System and method for controlling ride vehicle restraint via computer implemented process

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods, apparatus and systems for controlling ride vehicle constraints (232) in a ride system (100). The system is configured to: identify one or more ride vehicles (104, 106, 118) that stay at a passenger loading platform (110), the one or more ride vehicles (108, 106, 118) including one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B); determining which seat or seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) are in service or out of service based at least in part on data corresponding to the identification of the one or more ride vehicles (104, 106, 118); instructing to lock one or more restraint systems (232) corresponding to at least one seat (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B) determined to be stopped of service, and determining to lock the one or more restraint systems (232) corresponding to at least one seat (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B) determined to be stopped of service; and instructing to unlock one or more other restraint systems (232) corresponding to at least one other seat (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B) determined to be in service.

Description

WO 2025 / 006646 Al llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll^ (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (43) International Publication Date 02 January 2025 (02.01.2025) lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll^ (10) International Publication Number WO 2025 / 006646 Al WIPO I PCT (51) International Patent Classification: A63G〃〃〃(2006.01) A63G 31 / 00 (2006.01) (21) International Application Number: PCT / US2024 / 035677 (22) International Filing Date: 26 June 2024 (26.06.2024) (25) Filing Language: English (26) Publication Language: English (30) Priority Data: 18 / 345,979 30 June 2023 (30.06.2023) US (71) Applicant: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC [US / US]; 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, Califor¬ nia 91608 (US). (72) Inventors: BEATRICE, Michael Anthony; 1000 Univer¬ sal Studios Plaza, Orlando, Florida 32819 (US). HABIAK, Gregory Paul; 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, Florida 32819(US). MAJDALI, David Gerard; 1000 Uni¬ versal Studios Plaza, Orlando, Florida 32819 (US). (74) Agent: POWELL, W. Allen et al.; P.O. Box 692289, Hous¬ ton, Texas 77269 (US). (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, every kind of national protection available)'. AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CV, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IQ, IR, IS, IT, JM, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MU, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, ST, SV, SY, TH, (54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RIDE VEHICLE RESTRAINT VIA COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED PROCESS FIG. 5 (57) Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a ride vehicle restraint (232) in a ride system (100). A system is configured toidentify one or more ride vehicles (104, 106, 118) stopped at a passenger loading platform (110), the one or more ride vehicles (108, 106, 118) including one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B), determine which seat or seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) are in-service or out-of-service based at least in part on data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles (104, 106, 118), instruct to lock one or more restraint systems (232) corresponding to at least one seat (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) determined to be out-of-service, and instruct to unlock one or more other restraint systems (232) corresponding to at least one seat (124A, 124B, [Continued next page] WO 2025 / 006646 Al IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, WS,ZA, ZM, ZW. (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, every kind of regional protection available)'. ARIPO (BW, CV, GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SC, SD, SL, ST, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, ME, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). Declarations under Rule 4.17:— as to applicant's entitlement to apply for and be granted a patent (Rule 4.17(H)) — as to the applicant's entitlement to claim the priority of the earlier application (Rule 4.17(iii)) Published:— with international search report (Art. 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) other seats of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) determined to be in-service. WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RIDE VEHICLE RESTRAINT VIA COMPUTERIMPLEMENTED PROCESS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology discussed below relates generally to ride vehicle restraint systems, and more particularly, to inhibiting movement of a ride vehicle restraint. INTRODUCTION

[0002] Restraint systems are used to safely restrain passengers in amusement park ride vehicles. For example, a restraint system is provided to contain a seated, standing, or prone passenger. With seated rides, a restraint system may take the form of a crossbar (eg, lap bar, T-bar, etc.) placed against the torso or thighs of the passenger. In an example, the crossbar may be supported by one or more support bars rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted at or near a ride vehicle floor in close proximity to the passenger’s legs. As such, the crossbar may move toward or away from the passenger as the one or more support bars are caused to rotate about the pivot toward or away from the passenger. However, problems may arise when individual seats on a ride vehicle are out-of-servicebut the ride vehicle overall is still in-service to passengers.

[0003] For example, when one or more seats of a ride vehicle is out-of-service but the rest of the seat rows are otherwise in-service to the passengers, a ride operator and / or technician (e.g., ride technician) may implement a procedure to prevent passengers from sitting in an out-of-service seat. The procedure may include the ride operator and / or technician locking (e.g., strapping down) in a closed position a restraint system of the out- of-service seat and / or placing a physical barrier on the restraint system to prevent the restraint system from opening, and therefore, prevent a passenger from sitting in the out- of-service seat. The procedure may include the ride operator and / or technician monitoring the passengers as they board the ride vehicle and preventing a passenger from entering the and / or sitting in the out-of-service seat. However, a ride operator and / or technician may not notice a passenger unlock therestraint system from the closed position and / or remove the physical barrier on the restraint system, and the passenger may sit in the out-of-service seat.

[0004] 1 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677

[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method that monitors when one or more seats of a ride vehicle is out-of-service and prevents a restraint system of the one or more out-of-service seats from being opened. The present disclosure is directed to controlling a restraint system of an out-of-service seat to lock or remain locked. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0006] The following presents a summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is topresent some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system. A ride system may include one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats, a passenger loading platform, a ride vehicle identifier configured to identify the one or more ride vehicles stopped at the passenger loading platform, and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more seats and / or the ride vehicle identifier. The controller may be configured to determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service or out-of-service based at least in part on data corresponding to an identity of the one or more ride vehicles. If any of the seats of the one or more seats are determined to be out-of-service, the controller may be configured to instruct to lock one or more restraintsystems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service. If any of the seats of the one or more seats are determined to be in-service, the controller may be configured to instruct to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service. The ride system may include an interface device communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive the data via the interface device, and wherein the interface device is configured to receive the data from a ride system operator (eg, ride operator) and / or technician (eg, ride system technician, ride technician). The data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles may be received prior to the one or more ride vehicles stopping at the passenger loading platform. The data corresponding to the 2 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 identity of the one or more ride vehicles mayindicate if one or more seats are in-service and / or if one or more seats are out-of-service and / or which seat(s) of the one or more seats is in-service and / or which seat(s) of the one or more seats are out-of-service. The controller may be configured to receive the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles via the interface device. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

[0008] In one example, a method of controlling a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system is disclosed. The method includes identifying one or more ride vehicles stopped at a passenger loading platform, the one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats, determining which, if any, seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service or out-of- service based at least in part on data corresponding to an identity of the one or more ride vehicles, instructing, if any seats of the one or more seats are determined to be out-of- service, at least one seat ofthe one or more seats to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service. and instructing, if any seats of the one or more seats are determined to be in-service, to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service. The method further includes receiving data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles prior to the one or more ride vehicles stopping at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to an identity of the one or more ride vehicles indicates which seat or seats of the one or more seats, if any, are in-service and / or which seat or seats of the one or more seats, if any, are out-of-service.

[0009] In one example, a controller for instructing a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system is disclosed. The controller may comprise at least one processor. The at least one processor maybe configured to identify one or more ride vehicles stopped at a passenger loading platform, the one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats. The at least one processor may be configured to determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service, if any. The at least one processor may be configured to determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats, if any, are out-of-service, if any. The at least one processor may be configured to make the determination which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service, if any, and / or the processor may be configured to make the determination which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service, if any, based at least in part on data corresponding to an identity of the one or more ride vehicles. The 3 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 processor may be configured to instruct to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service,and / or the processor may be configured to instruct to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service. The at least one processor may be configured to receive data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles prior to the one or more ride vehicles stopping at the passenger loading platform. The data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles may indicate which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service, and / or the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles may indicate which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example ride system in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a front perspective view of an example seat row of a ride vehicle in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an expanded view of a region of the example ride system depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a human machine interface (HMI) for receiving and displaying ride vehicle data in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an expanded view of a region of the example ride system depicted in FIG. 1 implementing a controller configured to control a ride vehicle restraint of the ride system in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an exemplary apparatus employing a controller configured to control a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for controlling a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILEDDESCRIPTION

[0017] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the 4 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. While aspects and embodiments are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across manydiffering platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging arrangements.

[0018] The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of controlling a restraint system of a ride vehicle seal. In an aspect, a controller may monitor one or more seats of a ride vehicle for data indicating that one or more seats of the ride vehicle are out-of- service and / or the controller may determine that and / or when one or more seats of the ride vehicle is out-of-service. The controller may prevent the restraint system of the one or more out-of-service seats from being opened when the ride vehicle arrives at a passenger loading platform, thus inhibiting a passenger from sitting in the one or more out-of-service seats determined to be out-of-service.

[0019] The controller of the present disclosure may instruct restraint corresponding to the out-of-service seat to not open, thus inhibiting a passenger from sitting in the out-of- service seat. It may be desirable to place a seatout-of-service for at least one of a variety of reasons. For example, it may be desirable to keep a seat empty to control a weight distribution on a ride vehicle (e.g., partially loading a ride vehicle). Changing a weight distribution of a ride vehicle may allow for changed or reduced wear (e.g., reduced wear in certain portions of a ride vehicle, reduced wear throughout the entire ride vehicle, reduced wear on the infrastructure (e.g., ride path (e.g. track, flume), brakes, acceleration systems) or allow for modifying a passenger experience while riding a ride vehicle (e.g., placing more weight in certain areas of a ride vehicle may minimize or maximize the chance passengers may get splashed and / or wet on a ride, changing weight placement throughout a rollercoaster train may alter momentum throughout the ride experience, changing weight distribution may alter what parts of a ride path a passenger may experience, or which ride path of a plurality of ride paths passenger mayexperience). 5 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 Further, if it is determined that completely filling a ride vehicle would exceed a desired total weight (eg, weight limit) of a loaded vehicle, it may be desirable to put a seat out- of-service to prevent passengers from boarding a seat of the ride vehicle. It may also be desirable to place a seat out-of-service if the seat requires maintenance. This may allow passenger throughput of a ride to continue (e.g., at a reduced rate) until at least a threshold number of seats of a ride vehicle requires maintenance (e.g.? and the entire ride vehicle is removed from service (e.g., pulled from service) during operating hours) or until after operating hours and no passenger throughput is desired. Additionally, it may be desirable to place a seat out of service if an out-of-service triggering event is detected by a sensor system. An out of service triggering event may comprise an event that may require inspection and / or maintenance (e.g., athreshold number of cycles completed) of a ride vehicle seat, a seat row of a ride vehicle, and / or even an entire ride vehicle. An out-of- service triggering event may also comprise a detected malfunction, detected damage, detected possible damage, and / or detected possible malfunction. After an out-of-service triggering event is detected, an inspection may be performed to confirm if any maintenance (e.g., repair, replacement) of any components (e.g., restraints, special effects, speakers, lights) of the seat, seat row, and / or ride vehicle may be necessary. Additionally, it may be desirable to place one or more seats, one or more seat rows, and / or one or more ride vehicles out-of-service to allow for certification runs for a seat and / or seat row of one or more ride vehicles and / or one or more ride vehicles of a system of ride vehicles that all board at the same time at the same platform. Further, it may be desirable to keep a seat out-of-service if testing equipment is installed in oron the seat. It may also be desirable to place a seat out-of-service if the seat is an accommodation seat that is not actively being used and / or needed. An accommodation seat may be a seat designed to accommodate passengers of certain sizes (e.g., certain heights (e.g., relatively taller or shorter), certain widths (e.g., relatively greater widths, relatively lesser widths) or weights (e.g., relatively greater weights, relatively lesser weights)). An accommodation seat may also be a seat designed for passengers that may have additional needs or require additional assistance (e.g., wheelchair accommodations (e.g., allowing a wheelchair to couple with a seat and / or ride vehicle, transferring passengers from a wheelchair onto an accommodation seat of a ride vehicle)). For the above reasons and / or similar reasons, it may be desirable to make a seat out-of-service. 6 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677

[0020] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example ride system 100 in accordance with various aspectsof the disclosure. The ride system 100 may include a path 102 and one or more ride vehicles configured to move along the path 102. As shown in FIG. 1, a first ride vehicle 104 is stopped on the path 102 near a passenger loading platform 110. Other ride vehicles, such as a second ride vehicle 106 and a third ride vehicle 118. may simultaneously travel along the path 102 while the first ride vehicle 104 is stopped. In some aspects of the disclosure, the path 102 may include one or more tracks or guide rails, such as the center guide rail 108 shown in FIG. 1, for guiding and / or moving a ride vehicle along the path 102.

[0021] The passenger loading platform 110 provides an area for ride passengers 112 to queue before boarding one of the ride vehicles. In an aspect, the ride system 100 may include a gate system (eg, shotgun gate system) configured to control the flow of ride passengers 112 boarding Ihe ride vehicles. The gate system may include one or more gates respectively correspondingto one or more rows of seats available on a ride vehicle. As shown in FIG 1, a first gate 114 is configured to control a flow of ride passengers intending to board a first seat row of the first ride vehicle 104 and a second gate 116 is configured to control a flow of ride passengers intending to board a second seat row of the first ride vehicle 104. In an aspect, the gate system may be configured to actuate all gates to open and / or close, such as when the ride vehicle is stopped near the platform 110. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first gate 114 and the second gate 116 are opened to allow the passengers 112 to enter the seat rows of the first ride vehicle 104.

[0022] In an aspect, each seat row of a ride vehicle may include one or more ride vehicle seats. For example, the first seat row of the first ride vehicle 104 may include a first seat 124A and a second seat 124B. The second seat row of the first ride vehicle 104 may include a third seat 126A and a fourth seat 126B. Inanother example, a first seat row of the second ride vehicle 106 may include a first seat 134A and a second seat 134B and a second seat row of the second ride vehicle 106 may include a third seat 136A and a fourth seat 136B. In a further example, a first seat row of the third ride vehicle 118 may include a first seat 144A and a second seat 144B and a second seat row of third ride vehicle 118 may include a third seat 146A and a fourth seat 146B.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 showing a front perspective view of an example seat row 216 of a ride vehicle in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. The seat row shown in FIG. 2 is provided with three seats 230 as an example but is not intended to be 7 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 limiting as the seat row may support more or less seats (e.g., one seat per row. two seats per row as shown in FIG. 1, four seats per row).

[0024] In an aspect, each seat 230 may include a seat back 250, a seat pan 252, and one or more side structures254. The one or more side structures may be formed alongside the seat back 250 and / or the seat pan 252. Moreover, each seat 230 is provided with a restraint system 232 configured to restrain a passenger (e.g., guest) within the seat 230 (e.g., against the seat back 250 and / or the seat pan 252) when the ride vehicle moves. The restraint system 232 may include a crossbar 240 (e.g., lap bar, T-bar, etc.) to be placed against the torso and / or thighs of the passenger. In an aspect, the crossbar 240 may be made of a rigid material, a soft material (e.g. foam pad), or a combination thereof. The restraint system 232 may further include one or more support bars 242 (e.g., restraint tubes). One or more crossbars 240 may be coupled with or fixed to one or more support bars 242 (e.g., one or more respective support bars). In particular, a support bar 242 may have a first support bar end coupled to the crossbar 240 and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to a pivot 260. The pivot 260 may bemounted to an upper-rear portion of the seat 230 behind the seat back 250. The coupling between the second support bar end and the pivot 260 may comprise a translating relationship. For example, the coupling may facilitate the one or more support bars 242 to move forward, backward, up, and / or down.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an expanded view of a region 130 of the example ride system 100 depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. In an aspect, one or more seats of a seat row of a ride vehicle may be out-of-service for one reason or various reasons. Accordingly, a ride operator or technician may implement a procedure to prevent passengers from sitting in an out-of-service seat of an out-of-service row.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, one or more seats of the first seat row (e.g., first seat 124A) of the first ride vehicle 104 and one or more seats of the second seat row (e.g., fourth seat 126B) of the first ride vehicle 104 are out-of-service. As part of the procedure,the ride operator and / or technician may lock (e.g., strap down) a restraint system of the first seat 124A and / or the fourth seat 126B in a closed position to prevent the restraint system from opening, and therefore, prevent a passenger from sitting in the out-of-service seat. Additionally or alternatively, the ride operator and / or technician may place a physical barrier on the restraint system and / or the out-of-service seat to prevent a passenger from sitting in the out-of-service seat. For example, the ride operator and / or technician may 8 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 bag or block the out-of-service seat to prevent the passenger from sitting. The procedure may further include the ride operator and / or technician monitoring passengers as they board ride vehicles and preventing a passenger from sitting in the out-of-sen ice seat (e.g., first seat 124A or fourth seat 126B).

[0027] In an aspect, while one or more seats of a seat row of a ride vehicle may be out- of-service, other seatsin the seat row may be in-service to the passengers. That is, the other seats in the seat row may be available to be boarded by the passengers. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more seats of the first seat row (e.g., second seat 124B) of the first ride vehicle 104 and one or more seats of the second seat row (e.g., third seat 126A) of the first ride vehicle 104 are in-service. Accordingly, when the first ride vehicle 104 is stopped on the path 102 near the passenger loading platform 110, the gate system may control (e.g., instruct) the first gate 114 to open to allow a first passenger 112A to enter the first seat row having one or more in-service seats (e.g., in-service second seat 124B). The gate system may control (e.g.. instruct) the second gate 116 to open to allow a second passenger 112B to enter the second seat row having one or more in-service seats (e.g., in¬ service third seat 126A). However, a passenger (e.g., first passenger 112A or second passenger 112B) entering a seat row tosit in an in-service seat may attempt to sit in an out-of-service seat (e.g., first seat 124A or fourth seat 126B).

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a ride system configured to monitor when one or more seats of a ride vehicle is out-of-service and prevent a restraint system of the one or more out-of-service seats from being opened. Referring to FIG. 3 as an example, in the first row of the first ride vehicle 104, the first seat 124A is out-of-service and the second seat 124B is in-service. In the second row of the first ride vehicle 104. the third seat 126A is in-service and the fourth seat 126B is out-of-service. In an aspect, when the first ride vehicle 104 is stopped on the path 102 near the passenger loading platform 110, the ride system may control (e.g., instruct) the restraint system of the first seat 124A in the first row to lock or remain locked while controlling the restraint system of the second seat 124B in the first row to open and / or unlock. Thisprevents the first passenger 112A passing through the first gate 114 from sitting in the out-of-service first seat 124A and prompts the first passenger 112A to sit in the in-service second seat 124B. Similarly, when the first ride vehicle 104 is stopped on the path 102 near the passenger loading platform 110, the ride system may control (e.g., instruct) the restraint system of the third seat 126A in the second row to open and / or unlock while controlling the restraint 9 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 system of the fourth seat 126B in the second row to lock or remain locked. This prevents the second passenger 112B passing through the second gate 116 from sitting in the out- of-service fourth seat 126B and prompts the second passenger 112B to sit in the in-service third seat 126A. Accordingly, if the ride operator and / or technician is unaware of an out- of-service seat on the first ride vehicle 104 or is not in a position to deter the first passenger 112A or the second passenger 112Bfrom sitting in the out-of-service seat, the ride system may lock or keep locked the restraint systems of the out-of-service seats to prevent the passengers from manually opening the restraint systems and / or sitting in the out-of-service seats.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a human machine interface (HMI) 400 for receiving and displaying ride vehicle data in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. The HMI 400 may include a display (e.g., screen) 402 configured to display status data of ride vehicles operating in the ride system. As shown in FIG. 4. the HMI 400 may display data related to a first ride vehicle up to an N-th ride vehicle, where N is an integer greater than 1 (N > 1). A maximum value of N may depend on a maximum capacity of ride vehicles capable of being operated in the ride system. In the example of FIG. 4, the data displayed on the HMI 400 includes data for the first ride vehicle 104, the second ride vehicle 106, and the third ride vehicle 118 shownin FIG. 1. In an aspect, the ride vehicles may be displayed and / or listed on the HMI 400 according to a unique identifying attribute (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, bar code, quick response (QR) code, image, retroreflective pattern, light pulse pattern, color, and / or ride vehicle count) assigned to each ride vehicle.

[0030] In an aspect, the HMI 400 displays status data of each seat of a ride vehicle. For example, the status data may include an indication of whether a seat of a ride vehicle is in-service or out-of-service. As shown in FIG. 4, the HMI 400 may display status data of a first seat up to an M-th seat of a ride vehicle, where M is an integer greater than 1 (M > 1). A maximum value of M may depend on a maximum number of seats present in the ride vehicle. In the example of FIG. 4, the status data displayed on the HMI 400 includes status data for the first seat 124A, the second seat 124B, the third seat 126A, and the fourth seat 126B of the first ride vehicle104, status data for the first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B of the second ride vehicle 106. and status data for the first seat 144A, the second seat 144B, the third seat 146A, and the fourth seat 146B of the third ride vehicle 118. 10 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677

[0031] In an aspect, a status of a seat may be indicated on the HMI 400 via color. In particular, a field corresponding to a seat of a ride vehicle may be shown in different colors on the HMI 400 based on whether the seat is in-service or out-of-service. For example, regarding the first ride vehicle 104, the first seat 124A may be out-of-service, the second seat 124B may be in-service, the third seat 126A may be in-service, and the fourth seat 126B may be out-of-service. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, the HMI 400 may display a field corresponding to the second seat 124B and a field corresponding to the third seat 126A in a clear or white color to indicate that the seatsare in-service and display a field corresponding to the first seat 124A and a field corresponding to the fourth seat 126B in a gray color to indicate that the seats are out-of-service. Regarding the second ride vehicle 106, the first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B may all be in-service. Therefore, the HMI 400 may display a fields corresponding to the first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B in a clear or white color to indicate that the first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B are in-service. In an aspect, the colors depicting a status of a seat (eg, whether a seat is in-service or out-of-service) may not be limited to the colors clear / white and gray. It is contemplated that any color, or combination of colors, may be used to depict the status of the seat. For example, the colors green and / or blue may be used to depict that the seat is in-service andthe colors yellow and / or red may be used to depict that the seat is out-of-service.

[0032] In an aspect, a status of a seat may be indicated on the HMI 400 by a visual mark. In particular, a field corresponding to a seat of a ride vehicle may be shown to have a distinguishing mark on the HMI 400 (e.g.. check mark, pattern design, or any other mark suitable for distinguishing the field) based on whether the seat is in-service or out-of- service. For example, regarding the third ride vehicle 118, the first seat 144A may be out-of-service while the second seat 144B, the third seat 146A, and the fourth seat 146B may be in-service. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, the HMI 400 may display a field corresponding to the first seat 144A with cross-hatching to indicate that the first seat 144A is out-of-service. Notably, the HMI 400 may display fields corresponding to the second seat 144B, the third seat 146A, and the fourth seat 146B without any marks to indicate that the second seat 144B, thethird seat 146A, and the fourth seat 146B are in-service.

[0033] In an aspect, the HMI 400 may be configured to receive input from a ride operator and / or technician. Accordingly, if the ride operator and / or technician determines that a 11 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 seat of a ride vehicle is out-of-service (eg, upon inspection of the seat), the ride operator and / or technician may update the HMI 400 with the determined status of the seat. In an aspect, the screen 402 of the HMI 400 may be a touchscreen responsive to the ride operator’s and / or technician's touch. Therefore, the rider operator / technician may press a field on the screen 402 corresponding to the out-of-service seat (e.g., first seat 124A of the first ride vehicle 104, fourth seat 126B of the first ride vehicle 104, and / or first seat 144A of the third ride vehicle 118) to change a color of the field and / or add a distinguishing mark to the field and / or change a distinguishing mark of the field and / or remove adistinguishing mark from the field to indicate that the corresponding seat is out- of-service. Later, if the seat of the ride vehicle is back in service (eg, determined to be back in-service), the ride operator and / or technician may press the field on the screen 402 corresponding to the out-of-service seat to change the color of the field (e.g., back to its original state (e.g., original color)) and / or add a distinguishing mark to the field and / or change a distinguishing mark of the field and / or remove a distinguishing mark from the field to indicate that the corresponding seat is in-service. In an aspect, the screen 402 may not be a touchscreen responsive to the ride operator’s and / or technician’s touch. As such, the HMI 400 may be configured to receive inputs from the ride operator and / or technician via other types of input devices, such as a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, or any combination thereof.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an expanded view of a region 130 of the example ride system 100depicted in FIG. 1 implementing a controller configured to control a ride vehicle restraint in the ride system in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. In an aspect, the controller may be configured to monitor and / or determine when one or more seats of a ride vehicle is out-of-service and instruct prevention of a restraint system of the one or more out-of-service seats from being opened. The ride system may include a controller 502, a ride vehicle identifier 504, one or more unique identification (ID) attributes 506 mounted to a ride vehicle, the HMI 400 described above with respect to FIG. 4, and one or more gates (e.g., first gate 114 and second gate 116) configured to control the flow of passengers 112 boarding a ride vehicle (e.g., first ride vehicle 104). The controller 502 may be coupled to ride vehicle seats, seat restraint systems, the ride vehicle identifier 504, the HMI 400, and / or the one or more gates via a wired or wireless connection.

[0035] In an aspect, thecontroller 502 may be configured to determine a status of each seat (e.g., whether the seat is in-service or out-of-service) of each ride vehicle in the ride 12 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 system based on inputs received from the ride operator and / or technician via the HM1 400. The HMI 400 may include or be coupled to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 450 configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. Accordingly, when the HMI 400 receives data indicating whether a ride vehicle seat of a particular ride vehicle is in-service or out-of-service from the ride operator and / or technician, the HMI 400 may directly transfer the data to the controller 502. Upon being signaled that a ride vehicle seat of a particular ride vehicle is out-of-service, the controller 502 may instruct a restraint system corresponding to the out-of-service seat to lock or remain locked (eg, in a closed position). Thecontroller 502 may further instruct any restraint systems corresponding to in-service seats to unlock and / or open.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 502 may be configured to communicate (e.g.. via a wired or wireless connection) with one or more sensors systems (eg, first sensor system 524 and second sensor system 526), wherein the sensor systems may comprise one or more sensors (e.g., first sensor 564 and second sensor 566) and communication circuitry (e.g., wired communication circuitry, wireless communication circuitry (e.g., transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576)). A sensor (e.g., light sensor, sound sensor, vibration sensor, displacement sensor, temperature sensor, strain sensor, force sensor, pressure sensor, camera) of the one or more sensor systems may be configured to autonomously detect data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event (e.g., inputs indicating it is time for maintenance or inspection (e.g., threshold number of cyclescompleted), threshold temperature reached, threshold displacement (e.g.. of a component) reached, threshold strain (e.g.. of a component) reached, threshold force and / or pressure reached, threshold vibration and / or sound level reached, detected malfunction, detected potential malfunction, detected damage, detected potential damage) of a ride vehicle seat, seat row of a particular ride vehicle, and / or entire ride vehicle. As such, the controller 502 may also detect whether a seat of a particular ride vehicle is in¬ service or out-of-service based on a direct signal from the one or more sensor systems. For example, the one or more sensor systems may be mounted on a ride vehicle seat, a surface of the ride vehicle, and / or anywhere along the path 102 within a detecting range of the ride vehicle seat. The one or more sensor systems may include and / or be coupled to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers configured to communicate with the one or more transmitters, receivers,and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. 13 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 Accordingly, when the one or more sensors detects an out-of-service triggering event of a ride vehicle seat, the one or more sensors may directly communicate the out-of-sendce- triggering event to the controller 502. Upon being signaled of the out-of-service triggering event of the ride vehicle seat, the controller 502 may determine that the ride vehicle seat is out-of-service and instruct a restraint system corresponding to the out-of- service seat to lock or remain locked (eg, in a closed position). The controller 502 may instruct any restraint systems corresponding to in-service seats to unlock and / or open. Upon receiving data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event of a ride vehicle row, the controller 502 may determine that the ride vehicle row is out-of-service. The controller 502 may then instruct each restraint system corresponding to each seat of the out-of-service seat row to lock orremain locked (eg, in a closed position). Upon receiving data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event of a ride vehicle, the controller 502 may determine that all seats of the ride vehicle are out-of-service. The controller 502 may then instruct all seats of the ride vehicle to lock or remain locked (e.g.. in a closed position).

[0037] In an aspect, all ride vehicles in the ride system may be uniquely identified by the controller 502 via the ride vehicle identifier 504. For example, each ride vehicle may be assigned a unique identification attribute 506, such as a unique identification (ID) tag (e.g., RFID tag, bar code, QR code). Accordingly, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may be configured as an ID tag reader (e.g., RFID reader, bar code reader, QR code reader) and the controller 502 may identify a ride vehicle based on the unique ID tag read by the ride vehicle identifier 504 and communicated to the controller 502.

[0038] In another example, the unique identificationattribute 506 of a ride vehicle may be one or more surfaces of a ride vehicle displaying a unique image, unique color, and / or unique retroreflective pattern (e.g., reflected infrared light). Accordingly, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may comprise one or more cameras configured to capture and / or recognize the unique image, unique color, and / or unique retroreflective pattern and the controller 502 may identify the ride vehicle based on the unique image, unique color, and / or unique or retroreflective pattern captured and / or recognized by the ride vehicle identifier 504 and communicated to the controller 502.

[0039] In a further example, a ride vehicle may emit unique light pulses (e.g., infrared light pulses, specifically and / or uniquely timed light pulses) and / or specific colored light. Accordingly, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may comprise one or more light sensors 14 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 configured to read and / or recognize the unique light pulses and / or specificcolored light, and / or the ride vehicle identifier 504 may comprise one or more cameras configured to read and / or recognize the unique light pulses and / or specific colored light. The controller 502 may identify the ride vehicle based on the unique light pulses and / or specific colored light read and / or recognized by the ride vehicle identifier 504 and communicated to the controller 502. The one or more light sensors may comprise one or more color sensors.

[0040] In another example, the controller 502 may identify a ride vehicle using a counting mechanism. Here, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may be configured as a ride vehicle counter configured to count the number of ride vehicles passing through an observation range of the ride vehicle identifier 504. Based on a known number of ride vehicles operating in the ride system 100, the controller 502 may identify the ride vehicle according to the number of ride vehicles counted by the ride vehicle identifier 504. For example, if the numberof known ride vehicles operating in the system 100 is 3 and if a ride vehicle currently counted by the ride vehicle identifier 504 is determined to have at least one out-of-service seat, then the controller 502 may identify that every third ride vehicle counted by the ride vehicle identifier 504 after the currently counted ride vehicle is the ride vehicle having at least one out-of-service seat.

[0041] In an aspect, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may include and / or be coupled to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 554 configured to communicate with the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. Accordingly, when the ride vehicle identifier 504 captures and / or identifies a unique identifying attribute 506 (e.g., unique ID tag (eg, RFID tag, bar code, QR code), image, color, retroreflective pattern, light pulse pattern, specific colored light, and / or ride vehicle count) of a ride vehicle as described above, the ride vehicleidentifier 504 may directly signal the identifying attribute to the controller 502. Upon identifying a particular ride vehicle based on the identifying attribute, the controller 502 may determine whether any seats of the identified ride vehicle are out-of-service. If so. the controller 502 may instruct a restraint system corresponding to an out-of-service seat to lock or remain locked (in a closed position). Upon identifying a particular ride vehicle based on the identifying attribute 506. the controller 502 may determine whether any seats of the identified ride vehicle are in-service. If so, the controller 502 may instruct any restraint systems corresponding to in-service seats to unlock and / or open. 15 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677

[0042] In an embodiment, the ride system may further include an on-board controller 586 located on board a ride vehicle. The on-board controller 586 may include or be coupled to communication circuitry, such as one or more transmitters, receivers,and / or transceivers 596 and may be configured to communicate with the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574. 576 of the one or more sensor systems 524, 526. Accordingly, the on-board controller 586 may track which seats are in-service and / or out-of-service by communicating with a sensor system (eg, first sensor system 524 or second sensor system 526) corresponding to a particular seat. The communication circuitry (eg, the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 596) of the on¬ board controller 586 may be configured to communicate with the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. Accordingly, after determining which seat or seats are in-service and / or out-of-service, the on-board controller 586 may communicate the determination to the controller 502.

[0043] In an embodiment, each seat of a ride vehicle (e.g.. first seat 124A, second seat 124B, third seat 126A, and fourth seat 126B) may include acorresponding seat controller that tracks if the corresponding seat is in-service and / or out-of-service. The seat controller may include or be coupled to communication circuitry, such as one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers and may be configured to communicate with the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. Accordingly, after determining whether a corresponding seat is in-service and / or out-of-service, the seat controller may communicate the determination directly to the controller 502. In an aspect, the communication circuitry (e.g., the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers) of the seat controller may be configured to communicate with the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 596 of the on-board controller 586. Accordingly, after determining whether a corresponding seat is in-service and / or out-of- service, the seat controller may first communicate the determination to the on-boardcontroller 586, which may then communicate the determination to the controller 502.

[0044] In an embodiment, the above-described seat sensor systems (e.g., first sensor system 524 and second sensor system 526) may communicate (e.g., via the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576) data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event of a ride vehicle seat, seat row, or entire ride vehicle, to the one or more unique identification attributes 506 (e.g., unique ID tag), which may then pass the data to the ride vehicle identifier 504. For example, the one or more unique ID attributes 506 16 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 may receive the data from the sensor systems if the one or more unique ID attributes 506 is an RFID card that is rewritten and / or updated based on seat status. In another example, the one or more unique ID attributes 506 may be one or more light pulses capable of being augmented. Accordingly, the one or more unique ID attributes 506 may includeor be coupled to a light pulse system that augments the one or more light pulses based on the data received from the sensor systems, eg, the one or more light pulses may be augmented to account for all possible seat, seat row, and / or ride vehicle statuses in addition to vehicle identification. In an aspect, the light pulse system may include a controller to receive the data and augment the one or more light pulses accordingly. In an aspect, additionally and / or alternatively to the seat sensor systems communicating the data indicative of the out-of-service triggering event of the ride vehicle seat, row, and / or the entire ride vehicle to the controller 502, the data may be communicated by the on¬ board controller 586 and / or the seat controller described above. In an aspect, the seat sensor systems may directly communicate (eg, via the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576) the data indicative of the out-of-service triggering event of the ride vehicle seat row,and / or the entire ride vehicle, to the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 554 of the ride vehicle identifier 504.

[0045] In an embodiment, the above-described seat sensor systems (eg, first sensor system 524 and second sensor system 526) may communicate (e.g., via the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576) data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event of a ride vehicle seat, row, or entire ride vehicle, to the one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 450 of the HMI 400, which may then pass the data to the controller 502. For example, the HMI 400 may automatically update and display out-of-service seats based on the data received from the sensor systems. In an aspect, the HMI 400 may include a controller to process the data received from the sensor systems. For example, if the HMI 400 may receive data indicating that a particular seat is out-of-service. then the controller of the HMI 400 may process the seat dataand / or instruct a restraint system corresponding to the particular out-of-service seat to lock or remain locked (e.g., in a closed position). In an aspect, additionally and / or alternatively to the seat sensor systems communicating the data indicative of the out-of-service triggering event of the ride vehicle seat, row, or the entire ride vehicle to the HMI 400. the data may be communicated by the on-board controller 586 described above and / or a seat controller. In an embodiment, an on-board controller 586 may receive data indicating 17 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 that a particular seat is out-of-service and instruct a restraint system corresponding to the particular out-of-service seat to lock or remain locked (e.g., in a closed position). In an embodiment, seat controller may receive data indicating that a corresponding seat is out- of-service and instruct a restraint system corresponding to the corresponding out-of- service seat to lock or remain locked (e.g.. in a closedposition).

[0046] An example identifying technique using the unique ID attribute 506 comprising a unique ID tag will now be described in more detail. A unique ID tag may be mounted to a surface of a ride vehicle. For example, the first ride vehicle 104, the second ride vehicle 106, and the third ride vehicle 118 may each be assigned a unique ID tag mounted to a surface thereof. Accordingly, the controller 502 may identify a particular ride vehicle based on the unique ID tag using the ride vehicle identifier 504. In an aspect, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may be located on or near the passenger loading platform 110. As a ride vehicle arrives al the platform 110, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may read the unique ID tag mounted to the ride vehicle and provide the data relayed from the unique ID tag to the controller 502. In an aspect, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may transmit (e.g., via a transmitter or transceiver 554) a signal corresponding to the data relayed from the unique IDtag that will be received (e.g., via a receiver or transceiver 552) by the controller 502. Based on the received signal corresponding to the data relayed from the unique ID tag, the controller 502 may determine which particular ride vehicle is stopped at the platform 110. The controller 502 may also determine whether any seats of the determined ride vehicle are out-of-service. For example, the controller 502 may determine the existence of an out-of-service and / or in-service seat based on the data input to the HM1400 by the ride operator and / or technician and / or a direct communication from one or more sensors autonomously detecting an out-of-service triggering event of a ride vehicle seat. Accordingly, when the controller 502 determines that one or more seats of the ride vehicle stopped at the platform 110 is out-of-service, the controller 502 may instruct one or more restraint systems respectively corresponding to the one or more out- of-service seats to lock or remain locked (e.g., ina closed position) while instructing any restraint systems corresponding to in-service seats to unlock and / or open. Consequently, this will prevent a passenger from being able to manually open a restraint system of an out-of-service seat.

[0047] As an example, the first ride vehicle 104 may be assigned a unique ID attribute 506 comprising a unique ID tag (e.g., RFID tag, bar code, QR code) mounted to a surface 18 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 of the first ride vehicle 104. Moreover, the first seat 124A and the fourth seat 126B may be out-of-service and previously indicated as such in the HMI 400 by a ride operator and / or technician. When the first ride vehicle 104 arrives at the passenger loading platform 110, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may read the unique ID attribute 506 (e.g., unique ID tag) as the unique ID attribute 506 (e.g., unique ID tag) enters a sensing range of the ride vehicle identifier 504 and transmits the data from the unique ID attribute 506 (e.g., unique IDtag) to the controller 502. Upon receiving the data transmitted from the unique ID attribute 506 (e.g., unique ID tag ), the controller 502 may determine that the first ride vehicle 104 is stopped at the platform 110 and may further determine whether any seats of the first ride vehicle 104 are out-of-service by accessing the data input to the HMI 400. When the controller 502 is signaled that the first seat 124A and the fourth seat 126B are out-of-service (as indicated in the HMI 400), the controller 502 may instruct a restraint system of the first seat 124A and a restraint system of the fourth seat 126B to lock or remain locked (e.g., in a closed position) while instructing a restraint system of the second seat 124B and a restraint system of the third seat 126A to unlock and / or open. This prevents a passenger walking through the first gate 114 (e.g., first passenger 112A) or the second gate 116 (e.g., second passenger 112B) from being able to manually open a restraint system of anout-of-service seat (e.g., first seat 124A and fourth seat 126B). and allows the passenger to sit in an in-service seat (e.g., second seat 124B or third seat 126A).

[0048] In an aspect, the controller 502 may instruct a restraint system of an out-of-service seat (e.g., first seat 124A or fourth seat 126B) to lock or remain locked by refraining to send a signal to unlock or open the restraint system (e.g.. refraining to send an “unlock” or “open” signal). Additionally or alternatively, the controller 502 may block a signal for unlocking or opening the restraint system upon determining that a seat associated with the restraint system is out-of-service. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 502 may control (e.g., instruct) a restraint system corresponding to an out-of-service seat (e.g.. first seat 124A or fourth seat 126B) to lock or remain locked (e.g., in a closed position) by sending a signal to lock the restraint system (e.g., sending a “lock” or "close" signal).

[0049] FIG.6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an exemplary apparatus 600 employing a controller 614 configured to control a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system. For example, the apparatus 600 may be a computer, workstation, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or any other type of electronic device capable 19 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 of communicating with and / or controlling other electronic devices. Moreover, the controller 614 may be the controller 502 shown in FIG. 5. The controller 614 may comprise one or more processors 604. Examples of processors 604 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs). state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, the apparatus 600 may be configured to perform any one ormore of the functions described herein. That is. the processor 604, as utilized in an apparatus 600, may be used to implement any one or more of the processes and procedures described and illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0050] In this example, the controller 614 may be implemented with a bus architecture, represented generally by a bus 602. The bus 602 may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the controller 614 and the overall design constraints. The bus 602 may communicatively couple together various circuits including one or more processors (represented generally by the processor 604), a memory 605, and / or computer-readable media (represented generally by the computer-readable medium 606). The bus 602 may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further. A bus interface 608 providesan interface between the bus 602 and a transceiver 610. The transceiver 610 may provide a communication interface or means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium (e.g., via a wired connection and / or a wireless connection using an antenna array 630). For example, the transceiver 610 may provide a communication interface between the controller 614 and the ride vehicle identifier 504, the HMI 400, ride vehicle seats, seat restraint systems, sensors configured to autonomously detect an out-of-service triggering event of a ride vehicle seat, and / or any components of a ride vehicle system capable of communication. Depending upon the nature of the apparatus, a user interface 612 (e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) may also be provided. Of course, such a user interface 612 is optional, and may be omitted in some examples.

[0051] In some aspects of the disclosure, the processor 604 may include data receiving circuitry 640 configured forvarious functions, including, for example, receiving data corresponding to an identity of one or more ride vehicles prior to the one or more ride 20 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 vehicles stopping at a passenger loading platform, wherein the data may indicate which seat or seats of one or more seats included in the one or more ride vehicles are in-service or out-of-service. For example, the data receiving circuitry 640 may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described below in relation to FIG. 7, including, e.g., block 702. The processor 604 may also include vehicle identifying circuitry 642 configured for various functions, including, for example, identifying the one or more ride vehicles stopped at the passenger loading platform, the one or more ride vehicles including the one or more seats. For example, the vehicle identifying circuitry 642 may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described below in relation to FIG. 7, including, eg, block704. The processor 604 may also include seat determining circuitry 644 configured for various functions, including, for example, determining which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service and determining which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service based at least in part on the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles. For example, the seat determining circuitry 644 may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described below in relation to FIG. 7, including, e.g., block 706. The processor 604 may also include a restraint system controller 646 configured for various functions, including, for example, instructing to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service and instructing to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service. For example, therestraint system controller 646 may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described below in relation to FIG. 7, including blocks 708 and 710.

[0052] The processor 604 is responsible for managing the bus 602 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium 606. The software, when executed by the processor 604, causes the controller 614 to perform the various functions described below for any particular apparatus. The computer-readable medium 606 and / or the memory 605 may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processor 604 when executing software.

[0053] One or more processors 604 in the controller may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of 21 WO 2025 / 006646PCT / US2024 / 035677 execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. The software may reside on a computer-readable medium 606 and / or the memory 605. The computer- readable medium 606 and / or the memory 605 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes, by way of example, a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, or a key drive), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, a removable disk, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that may be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium 606 and / or thememory 605 may reside in the controller 614, external to the controller 614, or distributed across multiple entities including the controller 614. The computer-readable medium 606 and / or the memory 605 may be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 700 for controlling a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all aspects.In some examples, the process 700 may be carried out by the controller 614 of the apparatus 600 illustrated in FIG. 6, which may be a computer, workstation, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or any other type of electronic device capable of communicating with and / or controlling (e.g., instructing) other electronic devices. In some examples, the process 700 may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

[0055] At block 702. the controller may receive data corresponding to an identity of one or more ride vehicles (e.g., first ride vehicle 104, second ride vehicle 106, and / or third ride vehicle 118) prior to the one or more ride vehicles stopping at a passenger loading platform (e.g., passenger loading platform 110), wherein the data indicates which seat or 22 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 seats of one or more seats included in the one or more ride vehicles are in-service or which seat or seats of the one or more seats areout-of-service. In an aspect, the data is received via an interface device (e.g., HMI 400) configured to receive the data from a ride system operator or technician.

[0056] At block 704. the controller may identify the one or more ride vehicles stopped at the passenger loading platform. The one or more ride vehicles may include the one or more seats. In an aspect, the controller may identify data corresponding to (e.g., indicative of) the identity of the one or more ride vehicles at least in part via a signal from a ride vehicle identifier (e.g.. radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, bar code reader, QR code reader, camera, light sensor, and / or ride vehicle counter) configured to identify a unique identifying attribute (e.g., unique ID tag (e.g., RFID tag, bar code, QR code), image, retroreflective pattern, color, light pulse pattern, and / or ride vehicle count) of the one or more ride vehicles.

[0057] At block 706. the controller may determine which seat or seats of the one ormore seats are in-service and determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of- service based at least in part on the data corresponding to (e.g., indicative of) the identity of the one or more ride vehicles. In an aspect, the controller may determine which seat or seats are in-service or out-of-service by reading the received data corresponding at least in part to the data corresponding to (e.g., indicative of) the identity of the one or more ride vehicles.

[0058] At block 708, the controller may instruct to lock or remain locked (e.g., in a closed position) one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service (e.g.. first seat 124A and / or fourth seat 126B). In an aspect, the one or more restraint systems may be instructed to lock to prevent passengers from manually opening a restraint system of an out-of-service seat (e.g., unstrapping the restraint system and / or removing a barrier placed on theseat or restraint system) of the one or more ride vehicles and subsequently sitting in the out-of-service seat. In an aspect, the controller may instruct to lock the one or more restraint systems by refraining from sending a signal to unlock or open the one or more restraint systems (e.g., refraining from sending an “unlock signal’" or an “open signal”) or blocking a signal for unlocking or opening the one or more restraint systems from being sent (eg, blocking an ‘'unlock signal” or an '‘open signal” from being sent). In an aspect, the controller may 23 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 instruct to lock the one or more restraint systems by sending a signal to lock or close the one or more restraint systems (e.g., sending a “lock signal” or a “close signal”).

[0059] At block 710, the controller may instruct to unlock or open one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service (e.g., second seat 124B or thirdseat 126A). In an aspect, the one or more other restraint systems are instructed to unlock or open to allow passengers to sit in an in-service seat of the one or more ride vehicles.

[0060] Within the present disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another—even if they do not directly physically touch each other. For instance, a first object may be coupled to a second object even thoughthe first object is never directly physically in contact with the second object. Moreover, the term "comprising," "including," "containing." or “having” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0061] One or more of the components, steps, features and / or functions illustrated in FIGs. 1-7 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and / or components illustrated in FIGs. 1-7 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0062] It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed is anillustration of exemplary processes. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods may be rearranged. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order. 24 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically recited therein.

[0063] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather"one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term '‘some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to "at least one of’a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase ‘'means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using thephrase “step for.” 25 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A ride system comprising: one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats; a passenger loading platform; a ride vehicle identifier configured to identify the one or more ride vehicles stopped at the passenger loading platform; and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more seats and the ride vehicle identifier, the controller configured to: determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service; determine which seal or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service; instruct to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service; and instruct to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service. 2. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: receive data corresponding to theidentity of the one or more ride vehicles prior to the one or more ride vehicles stopping at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles indicates which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service or which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service. 3. The ride system of claim 2, further comprising: an interface device communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles from the interface device, and wherein the interface device is configured to receive the data from a ride system operator or technician. 26 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 4. The ride system of claim 2, wherein the control system configured to determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service or out-of-service is configured to at least: read the received data corresponding to the identity of the oneor more ride vehicles; receive data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event from an on-board controller of the one or more ride vehicles; or receive the data indicative of the out-of-service triggering event from a seat sensor system of the one or more ride vehicles. 5. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle identifier comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to identify the one or more ride vehicles, wherein the RFID reader is configured to: read an RFID tag mounted to the one or more ride vehicles. 6. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to instruct to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service at least in part by: refraining from sending a signal to unlock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service; blocking a signal for unlocking the one ormore restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service from being sent; or sending a signal to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service. 7. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle identifier comprises at least a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, a camera, a light sensor, a color sensor, or a ride vehicle counter. 8. A method of controlling a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system, the method comprising: 27 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 identifying one or more ride vehicles stopped at a passenger loading platform, the one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats: determining which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service; determining which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service; instructing to lock one or more restraint systemscorresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service; and instructing to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles prior to the one or more ride vehicles stopping at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles indicates which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service or which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles is received via an interface device configured to receive the data from a ride system operator or technician. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the determining which seat or seats of the one or more seats arein-service or out-of-service comprises at least: reading the received data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles; receiving data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event from an on-board controller of the one or more ride vehicles; or receiving the data indicative of the out-of-service triggering event from a seat sensor system of the one or more ride vehicles. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the identifying the one or more ride vehicles comprises: identifying a unique identifying attribute of the one or more ride vehicles. 28 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructing to lock the one or more restraint systems comprises at least: refraining from sending a signal to unlock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service; blocking a signal for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one ormore seats determined to be out-of-service from being sent; or sending a signal to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service. 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the identifying the one or more ride vehicles comprises identifying via at least a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, a light sensor, a color sensor, a camera, or a ride vehicle counter. 15. An apparatus for controlling a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: identify one or more ride vehicles stopped at a passenger loading platform, the one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats, determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service, determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service, instruct to lock one or more restraint systemscorresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service, and instruct to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in-service. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles prior to the one or more ride vehicles stopping at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles indicates which seat or seats 29 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 of the one or more seats are in-service or which seat or seats of the one or more seats are out-of-service. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive the data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles via an interface device configured to receive the data corresponding to the identityof the one or more ride vehicles from a ride system operator or technician. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor configured to determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service or out-of-service is configured to at least: read the received data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles; receive data indicative of an out-of-service triggering event from an on-board controller of the one or more ride vehicles; or receive the data indicative of the out-of-service triggering event from a seat sensor system of the one or more ride vehicles. 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to identify the one or more ride vehicles via a signal from a ride vehicle identifier configured to identify a unique identification attribute of the one or more ride vehicles. 20. The apparatus of claim 16. wherein the at least one processor configured to instruct to lock the one or more restraint systemsis configured to at least: refrain from sending a signal to unlock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service; block a signal for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service from being sent; or send a signal to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service. 30 WO 2025 / 006646 1 / 7 PCT / US2024 / 035677 FIG. 1 WO 2025 / 006646 2 / 7 PCT / US2024 / 035677 216 FIG. 3 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 400 HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE STATUS 104、 FIRST RIDE J VEHICLE SEAT 1 SEAT 2 124B SEAT 3 126A SEAT 4 ••• SEATM 106、 SECOND RIDE- VEHICLE SEAT 1 134A SEAT 2 134B SEAT 3 136A SEAT 4 136B ••• SEATM THIRD RIDE- VEHICLE tea********** ®144A% SEAT 2 144B SEAT 3 146A SEAT 4 146B ••• SEATM • SEAT 1 SEAT 2 SEAT 3 SEAT 4 ••• SEATM N-th RIDE VEHICLE SEAT 1 SEAT 2SEAT 3 SEAT 4 ••• SEATM FIG. 4 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 WO 2025 / 006646 PCT / US2024 / 035677 WO 2025 / 006646 7 / 7 PCT / US2024 / 035677 700 FIG. 7 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No PCT / US2024 / 035677 1 A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER INV. ADD. A63G7 / 00 A63G31 / 00 According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) A63G Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) EPO-Internal, WPI Data C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. A CA 3 192 101 Al (UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC [US]) 14April 2022 (2022-04-14) paragraph

[0034] - paragraph

[0066] ; figures 1-20 A US 2019 / 184935 Al (BLUM STEVEN C [US]) 20 June 2019 (2019-06-20) paragraph

[0018] - paragraph

[0036] ; figures 1-20 A US 2020 / 346603 Al (FREEDMAN DANIEL MATTHEW [US] ET AL) 5 November 2020 (2020-11-05) paragraph

[0026] - paragraph

[0048] ; figures 1-20 A US 2003 / 160497 Al (DARR JOSHUA SCOTT [US]) 28 August 2003 (2003-08-28) paragraph

[0021] - paragraph

[0025] ; figures 1-20 Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. X See patent family annex. * Special categories of cited documents : "A" document defining the general state of the art which is not considered to be of particular relevance "E" earlier application or patent but published on or after the international filing date "L" document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified) "0" document referring to an oral disclosure, use,exhibition or other means "P" document published prior to the international filing date but later than the priority date claimed 'T" later document published after the international filing date or priority date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention 'X" document of particular relevance;; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone 'Y" document of particular relevance;; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other such documents, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the art document member of the same patent family Date of the actual completion of the international search Date of mailing of the international search report 25 September 2024 14 / 10 / 2024 Name and mailing address of the ISA / European Patent Office, P.B. 5818Patentlaan 2 NL - 2280 HV Rijswijk Tel. (+31-70) 340-2040, Fax: (+31-70)340-3016 Authorized officer Lucas, Peter Form PCT / ISA / 210 (second sheet) (April 2005) INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Information on patent family members International application No PCT / US2024 / 035677 Patent document cited in search report Publication date Patent family member(s) Publication date CA 3192101 Al 14-04-2022 CA 3192101 Al 14-04-2022 CN 116323336 A 23-06-2023 EP 4225617 Al 16-08-2023 JP 2023546351 A 02-11-2023 KR 20230079224 A 05-06-2023 US 2022105895 Al 07-04-2022 WO 2022076203 Al 14-04-2022 US 2019184935 Al 20-06-2019 CA 3084669 Al 27-06-2019 CN 111432902 A 17-07-2020 EP 3727625 Al 28-10-2020 ES 2959515 T3 26-02-2024 JP 7277464 B2 19-05-2023 JP 2021506433 A 22-02-2021 JP 2023109810 A 08-08-2023 KR 20200100146 A 25-08-2020 RU 2020123609 A 20-01-2022 SG 11202004881T A 29-06-2020 US 2019184935 Al 20-06-2019 WO 2019126074 Al 27-06-2019 US 2020346603 Al 05-11-2020 NONE US 2003160497 Al 28-08-2003 NONE FormPCT / ISA / 210 (patent family annex) (April 2005) (19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480042522.X (22) Application Date 2024.06.26 (30) Priority Data 18 / 345979 2023.06.30 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.24 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 035677 2024.06.26 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2025 / 006646 EN 2025.01.02 (71) Applicant Universal City Cinema LLC Address California, USA (72) Inventors M.A. Beatrice G.P. Habib and D.G. Magidari (74) Patent Agency China Patent Agent (Hong Kong) Limited 72001 Patent Attorneys Ma Chaoran and Liu Chunyuan (51) Int.Cl. A63G 7 / 00 (2006.01) A63G 31 / 00 (2006.01) (54) Title of Invention System and Method for Implementing Process Control of Vehicle Restraints via Computer (57) Abstract Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus and systems for controlling vehicle restraints (232) in a ride system (100). The system is configured to: identify one or more passenger vehicles (104, 106, 118) parked at the passenger loading platform (110), said one or more passenger vehicles (108, 106, 118) comprising one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B); and determine, at least in part, which seat(s) of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) based on data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles (104, 106, 118). 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) are in service or out of service; instruct to lock one or more restraint systems (232) corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) that are determined to be out of service; and instruct to unlock one or more restraint systems corresponding to the one or more seats determined to be in service.One or more other constraint systems (232) corresponding to at least one other seat (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B) among (124A, 124B, 126A, 126B, 134A, 134B, 136A, 136B). Claims (3 pages), Description (15 pages), Drawings (7 pages), CN 121398890 A, 2026.01.23, CN 1 21 39 88 90 A. 1. A riding system comprising: one or more riding vehicles including one or more seats; a passenger loading platform; a riding vehicle identifier configured to identify the one or more riding vehicles parked at the passenger loading platform; and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more seats and the riding vehicle identifier, the controller configured to: determine which of the one or more seats is in service; determine which of the one or more seats is out of service; instruct the locking of one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the seats determined to be out of service; and instruct the unlocking of one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat determined to be in service. 2. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: receive data corresponding to an identifier of the one or more ride vehicles before the one or more ride vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more ride vehicles indicates which of the one or more seats is in service or which of the one or more seats is out of service. 3. The ride system of claim 2, further comprising: an interface device communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more ride vehicles from the interface device, and wherein the interface device is configured to receive the data from a ride system operator or technician. 4. The ride system of claim 2, wherein the control system configured to determine which of the one or more seats is in service or out of service is configured to at least: read the received data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more ride vehicles; receive data indicating a service stop trigger event from an onboard controller of the one or more ride vehicles; or receive the data indicating the service stop trigger event from a seat sensor system of the one or more ride vehicles.5. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle identifier includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to identify the one or more ride vehicles, wherein the RFID reader is configured to: read an RFID tag attached to the one or more ride vehicles. 6. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the locking of one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service by at least partially: suppressing the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; preventing the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; or transmitting signals to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service. 7. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle identifier comprises at least a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, a camera, a light sensor, a color sensor, or a ride vehicle counter. 8. A method for controlling ride vehicle constraints in a ride system, the method comprising: identifying one or more ride vehicles stopped at a passenger loading platform, the one or more ride vehicles comprising one or more seats; determining which of the one or more seats is in service; determining which of the one or more seats is out of service; instructing to lock one or more constraint systems corresponding to at least one of the seats determined to be out of service; and instructing to unlock one or more other constraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat determined to be in service. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving data corresponding to an identifier of the one or more ride vehicles before the one or more ride vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more ride vehicles indicates which of the one or more seats is in service or which of the one or more seats is out of service. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles is received via an interface device configured to receive the data from a passenger system operator or technician. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein determining which or which of the one or more seats...Determining whether a seat is in service or out of service includes at least: reading received data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more vehicles; receiving data indicating a service termination trigger event from the onboard controller of the one or more vehicles; or receiving the data indicating the service termination trigger event from the seat sensor system of the one or more vehicles. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein identifying the one or more vehicles includes: identifying a unique identification attribute of the one or more vehicles. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein indicating the locking of the one or more restraint systems includes at least: suppressing the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; preventing the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; or transmitting signals to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service. 14. The method of claim 8, wherein identifying the one or more passenger vehicles comprises: at least via a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, a light sensor, a color sensor, a camera, or a passenger vehicle counter. 15. An apparatus for controlling passenger vehicle constraints in a passenger system, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: identify one or more passenger vehicles parked at a passenger loading platform, the one or more passenger vehicles including one or more seats; determine which of the one or more seats is in service; determine which of the one or more seats is out of service; instruct to lock one or more constraint systems corresponding to at least one of the seats determined to be out of service; and instruct to unlock one or more other constraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat determined to be in service. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive data corresponding to an identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles before the one or more passenger vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles indicates which seat or seats among the one or more seats are in service or which seat or seats among the one or more seats are out of service. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive via an interface meansThe interface device is configured to receive the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles from a passenger system operator or technician. 18. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor configured to determine which of the one or more seats is in service or out of service is configured to at least: read the received data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles; receive data indicating a service stoppage trigger event from an onboard controller of the one or more passenger vehicles; or receive the data indicating the service stoppage trigger event from a seat sensor system of the one or more passenger vehicles. 19. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to identify the one or more passenger vehicles via a signal from a passenger vehicle identifier, the passenger vehicle identifier being configured to identify a unique identification attribute of the one or more passenger vehicles. 20. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor configured to indicate locking of the one or more restraint systems is configured to at least: suppress the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; prevent the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; or transmit signals to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121398890 A System and Method for Implementing Process Control of Ride-Hailing Restraints via Computer Technical Field

[0001] The technology discussed below generally relates to ride-hailing restraint systems, and more particularly to suppressing movement of ride-hailing restraints. Background Art

[0002] Restraint systems are used to safely restrain passengers in amusement park ride-hailing vehicles. For example, restraint systems are provided to accommodate seated, standing, or lying passengers. For seated ride-hailing facilities, restraint systems may take the form of crossbars (e.g., knee bars, T-bars, etc.) placed against the passenger's torso or thighs. In the example, the crossbar may be supported by one or more support rods rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted on or near the floor of the vehicle, close to the passenger's legs. Thus, when one or more support rods are rotated about the pivot toward or away from the passenger, the crossbar may move toward or away from the passenger. However, problems may arise when individual seats on the vehicle cease service, but the vehicle as a whole remains in service for passengers.

[0003] For example, when one or more seats on the vehicle cease service, but the remaining seats in a row are replaced by other...When a passenger is in service, the ride facility operator and / or technician (e.g., ride facility technician) may implement procedures to prevent the passenger from sitting in a seat that is no longer in service. This procedure may include the ride facility operator and / or technician locking (e.g., securing) the restraint system of the seat that is no longer in service in a closed position and / or placing a physical barrier on the restraint system to prevent the restraint system from opening and thus prevent the passenger from sitting in the seat that is no longer in service. This procedure may include the ride facility operator and / or technician monitoring passengers as they board the ride and preventing passengers from entering and / or sitting in a seat that is no longer in service. However, the ride facility operator and / or technician may not notice that the passenger unlocks the restraint system from the closed position and / or removes the physical barrier on the restraint system, and the passenger may sit in a seat that is no longer in service.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for monitoring when one or more seats of a ride vehicle cease service and preventing the restraint systems of one or more seats that are no longer in service from being opened. This disclosure relates to controlling the restraint systems of seats that are no longer in service to lock or remain locked. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An overview of one or more aspects of this disclosure is presented below to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of all the features contemplated in this disclosure, and is neither intended to identify key or primary elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling vehicle restraints in a ride system. The ride system may include: one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats; a passenger loading platform; a ride vehicle identifier configured to identify one or more ride vehicles parked at the passenger loading platform; and a controller communicatively coupled to one or more seats and / or the ride vehicle identifier. The controller may be configured to determine, at least in part, which of the one or more seats is in service or out of service based on data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more ride vehicles. If any of the seats in the one or more seats is determined to be out of service, the controller may be configured to instruct the locking of one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service. If any of the seats in one or more of the seats is determined to be in service, the controller may be configured to instruct the unlocking of one or more other constraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat in the one or more seats determined to be in service. The riding system may include a connector communicatively coupled to the controller.An interface device is provided, wherein the controller is configured to receive data via the interface device, and wherein the interface device is configured to receive data from a ride system operator (e.g., a ride facility operator) and / or a technician (e.g., a ride system technician, a ride facility technician). Data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more ride vehicles may be received before one or more ride vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform. Data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more ride vehicles may indicate whether one or more seats are in service and / or whether one or more seats are out of service and / or which one or more seats are in service and / or which one or more seats are out of service. The controller may be configured to receive data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more ride vehicles via the interface device. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

[0007] In one example, a method for controlling ride vehicle constraints in a ride system is disclosed. The method includes: identifying one or more passenger vehicles stopped at a passenger loading platform, the one or more passenger vehicles including one or more seats; determining, at least in part, which or some of the one or more seats (if any) are in service or out of service based on data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles; if any of the one or more seats is determined to be out of service, instructing at least one of the one or more seats to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; and if any of the one or more seats is determined to be in service, instructing to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat of the one or more seats determined to be in service. The method also includes receiving data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles before the one or more passenger vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles indicates which or some of the one or more seats (if any) are in service and / or which or some of the one or more seats (if any) are out of service.

[0008] In one example, a controller for indicating passenger vehicle restraints in a passenger system is disclosed. The controller may include at least one processor. At least one processor can be configured to identify one or more passenger vehicles parked at a passenger loading platform, the one or more passenger vehicles including one or more seats. At least one processor can be configured to determine which or all of the one or more seats (if any) are in service. At least one processor can be configured to determine which or all of the one or more seats (if any) are out of service (if...).(If applicable). At least one processor may be configured to determine, at least in part, which of one or more seats (if any) is in service based on data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more passenger vehicles, and / or the processor may be configured to determine, at least in part, which of one or more seats (if any) is out of service based on data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more passenger vehicles. The processor may be configured to instruct the locking of one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service, and / or the processor may be configured to instruct the unlocking of one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other of the one or more seats determined to be in service. At least one processor may be configured to receive data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more passenger vehicles before the one or more passenger vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform. The data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more passenger vehicles may indicate which of one or more seats is in service, and / or the data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more passenger vehicles may indicate which of one or more seats is out of service. Specification 2 / 15 pages 6 CN 121398890 A Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] FIG1 is a top view of an example riding system according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG2 is a front perspective view showing an example row of seats in a riding vehicle according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG3 is an extended view of an area of ​​the example riding system depicted in FIG1 according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG4 shows an example of a human-machine interface (HMI) for receiving and displaying riding vehicle data according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG5 is an extended view of an area of ​​the example riding system depicted in FIG1 according to various aspects of the present disclosure, which implements a controller configured to control riding vehicle constraints of the riding system.

[0014] FIG6 is a block diagram showing an example hardware implementation of an exemplary device employing a controller configured to control riding vehicle constraints in a riding system according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG7 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for controlling riding vehicle constraints in a riding system according to aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0016] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations, and not as representing the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts, the detailed description includes specific details. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such generalities.While aspects and embodiments are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases can arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes and / or packaging arrangements.

[0017] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling restraint systems for seats in a passenger vehicle. In one aspect, a controller may monitor one or more seats in a passenger vehicle for data indicating that one or more seats in the passenger vehicle are out of service, and / or the controller may determine that one or more seats in the passenger vehicle are out of service and / or when they are out of service. The controller may prevent the restraint systems of one or more out-of-service seats from being opened when the passenger vehicle arrives at a passenger loading platform, thereby inhibiting passengers from sitting in one or more out-of-service seats determined to be out of service.

[0018] The controller of this disclosure may instruct the restraints corresponding to the out-of-service seats not to be opened, thereby inhibiting passengers from sitting in the out-of-service seats. It may be desirable to deactivate a seat for at least one of a variety of reasons. For example, keeping a seat vacant to control weight distribution on the passenger vehicle (e.g., partially loading the passenger vehicle) may be desirable. Altering the weight distribution of a ride vehicle can allow for changes to or reductions in wear and tear (e.g., reducing wear in certain parts of the ride vehicle, reducing wear throughout the ride vehicle, reducing wear on infrastructure such as ride paths (e.g., tracks, water tanks), brakes, acceleration systems) or allow for modifications to the passenger experience while riding the ride vehicle (e.g., placing more weight in certain areas of the ride vehicle minimizes or maximizes the chance of passengers being splashed or wet on the ride; changing the weight placement throughout a roller coaster alters the momentum throughout the ride experience; changing the weight distribution changes which part of the ride path a passenger can experience, or which of several ride paths a passenger can experience). Furthermore, if it is determined that fully filling the ride vehicle would exceed the desired total weight of the loaded vehicle (e.g., weight limits), it may be desirable to decommission seats to prevent passengers from boarding the ride vehicle. It may also be desirable to decommission seats if they require maintenance. This may allow passenger throughput of the ride facility (e.g., at a reduced rate) to continue until at least a threshold number of seats in the ride vehicle require maintenance (e.g., and the entire ride vehicle is removed from service during the operating time, e.g., pulled out of service) or until after the operating time and no passenger throughput is expected. Additionally, if a service stoppage trigger event is detected by the sensor system, stopping service at seats may be expected. Service stoppage trigger events may include requiring inspection and / or maintenance of ride vehicle seats, seat rows of the ride vehicle, and / or even...Events affecting the entire vehicle (e.g., completing a threshold number of cycles). Stop-service trigger events may also include detected faults, detected damage, detected potential damage, and / or detected potential faults. Following the detection of a stop-service trigger event, checks may be performed to confirm whether any maintenance (e.g., repair, replacement) of seats, seat rows, and / or any components of the vehicle (e.g., restraints, special effects, speakers, lights) is necessary. Additionally, it may be desirable to decommission one or more seats, one or more seat rows, and / or one or more vehicles to allow for certified operation of one or more vehicles and / or one or more seat rows and / or seats in a system of vehicles boarding simultaneously at the same platform. Furthermore, if test equipment is installed in or on a seat, decommissioning the seat may be desirable. Decommissioning a seat may also be desirable if it is an accommodation seat that is not being actively used and / or required. The seating arrangement may be a seat designed to accommodate passengers of a specific size (e.g., a specific height (e.g., relatively tall or short), a specific width (e.g., relatively large width, relatively small width), or weight (e.g., relatively large weight, relatively small weight)). The seating arrangement may also be a seat designed for passengers who may have additional needs or require additional assistance (e.g., wheelchair accommodation (e.g., allowing a wheelchair to be coupled to the seat and / or the riding vehicle, transferring a passenger from a wheelchair to the seating arrangement of the riding vehicle)). For the reasons described above and / or similar reasons, it may be desirable to deactivate the seating arrangement.

[0019] FIG1 is a top view of an example riding system 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The riding system 100 may include a path 102 and one or more riding vehicles configured to move along the path 102. As shown in FIG1, a first riding vehicle 104 is stationary on the path 102 near a passenger loading platform 110. While the first riding vehicle 104 is stationary, other riding vehicles (such as a second riding vehicle 106 and a third riding vehicle 118) may simultaneously travel along the path 102. In some aspects of this disclosure, path 102 may include one or more tracks or rails (such as center rail 108 shown in FIG. 1) for guiding and / or moving the passenger vehicle along path 102.

[0020] Passenger loading platform 110 provides an area for passengers 112 to queue before boarding one of the passenger vehicles. In one aspect, the passenger system 100 may include a door system (e.g., a shotgun door system) configured to control the flow of passengers 112 boarding the passenger vehicle. The door system may include one or more doors corresponding to one or more rows of seats available on the passenger vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, a first door 114 is configured to control the flow of passengers 112 intending to board the first passenger vehicle 104.The flow of passengers in a row of seats, and the second door 116 is configured to control the flow of passengers intending to board the second row of seats in the first vehicle 104. In one aspect, the door system may be configured to actuate all doors to open and / or close, such as when the vehicle is stopped near platform 110. In the example shown in FIG1, the first door 114 and the second door 116 are opened to allow passenger 112 to enter the row of seats in the first vehicle 104.

[0021] In one aspect, each row of seats in the vehicle may include one or more vehicle seats. For example, the first row of seats in the first vehicle 104 may include first seat 124A and second seat 124B. The second row of seats in the first vehicle 104 may include third seat 126A and fourth seat 126B. In another example, the first row of seats in the second vehicle 106 may include first seat 134A and second seat 134B, and the second row of seats in the second vehicle 106 may include third seat 136A and fourth seat 136B. In another example, the first seat row of the third vehicle 118 may include a first seat 144A and a second seat 144B, and the second seat row of the third vehicle 118 may include a third seat 146A and a fourth seat 146B.

[0022] FIG2 is a front perspective view of an example seat row 216 of a vehicle according to various aspects of the present disclosure, page 4 / 15 of the specification, 8 CN 121398890 A 200. The seat row shown in FIG2 is provided with three seats 230 as an example, but is not intended to be limiting, as the seat row may support more or fewer seats (e.g., one seat per row, two seats per row as shown in FIG1, four seats per row).

[0023] In one aspect, each seat 230 may include a seat back 250, a seat panel 252, and one or more side structures 254. One or more side structures may be formed alongside the seat back 250 and / or the seat panel 252. In addition, each seat 230 is provided with a restraint system 232 configured to restrain a passenger (e.g., a customer) within the seat 230 (e.g., against the seat back 250 and / or seat panel 252) when the vehicle moves. The restraint system 232 may include crossbars 240 (e.g., knee bars, T-bars, etc.) placed against the passenger's torso and / or thighs. In one aspect, the crossbars 240 may be made of a rigid material, a soft material (e.g., foam padding), or a combination thereof. The restraint system 232 may also include one or more support rods 242 (e.g., restraint tubes). The one or more crossbars 240 may be coupled to or secured to one or more support rods 242 (e.g., one or more corresponding support rods). Specifically, the support rods 242 may have coupling to the crossbars.A first support rod end of 240 and a second support rod end rotatably coupled to a pivot 260. The pivot 260 can be mounted to the upper rear portion of the seat 230 behind the seat back 250. The coupling between the second support rod end and the pivot 260 can include a translational relationship. For example, the coupling can facilitate forward, backward, upward and / or downward movement of one or more support rods 242.

[0024] FIG3 is an extended view of region 130 of an example riding system 100 depicted in FIG1 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In one aspect, one or more seats in a row of seats of a riding vehicle may be out of service for one or more reasons. Accordingly, the riding facility operator or technician may implement procedures to prevent passengers from sitting in out-of-service seats in the out-of-service row.

[0025] As shown in FIG3, one or more seats in a first row of seats (e.g., first seat 124A) and one or more seats in a second row of seats (e.g., fourth seat 126B) of a first riding vehicle 104 are out of service. As part of the procedure, the ride facility operator and / or technician may lock (e.g., brace) the restraint systems of the first seat 124A and / or the fourth seat 126B in the closed position to prevent the restraint systems from opening and thus prevent passengers from sitting in the out-of-service seats. Additionally or alternatively, the ride facility operator and / or technician may place physical barriers on the restraint systems and / or the out-of-service seats to prevent passengers from sitting in them. For example, the ride facility operator and / or technician may close or block out the out-of-service seats to prevent passengers from sitting down. The procedure may also include the ride facility operator and / or technician monitoring passengers as they board the ride and preventing them from sitting in out-of-service seats (e.g., the first seat 124A or the fourth seat 126B).

[0026] In one aspect, when one or more seats in a row of seats in the ride vehicle may be out of service, the other seats in the row may be in service for passengers. That is, the other seats in the row may be available for passengers to board. As shown in Figure 3, one or more seats in the first seating row of the first vehicle 104 (e.g., second seat 124B) and one or more seats in the second seating row of the first vehicle 104 (e.g., third seat 126A) are in service. Accordingly, when the first vehicle 104 is stopped near the passenger loading platform 110 on path 102, the door system can control (e.g., instruct) the opening of the first door 114 to allow the first passenger 112A to enter the first seating row with one or more seats in service (e.g., second seat 124B in service). The door system can control (e.g., instruct) the opening of the second door 116 to allow the second passenger 112B to enter the first seating row with one or more seats in service (e.g., second seat 126A in service).The second row of seats (third seat 126A). However, a passenger entering a row of seats to sit in a seat that is in service (e.g., first passenger 112A or second passenger 112B) may attempt to sit in a seat that is out of service (e.g., first seat 124A or fourth seat 126B).

[0027] Aspects of this disclosure relate to a riding system configured to monitor when one or more seats of a riding vehicle cease service and prevent the restraint systems of one or more out-of-service seats from being opened. As an example, referring to FIG3, in the first row of a first riding vehicle 104, first seat 124A is out of service and second seat 124B is in service. In the second row of the first riding vehicle 104, third seat 126A is in service and fourth seat 126B is out of service. In one aspect, when the first passenger vehicle 104 is stopped near the passenger loading platform 110 on path 102, the passenger system can control (e.g., instruct) the restraint system of the first seat 124A in the first row to lock or remain locked, while controlling the restraint system of the second seat 124B in the first row to open and / or unlock. This prevents a first passenger 112A passing through the first door 114 from sitting in the out-of-service first seat 124A and prompts the first passenger 112A to sit in the second seat 124B that is in service. Similarly, when the first passenger vehicle 104 is stopped near the passenger loading platform 110 on path 102, the passenger system can control (e.g., instruct) the restraint system of the third seat 126A in the second row to open and / or unlock, while controlling the restraint system of the fourth seat 126B in the second row to lock or remain locked. This prevents a second passenger 112B passing through the second door 116 from sitting in the out-of-service fourth seat 126B and prompts the second passenger 112B to sit in the third seat 126A that is in use. Accordingly, if the ride facility operator and / or technician are unaware of the decommissioned seats on the first ride vehicle 104, or are not in a position preventing the first passenger 112A or the second passenger 112B from sitting in the decommissioned seats, the ride system may lock or maintain the restraint system of the decommissioned seats to prevent passengers from manually opening the restraint system and / or sitting in the decommissioned seats.

[0028] FIG4 illustrates an example of a human-machine interface (HMI) 400 for receiving and displaying ride vehicle data according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The HMI 400 may include a display (e.g., a screen) 402 configured to display status data of the ride vehicles operating in the ride system. As shown in FIG4, the HMI 400 may display data related to the first ride vehicle to at most the Nth ride vehicle, where N is an integer greater than 1 (N>1). The maximum value of N may depend on the availability of the ride systemThe maximum capacity of the passenger vehicle operating in the system. In the example of Figure 4, the data displayed on the HMI 400 includes data from the first passenger vehicle 104, the second passenger vehicle 106, and the third passenger vehicle 118 shown in Figure 1. In one aspect, the passenger vehicles can be displayed and / or listed on the HMI 400 based on unique identification attributes assigned to each passenger vehicle (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, images, retroreflective patterns, light pulse patterns, colors, and / or passenger vehicle counts).

[0029] In one aspect, the HMI 400 displays status data for each seat of the passenger vehicle. For example, the status data may include an indication of whether a seat in the passenger vehicle is in service or out of service. As shown in Figure 4, the HMI 400 may display status data for the first seat to at most the Mth seat of the passenger vehicle, where M is an integer greater than 1 (M>1). The maximum value of M may depend on the maximum number of seats present in the passenger vehicle. In the example of Figure 4, the status data displayed on the HMI 400 includes the status data of the first seat 124A, the second seat 124B, the third seat 126A, and the fourth seat 126B of the first vehicle 104; the status data of the first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B of the second vehicle 106; and the status data of the first seat 144A, the second seat 144B, the third seat 146A, and the fourth seat 146B of the third vehicle 118.

[0030] In one aspect, the status of the seats can be indicated on the HMI 400 by color. In particular, the fields corresponding to the seats of the vehicle can be shown in different colors on the HMI 400 based on whether the seat is in service or out of service. For example, with respect to the first vehicle 104, the first seat 124A may be out of service, the second seat 124B may be in service, the third seat 126A may be in service, and the fourth seat 126B may be out of service. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 4, the HMI 400 can display the fields corresponding to the second seat 124B and the third seat 126A in transparent or white to indicate that the seats are in service, and display the fields corresponding to the first seat 124A and the fourth seat 126B in gray to indicate that the seats are out of service. Regarding the second seating vehicle 106, the first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B can all be in service. Therefore, the HMI 400 can display the fields corresponding to the first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B in transparent or white to indicate that the seats are in service.The first seat 134A, the second seat 134B, the third seat 136A, and the fourth seat 136B are shown to be in service. In one aspect, the color depicting the status of a seat (e.g., whether the seat is in service or out of service) may not be limited to transparent / white and gray. It is contemplated that any color or combination of colors may be used to depict the status of a seat. For example, green and / or blue may be used to depict a seat in service, while yellow and / or red may be used to depict a seat out of service.

[0031] In one aspect, the status of a seat may be indicated on the HMI 400 by visual markings. In particular, the field corresponding to a seat of a vehicle may be shown on the HMI 400 with distinguishing markings (e.g., checkmarks, graphic designs, or any other markings suitable for distinguishing fields) based on whether the seat is in service or out of service. For example, with respect to the third vehicle 118, the first seat 144A may be out of service, while the second seat 144B, the third seat 146A, and the fourth seat 146B may be in service. Accordingly, as shown in FIG4, HMI 400 may display a field corresponding to the first seat 144A with crosshairs to indicate that the first seat 144A is out of service. It is worth noting that HMI 400 may display fields corresponding to the second seat 144B, third seat 146A, and fourth seat 146B without any markings to indicate that the second seat 144B, third seat 146A, and fourth seat 146B are in service.

[0032] In one aspect, HMI 400 may be configured to receive input from a ride facility operator and / or technician. Accordingly, if the ride facility operator and / or technician determine that a seat in the ride vehicle is out of service (e.g., during a seat inspection), the ride facility operator and / or technician may update HMI 400 with the determined seat status. In one aspect, the screen 402 of HMI 400 may be a touchscreen responsive to touch by the ride facility operator and / or technician. Therefore, the operator / technician of the ride-hailing facility can press the field on screen 402 corresponding to the out-of-service seats (e.g., the first seat 124A of the first ride-hailing vehicle 104, the fourth seat 126B of the first ride-hailing vehicle 104, and / or the first seat 144A of the third ride-hailing vehicle 118) to change the field's color and / or add and / or change the field's distinguishing mark and / or remove the distinguishing mark from the field to indicate that the corresponding seat is out of service. Later, if a seat in a ride-hailing vehicle returns to service (e.g., is determined to have returned to service), the operator and / or technician of the ride-hailing facility can press the field on screen 402 corresponding to the out-of-service seats to change the field's color (e.g., return it to its original color).The initial state (e.g., original color) and / or adding distinguishing markers to the field and / or changing the distinguishing markers of the field and / or removing distinguishing markers from the field to indicate that the corresponding seat is in service. In one aspect, screen 402 may not be a touchscreen responsive to touch by a ride facility operator and / or technician. Accordingly, HMI 400 may be configured to receive input from ride facility operators and / or technicians via other types of input devices, such as keypad, keyboard, mouse, or any combination thereof.

[0033] FIG5 is an extended view of area 130 of an example ride system 100 depicted in FIG1 according to various aspects of the present disclosure, which implements a controller configured to control ride vehicle constraints in the ride system. In one aspect, the controller may be configured to monitor and / or determine when one or more seats of the ride vehicle cease service and instruct the restraint system of the one or more ceased-service seats to be opened. The ride system may include a controller 502, a ride vehicle identifier 504, one or more unique identification (ID) attributes 506 installed on the ride vehicle, an HMI 400 described above with respect to FIG4, and one or more doors (e.g., first door 114 and second door 116) configured to control the flow of passengers 112 boarding the ride vehicle (e.g., first ride vehicle 104). The controller 502 may be coupled to the ride vehicle seats, seat restraint systems, ride vehicle identifier 504, HMI 400 and / or one or more doors via wired or wireless connections.

[0034] In one aspect, the controller 502 may be configured to determine the status of each seat in each ride vehicle in the ride system (e.g., whether the seat is in service or out of service) based on input received from the ride facility operator and / or technician via the HMI 400. HMI 400 may include or be coupled to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 450 configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of controller 502. Accordingly, when HMI 400 receives data from a ride facility operator and / or technician indicating whether a ride seat of a particular ride vehicle is in service or out of service, HMI 400 may transmit the data directly to controller 502. When a ride seat of a particular ride vehicle is signaled to be out of service, controller 502 may instruct the restraint system corresponding to the out-of-service seat to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position). Controller 502 may also instruct any restraint system corresponding to a seat in service to unlock and / or open.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, controller 502 may be configured (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to communicate with one or moreA sensor system (e.g., first sensor system 524 and second sensor system 526) communicates, wherein the sensor system may include one or more sensors (e.g., first sensor 564 and second sensor 566) and a communication circuit system (e.g., wired communication circuit system, wireless communication circuit system (e.g., transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver 574, 576)). Sensors of the one or more sensor systems (e.g., light sensors, sound sensors, vibration sensors, displacement sensors, temperature sensors, strain sensors, force sensors, pressure sensors, cameras) may be configured to autonomously detect data indicating a service interruption trigger event for a seat in a vehicle, a specific row of seats in a vehicle, and / or the entire vehicle (e.g., inputs indicating it is time for maintenance or inspection (e.g., completion of a threshold number of cycles), reaching a threshold temperature, reaching (e.g., a component's) threshold displacement, reaching (e.g., a component's) threshold strain, reaching a threshold force and / or pressure, reaching a threshold vibration and / or sound level, detecting a fault, detecting a potential fault, detecting damage, detecting potential damage). Accordingly, controller 502 can also detect whether a seat in a particular vehicle is in service or out of service based on direct signals from one or more sensing systems. For example, one or more sensing systems may be mounted on the vehicle seat, on the surface of the vehicle, and / or anywhere along path 102 within the detection range of the vehicle seat. The one or more sensing systems may include and / or be coupled to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of controller 502. Accordingly, when one or more sensors detect a service outage trigger event for a vehicle seat, the one or more sensors may transmit the service outage trigger event directly to controller 502. Upon being signaled a service outage trigger event for a vehicle seat, controller 502 may determine that the vehicle seat is out of service and instruct the restraint system corresponding to the out-of-service seat to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position). Controller 502 may instruct any restraint system corresponding to a seat in service to unlock and / or open. Upon receiving data indicating a service stop trigger event for a row of seats, controller 502 can determine that the row of seats has stopped service. Then, controller 502 can instruct each restraint system corresponding to each seat in the row of seats that has stopped service to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position). Upon receiving data indicating a service stop trigger event for the vehicle, controller 502 can determine that all seats in the vehicle have stopped service. Then, controller 502 can instruct all seats in the vehicle to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position).

[0036] In one aspect, all vehicles in the riding system can be uniquely identified by the controller 502 via a vehicle identifier 504. For example, each vehicle can be assigned a unique identification attribute 506, such as a unique identification (ID) tag (e.g., RFID tag, barcode, QR code). Accordingly, the vehicle identifier 504 can be configured as an ID tag reader (e.g., RFID reader, barcode reader, QR code reader), and the controller 502 can identify the vehicle based on the unique ID tag read by the vehicle identifier 504 and passed to the controller 502.

[0037] In another example, the unique identification attribute 506 of the vehicle can be one or more surfaces of the vehicle that display a unique image, a unique color, and / or a unique retroreflective pattern (e.g., reflected infrared light). Accordingly, the vehicle identifier 504 may include one or more cameras configured to capture and / or identify a unique image, a unique color, and / or a unique retroreflective pattern, and the controller 502 may identify the vehicle based on the unique image, unique color, and / or unique retroreflective pattern captured and / or identified by the vehicle identifier 504 and transmitted to the controller 502.

[0038] In another example, the vehicle may emit unique light pulses (e.g., infrared light pulses, specifically and / or uniquely timed light pulses) and / or light of a specific color. Accordingly, the vehicle identifier 504 may include one or more light sensors configured to read and / or identify unique light pulses and / or light of a specific color, and / or the vehicle identifier 504 may include one or more cameras configured to read and / or identify unique light pulses and / or light of a specific color. The controller 502 can identify a vehicle based on a unique light pulse and / or a specific color of light read and / or identified and transmitted to the controller 502 by the vehicle identifier 504. One or more light sensors may include one or more color sensors.

[0039] In another example, the controller 502 may use a counting mechanism to identify a vehicle. Here, the vehicle identifier 504 may be configured as a vehicle counter that is configured to count the number of vehicles passing through the observation range of the vehicle identifier 504. Based on the known number of vehicles operating in the ride system 100, the controller 502 can identify a vehicle based on the number of vehicles counted by the vehicle identifier 504. For example, if the known number of vehicles operating in the system 100 is 3, and if the vehicle currently being counted by the vehicle identifier 504 is determined to have at least one seat that is no longer in service, the controller 502 can identify the vehicle currently...Each third vehicle counted by the vehicle identifier 504 after the counted vehicles is a vehicle with at least one seat out of service.

[0040] In one aspect, the vehicle identifier 504 may include and / or be coupled to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 554 configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. Accordingly, when the vehicle identifier 504 captures and / or identifies a unique identification attribute 506 of the vehicle as described above (e.g., a unique ID tag (e.g., an RFID tag, barcode, QR code), image, color, retroreflective pattern, light pulse pattern, light of a specific color, and / or vehicle count), the vehicle identifier 504 may directly signal the identification attribute to the controller 502. When identifying a particular vehicle based on the identification attribute, the controller 502 may determine whether any seats in the identified vehicle are out of service. If so, controller 502 may instruct the restraint system corresponding to the seat that is out of service to lock or remain locked (in the closed position). When identifying a specific vehicle based on identification attribute 506, controller 502 may determine whether any seat in the identified vehicle is in service. If so, controller 502 may instruct any restraint system corresponding to the seat in service to unlock and / or open.

[0041] In an embodiment, the vehicle system may also include an onboard controller 586 located on the vehicle. Onboard controller 586 may include or be coupled to a communication circuitry, such as one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 596, and may be configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576 of one or more sensor systems 524, 526. Accordingly, onboard controller 586 may track which seats are in service and / or out of service by communicating with sensor systems corresponding to specific seats (e.g., a first sensor system 524 or a second sensor system 526). The communication circuitry of the airborne controller 586 (e.g., one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 596) may be configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. Accordingly, after determining which seat(s) are in service and / or out of service, the airborne controller 586 may transmit this determination to the controller 502.

[0042] In an embodiment, each seat of the vehicle (e.g., first seat 124A, second seat 124B, third seat 126A, and fourth seat 126B) may include a corresponding seat controller that tracks whether the corresponding seat is in service and / or out of service. The seat controller may include or be coupled to a communication circuitry, such as one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552.The seat controller may include a transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver, and may be configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 552 of the controller 502. Accordingly, after determining whether the corresponding seat is in service and / or out of service, the seat controller may pass the determination directly to the controller 502. In another aspect, the communication circuitry of the seat controller (e.g., one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers) may be configured to communicate with one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 596 of the onboard controller 586. Accordingly, after determining whether the corresponding seat is in service and / or out of service, the seat controller may first pass the determination to the onboard controller 586, which may then pass the determination to the controller 502.

[0043] In an embodiment, the aforementioned seat sensor system (e.g., the first sensor system 524 and the second sensor system 526) can transmit data (e.g., via one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576) indicating a service stop trigger event of a vehicle seat, seat row, or the entire vehicle to one or more unique identification attributes 506 (e.g., unique ID tags), which can then transmit the data to a vehicle identifier 504. For example, if one or more unique ID attributes 506 are RFID cards based on seat status rewriting and / or updating, then one or more unique ID attributes 506 can receive data from the sensor system. In another example, one or more unique ID attributes 506 can be one or more light pulses that can be amplified. Accordingly, one or more unique ID attributes 506 can include or be coupled to a light pulse system that amplifies one or more light pulses based on data received from the sensor system; for example, one or more light pulses can be amplified to take into account all possible seat, seat row, and / or vehicle statuses other than vehicle identification. In one aspect, the light pulse system may include a controller to receive data and amplify one or more light pulses accordingly. In one aspect, additionally and / or alternatively, the seat sensor system transmits data indicating a service stop triggering event of a seat, row, and / or the entire vehicle to the controller 502, which may be transmitted by the aforementioned onboard controller 586 and / or seat controller. In one aspect, the seat sensor system may directly (e.g., via one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576) transmit data indicating a service stop triggering event of a seat, row, and / or the entire vehicle to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 554 of the vehicle identifier 504.

[0044] In an embodiment, the aforementioned seat sensor system (e.g., the first sensor system 524 and the second sensor system)526) Data indicating a service stoppage trigger event for a seat, row, or the entire vehicle (e.g., via one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 574, 576) may be transmitted to one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers 450 of the HMI 400, which may then transmit the data to the controller 502. For example, the HMI 400 may automatically update and display seats in service stoppage based on data received from the sensor system. In one aspect, the HMI 400 may include a controller to process the data received from the sensor system. For example, if the HMI 400 can receive data indicating a particular seat in service stoppage, the controller of the HMI 400 may process the seat data and / or indicate that the restraint system corresponding to the particular seat in service stoppage is locked or remains locked (e.g., in a closed position). In another aspect, additionally and / or alternatively, the seat sensor system transmits data indicating a service stoppage trigger event for a seat, row, or the entire vehicle to the HMI 400, which may be transmitted by the aforementioned onboard controller 586 and / or seat controller. In one embodiment, the onboard controller 586 may receive data indicating that a particular seat has ceased service and instruct the restraint system corresponding to the particular seat that has ceased service to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position). In another embodiment, the seat controller may receive data indicating that a corresponding seat has ceased service and instruct the restraint system corresponding to the corresponding seat that has ceased service to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position).

[0045] An example identification technique using a unique ID attribute 506 including a unique ID tag will now be described in more detail. The unique ID tag may be affixed to the surface of the vehicle. For example, the first vehicle 104, the second vehicle 106, and the third vehicle 118 may each be assigned a unique ID tag affixed to their surfaces. Accordingly, the controller 502 may use a vehicle identifier 504 to identify a particular vehicle based on the unique ID tag. In one aspect, the vehicle identifier 504 may be located on or near the passenger loading platform 110. When a vehicle arrives at platform 110, vehicle identifier 504 can read the unique ID tag installed on the vehicle and provide the data relayed from the unique ID tag to controller 502. In one aspect, vehicle identifier 504 can (e.g., via transmitter or transceiver 554) transmit a signal corresponding to the data relayed from the unique ID tag, which will be received by controller 502 (e.g., via receiver or transceiver 552). Based on the received signal corresponding to the data relayed from the unique ID tag, controller 502 can determine which specific vehicle is stopped.Remaining at platform 110. Controller 502 can also determine whether any seats of the determined ride vehicle are out of service. For example, controller 502 can determine the presence of out-of-service and / or service seats based on data input to HMI 400 by ride facility operators and / or technicians and / or direct communication from one or more sensors that autonomously detect out-of-service trigger events for ride vehicle seats. Accordingly, when controller 502 determines that one or more seats of the ride vehicle remaining at platform 110 are out of service, controller 502 can instruct one or more restraint systems corresponding to the one or more out-of-service seats to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position), while instructing any restraint systems corresponding to service seats to unlock and / or open. This thus prevents passengers from being able to manually open the restraint systems of out-of-service seats.

[0046] As an example, the first ride vehicle 104 may be assigned a unique ID attribute 506, which includes a unique ID tag (e.g., RFID tag, barcode, QR code) mounted on the surface of the first ride vehicle 104. Furthermore, the first seat 124A and the fourth seat 126B may be out of service, and this has been previously indicated in the HMI 400 by the ride facility operator and / or technician. When the first ride vehicle 104 arrives at the passenger loading platform 110, the ride vehicle identifier 504 may read the unique ID attribute 506 (e.g., unique ID tag) when it enters the sensing range of the ride vehicle identifier 504, and transmit the data from the unique ID attribute 506 (e.g., unique ID tag) to the controller 502. Upon receiving the data transmitted from the unique ID attribute 506 (e.g., unique ID tag), the controller 502 may determine that the first ride vehicle 104 is stationed at the platform 110 and may also determine whether any seats of the first ride vehicle 104 are out of service by accessing the data input to the HMI 400. When controller 502 is signaled to first seat 124A and fourth seat 126B to cease service (as shown in HMI 400), controller 502 may instruct the restraint systems of first seat 124A and fourth seat 126B to lock or remain locked (e.g., in the closed position), while simultaneously instructing the restraint systems of second seat 124B and third seat 126A to unlock and / or open. This prevents a passenger walking through first door 114 (e.g., first passenger 112A) or second door 116 (e.g., second passenger 112B) from manually opening the restraint systems of the decommissioned seats (e.g., first seat 124A and fourth seat 126B), and allows passengers to remain seated in service.In the seats (e.g., second seat 124B or third seat 126A).

[0047] In one aspect, controller 502 can indicate that the restraint system of a seat that has stopped service (e.g., first seat 124A or fourth seat 126B) is locked or remains locked by suppressing the transmission of signals for unlocking or opening the restraint system (e.g., suppressing the transmission of "unlock" or "open" signals). Additionally or alternatively, controller 502 can block signals for unlocking or opening the restraint system when it is determined that the seat associated with the restraint system has stopped service. Additionally or alternatively, controller 502 can control (e.g., indicate) the restraint system corresponding to the seat that has stopped service (e.g., first seat 124A or fourth seat 126B) by sending signals for locking the restraint system (e.g., sending "lock" or "close" signals).

[0048] FIG6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of an exemplary device 600 employing controller 614 configured to control vehicle restraints in a riding system. For example, device 600 may be a computer, workstation, laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile phone, or any other type of electronic device capable of communicating with and / or controlling other electronic devices. Furthermore, controller 614 may be controller 502 as shown in FIG. 5. Controller 614 may include one or more processors 604. Examples of processors 604 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, device 600 may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, processor 604, as utilized in device 600, may be used to implement any one or more processes and procedures described and shown in FIG. 7.

[0049] In this example, controller 614 may be implemented using a bus architecture, generally represented by bus 602. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of controller 614, bus 602 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 602 can communicatively couple together various circuits including one or more processors (generally represented by processor 604), memory 605, and / or computer-readable media (generally represented by computer-readable media 606). Bus 602 can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. Bus interface 608 provides bus 602 with a transceiver.The transceiver 610 provides an interface for communication with various other devices via a transmission medium (e.g., via a wired connection and / or a wireless connection using antenna array 630). For example, the transceiver 610 may provide a communication interface between the controller 614 and any components of the vehicle identification system, such as the vehicle identifier 504, HMI 400, vehicle seats, seat restraint systems, sensors configured to autonomously detect stop-service trigger events of vehicle seats, and / or any other communicable vehicle system components. Depending on the nature of the device, a user interface 612 (e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) may also be provided. This user interface 612 is optional and may be omitted in some examples.

[0050] In some aspects of this disclosure, processor 604 may include a data receiving circuitry system 640 configured for various functions, including, for example, receiving data corresponding to the identification of one or more passenger vehicles before one or more passenger vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, wherein the data may indicate which or which seats among one or more seats in the one or more passenger vehicles are in service or out of service. For example, data receiving circuitry system 640 may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described below with respect to FIG. 7, including, for example, block 702. Processor 604 may also include a vehicle identification circuitry system 642 configured for various functions, including, for example, identifying one or more passenger vehicles stopped at the passenger loading platform, the one or more passenger vehicles including one or more seats. For example, vehicle identification circuitry system 642 may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described below with respect to FIG. 7, including, for example, block 704. Processor 604 may also include a seat determination circuitry 644 configured for various functions, including, for example, determining which of the one or more seats is in service and which of the one or more seats is out of service based at least in part on data corresponding to the identifiers of one or more vehicles. For example, seat determination circuitry 644 may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described below with respect to FIG7, including, for example, block 706. Processor 604 may also include a restraint system controller 646 configured for various functions, including, for example, instructing the locking of one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service, and instructing the unlocking of one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other of the one or more seats determined to be in service. For example, restraint system controller 646 may be configured to implement the following...One or more of the functions described in Figure 7 include blocks 708 and 710.

[0051] Processor 604 is responsible for managing bus 602 and general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium 606. When executed by processor 604, the software causes controller 614 to perform various functions described below for any particular device. Computer-readable medium 606 and / or memory 605 may also be used to store data manipulated by processor 604 when executing the software.

[0052] One or more processors 604 in the controller may execute the software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other terms, software should be interpreted broadly as meaning instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc. Software may reside on computer-readable medium 606 and / or memory 605. Computer-readable medium 606 and / or memory 605 may be non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include (by way of example) magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic stripes), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable media. Computer-readable medium 606 and / or memory 605 may reside in controller 614, outside controller 614, or distributed across multiple entities including controller 614. Computer-readable medium 606 and / or memory 605 may be embodied as a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium within encapsulation material. Depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system, those skilled in the art will identify how best to implement the functionality described throughout this disclosure.

[0053] FIG7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 700 for controlling vehicle constraints in a riding system according to an aspect of this disclosure. As described below, some or all of the shown features may be omitted in certain implementations within the scope of this disclosure, and some shown features may not be required for implementations of all aspects. In some examples, process 700 may be executed by a controller 614 of the device 600 shown in FIG6, which may be a computer, workstation, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.A brain, mobile phone, or any other type of electronic device capable of communicating with and / or controlling (e.g., instructing) other electronic devices. In some examples, process 700 may be performed by any suitable device or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0054] At block 702, the controller may receive data corresponding to the identification of one or more ride vehicles (e.g., first ride vehicle 104, second ride vehicle 106, and / or third ride vehicle 118) before they stop at the passenger loading platform (e.g., passenger loading platform 110), wherein the data indicates which of one or more seats in one or more ride vehicles is in service or which of one or more seats is out of service. In one aspect, the data is received via an interface device (e.g., HMI 400) configured to receive the data from a ride system operator or technician.

[0055] At block 704, the controller may identify one or more ride vehicles stopped at the passenger loading platform. The one or more ride vehicles may include one or more seats. In one aspect, the controller may identify, at least in part, data corresponding to the identification of one or more vehicles (e.g., indicating the identification of one or more vehicles) via signals from a vehicle identifier (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, barcode reader, QR code reader, camera, light sensor, and / or vehicle counter), the vehicle identifier being configured to identify unique identification attributes of one or more vehicles (e.g., unique ID tags (e.g., RFID tags, barcodes, QR codes), images, retroreflective patterns, colors, light pulse patterns, and / or vehicle counts).

[0056] At block 706, the controller may determine, at least in part, which of the one or more seats is in service and which of the one or more seats is out of service based on data corresponding to the identification of one or more vehicles (e.g., indicating the identification of one or more vehicles). In one aspect, the controller can determine which seats are in service or out of service by reading received data that at least partially corresponds to an identifier of one or more vehicles of service (e.g., CN 121398890 A, page 13 / 15 of the specification, indicating an identifier of one or more vehicles of service).

[0057] At block 708, the controller can instruct one or more restraint systems to lock or maintain a lock (e.g., in the closed position) corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service (e.g., first seat 124A and / or fourth seat 126B). In one aspect, one or more restraint systems can be instructed to lock to prevent passenger handThe controller may activate the restraint system of one or more seats in a vehicle that is out of service (e.g., unlock the restraint system and / or remove a barrier placed on the seat or restraint system) and then sit in the seat out of service. In one aspect, the controller may indicate the locking of one or more restraint systems by suppressing the transmission of signals for unlocking or opening one or more restraint systems (e.g., suppressing the transmission of an “unlock signal” or “open signal”) or preventing the transmission of signals for unlocking or opening one or more restraint systems (e.g., preventing the transmission of an “unlock signal” or “open signal”). In another aspect, the controller may indicate the locking of one or more restraint systems by sending signals for locking or closing one or more restraint systems (e.g., sending a “lock signal” or “close signal”).

[0058] At block 710, the controller may indicate the unlocking or opening of one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat (e.g., second seat 124B or third seat 126A) identified as being in service. In one aspect, one or more other restraint systems are indicated to unlock or open to allow a passenger to sit in a seat in service of one or more vehicles.

[0059] In this disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term “aspect” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then object A and object C may still be considered coupled to each other—even if they are not physically in direct contact with each other. For example, a first object may be coupled to a second object, even though the first object never physically comes into direct contact with the second object. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” or “having” are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unstated elements or method steps.

[0060] One or more components, steps, features, and / or functions shown in Figures 1 through 7 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function or embodied as several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. The devices, apparatuses, and / or components shown in Figures 1-7 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be implemented efficiently in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0061] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods is an illustration of exemplary processes.Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged. The appended method claims present the elements of various steps in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically set forth herein.

[0062] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be consistent with the full scope of the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”, but rather “one or more” unless specifically stated otherwise. Unless otherwise specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” means one or more. The phrase “at least one of” in the list of items refers to any combination of these items, including individual members. Specification 14 / 15 pages 18 CN 121398890 A As an example, “at least one of a, b or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents of elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known to a person skilled in the art or will be known thereafter are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be offered to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. No element of a claim should be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.SC §112(f) unless it is expressly stated using the phrase “component for…” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “step for…”. Instruction manual, page 15 / 15, 19 CN 121398890 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 7, page 20 CN 121398890 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 7, page 21 CN 121398890 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 7, page 22 CN 121398890 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 7, page 23 CN 121398890 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 7, page 24 CN 121398890 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 7, page 25 CN 121398890 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 7, page 26 CN 121398890 A

Claims

1. A riding system comprising: One or more passenger vehicles, the one or more passenger vehicles including one or more seats; Passenger loading platform; A passenger vehicle identifier configured to identify one or more passenger vehicles parked at the passenger loading platform; as well as A controller, communicatively coupled to the one or more seats and the vehicle identifier, is configured to: To determine which of the one or more seats is in service; Determine which or all of the one or more seats will be out of service; Instruct to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service; as well as Instructs the unlocking of one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat among the one or more seats identified as being in service.

2. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to: Before the one or more passenger vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles is received, wherein the data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles indicates which of the one or more seats is in service or which of the one or more seats is out of service.

3. The riding system according to claim 2 further includes: An interface device communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to receive data from the interface device corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles, and The interface device is configured to receive the data from the ride system operator or technician.

4. The riding system according to claim 2, wherein, The control system configured to determine which of the one or more seats is in service or out of service is configured to at least: Read the received data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more vehicles; Receive data indicating a service stop trigger event from the airborne controller of the one or more of the vehicles; or The data indicating the service stop trigger event is received from the seat sensor system of the one or more vehicles.

5. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle identification device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to identify the one or more vehicle vehicles, wherein the RFID reader is configured to: Read the RFID tags installed on the one or more of the passenger vehicles.

6. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to instruct the locking of one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service, at least in part, by: Suppress the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service; Prevent signals from being sent to unlock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service; or Send a signal to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service.

7. The riding system according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle identification device includes at least a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, a camera, a light sensor, a color sensor, or a vehicle counter.

8. A method for controlling vehicle constraints in a riding system, the method comprising: Identify one or more passenger vehicles that are stationed at the passenger loading platform, the one or more passenger vehicles including one or more seats; To determine which of the one or more seats is in service; Determine which or all of the one or more seats will be out of service; Instruct to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service; as well as Instructs the unlocking of one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat among the one or more seats identified as being in service.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Before the one or more passenger vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles is received, wherein the data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles indicates which of the one or more seats is in service or which of the one or more seats is out of service.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles is received via an interface device configured to receive the data from a passenger system operator or technician.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Determining which of the one or more seats is in service or out of service includes at least the following: Read the received data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more vehicles; Receive data indicating a service stop trigger event from the airborne controller of the one or more of the vehicles; or The data indicating the service stop trigger event is received from the seat sensor system of the one or more vehicles.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Identifying the one or more passenger vehicles includes: A unique identifying attribute for the one or more vehicles.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Instructions to lock the one or more constraint systems include at least: Suppress the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service; Prevent signals from being sent to unlock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service; or Send a signal to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Identifying the one or more passenger vehicles includes: at least via a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, barcode reader, QR code reader, light sensor, color sensor, camera, or passenger vehicle counter.

15. An apparatus for controlling vehicle constraints in a riding system, the apparatus comprising: At least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Identify one or more passenger vehicles parked at the passenger loading platform, said one or more passenger vehicles including one or more seats. To determine which of the one or more seats is in service. Determine which or all of the one or more seats will be out of service; Instructing the locking of one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats determined to be out of service, and Instructs the unlocking of one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one other seat among the one or more seats identified as being in service.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Before the one or more passenger vehicles stop at the passenger loading platform, data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles is received, wherein the data corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more passenger vehicles indicates which of the one or more seats is in service or which of the one or more seats is out of service.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to receive, via an interface device, the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles, the interface device being configured to receive, from a passenger system operator or technician, the data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more passenger vehicles.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The at least one processor configured to determine which of the one or more seats is in service or out of service is configured to at least: Read the received data corresponding to the identifier of the one or more vehicles; Receive data indicating a service stop trigger event from the airborne controller of the one or more of the vehicles; or The data indicating the service stop trigger event is received from the seat sensor system of the one or more vehicles.

19. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to identify the one or more vehicles via signals from a vehicle identifier, the vehicle identifier being configured to identify unique identification attributes of the one or more vehicles.

20. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The at least one processor configured to instruct locking of the one or more constraint systems is configured to at least: Suppress the transmission of signals for unlocking the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service; Prevent signals from being sent to unlock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service; or Send a signal to lock the one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one of the one or more seats that have been determined to be out of service.

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