System and method for resetting performance effect system

Abstract

A performance system (58) may include: one or more cables (90); a front panel (84) coupled to the one or more coupling tabs (86), the one or more coupling tabs (86) configured to receive the one or more cables (90) and provide a signal indicative of a connection between a first cable (90A) of the one or more cables (90) and a first coupling tab (86A) of the one or more coupling tabs (86); and a slidable plate (186) coupled to the one or more pins (192) and an actuator (194), where the actuator (194) is configured to drive the slidable plate (186) to bring a first pin (192A) of the one or more pins (192) into contact with the first cable (90A) to disconnect the first cable (90A) from the first coupling joint (86A).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 590,978, filed on October 17, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORRESETTING A SHOW EFFECT SYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Technology

[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may relate to the various aspects of the present technology described below and / or claimed. This discussion is believed to help provide the reader with background information to better understand the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Special effects can be used throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues to help immerse visitors in the experience of attractions such as rides and shows. Performance components may include three-dimensional (3D) props and sets, mechanical components, electrical components, and / or display surfaces that present virtual interactive elements. In some cases, visitors can interact with performance components to provide or generate special effects. It is now recognized that, as desired, entertainment venues can offer creative ways to entertain visitors, such as creative ways of presenting performance components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following outlines certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the original claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but are merely intended to provide a brief overview of the possible forms of this subject matter. In practice, this subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a performance effects system may include: one or more cables; a front panel coupled to one or more connectors, the one or more connectors being configured to receive the one or more cables and provide a signal indicating a connection between a first cable of the one or more cables and a first connector of the one or more connectors; and a sliding plate coupled to one or more pins and an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the sliding plate to make a first pin of the one or more pins contact the first cable, thereby disconnecting the first cable from the first connector.

[0006] In one embodiment, a connector assembly may include: a sliding plate coupled to one or more pins; a mounting plate configured to be coupled to a front panel of a performance effects system, wherein the front panel includes one or more connectors configured to receive one or more cables; and an actuator configured to drive the sliding plate relative to the mounting plate from a first position to a second position to cause one or more pins to contact one or more cables received by one or more connectors and to disengage one or more cables.

[0007] In one embodiment, a performance effects system may include a visitor tracking system and one or more connectors. The visitor tracking system is configured to generate data indicating visitor locations, wherein each of the one or more connectors is configured to receive a corresponding cable from one or more cables and provide a corresponding signal indicating a corresponding connection to that corresponding cable. The performance effects system may also include one or more pins and actuators. The one or more pins are configured to contact one or more cables to disconnect one or more cables from one or more connectors, and the actuators are configured to adjust the one or more pins from a first position to a second position to cause the one or more pins to contact one or more cables, thereby disconnecting one or more cables from one or more connectors. The performance effects system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the visitor tracking system, the one or more connectors, and the actuators, wherein the controller is configured to receive data indicating visitor locations and, based on the visitor locations, instruct the actuators to adjust the one or more pins from the first position to the second position. Attached Figure Description

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar parts throughout the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system that can be used in an amusement park or entertainment venue according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 2 Based on the aspects of this disclosure, it is possible to Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the performance effects system used in the attraction system; Figure 3 It is for operation according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the performance effects system process; Figure 4 Based on the aspects of this disclosure, it is possible to Figure 2 A top perspective view of an embodiment of the connector components used in the performance effects system; Figure 5 Based on the aspects of this disclosure, it is possible to Figure 2A perspective view of an embodiment of the connector components used in the performance effects system; Figure 6 Based on the aspects of this disclosure, it is possible to Figure 2 A partially exploded view of an embodiment of the connector components used in the performance effects system; Figure 7 It is based on aspects of this disclosure for use via Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the process by which a performance effects system generates performance effects; Figure 8 Based on the aspects of this disclosure, it is possible to Figure 2 A top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connector assembly used in a performance effects system; Figure 9 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 2 A top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector assembly; and Figure 10 The operation based on this disclosure is possible Figure 2 A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a connector component used in a performance effects system. Detailed Implementation

[0009] When describing the elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present besides those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments also in conjunction with the described features.

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be recognized 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 objectives, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be recognized that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but will remain routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0011] This disclosure relates to providing and / or facilitating performance effects for entertainment purposes. For example, this embodiment can be used to provide and / or facilitate performance effects to entertain visitors in entertainment venues. Entertainment venues may include any of a variety of attractions to entertain visitors, such as one or more rides (e.g., roller coasters), one or more theatrical performances, one or more set designs, one or more performers, one or more escape rooms, and / or one or more decorative elements. This embodiment can complement or supplement attractions, such as by providing visitor interaction (e.g., input) and generating performance effects. For example, performance effects can be presented alongside attractions to provide visitors with an interactive experience.

[0012] In light of the foregoing, entertainment venues may include attraction sections with performance effects systems that provide visitor interaction and / or generate performance effects. In one embodiment, visitors may receive tasks upon entering the attraction section and interact with the performance effects system to complete those tasks. For example, the performance effects system may include interactive components with one or more elements for visitor interaction, and the tasks may include elements that are arranged based on patterns. For example, visitor interaction may include adjusting the position and / or orientation of the elements relative to the interactive components. If the visitor interaction matches a pattern of an element (e.g., where the patterns of the elements are stored in and accessed from a database), the performance effects system may generate performance effects, such as virtual and / or audio effects, to instruct the visitor on the task to be completed.

[0013] Entertainment venues may also include one or more attraction sections (e.g., rooms), each providing visitor interaction and / or the generation of performance effects. Visitors can move between rooms to experience attraction sections. For example, a first visitor may enter a first attraction section and interact with the performance effects system, and after a period of time, leave the first attraction section to move to a second attraction section. Due to the visitor interaction of the first visitor with the performance effects system, the position and / or orientation of the elements of the performance effects system relative to the interactive components may be in a connected (e.g., connected; contact; engaged) configuration. Before further visitor interaction, the performance effects system may be reset to a disconnected (e.g., disconnected; separated; detached) configuration. For this purpose, without the embodiments disclosed herein, an operator may enter the first attraction section to manually reset the performance effects system back to a disconnected configuration and exit the room before further visitor interaction. However, it is now recognized that manually resetting the performance effects system is time-consuming, which may reduce visitor flow and operational efficiency.

[0014] Therefore, it is now recognized that reducing the amount of time spent resetting the effects system can improve the operational efficiency of entertainment venues. For example, it is desirable to automate the process of resetting the effects system from a connected configuration after visitor interaction to a disconnected configuration before another visitor interaction. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are directed to effects systems having a connector assembly with an interactive component and a disconnector component, the interactive component providing visitor interaction and the disconnector component providing the reset of the effects system after visitor interaction. For example, the effects system may be in a connected configuration during and / or after visitor interaction and reset to a disconnected configuration before another visitor interaction. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments of this disclosure monitor visitor locations within an attraction section and reset the effects system based on visitor locations. For example, an attraction section may include a visitor tracking system that monitors visitor locations within the attraction section and a controller that receives visitor locations from the visitor tracking system. The controller may instruct the disconnector component to reset the effects system based on indications from the visitor tracking system that the attraction section includes the effects system or that the attraction section associated with the effects system does not include any visitors. In this way, the performance effects system can be efficiently reset for visitor interaction without operator interaction.

[0015] Although the illustrated examples include resetting a performance effects system within an entertainment venue, embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented in any of various entertainment venues and / or other types of locations (e.g., sports stadiums, zoos, museums, schools, restaurants, hotels) for resetting test boards, educational boards, game and / or mechanical displays. For example, an educational board may include a connector assembly with interactive components such as wires, cables, pins, and / or fasteners for user connection to the educational board. The educational board may also include a release mechanism for disengaging the connected wires, cables, pins, and / or fasteners from the educational board to reset it. Thus, the educational board can be in a connected configuration due to user interaction and then reset to a disconnected configuration after user interaction. In this way, the educational board can be reset without further user interaction, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the educational board.

[0016] Considering the above, Figure 1This is a block diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 that can be used in entertainment venues and / or other locations. As an example, the attraction system 50 may include an attraction section 52 that provides entertainment to visitors 54. The attraction section 52 may include rides (e.g., dark rides), haunted houses, escape rooms, theaters, mazes, etc. For example, the attraction section 52 may include an escape room attraction that may include one or more rooms (e.g., one or more sections) that provide visitor interaction, and may also include one or more paths for visitors 54 to traverse through one or more rooms and / or the attraction section 52. In an exemplified manner, visitors 54 may, for example, enter a first room via a path, interact with the first room, and then proceed to a second room. In some instances, one or more rooms may each include one or more doors (e.g., for entering into and / or exiting one or more rooms). For example, the attraction section 52 may include multiple rooms adjacent to each other, allowing visitors 54 to traverse between the multiple rooms via one or more doors and / or paths.

[0017] Attraction section 52 may include a visitor tracking system 56 for monitoring visitor locations within attraction section 52 (e.g., one or more rooms). For example, visitor tracking system 56 may collect and / or generate data indicating the presence of a visitor in a first room of attraction section 52 and / or data indicating the absence of a visitor in a second room. For this purpose, visitor tracking system 56 may include one or more sensors that collect and / or generate data indicating visitor locations, and this data may be processed and / or analyzed to determine the visitor location of visitor 54. Visitor tracking system 56 may monitor the location of one visitor within attraction section 52 and / or the locations of multiple visitors within attraction section 52. For example, visitor tracking system 56 may generate image data of the rooms, which may be analyzed to determine the visitor presence of one and / or multiple visitors, the visitor location of one and / or multiple visitors, the configuration of the performance effects system 58, etc. For example, one or more sensors may include cameras (e.g., optical cameras, three-dimensional (3D) cameras, infrared (IR) cameras, depth-based cameras), position sensors (e.g., sonar sensors, radar sensors, laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors), time-of-flight sensors, communication devices (e.g., radio frequency communications for communicating with visitor devices carried by the visitor), etc. One or more sensors may generate sensor data (e.g., video data) indicating the presence of visitor 54 (e.g., in an IR spectrum invisible to visitor 54) within a first room (or another room and / or path). In another example, one or more sensors may be pressure sensors and / or proximity sensors that generate sensor data indicating the presence of visitor 54 within a first room (or another room and / or path). Additionally or alternatively, visitor tracking system 56 may utilize and / or generate interaction data resulting from visitor interactions within attraction section 52 to determine the visitor location of visitor 54.

[0018] Attraction component 52 may include a performance effects system 58, which receives visitor interaction (e.g., input) and / or generates performance effects for visitor entertainment. For this purpose, the performance effects system 58 may include a connector assembly 60 to facilitate visitor interaction and / or include one or more output devices 62 to generate performance effects. The connector assembly 60 may include one or more interactive components that enable and / or provide visitor interaction. For example, one or more interactive components may include one or more wires, such as cables (e.g., audio cables or cords; one or more wires arranged within a sheath to form a cable), positioned proximate to the outer surface of the performance effects system 58. One or more interactive components may also include one or more connectors attached to the outer surface. For ease of discussion, one or more wires are also referred to herein as “cables” or “multiple cables.”

[0019] Each of the cables may include a metal connector (e.g., a male phonograph plug), and each of the connectors may include a socket (e.g., an audio jack; an audio port) for receiving the metal connector. During visitor interaction, visitor 54 switches the performance effects system 58 from a disconnected configuration to a connected configuration by connecting the connector of the first cable to the first connector and the connector of the second cable to the second connector. By connecting one or more cables to one or more connectors, the performance effects system can generate an electrical signal that can be used (e.g., via controller 64) to determine whether the connection in the connected configuration matches a connection pattern stored in a database and / or memory (e.g., memory 66 of controller 64). It should be understood that references herein to connecting one or more cables to one or more connectors refer to connecting the corresponding connector of one or more cables to the corresponding socket of one or more connectors.

[0020] The performance effects system may include one or more output devices 62 to provide one or more cues and / or performance effects to the visitor 54. For this purpose, the one or more output devices 62 may include light sources (e.g., strobe lights, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), flashlights), displays (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, micro-LEDs, projectors), sound sources (e.g., speakers), etc. For example, the one or more output devices 62 may include visual and / or audio cues indicating connection modes for one or more cables and / or connectors. In one embodiment, the one or more output devices 62 may output musical tones in a mode indicating the connection mode to provide an audio cue to the visitor 54. In another embodiment, the one or more output devices 62 may display a string of letters and / or graphics to provide a visual cue to the visitor 54.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, one or more output devices 62 may generate performance effects to entertain visitors 54. For example, one or more output devices 62 may generate performance effects if a connection in the connection configuration (e.g., visitor interaction) matches a connection pattern. As further described herein, connection patterns may be stored in a database and / or memory (such as within memory 66 of controller 64) and may include target connections between one or more cables and one or more connectors. One or more output devices 62 may generate performance effects, such as one or more visual and / or audio effects, in response to visitor interaction matching a connection pattern. For example, one or more output devices 62 may be strobe lights that flash to provide visitor 54 with a visual indication that a connection in the connection configuration matches a connection pattern. In another example, one or more output devices 62 may play songs corresponding to one or more objects (e.g., animated characters, vehicles, musical instruments) within attraction section 52. In this way, visitor 54 may receive an indication of a connection matching a connection pattern between one or more cables and one or more connectors. In some instances, one or more output devices 62 may generate performance effects in response to the passage of time. For example, the performance effects can be used to indicate to visitor 54 that a time allotted for interaction with the performance effects system 58 and / or a room may be up and that visitor 54 may proceed to a different room in the attraction section 52. Although one or more output devices 62 are illustrated within the performance effects system 58, at least a portion of the one or more output devices 62 may be located within the attraction section 52 and / or outside the performance effects system 58.

[0022] After a visitor 54 leaves the vicinity of the performance system 58 (e.g., exiting through a door and / or leaving the room containing the performance system 58; after the door is closed; when all doors leading to the room containing the performance system 58 are closed to prevent all visitors 54 from entering the room and / or to separate the room from all visitors 54), the performance system 58 can switch from a connected configuration to a disconnected configuration to prepare for further visitor interaction. For example, the performance system 58 can disconnect (e.g., push out) one or more connectors of one or more cables from one or more sockets of one or more connection points without operator intervention. In the disconnected configuration, one or more connectors of one or more cables may not be connected to one or more sockets of one or more connection points. Thus, the performance system 58 can prepare for further visitor interaction without operator input.

[0023] For this purpose, connector assembly 60 may include one or more ejector components. In one embodiment, the one or more ejector components may include a support, such as a sliding plate, a base, or a bracket. For ease of discussion, the support may be referred to herein as a "sliding plate." The one or more ejector components may also include one or more pins coupled to the sliding plate and one or more actuators for adjusting the position of the sliding plate and / or the one or more pins. Each of the one or more pins may include a head (e.g., a flat head) that contacts a corresponding connector of the corresponding cable and a rod portion that can be mounted (e.g., fixedly coupled) to the sliding plate. For example, the one or more pins may each be a stainless steel hex socket screw. The one or more actuators may include linear actuators, cam-type mechanisms, pneumatic actuators, rotary actuators, etc. In an embodiment, an actuator may be coupled to a pin, and the actuator may adjust the position of the pin by rotating, orienting, and / or linearly translating the pin between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the pin may be positioned close to the corresponding connector of the corresponding cable. In the second position, the pin may contact the corresponding connector of the corresponding cable and disengage from the corresponding connector of one or more couplings.

[0024] In one embodiment, an actuator may be coupled to a plurality of pins via a sliding plate, and the actuator may adjust the position of the plurality of pins to simultaneously move the plurality of pins between a first position and a second position. For example, one or more actuators may be coupled to a sliding plate, and one or more actuators may drive the sliding plate to adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins to simultaneously move one or more pins between a first position and a second position. In this way, the performance effects system 58 may be reset to a disengaged configuration after visitor interaction and / or in preparation for further visitor interaction. Alternatively or additionally, the performance effects system 58 may provide visitor 54 with a visual cue of a connection mismatch between a corresponding connector and a corresponding coupling formed by visitor 54. For example, visitor 54 may incorrectly connect a connector of a cable to a coupling with an incorrect connection pattern. In response to detecting the incorrect connection by visitor 54, one or more actuators may be instructed to actuate to adjust the position and / or orientation of the corresponding pin to disengage the connector from the incorrect coupling forming the incorrect connection pattern. In another example, in response to the detection of an incorrect connection pattern, one or more actuators may be instructed to adjust the position of all pins to disengage all connectors from their respective couplings. In yet another example, the number of incorrect connections may be calculated and compared to a threshold number. Then, in response to the number of incorrect connections reaching or exceeding the threshold number, one or more actuators may be instructed to adjust the position of one or more pins to disengage at least one connector and / or all connectors from their respective couplings. For example, if two, three, four, or more connections between connectors and couplings do not correspond to connections within a connection pattern, one or more actuators may cause the disengagement of at least one connected cable and / or all connected cables (e.g., interrupting all connections) to provide a visual indication of incorrect connections to visitor 54.

[0025] The attraction system 50 may also include a controller 64 (e.g., a control system, an automatic controller, a programmable controller, an electronic controller, a control circuit, a cloud computing system) or coordinate with the controller 64, which is configured to operate the performance effects system 58 to provide an interactive experience to one or more visitors 54. For example, the controller 64 may be communicatively connected to the visitor tracking system 56 and / or the performance effects system 58 (e.g., via one or more cables or via wireless communication (e.g., via a transmitter, receiver, transceiver)).

[0026] The controller 64 may include a memory 66 (representing one or more memories) and processing circuitry or a processor 68 (representing one or more processors). The memory 66 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disk drives, solid-state drives) or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that may include instructions for operating the performance effects system 58. The memory 66 may also store information and / or data. For example, the memory 66 may store connection patterns having a target (e.g., correct) connection between each connector in the connectors and its corresponding coupling joint, which causes the performance effects system 58 to output and / or provide performance effects.

[0027] Processor 68 may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 66. For example, processor 68 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. In some instances, controller 64 may include one or more controllers that are communicatively coupled and can perform the actions described herein individually or collectively. Alternatively or additionally, controller 64 may include one or more processors 68 and / or one or more memories 66 that can perform the actions described herein individually or collectively (e.g., actions may be distributed among multiple processors; one processor may perform certain actions, another processor may perform other actions, etc.).

[0028] Controller 64 may receive data (e.g., sensor data) from visitor tracking system 56, wherein the data indicates the location of visitor 54 within attraction section 52 and / or the presence of visitor 54 within rooms of attraction section 52. For example, the data may indicate that a first group of visitors 54 is located in and / or present in a first room of attraction section 52 and a second group of visitors is located in and / or present in a second room of attraction section 52. After a period of time (e.g., the elapsed time), the data may indicate that the first group of visitors 54 leaves the first room and proceeds to the second room and the second group of visitors 54 leaves the second room and proceeds to a third room within attraction section 52. In another example, the data may indicate that the first group of visitors 54 waits to enter the first room and the second group of visitors 54 proceeds from the first room to the second room. As described herein, the data may be used to reset the performance effects system 58 at a specific time (e.g., when none of the visitors 54 are in the room containing the performance effects system 58).

[0029] When visitor 54 approaches the performance effects system 58 within attraction section 52 (e.g., enters a room with performance effects system 58), controller 64 may instruct one or more output devices 62 to provide visitor 54 with one or more visual and / or audio cues indicating a connection mode. For example, controller 64 may send image data to one or more output devices 62 and instruct one or more output devices 62 to display the image data. The image data may include a string of text, letters, numbers, symbols, representations, or any combination thereof to provide visitor 54 with a visual cue of the connection mode. Alternatively, controller 64 may instruct one or more output devices 62 to output an audio mode, such as musical tones for visitor 54, to provide visitor 54 with an audio cue of the connection mode. During visitor interaction, controller 64 may receive data (e.g., signals) from connector assembly 60 regarding the mating of one or more cables formed by visitor 54 with corresponding connectors. For example, when visitor 54 connects a corresponding connector of one or more cables to a corresponding connector of one or more connectors, connector assembly 60 may provide signals (e.g., voltage values, current values, impedance). Based on this signal, controller 64 can determine whether the connection between the corresponding connector and coupling matches the connection mode. Alternatively, controller 64 can receive connection indication data from visitor tracking system 56. For example, visitor tracking system 56 may include a camera within attraction section 52, which may also generate data instructing visitor 54 to connect a specific cable to the corresponding coupling. That is, the data may indicate the location of a specific cable relative to the corresponding coupling.

[0030] When a visitor's interaction (e.g., one or more connected cables mating with one or more corresponding connectors) matches a connection pattern (e.g., the correct connection pattern), the controller 64 can instruct one or more output devices 62 to generate performance effects. For example, the controller 64 can instruct one or more output devices 62 to flash, output sound and / or music, display image data, etc. When the visitor's interaction does not match a pattern (e.g., an incorrect connection pattern), the controller 64 can instruct the connector assembly 60 to provide visual instructions to the visitor 54. For example, the controller 64 can instruct the release member to adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins. That is, the controller 64 can instruct one or more actuators to adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins so that all or some of the connected cables can be detached from one or more corresponding connectors in one or more connectors. In this way, the performance effects system 58 can provide the visitor 54 with an interactive and / or immersive experience.

[0031] Due to visitor interaction, the performance effects system 58 can be in a connected configuration. In preparation for subsequent visitor interaction, the controller 64 can instruct the performance effects system 58 to switch from a connected configuration to a disconnected configuration. For example, the controller 64 can receive data from the visitor tracking system 56 instructing a visitor 54 to leave a first room with the performance effects system 58 and / or enter a second room. The controller 64 can instruct the performance effects system 58 to switch from a connected configuration to a disconnected configuration based on the data instructing the visitor 54 to leave the first room and / or enter the second room. Alternatively, the controller 64 can instruct the performance effects system 58 to switch to a disconnected configuration based on data indicating that no visitor is present in the first room. For example, the controller 64 can instruct a disconnector component to disconnect any connector from its corresponding connection joint. The controller 64 can instruct one or more actuators to disconnect one or more connected cables from their respective connection joints (e.g., disconnect, release). One or more actuators can adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins and / or the position of a sliding plate to disconnect one or more connected cables from their respective connection joints. In this way, the performance effects system 58 can be reset without operator input, thereby reducing the amount of time spent resetting the performance effects system 58 and increasing visitor traffic.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a performance effects system 58 that can be used in a performance effects system 50. The performance effects system 58 may include a housing 80 (e.g., representing a plurality of housings connected to each other, or representing a single housing; enclosure). The housing 80 may define a first volume 82 (e.g., area, region, portion) having a connector assembly 60. Specifically, the first volume 82 may include a front panel 84, which is coupled to and / or supports one or more connection points 86 of the connector assembly 60. The first volume 82 may also include two side panels 88 that are adjacent to and / or support one or more cables 90 of the connector assembly 60. The front panel 84 may be positioned facing a longitudinal direction 92 with respect to the performance effects system 58, the two side panels 88 may be positioned facing a lateral direction 94, and one or more output devices 62 may be positioned relative to a vertical direction 96 adjacent to the first volume 82 (e.g., above or below the first volume 82). The performance effects system 58 may include one or more cables 90 positioned adjacent to the respective side panels 88. One or more cables 90 may include a length extending from a corresponding side panel 88 to a front panel 84 of the performance system 58. Thus, visitors 54 can connect one or more cables 90 to corresponding connectors 86 via corresponding connectors of the respective cables 90. In this way, the performance system 58 can provide and / or enable visitor interaction via one or more cables 90 and one or more connectors 86 operating as interactive components.

[0033] The housing 80 may also define a second volume 98 (e.g., area, region, portion) within which the controller 64 may be located. However, in embodiments, the controller 64 may be external to the housing 80 and / or wirelessly communicative with other aspects of the performance effects system 58. The housing 80 may include various features, such as walls, panels, and barriers, that protect components of the performance effects system 58 (e.g., one or more couplings 86, sliding plates, one or more actuators, one or more pins) from being detected by the visitor 54 and / or from contact with various external elements (such as dust and debris). Thus, the housing 80 protects such components to enable desired operation and / or extend the lifespan of the performance effects system 58. In another or alternative embodiment, the housing 80 may include features such as doors that allow access to components (such as the controller 64) disposed within the housing 80. In this way, the housing 80 enables various operations to be performed on the component (such as inspection, maintenance, repair and / or replacement operations), while also providing protection for the performance effects system 58.

[0034] Visitor 54 can connect one or more cables 90 to corresponding connectors 86 based on one or more audio and / or visual effects (e.g., cues). As illustrated, in connection configuration 100A, performance effects system 58 may include each of one or more cables 90 connected to corresponding connectors 86. As illustrated, performance effects system 58 may include a first connector 86A connected to a first cable 90A, a second connector 86B connected to a second cable 90B, a third connector 86C connected to a third cable 90C, a fourth connector 86D connected to a fourth cable 90D, and a fifth connector 86E connected to a fifth cable 90E. Although not illustrated, it is understood that each cable 90 includes a connector (e.g., a metal connector) that connects to the corresponding connector 86, thereby connecting the cable 90 to the connector 86. Although the illustrated performance effects system 58 includes five cables and five connectors, the performance effects system 58 may include any suitable number of cables and / or connectors, such as two or more cables and / or connectors, three or more cables and / or connectors, four or more cables and / or connectors, six or more cables and / or connectors, seven or more cables and / or connectors, etc. The performance effects system 58 may also include varying numbers of cables and connectors, such as more cables than connectors, or more connectors than cables.

[0035] By way of illustrative example, each of one or more cables 90 may correspond to a performance prop (e.g., an animated character, vehicle, musical instrument) within attraction section 52. Visitor 54 may be instructed to connect each of one or more cables 90 to provide power to the corresponding performance prop. Controller 64 may provide one or more visual and / or audio cues. For example, controller 64 may instruct a first output device 62A (e.g., a light fixture) of one or more output devices 62 to emit light to indicate a match to the connection mode to visitor 54. In another example, controller 64 may instruct a second output device 62B (e.g., a speaker) of one or more output devices 62 to output a song played by a musical instrument to indicate a match to the connection mode to visitor 54. If the connection matches the connection mode, controller 64 may instruct one or more output devices 62 and / or performance props to generate performance effects. For example, performance props may be activated and / or moved in response to performance effects. Thus, performance effects system 58 can provide entertainment to visitor 54.

[0036] Following visitor interaction, as indicated by arrow 102, the performance effects system 58 can transition from connected configuration 100A to disconnected configuration 100B. For example, the performance effects system 58 may be in connected configuration 100A due to visitor interaction, and the controller 64 can instruct the performance effects system 58 to reset for subsequent visitor interaction without operator input. To transition from connected configuration 100A to disconnected configuration 100B, the first volume 82 may include a release member of the connector assembly 60 positioned within the housing 80. (See also...) Figure 4 As further described, the disconnector component can be positioned along the longitudinal direction 92 close to one or more connectors 86, and adjusting the position and / or orientation of the disconnector component can disconnect one or more cables 90 from one or more connectors 86.

[0037] In the disconnect configuration 100B, the performance effects system 58 may include one or more cables 90 disconnected (e.g., broken from) one or more connectors 86. For this purpose, the controller 64 may instruct a disconnector component to disconnect one or more cables 90 from one or more connectors 86. For example, one or more actuators may adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins in the longitudinal direction 92, thereby adjusting the position and / or orientation of one or more cables 90 to disconnect one or more cables 90 from their respective connectors 86. After disconnection, one or more cables 90 may be positioned close to one or both of the side panels 88. Thus, the performance effects system 58 can be reset for subsequent group of visitors 54 and / or subsequent visitor interaction. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 64 may instruct one or more output devices 62 to stop generating performance effects. For example, the controller 64 may instruct a first output device 62A to stop emitting light and / or a second output device 62B to stop emitting sound. In this way, the performance effects system 58 can be reset for subsequent visitor interaction.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process or method 150 for operating a performance effects system (e.g., performance effects system 58) used in a scenic area system (e.g., scenic area system 50). Method 150 includes various steps represented by boxes. It should be noted that method 150 can be implemented as an automated procedure by a control system (such as...) Figure 1 The process is executed by the controller 64. Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain order, it should be understood that, where appropriate, these steps can be executed in any suitable order and some steps can be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, certain steps or portions of method 150 may be executed by separate systems or devices.

[0039] At box 152, the controller receives an instruction to reset the performance effects system. For example, the controller may receive data from a visitor tracking system indicating that a visitor has left an attraction section, is preparing to enter an attraction section, and / or is present within an attraction section. In another example, an operator may provide the controller with an instruction to reset the performance effects system via an operator input device communicatively connected to the controller. For example, the operator may use an input device (such as a knob, switch, button, display, etc.) to provide the instruction.

[0040] At box 154, the controller instructs the performance effects system to reset. For example, the controller may instruct the ejector component to eject one or more cables connected to a corresponding connector. In some instances, an actuator may adjust the position and / or orientation of a pin such that the pin contacts a specific cable among one or more cables, thereby ejecting that specific cable from the corresponding connector among one or more connectors. In other instances, one or more actuators may adjust the position of a sliding plate, thereby adjusting the position and / or orientation of multiple and / or all pins to eject multiple and / or all cables among one or more cables from the corresponding connectors. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may instruct one or more output devices to stop generating performance effects.

[0041] At box 156, the controller receives additional instructions for operating the performance effects system. For example, the controller may receive data from a visitor tracking system instructing a visitor to enter an area of ​​the attraction equipped with the performance effects system. In another example, the controller may receive instructions from an operator to operate the performance effects system via one or more input devices. In response to receiving an instruction, the controller may instruct one or more output devices to generate visual and / or audio cues indicating a connection mode for the visitor. In another example, the controller may monitor signals from a connector assembly to determine whether the visitor's interaction matches the connection mode. If the visitor's interaction matches the connection mode, the performance effects system can provide entertainment to the visitor.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the connector assembly 60 that can be used with and / or in the attraction system 50. In the illustrated example, the first volume 82 is depicted as open to show the characteristics of the ejector component. The performance effects system 58 may be in a connection configuration 100A ( Figure 2 At least one of one or more cables 90 is connected to a corresponding connector 86. As discussed herein, each of the cables 90 may include a connector 180 (e.g., a plug), which may be received by the corresponding connector 86 to connect components and generate signals. For example, a first cable 90A may be connected to a first connector 86A via a first connector 180A, a second cable 90B may be connected to a second connector 96B via a second connector 180B, a third cable 90C may be connected to a third connector 86C via a third connector 180C, and so on.

[0043] In some instances, when one or more connection joints 86 are connected to the corresponding connectors 180, the controller 64 ( Figure 2The controller 64 can receive signals from one or more connectors 86. For example, one or more connectors 86 can each be connected to and / or integrated with a sensor that generates sensor data indicating a connection. In another example, one or more connectors 86 can generate an electrical signal in response to connection to a corresponding connector 180. One or more connectors 86 can be connected to one or more cables 182, which can receive signals (e.g., electrical signals) from the corresponding connectors 86 and transmit signals to the controller 64. For example, a first cable 182A can be connected to a first connector 86A and transmit a signal from the first connector 86A, a second cable 182B can be connected to a second connector 86B and transmit a signal from the second connector 86B, a third cable 182C can be connected to a third connector 86C and transmit a signal from the third connector 86C, a fourth cable 182D can be connected to a fourth connector 86D and transmit a signal from the fourth connector 86D, and a fifth cable 182E can be connected to a fifth connector 86E and transmit a signal from the fifth connector 86E. The controller 64 can use signals (one or more) from the connection connector 86 to determine whether the connection of the connector 180 and / or cable 90 made by the visitor matches the connection mode.

[0044] As discussed herein, visitor interaction includes connecting each of one or more cables 90 to a corresponding connector 86. To release one or more cables 90, the connector assembly 60 may include a release member that translates between a first position and a second position. The release member may include a support structure 184 having a slidable plate 186 coupled to one or more rails 188, which enable movement of the slidable plate 186 relative to the front plate 84. As shown, the one or more rails 188 include two rails on opposite lateral sides of the slidable plate 186. The release member may also include a bottom portion 190, one or more pins 192 mounted (e.g., fixedly coupled) to the slidable plate 186, and one or more actuators 194 coupled to the slidable plate 186 and / or the bottom portion 190. The one or more rails 188 may provide and / or support a sliding mechanism (e.g., a bearing traveling along a groove) to enable linear translation of the slidable plate 186 toward and away from the front plate 84. The bottom portion 190 may provide support for the sliding plate 186, one or more tracks 188, one or more actuators 194, or any combination thereof.

[0045] In the illustrated example, the performance effects system 58 may include a first pin 192A, a second pin 192B, a third pin 192C, a fourth pin 192D, and a fifth pin 192E, which may be positioned in the longitudinal direction 92 to approach the corresponding connector 180 of the corresponding cable 90. One or more pins 192 may switch between a first position and a second position to disengage one or more connectors 180 from the corresponding coupling 86. For example, one or more actuators 194 may adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins 192 in the longitudinal direction 92 to disengage one or more connectors 180 from the corresponding coupling 86, thereby disengaging one or more cables 90 from the corresponding coupling 86. In some instances, one or more pins 192 may be coupled to a sliding plate 186, and one or more actuators 194 may adjust the position of the sliding plate 186 to simultaneously adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins 192 such that each of the pins 192 simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) contacts the corresponding connector 180. For example, in a first position, one or more pins 192 may not be in contact with one or more connectors 180, while in a second position, one or more pins 192 may be in contact with one or more connectors 180. One or more actuators 194 may continue to adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more pins 192 such that one or more pins 192 push one or more connectors 180 away from one or more couplings 86, thereby disengaging one or more cables 90 and one or more couplings 86.

[0046] In one embodiment, one or more pins 192 may be movably coupled to a sliding plate 186. In such a case, one or more actuators 194 may individually adjust the position and / or orientation of one of the one or more pins 192 to disconnect a corresponding cable 90 among one or more cables 90. For example, a controller 64 may receive signals from one or more cables 182 and determine a connection mismatch pattern between a corresponding connector in one or more connectors 180 and a corresponding coupling in one or more coupling joints 86. The controller 64 may instruct one of the one or more actuators 194 to disengage the corresponding connector in one or more connectors 180 by adjusting the position and / or orientation of the corresponding pin 192. In this way, the performance effects system 58 may provide the audience 54 with a visual indication of the connection mismatch pattern.

[0047] To facilitate visitor interaction, the performance effects system 58 may include corresponding labels 196 (e.g., indicators, visual indicators, signs, stickers, placards) on each of one or more cables 90. For example, the first cable 90A may include a first label 196A with one line, the second cable 90B may include a second label 196B with two lines, the third cable 90C may include a third label 196C with three lines, and so on. In other examples, labels 196 may include shapes, letters, numbers, colors, etc. Labels 196 may correspond to visual and / or audio cues generated by one or more output devices 62. For example, one or more output devices 62 may generate one sound to indicate the connection between the first cable 90A and the first connector 86A, generate two sounds to indicate the connection between the second cable 90B and the second connector 86B, and so on.

[0048] Figure 5 It is available in the scenic spot system 50 ( Figure 2 Connector assembly 60 used in ) Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of ). In particular, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a support structure 184, one or more pins 192, and one or more actuators 194. The support structure 184 may support and / or include a sliding plate 186, which is coupled to one or more rails 188. The rails 188 provide movement of the sliding plate 186, and thereby provide movement of one or more pins 192 to connect one or more connectors 180 and / or one or more cables 90. Figure 2 ( ) disengagement. For example, one or more rails 188 may each be a long guide rail for a side-mounted ball bearing bracket. One or more actuators 194 may be coupled to the sliding plate 186 and the bottom portion 190, and one or more actuators 194 may adjust the position of the sliding plate 186 relative to the bottom portion 190 between a first position and a second position, thereby adjusting the position and / or orientation of one or more pins 192 relative to the bottom portion 190 between the first position and the second position. One or more actuators 194 may use linear motion, rotary motion, or a combination thereof. In some instances, one or more actuators 194 may each be a DC-powered linear actuator. In other instances, the first actuator 194A and the second actuator 194B may use linear motion, and the third actuator 194C may use rotary motion. Alternating the types of motion used can improve accuracy, improve energy usage, and / or enhance the performance effects system 58 ( Figure 2 The torque of one or more actuators 194 can be based on the torque from the controller 64. Figure 2The actuators operate by receiving position signals. For example, one or more actuators 194 may receive a positive position signal (e.g., voltage) to adjust the position of the sliding plate 186 from a first position to a second position and receive a negative position signal to return the sliding plate 186 from the second position to the first position. Although the illustrated example includes three actuators 194 coupled to the bottom portion 190, any suitable number of actuators 194 may be used. For example, the connector assembly 60 may include one or more actuators, two or more actuators, four or more actuators, five or more actuators, etc.

[0049] The support structure 184 may also include a connector plate 200 (e.g., a mounting plate) having one or more holes 202 (e.g., through holes) to receive corresponding fasteners, thereby mounting the connector plate 200 to the front panel 84. Figure 2 As illustrated, one or more holes 202 may be positioned in the lateral direction 94 between each of one or more recesses 204. Each of the one or more holes 202 may receive a fastener (e.g., pin, screw, bolt) to mount (e.g., securely attach) the connector plate 200 to the front plate 84. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more holes 202 may receive fasteners to mount the connector plate 200 to any suitable material, such as plywood, steel, metal, polymeric materials, etc. It should be appreciated that the one or more holes 202 may be of any suitable shape (e.g., keyway interface; bracket) and / or size, and the one or more holes 202 may be positioned at any suitable location on the connector plate 200 to mount the connector plate 200 to the front plate 84. As shown, the connector plate 200 may be integrally formed with or coupled to a side plate (e.g., longitudinally extending; laterally facing) supporting one or more rails 188.

[0050] The connector plate 200 may also include one or more recesses 204, which may accommodate connections by providing clearance and / or guidance for components within the performance effects system 58. For example, one or more recesses 204 may provide space and / or clearance for a corresponding connector 180 extending in the longitudinal direction 92. In another example, one or more recesses 204 may provide space for a corresponding pin 192 to switch between a first position and a second position to disengage the corresponding connector 180. Additionally or alternatively, the recesses 204 may be aligned with corresponding couplings 86 to reduce or eliminate electrical interference. In some instances, the connector plate 200 may be made of a metallic material. One or more recesses 204 may provide negative space within the connector plate 200, thereby reducing or eliminating signal transmission to and / or from one or more couplings 86. For example, the size of each recess in one or more recesses 204 may be larger than the size of each coupling in the couplings 86 to improve electrical isolation between the connector plate 200 and the couplings 86.

[0051] The sliding plate 186 and connector plate 200 can be positioned with a gap 92 in the longitudinal direction between the two components. This gap isolates the coupling connector 86 and / or one or more cables 182 from one or more pins 192. Alternatively or additionally, one or more cables 182 can be grounded via a common ground to reduce and / or eliminate signal interference. Isolating one or more coupling connectors 86 and / or one or more cables 182 from one or more pins 192 in this manner reduces or eliminates interference with the signal and / or incorrect determination of the controller 64.

[0052] Figure 6 It can be integrated with the scenic spot system 50 ( Figure 2 A partially exploded view of an embodiment of the connector assembly 60 used together and / or used in the attraction system 50. Figure 6 The connector assembly 60 is basically similar to Figure 5 The connector assembly 60 differs in that, as Figure 6The connector plate 200 illustrated includes one or more bolts 220 for mounting the connector assembly 60 to the front plate 84. The one or more bolts 220 may include hex head bolts, U-bolts, post bolts, etc. For example, the one or more bolts 220 may connect the front plate 84 and the connector plate 200. The one or more bolts 220 may extend through the front plate 84 to the connector plate 200 to attach the front plate 84 to the connector plate 200. In some instances, the one or more bolts 220 may be attached to the surface of the connector plate 200 and extend through the connector plate 200 to the front plate 84, which may conceal the one or more bolts 220 from view by a visitor 54. Thus, the one or more bolts 220 may attach the front plate 84 to the connector plate 200. The one or more recesses 204 may be excessively large relative to the one or more coupling joints 86, which may make tightening the one or more bolts 220 easier for the operator. For example, the one or more bolts 220 may include one or more hex head bolts that are tightened using a wrench or socket.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process or method 260 for generating performance effects via a performance effects system (e.g., performance effects system 58), which may be used in conjunction with and / or within an attraction system (e.g., attraction system 50). Method 260 includes various steps represented by boxes. It should be noted that method 260 can be implemented as an automated procedure by a controller (such as...) Figure 1 The controller 64) executes the process. Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain order, it should be understood that, where appropriate, these steps can be performed in any suitable order and some steps can be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, certain steps or portions of method 260 may be performed by separate systems or devices.

[0054] At box 262, the controller receives indications from the connected cables. For example, a visitor may connect a cable to a corresponding connector via a cable connector. When connected, the cable and / or connector may send a signal to the controller indicating connection (e.g., connection). Alternatively or additionally, a visitor tracking system may send data to the controller indicating visitor interaction. For example, the visitor tracking system may include one or more sensors to generate video data of visitor interaction within the attraction area. The controller may receive the data and use image analytics to identify the location of the connected cables relative to the performance effects system and / or the location of tags on the connected cables. In some instances, the controller may use signals from the cables as primary indications and video data as secondary indications to verify the primary indication.

[0055] At box 264, the controller determines whether the connection between the connected cable and connector matches a connection pattern (e.g., whether the connected cable is in the correct position). For example, the controller may store connection patterns with one or more target connections between one or more cables and one or more connectors. The controller may determine whether a connection made by a visitor between a cable and its corresponding connector matches a connection pattern. For example, the controller may determine whether a signal transmitted by a connector matches a connection pattern. For example, a signal transmitted by a connector may be 1 if the connection matches a connection pattern and 0 if the connection does not match a connection pattern. In another example, a signal may only be transmitted if the connection matches a connection pattern. Alternatively or additionally, the connection pattern may include visual patterns, such as the position and / or orientation of each label associated with one or more connectors and / or performance effects systems. For example, the controller may receive image data from a visitor tracking system indicating the position and / or orientation of labels within a scenic area. The controller may use image analysis techniques to determine whether the position and / or orientation of the labels within the image data matches a visual pattern stored in the controller's memory.

[0056] If the connection between the cable and the connector does not match the connection pattern, the controller provides appropriate output at box 266. For example, the controller may receive a signal indicating 0, may not receive a signal, and / or may use image analysis techniques to determine that the label's position and / or orientation do not match the visual pattern. Thus, the controller can provide the visitor with a visual indication that the connected cable is connected to a connector with an incorrect connection pattern. For example, the controller can provide appropriate output by instructing a disconnecting component to disconnect the connected cable from the corresponding connector (e.g., after a period of time (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more seconds) after the connected cable is connected to the incorrect connector). In another example, the controller can instruct one or more output devices to generate visual and / or audio cues to indicate to the visitor that the connected cable is connected to a connector with an incorrect connection pattern. For example, one or more output devices can output a beep as an audio cue and / or output a flash as a visual cue. In this way, the performance effects system can provide indication of incorrectly connected cables.

[0057] If the connections between the cables and connectors do indeed match the connection pattern, then at box 268, the controller determines whether the connection corresponds to providing (e.g., generating) a performance effect. In some instances, the controller may generate a performance effect in response to all connections between the cables and connectors matching the connection pattern. Thus, the controller may determine whether the connected cables complete the connection pattern. For example, the controller may determine whether the number of connected cables equals the total number of cables (e.g., all available or existing cables for the performance effect system). If the number of connected cables equals the total number of cables, the controller may determine that the connected cables correspond to providing a performance effect. If the number of connected cables is less than the total number of cables, the controller may determine that the connected cables do not correspond to providing a performance effect.

[0058] If the connected cable corresponds to the performance effect being provided, the controller generates the performance effect at box 230. For example, the controller may instruct one or more output devices to generate performance effects, such as visual and / or audio effects for visitors.

[0059] If the connected cable 90 does not correspond to the performance effect, method 260 can return to box 262 to receive an indication of the connected cable. Method 260 can then proceed to box 264 to determine if the connected cable is in the correct position. If it is determined that the connected cable is in the correct position, the performance effect system can provide an interactive experience for the visitors.

[0060] Figure 8This is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connector assembly 60 that may be used in a sound effects system 58. The connector assembly 60 may include a support structure 300 (e.g., a ring-shaped support structure). In some instances, repeated contact between a corresponding cable 90 and a corresponding pin 192 can cause wear and / or damage to the pin 192 over time (such as due to cyclic loads generated by repeated operation of the sound effects system 58). To support the pin 192, the support structure 300 may be coupled (e.g., mounted) to a front panel 84 and provide circumferential support for the pin 192 during contact with the cable 90. For example, the support structure 300 may be positioned close to a corresponding coupling connector 86 and extend in the longitudinal direction 92. The support structure 300 may include an opening to receive the pin 192 and the cable 90 in the longitudinal direction 92. For example, the cable 90 may be received by the coupling connector 86 and extend into the support structure 300 via the opening. Then, during the disengagement of cable 90, pin 192 can travel in the longitudinal direction 92 and be received by support structure 300 via an opening. During the contact of cable 90 with connector 86 and / or the disengagement of cable 90 from connector 86, pin 192 can receive forward forces from cable 90. Support structure 300 can provide support for pin 192 in the lateral direction 94, which can help disperse longitudinal forces during contact between pin 192 and connector 180, thereby reducing wear on pin 192. Support structure 300 can also improve the stability of pin 192 during the contact of cable 90 with connector 86 and / or the disengagement of cable 90 from connector 86 by reducing radial movement of pin 192, misalignment between pin 192 and cable 90, and / or displacement of pin 192.

[0061] In an embodiment, when pin 192 is in the first position, a portion of pin 192 (e.g., the shorter length) may be positioned within the support structure 300, and when pin 192 is in the second position in contact with cable 90, another portion of pin 192 (e.g., the larger length) may be positioned within the support structure 300. For example, when pin 192 is in the first position, one-quarter of pin 192 may be positioned within the support structure 300, half of pin 192 may be positioned within the support structure 300, three-quarters of pin 192 may be positioned within the support structure 300, and so on. Positioning pin 192 within the support structure 300 reduces the distance pin 192 travels between the first and second positions, which reduces wear on pin 192. Additionally or alternatively, positioning pin 192 within the support structure 300 reduces wear on pin 192 caused by repeated entry and exit of pin 192 through the opening into the support structure 300.

[0062] Figure 9This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector assembly 60 that can be used within a performance effects system 58. The connector assembly 60 may include a support structure 300. As shown, the support structure 300 may be configured to circumferentially surround a pin 192 to provide stability, reinforcement, and / or reception to the pin 192. As illustrated, the support structure 300 may be a circular ring extending in the longitudinal direction 92 from the front plate 84 toward the pin 192. The support structure 300 may include a first opening 302 that engages with a corresponding connector 86 and is positioned to receive a corresponding cable 90. The support structure 300 may include a second opening 304 at the opposite end, which is positioned to receive the corresponding pin 192. During contact between the pin 192 and the cable 90, the support structure 300 provides support for the pin 192, increases the stability of the pin 192, reduces radial movement of the pin 192, reduces misalignment of the pin 192, and / or reduces displacement of the pin 192. Although the illustrated support structure 300 is cylindrical, it can be of any suitable shape and / or size to provide support for the pins 192. For example, the support structure 300 can be rectangular, hexagonal, cubic, etc. The support structure 300 can be implemented together with all or some of the couplings 86 to provide support for one or more pins 192 (e.g., a retainer having multiple openings for multiple pins 192; a corresponding retainer for each of the one or more pins 192).

[0063] Figure 10 It is operable and compatible with the scenic spot system 50 ( Figure 2 Connector assembly 60 used together and / or used in attraction system 50 Figure 2 The illustration is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the connector 192. To provide support for the pin 192, the connector assembly 60 may include a support structure 336 that circumferentially surrounds and supports the pin 192. The pin 192 may extend through the support structure 226 to contact the connector 180 of the cable 90. The support structure 336 is configured to extend around the pin 192 and provide a larger contact or force distribution area with the connector 180 of the cable 90 (e.g., compared to the pin 192 alone), which can reduce stress and / or wear on the pin 192 by distributing axial / longitudinal forces over the increased contact or force distribution area.

[0064] In particular, Figure 10The diagram illustrates a connector assembly 60 that disconnects a corresponding cable 90 by switching between a first configuration 330A, a second configuration 330B, and a third configuration 330C, as illustrated by arrows 332 and 334. The connector assembly 60 may also include a first plate 338, a second plate 340, and one or more biasing elements 342 (e.g., springs). A pin 192 passes through the first plate 338, and a support structure 336 is coupled to the first plate 338. The second plate 340 is coupled to the pin 192 and an actuator 194. One or more biasing elements 342 are coupled between the first plate 338 and the second plate 340. In the first configuration 330A, the connector assembly 60 may be in a coupled configuration. For example, in the first configuration 330A, the connector 180 of the cable 90 may be coupled to a corresponding coupling connector 86. In order to initiate the conversion between configurations, the connector assembly 60 can be moved in the longitudinal direction 92 to position the corresponding pin 192 within the support structure 336 and bring the corresponding pin 192 close to the cable 90 in the longitudinal direction 92.

[0065] In the second configuration 330B, pin 192 within support structure 336 is movable toward coupling connector 86. In some instances, pin 192 and / or support structure 336 may contact connector 180, cable 90, and / or coupling connector 86. For example, actuator 194 may adjust the position and / or orientation of pin 192 in the longitudinal direction 92 until pin 192 contacts connector 180 and / or cable 90. As illustrated, pin 192 is engaged with and / or supported by support structure 336, which reduces the amount of longitudinal force applied to pin 192 by connector 180 and / or cable 90 during contact. To switch pin 192 to the second configuration, actuator 194 may adjust the position of first plate 338 in the longitudinal direction 92. First plate 338 may be movably coupled to one or more side rails 188 ( Figures 4 to 6 ), and travels between the first configuration 330A and the second configuration 330B.

[0066] In the third configuration 330C, pin 192 and / or support structure 336 can disengage connector 180 of cable 90 from coupling joint 86. For example, actuator 194 can continue to adjust the position and / or orientation of second plate 340 in the longitudinal direction 92, thereby using second plate 340 to adjust the position and / or orientation of pin 192 and / or support structure 336 in the longitudinal direction 92 and disengage connector 180 of cable 90 from the corresponding coupling joint 86. Actuator 194 can resist and / or overcome the biasing force of one or more biasing members 342 to reduce the distance between first plate 338 and second plate 340, thereby adjusting the position and / or orientation of pin 192 relative to support structure 336 such that pin 192 extends from support structure 336 to drive connector 180 of cable 90 out of the corresponding coupling joint 86. In some instances, one or more side rails 188 may include a stop that prevents first plate 338 from lateral movement in the longitudinal direction 92. Actuator 194 can continue to adjust the position of the second plate 340 in the longitudinal direction 92 by overcoming biasing force. Thus, pin 192 can continue to move in the longitudinal direction 92 and disengage connector 180 and / or cable 90 from the corresponding coupling joint 86. In other embodiments, the first plate 338 may be stationary, and actuator 194 can continue to adjust the position and / or orientation of pin 192 via the second plate 340. In this way, connector assembly 60 can disengage one or more pins 192 from the corresponding coupling joint 86.

[0067] The technical effects of the systems and methods described herein include controlling one or more actuators to disconnect one or more cables from one or more connectors attached to a performance effects system. During visitor interaction, for example, a controller may determine that the connection between the cable and the connector may be a mismatched connection pattern and instruct one or more actuators to disconnect the cable from the connector. The performance effects system can provide a visual indication of the mismatched connection pattern. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may receive an instruction to reset the performance effects system for subsequent visitor interaction. For example, the controller may receive data indicating visitor location and instruct one or more actuators to disconnect all connected cables from the corresponding connectors for subsequent visitor interaction. The performance effects system can automatically reset for subsequent visitor interaction without operator input. The performance effects system can switch from a connected configuration to a disconnected configuration to provide subsequent additional visitor interaction. In this way, the performance effects system can reduce the amount of time spent on resetting, thereby increasing the amount of time available for visitor interaction and / or visitor flow.

[0068] Although only certain features of the subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. It should be recognized that reference to… Figures 1 to 10 Any features shown and described may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0069] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “device for (performing)...(function)” or “step for (performing)...(function)”, such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A performance effects system, comprising: One or more cables; A front panel that is connected to a plurality of connectors configured to receive the one or more cables and provide a signal indicating a connection between a first cable of the one or more cables and a first connector of the plurality of connectors; as well as A sliding plate is connected to a plurality of pins and an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the sliding plate such that a first pin of the plurality of pins makes contact with the first cable, thereby disconnecting the first cable from the first connector.

2. The performance effects system of claim 1, comprising a controller communicatively connected to the plurality of coupling connectors and the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive the signal indicating the connection between the first cable and the first connector; and In response to determining the connection mismatch mode, the actuator is instructed to drive the sliding plate to make the first pin contact the first cable, thereby disconnecting the first cable from the first connector.

3. The performance effects system of claim 1, comprising a controller communicatively connected to the plurality of coupling connectors and the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive the signal indicating the connection between the first cable and the first connector; and In response to determining the connection matching connection mode, the instruction output device generates a performance effect.

4. The performance effects system according to claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive additional signals indicating a further connection between the second cable of the one or more cables and the second connector of the plurality of connectors; and In response to determining that the connection and the other connection match the connection pattern, the output device is instructed to generate the performance effect.

5. The performance effects system of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the output device to generate visual or audio cues based on the connection mode.

6. The performance effects system according to claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to: In response to determining that the connection matches the connection pattern and that the number of one or more cables connected to the plurality of connectors matches the total number of the one or more cables, the output device is instructed to generate the performance effect.

7. The performance effect system of claim 1, wherein the sliding plate includes a first sliding plate, a second sliding plate, and a biasing component, the first sliding plate being coupled to a plurality of support structures configured to circumferentially support the plurality of pins, the second sliding plate being coupled to the plurality of pins and the actuator, the biasing component being located between the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the second sliding plate to make the first pin contact the first cable.

8. The performance effects system of claim 1, further comprising a support structure connected to the front panel and positioned close to the first coupling connector, wherein the support structure is configured to circumferentially surround the first pin when the first pin contacts the first cable.

9. The performance effects system according to claim 1, comprising: A tourist tracking system configured to provide sensor data indicating the location of one or more tourists; as well as The controller is configured to: The location of the one or more tourists is determined based on the sensor data; as well as Based on the location of the one or more tourists, the actuator is instructed to drive the sliding plate so that the first pin contacts the first cable, thereby disconnecting the first cable from the first connector.

10. The performance effects system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to determining that the visitor's location indicates that the one or more visitors are not near the one or more cables and the front panel connected to the plurality of connectors, instruct the actuator to drive the sliding plate to make the first pin contact the first cable, thereby disconnecting the first cable from the first connector.

11. A connector assembly, comprising: A sliding plate connected to multiple pins; Mounting plate, configured to be attached to the front panel of a performance effects system, wherein the front panel includes multiple connectors configured to receive multiple cables. as well as An actuator configured to drive the slidable plate relative to the mounting plate from a first position to a second position to cause the plurality of pins to contact the plurality of cables received by the plurality of coupling connectors and to disengage the plurality of cables.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11, comprising one or more support structures coupled to and extending from the mounting plate, and configured to support the plurality of pins.

13. The connector assembly of claim 11, comprising a side rail positioned on the opposite lateral side of the mounting plate and configured to slidably support the slidable plate.

14. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator.

15. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of pins are spaced apart from each other along the lateral axis of the connector assembly.

16. A performance effects system, comprising: A tourist tracking system, configured to generate data indicating the location of tourists; One or more cables; One or more connectors, wherein each of the one or more connectors is configured to receive a corresponding cable of the one or more cables and provide a corresponding signal indicating a corresponding connection to the corresponding cable of the one or more cables; One or more pins configured to contact the one or more cables to disconnect the one or more cables from the one or more connectors; An actuator configured to adjust the one or more pins from a first position to a second position to cause the one or more pins to contact the one or more cables, thereby disconnecting the one or more cables from the one or more connectors; as well as A controller communicatively connected to the visitor tracking system, the one or more coupling connectors, and the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive the data indicating the location of the tourist; as well as Based on the tourist's position, the actuator is instructed to adjust one or more pins from the first position to the second position.

17. The performance effects system of claim 16, comprising a sliding plate coupled to the one or more pins and the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the sliding plate to adjust the position of the one or more pins.

18. The performance effects system of claim 16, further comprising an output device configured to generate audio effects, visual effects, or both, wherein the controller is configured to: The output device is instructed to generate the audio effect, the visual effect, or both, based on the connection mode used for the one or more cables and the one or more connectors.

19. The performance effects system according to claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive one or more signals indicating one or more connections between the one or more connectors and the one or more cables; and In response to determining that one or more connections match the connection pattern, the output device is instructed to generate the audio effect, the visual effect, or both.

20. The performance effects system of claim 19, wherein the controller is configured to: In response to determining that one or more connections do not match the connection pattern, the actuator is instructed to adjust one or more pins from the first position to the second position.

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