System and method for location tracking of interactive devices

Abstract

An interactive device (14) comprises: an antenna (50); one or more transceivers (42) coupled to the antenna (50); one or more feedback devices (38); and one or more processors (32) coupled to the one or more transceivers (42) and the one or more feedback devices (38). One or more processors (32) receive signals from a computing device via one or more transceivers (42). Additionally, the one or more processors (32) may determine a time of flight corresponding to reception of the signal by the antenna (50). The one or more processors (32) also determine positioning information, orientation information, or both of the interactive device (14) based on the time of flight. Further, the one or more processors (32) communicate the positioning information, the orientation information, or both, to the environment controller (18) via the one or more transceivers (42). Still further, the one or more processors (32) activate the one or more feedback devices (38) based on the positioning information, the orientation information, or both.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of the technology presented, which are described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion is helpful in providing the reader with background information to promote a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0002] Amusement parks often include interactive areas that include rides and attractions. Some interactive areas may include features that provide the same user experience for each user. However, providing different or unique features that can be tailored for each user can enhance and provide a better user experience for each user. It is now recognized that it is desirable to provide different or unique features in interactive areas of an amusement park that provide a different or unique user experience for each user based on, for example, user input. Summary of the invention

[0003] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are discussed below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, an interactive device includes: multiple antennas; one or more transceivers coupled to the multiple antennas; one or more feedback devices; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more transceivers and the one or more feedback devices. The one or more processors may receive signals from a computing device via the one or more transceivers. Additionally, the one or more processors may determine a flight time corresponding to the reception of the signals by the multiple antennas. Further, the one or more processors may determine positioning information, orientation information, or both of the interactive device based on the flight time. Still further, the one or more processors may transmit positioning information, orientation information, or both to an environmental controller via the one or more transceivers. Still further, the one or more processors may activate the one or more feedback devices based on the positioning information, orientation information, or both.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method includes: transmitting, using a transmitter, a first ultra-wideband (UWB) signal for reception by a plurality of antennas of an interactive device being utilized within an interactive environment. The method also includes: receiving, using a receiver, a second UWB signal, the second UWB signal indicating location information, orientation information, and an interactive device ID associated with the interactive device being utilized within the interactive environment. Further, the method includes: updating, using one or more processors, one or more features within the interactive environment based on the location information, the orientation information, and the interactive device ID.

[0006] In one embodiment, an interactive system includes: an environment controller having a transceiver for transmitting signals. The interactive system also includes: a plurality of interactive devices. Each of the plurality of interactive devices includes: a plurality of antennas, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors. The one or more processors of each interactive device are configured to receive signals from the one or more transceivers via the plurality of antennas of the corresponding interactive device. The one or more processors of each interactive device are also configured to determine the flight time of the signal based on the reception of the signal via the plurality of antennas. Further, the one or more processors of each interactive device are configured to determine positioning information and orientation information based on the flight time of the signal. Still further, the one or more processors of each interactive device are configured to transmit positioning information and orientation information to the environment controller via the plurality of antennas, wherein upon reception of the positioning information and orientation information, the environment controller is configured to adjust one or more features of the amusement park. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] 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, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an interactive device system for tracking location information, orientation information, or both and for providing a customizable user experience according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 A block diagram of an interactive device system;

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 A data flow diagram of the communication between the interactive device and the environment controller of the interactive device system;

[0011] Figure 4is a block diagram illustrating an interactive device having multiple transceivers communicating with external transceivers via multiple antennas according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0012] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an interactive device having a transceiver communicating with an external transceiver via multiple antennas according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated 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 compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be appreciated that such development work may be complex and time consuming, but will be no more than a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill who benefits from the present disclosure.

[0014] In certain environments, such as attractions within an amusement park (e.g., amusement park rides, shows, and games), a user may be provided access to a tool to provide an immersive experience within the amusement park. The user's interaction with the tool may be recorded, and certain benefits, such as bonus points, provided to the user. In order to provide a more desirable experience (e.g., a more immersive experience or a user-friendly experience), it may be advantageous to utilize an interactive tool with multiple antennas that are positioned in different locations on the interactive tool.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to an interactive device system that provides positioning and / or directional tracking of an interactive device being utilized within an interactive environment based on signals transmitted from an external transceiver (e.g., via an antenna) to multiple antennas disposed on the interactive device. In general, the antennas of the interactive device are disposed in different locations of the interactive device (e.g., on one or more surfaces, such as one or more inner surfaces, one or more outer surfaces, or both). Therefore, the signal transmitted by the external transceiver can be received by each antenna during a time related to the distance between each antenna and the external transceiver. The processor of the interactive device receives the signal via multiple antennas associated with one or more transceivers and determines a flight time, which indicates the time when the antenna receives the signal. For example, the flight time information may indicate a first timestamp corresponding to the transmission of the signal by the transceiver via its antenna, and a second timestamp corresponding to the reception of the signal by the transceiver or receiver via its antenna (e.g., a timestamp corresponding to the reception of the signal by each interactive device, a difference in the timestamp corresponding to the reception of the signal, and the like). Based on the determined time of flight, the processor may transmit (e.g., via ultra-wideband (UWB) communication) a signal including positioning information (e.g., three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates, and the like), orientation information (e.g., the direction in which the interactive device at a particular location is facing, the angles of roll, pitch, and / or yaw of the interactive device), or both to an external controller (e.g., an environment controller), which may cause the environment controller to adjust one or more features of the interactive environment. In some embodiments, the interactive device may be any of a variety of devices that are wearable, handheld, or otherwise configured to be carried (e.g., held or worn) by a user. For example, the interactive device may be a wand, a helmet, a bracelet, a headband, a head-mounted display (e.g., including or configured to couple to a headband or other structure that supports the head-mounted display on the user's head; configured to display images for visualization by a user wearing the head-mounted display to create an augmented reality [AR], virtual reality [VR], or mixed reality [both AR and VR] experience for the user wearing the head-mounted display), or other device. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the interactive device may be an interactive tool for use in an interactive environment, such as a projectile launcher, including a slingshot, bow, catapult, blaster, hose, or other device capable of launching, shooting, or launching virtual or physical projectiles, fluids, or light. In any case, the orientation information and positioning information may be used to determine whether the virtual or physical projectile and the projectile launcher are aiming at or otherwise interacting with one or more features of the interactive environment. Thus, the disclosed interactive device system (e.g., projectile device system) may provide a more desirable experience for the user.Furthermore, using multiple antennas may facilitate tracking orientation information and / or positioning information without using expensive and / or relatively large amounts of power utilizing sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs).

[0016] Considering the foregoing, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of an interactive environment 10 having an interactive device system 12 having an interactive device 14. As shown, the interactive environment 10 includes a user 16 holding the interactive device 14. Although only one user 16 and one interactive device 14 are shown, another embodiment of the interactive device system 12 may include any number (e.g., one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, etc.) of interactive devices 14 and any number (e.g., one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, etc.) of users 16. In general, the interactive device 14 may include an electronic device having a processor and a communication circuit module that communicates with an environment controller 18 via wireless communication or wired communication, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 2 1 and 2. In general, the environment controller 18 is also an electronic device (e.g., a computing device) having a processor and a communication circuit module, such as a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile device, a smart phone, and the like. For example, the interactive device 14 can transmit a signal indicating data to the environment controller 18 via an antenna using the following technology: ultra-wideband (UWB) communication (e.g., at a frequency between 3.1 gigahertz (GHz) and 10.6 GHz), radio frequency identification (RFID) beacons and / or tags (e.g., at an approximate frequency of 433 megahertz (MHz) or 860-960 MHz), or Wi-Fi (e.g., at an approximate frequency of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). The interactive device 14 may include a trigger 20 that the user 16 can select, pull, or otherwise activate to cause the interactive device 14 to fire, shoot, or launch a projectile 22, such as a virtual projectile (e.g., a virtual laser beam, a virtual fluid stream, a virtual arrow, a virtual cannonball, and the like) or a physical projectile (e.g., a foam portion, a fluid stream, and the like). In general, interactive device 14 may include interactive tools for use in interactive environment 10, such as a projectile launcher (e.g., slingshot, bow, catapult), blaster, hose, or any other suitable device capable of launching, shooting, or launching virtual or physical projectiles.

[0017] In general operation, to facilitate tracking the location, orientation, and utilization of interactive device 14, environment controller 18 may use a transceiver to communicate, transmit, or otherwise output a signal (e.g., a signal indicative of information) to multiple antennas (not shown) on interactive device 14 via one or more antennas. For example, environment controller 18 may transmit a signal (e.g., via an antenna of interactive device 14) to an antenna of interactive device 14 when interactive device 14 is in proximity to interactive device 14 (e.g., within UWB range, such as within 5 meters (m), 10m, 50m, 100m, etc.), which is used by interactive device 14 to determine location information, orientation information, or both. The signal may include a transmitter ID, such as a set or pattern of alphanumeric characters and / or symbols that generally indicates the specific transceiver transmitting the signal. In some embodiments, environment controller 18 (e.g., a transceiver of environment controller 18) may transmit a signal via an antenna periodically or based on certain trigger conditions (e.g., user 16 selects, pulls, or otherwise activates trigger 20). In any case, the processor of interactive device 14 may determine time data corresponding to the reception of the signal by each of the antennas, such as time of flight. That is, the processor of interactive device 14 may determine that the first antenna received the data signal from the transmitter (i.e., transmitted by the antenna associated with the transmitter) during a first time, and the processor of interactive device 14 may determine that the second antenna received the data signal from the transmitter during a second time. The processor of interactive device 14 may then determine the location information, orientation information, or both of interactive device 14 based on the time data corresponding to the reception of the signal by each of the antennas.

[0018] For example, the processor of the interactive device 14 may determine the angular tilt 24 of the interactive device 14 relative to one or more axes (e.g., roll, yaw, and / or pitch). That is, the processor may determine the amount of angle by which the interactive device 14 is tilted left / right and / or up / down relative to the normal direction. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may determine the relative direction that the interactive device 14 is facing. That is, in an interactive environment 10 that includes one or more features, such as virtual features (e.g., characters or targets displayed on a screen or projected via an augmented reality device) or physical features (e.g., physical targets, other users within the interactive environment, obstacles, characters within the environment). The relative direction may indicate whether a particular end of the interactive device 14 (e.g., a projectile ejection end) is aiming at one or more of the features. The interactive device 14 may then transmit a signal indicating orientation information and positioning information to the environment controller 18, the orientation information indicating the tilt 24.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the processor may determine positioning information, such as a relative positioning of interactive device 14 within the interactive environment. For example, the processor may determine three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates, and the like of interactive device 14. In some embodiments, the positioning information may include a location within interactive environment 10 where interactive device 14 is being utilized (e.g., fired or aimed). For example, the location may correspond to a safe or no-fire zone (e.g., with a virtual character at which user 16 is not expected to aim or fire projectiles 22), an area with obstacles (e.g., physical obstacles or virtual obstacles) that reflect or deflect projectiles 22, and the like.

[0020] In any event, the interactive device 14 may communicate one or more signals indicating the positioning information and / or the orientation information to the environment controller 18. In turn, the environment controller 18 may update the interactive system 10 based on the positioning information and / or the orientation information corresponding to the positioning and / or the orientation of the interactive device 14. For example, in an embodiment where the interactive device 14 is a projectile launcher, the environment controller 18 may determine whether the interactive device 14 is aiming toward the feature 26 (e.g., a target) based on the angular tilt 24 and / or the distance 28 between the interactive device 14 and the feature 26. As another non-limiting example, the environment controller 18 may determine whether the projectile 22 corresponding to the interactive device 14 will hit the portion 30 of the feature 26. In any case, interactions between user 16 and interactive device 14 and / or features 26 within interactive environment 10 may be tracked and / or recorded (such as by updating data stored in a database or other accessible storage component to include a record of interactions with interactive device 14, awarding points to user 16 based on use of interactive device 14, tracking the progress of user 16 while using interactive device 14, tracking the achievements of user 16 while using interactive device 14, and the like).

[0021] To perform the operations described herein, the interactive device 14 and the environment controller 18 may each include certain processing circuit modules, memory circuit modules, and communication circuit modules. For illustration, Figure 2 is a block diagram of an interactive device system 12 including one or more interactive devices 14 and an environment controller 18. In an embodiment, the one or more interactive devices 14 may each include a processor 32, a memory 34, and a communication circuit module 36 to enable the one or more interactive devices 14 to communicate with the environment controller 18. Figure 2The various functional blocks shown in the figure may include hardware elements (including circuit modules), software elements (including machine executable instructions), or a combination of both hardware and software elements (which may be referred to as logic). The processor 32, the memory 34 and / or non-volatile storage device, the communication circuit module 36 and / or the feedback device 38 may each be directly or indirectly (e.g., through or via another component, a communication bus, a network) communicatively coupled to each other to transmit and / or receive signals indicating data between each other. It should be noted that Figure 2 This is merely one example of a particular implementation and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may be present in the interactive device 14 and / or the environment controller 18 .

[0022] The interactive device 14 may also include a game input / output control element 40, which may include an input trigger, a button, a joystick, a control pad, or other selectable features, and / or features similar to the feedback device 38 (e.g., a speaker, a display, a light device, a haptic device, etc.). The game input / output 40 may provide a trigger condition to the environment controller 18, which causes the environment controller 18 to track the position and / or orientation of the interactive device 14, which may facilitate certain game elements within the interactive environment 10. In general, the trigger condition may indicate an interaction between the user and the interactive device 14. For example, the trigger condition may indicate whether the user is pulling a trigger of the interactive device 14 (e.g., with respect to Figure 1 As another non-limiting example, the trigger condition may indicate a direction of movement or a specific motion of the shareable device (e.g., a user waving a wand in a specific pattern). As another non-limiting example, the trigger condition may indicate that the user is pressing a specific button of the game input / output 40. In this manner, the trigger condition may be utilized by the environment controller 18 to enable tracking of the interactive device 14.

[0023] The communication circuit module 36 may include, for example, one or more communication circuit modules 36 for use in, for example, ultra-wideband (UWB) or A personal area network (PAN) of a network, such as one of the IEE 802.11x family of protocols (e.g., ) of a network, and / or any standards such as those associated with the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including, for example, 3rd Generation (3G) cellular networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 4th Generation (4G) cellular networks, Long Term Evolution (LET), ...). cellular network, Long Term Evolution Licensed Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) cellular network, 5th Generation (5G) cellular network and / or New Radio (NR) cellular network, 6th Generation (6G) or 6G later cellular network, satellite network, non-terrestrial network, etc.) wide area network (WAN). In particular, the communication circuit module 36 may include one or more communication circuit modules for cellular communication standards using 5G specifications, wherein the 5G specifications include a millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency range (e.g., 24.25-300 gigahertz (GHz)) that defines and / or enables a frequency range for wireless communication. In some embodiments, the communication circuit module 36 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver that supports transmission and reception of various wireless signals via one or more antennas. For example, the communication circuit module 36 may include multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and / or multiple antennas as suitable for various communication standards.

[0024] As shown, the interactive device 14 may include one or more transceivers 42. In some embodiments, all or part of the transceiver 42 may be disposed within the processor 32. The transceiver 42 may support the transmission and reception of various wireless signals via one or more antennas 50, and thus may include a transmitter 46 and a receiver 48. Thus, the transceiver 42, the transmitter 46, and the receiver 48 may receive signals via one or more of the antennas 50. In general, the transmitter 46 and the receiver 48 may be capable of enabling communication with the environment controller 18, as described in more detail below. For example, the transmitter 46 of the interactive device 14 may transmit a signal to the environment controller 18 via the antenna 50, the signal indicating the interactive device ID 44, positioning information, and / or orientation information of the interactive device 14.

[0025] The environment controller 18 may include a processor 52, a memory 54, and a communication circuit module 56 to enable the environment controller 18 to communicate with one or more interactive devices 14. In embodiments, the environment controller 18 may scan (e.g., periodically or based on certain trigger conditions, such as activation of a trigger 20 of an interactive device 14, etc.) the interactive device 14, and / or transmit a signal including a transmitter ID 60 to the interactive device 14. For example, the environment controller 18 may use the communication circuit module 56 to scan for a signal indicating an interactive device ID 44, location information, orientation information, or a combination thereof from the interactive device 14. In general, the interactive device ID 44 may include a set of alphanumeric characters and / or symbols (e.g., an interactive device ID) that identifies a particular interactive device 14. In some embodiments, the communication circuit module 56 may use any suitable type of communication, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like. In general, the processor 52 may include components similar to those described with respect to the processor 32 and perform functions similar to those described with respect to the processor 32, and the communication circuit module 56 may include components similar to those described with respect to the communication circuit module 36 and perform functions similar to those described with respect to the communication circuit module 36. The memory 54 of the environment controller 18 may store a transmitter ID 60 that identifies a particular transmitter 62. Further, the memory 54 may store game information 68 that generally identifies, characterizes, or stores historical information associated with the features 26 of the interactive environment 10.

[0026] In embodiments, the environment controller 18 may determine an interaction between the interactive device 14 and the user 16, and in turn transmit, output, or otherwise provide an indication that causes the interactive device 14 to provide feedback indicative of the interaction. That is, the indication may cause one or more feedback devices 38 (e.g., visual feedback devices (e.g., light emitting elements such as diodes, display screens), audio feedback devices (e.g., speakers), tactile elements, and the like) of the interactive device 14 to be activated based on the positioning information, orientation information, or a combination thereof received by the environment controller 18. In some embodiments, the memory 54 may store a user profile that includes certain user preferences (e.g., graphics, images, and other visual, audio, and tactile patterns that the user has previously selected) that the user may provide to improve the user's immersion in the interactive environment. For example, a user may prefer that the interactive device present a particular color scheme (e.g., blue), and upon a successful hit or when the interactive device 14 is aimed at a feature (e.g., illuminated in red if aiming at a friendly character within the interactive environment, or illuminated in green if aiming at a target for bonus points), the light emitter(s) on the interactive device 14 (representing the feedback device 38) may illuminate in a color corresponding to the color scheme (e.g., blue), as described herein.

[0027] As shown, the environment controller 18 may include one or more transceivers 58. In some embodiments, all or part of the transceiver 58 may be disposed within the processor 52. The transceiver 58 may transmit and receive various wireless signals via one or more antennas 66, and thus may include a transmitter 62 and a receiver 64. Thus, the transceiver 58, the transmitter 62, and the receiver 64 may receive signals via one or more of the antennas 66. In general, the transmitter 62 and the receiver 64 enable communication with the interactive device 14 (via the transmitter 46 and the receiver 48 of the interactive device 14). For example, the transmitter 62 of the environment controller 18 may transmit a signal indicating the transmitter ID 60 to the interactive device 14. More specifically, the receiver 48 of the interactive device 14 may receive the signal indicating the transmitter ID 60 via the antenna 50. Further, the receiver 64 may receive a signal via the antenna 66 indicating the interactive device ID 44, the positioning information, and / or the orientation information transmitted by the transmitter 46 of the interactive device 14 via the antenna 50. In this manner, interactive device 14 and environment controller 18 may be communicatively coupled. As described in more detail below, communicatively coupling interactive device 14 and environment controller 18 may facilitate tracking of location information and / or orientation information of interactive device 14 when using interactive device 14 within interactive environment 10.

[0028] In some embodiments, the interactive device system 12 may include multiple transceivers 58 and multiple interactive devices 14. For example, the interactive device system 12 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, or more than 5 transceivers 58 and 2, 3, 4, 5, or more than 5 interactive devices 14. In such embodiments, it may be advantageous to have subsets of transceivers 58 dedicated to subsets of interactive devices 14. That is, a first subset of transceivers 58 may only communicate with a first subset of interactive devices 14 (e.g., via a first range of frequencies), and a second subset of transceivers 58 may only communicate with a second subset of interactive devices 14 (e.g., via a second range of frequencies). In some embodiments, the environment controller 18 may determine the subset of interactive devices 14 and / or the subset of transceivers 58 in a static manner (e.g., a predetermined subset) or in a dynamic manner (e.g., when an interactive device 14 is activated within the interactive environment). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the interactive device 14 may be carried out of the communication range of the first environment controller 18 and carried into the communication range of the second environment controller 18 (such as when the user moves to a different room, stage, or another location in an attraction at an amusement park). In such embodiments, the second environment controller 18 may assign a new subset of transceivers 58 to the interactive device 14. In this manner, communication between the interactive device 14 and the interactive device system 12 (e.g., having one or more environment controllers 18 and / or transceivers 58 in different rooms, stages, or another location in an amusement park) is less likely to be interrupted, thereby improving the user's experience.

[0029] To further illustrate the technology disclosed in this article, Figure 3 is a data flow diagram illustrating a method 70 for tracking location information and orientation information of an interactive device 14. In general, certain process blocks performed in the method 70 may be performed by the processor 32 of the interactive device(s) 14 or the processor 52 of the environment controller 18. However, for the sake of brevity, the actions described below are described with respect to the interactive device 14 (rather than the processor 32) and the environment controller 18 (rather than the processor 52). In addition, certain process blocks may be performed in a different order than that illustrated, and indeed in some embodiments, certain process blocks may be skipped entirely.

[0030] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in process block 72, the interactive device 14 transmits a signal (e.g., a data signal) indicative of a trigger indication 74 (e.g., a trigger indication signal). In general, the interactive device 14 may transmit a signal indicative of the trigger indication 74 based on an interaction between the user 16 and the interactive device 14. For example, the interactive device 14 may transmit a signal indicative of the trigger indication 74 in response to the user pulling the trigger 20 of the interactive device 14 (e.g., in an embodiment where the interactive device 14 is a blaster). As another non-limiting example, the trigger indication 74 may indicate a direction of movement of the interactive device 14 toward any feature 26 of the interactive environment or a specific motion, a specific pattern (e.g., to simulate casting a spell through a wand), and the like.

[0031] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in process block 76, the environment controller 18 communicates or otherwise transmits a signal (e.g., a transmitter ID signal) indicating a transmitter identifier (ID) 60 to the interactive device 14 (e.g., in response to receiving a trigger indication 74 from the interactive device 14) (e.g., via the antenna 66 of the environment controller 18). In general, the transmitter ID 60 may include a set of alphanumeric characters or symbols that identify a particular transmitter 62. As described in more detail below, the interactive device 14 may utilize the transmitter ID 60 or other information included in the signal transmitted, communicated, or otherwise output (e.g., via the antenna 50) by the transceiver 42 of the interactive device 14 to determine the location information 88, the orientation information, or both corresponding to the interactive device 14. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the transmitter ID 60 may be transmitted after receipt of the trigger indication 74. For example, the interactive device 14 may transmit a signal indicating the trigger indication 74 after a user pulls the trigger 20 of the interactive device 14, and the environment controller 18 transmits the transmitter ID 60 in response to receiving the trigger ID 60. In this manner, by selectively transmitting a signal indicating the transmitter ID 60 that is used by the interactive device 14 to perform certain processes, the method 70 may reduce the amount of computing resources utilized by the interactive device 14, which may otherwise be used for other processes. However, in some embodiments, the environment controller 18 may communicate (e.g., periodically or otherwise) a signal indicating the transmitter ID 60 to the interactive device 14 without receiving a trigger indication 74.

[0032] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in process block 78, the interactive device 14 receives a signal indicating the transmitter ID 60 via a plurality of antennas 50 of the interactive device 14. In turn, in process block 80, the interactive device 14 determines location information 88 and / or orientation information 90 based on the receipt of the transmitter ID. In general, the interactive device 14 may determine a time of flight corresponding to a time when a signal (e.g., a signal indicating the transmitter ID 60) is transmitted by the antenna 66 and / or received by each of the antennas 50. Thus, the time of flight may vary based on the distance between the antenna 66 and each of the antennas 50. Thus, the time of flight for each of the antennas 50 may correspond to or otherwise be related to a particular location and / or orientation of the interactive device 14. In some embodiments, the interactive device 14 may determine the time of flight of the transmitter ID 60 using a timestamp corresponding to the transmission and reception of the transmitter ID 60. For example, the transmitter ID 60 may be transmitted as a signal including a first timestamp corresponding to a first time when the signal was transmitted. Further, the interactive device 14 may generate a second timestamp upon receiving a signal including the transmitter ID 60 and the timestamp, the second timestamp corresponding to a second time when the signal was received. Thus, the difference between the second time (e.g., of the second timestamp) and the first time (e.g., of the first timestamp) may indicate the flight time of the signal sent by the environment controller 18.

[0033] For example, the interactive device 14 may access first reference data (e.g., a reference table) indicating an orientation of the interactive device 14 corresponding to certain time ranges for each of the antennas 50. Additionally or alternatively, the interactive device 14 may access reference data indicating a location of the interactive device 14 corresponding to certain time ranges for each of the antennas 50. For example, the reference data may indicate a spatial or tilted arrangement of the antennas 50 on one or more surfaces of the interactive device 14. In some embodiments, the interactive device 14 may store a model indicating a relationship between the location, orientation, and / or relative time of reception of the transmitter ID 60 by the antenna 50. In any case, based on the received signal transmitted by the environment controller 18 via the antenna 66, the interactive device 14 may determine the location information 88 and / or the orientation information 90.

[0034] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in process 82, the interactive device 14 transmits one or more signals to the environment controller 18, the one or more signals indicating the interactive device ID 86 (e.g., the interactive device ID signal), positioning information 88 (e.g., the positioning signal), and / or orientation information 90 (e.g., the orientation signal). In some embodiments, one or more of the interactive device ID 86, the positioning information 88, and / or the orientation information 90 may be transmitted in a single signal. In general, the interactive device ID 86 may indicate a specific interactive device 14, thereby enabling the environment controller 18 to determine the specific interactive device 14 that is interacting with the interactive environment 10. The positioning information 88 may include coordinates (e.g., three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates, two-dimensional Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates, and the like) or another representation of the positioning of the interactive device 14 in space. The orientation information 90 may include aiming information, such as data indicating the direction in which the interactive device 14 is aiming. In some embodiments, the orientation information 90 may include roll, yaw, and / or pitch information, such as data indicating the tilt of the interactive device 14 (e.g., the angle of the device's twist or inversion relative to a neutral position).

[0035] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, at process block 92, the environment controller 18 may update the game information based on the interactive device ID 44, the positioning information 88, and / or the orientation information 90. In general, updating the game information may include adjusting certain features 26, awarding points (e.g., updating information stored in a database), causing the feedback device 38 to activate, or transmitting a notification to a user device (e.g., a mobile device). In some embodiments, the environment controller 18 may determine the user profile paired with the interactive device 14 based on the interactive device ID 44. For example, the environment controller 18 may determine that the positioning information 88 indicates that the user 16 is in a no-fire zone and the orientation information 90 indicates that the user 16 is aiming the interactive device 14. Therefore, the environment controller 18 may cause the feedback device 38 to output an audio message (e.g., "Watch out, soldier," "Hey! I'm on your side," etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the environment controller 18 may cause the feature 26 to attempt to avoid the aiming of the interactive device 14 (e.g., causing a display depicting a virtual character to duck or jump out of the direction that the interactive device 14 is aiming). In one embodiment, updating the game information may include determining a number of successful interactions between features 26 within interactive environment 10 and interactive device 14. For example, each feature 26 may be a target that user 16 desires to hit with a projectile (e.g., a virtual projectile) fired by interactive device 14. Thus, updating the game information may include storing a number indicating the number of successful hits scored by user 16. In one embodiment, updating the game information may include actuating one or more features disposed within the interactive environment (e.g., physical features controlled by mechanical actuation). For example, environment controller 18 may send a control signal that causes a physical feature, such as a mechanical flower, to rise or fall (e.g., rise if the projectile is water) when hit by a corresponding projectile.

[0036] As another non-limiting example, the environment controller 18 may determine that the trigger 20 of the interactive device 14 is pulled. Therefore, the environment controller 18 may cause the display of the interactive device system 12 to depict a projectile in a position corresponding to the positioning information 88 and the orientation information 90. In some embodiments, the environment controller 18 may access user information, such as a game profile associated with the user 16, and generate effects on the display corresponding to certain user profile settings. For example, the game profile may indicate that the user 16 has selected water as a projectile. Therefore, the display may depict that water is being emitted by the interactive device 14. In addition, in such embodiments, the environment controller 18 may adjust the feature 26 based on the type of projectile. For example, if the environment controller 18 determines that the user 16 has fired a flame projectile at the feature 26 (which is a flower), the environment controller 18 may cause the display to indicate that the flower is burning. As another non-limiting example, if the environment controller 18 determines that the user 16 has fired a water projectile at the feature 26 (which is a flower), the environment controller 18 may cause the display to indicate that the flower has just been watered and / or is growing. In this manner, the environment controller 18 may utilize the positioning information 88 and / or the orientation information 90 to provide an immersive experience for the user 16 within the interactive environment 10 (by tailoring features to the user 16 ).

[0037] In one embodiment, the environment controller 18 may communicate additional information to the interactive device 14 based on the updated game information, which causes the interactive device 14 to generally adjust operation. That is, the environment controller 18 may communicate additional information to the interactive device 14, such as updated status information, which generally modifies the amount of data transmitted by the interactive device 14. Modifying the amount of data transmitted by the interactive device 14 may include transmitting additional data with a trigger condition, positioning information 88, orientation information 90, or a combination thereof.

[0038] For example, environment controller 18 may receive a trigger condition, positioning information 88, orientation information 90, or a combination thereof, indicating a particular interaction between user 16 and interactive environment 10. The particular interaction may include interactive device 14 firing a projectile at feature 26, achieving a certain amount of points, moving interactive device 14 within range of feature 26, or otherwise interacting with interactive environment 10. In turn, environment controller 18 may determine that the particular interaction corresponds to activation of a particular mode (e.g., an operating mode) of the interactive device, and therefore transmit updated state information to interactive device 14, which causes interactive device 14 to operate according to the particular mode.

[0039] As a non-limiting example, the modes may include a "power-up mode." Thus, if the environment controller 18 determines that the interactive device 14 interacts with a feature 26 associated with a power-up mode, the environment controller 18 may transmit updated status information indicating the power-up mode to the interactive device 14. The interactive device 14 may receive the updated status information and adjust its operation according to the power-up mode. For example, when the trigger 20 is pulled, the interactive device 14 may transmit a trigger condition indicating the power-up mode. In turn, the environment controller 18 may cause the display of the interactive device system 12 to display an image of a projectile corresponding to the power-up mode after receiving the trigger indication indicating the power-up mode. For example, the environment controller 18 may cause the display to display a relatively large projectile being fired by the interactive device 14, a projectile with a firing effect, and the like. Another example mode may include a "stuck trigger mode" that causes the interactive device 14 to transmit an additional trigger condition corresponding to the trigger 20 being repeatedly pulled or being pulled for a period of time (which does not actually correspond to how the user pulls the trigger 20). Another example mode may include a "shaky device mode" that causes the interactive device 14 to transmit adjusted positioning information 88 and / or orientation information 90 (i.e., introduces noise into the positioning information 88 and / or orientation information 90), which may blur the actual positioning information 88 and / or the actual orientation information 90, thereby making it more difficult for the user 16 to hit the target through the interactive device 14.

[0040] In one embodiment, updating the game information may include determining whether the interactive device 14 is pointing at a particular feature 26. For example, in an embodiment where the interactive device 14 is a flashlight, the environment controller 18 may determine whether a light beam emitted by the flashlight is pointing at a feature 26 (such as a virtual character). Therefore, if the environment controller 18 determines that the light beam is pointing at the virtual character, the environment controller 18 may update the game information so that the display shows a gesture performed by the virtual character corresponding to the light beam (e.g., causing the virtual character to cover their eyes or duck to avoid the light beam). In this way, the tracking location information 88 and the orientation information 90 may improve the immersion of the user 16 within the interactive environment 10.

[0041] As described herein, the interactive device 14 may include multiple antennas 50 and multiple transceivers 42. For example, in an embodiment, a first antenna 50 may be controlled by a first transceiver 42, and a second antenna 50 may be controlled by a second transceiver 42. To illustrate this point, Figure 4A schematic diagram of an interactive device 14 is shown having a plurality of transceivers 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, and 42e (e.g., collectively 42) that receive signals 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and 100e (e.g., collectively 100) via respective antennas 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e (e.g., collectively 50). Signal 100 may include data such as a transmitter ID 60 (e.g., such as information about the Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), and the signal 100 is transmitted by the transceiver 58 via the antenna 66 of the environment controller 18. As described herein, the interactive device 14 may determine the location and / or orientation of the interactive device 14 based on the time when the signal 100 (e.g., the transmitter ID 60) is received by the transceiver 42. That is, the transmitter ID 60 may include a timestamp corresponding to the time when the transmitter ID 60 was sent by the transceiver 58. More specifically, each antenna 50 may be positioned at a different location on the interactive device 14 (e.g., on the top surface of the interactive device 14, on the bottom surface of the interactive device 14, on the opposite side surface of the interactive device 14, and the like). For example, the antennas 50 may be spaced such that the elevation of the antennas and / or the spacing between the antennas is different (e.g., irregular). In such embodiments, the memory 34 of the interactive device 14 may store elevation information for each antenna 50, the elevation information indicating the elevation corresponding to each antenna (e.g., a first elevation corresponding to the first antenna, a second elevation corresponding to the second antenna, and so on). In some embodiments, the memory 34 may store positioning information associated with each antenna 50, such as the distance between one or more of the antennas 50 and / or the positioning of each antenna 50 on the interactive device. In operation, the processor 32 may receive the signal 100 from each transceiver 42 and determine flight time information (e.g., data indicating the time corresponding to the reception of the signal 100) for each of the antennas 50. It should be noted that although five antennas 50 and five transceivers 42 are shown, the interactive device 14 may include any number of antennas 50 and / or transceivers 42. For example, the interactive device 14 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more antennas 50 and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more than 6 transceivers 42. That is, the interactive device 14 may include a plurality of transceivers 42, but less than the number of antennas 50. Thus, more than one antenna, but less than the total number of antennas, may be operated by the transceiver 42 at a given time. It should be noted that including fewer antennas 50 and / or fewer transceivers 42 may reduce the cost of the interactive device 14, as well as utilize fewer computing resources (by the processor 32). One such example is with respect to Figure 5 are illustrated and described.

[0042] In an embodiment, the interactive device 14 may include a transceiver 42 that controls the operation of multiple antennas 50. To illustrate this point, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an interactive device 14 is shown having a transceiver 42 that receives signals 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and 100e (e.g., collectively 100) via respective antennas 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e (e.g., collectively 50). In a manner generally similar to that discussed above, the signal 100 may include a transmitter ID 60. Further, each antenna 50 may be positioned at a different location of the interactive device 14 (e.g., on the top of the interactive device 14, on the bottom of the interactive device 14, on opposite sides of the interactive device 14, and the like). In operation, the processor 32 may activate a particular antenna 50 via the transceiver 42 (e.g., activating each transceiver 42 in a predetermined sequence or periodically), and the processor 32 may receive the signal 100 from each transceiver 42 and determine data indicating a time corresponding to the reception of the signal 100 by each of the antennas 50. It should be noted that including a ratio of transceivers 42 to antennas 50 that is less than 1 may reduce costs associated with the interactive device 14. However, the interactive device 14 may still be able to determine positioning information 88 and / or orientation information 90 that may be utilized by the environment controller 18 as described herein.

[0043] In embodiments where a single transceiver 42 is controlling multiple antennas 50, the transceiver 42 may cycle through the antennas 50 one by one using techniques such as time division multiplexing. For example, the transceiver 42 may couple to a first antenna 50a, receive a first signal 100a via the first antenna 50a, and the processor 32 may determine time-of-flight information associated with the first antenna 50a. The transceiver 42 may then couple to a second antenna 50b, receive a second signal 100b via the second antenna 50b, and the processor 32 may determine time-of-flight information associated with the second antenna 50b, and so on.

[0044] In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of transceivers 42 and more antennas 50 than the transceivers 42. Therefore, the plurality of transceivers 42 may cycle through the plurality of antennas 50. For example, the first transceiver 42 may be coupled to the first antenna 50a, and the second transceiver 42 may be coupled to the second antenna 50b. The first transceiver 42 may receive the signal 100 via the first antenna 50a, and the second transceiver 42 may receive the signal 100 via the second antenna 50b. Then, the processor 32 may determine the first time-of-flight information associated with the first antenna 50a and the second time-of-flight information associated with the second antenna 50b. Then, the first transceiver 42 may be coupled to the third antenna 50c, and the second transceiver 42 may be coupled to the fourth antenna 50d. The first transceiver 42 may receive the signal 100 via the third antenna 50c, and the second transceiver 42 may receive the signal 100 via the fourth antenna 50d. The processor 32 may then determine first time-of-flight information associated with the first antenna 50 a and second time-of-flight information associated with the fourth antenna 50 d , and so on. In this manner, the transceivers 42 may each cycle through the antennas 50 .

[0045] It should be noted that while the discussion herein generally describes embodiments in which the interactive device 14 is an interactive tool (such as a blaster or projectile device), in some embodiments, the interactive device 14 may be a wearable device 14, such as a helmet, a bracelet, a headband, a head-mounted display, or other type of wearable device. In embodiments in which the interactive device 14 includes a structure having a curved surface (such as a bracelet or a headband (which may support or be part of a head-mounted display)), each antenna 50 may be positioned at a different location along the curved surface of the interactive device 14. Thus, the curved surface may contribute to or result in a varying time of flight for each antenna 50. It is currently recognized that such embodiments may facilitate tracking the orientation of the user's head (e.g., whether the user is looking up, looking down, looking at the feature 26, or looking at another user) and / or the location of the user within the interactive environment 10.

[0046] Further, while the above discussion herein generally relates to communication via signals (such as UWB signals), it should be noted that the techniques described herein may also utilize data over sound (DOS) techniques to determine location information 88 and / or orientation information 90 corresponding to interactive devices 14. For example, one or more of antennas 50 may be replaced by a microphone. Thus, in such embodiments, the microphone may detect specific sounds associated with specific areas of interactive environment 10 (e.g., emitted by speakers in fixed or otherwise known locations in interactive environment 10), and the microphone may provide the sounds to processor 32 (or processor 52) to enable processor 12 (or processor 52) to determine the location of interactive device 14 within interactive environment 10.

[0047] Thus, the present disclosure relates to techniques for tracking location information 88 and orientation information 90 corresponding to an interactive device 14. In general, the techniques include an interactive device 14 that includes a plurality of antennas 50 disposed at different locations of the interactive device 14. For example, the antennas 50 may be arranged in an array on one or more surfaces of the interactive device 14. In some embodiments, the antennas 50 may be spaced such that the elevation of the antennas and / or the spacing between the antennas is different (e.g., irregular). One or more transceivers 42 may receive, via one or more antennas, a signal indicating a transmitter ID 60 (e.g., including the transmitter ID 60), the signal being transmitted by a transceiver 58 via an antenna 66 of the transceiver 58, the transceiver 58 being external to the interactive device 14. The processor 32 of the interactive device 14 may determine a time of flight of information received by each of the antennas 50 of the interactive device 14 based on a first timestamp associated with the transmission of the signal and a second timestamp associated with the reception of the signal. In turn, the processor 32 may determine positioning information 88, orientation information 90, or both corresponding to the interactive device 14, and transmit a signal indicative of the information (e.g., positioning information 88, orientation information 90, or both) to the environment controller 18, which controls the features 26 in the interactive environment 10 in which the interactive device 14 is being utilized. In this manner, the disclosed interactive device system 12 may improve the user's immersion by creating feedback corresponding to the interaction between the user and the interactive environment 10 (e.g., adjustment of the features 26, awarding points, causing the feedback device 38 to be activated).

[0048] 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 is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0049] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples and substantial objects that arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "a component for [performing] ... [function]" or "a step for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements expressed in any other manner, it is expected that such elements are not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. An interactive device, comprising: Multiple antennas; one or more transceivers coupled to the plurality of antennas; one or more feedback devices; as well as one or more processors, the one or more processors coupled to the one or more transceivers and the one or more feedback devices, the one or more processors configured to: receiving a signal from a computing device via the one or more transceivers; determining a time of flight corresponding to reception of the signal by the plurality of antennas; determining location information, orientation information, or both of the interactive device based on the flight time; transmitting the positioning information, the orientation information, or both to an environment controller via the one or more transceivers; and The one or more feedback devices are activated based on the positioning information, the orientation information, or both.

2. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The signal comprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal.

3. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of antennas includes three or more antennas.

4. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to transmit data indicative of an interaction between the interactive device and an interactive environment to the environment controller via the one or more transceivers.

5. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to, after receiving a user identifier, transmit an interactive device identifier to the environment controller via the one or more transceivers.

6. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The time of flight includes a timestamp corresponding to transmission of the signal by the computing device.

7. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The antennas are arranged in an array on the surface of the interactive device.

8. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The interactive device includes: a plurality of transceivers including transceivers, and wherein a first transceiver of the plurality of transceivers is configured to receive the signal via a first antenna of the plurality of antennas, and wherein a second transceiver of the plurality of transceivers is configured to receive the information via a second antenna of the plurality of antennas.

9. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The time period corresponding to the receipt of the information includes a time-of-flight measurement of the information transmitted by a transceiver different from the interactive device.

10. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The orientation information includes aiming information of the interactive device.

11. The interactive device according to claim 1, wherein: The orientation information includes roll information of the interactive device.

12. An interactive device method, comprising: transmitting, using a transmitter, a first ultra-wideband (UWB) signal for reception by a plurality of antennas of an interactive device being utilized within an interactive environment; receiving, using a receiver, a second UWB signal indicating location information, orientation information, and an interactive device identifier associated with the interactive device being utilized within the interactive environment; as well as One or more features within the interactive environment are updated using one or more processors based on the position information, the orientation information, and the interactive device identifier.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein: Updating, using the one or more processors, the one or more features within the interactive environment comprises: retrieving a user profile based on the interactive device identifier; and The user profile is updated based on the location information and the orientation information.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein: Updating, using the one or more processors, the one or more features within the interactive environment comprises: determining, based on the position information and the orientation information, that the interactive device is aimed at a feature depicted on a display of the interactive environment; and In response to determining that the interactive device is aiming at the feature depicted on the display screen, the display is updated.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein: The orientation information indicates the direction the interactive device is facing, the angle of yaw, pitch, roll, or any combination thereof.

16. An interactive system comprising: an environmental controller, the environmental controller comprising a transceiver configured to transmit a signal; as well as A plurality of interactive devices, wherein each of the plurality of interactive devices comprises a plurality of antennas, one or more transceivers, and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors of each interactive device are configured to: receiving signals from the one or more transceivers via the plurality of antennas of a corresponding interactive device; determining a time of flight of the signal based on receipt of the signal via the plurality of antennas; determining positioning information and orientation information based on the time of flight of the signal; and The position information and the orientation information are transmitted to the environment controller via the plurality of antennas, wherein upon receipt of the position information and the orientation information, the environment controller is configured to adjust one or more features of an amusement park.

17. An interactive system as claimed in claim 16, wherein: The environment controller is configured to adjust the one or more features of the amusement park by adjusting one or more images displayed on a display of the amusement park.

18. The interactive system of claim 16, wherein: The one or more features include: one or more feedback devices disposed on the plurality of interactive devices.

19. The interactive system of claim 16, wherein: Each interactive device of the plurality of interactive devices stores a corresponding interactive device identifier, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to transmit the interactive device identifier after receiving the signal.

20. The interactive system of claim 16, wherein: The environmental controller is configured to adjust the one or more features of the amusement park by actuating one or more physical features of the amusement park.

Images