Passenger restraint with integrated audio system

Abstract

The present system and method are directed to an audio system integrated into a restraint system for an amusement park ride vehicle. In particular, the system includes a restraint system for ride vehicles of an amusement park. The system comprises an audio system comprising a speaker and a microphone, where the audio system is located inside the restraint system and is configured to generate audio by means of the speaker in response to a received audio activation signal.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202511168153.1 (22) Application Date 2018.10.23 (30) Priority Data 15 / 792522 2017.10.24 US (62) Divisional Application Data 201880069723.3 2018.10.23 (71) Applicant Universal City Cinema LLC Address California, USA (72) Inventors G.S. Hall K.M. McVayne B.B. McQuillion (74) Patent Agency China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Limited 72001 Patent Attorneys Li Wenfei Liu Chunyuan (51) Int.Cl. A63G 31 / 00 (2006.01) H04R 1 / 08 (2006.01) H04R 1 / 40 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Passenger Restraint with Integrated Audio System (57) Abstract: This system and method are directed to an audio system integrated into a restraint system for amusement park ride vehicles. Specifically, the system includes a restraint system for amusement park ride vehicles. The system includes an audio system comprising a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located within the restraint system and configured to generate audio by means of the speaker in response to a received audio activation signal. Claims 4 pages, Description 12 pages, Drawings 10 pages, CN 121016208 A 2025.11.28 CN 1 21 01 62 08 A 1. A ride facility system comprising: a restraint system for a ride facility vehicle in an amusement park, wherein the restraint system is configured to generate an audio activation signal when the restraint system moves from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration; and an audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located within the restraint system and is configured to generate an audio output by means of the speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received. 2. The ride facility system of claim 1, wherein the restraint system is configured to contact a ride facility passenger on the ride facility vehicle when the restraint system is in the locked configuration to secure the ride facility passenger to the ride facility vehicle. 3. The ride-on facility system of claim 2, wherein the restraint system is a two-part restraint system, wherein the two-part restraint system includes an overhead pull-down restraint and a knee bar restraint, the overhead pull-down restraint includes the speaker and the microphone, and the knee bar restraint includes an additional speaker. 4. The ride-on facility system of claim 3, wherein the speaker and the additional speaker are configured to share...5. The ride facility system of claim 1, further comprising: an additional ride facility vehicle separate from the ride facility vehicle; and an additional audio system for the additional ride facility vehicle, the additional audio system including an additional speaker and an additional microphone; wherein the microphone and the additional microphone are configured to receive audio data and transmit the audio data to the additional speaker and the speaker respectively to facilitate communication between the audio system and users of the additional audio system. 6. The ride facility system of claim 1, wherein the audio system includes a user interface configured to receive user input, wherein the speaker or microphone is configured to be activated or deactivated in response to the received user input. 7. The ride facility system of claim 1, further comprising a control system separate from the ride facility vehicle and configured to coordinate sound from features outside the ride facility with the speaker. 8. The ride facility system of claim 1, wherein the audio system is communicatively coupled to a park or ride facility feature and configured to generate the audio output in response to communication with the park or ride facility feature. 9. The riding facility system of claim 1, wherein the audio system is connected to a power source by means of a wired connection, wherein the wired connection contacts a brush at a pivot joint of the restraint system. 10. A ride facility system comprising: a first audio system located within a first restraint system associated with a first ride facility vehicle; a first speaker of the first audio system; a first microphone of the first audio system; a second audio system located within a second restraint system associated with a second ride facility vehicle, wherein the first audio system and the second audio system are communicatively coupled to each other to facilitate the transmission of audio data between the first audio system and the second audio system; a second speaker of the second audio system; and a second microphone of the second audio system. (Claims 1 / 4 page 2 CN 121016208 A) wherein the first audio system and the second audio system include corresponding circuitry configured to communicatively couple to corresponding control systems, wherein each of the corresponding control systems includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory of the corresponding control system, and wherein each of the first restraint system and the second restraint system is configured to pivot about a corresponding connector, wherein each of the corresponding connectors includes a brush configured to continuously contact the corresponding circuitry when the corresponding restraint system pivots, wherein at least the first restraint system or the second restraint system is configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.An audio activation signal is generated at a specific time, and at least the first audio system or the second audio system is configured to generate audio output by means of a respective first speaker and second speaker, and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received. 11. The ride-hailing system of claim 10, wherein the respective control system is configured to cause the respective first and second microphones to receive audio input and cause the respective first and second speakers to generate audio output. 12. The ride-hailing system of claim 10, including a first user interface of the first audio system, wherein the first user interface is configured to control the first speaker and the first microphone. 13. A method of operating a restraint system and an audio system for a ride vehicle in an amusement park, the audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located inside the restraint system, wherein the ride vehicle is communicatively coupled to a second ride vehicle and features outside the ride, the method comprising: retracting the restraint system, wherein retracting the restraint system includes moving the restraint system to an unlocked configuration, and wherein the ride vehicle is configured to accommodate ride passengers when the restraint system is in the unlocked configuration; determining, by means of a processor, when the restraint system moves from the unlocked configuration to a locked configuration; generating an audio activation signal by means of the restraint system when the processor determines that the restraint system has moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration; and controlling the audio system associated with the ride vehicle based on whether the restraint system is in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration, wherein controlling the audio system includes activating the audio system by generating audio received from the second ride vehicle or features outside the ride via the speaker, wherein controlling the audio system includes changing the audio output generated by the speaker from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the ride facility vehicle is communicatively coupled to a second ride facility vehicle and a feature outside the ride facility, wherein activating the audio system includes generating audio received from the feature of the second ride facility vehicle or the feature outside the ride facility by means of the speaker. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the audio system includes a microphone. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the audio system includes a user interface and a plurality of speakers. 17. A ride facility system comprising: a restraint system for a ride facility vehicle of an amusement park, wherein the restraint system is configured to contact a ride facility passenger on the ride facility vehicle to secure the ride facility passenger to the ride facility vehicle when the restraint system is in a locked configuration, wherein the restraint system includes:An over-the-top pulldown restraint, the over-the-top pulldown restraint including a speaker and a microphone; and a knee bar restraint, the knee bar restraint including an additional speaker; and an audio system located inside the restraint system, configured to generate audio output by means of the speaker and the additional speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when an audio activation signal is received, wherein the restraint system is configured to generate the audio activation signal when the restraint system moves from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. 18. A restraint system for a vehicle assembly of a ride in a theme park, the restraint system comprising: a first restraint including a first audio system comprising a first speaker and a first microphone, wherein the first audio system is fixed and recessed within the first restraint; and a second restraint including a second audio system comprising a second speaker and a second microphone, wherein the second audio system is fixed and recessed within the second restraint, wherein the first audio system and the second audio system are configured to establish communication with each other by means of communication coupling to allow communication between the first restraint and the second restraint respectively by means of the first audio system and the second audio system in response to the first restraint and the second restraint being in a locked configuration, wherein at least the first restraint or the second restraint is configured to generate an audio activation signal when moving from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, and at least the first audio system or the second audio system is configured to generate audio output by means of a respective first speaker and second speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received. 19. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein the first restraintor is configured to secure a first passenger to a first boarding facility vehicle, and the second restraintor is configured to secure a second passenger to a second boarding facility vehicle. 20. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein the first audio system and the second audio system are communicatively coupled to a feature outside the boarding facility. 21. The restraint system of claim 20, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are configured to generate audio output in response to receiving an audio activation signal from a feature outside the boarding facility. 22. The restraint system of claim 21, wherein the audio output of the first speaker is different from the audio output of the second speaker. 23. The restraint system of claim 21, wherein the audio outputs of the first restraintor and the second restraintor are customized via a user interface. 24. The restraint system of claim 19, wherein the first boarding facility vehicle is located within a first boarding facility.25. The restraint system of claim 19, wherein the first and second ride facility vehicles are located on the same ride facility path. 26. The restraint system of claim 19, wherein the first and second restrainers are configured to send and receive verbal messages between the first and second ride facility vehicles. 27. A restraint chair comprising: a restraint arm configured to move from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, wherein the restraint arm is configured to generate an audio activation signal when moving between each configuration; and an audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located inside the restraint arm and configured to generate audio output by means of the speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received. Claims 3 / 4 Page 4 CN 121016208 A 28. A communication system comprising: a restraint system for a plurality of ride vehicles in an amusement park; and an audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located within the restraint system, wherein the audio system is configured to receive audio signals from one or more features of the amusement park and generate audio output by means of the speaker, wherein the audio output is tailored for each of the plurality of ride vehicles. Claims 4 / 4 Page 5 CN 121016208 A Passenger restraint device with integrated audio system Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to amusement park rides, and more particularly to systems and methods for securing passengers within amusement park rides. Background Art

[0002] Most amusement park rides include ride vehicles that carry passengers along a ride path (e.g., a track). During the ride, the ride path may include multiple features, including tunnels, turns, rises, falls, loops, etc. Therefore, passengers may be subjected to forces that could cause them to deviate from their proper position or orientation within the ride facility vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to restrain passengers while the ride facility is in operation.

[0003] Furthermore, the amusement park experience for ride facility passengers can be enhanced by providing experiential enhancement effects. It is now recognized that, within the limitations of certain ride facility systems, the positioning features used to provide such effects may be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the initially claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather are intended only to provide a brief summary of the possible forms of the subject matter.In fact, the subject matter can encompass a variety of forms similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the system includes a restraint system for a ride facility vehicle in an amusement park. The system includes an audio system comprising a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located inside the restraint system and configured to generate audio by means of the speaker in response to an audio activation signal.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the ride facility system includes a first audio system located inside a first restraint system associated with a first ride facility vehicle, a first speaker of the first audio system, and a first microphone of the first audio system. The ride facility system also includes a second audio system located inside a second restraint system associated with a second ride facility vehicle, wherein the first audio system and the second audio system are communicatively coupled to each other to facilitate the transmission of audio data between them. The second audio system includes a second speaker of the second audio system and a second microphone of the second audio system.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the method includes retracting a restraint system associated with a ride facility vehicle, wherein retracting the restraint system includes moving the restraint system to an unlocked position, and wherein the ride facility vehicle is configured to accommodate ride facility passengers when the restraint system is in the unlocked position. The method also includes using a processor to determine whether the restraint system is in a locked position, and controlling an audio system associated with the vehicle of the ride facility based on whether the restraint system is in a locked or unlocked position, wherein the audio system includes a speaker.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar characters throughout the drawings denote similar parts, wherein: FIG1 depicts a block diagram of various components of an amusement park according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG2 depicts a perspective view of a ride facility system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG3 depicts a side view of a ride facility vehicle of FIG1's ride facility system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein an audio system is schematically represented; FIG4 depicts a perspective view of a ride facility vehicle of FIG1's ride facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the ride facility vehicle incorporates more than one audio system into a restraint system; FIG5 depicts a schematic side view of an aspect of the incorporated audio system and a restraint system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG6 depicts a schematic representation of circuitry associated with an audio system of a restraint system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG7 depicts a perspective view of an aspect of the incorporated audio system and a portion of a restraint system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 depicts an aspect of an audio system combined according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a perspective view of a two-part restraint system; Figure 9 depicts a side perspective view of two riding facility systems according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the two riding facility systems being...The ride-on facilities system is communicatively coupled to each other and to the park attractions by means of an audio system; and Figure 10 depicts a flowchart of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, whereby the audio system is activated to coordinate audio. Detailed Description

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. 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 in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may differ from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0010] The systems and techniques described herein include audio systems integrated with constraint systems to enhance the transmission and reception of audio for passengers traveling to and from ride-on facilities. Typical amusement parks include a wide variety of amusement park attractions that provide entertainment for different audiences among park patrons. For example, an amusement park may include amusement park attractions such as ride systems, live shows, interactive characters, musical performances, etc. More specifically, a ride system (e.g., a roller coaster or a dark ride) includes one or more ride vehicles that move along a ride path (e.g., a track) via a series of features. Such features may include tunnels, turns, rises, falls, loops, etc. Because ride vehicles typically travel at high speeds and along non-linear paths, customers (e.g., passengers) inside the ride vehicle may experience strong forces that could cause them to move (e.g., be jolted) if they are not secured to the ride vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to restrain passengers while the ride system is in operation. Furthermore, it is now recognized that it is desirable to add audio features (e.g., speakers and microphones) to the ride vehicle without significantly affecting certain efficiencies. For example, it may be desirable to add audio system components to the ride vehicle that require limited space (e.g., volume) to make more efficient use of the available space. As another example, it may be desirable to limit the weight of such an audio system to avoid inefficiencies (e.g., energy efficiency) associated with maneuvering the vehicle.

[0011] This embodiment can facilitate limiting the size of the audio system by positioning the audio output and / or input (e.g., speakers and / or microphones) near the respective occupant, which avoids the need for a larger audio system, as described in the specification 2 / 12 pages 7 CN 121016208 A.The audio system allows riders to experience (e.g., hear) the system's functionality from a greater distance. This also facilitates customization for each rider. Furthermore, this embodiment effectively utilizes available space by combining the audio system components with passenger restraints, so that individual spaces are not substantially consumed or added to the overall vehicle structure. By using the systems and techniques described herein to enhance the entertainment provided to riders of the ride facility while maintaining the effective operation of the restraint system, the overall entertainment value of the ride facility system can be increased, while at least other operational efficiencies are maintained.

[0012] Turning to FIG1, a block diagram depicting embodiments of various components of an amusement park 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, the amusement park 3 may include a ride facility system 10, which includes a ride facility path 12 that accommodates the ride facility vehicle 20, such as by engaging with the tires or wheels of the ride facility vehicle 20, and facilitates movement of the ride facility vehicle along the ride facility path 12. In an embodiment, the ride facility path 12 tracks a trajectory for the ride facility vehicle 20, the trajectory including turns, rises, falls, turns, loops, etc.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the ride facility path 12 can accommodate more than one ride facility vehicle 20. The ride facility vehicles 20 can be separate from each other, or can be coupled to each other by means of any suitable linkage mechanism. For example, the front of a ride facility vehicle 20 can be coupled to the rear of another ride facility vehicle 20 by means of a pin system. Each ride facility vehicle 20 in this configuration can carry one or more ride facility passengers 22.

[0014] As shown, the ride facility vehicle 20 includes a restraint system 24, which may include an overhead lap bar arranged to accommodate and secure passengers to the ride facility vehicle 20 (e.g., against a backrest and seat), as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3-6. When the overhead lap bar (e.g., restraint system 24) is not engaged in a locked position (e.g., when restraint system 24 is in an unlocked position), it can be designed to remain stationary in a configuration such that the overhead lap bar is positioned above the passenger's head and shoulders. However, when the over-the-top knee bar is engaged in the locked position, it can be pulled down to secure the passenger's torso and knees to the vehicle's backrest and seat, respectively. The over-the-top knee bar can be configured to accommodate passengers of various sizes by, for example, retracting or extending aspects of the over-the-top knee bar.

[0015] As shown, the restraint system 24 may include an audio system 30, which may include a speaker 32, a microphone 34, and support cables. The audio system 30 may be located within the restraint system 24 or otherwise integrated with the restraint system 24. For example, when the restraint system 24 actively engages the passenger 22, the audio system 30 may include components located at the outermost point of the restraint system 24.A speaker is located within a portion of the head (e.g., more specifically, the ear) of the passenger 22 in the seating facility. The restraint system 24 may include a cover (e.g., a thematic fabric, plastic, or metal mesh) integrated with the surface of the restraint system 24 and situated above the speaker to facilitate the transmission of audio from the audio system 30 to the ear of the passenger 22. As a specific example, where the restraint system 24 includes an over-the-top knee bar, the audio system 30 (e.g., a speaker) may be located within the over-the-top knee bar below its surface and close to the ear of the passenger 22. In embodiments, the audio system 30 may be located in an opening in the restraint system 24 and held within the boundaries of the restraint system 24 by a perforated layer (e.g., a fabric, metal, or plastic speaker cover).

[0016] The speaker 32 may include an acoustic transducer that operates to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. More specifically, the acoustic transducer may include an electrostatic balancing armature and a moving coil horn. The speaker 32 may be an electrodynamic horn that includes an electromagnetic coil and a diaphragm to generate audio. In an embodiment, the speaker 32 may include a planar speaker, such that the planar surface acts as a diaphragm (e.g., made of vinyl, polystyrene foam, polypropylene foam, and / or carbon fiber). The planar speaker may include an electrostatic planar speaker, which uses two metal grids with a plastic sheet diaphragm. While only a few examples of the types of speaker 32 that can be used in this embodiment are described, it should be noted that any suitable device capable of dissipating audio to passenger 22 (e.g., multi-unit planar diaphragm speaker, strip-driven speaker, plasma arc speaker, piezoelectric speaker) may be used.

[0017] In an embodiment, the microphone 34 may be a dynamic microphone, which includes a moving coil and a strip arrangement. For a microphone 34 that is a dynamic microphone (page 3 / 12 of the specification, 8 CN 121016208 A), movement of the conductors in the dynamic microphone can induce an electric current, which is converted into the reproduction of audio. In an embodiment, the microphone 34 may be a capacitive microphone, which converts pressure fluctuations into an electric potential through changes in capacitance. Only a few examples of the types of microphone 34 that can be used according to the embodiment are described, but it should be noted that any suitable device capable of receiving audio from passenger 22 may be used.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the audio system 30 also includes a user interface 36, which may represent one or more such interfaces. The user interface 36 may include a button suite and / or a screen capable of receiving user input. For example, the user interface 36 may include a touchscreen configured to navigate a menu of options displayed on the touchscreen based on user input (e.g., touching the screen). In this embodiment, the user interface 36 operates to allow the user to control the volume of the audio system 30. Furthermore, the user interface 36 may receive user input to control which features of the audio system 30 are enabled.(on) and which are powered off. For example, user interface 36 may allow passenger 22 to toggle a switch to turn on speaker 32 (e.g., to output audio) and toggle another switch to keep microphone 34 mute and / or off (e.g., so that the microphone does not receive any audio indication from passenger 22). In embodiments, user interface 36 may include any number of devices that may facilitate the display of information, the reception of user input, etc.

[0019] The illustrated embodiment includes a control system 40 communicatively coupled (e.g., by means of wired or wireless features) to ride facility vehicle 20. Control system 40 may be communicatively coupled to one or more ride facility vehicles 20 of amusement park 3 by means of any suitable wired and / or wireless connection (e.g., by means of a transceiver). In embodiments, control system 40 may control various aspects of ride facility system 10, such as the direction of movement of ride facility vehicle 20 along ride facility path 12. In embodiments, control system 40 may receive data indicative of user input to user interface 36 to, for example, control audio system 30 and associated speaker(s) 32 and microphone(s) 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 40 is an electronic controller with electronic circuitry configured to process, for example, data associated with the ride facility vehicle 20 from a transceiver. Furthermore, the control system 40 may be coupled to various components of the amusement park 3 (e.g., park attractions, park controllers).

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 40 includes a processor 44, such as the microprocessor shown, and a memory device 42. The control system 40 may also include one or more storage devices 46 and / or other suitable components.

[0021] The processor 44 may be used to execute software, such as software for controlling (one or more) the ride facility vehicle 20 and any components associated with the ride facility vehicle 20 (e.g., audio system 30). Furthermore, the processor 44 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 44 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

[0022] The memory device 42 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as ROM. Memory device 42 can store a wide variety of information and can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, memory device 42 can store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for processor 44 to execute, such as instructions for controlling components of the passenger facility vehicle 20.

[0023] (One or more) storage devices 46 (e.g., non-volatile storage devices) may include read-only memory (ROM),Flash memory, hard disk drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium or a combination thereof. Storage device 46 (one or more) may store data (e.g., image data, audio data), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling restraint system 24, audio system 30), and any other suitable information.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the ride facility system 10 also includes a ride facility environment 50, which may include a variety and inconsistent combination of environments. For the purposes of this disclosure, the ride facility environment 50 includes the type of ride facility (e.g., a dark ride facility, a water roller coaster, a roller coaster with twists and turns, a VR experience, or any combination thereof) and / or associated characteristics (e.g., a theme). Specification 4 / 12 pages 9 CN 121016208 A For example, the ride facility environment 50 may include aspects of the ride facility system 10 that enhance the overall theme and / or experience associated with the ride facility system 10.

[0025] In an embodiment, the ride facility system 10 may have a motion-based environment 52 in which passengers 22 are transported or moved by the ride facility system 10. For example, a motion-based environment 52 may include a flat seating facility 54 (such as a seating facility that moves passengers substantially in a plane generally aligned with the ground by rotating about a vertical axis and / or translating along a substantially flat path), a gravity seating facility 56 (where gravity is responsible for all or part of the movement), and / or a vertical seating facility 58 (a seating facility that transfers passengers 22 in a vertical plane about a fixed point).

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the seating facility system 10 may include a stationary environment 60 in which passengers are not substantially transported or transferred by the seating facility system. For example, the stationary environment 60 may include virtual reality (V / R) features 62 (e.g., passengers may sit in seats that vibrate or remain stationary while wearing virtual reality (V / R) headphones) and / or various kinds of simulations 64. While the stationary environment 60 may not substantially move passengers 22, virtual reality and simulation effects may cause disorientation of passengers 22, making the restraint system 24 desirable for controlling the movement of passengers 22. Furthermore, the ride facility system 10 may include motion-based and stationary ride facility environments 52 and 60, which makes the restraint system 24 desirable.

[0027] FIG2 is a side perspective view of the ride facility system 10 according to an embodiment. The ride facility system 10 includes a plurality of ride facility vehicles 20 coupled together by means of linkage mechanisms and assembled to accommodate passengers 22. The ride facility vehicles 20 travel along a ride facility path 12.

[0028] The ride facility path 12 can be any feature along which the ride facility vehicles 20 travel. In an embodiment, the ride facility path 12 can be a track, rail, or road. The ride facility path 12 may or may not indicate the route taken by the ride facility vehicles.The path traveled by the 20. For example, in an embodiment, the ride facility path 12 can control the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and / or orientation) of the ride facility vehicle 20 as it moves forward, similar to a train on a train track. In an embodiment, there may be a system for controlling the direction of the ride facility vehicle 20 along the ride facility path 12, which may include selecting from a variety of different ride facility paths 12. For example, the ride facility path 12 may be an open surface that allows the passenger 22 to control certain aspects of the movement of the ride facility vehicle 20 by means of a control system residing on the ride facility vehicle 20.

[0029] As shown and discussed in detail below, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the ride facility vehicles 20 includes a restraint system 24 having an integrated audio system 30. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 2, the restraint system 24 for each ride facility vehicle 20 is designed to be located above the knees of the passenger 22 such that the restraint system 24 can contact the knees of the passenger 22, thereby securing the passenger 22 to the ride facility vehicle 20. In other embodiments, restraint system 24 may include a torso seatbelt or an over-the-head knee bar that pulls over the occupant’s shoulders to secure their upper body relative to the corresponding seat. In further embodiments, different restraints may also be utilized.

[0030] FIG3 depicts a side view of one of the ride facility vehicles 20 of the ride facility system 10 shown in FIG2. As schematically illustrated in FIG3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, ride facility vehicle 20 incorporates audio system 30 into restraint system 24. For reference, a coordinate system is included in the illustrated embodiment. The coordinate system includes a longitudinal direction 2 (e.g., parallel to the forward direction of travel of ride facility vehicle 20), a lateral direction 4, and a vertical direction 6. As shown, passenger 22 can be secured by means of restraint system 24 as ride facility vehicle 20 travels along path 12. Furthermore, passenger 22 can sit on ride facility vehicle 20 such that passenger’s back is pressed against backrest 74.

[0031] The illustrated embodiment includes three audio systems 30, which can be independently controlled by control system 40. The audio system 30 may include one or more speakers 32 and one or more microphones 34. The illustrated embodiment includes a first audio system 30 recessed in the restraint system 24, a second audio system 30 on a user interface 36 (e.g., a touchscreen), and a third audio system 30 recessed in the body of the vehicle 20, which together can provide a surround sound experience to the passenger 22. (One or more) The audio systems 30 can be actuated (e.g., turned on, switched on, reconfigured, or caused to change state) to provide a surround sound experience.

[0032] In an embodiment, when the restraint system 24 moves from an unlocked position to a locked position (e.g., causing the passenger 22 to be secured),When the restraint system 24 is engaged in the ride facility vehicle 20, the transition between locked and unlocked configurations can be detected by sensors 31 of audio systems 30 or accomplished by associated circuitry 33 of audio systems 30. In an embodiment, when the control system 40 and / or components of the control system 40 (e.g., such as audio systems 30) physically and / or communicatively coupled to the ride facility vehicle 20 receive an indication that the restraint system 24 is in a locked position (e.g., by means of sensors 31), the control system 40 and / or its components can actuate the user interface 36 and / or audio systems 30. As a particular example, when the restraint system 24 is engaged in a locked configuration, the locked configuration can be detected, and the state of audio systems 30 can change from generating an alarm tone to providing an audio effect (e.g., a thematic notification) for the ride facility. In some embodiments, this can be done directly by the audio systems 30 without involving the control system 40. The change in audio state can provide passengers 22 and any staff members managing the ride facility with an indication of the state of the restraint system 24. Furthermore, when the restraint system 24 is engaged, the user interface 36 can receive user input to control the audio system 30 and its various components (e.g., speakers 32 and microphones 34). In an embodiment, when the restraint system 24 is not in a locked position, the user interface 36 may not be turned on (e.g., kept off), so that it may not receive user input. Similarly, an alarm tone may be continuously emitted until the restraint system 24 is entered into a locked configuration.

[0033] The control system 40 may be wirelessly and / or wiredly coupled to one or more audio systems 30 of the riding facility vehicle 20 to control one or more audio systems 30. The restraint system 24 may include a user interface 36, which may include button configurations to control the audio system 30. For example, the user interface 36 of the restraint system 24 may include an adjuster for controlling the volume of one or more speakers 32 of the audio system 30. In an embodiment, the user interface 36 may include power or activation buttons corresponding to each of the speakers 32 and microphones 34. Button configuration (e.g., user interface 36) can receive user input for controlling the audio system 30 and any parameters associated with the audio system 30. For example, user input can send a signal to the control system 40 (e.g., an audio activation signal) to trigger one or more switches to control parameters associated with the audio system 30, such as the volume of speaker(s) 32, the state of microphone 34 (e.g., mute or on), etc.

[0034] The control system 40 can automatically generate audio based on the detected location of the vehicle 20. For example, controlSystem 40 can recognize that the ride facility vehicle 20 is traveling through a tunnel and can cause the audio system 30 to generate audio that matches the overall theme of the ride facility system 10 at that time and / or at that location along the path. This can be done by providing an audio activation signal based on the detected location.

[0035] FIG4 depicts a perspective view of a ride facility vehicle 20 incorporating more than one audio system 30 into corresponding restraint systems 24 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment includes four restraint systems 24 aligned in the lateral direction 4 such that each restraint system 24 can secure a ride facility passenger 22 to the ride facility vehicle 20. In the embodiment, each of the restraint systems 24 can be locked independently of each other. For example, one restraint system 24 can remain upright (e.g., unlocked) while the other restraint systems 24 are oriented downwards in a locked position (e.g., as shown in the current embodiment).

[0036] In the embodiment, the restraint system 24 in the locked position can emit audio from a speaker 32, which can serve as confirmation that the passenger 22 has been secured to the ride facility vehicle 20 by means of the restraint system 24. Specifically, the control system 40 (or the audio system 30, directly) can receive a signal indicating that the restraint system 24 is in the locked position, and in response, send a signal (e.g., an audio activation signal) to the audio system 30 to cause the corresponding locking restraint system to generate audio, which can be used as confirmation that passenger 22 has been secured to the ride facility vehicle 20 by means of the restraint system 24. For example, after the restraint system 24 has been locked, the associated audio system 30 can generate audio indicating "You are now secured to the ride facility vehicle," "locked," or any other suitable sound indication that passenger(s) 22 has been secured, which can be conveyed to passenger 22 and park attendants. As another example, the audio can notify about a particular occupant being properly secured (e.g., "Occupant 3 of vehicle 5 is secured") or simply emit (or stop emitting) music or other sounds. In yet another example, as the restraint system 24 has a range of movement and corresponding sensing characteristics, the sound can change (e.g., increase in volume) as it moves from the open position to a secured or further restricted position.

[0037] The control system 40 may be communicatively coupled to each audio system 30 associated with the ride facility vehicle 12. In embodiments of a ride facility system 10 having more than one ride facility vehicle 20, the ride facility system 10 may include a single control system 40 controlling each ride facility vehicle 20 and its associated components (e.g., audio systems 30). However, in embodiments, each ride facility vehicle 20 of the ride facility system 10 may include a corresponding control system.40, the control system 40 is configured to control its corresponding passenger facility vehicle 20 and audio system 30. For embodiments of passenger facility vehicles 20 designed to accommodate (e.g., provide seating) more than one passenger 22, each seat may have a corresponding restraint system 24, such that all restraint systems 24 are coupled to the control system 40. However, in embodiments, passenger facility vehicles 20 may have one control system 40 corresponding to each restraint system 24.

[0038] Furthermore, the restraint system 24 may include any suitable locking mechanism 76. For example, the locking mechanism 76 may be a ratchet system comprising a gear rotatable about a pawl, such that the gear and pawl are rotatably fixed on a base. The ratchet system may include a toothed circular gear, such that the pawl can engage the teeth and prevent the restraint system from rotating about (e.g., in the lateral direction 4) the locking mechanism 76.

[0039] In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 76 may be a hydraulic system comprising an actuating hydraulic pump and a hydraulic cylinder, which can be activated after the restraint system has moved an angular distance to lock the restraint system 24 by means of a bolt kit. For example, a hydraulic pump can force hydraulic fluid from a driveable piston to engage a bolt to lock the restraint system 24. In an embodiment, when the restraint system 24 is locked (e.g., by means of a bolt), the user interface 36 corresponding to the audio system 30 associated with the locked restraint system 24 can be opened or otherwise actuated.

[0040] The locking mechanism 76 may include a series of solenoids and pins that can be electrically engaged into a plurality of holes in the locking mechanism 76. In this way, the locking mechanism 76 can accommodate multiple locking positions, thereby allowing the restraint system 24 to be fixed over a wide range of body sizes. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 76 may include an electromagnetic lock comprising a locking device (e.g., comprising an electromagnet) and an armature plate. In this way, the locking mechanism can be “fail-locked”, such that when power is lost, depending on the desired outcome, the locking mechanism 76 can remain locked or unlocked.

[0041] FIG5 depicts a schematic side view of aspects of the restraint system 24 and the associated audio system 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the illustrated embodiment includes an over-the-top assembly 78 of the restraint system 24, and a backrest 74 and a seat 72 corresponding to the bottom assembly of the restraint system 24. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment includes a locking mechanism 76 (e.g., a ratchet mechanism, a hydraulic locking system). The illustrated embodiment also includes an audio system 30, which, when the over-the-top assembly 78 is in the locked position, is recessed into a portion of the over-the-top assembly 78 substantially facing the longitudinal direction 2 shown. That is, the over-the-top assembly 78 is configured to rotate about the locking mechanism 76 in the circumferential direction 8. The illustrated embodiment also includes a speaker 32 and a microphone 34 associated with the audio system 30.In addition, the illustrated embodiment of the over-the-top component 78 of the restraint system 24 includes a user interface 36 that operates to receive user input to control components associated with the audio system 30.

[0042] The illustrated embodiment also includes a transmitter 80 and a power source 82. The audio system 30 can receive power from the power source 82. In embodiments, the power source 82 may be a battery (e.g., lithium-ion and lead-acid). Although the currently illustrated embodiment includes a power source 82 located inside the over-the-top component 78 (e.g., of the restraint system 24), the power source 82 may be integrated into the audio system 30 or located in any suitable location on the vehicle 20 of the riding facility, page 7 / 12 of the specification, CN 121016208 A. The power source 82 may be wirelessly charged, charged by means of regenerative braking, charged by means of a wall socket (e.g., at the end of the day), etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the proximity sensor set 84 may be powered by the power supply 82 and transmit data and / or power (e.g., from the restraint system 24, audio system, and control system 40) to the control system 40 by means of the transmitter 80. As shown, the proximity sensor set 84 includes a first sensor 84 on the over-the-head assembly 78 and a second sensor 84 on the seat 72. In an embodiment, when the sensors of the proximity sensor set 84 are close to each other, the locking mechanism 76 may be engaged, allowing the configuration of the restraint system 24 to be changed to a locked position. For example, when the distance between the proximity sensor sets 84 (e.g., between the first and second sensors) is below a threshold distance (e.g., away from each other), a signal instructing the locking of the restraint system 24 may be sent to the locking mechanism 76 (e.g., by means of the transmitter 80), causing the locking mechanism 76 to lock the restraint system 24. Furthermore, the signal instructing the locking of the restraint system 24 may be sent to the control system 40. Upon receiving the signal, the control system 40 may send different signals to the associated audio system 30 to generate audio (e.g., “lock confirmation”), indicating that the passenger 22 is secured to the riding facility vehicle 20 by means of the restraint system 24.

[0044] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of circuitry 33 associated with the audio system 30 of the restraint system 24 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated audio system 30 is communicatively coupled to the control system 40 by means of circuitry 33, which may be copper wiring, aluminum wiring, and / or any suitable conductive wiring configured to transmit electrical signals. In an embodiment, the audio system 30 may be wirelessly coupled to the control system 40.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the restraint system 24 is operated to pivot about a point. For example, the illustrated restraint system 24 may be able to rotate in a circumferential direction 8. The illustrated circumferential direction 8 is positioned about an axis oriented in the lateral direction 4 by means of a locking mechanism 76. The illustrated embodiment includes brushes 94 to facilitate communication with and from the control system 40 by means of circuitry 33.Transmit (e.g., electrical) data and / or transmit power from power source 82, while allowing restraint system 24 to pivot about a point and rotate in a circumferential direction 8. When restraint system 24 pivots (e.g., between a locked position and an unlocked position), brush 94 can facilitate the conduction of current between circuits 33. Furthermore, the brush can be (e.g., a high-resistance brush) made of graphite and / or copper. In embodiments, brush 94 can facilitate a wired connection (e.g., by means of circuit 33) between control system 40 and audio system 30. Additionally, the illustrated embodiment includes a wire retainer 92, which can facilitate continuous contact between circuit 33 and brush 94. In other embodiments, sufficiently long and flexible wires can be used to connect power source 82 and / or control system 40 to speaker 32 and / or microphone 34.

[0046] Brush 94 can be used for any connector including circuitry and any connector associated with the riding facility vehicle 20 that allows pivoting. Furthermore, in further embodiments, any system can be used to facilitate the transmission of data and / or power via circuitry 33 while allowing the restraint system to rotate on a pivot about a point (e.g., along the circumferential direction 8). For example, in embodiments, slip rings, brass communicators, etc., can be used in conjunction with brushes 94, or slip rings, brass communicators, etc., can be used instead of brushes 94. Other embodiments may include electrically conductive components coordinated with a pivot mechanism (e.g., a hinge) to facilitate communication during the open and / or closed configuration of the restraint system 24.

[0047] FIG7 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the restraint system 24 and an integrated audio system 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated embodiment includes a seat 72 and a backrest 74 that can accommodate a passenger 22. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment of the restraint system 24 includes a restraint to secure the passenger 22 to the seat 72 of the riding facility vehicle 20 (e.g., the seat 72). The illustrated embodiment of one of the restraints is a knee bar restraint 100, which includes a padded belly band 102 that can contact the knee of passenger 22 when the knee bar restraint 100 is in the locked position.

[0048] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment of the knee bar restraint 100 includes a shaft 110. The shaft 110 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114. The first end 112 is pivotally attached to the floor (e.g., the floor of the passenger vehicle 20) by means of a pivot plate 120, which can accommodate a pin 122. That is, the illustrated shaft 110 can pivot about the pin 122 in the circumferential direction 8 until the padded belly band 102 contacts the knee of passenger 22. Furthermore, the second end 114 of the shaft 110 can be attached to the rear side of the padded belly band 102. In one embodiment, the audio system 30 can be communicatively coupled to the control via a wired connection that may include circuitry 33.The control system 40 and / or power supply 82, wherein the circuit 33 passes through the inner surface of the shaft 110 and connects the audio system 30 to the control system 40 and / or power supply 82. As mentioned above with respect to FIG6, brushes (e.g., or any suitable device) can facilitate rotation of the shaft 110 in the circumferential direction 8 while maintaining the audio system 30 coupled to the control system 40 and / or power supply 82 by means of the circuit 33.

[0049] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment includes an audio system 30 positioned in the padded belly band 102 of the knee bar restraint 100. The audio system 30 in the illustrated embodiment includes two speakers 32, a microphone 34, and a user interface 36. The two speakers 32 are oriented toward the passenger 22 while the passenger 22 is secured (e.g., by means of the knee bar restraint 100) to the seat 72. Furthermore, the microphone 34 is located between the two speakers 32. The user interface 36 is positioned to face the passenger 22 such that, in the embodiment, the user interface 36 can be easily seen by the passenger 22.

[0050] FIG8 depicts a perspective view of an aspect of a two-part restraint system and a combined audio system 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with regard to the following. The illustrated embodiment of the restraint system 24 includes a knee bar restraint 100 as shown in FIG7 as a first restraint. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment includes an over-the-top assembly 78 as a second restraint, wherein the over-the-top assembly 78 can contact the torso of the passenger 22 when the restraint system 24 (e.g., the second restraint) is in a locked position.

[0051] Furthermore, the over-the-top assembly 78 serving as the second restraint includes two speakers 32. The two speakers 32 of the illustrated over-the-top assembly 78 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the illustrated longitudinal direction 2 on the over-the-top assembly (e.g., the second restraint), such that the two speakers face each other. Furthermore, the two speakers 32 associated with the over-the-top assembly 78 are positioned at a vertical distance along the vertical direction 6 such that when the passenger 22 is seated in the riding facility vehicle 20, the speakers 32 can be aligned with the ears of the passenger 22 along the lateral direction 4. Furthermore, the two speakers 32 can be separated from each other by any suitable lateral distance along the lateral direction 4, so that the head of the passenger 22 can be adapted to the lateral distance between the two speakers 32.

[0052] In addition, the over-the-top assembly 78, which serves as a second restraint, includes two microphones 34. The two microphones 34 on the over-the-top assembly can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 2 shown on the over-the-top assembly (e.g., the second restraint), such that the two microphones face each other. In addition, the two microphones 34 associated with the over-the-top assembly 78 are positioned at a vertical distance along the vertical direction 6, such that when the passenger 22 is seated in the riding facility vehicle 20, the microphones 34 can be aligned with the mouth of the passenger 22 along the lateral direction 4 (e.g., so that the microphones 34 can receive voice audio from the passenger 22). By having in the respective restraints of the restraint system 24Multiple speakers 32 and restraint system 24 are capable of transmitting surround sound around passenger 22.

[0053] FIG9 depicts a side perspective view of two ride facility systems according to aspects of the present disclosure, wherein a first ride facility system 10A and a second ride facility system 10B are communicatively coupled to each other and to ride facility or park features (e.g., props, animatronic, visual features, robots) 130 by means of respective audio systems 30A and 30B. The first ride facility system 10A and the second ride facility system 10B include respective ride facility vehicles 20A and 20B, which can hold and secure respective passengers 22A and 22B by means of their respective restraint systems 24A and 24B. Furthermore, the first ride facility system 10A can travel along path 12A, while the second ride facility system 10B can travel along path 12B.

[0054] In an embodiment, audio systems 30A and 30B can each receive audio signals from feature 130 (shown in FIG. 9 as a farm animal electronic animal positioned away from the ride facility vehicle (outside the ride facility)) and generate audio by means of their respective speaker(s) 32. That is, audio systems 30A and 30B can be communicatively coupled to one or more features 130 (e.g., by means of a wired or wireless connection) to receive audio signals from one or more features 130. In an embodiment, audio systems 30A and 30B can each receive audio signals at different times. For example, when audio system 30 passes feature 130, the audio system can receive signals from feature 130 to generate audio by means of the corresponding speaker 32. The audio can be marked with a location or time, such that audio can be generated when the ride facility vehicle 20 passes a specific location and / or time on the ride facility path 12.

[0055] In an embodiment, the ride facility vehicles 20A can be communicatively coupled to each other by means of an audio system. For example, when each of two ride facility passengers 22A is engaged with its corresponding audio system 30A, ride facility passenger 22A can communicate with different ride facility passengers 22A in different ride facility vehicles 20A. For example, ride facility passenger 22A can speak into a microphone associated with his audio system 30, and verbal messages can be sent to different ride facility passengers 22A, 22B in different ride facility vehicles 20A, 20B (or the same ride facility vehicle). In an embodiment, the audio system 30A can receive audio signals from both feature 130 (or multiple features 130) and other passengers to generate audio by means of one or more speakers. In an embodiment, passenger 22A can selectively select (e.g., by means of the user interface of the audio system 30A)Whether the microphone 34 is blocked from audio from other passengers 22A and / or feature 130. Passengers 22A may also mute their microphones 34 so that they do not send audio signals as output (e.g., to other passengers).

[0056] The first ride facility system 10A may be located remotely from the second ride facility system 10B. Passengers 22A may communicate with passenger 22B by means of their respective audio systems 30A and 30B (e.g., in different ride facility systems). For example, passenger 22A may send a verbal message to passenger 22B by means of the microphone of their audio system 30A, so that passenger 22B receives the verbal message by means of the speaker of their audio system 30B. In an embodiment, passenger 22A may decide which other passenger to communicate with. For example, passenger 22A may select a seat number associated with one or more other passengers (e.g., 22B and / or 22A) with whom passenger 22A wants to communicate.

[0057] FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart 200 of a process according to an aspect of the present disclosure, wherein an audio system 30 (FIGs 1-8) is activated to coordinate audio. Flowchart 200 includes a method such that a restraint system 24 (FIGs 1-8) associated with a ride facility vehicle 20 (FIGs 1-4) retracts to accommodate a ride facility passenger 22 (FIGs 1-3). A control system 40 (FIGs 1, 3-8) can identify whether the restraint system 24 is in a locked position. When the restraint system is identified as being in an unlocked position, the audio system 30 remains off. Alternatively, in response to the control system 40 identifying that the restraint system 24 is in a locked position, the audio system 30 is activated. After the restraint system 24 has been locked and the audio system has been activated, the control system 40 can cause the ride facility system 10 to operate, thereby coordinating audio between the ride facility vehicle 20 and other ride facility vehicles and / or features 130 (or more features) (FIG 9).

[0058] The control system 40 can retract the restraint system 24 of the ride facility vehicle 20 to accommodate one or more passengers 22 (process block 202). In this way, the restraint system 24 can be in an unlocked position when it is retracted to accommodate passengers 22. In an embodiment, the control system 40 can retract the restraint system 24 to accommodate passengers(s) 22 when the ride facility system is not in operation and / or the ride facility vehicle 20 is not moving.

[0059] The control system 40 can also determine whether the restraint system 24 is in a locked position (decision block 206). That is, in an embodiment, the control system 40 can scan the restraint system 24 with predetermined periodic timestamps to determine whether the restraint system 24 is in a locked position. In an embodiment, determining whether the restraint system 24 is in a locked position may include determining whether the restraint system is in contact with the knee of the passenger 22 and is stationary (e.g., by means of a hydraulic locking system, ratchet system).In an embodiment, the locking mechanism of the restraint system may include a sensor 31 (FIG. 3), which sends a signal to the control system 40 indicating that the restraint system is in a locked state.

[0060] When the restraint system 24 is not locked, the audio system 30 may remain off (process block 208). For example, when the control system 40 determines that the restraint system 24 is in the unlocked position, the control system 40 may not send a signal indicating activation (e.g., turning on) of the audio system 30. In this way, the audio system may remain off, so that the speaker 32, microphone 34, and user interface 36 (FIGs. 1, 3-8) associated with the audio system 30 may also remain off. In some embodiments, the audio system 30 may simply emit sound (e.g., theme music) continuously until it is activated, rather than remaining off, taking into account the sound effects to be emitted (10 / 12 pages 15 CN 121016208 A) and not just theme music.

[0061] When the control system 40 determines that the restraint system 24 has been locked, the audio system 30 is activated (process block 210). In an embodiment, activating the audio system 30 may include turning on the audio system 30, or activating certain types of sounds (e.g., sound effects or music) instead of other sounds. That is, the control system 40 may power the speaker (process block 212). In an embodiment, after the speaker 32 has been activated (e.g., turned on), the speaker may generate audio that serves as an indication that the audio system 30 is in an on position and / or the restraint system is in a locked position. For example, the speaker 32 may generate audio indicating “restraint locked,” “audio system activated,” “enjoy your ride,” etc. Once the speaker 32 has been turned on, it may generate audio for passenger 32. The audio may be received from any device or individual communicatively coupled to the audio system 30, such as feature 130 (e.g., ride facility electronic animal, prop, or park attraction), other passenger 22, and / or park controller.

[0062] In addition, when the control system 40 turns on (or otherwise activates) the audio system 30, the control system 40 may turn on (or otherwise activate) the microphone associated with the audio system 40 (process block 214). In one embodiment, when microphone 34 is turned on or activated, it can receive spoken audio from passenger 22. In another embodiment, the spoken audio can be sent to other passengers (e.g., passengers in ride facility system 10) so that passengers can communicate with each other while ride facility system 10 is operational.

[0063] Furthermore, control system 40 can turn on (or otherwise activate) one or more user interfaces (process block 216) associated with audio system 30. After user interface 36 has been turned on or activated, control system 40 can...User input is received to modify the operation of the audio system 30. For example, based on user input, the control system 40 may modify the audio system 30 to generate audio only from feature 130 (or multiple features 130), while blocking audio received from microphones of other passengers in the ride facility. In an embodiment, the user interface 36 allows passengers 22 to personalize their audio system 30, enabling them to send audio to and / or receive audio from selected devices.

[0064] Once the audio system 30 and its various components are activated, the control system 40 may operate the ride facility system 10 (process block 220). As discussed above, the ride facility system 10 may have a motion-based environment 52 (FIG. 1) in which passengers 22 are transported or moved by the ride facility system 10. For example, the motion-based environment 52 may include a flat ride facility 54, a gravity ride facility 56, and / or a vertical ride facility 58 (FIG. 1). In this way, operating the ride facility system 10 may include controlling the ride facility vehicle 20 such that the ride facility vehicle follows a target trajectory. Additionally or alternatively, the ride facility system 10 may include a stationary environment 60 in which passengers are not substantially transported or transferred by the ride facility system. For example, the stationary environment 60 may include virtual reality (V / R) features 62 and / or various kinds of simulations 64. In this way, operating the ride facility system 10 may include controlling the display of virtual reality features and / or simulations.

[0065] Furthermore, the control system 40 coordinates audio between ride facility vehicles and / or ride facilities or park features (process block 224). In an embodiment, when the ride facility system 10 is in operation, the control system 40 may coordinate audio between ride facility vehicles 20 based on the user's selection of the user interface 36. For example, a first passenger may select on the user interface 36 (e.g., by means of a toggle switch) to receive only audio from the ride facility or park feature 130 (e.g., electronic animals on the ride facility path over which the ride facility vehicle 20 may travel). In this manner, the control system 40 can correspondingly coordinate the audio between the audio systems 30 associated with the first passenger, thereby muting the associated microphone 34, blocking audio received from other passengers, and causing the associated speaker 32 to produce only audio from the park feature 130. In an embodiment, the control system 40 can couple the audio systems 30 corresponding to the restraint system 24 and / or the riding facility vehicle 20 to feature 130, thereby coordinating the audio between feature 130 and the audio systems 30.

[0066] While only certain features of this embodiment have been shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate many modifications and variations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. DescriptionPage 12 / 12 17 CN 121016208 A Figure 1 Appendix 1 / 10 18 CN 121016208 A Figure 2 Appendix 2 / 10 19 CN 121016208 A Figure 3 Appendix 3 / 10 20 CN 121016208 A Figure 4 Appendix 4 / 10 21 CN 121016208 A Figure 5 Appendix 5 / 10 22 CN 121016208 A Figure 6 Appendix 6 / 10 23 CN 121016208 A Figure 7 Appendix 7 / 10 24 CN 121016208 A Figure 8 Appendix 8 / 10 25 CN 121016208 A Figure 9 Appendix 9 / 10 26 CN 121016208 A Figure 10 Figure 10 / 10 of the specification, page 27 CN 121016208 AHKP 2 5 2 0 7 4 2 1 Title of the invention Passenger restraint with integrated audio system Abstract Present systems and methods are directed to an audio system integrated into a restraint system for an amusement park ride vehicle. Specifically, a system includes a restraining system for a ride vehicle of an amusement park. system is positioned inside of the restraining system and configured to produce audio via the speaker in response to a received audio activation signal. Abstract

Claims

1. A passenger facility system, comprising: A restraint system for ride vehicles in amusement parks, wherein the restraint system is configured to generate an audio activation signal when the restraint system moves from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration; as well as An audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located inside the constraint system and is configured to generate audio output by means of the speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received.

2. The ride facility system of claim 1, wherein the restraint system is configured to contact a ride facility passenger on the ride facility vehicle when the restraint system is in the locking configuration, to secure the ride facility passenger to the ride facility vehicle.

3. The riding facility system of claim 2, wherein the restraint system is a two-part restraint system, wherein the two-part restraint system includes an over-the-top pull-down restraint and a knee bar restraint, the over-the-top pull-down restraint includes the speaker and the microphone, and the knee bar restraint includes an additional speaker.

4. The passenger facility system of claim 3, wherein the loudspeaker and the additional loudspeaker are configured to jointly generate the audio output, wherein the audio output is received from a separate audio system of a separate passenger facility vehicle.

5. The passenger facility system according to claim 1, comprising: Additional passenger facility vehicles separate from the aforementioned passenger facility vehicles; as well as The additional audio system of the additional passenger facility vehicle includes an additional speaker and an additional microphone; wherein the microphone and the additional microphone are configured to receive audio data and transmit the audio data to the additional speaker and the speaker respectively, so as to facilitate communication between the audio system and the user of the additional audio system.

6. The ride facility system of claim 1, wherein the audio system includes a user interface configured to receive user input, wherein the speaker or microphone is configured to be activated or deactivated in response to the received user input.

7. The passenger facility system of claim 1, comprising a control system separate from the passenger facility vehicle and configured to coordinate sound features originating outside the passenger facility with the loudspeaker.

8. The ride facility system of claim 1, wherein the audio system is communicatively coupled to a park or ride facility feature and configured to generate the audio output in response to communication with the park or ride facility feature.

9. The riding facility system of claim 1, wherein the audio system is connected to a power source by means of a wired connection, wherein the wired connection contacts a brush at a pivot joint of the restraint system.

10. A passenger facility system, comprising: A first audio system, which is located within a first restraint system associated with the first passenger facility vehicle; The first speaker of the first audio system; The first microphone of the first audio system; A second audio system is located within a second restraint system associated with the second riding facility vehicle, wherein the first audio system and the second audio system are communicatively coupled to each other to facilitate the transmission of audio data between the first audio system and the second audio system; The second speaker of the second audio system; as well as The second microphone of the second audio system The first audio system and the second audio system include corresponding circuitry configured to communicatively couple to corresponding control systems, wherein each of the corresponding control systems includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory of the corresponding control system, and The first and second constraint systems are each configured to pivot about a corresponding connector, wherein each corresponding connector includes a brush configured to continuously contact the corresponding circuit as the corresponding constraint system pivots. At least the first constraint system or the second constraint system is configured to generate an audio activation signal when moving from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, and at least the first audio system or the second audio system is configured to generate audio output by means of a respective first speaker and second speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received.

11. The ride facility system of claim 10, wherein the respective control system is configured to cause the respective first and second microphones to receive audio input and to cause the respective first and second speakers to produce audio output.

12. The ride facility system of claim 10, comprising a first user interface of the first audio system, wherein the first user interface is configured to control the first speaker and the first microphone.

13. A method of operating a restraint system and an audio system for a ride vehicle in an amusement park, the audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located inside the restraint system, wherein the ride vehicle is communicatively coupled to a second ride vehicle and features outside the ride, the method comprising: Retracting the restraint system, wherein retracting the restraint system includes moving the restraint system into an unlocked configuration, and wherein the ride facility vehicle is configured to accommodate ride facility passengers when the restraint system is in the unlocked configuration; The processor determines when the constraint system moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration; When the processor determines that the constraint system has moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, it generates an audio activation signal using the constraint system. as well as The audio system associated with the passenger facility vehicle is controlled based on the constraint system being in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration, wherein controlling the audio system includes activating the audio system by means of the speaker to generate audio received from a feature outside the second passenger facility vehicle or the passenger facility, wherein controlling the audio system includes changing the audio output generated by the speaker from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the ride facility vehicle communication is coupled to a second ride facility vehicle and a feature outside the ride facility, wherein activating the audio system includes generating the audio received from the second ride facility vehicle or the feature outside the ride facility by means of the speaker.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the audio system includes a microphone.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the audio system includes a user interface and a plurality of speakers.

17. A passenger facility system, comprising: A restraint system for ride-on vehicles in amusement parks, wherein the restraint system is configured to contact a ride-on passenger on the ride-on vehicle to secure the ride-on passenger to the ride-on vehicle when the restraint system is in a locked configuration, wherein the restraint system includes: An over-the-top pulldown constraint, the over-the-top pulldown constraint including a speaker and a microphone; and A knee bar restraint, the knee bar restraint including an additional speaker; and An audio system, located within the constraint system, is configured to generate audio output by means of the loudspeaker and the additional loudspeaker, and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type upon receiving an audio activation signal. The constraint system is configured to generate the audio activation signal when the constraint system moves from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.

18. A restraint system for a vehicle assembly of a ride facility in a theme park, the restraint system comprising: A first restraint, comprising a first audio system including a first speaker and a first microphone, wherein the first audio system is fixed and recessed within the first restraint; and The second restraint includes a second audio system, which includes a second speaker and a second microphone, wherein the second audio system is fixed and recessed into the second restraint. The first audio system and the second audio system are configured to establish communication with each other via communication coupling, thereby allowing communication between the first constraint and the second constraint in response to the first constraint and the second constraint being in a locked configuration, respectively, via the first audio system and the second audio system. At least the first or second constraint is configured to generate an audio activation signal when moving from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, and at least the first or second audio system is configured to generate audio output by means of a respective first and second speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received.

19. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein the first restraint is configured to secure a first passenger to a first boarding facility vehicle, and the second restraint is configured to secure a second passenger to a second boarding facility vehicle.

20. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein the first audio system and the second audio system are communicatively coupled to features outside the riding facility.

21. The restraint system of claim 20, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are configured to generate audio output in response to receiving an audio activation signal from a feature outside the riding facility.

22. The restraint system of claim 21, wherein the audio output of the first speaker is different from the audio output of the second speaker.

23. The restraint system of claim 21, wherein the audio outputs of the first restraint and the second restraint are customized via a user interface.

24. The restraint system of claim 19, wherein the first ride facility vehicle is located on a first ride facility path, and the second ride facility vehicle is located on a second ride facility path.

25. The restraint system of claim 19, wherein the first ride facility vehicle and the second ride facility vehicle are located on the same ride facility path.

26. The restraint system of claim 19, wherein the first restraint and the second restraint are configured to send and receive verbal messages between the first ride facility vehicle and the second ride facility vehicle.

27. A restraint chair, comprising: A constraint arm configured to move from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, wherein the constraint arm is configured to generate an audio activation signal when moving between each configuration; as well as An audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located inside the restraint arm and is configured to generate audio output by means of the speaker and to change the generated audio output from a first sound type to a second sound type when the audio activation signal is received.

28. A communication system, comprising: Restraint systems for multiple rides in amusement parks; as well as An audio system including a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is located inside the restraint system, wherein the audio system is configured to receive audio signals from one or more features of the amusement park and generate audio output by means of the speaker, wherein the audio output is customized for each of the plurality of ride vehicles.

Images