System and method for a customer to interact with an interactive area

Abstract

An interactive area includes a first display disposed along a path of a queue for an attraction. The interactive area also includes an identification and tracking system configured to identify or recognize a guest as the guest enters the queue and configured to track the guest as the guest moves along the path. The interactive area also includes a controller coupled to the identification and tracking system. The controller is configured to cause the first display to present a user interface that moves along the first display with the guest as the guest moves along the path.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 593291 (titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AGUEST TO INTERACT WITH AN INTERACTIVE AREA”, filed October 26, 2023), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that are relevant to the various aspects of this disclosure, which will be described below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues include interactive areas (and many other attractions) to entertain customers while they wait in line for specific rides or attractions. It is now recognized that the time spent interacting with a particular interactive area while a customer moves through the line can sometimes be very short relative to the total time spent in the line. Furthermore, interactions with interactive areas can be generic rather than personalized. As a result, customers may become frustrated with and / or lose interest in interactive areas. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide customers with a more personalized experience in these interactive areas to enhance their overall experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the subject matter initially claimed are outlined below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may cover a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an interactive area includes a first display positioned along a path for a queue of attractions. The interactive area also includes an identification and tracking system configured to identify or mark a customer upon entering the queue (e.g., via facial recognition) and to track the customer as they move along the path. The interactive area also includes a controller coupled to the identification and tracking system. The controller is configured to cause the first display to show a user interface that moves along the first display with the customer as they move along the path.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for a customer to interact with an interactive area includes: identifying or identifying the customer via an identification and tracking system when the customer enters a queue for an attraction. The method further includes: tracking the customer via the identification and tracking system as the customer moves along a path for the queue. The method also includes: displaying a user interface on a display along the path in response to a control signal from a controller coupled to the identification and tracking system, the user interface moving along the display near the customer as the customer moves along the path.

[0007] In one embodiment, a system for customers to interact with an interactive area includes displays positioned along a path for a queue of attractions. The system also includes an identification and tracking system configured to identify or mark multiple customers as they enter the queue (e.g., via facial recognition) and to track each of the multiple customers as they move along the path. The system further includes a controller coupled to the identification and tracking system. The controller is configured to generate a user interface on the display for each customer, and each corresponding user interface moves along the display with its corresponding customer as each customer moves along the path. The system may even include one or more user devices that enable each customer to interact with its corresponding user interface as each customer moves along the path. 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, in which the same characters throughout the drawings denote the same parts, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system for customer interaction with an interactive area, according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 2 It is a perspective view of an interactive area according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 3 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 End view of the interactive area; Figure 4 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 Side view of the interactive area; Figure 5 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 End view of the interactive area; Figure 6 This is a top view of an interactive area utilizing multiple microphones according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 7This is a top view of an interactive area utilizing multiple radio frequency identification (RFID) readers according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a top view of the interactive area of ​​the input device according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the continuous movement of a user interface or screen on a display according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the intermittent display of a user interface or screen on a display according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a user interface or screen from one display to another according to aspects of this disclosure; and Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for a customer to interact with an interactive area, according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0009] This disclosure generally relates to interactive areas for customers (e.g., kiosks). More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for enabling customers to interact with an interactive area as they move through it.

[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 an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation requires making numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0011] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “described” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising” and “including” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, 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 additional embodiments that are also incorporated into the described features.

[0012] Current embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for customers to interact with interactive areas, such as one or more kiosks, queue structures, or the like. The interactive area may be set along a path for a queue (e.g., a line) for an attraction (e.g., a ride, show, or other attraction). The interactive area may include a moving walkway set along the path to move customers through the queue. According to one embodiment, the interactive area includes at least one display positioned along the path for the queue. In one embodiment, the interactive area also includes an identification and tracking system configured to identify or mark customers (e.g., via facial recognition) when they enter the queue and to track them as they move along the path. The interactive area also includes a controller coupled to the identification and tracking system. The controller is configured to display a user interface (e.g., a personal interface) or screen that moves along the at least one display with the customer (i.e., follows the customer) as they move along the path. In some embodiments, customers may interact with the corresponding user interface or screen via touch (e.g., when the display acts as a touchscreen), via voice, or via a separate input device. In some embodiments, gestures made by the customer (e.g., thumbs up, thumbs down, etc.) can be recognized by a recognition and tracking system and used as customer input (e.g., to support customers with disabilities). In some embodiments, a corresponding user interface or screen moves continuously along the at least one display as the customer moves along the path. In some embodiments, a corresponding user interface or screen appears intermittently along the at least one display as the customer moves along the path (e.g., when the customer is stationary along the path or when the customer is facing the at least one display). The disclosed systems and methods can personalize the customer's experience of the interactive area. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods make the interactive area more attractive to customers.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system 10 for customers to interact with an interactive area 12 (e.g., an information kiosk). System 10 includes one or more displays 14 (e.g., display panels) positioned along a path of queues for attractions (e.g., rides, shows, or other attractions). In some embodiments, the queues may be queues for food providers (e.g., dining areas or restaurants). The interactive area 12 may be located in an amusement park or entertainment venue. The interactive area 12 may be associated with a specific theme. In some embodiments, the one or more displays 14 may be transparent. In some embodiments, the one or more displays 14 may act as touchscreens, allowing users to interact directly (via touch) with the user interface (e.g., a screen) displayed on the one or more displays 14.

[0014] System 10 includes an identification and tracking system 16 configured to identify or identify customers when they enter a queue and to track them as they move along a path. The identification and tracking system 16 includes multiple devices 18 positioned along the path for identifying and tracking customers. In some embodiments, the multiple devices 18 include multiple identification cameras for visual identification (e.g., visual recognition) and tracking of customers. In some embodiments, the multiple devices 18 include multiple thermal imaging cameras for utilizing heat signatures in customer identification and tracking. In some embodiments, the multiple devices 18 include multiple microphones (e.g., directional microphones, parabolic microphones, etc.) for audibly identifying and tracking customers. In some embodiments, the multiple devices 18 include multiple radio frequency identification (RFID) readers positioned along the path and configured to track and identify or identify customers via RFID tags in devices associated with the customer (e.g., objects worn or held by the customer, such as wristbands, necklaces, etc.). In some embodiments, customers may be identified and tracked via an input device 20 (held by the customer). Each customer may be assigned an input device 20 at the beginning of the queue. Customers may provide identification information via the input device 20. In some embodiments, customers may be identified or tracked via an application on their own input device 20 (e.g., specific to an amusement or entertainment venue). In some embodiments, the identification and tracking system 16 may utilize a combination of these types of devices in identifying and tracking customers. In some embodiments, gestures made by customers (e.g., thumbs up, thumbs down, etc.) may be recognized by the identification and tracking system 16 and used as customer input (e.g., to support customers with disabilities).

[0015] In some embodiments, system 10 includes a projection system 22. In some embodiments, projection system 22 includes a plurality of projectors 24 arranged along a path. Projection system 22 projects a corresponding user interface (or screen) onto one or more displays 14 for a corresponding customer, the corresponding user interface (or screen) moving along the one or more displays as the customer moves along the path. In some embodiments, projection system 22 may project the user interface or screen directly onto one or more displays 14. In some embodiments, projection system 22 may project the user interface or screen onto a reflective surface or panel (e.g., a Pepper's Ghost film or a light-emitting diode (LED) panel) that reflects the user interface or screen onto one or more displays 14.

[0016] System 10 also includes a controller 26. Controller 26 is coupled to one or more displays 14, the identification and tracking system 16, and the projection system 22. In some embodiments, controller 26 may be coupled to a database 28 to retrieve identification information about a customer based on information received from one or more displays 14, the identification and tracking system 16, and / or the input device 20. In some embodiments, controller 26 may store information about a customer or information received from a customer via one or more displays 14, the identification and tracking system 16, and / or the input device 20.

[0017] The controller 26 includes one or more processors 30 and a memory 32. The one or more processors 30 execute instructions contained in the memory 32. These instructions may be loaded into random access memory (RAM) from read-only memory (ROM), mass storage devices, or some other persistent storage device for execution by the processors 30. In other embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the described functionality. For example, the processor 30 may be implemented as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The one or more processors 30 may generate control signals to components of the system 10, such as one or more displays 14, the recognition and tracking system 16, one or more input devices 20, and the projection system 22. Control signals from the processors 30 may be provided via wired or wireless connections.

[0018] Controller 26 is configured to identify or recognize each customer as they enter the queue (via identification and tracking system 16). Controller 26 is also configured to track each customer as they move along the path to the queue (via identification and tracking system 16). Controller 26 is further configured to display a user interface (e.g., a screen) on display 14 for each customer (e.g., via control signals to display 14 and / or projection system 22), wherein each user interface moves along display 14 with each corresponding customer as they move along the path (coordinated with identification and tracking system 16). In some embodiments, controller 26 is configured to cause the corresponding user interface or screen for a customer to move continuously along display 14 as the customer moves along the path. In some embodiments, controller 26 is configured to cause the corresponding user interface or screen for a customer to appear intermittently along display 14 as the customer moves along the path. For example, controller 26 may be configured to cause the corresponding user interface or screen to appear along display 14 only when the customer is substantially stationary along the path. Specifically, for example, a customer may be considered stationary when their movement is within a two-meter radius for a period of time (e.g., 3 seconds or longer). In another example, controller 26 can be configured to make the corresponding user interface or screen appear along display 14 only when the customer is facing display 14.

[0019] In some embodiments, system 10 includes a plurality of separate and spaced-apart displays 14. For example, the path for a queue may be set along multiple segments (sometimes alternately), and the corresponding displays 14 may be set along each segment of the path, or the plurality of displays may be set along the same segments. The displays may be positioned near each other or spaced apart. In one embodiment, controller 26 is configured to stop displaying a user interface or screen on the first display during the transition of a customer along the path from the first display to the second display, and is configured to display a user interface or screen on the second display when the customer arrives at the second display along the path.

[0020] In some embodiments, controller 26 is configured to calculate the waiting time based on the location of the corresponding customer in the queue (e.g., based on input from identification and tracking system 16). Then, as the customer moves along the queue, controller 26 can make the waiting time available (occasionally or continuously) on a user interface or screen. In some embodiments, the waiting time can be provided on the user interface or screen in response to a query from a customer.

[0021] Once a customer arrives at the starting point of the queue on display 14, a user interface or screen can be displayed on display 14. In some embodiments, customer identification or identification can occur before the customer arrives at display 14. In some embodiments, customer identification or identification can occur when the customer arrives at the beginning of display 14. In some embodiments, the customer can self-identify themselves via input provided to their respective user interface or screen on display 14 (e.g., directly via the display's touchscreen, or via voice). In some embodiments, the customer can identify themselves via information provided to input device 20. In some embodiments, identification information can be retrieved via a device worn or held by the customer (e.g., with an RFID tag).

[0022] In some embodiments, customers can interact with their respective user interface or screen on display 14 (e.g., directly or indirectly). For example, a customer can interact directly with the corresponding user interface or screen by touching display 14 (when display 14 acts as a touchscreen). A customer can interact with the corresponding user interface or screen via voice (e.g., via the microphone of recognition and tracking system 16). A customer can also interact with the corresponding user interface or screen via a corresponding input device 20. In some embodiments, gestures made by the customer (e.g., thumbs up, thumbs down, etc.) can be recognized by the recognition and tracking system and used as customer input (e.g., to support customers with disabilities) for interaction with the corresponding user interface or screen.

[0023] In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen may include or represent components of a game that a customer can interact with. In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen may provide a survey interface (e.g., a mechanism for receiving feedback on the attraction experience). For example, questions may be displayed, and customers may provide input (e.g., answers, comments, suggestions, etc.) directly on the user interface (via touch display 14), via voice, or via input device 20. In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen may function as a form for registering information (e.g., user preferences) related to an upcoming attraction. User preferences may be registered directly on the user interface (via touch display 14), via voice, or via input device 20. In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen may provide commercials to promote events, products, or the like. Sometimes, when a customer ceases interaction with the corresponding user interface or screen, the corresponding user interface or screen may transition to commercials or the like. In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen is thematically related to the attraction. In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen may be a digital menu board (e.g., a menu for a queue leading to the dining area), which customers can interact with as they move along the queue to order and / or purchase food and / or beverages. In some embodiments, food may be ready for the customer to serve once they reach the end of the queue associated with the dining area.

[0024] Figure 2-5 It has Figure 1 Different views of the interactive area 12 (e.g., an information kiosk) of system 10. Interactive area 12 includes a walkway 34 that follows a path 36 for a queue. As indicated by arrow 40, a customer 38 moves along path 36 via walkway 34. Structure 42 is positioned near and extends along path 36. As depicted, structure 42 includes a front wall 44, a rear wall 46, and a top wall 48 extending from the top of the rear wall 46 toward the front wall 44. The configuration of structure 42 can be... Figure 2-5 The configurations described in the document are different.

[0025] In one embodiment, components of system 10 are coupled to structure 42. The arrangement of components of system 10 on structure 42 can be... Figure 2-5 The layout described in the text is different. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the display 14 is disposed on and extends along the front wall 44. In some embodiments, the structure 42 may not include the front wall 44, and the display 14 may extend to the floor. The display 14 may be as follows: Figure 1As described herein, the identification and tracking system 16 is disposed on the bottom surface 50 of the top wall 48. In particular, a plurality of devices 18 (e.g., identification or thermal imaging cameras) are disposed (e.g., in a row) on the bottom surface 50 of the top wall 48 extending along path 36. In some embodiments, the devices 18 may include microphones and / or RFID readers, which may be utilized by the identification and tracking system 16. Furthermore, the tracking system 16 may be positioned in any of a variety of locations (e.g., along the walkway 34, along the front wall 44, on separate pedestals or towers) and may be positioned in any configuration (e.g., array or non-uniform distribution).

[0026] A reflective surface or panel 52 (e.g., a mirror or reflective film) is disposed between (and extends between) the rear wall 46 and the front wall 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective surface or panel 52 extends downward from the rear wall 46 in the direction of path 36. As depicted, the reflective surface or panel 52 is angled (e.g., at a 45-degree angle) relative to the horizontal plane extending between the rear wall 46 and the front wall 44. This allows the image generated by the overhead projection system 22 to be reflected toward the display 14. In practice, the projection system 22 is disposed on the bottom surface 50 of the top wall 48 behind the device 18 of the recognition and tracking system 16. However, in other embodiments, the projection system 22 may be disposed below the reflective surface or panel 52, and the reflective surface or panel 52 may be angled upward from the rear wall in the direction of path 36.

[0027] In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the projection system 22 includes a plurality of projectors 24 arranged (e.g., in a row) on a bottom surface 50 extending along path 36. The projection system 22 projects a corresponding user interface (or screen) 54 onto the display 14 via reflection from panel 52, such that the user interface or screen 54 moves along the display 14 for the corresponding customer 38 as the customer 38 moves along path 36 (coordinated with tracking by the identification and tracking system 16). As depicted, the projection system 22 projects the user interface or screen 54 onto a reflective surface or panel 52, which reflects the user interface or screen 54 onto the display 14. In some embodiments, the projection system 22 may project the user interface or screen 54 directly onto the display 14. As depicted, the movement of the user interface or screen 54 along the display 14 (as indicated by arrow 56) is combined with the movement of the customer 38 along path 36.

[0028] As mentioned above, the identification and tracking system 16 can utilize different types of devices to identify and track customers 38. Figure 6This is a top view of the interactive area 12 utilizing multiple microphones 58. Specifically, the identification and tracking system 16 includes multiple microphones 58 positioned along and near the path 36 through which the customer 38 moves (e.g., via a movement path 34). As depicted, the microphones 58 are spaced apart along the front wall 44. In some embodiments, the microphones 58 may be positioned on different structures within the interactive area 12. The microphones 58 may be directional microphones, parabolic microphones, or another type of microphone used for audibly identifying and tracking the customer 38 via their respective voice. The microphones 58 may also be used to collect audio input for interaction with a user interface or screen 54.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a top view of the interactive area 12 utilizing multiple RFID readers 60. Specifically, the identification and tracking system 16 includes multiple RFID readers 60 positioned along and near the path 36 through which the customer 38 moves (e.g., via a walkway 34). As depicted, the RFID readers 60 are spaced apart along the front wall 44. In some embodiments, the RFID readers 60 may be positioned on different structures within the interactive area 12. The RFID readers 60 are configured to identify and track the customer 38 via RFID tags in corresponding devices 62 associated with the customer 38 (e.g., objects worn or held by the customer 38, such as wristbands, necklaces, etc.).

[0030] Figure 8 This is a top view of the interactive area 12 of the input device 20. Specifically, the identification and tracking system 16 utilizes the input device 20 to identify and track customers 38. In some embodiments, each customer 38 may be assigned a corresponding input device 20 at the beginning of the queue. Customers 38 may provide identification information via the input device 20 and may also be tracked via the input device 20. In some embodiments, customers 38 may be identified or tracked via an application on their own input device 20 (e.g., a computing device such as a tablet, smartphone, etc., e.g., specific to an amusement or entertainment venue).

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the continuous movement of the user interface or screen 54 on the display 14. As depicted, the customer 38 moves from a first position 64 to a second position 66 (as indicated by arrow 68). As the user moves 38, the user interface or screen 54 associated with the customer 38 also moves continuously along the display 14 from a first position 70 to a second position 72 (as indicated by arrow 74).

[0032] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the intermittent display of the user interface or screen 54 on the display 14. As depicted, the customer 38 moves from a first position 76 to a second position 78 (as indicated by arrow 80). The user interface or screen 54 appears at the first position 82 and the second position 84. In some embodiments, the first position 76 and the second position 78 represent positions where the customer 38 is stationary. In some embodiments, the user interface or screen 54 appears on the display 14 only when the customer 38 is stationary (in the first position 82 and the second position 84, respectively). Specifically, for example, the customer 38 can be considered stationary when the movement of the customer 38 is within a two-meter radius for a period of time (e.g., 3 seconds or longer). In some embodiments, the first position 76 and the second position 78 represent positions where the customer 38 faces the display 14. In some embodiments, the user interface or screen 54 appears on the display 14 only when the customer 38 faces the display 14 (in the first position 82 and the second position 84, respectively).

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a user interface or screen 54 moving from one display to another. As depicted, the interactive area 12 includes a first display 86 and a second display 88 separated from and spaced apart from each other along a path 36. As indicated by arrow 90, a customer 38 moves along path 36 (e.g., via a movement path 34) from a first position 92 in front of the first display 86 to a second position 94 in front of the second display 88. As the customer 38 moves from the first display 86 to the second display 88, the user interface or screen 54 also moves correspondingly from the first position 96 on the first display 86 to the second position 98 on the second display 88.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method 100 for customers to interact with an interactive area. The steps of method 100 can be as follows: Figure 1 The system 10 described herein (e.g., as part of an interactive area) is used for execution. Method 100 includes, as customers enter a queue (e.g., a line) for an attraction, via an identification and tracking system (e.g., Figure 1The identification and tracking system 16 in the image identifies or identifies customers (box 102). In some embodiments, customers can identify themselves via input provided to their respective user interface or screen on the display (e.g., directly via the display's touchscreen, or via voice). In some embodiments, customers can identify themselves via information provided to the input device 20 associated with the respective customer. In some embodiments, identification information can be retrieved via a device worn or held by the customer (e.g., with an RFID tag). In some embodiments, customers can be identified or identified via an identification camera or thermal imaging camera (e.g., via facial recognition). In some embodiments, customers can be identified or identified via a microphone located in the interactive area.

[0035] Method 100 further includes moving a customer along a path via a walkway (e.g., a moving walkway) positioned along the path (box 104). Method 100 also includes tracking the customer via an identification and tracking system as the customer moves along the path relative to the queue (box 106). In some embodiments, the mechanisms for identifying and tracking customers may be the same. In some embodiments, the mechanisms for identifying and tracking customers may be different. In some embodiments, multiple identification cameras may be used to track customers. In some embodiments, multiple thermal imaging cameras may acquire thermal features while tracking customers. In some embodiments, multiple microphones (e.g., directional microphones, parabolic microphones, etc.) may be used to audibly track customers. In some embodiments, multiple RFID readers positioned along the path may be used to track customers (e.g., via RFID tags in devices worn or held by the customer). In some embodiments, customers may be tracked via an input device held by the customer.

[0036] Method 100 further includes: responding to a controller coupled to the identification and tracking system (e.g., Figure 1 The control signal of the controller 26) along the path is displayed on the screen (e.g., in the display). Figure 1A corresponding user interface or screen is displayed on display 14, and the corresponding user interface or screen moves along the display with each customer as they move along the path (box 108). In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen for a customer moves continuously along the display as the customer moves along the path. In some embodiments, the corresponding user interface or screen for a customer appears intermittently along the display as the customer moves along the path. For example, the corresponding user interface or screen may appear along the display only when the customer is stationary along the path. In another example, the corresponding user interface or screen may appear along the display only when the customer is facing the display. In some embodiments, where the interactive area includes multiple displays (e.g., adjacent displays that are separated from each other and spaced apart), the corresponding user interface or screen associated with the customer can move from one display to another as the customer moves along the path between the displays. In some embodiments, the customer can interact with the corresponding user interface or screen. For example, the customer can interact with their corresponding user interface or screen on display 14 (e.g., directly or indirectly). For example, the customer can interact directly with the corresponding user interface or screen via a touch display (when the display acts as a touchscreen). In another example, a customer can interact with the corresponding user interface or screen via voice (e.g., via a microphone). In a further example, a customer can also interact with the corresponding user interface or screen via a corresponding input device.

[0037] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to substantial objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [performing]...[function]” or “step for [performing]...[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

[0038] While only certain features of the disclosed 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 the disclosed subject matter.

Claims

1. An interactive area, comprising: The first display is set along the path of the queue of attractions; An identification and tracking system configured to identify or mark a customer when the customer enters the queue and to track the customer as the customer moves along the path; as well as A controller coupled to the identification and tracking system, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first display to show a user interface that moves along the first display with the customer as the customer moves along the path.

2. The interactive area as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to move the user interface along the first display near the customer for a period of time as the customer moves along the path.

3. The interactive area as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the user interface to appear intermittently near the customer along the first display as the customer moves along the path.

4. The interactive area as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to make the user interface appear near the customer only when the customer is stationary along the path.

5. The interactive area as described in claim 1, wherein, A second display is positioned along the path of the queue for the attraction, the second display being separate from and spaced apart from the first display, and the controller is configured to cause the second display to show the user interface previously displayed on the first display as the customer transitions along the path from a location near the first display to a location near the second display.

6. The interactive area as described in claim 1, wherein, The controller is coupled to the first display, wherein the first display includes a touchscreen configured to allow the customer to interact directly with the user interface.

7. The interactive area of ​​claim 1, further comprising a projection system configured to project the user interface onto the first display, wherein, The controller is coupled to the projection system and configured to cause the user interface to be displayed on the first display via signals sent to the projection system.

8. The interactive area as described in claim 7, wherein, The projection system includes one or more reflective surfaces disposed behind the first display along the path and a plurality of projectors, wherein the plurality of projectors are configured to project the user interface onto the one or more reflective surfaces, and the one or more reflective surfaces are configured to reflect the user interface onto the first display.

9. The interactive area as described in claim 1, wherein, The identification and tracking system includes multiple directional microphones positioned along the path.

10. The interactive area as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The plurality of directional microphones are configured to enable the customer to audibly interact with the user interface as the customer moves along the path.

11. The interactive area of ​​claim 9, further comprising an input device configured to be held by the customer to provide input to the user interface as the customer moves along the path.

12. The interactive area as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The identification and tracking system includes multiple radio frequency identification (RFID) readers that are positioned along the path and configured to identify or mark the customer and track the customer via RFID tags in a device associated with the customer.

13. The interactive area as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a moving walkway disposed along the path.

14. The interactive area as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The identification and tracking system is configured to identify or mark the multiple customers when they enter the queue and to track each customer as they move along the path, wherein the controller is configured to display a user interface on the first display for each customer, and wherein each user interface moves along the first display with its corresponding customer as each customer moves along the path.

15. A method for a customer to interact with an interactive area, the method comprising: When a customer enters the queue for a attraction, the customer is identified or marked via an identification and tracking system. As the customer moves along the path corresponding to the queue, the customer is tracked via the identification and tracking system; as well as In response to a control signal from a controller coupled to the identification and tracking system, a user interface is displayed on a display along the path, the user interface moving along the display near the customer as the customer moves along the path.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, Displaying the user interface includes continuously displaying and moving the user interface along the display near the customer as the customer moves along the path.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, Displaying the user interface includes intermittently displaying the user interface along the display near the customer as the customer moves along the path.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein, The display includes a touchscreen, and the method further includes receiving user input from the customer via the user interface through the touchscreen.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The customer is moved along the path by a walkway set along the path.

20. A system for customers to interact with an interactive area, the system comprising: Displays are set along the path of the queue of attractions; An identification and tracking system configured to identify or mark multiple customers when they enter the queue, and configured to track each of the multiple customers as they move along the path; A controller, coupled to the identification and tracking system, wherein the controller is configured to generate a user interface on the display for each customer, and wherein each corresponding user interface moves along the display with its corresponding customer as each customer moves along the path; and One or more user devices, which enable each customer to interact with their respective user interface as each customer moves along the path.

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