Self-service ride

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-service amusement ride with vehicles such as drift karts or electric karts. Ordering kiosks allow for the ordering, payment, or activation of tickets in the form of QR codes, combinations, mobile devices, chips, receipts, or RFID chips. Access is controlled by a restricted area with a token scanner. A helmet or safety equipment dispenser is provided. A video station displays safety instructions and captures digital signatures. A server system manages token activations and vehicle releases and communicates wirelessly with the ordering kiosks and vehicles. Vehicle token scanners activate or deactivate the vehicles and regulate their speed (max. 65 km / h, min. 2 km / h). The invention also relates to a method for operating a self-service amusement ride.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a self-service amusement ride, specifically according to the features of the independent claims.

[0002] Conventional rides in amusement parks or fairs typically require staff for operation and monitoring. This leads to higher operating costs and increased organizational effort. Another problem is that passenger safety is often monitored manually, which can lead to human error. Furthermore, access control to the rides is often inflexible and not fully automated.

[0003] EP2673182B1 describes a modular vehicle system comprising an electric vehicle and at least one module that can be connected to the vehicle. The electric vehicle has an onboard power supply system for powering an electric drive unit and several interfaces for connecting the modules. The modules have electrical assemblies and connecting elements that can be connected to the vehicle's interfaces, as well as locking devices that secure the connection and protect against unauthorized access. The locking devices can be moved between a free and a locked position, allowing the module to be securely and easily connected to or disconnected from the vehicle.

[0004] EP3418093B1 describes a vehicle safety system comprising sensors and algorithms for detecting and avoiding collisions. The system improves vehicle safety and can actively take measures to prevent accidents. The claims include the specific sensors and algorithms used for collision avoidance.

[0005] DE112019001419T5 describes a management device for batteries used in electrically powered vehicles. The battery contains unique information, including vehicle-related data and usage history. This management device is located in a battery exchange station and comprises a reading area that reads the battery information and a display section that presents battery identification data based on the read information. This identification data helps in selecting a suitable replacement battery at the station.

[0006] DE69820987T2 describes a control system for vehicle rental. This system allows specific customers to rent a vehicle at pre-defined times and dates using magnetic cards. These cards store user data as well as rental times and dates, which are written to the card by a card writer. The vehicle is equipped with a programmable reader that reads the card and activates the vehicle's functions when the information on the card matches the information programmed into the reader. The reader can also store information to log the sequence of users who have used the vehicle and record the vehicle's status, such as engine status and maximum speed.

[0007] WO1997029810A2 describes an information system for a vehicle used to transport at least one person on a golf course. The system consists of a base station located at a club or course with control and storage units for recording driving data and other information. The vehicle contains a control unit with a primary logic for processing and displaying the driving data, and a secondary logic for processing and displaying additional information on a graphic display. Interfaces in the base station and the vehicle enable data transfer. The control unit compares the driving data with reference values, stores, modifies, or displays the current driving data, and adjusts the vehicle's functions accordingly. Additionally, there is a chip card-based billing system for vehicles, particularly golf carts.

[0008] US11892844B2 describes a system in which a potential passenger's expression of intent to use an autonomous vehicle is received via a user interface. Upon receiving this expression of intent, a vehicle summoning request is sent via a signaling mode to at least one autonomous vehicle, which can directly receive the request according to the signaling mode.

[0009] The described state-of-the-art systems and devices also require some manual operation, which increases personnel costs and operating expenses, or do not offer complete automation of security checks and access control. Furthermore, there is no integrated solution that automates the ordering, payment, and activation of tickets as well as the management and control of vehicles as much as possible.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a self-service amusement ride and a method for operating such a ride that enables fully automated operation and safety checks, thereby reducing personnel costs and increasing operational efficiency.

[0011] The problem is solved by the self-service ride and the method for operating such a self-service ride according to the independent claims. The dependent claims describe particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0012] A self-service ride according to the invention comprises: a) a plurality of vehicles, wherein the vehicles are preferably designed as three-wheeled drift karts or four-wheeled karts, each vehicle comprising a drive, preferably an electric drive and a vehicle control device for controlling the drive; b) an ordering machine for ordering, paying for or activating tickets which are in the form of tokens containing at least one piece of information, wherein the token is preferably in the form of a QR code, a combination of numbers and / or letters, a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, a chip, an electronic or paper receipt or an RFID chip, or which can be issued by the ordering machine; c) preferably an access-restricted area comprising the vehicles, wherein the access-restricted area includes an access token scanner which reads the token ordered, paid for or activated from the ordering machine and grants access to the vehicles depending on at least one piece of information from the token; d) a helmet or safety equipment dispensing point, preferably located in an area with restricted access; e) a video station for displaying safety instructions or operating instructions for the drivers of the vehicles, the video station preferably being equipped to capture a digital signature of the driver; f) a server system for managing token activations and vehicle releases, wherein the server system comprises a communication device, in particular a wireless communication device, and is in communication connection with the ordering machine and the vehicle control units of the respective vehicles; (g) a vehicle token scanner on each vehicle for activating or deactivating the vehicle release of the individual vehicle, wherein the respective vehicle token scanner is in communication connection with the ordering machine and / or the server system via the vehicle control unit of the respective vehicle in order to activate or deactivate the respective vehicle for driving; wherein preferably a motor controller is assigned to the vehicle control unit of the individual vehicle in order to set the speed in the respective vehicle, wherein the motor controller is designed such that, after vehicle release, it sets a maximum activation speed of the respective vehicle and, upon deactivation, a minimum deactivation speed at which the vehicle moves,Preferably, the maximum activation speed of the respective vehicle is set to 65 km / h and the minimum deactivation speed to 2 km / h. Alternatively, the engine controller could also shut off the vehicle's drive system when deactivation is requested. In the case of internal combustion engines, the throttle valve could be closed via an actuator that can be addressed by the vehicle control unit via a communication channel, thus completely blocking the airflow to the combustion engine. When the vehicle is activated, the throttle valve would then be opened again, restoring the airflow to the combustion engine. Alternatively or additionally, each vehicle could include means, in particular visual and / or acoustic means, such as a loudspeaker or a display,to indicate to the driver that the journey is over or to encourage him to return the vehicle to the vehicle return point in the restricted access area.

[0013] The ticket machine can also be used for verification, for example, of the driver's age. Appropriate devices may be provided to allow for age verification, such as a scanner for capturing personal identification documents like a passport or national identity card. This allows access and operation to be restricted to those above a certain age. Below this age limit, the ticket machine cannot purchase or issue a ticket.

[0014] The feature that reduces the deactivation speed to 3-4 km / h ensures that the vehicles remain safe and controllable even at minimal speeds. This allows for a safe return to the vehicle in creep mode after the driving time has elapsed or the set distance has been reached, without having to dismount.

[0015] Advantageously, the respective vehicle comprises a multi-speed transmission, wherein the transmission is in communication connection with the motor controller in order to set the individual gears of the transmission, wherein preferably a first gear is designed such that the vehicle reaches the minimum deactivation speed and a second gear is designed such that the vehicle reaches the maximum activation speed.

[0016] Ideally, access to the restricted area is granted by activating a token in the ordering machine, and access to the vehicles is only permitted after the driver has digitally signed for and watched a safety video. This increases security and ensures that drivers have the necessary safety information.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the server system and the ordering machine are integrated into a single unit and preferably designed to be physically separate from the self-service ride. The server system and the ordering machine are specifically configured as servers with a CPU, memory, and a database system, and preferably the tokens are issued by the ordering machine purely in digital form. This configuration enables centralized control and management of the entire system.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for operating a self-service amusement ride, comprising the steps of: a) Providing an ordering machine for ordering, paying for or activating tickets which are in the form of tokens containing at least one piece of information, wherein the token is preferably in the form of a QR code, a combination of numbers and / or letters, a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, a chip, an electronic or paper receipt or an RFID chip, or is issued by the ordering machine; b) preferential release of an access-restricted area that includes the vehicles by means of an access token scanner which reads the token and grants access to the vehicles for the driver depending on the token; c) Providing helmets or safety equipment, preferably in the restricted access area; d) preferential provision of a video station for viewing a safety video and preferential capture of a digital signature of the driver; e) Activating the token on a server system and releasing a vehicle by scanning the token on a vehicle token scanner of the vehicle; f) preferably reducing the vehicle speed after a predetermined driving time or distance of the respective vehicle depending on the at least one piece of information from the token, preferably by switching a motor controller assigned to the respective vehicle in order to set the speed in the respective vehicle between a maximum activation speed and a minimum deactivation speed, wherein preferably the maximum activation speed is set to 65 km / h and the minimum deactivation speed is set to 2 km / h.

[0019] Advantageously, access to the vehicles or the activation of a journey for a particular vehicle is only granted after the driver, who has purchased or activated a corresponding token, has viewed the safety video and digitally signed the vehicle at the video station. The ticket, i.e., the token, serves as authorization to begin a journey in a vehicle selected by the driver, thus activating the journey. This measure increases safety and ensures that drivers receive and understand the necessary information before gaining access to the vehicles. The digital signature can be in the form of a facsimile of the driver, i.e., a digital image created, for example, with a stylus or finger on a touchscreen of the video station, or alternatively, by taking a fingerprint of the driver using a fingerprint scanner integrated into or linked to the video station.The video station also serves to obtain consent to the contents of digital or physical documents, such as user agreements and liability waivers from the driver to the operator of the self-service ride.

[0020] The token purchased at the ordering machine can be activated via the machine. Once the driver has reviewed or had read the safety instructions or operating manual at the video station, and preferably after providing their digital signature at the ordering machine or video station, they can select a vehicle, enter it, scan the token with the vehicle token scanner, and thus activate the vehicle for the journey, allowing the driver to depart. Therefore, the journey is only possible with a valid, i.e., activated, token.

[0021] The video station may include a loudspeaker for the acoustic output of information such as safety instructions or the vehicle's operating manual.

[0022] In principle, the video station could be part of the ordering machine or integrated into it. The statements already made regarding the ordering machine then also apply analogously to the video station.

[0023] Preferably, drivers access the restricted area by activating tokens at the ordering machine. This allows for flexible and efficient access control and increases safety and convenience for users.

[0024] In a specific implementation, the server system manages ticket activations and vehicle releases. This centralized management increases the efficiency and reliability of the entire system.

[0025] The preferred method involves the vehicle's motor controller automatically switching between different driving modes, including a drift mode that sets the maximum activation speed and a creep mode that sets the minimum deactivation speed. This allows for flexible adjustment of the vehicle's performance to the respective operating conditions, increasing driving pleasure and safety for the users.

[0026] In principle, it is conceivable that the ordering machine and / or the server system are equipped with an automatic timer that ends the operation of the respective vehicles after the specified driving time or distance has elapsed. The starting point for this could be the activation of the token or the respective vehicle.

[0027] Each vehicle can have its own energy supply, such as rechargeable batteries for propulsion. A charging station can be provided in the access-restricted area to charge the batteries of each vehicle.

[0028] The vehicles are preferably trackless, i.e., non-rail-bound vehicles that can preferably move freely in all directions.

[0029] When we talk about activating or deactivating a token or a vehicle, we mean that this allows us to control the operation of the vehicle between a creep mode and a drift mode.

[0030] The self-service ride is preferably an autonomous or automatic go-kart track, preferably comprising a parkour course, a circuit or a race track.

[0031] The advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and the figure.

[0032] It shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a self-service amusement ride according to one embodiment.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 1 is shown in a schematic representation of a self-service amusement ride 1. The elements shown are purely schematic and are not to scale. The self-service amusement ride 1 comprises a plurality of vehicles 2, wherein the vehicles 2 can be, for example, three-wheeled drift karts or four-wheeled karts, and each vehicle 2 comprises a drive, preferably an electric drive, and a vehicle control unit for controlling the drive.

[0034] Furthermore, the self-service ride 1 includes an ordering machine 3 for ordering, paying for, or activating tickets, which are in the form of tokens 4 containing at least one piece of information, wherein the token 4 is preferably in the form of a QR code, a combination of numbers and / or letters, a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, a chip, an electronic or paper receipt, or an RFID chip, or can be issued by the ordering machine 3. The ordering machine 3 may have a display to show the token 4.

[0035] Furthermore, the self-service ride 1 includes an access-restricted area 5 in which the vehicles 2 are placed. This access-restricted area 5 includes an access token scanner 6, which reads the token 4 ordered, paid for, or activated from the ordering machine 3 and grants access to the vehicles 2 based on at least one piece of information contained in the token 4. This access may be restricted by a door or barrier that opens based on the information stored on the token 4, allowing the driver to enter the access-restricted area 5 and select one of the vehicles 2.

[0036] A helmet or safety equipment distribution point 7 is also provided in the access-restricted area 5, preferably the helmet or safety equipment distribution point is located in the access-restricted area.

[0037] Furthermore, a video station 8 is provided for displaying safety instructions or operating manuals for the drivers of the vehicles 2, and the video station 8 is preferably configured to capture a digital signature of the driver. The video station 8 can also be located near or integrated into the safety equipment dispenser 7. In this case, the video station 8 is also located in the access-restricted area 5.

[0038] Furthermore, a server system 9 is provided for managing token activations and vehicle releases. Server system 9 has a communication device (not shown), such as a wireless communication device (Bluetooth, WLAN, etc.), and is in communication connection (see the dashed lines) with the ordering machine 3 and the vehicle control units of the respective vehicles 2.

[0039] Furthermore, each individual vehicle 2 has a vehicle token scanner (not shown) for activating or deactivating the vehicle release of the individual vehicle. The respective vehicle token scanner communicates with the ordering machine 3 and / or the server system 9 via the vehicle control unit of the respective vehicle 2 in order to activate or deactivate the respective vehicle 2 for the journey.

[0040] Preferably, each vehicle control unit of the individual vehicle 2 is assigned a motor controller (not shown) in order to set the speed, i.e. the speed of travel, in the respective vehicle 2, wherein the motor controller is designed such that, after vehicle release, it sets a maximum activation speed of the respective vehicle 2 and, upon deactivation, a minimum deactivation speed at which the vehicle 2 travels, wherein preferably the maximum activation speed of the respective vehicle is set to 65 km / h and the minimum deactivation speed to 2 km / h.

[0041] The procedure for operating a self-service ride 1 works as follows: The operator uses, for example, their smartphone to order, pay for, or activate a ticket. This ticket is stored as a token, for example, in the form of a QR code on the smartphone.

[0042] The driver then proceeds to the restricted area 5, where the access token scanner 6 reads the token on their smartphone and grants them access to the vehicles 2 within the restricted area 5. Helmets and other safety equipment are available at the helmet or safety equipment distribution point 7 within this area. Before the driver can use a vehicle 2, they must watch a safety video at the video station 8 and may be required to provide a digital signature to confirm that they have understood the safety instructions.

[0043] The driver's token is then activated on server system 9. The driver selects a vehicle 2 and scans their smartphone at the vehicle token scanner on the selected vehicle 2, thereby activating and unlocking the vehicle 2 for driving. The driver can now get into the vehicle 2 and drive it from the restricted area 5, for example, into a parkour course, a circuit, or a racetrack 10. On racetrack 10, the driver can now drive in drift mode.

[0044] After a certain driving time or distance has elapsed, the vehicle's speed is automatically reduced. This is done by a motor controller that regulates the vehicle's speed between a maximum speed of 65 km / h in drift mode and a minimum speed of 2 km / h in creep mode. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2673182B1

[0003] EP 3418093B1

[0004] DE 112019001419T5

[0005] DE 69820987T2

[0006] WO 1997029810A2

[0007] US 11892844B2

[0008]

Claims

[1] Self-service amusement ride, comprising: a) a plurality of vehicles, wherein the vehicles are preferably designed as three-wheeled drift karts or four-wheeled karts, each vehicle comprising a drive, preferably an electric drive and a vehicle control device for controlling the drive; b) an ordering machine for ordering, paying for or activating tickets which are in the form of tokens containing at least one piece of information, wherein the token is preferably in the form of a QR code, a combination of numbers and / or letters, a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, a chip, an electronic or paper receipt or an RFID chip, or which can be issued by the ordering machine; c) preferably an access-restricted area comprising the vehicles, wherein the access-restricted area includes an access token scanner which reads the token ordered, paid for, activated or issued by means of the ordering machine and grants access to the access-restricted area depending on the at least one piece of information of the token relating to the vehicles; d) a helmet or safety equipment dispensing point, preferably located in an area with restricted access; e) preferably a video station for displaying safety instructions or operating instructions for the drivers of the vehicles, wherein the video station is preferably equipped to capture a digital signature of the driver; f) a server system for managing token activations and vehicle releases, wherein the server system comprises a communication device, in particular a wireless communication device, and is in communication connection with the ordering machine and the vehicle control units of the respective vehicles; (g) a vehicle token scanner on each vehicle for activating or deactivating the vehicle release of the individual vehicle, wherein the respective vehicle token scanner is in communication connection with the ordering machine and / or the server system via the vehicle control unit of the respective vehicle in order to activate or deactivate the respective vehicle for the journey; wherein h) preferably, each vehicle control unit is assigned a motor controller to set the speed in the respective vehicle, wherein the motor controller is designed such that, after vehicle release, it sets a maximum activation speed of the respective vehicle and, upon deactivation, a minimum deactivation speed at which the vehicle moves, wherein preferably the maximum activation speed of the respective vehicle is set to 65 km / h and the minimum deactivation speed to 2 km / h. [2] Self-service ride according to claim 1, characterized bythat the respective vehicle is assigned a multi-speed transmission, wherein the transmission is in communication connection with the motor controller in order to set the individual gears of the transmission, wherein preferably a first gear is designed such that the vehicle reaches the minimum deactivation speed and a second gear is designed such that the vehicle reaches the maximum activation speed. [3] Self-service ride according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that access to the restricted area is granted by activating the token in the ordering machine and that access to the vehicles is preferably granted only after digital signature and viewing of a safety video by the driver. [4] Self-service ride according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the server system and the ordering machine are implemented as a single unit and preferably as being geographically separate from the self-service ride, wherein the server system and the ordering machine are in particular implemented as a server with a CPU, a memory and a database system, wherein preferably the tokens from the ordering machine are issued purely in digital form. [5] Methods for operating a self-service amusement ride, comprising the steps: a) Providing an ordering machine for ordering, paying for or activating tickets which are in the form of tokens containing at least one piece of information, wherein the token is preferably in the form of a QR code, a combination of numbers and / or letters, a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, a chip, an electronic or paper receipt or an RFID chip, or is issued by the ordering machine; b) preferential release of an access-restricted area that includes the vehicles by means of an access token scanner which reads the token and grants access to the vehicles for the driver depending on the token; c) Providing helmets or safety equipment, preferably in the restricted access area; d) preferential provision of a video station for viewing a safety video and preferential capture of a digital signature of the driver; e) Activating the token on a server system and releasing a vehicle by scanning the token on a vehicle token scanner of the vehicle; f) preferably reducing the vehicle speed after a predetermined driving time or distance of the respective vehicle depending on the at least one piece of information from the token, preferably by switching a motor controller assigned to the respective vehicle in order to set the speed in the respective vehicle between a maximum activation speed and a minimum deactivation speed, wherein preferably the maximum activation speed is set to 65 km / h and the minimum deactivation speed is set to 2 km / h. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that the deactivation speed is reduced to 3-4 km / h. [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that access to the vehicles will only be granted after the driver has viewed the safety video and digitally signed at the video station. [8] Method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that access to the restricted area for the driver is granted by activating the tokens at the ordering machine. [9] Method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by that the server system takes over the management of ticket activations and vehicle releases. [10] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the vehicle's motor controller automatically switches between different driving modes, including a drift mode which sets the maximum activation speed and a creep mode which sets the minimum deactivation speed of the vehicle.

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