of the presence of the non-ride device and the experience data of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the trigger signal instructs the non-ride device to react to an event in the attraction experience. In some embodiments, the event in the attraction experience includes the presence of a character. In some embodiments, the trigger signal instructs the non-ride device to provide assistance to an owner of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, providing assistance to the owner of the non-ride device includes: determining at least one desired action of the owner of the non-ride device; and providing information via the non-ride device to facilitate the at least one desired action. In some embodiments, the trigger signal indicates a specific reaction by the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the trigger signal indicates one of a class of reactions by the non-ride device.

[0015] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for delivering an attraction experience. The method includes: controlling the delivery of a virtual portion of an attraction experience via a content presentation system, the virtual portion of the attraction experience being perceptible from a passenger position within a passenger vehicle; detecting the presence of a non-ride device in the passenger vehicle; delivering a trigger signal to the non-ride device, the trigger signal indicating an action of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the trigger signal is associated with the attraction experience.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method includes determining an attribute of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, determining the attribute of the non-ride device includes receiving data from the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the attribute of the non-ride device is based on experience data. In some embodiments, the experience data characterizes an experience of the non-ride device and is location- and time-dependent. In some embodiments, the trigger signal is based at least in part on the attribute of the non-ride device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method includes modifying the attraction experience based on at least one of the presence of the non-ride device and the experience data of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the trigger signal instructs the non-ride device to react to an event in the attraction experience. In some embodiments, the event in the attraction experience includes the presence of a character. In some embodiments, the character can be a virtual character.

[0018] In some embodiments, the trigger signal instructs the non-ride device to provide assistance to the owner of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, providing assistance to the owner of the non-ride device includes: determining at least one desired action of the owner of the non-ride device; and providing information via the non-ride device to facilitate the at least one desired action. In some embodiments, the trigger signal instructs a specific reaction by the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the trigger signal instructs one of a class of reactions by the non-ride device.

[0019] The nature and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interactive presentation system.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a simulation environment.

[0022] Figure 3 is an exemplary description of one embodiment of a non-ride device.

[0023] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram depicting components of one embodiment of a non-ride device.

[0024] Figure 5 A flow chart showing an exemplary method is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of an attraction experience delivery process.

[0026] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process for interactive game play by a non-ride device.

[0027] Figure 8 is a description of one embodiment of a computer system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description provides only illustrative embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the following description of the illustrative embodiments will provide a description for enabling the implementation of preferred exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope described in the appended claims.

[0029] I. Introduction

[0030] The development of simulation technology provides many opportunities for the creation of attractions that provide unique customized experiences for ride passengers and / or show audiences in the future. As used herein, attractions include amusement rides, interactions or events (such as interactions with one or more characters), and / or performances. In some embodiments, these attractions can be within an attraction park, and in some embodiments, these attractions can be in an amusement park, a theme store, a theater, and / or a restaurant (e.g., a theme restaurant). Although these technologies provide opportunities for future attractions, they also pose challenges to generating content based on passenger responses to attractions. For example, a user may have play items that may include toys related to an attraction, but integrating these items into the attraction may be problematic.

[0031] These and other problems can be overcome by using the system, equipment and method disclosed herein.For example, the play item also referred to as "non-ride equipment" in this article, when presented on the scenic spot, can include the feature that enables communication with the scenic spot, and the scenic spot can include the feature that enables detection of one or several non-ride equipment in the viewing area such as in the passenger vehicle and enables communication with some or all of the one or several non-ride equipment.As used herein, play item refers to any article that can be used to enhance the participation or embodiment sense in the theme scenic spot or environment.Play item can include any article used in playing, and can include toys, clothing, badges, any articles worn or carried, clothes and / or clothing accessories.Such play item can be marked and / or can include the feature that allows communication with play item and identification of play item based on computer.As used herein, "non-ride equipment" refers to the equipment owned, controlled and / or owned by the passenger of the scenic spot and / or the audience of the scenic spot, which is present at the scenic spot and / or brought to the scenic spot by the passenger and removed from the scenic spot.Non-ride equipment can include play items such as toys. The toy may include a doll, including an action or character doll, a stuffed animal, an animatronic doll, or a robot.

[0032] The attraction may be modified based on the detection of one or more non-ride devices in the passenger vehicle and / or viewing area and / or based on one or more attributes of the one or more non-ride devices. In some embodiments, a character (such as a virtual character) in the attraction may interact with one or more of the one or more non-ride devices. The attraction may also generate and send one or more trigger signals that may trigger a response from the non-ride device. The response may include interaction with a character in the attraction, response to an event in the attraction, assistance to a passenger (such as an owner, controller, and / or possessor of the non-ride device). Such assistance may include providing information about one or more upcoming events and / or information about how to provide a desired response to one or more events. In some embodiments, such assistance may include one or more inputs provided and / or appearing to provide control of the attraction by the non-ride device and / or taking one or more actions in response to the attraction.

[0033] The trigger signal may be customized based on one or more attributes of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, for example, each non-ride device may include a memory containing experience data. The experience data may be accumulated by the non-ride device based on the interaction of the non-ride device with one or more other devices (including one or more non-ride devices), the presence of the non-ride device at a location and / or at a time at a location, or the previous presence of the non-ride device at one or more attractions. In some embodiments, the experience data may be generated by the non-ride device via one or more sensors of the non-ride device, and, in some embodiments, the non-ride device may receive communications containing the experience data of the non-ride device. For example, if the non-ride device is brought into a store, the experience data may be generated by the sensors of the non-ride device, or the experience data may be generated based on information received by a communication component of the non-ride device from a communication component in the store that transmits information related to one or more events.

[0034] In some embodiments, upon receiving the trigger signal, the processor of the non-ride device may control the non-ride device to provide a desired action and / or reaction. In some embodiments, the trigger signal may specify an action and / or reaction, and the processor of the non-ride device may control the non-ride device to provide the action and / or reaction. In some embodiments, the trigger signal may specify a class of actions. Upon receiving the trigger signal specifying a class of actions, the non-ride device may select one of the class of actions, and the processor of the non-ride device may control the non-ride device according to the selected one of the class of actions.

[0035] 2. Interactive Performance System

[0036] Reference now Figure 1, a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interactive performance system 100 is shown. The system 100 may be used to provide attractions such as attractions to an attraction experience. The attraction may include an amusement ride, a show, an interactive show, or a concert, among others. The system 100 may be used to provide an attraction experience that interacts with one or more non-ride devices, or to provide interactive game play. The system 100 may include a processor 102. The processor 102 may be any computing and / or processing device, including, for example, one or more laptop computers, personal computers, tablets, smart phones, servers, mainframe computers, or processors, among others. The processor 102 may be configured to receive input from one or more other components of the system 100, process the input according to one or more stored instructions, and provide output to control the operation of one or more of the other components of the system 100.

[0037] In some embodiments, processor 102 may include a game engine that may include a rendering engine. The game engine and the rendering engine may develop and / or advance the simulated narrative together or independently and / or generate images corresponding to the narrative. The narrative includes a series of events and / or actions that can be presented and in some embodiments can be presented sequentially to scenic spot passengers or performance audiences. Modifications to the narrative may include changes to all or part of the narrative. Therefore, in some embodiments, modifications to the narrative may include adding one, some or all events, excluding one, some or all events, or changing some aspect of one, some or all events. Similarly, modifications to the narrative may include changes to the characters or character actions in the narrative. Therefore, changing the character line in the narrative is a modification to the narrative.

[0038] In some embodiments, the narration may occur in a virtual world. As used herein, a "virtual world" is a computer-based simulated environment of images, events, videos, story lines, sounds or effects, etc., generated by a game engine and / or a rendering engine and from which a narration is generated. In some embodiments, the virtual world may be presented to one or more passengers and / or spectators via a display such as provided via one or more projectors, screens, monitors and / or speakers, and, in some embodiments, the virtual world may be presented via one or more control signals that generate and / or transmit the actions of one or more animated characters, animated props or performance action devices, and, in some embodiments, the virtual world may be presented by a combination of electronic animation and display. In some embodiments, the rendering engine may generate one or more events that may be based in part on user input provided to the system 100. These events may include, for example, one or more accelerations, decelerations, changes in direction, or interactions with one or more items or characters, etc.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor 102 may include motion control. The motion control may be connected to the simulated vehicle 108 and / or the motion base 110 on or on which the simulated vehicle is mounted to control the motion of the simulated vehicle 108 (also referred to herein as passenger vehicle 108, passenger transport 108, or scenic environment 108). In embodiments where the interactive system provides all or part of an scenic spot, the simulated vehicle 108 may accommodate passengers of the scenic spot. In embodiments where the interactive system provides all or part of a performance, the simulated vehicle 108 may be a viewing area from which the performance may be viewed. Therefore, in embodiments where a performance is performed to one or more passers-by on a pedestrian walkway, sidewalk, path, or street, the viewing area may be part of a pedestrian walkway, sidewalk, path, or street. The motion control may control the motion of the simulated vehicle according to one or more inputs and / or one or more game events received from a user.

[0040] The system 100 may include a memory 104. The memory 104 may represent one or more storage media and / or memories for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and / or various other storage media capable of storing instructions and / or data. The memory 104 may be an integral part of the processor 102 and / or may be separate from the processor 102. In embodiments where the memory 104 is separate from the processor 102, the memory 104 and the processor 102 may be communicatively associated via, for example, a communication network 130. In some embodiments, the communication network 130 may include any wired or wireless communication connections between components of the simulation system 100.

[0041] The memory 104 may include software codes and / or instructions for directing the operation of the processor 102 and / or may include one or more databases 106 containing information used by and / or generated by the processor 102 .

[0042] The memory 104 may include a narrative / image database 106-A. The narrative / image database 106-A stores narrative and image data. Such narrative and / or image data may define and / or bind a virtual world. Such narrative and image data may include information and / or data related to the narrative and images generated as part of the narrative. Specifically, the narrative and image data is data and information used to generate the narrative and the images and / or sounds in the narrative. This may include identifying one or more of the following: items, characters, effects, or things that are present in the narrative, and data or databases that define one or more of the following: items, characters, effects, or things. The data or database that defines one or more of the following: items, characters, effects, or things may identify one or more of the following: properties of the items, characters, effects, or things, which properties may define size, speed, sound, movement characteristics, or lighting characteristics, etc. The narrative database 106-A may also include information about events in the narrative and the order of these events.

[0043] The memory 104 may include a vehicle database 106-B. The vehicle and / or actuator system database 106-B may include data related to the simulated vehicle and / or actuator system. In some embodiments, the database 106-B may include information related to the features of the simulated vehicle and / or the control of the simulated vehicle and / or the interaction with the user control features located on the simulated vehicle. In some embodiments, for example, the simulated vehicle may move in response to user input to the user control features and / or according to the simulated narrative or events in the simulated narrative. The vehicle database 106-B may include data identifying one or more features of the simulated vehicle that enable the simulated vehicle to move. These features may include, for example, one or more of the following: a motor, a servomotor, a pneumatic, electric or hydraulic component or any component that causes motion, etc.

[0044] The memory 104 may include a trigger database 106-C. The trigger database 106-C may include information related to one or more trigger signals. In some embodiments, the information related to one or more trigger signals may include a set of information for each trigger signal, which may indicate that the recipient non-ride device takes an action and / or takes an action from a class of actions. In some embodiments, the information related to the one or more trigger signal scans further relates to one or more events in the narrative and / or one or more non-ride devices or experience data of non-ride devices. In some embodiments, for example, when an event occurs in the simulation and / or when an event in the simulation approaches, the processor 102 may identify one or more potential trigger signals related to the event. The processor 102 may further identify one or more non-ride devices in the passenger vehicle and / or experience data of each of the one or more non-ride devices. Then, the processor 102 may select one or more trigger signals based on the current one or more non-ride devices and / or the experience data of the current one or more non-ride devices.

[0045] Memory 104 may include a non-ride database 106-D. Non-ride database 106-D may include information related to non-rides detected in a passenger vehicle and / or experience data for one or more non-rides detected in a passenger vehicle. In some embodiments, this information may be stored until completion of a simulation and / or completion of an attraction. This information in non-ride database 106-D may be received from a non-ride in a passenger vehicle.

[0046] The system 100 may include one or more simulated vehicles 108. The simulated vehicles 108 may provide hardware corresponding to some or all of the features of a virtual vehicle that a passenger takes in the game / simulation portion of an attraction experience. In some embodiments of an attraction, the simulated vehicles 108 may transport passengers from a starting location, which may be where the passenger enters the simulated vehicle 108, to a terminal location, which may be where the passenger exits the simulated vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the starting location and the terminal location may coexist.

[0047] The simulated vehicle 108 can accommodate one or more passengers in one or more passenger positions 111. Each of these passenger positions 111 can include, for example, a position or one or more passengers, a seat or a restraint system, etc. The simulated vehicle 108 and / or its components can be connected to the processor 102 in communication. The communication connection can allow information to be provided to the simulated vehicle 108, which can control the operation of all or part of the simulated vehicle 108, and the communication connection can allow the server 102 to receive information from the simulated vehicle 108, which can include one or more user inputs at the simulated vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the simulated vehicle 108 can move according to the narrative and / or according to one or more events in the narrative to create a sense of motion for the passenger in combination with the generated image. In some embodiments, each of the simulated vehicles 108 can be mounted on, above, and / or on a motion base 110, also referred to as an actuator system here. The motion base 110 can move the simulated vehicle 108 mounted on, above, and / or on the motion base 110. The motion base 110 may include one or more of the following: a motor, a servomotor, a pneumatic component, a hydraulic component, an electrical component, any component that causes motion, and the like.

[0048] The simulated vehicle 108 may include controls 109 through which one or more user inputs may be received. In some embodiments, these controls may include one or more of the following: wheels, levers, buttons, control rods, pedals, switches, sliders, and knobs. In some embodiments, the simulated vehicle 108 may move and / or be configured to move according to control signals received from the processor 102 and / or user control features.

[0049] The system 100 can communicate with one or more non-ride devices 112. In some embodiments, each of the non-ride devices 112 can include a toy, such as a doll including an action figure or character doll, a stuffed animal, an animatronic doll, or a robot. In some embodiments, the system 100 can communicate with the one or more non-ride devices 112 while the one or more non-ride devices are in the simulated vehicle 108.

[0050] The system 100 may include a non-ride device detection system 114. The non-ride device detection system 114 may detect the presence of a non-ride device in the passenger vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the non-ride device detection system 114 may detect the presence of one or more non-ride devices via one or more communication protocols. In some embodiments, for example, the non-ride device detection system 114 may include one or more software modules or communication protocols executed using the non-ride device communication system 118 discussed below.

[0051] The system 100 may include a content presentation system 116, which may include an audio presentation system, one or more animatronics presentation systems, and / or a video presentation system. The content presentation system 116 may provide or present content to passengers of the passenger vehicle 108, including passengers of the attraction. The content presentation system 116 may be communicatively connected to the processor 102 and may include one or more features configured to generate images based on one or more control signals received from the processor 102.

[0052] The content presentation system 116 may include hardware components configured to deliver content to passengers of the simulated vehicle 108. The components of the content presentation system 116 may include, for example, one or more of the following: a speaker, a sound generator, a display, a screen, a monitor, a projector, an illuminator, a speaker, a laser, a fan, or a heater. In some embodiments, each simulated vehicle 108 may include a unique content presentation system 116, and in some embodiments, the content presentation system 116 may be non-unique for some or all simulated vehicles 108. In some embodiments where the simulated vehicle 108 includes a unique content presentation system 116, the content presentation system 116 may be part of the simulated vehicle 108, may be attached to the simulated vehicle 108, and / or may move with the simulated vehicle 108 from the starting point to the end point.

[0053] The content presentation system 116 may provide and / or present audio content via an audio presentation system. The audio presentation system may include, for example: an amplifier, such as one or more of a preamplifier, a power amplifier, a phono preamplifier, a subwoofer amplifier, and an integrated amplifier; one or more speakers, such as one or more of a subwoofer, a tweeter, and a mid-range speaker; a mixing engine; an equalizer; a speaker processor and / or a scheduler. The content presentation system 116 may provide and / or present video content via a video presentation system. The video presentation system may include one or more of the following: a screen, a display, a monitor, a projector, a laser, and / or a light source.

[0054] The system 100 may include a non-ride device communication system 118. The non-ride device communication system 118 may include one or more features for communicating with one or more non-ride devices in the passenger vehicle 108. The one or more features may include, for example, an antenna, a transceiver, a transmitter, or a receiver, etc. In some embodiments, the receiver and transceiver may receive information at the non-ride device 112 via electromagnetic communication including, for example, radio frequency communication, infrared communication, or visible light communication. In some embodiments, the transceiver and / or transmitter may, in some embodiments, send information from the non-ride device 112 via electromagnetic communication including, for example, radio frequency communication, infrared communication, or visible light communication. In some embodiments, these non-ride device communication systems 118 may communicate with the non-ride device 112 via any desired wireless communication scheme, including, for example, via electromagnetic waves, such as, for example, via radio frequency communication.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 , which is a schematic diagram of a simulation environment 200. The simulation environment 200 may include all or part of the system 100. Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, simulation environment 200 includes simulated vehicle 108 , motion base 110 , and user controls 109 . Figure 2 The simulated vehicle 108 shown in the figure also includes a body 202, which includes windows 204 and opaque structural features 206 such as, for example, a roof, a column, a post, and / or a window frame or frame. The simulated vehicle 108 can also include a passenger area 208, which can include a passenger position 111, which includes, for example, one or more seats or restraints, etc. The simulated vehicle 108 can include one or more accessory features 210.

[0056] The simulation environment 200 may include a content presentation system 116. The content presentation system 116 may include a screen 212 and at least one projector 214. The screen 212 may include various shapes and sizes and may be made of various materials. In some embodiments, the screen 212 may be flat, and in some embodiments, the screen 212 may be angled, curved, or domed, etc. In some embodiments, the screen 212 is curved and / or domed to extend around all or part of the simulated vehicle 108, and, in particular, is curved and / or domed to extend around part of the simulated vehicle 108 so that passengers looking out of the simulated vehicle 108 see the screen.

[0057] One or more projectors 214 may project images onto the screen 212. The projectors 214 may be located on the same side of the screen 212 as the simulated vehicle 108, or on the opposite side of the screen 212 from the simulated vehicle. The projectors 214 may be controlled by the processor 102.

[0058] The simulation environment 200 may include one or more detection features 220 and / or one or more communication features 222. These detection features 220 and / or communication features 222 may include, for example, one or more antennas. The one or more detection features 220 and / or one or more communication features 222 may communicate with one or more non-ride devices 112 in the passenger vehicle 108.

[0059] 3. Non-riding equipment

[0060] Reference Figure 3 , a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a non-ride device 112 is shown. The non-ride device 112 may include a play item, which may be a toy, such as a doll including an action character or a character doll, an insignia, a badge, a stuffed animal, an animated doll, or a robot. The non-ride device 112 may include a body to which one or more components may be housed and / or to which one or more components may be connected. In some embodiments, the non-ride device 112 may include one or more communication features that may enable the non-ride device 112 to communicate with other components of the system 100. In some embodiments, the communication features may include, for example, a transceiver, a transmitter 304, and / or a receiver 306. In some embodiments, the functionality of the transmitter 304 and the receiver 306 may be combined in the transceiver. The transmitter 304 may send information from the non-ride device 112, including, for example, information identifying the non-ride device 112 and / or information related to the experience data of the non-ride device 112. In some embodiments, transmitter 304 may be embedded in body 302 of non-ride device 112 and may transmit one or more self-describing signals for non-ride device 112, also referred to herein as interactive device 112. Receiver 306 may receive information from other components of system 100, from other components of a venue such as an amusement park, theater, or stage, and / or from other non-ride devices 112. Specifically, receiver may receive one or more trigger signals from an attraction and specifically from non-ride device communication system 118. In some embodiments, non-ride device communication system 118 may transmit a trigger signal in response to receipt of a self-describing signal. In some embodiments, receiver 306 may receive new experience data. The new experience data may be received from other non-ride devices 112 and / or from one or more modules configured to communicate with non-ride device 112. In some embodiments, transmitter 304, receiver 306, and / or transceiver may send and / or receive information via electromagnetic communication including, for example, radio frequency communication, infrared communication, or visible light communication.

[0061] Non-ride device 112 may include output features that non-ride device 112 may use to output information to the owner of non-ride device 112. These features may include, for example, one or more speakers 308, one or more lights, one or more displays, and / or one or more screens. Non-ride device 112 may also include one or more sensors 310. Sensors 310 may sense properties of the environment surrounding non-ride device 112. These sensors may include, for example, one or more cameras, microphones, accelerometers, thermometers, and / or location features such as one or more GPS antennas. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 310 may generate experience data, which in some embodiments may be associated with location and / or time.

[0062] The non-ride device 112 may also include one or more movement features 312. These features 312 may be controlled by the non-ride device 112 to move the non-ride device 112 and / or take some action. In some embodiments, these movement features 312 may include one or more attachments, such as, for example, one and / or more arms or legs. These arms and / or legs may be controlled by the non-ride device 112 to move the non-ride device 112 and / or may be controlled to perform a desired movement or take a desired action.

[0063] Reference now Figure 4 , represents one embodiment of a functional block diagram depicting components of the non-ride device 112. The components of the non-ride device 112 may be communicatively coupled to each other. Figure 4 As shown, non-ride device 112 may include a transmitter 304, a receiver 306, a speaker 308, and / or a sensor 310. In some embodiments, non-ride device 112 may also include a device processor 350 that may receive information from one or more components of non-ride device 112 and provide control signals to one or more components of non-ride device 112.

[0064] The non-ride device 112 may also include a device memory 352. The device memory 352 may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. The device memory may include one or several databases and may store one or several received trigger signals and / or a plurality of pre-programmed responses to one or several received trigger signals. In some embodiments, the device memory 352 may be updated and / or the device 112 may be programmed by a user. In some embodiments, for example, a user may program the device 112 and / or update the device memory 352, and specifically update and / or change a plurality of pre-programmed responses in the device memory 352. In some embodiments, for example, this step may be performed by inserting a programming device such as a chip into the device 112. The device 112 may read the chip and retrieve information from the chip to reprogram the device 112 and / or update the device memory 352. In some embodiments, a user may reprogram the device 112 by replacing all or part of the memory, in particular by removing and / or replacing all or part of the memory of the device 112. In some embodiments, for example, a user may program and / or reprogram device 112 so that the device has one or more desired attributes, such as affiliation. In some embodiments, for example, device 112 may be programmed to have affiliation with one or more evil characters, and in some embodiments, device 112 may be programmed to have affiliation with one or more good characters. In some embodiments, such affiliation may be programmed and manifested in device 112's response to one or more events or the presence of one or more characters, which may be in an attraction.

[0065] In some embodiments, some or all of the preprogrammed responses may be organized into one or several response classes. In some embodiments, for example, a trigger signal may be associated with a single preprogrammed response, and, in some embodiments, a trigger signal may be associated with a class of preprogrammed responses, which may include multiple preprogrammed responses. In some embodiments where multiple non-ride devices 112 are in a single passenger vehicle 108, a trigger signal associated with a class of preprogrammed responses may prevent a large number or all of the non-ride devices from having the same response to the trigger signal. In some embodiments, for example, when a non-ride device receives a trigger signal associated with a class of preprogrammed responses, one of the multiple preprogrammed responses from the class of preprogrammed responses may be selected by each of the non-ride devices. In some embodiments, each non-ride device may randomly select one of the multiple preprogrammed responses, thereby reducing the likelihood that multiple non-ride devices have the same response. In some embodiments, the non-ride devices 112 in the passenger vehicle 108 may communicate with each other to ensure that each of the non-ride devices 112 selects a unique one of the multiple preprogrammed responses and / or that less than a maximum number of non-ride devices 112 select the same one of the multiple preprogrammed responses.

[0066] In some embodiments, device memory 352 may include writable persistent storage that can store experience data and multiple pre-programmed responses. The multiple pre-programmed responses characterize the behavior of device 112. In some embodiments, device processor 350 may update device memory 352 with new experience data. Updating device memory 352 with new experience data may modify future selections of one of the multiple pre-programmed responses in response to a received trigger signal. Specifically, the association between the trigger signal and the response in device memory 352 may be modified based on the experience data stored in device memory 352. Thus, in some embodiments, device 112 may initially be programmed to be friendly to a pirate character, but after generating experience data and modifying device memory 352 with the experience data, device 112 may be afraid of the pirate character.

[0067] In some embodiments, the device memory 352 may include one or more execution parameters. In some embodiments, the execution parameters may affect the execution of one or more of the preprogrammed responses. In some embodiments, the execution parameters may affect the speed of executing the preprogrammed responses, the execution duration of the preprogrammed responses, and / or the execution magnitude of the preprogrammed responses. In some embodiments, the execution parameters may identify at least one of an execution delay, an execution duration, and an execution magnitude such as an execution amount.

[0068] These pre-programmed responses may include one or more of an auditory response and a physical response. In some embodiments, the physical response may include at least one of moving an actuator, powering a light, moving and / or manipulating an accessory, and / or activating a motor. In some embodiments, the processor 350 may provide one or more control signals based on responses contained in memory and / or based on one or more received trigger signals. In some embodiments, the one or more control signals may cause, for example, a speaker 308 to deliver and / or transmit an auditory response, may cause one or more lights, one or more displays, and / or one or more screens to deliver a visual response, and / or cause one or more actuators 354 and / or motors to deliver a physical response via, for example, one or more mobile features 312 of the mobile device 112.

[0069] The device 112 may include one or more actuators 354. The one or more actuators 354, which may be, for example, one or more motors, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, electroactive polymers, and / or piezoelectric actuators. The one or more actuators 354 may control the movement of one or more moving features 312 of the device 112.

[0070] 4. Interactive Experience Delivery

[0071] Reference now Figure 5, represents a functional block diagram of modules 500 for interactive experience delivery. These modules 500 may be hardware modules and / or software modules. In some embodiments, these modules 500 may be located in whole or in part on or in the processor 102. These modules include a communication module 502. The communication module 502 interacts with the non-ride device communication system 118 and / or the non-ride device detection system 114 to detect the presence of one or more non-ride devices 112 in the passenger vehicle 108, receive data from the non-ride device 112, and / or send one or more trigger signals or data to the non-ride device 112.

[0072] The game engine 504 (also referred to herein as a "story engine" or "experience engine") can control the generation and / or presentation of a narrative of an attraction experience to passengers of the simulated vehicle 108 and / or to viewers of the attraction. This generation and / or presentation of the narrative can be based on the virtual world in which the attraction experience occurs, and / or can include the generation of the virtual world in which the attraction experience occurs. The generation and / or presentation of the narrative can include identifying game events that can be associated with trigger signals. In some embodiments, these events can include, for example, acceleration, deceleration, a change in direction of travel, a collision with an object, an explosion, and / or the appearance of a character. The generation and / or presentation of the narrative of the attraction experience can include generating a signal to control the content presentation system 116 to generate images and / or sounds corresponding to one or more events in the narrative of the attraction experience.

[0073] In some embodiments, experience engine 504 may receive information indicating the presence of one or more non-ride devices 112 in passenger vehicle 108, and / or may receive information indicating one or more attributes of one or more non-ride devices in passenger vehicle 108. Experience engine 504 may modify all or part of the narrative based on this received information. In some embodiments, the modification may include generating and / or selecting one or more trigger signals to cause desired actions of one or more non-ride devices 112 to contribute to the narrative. In some embodiments, for example, characters in the narrative may interact with non-ride devices, and trigger signals may be generated to cause the non-ride devices to react to these interactions.

[0074] Input module 506 may communicate with control 109 of simulated vehicle 108 to receive electrical signals corresponding to user input provided via control 109. Input module 506 may output information related to the user input to experience engine 504. In some embodiments, based on the received user input, experience engine 504 may identify a response of simulated vehicle 108 to the user input and / or a direct or indirect effect of the user input on simulated vehicle 108. In some embodiments, and by way of example, a direct effect includes when the user input indicates a turn for simulated vehicle 108, and an indirect effect includes when the user input causes an item within the game / simulation portion of the attraction experience to explode, the explosion creating a shock wave that propels simulated vehicle 108. The experience engine may further track the progress of the passengers and / or the progress of simulated vehicle 108 through the attraction experience.

[0075] In some embodiments, and based on input received from input module 506, a skill level of one or more passengers may be determined. In some embodiments, if a passenger's skill level is determined to be below a threshold level, experience engine 504 may generate one or more trigger signals associated with an event that cause non-ride devices 112 to provide assistance to the passenger. In some embodiments, for example, the trigger signal may cause the non-ride device to take an action to provide one or more inputs to passenger vehicle 108 to cause a desired effect or action in the virtual world, and in some embodiments, the trigger signal may cause the non-ride device to take an action to provide guidance to the passenger to provide one or more inputs to passenger vehicle 108 to cause a desired effect or action in the virtual world.

[0076] Reference now Figure 6 , which shows a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process 600 for delivering attraction experiences. Process 600 may be performed by all or part of system 100 and / or Figure 5 The process 600 may begin at block 602, where one or more passengers are loaded into and / or enter a simulated vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the simulated vehicle 108 may be a location from which a performance may be viewed, which in some embodiments is a performance that is not part of an amusement ride. At block 604, the presence of one or more non-ride devices 112 in the simulated vehicle 108 is detected. In some embodiments, the detection may be performed during or after the loading of block 602. In some embodiments, step 604 may be performed independently of block 602.

[0077] At block 606, one or more attributes of each of the one or more non-ride devices detected in the passenger vehicle 108 may be determined. In some embodiments, the determination may be performed via communication with the non-ride device 112 and, in particular, by receiving data from the non-ride device characterizing the one or more attributes of the non-ride device. In some embodiments, the data may include and / or may be derived from experience data for the non-ride device 112. The experience data may characterize one or more experiences of the non-ride device 112, and in some embodiments, the experience data may be location-associated and / or time-associated.

[0078] At block 608, a narrative is generated. In some embodiments, this may include generating and / or retrieving content for presentation to passengers of passenger vehicle 108. As shown in block 610, the narrative may be modified based on the presence of one or more non-ride devices in passenger vehicle 108 and / or based on the attributes of one, some, or all non-ride devices 112 in passenger vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the narrative may be modified based on the combination of non-ride devices 112 present in passenger vehicle 108. In such embodiments, the modification may be specific to the combination of non-ride devices 112 present in passenger vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the modification of the narrative may include inputting information indicating the presence of one or more non-ride devices 112 into experience engine 504 and inputting information identifying at least one attribute of each of the one or more non-ride devices 112 into experience engine 504. Experience engine 504 may generate a modified narrative based at least in part on these received inputs. In some embodiments, modifying the narrative may result in modifying the attraction experience of passengers in passenger vehicle 108.

[0079] At block 612, the narration is delivered. In some embodiments, this may include controlling the delivery of the virtual portion of the attraction experience via the content presentation system 116. In some embodiments, the virtual portion of the attraction experience may be perceived from the passenger position 111 within the passenger vehicle 108. At decision step 614, a determination is made as to whether the narration is complete. If it is determined that the narration is incomplete, the process 600 may return to 608, and the generation, modification, and / or delivery of the narration may continue. If it is determined that the narration is complete, which completion may correspond to the end of the attraction, the process 600 proceeds to block 624, where the non-ride database is updated. In some embodiments, this may include deleting information related to the presence of one, some, or all of the non-ride devices in the passenger vehicle 108.

[0080] At block 616, one or more triggering events may be generated. In some embodiments, step 616 may be performed simultaneously with and / or after any of steps 608-612. In some embodiments, a triggering event is an event that has an associated and / or desired action and / or reaction from one or more non-ride devices 112 in the passenger vehicle 108.

[0081] At block 618, one or more trigger signals are generated. In some embodiments, these trigger signals may be generated in association with the triggering event identified in block 616. In some embodiments, the steps of block 618 may include retrieving one or more trigger signals from 106-C. These trigger signals may be generated and / or selected based at least in part on properties of the non-ride device 112.

[0082] In some embodiments, some or all of the identified trigger signals may instruct one or more of the non-ride devices 112 in the passenger vehicle 108 to react to an event in the narrative. In some embodiments, the event may include the presence of a character, which may be a virtual character, or in other words, a character that is in a virtual world and depicted via the content presentation system 116.

[0083] In some embodiments, the trigger signal instructs non-ride device 112 to provide assistance to the owner of non-ride device 112. In some embodiments, providing assistance to the owner of non-ride device 112 may include: determining at least one desired action of the owner of non-ride device 112; and providing information facilitating the at least one desired action via non-ride device 112. In some embodiments, the trigger signal indicates a specific reaction by non-ride device 112, and in some embodiments, the trigger signal indicates one of a class of reactions by non-ride device 112.

[0084] At block 620, the trigger signal is delivered. In some embodiments, the trigger signal may be delivered via the non-ride device communication system 118. At block 622, an action confirmation may be received, which may confirm the receipt of the trigger signal and the performance of the action associated with the trigger signal. In some embodiments, the delivery of one or more future trigger signals may be modified based on the receipt of the action confirmation. In some embodiments, for example, if no action confirmation is received, no future trigger signals may be generated and / or delivered. In some embodiments, the receipt of one or more action confirmations may result in the generation and delivery of more trigger signals.

[0085] Reference now Figure 7, shows a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a process 700 for interactive game play via a non-ride device 112. The process 700 may be performed by a non-ride device 112 and begins at block 702 where experience data is generated and / or received. In some embodiments, the experience data may be generated by a sensor of the non-ride device 112 and / or in some embodiments, the experience data may be received by a receiver 306 of the non-ride device 112.

[0086] At block 704, the device memory is updated based on the newly received and / or generated experience data in block 702. In some embodiments, this updating may be performed by the device processor 350. In some embodiments, this updating of the device memory with the new experience data may modify future selections of one of a plurality of pre-programmed responses to the received trigger signal.

[0087] At block 706 , the non-ride device 112 communicates with the non-ride device communication system 118 . In some embodiments, this may facilitate detection of the presence of the non-ride device 112 in the passenger vehicle 108 and / or may provide information from the non-ride device 112 to the non-ride device communication system 118 .

[0088] At box 708, a trigger signal is received and identified. In some embodiments, the identification and / or reception of the trigger signal may include extracting information from the trigger signal. At box 710, a preprogrammed response to the received trigger signal is selected. In some embodiments, this may include selecting one of a plurality of preprogrammed responses in response to the trigger signal. In some embodiments, one of the plurality of preprogrammed responses is selected based on the trigger signal. In some embodiments, selecting one of the plurality of preprogrammed responses may include: identifying a set of potential responses based on the trigger signal; and selecting one of the set of potential responses. In some embodiments, the response may be randomly selected, and in some embodiments, the response may be selected via communication with one or more other non-ride devices 112 in the passenger vehicle.

[0089] At block 712, the selected preprogrammed response is executed. In some embodiments, executing one of the plurality of preprogrammed responses includes: determining an execution parameter for executing the preprogrammed response; and executing one of the plurality of preprogrammed responses according to the execution parameter. In some embodiments, the execution parameter may identify a delay, magnitude, and / or duration of the response.

[0090] At block 714 , an action confirmation is generated and provided to the non-ride device communication system 118 to indicate completion of execution of the non-ride response, and in block 716 , the experience data is updated.

[0091] It should be understood that, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the specific steps shown in the above figures provide specific methods for presenting images using an immersive content system. Other sequences of steps may also be performed according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may perform the above steps in a different order. In addition, the various steps shown in the above figures may include multiple sub-steps that may be performed in different orders suitable for the various steps. In addition, additional steps may be added or deleted depending on the specific application. A person of ordinary skill in the art may recognize many variations, modifications, and substitutions.

[0092] Each of the methods described herein can be implemented by using one or more computer systems. Each step of these methods can be automatically performed by one or more computer systems, and / or can be provided by input / output involving a user. For example, a user can provide input for each step in the method, and each of these inputs can respond to a specific output requesting such input, wherein the output is generated by a computer system. Each input can be received in response to a corresponding request output. In addition, input can be received from a user, from another computer system as a data stream, input can be retrieved from a memory location, input can be retrieved through a network, and / or input can be requested from a web service, etc. Similarly, output can be provided to a user, provided to another computer system as a data stream, stored in a memory location, sent through a network and / or provided to a web service, etc. In short, each step of the method described herein can be performed by a computer system, and can involve any number of inputs, outputs and / or requests for and from a computer system that may or may not involve a user. Those steps that do not involve a user can be said to be automatically performed by a computer system without human intervention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that, in light of the present disclosure, the steps of the methods described herein may be altered to include input and output to and from a user, or may be performed automatically by a computer system without human intervention, where any decision is made by a processor. In addition, some embodiments of each of the methods described herein may be implemented as a set of instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory storage medium to form a tangible software product.

[0093] 5. Computer System

[0094] Figure 8 A block diagram is shown of a computer system 1000 , which is an exemplary embodiment of a processor 102 and which may be used to implement the methods and processes disclosed herein. Figure 8 The computer system 1000 may include familiar computer components, such as one or more data processors or central processing units (CPUs).

[0095] 1005, one or more graphics processors or graphics processing units (GPUs) 1010, a memory subsystem 1015, a storage subsystem 1020, one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 1025 or communication interfaces 1030, etc. The computer system 1000 may include a system bus 1035 that interconnects the above components and provides functionality such as connectivity and communication between devices.

[0096] One or more data processors or central processing units (CPUs) 1005 execute program code to implement the processes described herein. One or more graphics processors or graphics processing units (GPUs) 1010 execute logic or program code associated with graphics or used to provide graphics-specific functions. Memory subsystem 1015 can store information, for example, by using machine-readable articles, information storage devices, or computer-readable storage media. Storage subsystem 1020 can also store information by using machine-readable articles, information storage devices, or computer-readable storage media. Storage subsystem 1020 can store information by using storage media 1045, which can be any desired storage medium.

[0097] One or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 1025 may perform I / O operations, and one or more output devices 1055 may output information to one or more destinations of computer system 1000. One or more input devices 1050 and / or one or more output devices 1055 may be communicatively coupled to one or more I / O interfaces 1025. One or more input devices 1050 may receive information from one or more sources of computer system 1000. One or more output devices 1055 may allow a user of computer system 1000 to view objects, icons, text, user interface widgets, or other user interface elements.

[0098] The communication interface 1030 can perform communication operations, including sending and receiving data. The communication interface 1030 can be coupled to a communication network / external bus 1060, such as a computer network or a USB hub, etc. The computer system can include multiple identical components or subsystems connected together, for example, through the communication interface 1030 or through an internal interface.

[0099] Computer system 1000 may also include one or more applications (e.g., software components or functions) executed by the processor to perform, run, or otherwise implement the techniques disclosed herein. These applications may be embodied as data and program code 1040. Such applications may also be encoded and transmitted using a carrier signal suitable for transmission via a wired, optical, and / or wireless network (compliant with various protocols, including the Internet).

[0100] The above description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suitable for the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A system for delivery of a narrative, the system comprising: passenger vehicles including multiple passenger positions; a content presentation system configured to present a virtual portion of the narrative viewable from the plurality of passenger positions; a transceiver configured to transmit a trigger signal; as well as at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to: controlling delivery of the virtual portion of the narrative via the content presentation system; detecting the presence of a non-rider device possessed by a rider of the passenger vehicle; receiving a self-describing signal from the non-ride device; as well as A trigger signal is communicated to the non-ride device via the transceiver, the trigger signal being associated with the narration, wherein the trigger signal is configured to instruct the non-ride device to communicate a narration-consistent response.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to determine an attribute of the non-ride device based at least in part on the self-describing signal received from the non-ride device.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The attribute of the non-ride device is based on experience data.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The experience data is associated with a location and a time.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The trigger signal is based at least in part on the property of the non-ride device.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to modify the narrative based on at least one of: a presence of the non-ride device; and the experience data of the non-ride device.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The trigger signal instructs the non-ride device to react to an event in the narrative.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The events in the narrative include the presence of characters.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The trigger signal instructs the non-riding device to provide assistance to an owner of the non-riding device.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: Providing assistance to the owner of the non-rider device includes determining at least one desired action of the owner of the non-rider device; and providing information via the non-rider device to facilitate the at least one desired action.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The trigger signal indicates a specific response to be performed by the non-ride device.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The trigger signal indicates one of a class of responses to be performed by the non-ride device.

13. A method for delivering a narrative, the method comprising: controlling, via a content presentation system, delivery of a virtual portion of the narrative, the virtual portion of the narrative being perceptible from a passenger position within a passenger vehicle; detecting the presence of a non-rider device in the passenger vehicle that is owned by a rider of the passenger vehicle; receiving a self-describing signal from the non-ride device; A trigger signal is communicated to the non-ride device, the trigger signal indicating a narration-concordant action of the non-ride device, and wherein the trigger signal is associated with the narration.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Further comprising determining a property of the non-ride device based at least in part on the self-describing signal received from the non-ride device.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Determining the attribute of the non-rider device includes receiving data from the non-rider device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein The attribute of the non-ride device is based on experience data.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The experience data represents the experience of the non-ride device and is location-related and time-related.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The trigger signal is based at least in part on the property of the non-ride device.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising modifying the narrative based on at least one of: the presence of the non-ride device; and the experience data of the non-ride device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The trigger signal instructs the non-ride device to react to an event in the narrative.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The events in the narrative include the presence of characters.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The characters include virtual characters.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The trigger signal instructs the non-riding device to provide assistance to an owner of the non-riding device.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: Providing assistance to the owner of the non-rider device includes determining at least one desired action of the owner of the non-rider device; and providing information via the non-rider device to facilitate the at least one desired action.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The trigger signal indicates a specific response to be performed by the non-ride device.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The trigger signal indicates one of a class of responses to be performed by the non-ride device.

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