Adaptive experience and wave generation

Abstract

A system for generating waves in a wave pool is capable of customizing the number and type of waves generated in a given portion of the wave pool over a given time period according to the capabilities, number of people and preferences of visitors present in a particular wave generation session. The tourist tracking system is used to verify the presence of a tourist and allow the system to update the wave-generating scenario based on the presence of the session.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 386,957, filed on December 12, 2022, entitled "Adaptive Experience and Wave Generation", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of wave generation for recreational wave pools. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wave generation system that can customize the number and type of waves generated in a specific area of a wave pool during a specific wave generation session based on the abilities, number, and preferences of the visitors present in that specific session. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Existing wave pool technologies allow for the generation of different types of waves in different areas of the pool. For example, a wave generator can produce and send large waves to the left half of the wave pool while sending smaller waves to the right side of the pool. By this method, a wave pool can segregate surfers according to their abilities, thus accommodating surfers of different skill levels in the same surfing session.

[0005] Currently, systems and methods for tracking visitors in amusement parks are being used to optimize the visitor experience, waiting times, etc. For example, U.S. Published Patents (Publication Nos. 2019 / 0304216A1 and 2020 / 0357211A1) filed by Mendelson et al. describe such technologies, both of which patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. However, the tracking systems cited in this application are not limited to any specific commercial product or system. Aspects of such tracking systems can also be used in deep wave pools.

[0006] The present invention described herein represents an improvement to the wave generation process, whereby during a given session, the number and type of waves generated can be optimized and adjusted based on the composition of the customers in the pool. A visitor tracking system can be used to provide information that enables the wave generation system to create the most suitable sequence of surfing experiences for the visitors present.

[0007] By monitoring the visitors entering the wave pool, the system can know how many surfers will be surfing in that session, which number may differ from the reservation data. Based on this input, the system will automatically change the planned wave scenario to adapt to the number of waves, the interval between waves, the number of waves in each group, and the rest time between groups in that session, thereby maximizing the surfing experience while minimizing the water flow and system power consumption in the wave pool.

[0008] These and other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. The terms "surfer", "rider", "visitor", and "customer" are used interchangeably throughout and refer to an individual who rides the waves in a surfing facility. The term "operator" refers to an individual or entity that operates a surfing facility and / or wave pool equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional details and particulars by using the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 An embodiment of a wave pool is shown and the various regions of the pool are described.

[0011] Figure 2 Another embodiment of a wave pool is shown and the various regions of the pool are described.

[0012] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary integration between different software in the system described herein.

[0013] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the various components of an exemplary embodiment of the system described herein.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the various software components of an exemplary embodiment of the system described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Existing wave pool technologies allow for the generation of different types of waves in different regions of the pool. For example, a wave generator can produce and send large waves to the left half of the wave pool while sending smaller waves to the right side of the pool. While these older technologies have some flexibility in terms of the number of waves per hour, these scenarios need to be predefined by the manufacturer. There is currently no technology that can adjust the number of waves in a surfing session based on the skill level of the surfers and the number of surfers in the pool. Since the number of participating surfers can fluctuate, the predefined wave sets result in many waves being wasted, and thus energy is wasted.

[0016] Another drawback of existing wave technologies is that when generating separate left and right waves (two surfing areas) simultaneously, even if the occupancy rates in the two surfing areas are different, the number of left and right waves generated is typically the same (also predefined). Again, in such scenarios, waves and energy will be wasted.

[0017] One potential solution is for the operator to manually input the number of waves based on the occupancy rate in a given session. However, this can be time-consuming and inaccurate as the operator has to manually input each surfer.

[0018] Another drawback of existing systems and methods is that the interval between waves is fixed by the manufacturer and cannot automatically maximize the customer's surfing experience and optimize the power consumption of the system and the water flow in the wave pool. If the interval between large waves (i.e., the time between waves) is too short, it can create dangerous and stressful situations for the customers. Also, to ensure smooth operation, some waves may be wasted, which will waste energy. Thus, one benefit of the present invention is to increase the customer's enjoyment and safety while saving energy.

[0019] Existing solutions are not optimal because they cannot instantaneously analyze data to adapt the system performance. Existing solutions use predefined scenarios to adjust the system performance, but this often does not match the actual situation in the pool. When considering the number of riders, the skill level of the riders, the size of the pool, etc., due to the large number of possible scenarios, existing solutions may also be too complex. Existing solutions will require manual input of data to adapt the system performance, which is too complex for the operator.

[0020] A visitor tracking system can be used in a deep wave pool to address certain problems. By tracking and monitoring the people entering the wave pool, the system can know how many riders are actually present in the session to participate in surfing, and this data point may be different from the number of surfers who booked the session. Based on this data, the system will automatically change the planned scenario to adapt the number of waves, the interval between waves, the number of waves in a group, and the rest time between groups in the session, to minimize the water flow in the wave pool and the power consumption of the system while maximizing the surfing experience of the surfers and providing the same number of waves to each surfer.

[0021] The present invention described herein represents an improvement in the wave generation process, whereby in a given session, the number and type of waves generated can be optimized and adjusted based on the composition of the customers in the pool. A visitor tracking system can be used to provide information to enable the wave generation system to create the most suitable sequence of surfing experiences for the visitors present.

[0022] The present invention integrates a visitor tracking system well-known in the water park industry and a system that provides a customized wave experience and easier access to feedback for riders and operators. Examples of such systems include the Swell Studio, Surf Concierge, and Wave Doctor systems created by WhiteWater Industries, Ltd. References to such systems in this disclosure apply not only to commercial embodiments of the WhiteWater systems, but also to other systems that provide the appropriate functionality.

[0023] As described herein, wave and surf session information (i.e., a series of waves generated in a pool over a period of time) is created via the wave studio application. Once created, the ticketing application can extract the session library from the wave studio application and offer the reservation of sessions to the public. Each session includes a specified number of time slots available for surfers. In one embodiment, surfers will use an online application or a kiosk at the wave pool facility to reserve the time slot prior to a specific session.

[0024] Once surfers arrive at the premises of the wave pool facility, they will check in to ensure they are in the correct session and sign waivers, make payments, watch safety videos, etc. In one embodiment, visitors will use the visitor tracking system to check in, which employs wristbands, RFID devices, Bluetooth, or other means to verify whether a particular user is actually present at the check-in point. As described herein, the location where check-in occurs may be referred to as a "kiosk". However, a "kiosk" does not require any particular form. By way of example only, a kiosk may be a computer terminal, scanner, card swiping device, Bluetooth reader, or tablet with an RFID reader. By using physical check-in, the visitor tracking application can verify and track which customers have entered the pool and which area they will surf in. By this method, if there are any visitors who have reserved a particular session (e.g., reserved a seat in a session online days or weeks ago) but do not actually show up for that session on the day, these visitors will be removed from that wave session. Once all check-ins are verified and the session is ready to start, information about the visitors entering the pool is sent back to the wave studio application. The wave session will be updated to maximize the wave interval and the sequence of the wave surfing experience so that waves are created only for the registered visitors. In one embodiment, the operator will retain the ability to override the automated surfing experience sequence to provide additional waves or make any other necessary adjustments based on the circumstances of the day.

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary wave pool 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Figure 1The pool 100 therein typically shows a heart-shaped surf pool, which may have an impact on the location and quantity of the area. The invention described herein is equally applicable to other surf pool shapes. The wave pool 100 is exemplarily divided into two main surf areas closest to the wave generation chamber 150, and the approximate area of each area is shown as the left main area 101 and the right main area 102. The left main area 101 and the right main area 102 can be operated independently. Generally, the right-side waves are more popular than the left-side waves.

[0026] In the above scenario, if the number of tourists registered for a certain session is less than the number of tourists who pre-booked that session, the operator will face several options to reduce the number of waves compared to the pre-booked session. The first solution is to extend the interval between waves. For example, before the next wave is generated, there will be a 20-second interval instead of a 10-second interval between waves. Although 10 seconds and 20 seconds are used in this example, those skilled in the art will recognize that other suitable intervals can be used. The second solution is to extend the time between wave groups. For example, a session can include 4 groups of 10 waves each. After the first group of ten waves, there may be a 5-minute break instead of a 2-minute break. This gives surfers more time to regroup and rest before the waves resume. The third solution is to change the number of waves in a group.

[0027] Extending the interval between waves will reduce the water flow in the pool and will affect the instantaneous peak power. For example, if the interval between waves is initially set to 8 seconds, a group of 10 waves will take 80 seconds. At the end of 80 seconds, all 10 waves have been generated, and the associated total power and turbulence have been generated in the pool. However, if the interval between waves is increased to 12 seconds, a group of 10 waves will now take 120 seconds to complete. Since the waves do not come as quickly, the water in the pool has more opportunity to stabilize (reducing turbulence and water flow), and the surfers in the pool have more time to recover between waves. Also, although the total power consumed to generate 10 waves may remain the same, the total instantaneous power is reduced because there are intervals between the waves. Extending the time between groups will reduce power consumption. The software will adjust these parameters to minimize water flow, which will enhance the tourist experience (better wave quality, fewer stressful situations) and minimize power consumption.

[0028] In another example scenario, the system pre-books for 40 riders. On the day, only 35 riders actually participate in the session. The total number of riders is known because each rider will register at the wave pool using a guest tracking system that links everyone in the pool to the guest profile for the reserved session. Further assume that each guest in the session has 10 waves. The system now knows that in this session, instead of generating 400 waves (40 reservations, 10 waves per person), only 350 waves (35 actual riders, 10 waves per person) need to be generated. The system can be recalibrated to eliminate 50 waves from this session, thus saving energy and cost for the operator. The system can then increase the interval between waves, or the interval between groups, or can change the number of waves in a group, or any combination of these changes, to accommodate the lower total number of waves in the session. Optionally, the system can simply let the waves run on the same schedule but end the session early after generating all 350 waves.

[0029] In these scenarios, it may be infeasible or inefficient to manually enter the actual number of riders. Referring again to Figure 1 , the pool can be divided into two groups. Initially, 20 riders are assigned to each of the right side (101) and the left side (102), for a total of 40 riders in the pool. But only 35 riders show up, so perhaps 20 riders are assigned to the right side while only 15 riders are on the left side. The riding side of the pool doesn't need to be adjusted at all, but the left side now has fewer riders and fewer waves. Through an automated process, the system is able to obtain information from each surfer's profile to update and generate a new session based on the total number of riders in the pool. A manual update process would be inefficient and could lead to errors. Manual updates also require additional labor costs.

[0030] Similarly, as Figure 1 shown, there can be additional surfing areas within a given wave pool. The "inner" areas 111, 112 are on the left and right sides of the pool, located near the shore towards the side walls. The inner areas 111, 112 will also have rideable waves, but their shape is generally different from the waves in the main surfing areas 101, 102. A third area, commonly referred to as the "shore" areas 121, 122, can also have rideable waves. As shown, when waves are generated on both the left and right sides of the pool, the left and right sides of the pool generally have a main area (101, 102), an inner area (111, 112), and a shore area (121, 122). The center of the pool is generally calm and is often used as a waiting area 131 between two sets of waves. A surfer can ride his wave in the first set in one or more of the areas he chooses, then paddle back to the waiting area 131, where the surfer queues up for the start of the next set of waves in the session.

[0031] One object of the present invention is to allow an operator to be able to customize the visitor experience to create different zones in the wave pool, which may be desired based on the attendance in an actual customer session. Figure 2 A second exemplary scenario in the wave pool is shown, where the waves in the left and right sides of the pool are not symmetrically generated. For example, Figure 2 the waves on the right side may be larger and have a greater level of difficulty. This scenario results in the individual zones created (or eliminated) being different from Figure 1 the scenario in. As shown, the right main zone 202 near chamber 250 is larger than Figure 1 the right main zone 102 in. The left zone 201 is also relatively large. The larger main zones result in the reduction of the inner zone and the shore zone, as Figure 2 shown, there is only one shore zone 222 and no inner zone. The waiting zone 231 still exists, where the waves are relatively less and the water is relatively calm.

[0032] In another scenario, a session can be booked in a pool similar to Figure 1 shown, with a total capacity of 50 surfers on each side of the pool. On the day, sessions can be booked for 20 surfers in the left zone (101) of the main surfing area, 15 surfers in the inner left zone (111), and 15 surfers in the shore left zone (121). By using a visitor tracking system, the operator can accurately know how many and what types of surfers are in a session and can generate waves accordingly. The rider only needs to register at the park and confirm which zone of the pool they will use in a particular session. The system can then generate waves accordingly. The system is also able to assign riders to specific zones of the pool based on the type of wave the surfer desires. For example, a rider can state that he wishes to surf on medium waves in the inner zone. The system can assign that rider to the right inner zone (121) because the left inner zone (111) is reserved for beginners in that particular session.

[0033] In another scenario, assume that the system has made advance reservations for 5 riders in the main surfing area and 15 riders in the shore surfing area. The main wave generated in the main area can provide at least two surfing opportunities in the shore surfing area. However, if the system generates as many main waves as there are surfers in the main area, the number of waves received by the surfers in the secondary area will be far from satisfactory. In this scenario, a session that generates five main area waves will only generate 10 shore area waves, which is not enough for the number of riders in the shore area in this scenario. Here, manually entering the actual number of surfers may be infeasible or inefficient. Through an automated process, the system can know the number of surfers in the main area and the shore area and adjust the generation of the main waves to generate rideable waves for each customer in all areas. For example, in the scenario described here, the system will generate three additional main waves so that each surfer in the shore area can have at least one rideable wave.

[0034] It should be noted that the visitor tracking system can include cameras or other sensors capable of distinguishing and identifying riders in the water. One method can be through the use of facial recognition, based on pictures and identification information associated with the visitor profiles in the ticketing application. Another method is to issue identification armbands, shirts, wetsuits, or life jackets. For example, beginner surfers can get armbands of one color, intermediate surfers get armbands of another color, and advanced surfers get armbands of another color. Each color can be recognized and distinguished by the system (using a camera) when the rider is in the water. Optionally, the armbands, shirts, etc. may have machine-readable codes (such as QR codes) or text that can be read by the system camera. In one embodiment, the pool can be equipped with RFID, Bluetooth, or other electronic sensors capable of detecting chips or transmitters worn by the riders in the pool. In this way, the system can not only verify whether the rider is in the pool but also verify whether the rider is in the expected surfing area during a session.

[0035] Figure 3A simple block diagram showing the methods and systems described herein is presented. In the first step, the system creates a session based on a given date and time. Then, a visitor can use a ticketing application to reserve a seat in the session. The reservation of the ticketing application can be done online through a website or a web application, or through a wave facility site or other suitable means. The visitor uses his visitor identifier to reserve a seat in a session at a specific date and time. Typically, a list of available sessions will be presented to the visitor so that the visitor can reserve a session that best suits his or her ability. For example, advanced surfers will be encouraged to reserve in an advanced session (rather than a beginner or intermediate session) so that the surfers in that session will all surf similar waves. In the second step, the option to select a specific wave can be presented to the visitor. For example, the visitor can choose to express his preferences for peak wave height, wavelength, wave speed, etc., and the system can take these preferences into account when creating the session. Next, the wave studio application creates a "surfing experience sequence" of waves based on the number of visitors who have reserved the session, the technical level of the visitors, and the type of wave selected by the visitors. When the date and time of the session arrive, the surfers will register at the pool using the visitor tracking system to confirm whether they have attended the session in person. Once the total number of riders who have actually shown up is known, the system can finally determine the wave surfing experience sequence as described herein. This information is then sent to the wave studio application to generate waves during a surfing session. In one embodiment, the rider can also access the ticketing application after a session to give feedback on the session. For example, the rider can indicate that he prefers a specific type of wave in the session, or that he does not like a specific type of wave or the quality of the wave. This feedback will be used to generate the surfing experience sequence for future sessions with that rider.

[0036] In one embodiment, a maintenance application is also part of the system. The maintenance application tracks metrics related to total equipment run time, power consumption, etc., and sends them to the backend of the ticketing application accessible by the operator.

[0037] Preferably, the tourists will be grouped and sorted such that similar waves are generated per group. For example, a given session may include 5 intermediate surfers and 5 advanced surfers. The waves of each type of surfer typically differ in height, speed, etc. To maximize the efficiency of the operator and the enjoyment of the surfers, the system will group the 5 intermediate surfers together such that the first 5 waves in the system are intermediate waves; the last 5 waves are advanced waves for the advanced surfers. This is superior to a system that alternates back and forth between a group of intermediate and advanced waves. In one example, the tourists for the first reserved session request advanced waves, while the next 10 surfers request intermediate waves. The system can create a surf experience sequence that first has advanced waves, followed by 10 intermediate waves, rather than placing the advanced waves in the middle of the session, as this would increase the chance of the advanced waves being misridden by the wrong rider. This provides certainty for the riders as they don't have to closely track how many waves have been generated to know when their specific wave is coming, and provides an advantage in minimizing turbulence and energy usage.

[0038] By this method, the turbulence generated by the waves can be reduced, and the energy efficiency can be improved. This also prevents the chaos caused by the disorderly queuing of intermediate surfers - the intermediate surfer will be ensured to still get intermediate waves as he is surfing during the first subset of the five waves.

[0039] Figure 4 A diagram is shown illustrating how the ticketing application, wave studio, and maintenance application work together to create a surf session. First, the operator creates a scenario and adds it to the scenario library. The scenario library is linked to the ticketing application and is used to create sessions with time slots that can be sold through the ticketing application. The customer logs in to the ticketing application using the customer profile associated with the customer to reserve a seat in the session that the customer determines is the most suitable. At an appropriate time - for example when all time slots are filled, or a few hours before the session starts - the ticketing application will send the reservation information to the wave studio application to automatically update the scenario based on the demographics of the reserved session. Optionally, the operator can use the wave studio application to manually create or edit the session. Finally, the information is sent back to the ticketing application and the maintenance application. When the session starts, the surf experience sequence is run, and waves are created in the pool. The maintenance application collects technical data about the session and then sends this data back to the ticketing application, which can be accessed by the operator and the system for use in future sessions.

[0040] Figure 5Depicts an illustration of software used in the preferred embodiments of a ticket booking application, a wave studio application, and a maintenance application. Figure 5 Also shown is how various applications and the modules within each application interact with each other before, during, and after an event, as also described in reference Figure 4 as described.

[0041] Although certain embodiments have been provided and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed and that these alternatives are part of the invention described herein.

[0042] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like shall be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." The use of the singular or plural also includes the plural or singular, respectively. Further, the words "herein," "below," "above," "hereinafter," and words of similar import refer to the entire application and not to any particular part of the application. When the word "or" is used to refer to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of that word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0043] The foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments of the system, method, or apparatus is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples of the system, method, or apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various equivalent modifications may be made within the scope of the system, method, or apparatus. The teachings of the system, method, or apparatus provided herein may be applied to other processing systems, methods, or apparatuses, not just the systems, methods, or apparatuses described.

[0044] The elements and acts of the various embodiments described may be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes may be made to the system in light of the foregoing detailed description.

[0045] In general, the terms used in the claims should not be construed to limit the system, method, or apparatus to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all processing systems operating under the claims. Thus, the system, method, and apparatus are not limited by the disclosure, but rather the scope of the system, method, or apparatus is determined entirely by the claims.

[0046] While certain aspects of a system, method, or apparatus are presented in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate various aspects of the system, method, or apparatus in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to seek additional claims for other aspects of the system, method, or apparatus.

[0047] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in practicing the present invention. The claims are intended to define the scope of the present invention and thereby cover methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for generating waves, comprising: A database that contains profiles of one or more visitors and one or more scenarios for creating waves in a wave pool; A controller that creates a surfing session for a visitor, wherein the surfing session includes a plurality of waves organized into one or more groups of waves; An interface that allows a visitor to reserve a seat in the surfing session, including specifying at least one visitor characteristic; A kiosk that allows a visitor to check in at the pool before the start of a session reserved by the visitor; Wherein, the controller updates the session to reflect the total number and type of visitors actually attending the session, thereby creating a sequence of surfing experiences of the waves to be created in the session; and A wave generation system that creates waves based on the sequence of surfing experiences generated by the controller.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The controller modifies the time interval between waves in a group of waves based on the number of visitors checked in before the session.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller modifies the time interval between groups of waves based on the number of visitors checked in before the session.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller modifies the number of waves in a group of waves based on the number of visitors checked in before the session.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein The controller assigns visitors to a specific area of the pool based on the ability of the visitors and further based on the number and ability of the visitors checked in to attend the session.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The characteristic of the visitor is the technical level of the visitor.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The characteristic of the visitor is the preferred waveform of the visitor.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein The characteristic of the visitor is the preferred pool area of the visitor.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein The controller adjusts the number of waves in a first area of the pool based on the number of visitors present in a second area of the pool.

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