Loading turntable systems and methods

Abstract

To provide an attraction loading system that includes a turntable configured to rotate about a vertical axis.SOLUTION: A ride vehicle is configured to travel along a loading path disposed about a perimeter of the turntable. A first track switch of the system is disposed along the loading path to direct the ride vehicle to a main portion of the loading path from an attraction path, or to direct the ride vehicle to the main portion of the loading path from a secondary portion of the loading path. A second track switch of the system is disposed along the loading path to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the loading path to the attraction path, or to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the loading path to the secondary portion of the loading path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 809,323, entitled "LOADING TURNTABLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed February 22, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for implementing flexible passenger boarding and disembarking times at amusement park attractions. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, there has been an increased interest in improving the efficiency of boarding passengers on ride vehicles of amusement park attractions. For example, some attractions may include a boarding system that continuously moves the ride vehicles along the boarding area as passengers exit the ride vehicles and / or as new passengers board the ride vehicles. However, some passengers may take a long time to exit the ride vehicles and / or to board the ride vehicles. That is, boarding passengers may not be fully boarded and secured before the ride vehicles reach the end of the boarding zone. In such cases, the entire movement of the ride vehicles through the attraction and / or the boarding zone may be significantly affected to allow boarding passengers extra time to board the ride vehicles. For example, in one event, each ride vehicle may come to a full stop to allow boarding passengers extra time to board the ride vehicles within the boarding zone. Slowing or stopping the movement of the ride vehicles through the attraction may have an unfavorable effect on the capacity of the attraction, which may result in increased waiting times and reduced profits for the amusement park. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an attraction loading system is provided that includes a turntable configured to rotate about a vertical axis, and a ride vehicle disposed about a periphery of the turntable and configured to travel along a loading path, a first track switch disposed along the loading path and configured to be disposed at a first position to direct the ride vehicle from the attraction path to a main portion of the loading path and configured to be disposed at a second position to direct the ride vehicle from the secondary portion of the loading path to the main portion of the loading path, and a second track switch disposed along the loading path and configured to be disposed at a third position to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the riding path to the attraction path and configured to be disposed at a fourth position to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the riding path to the secondary portion of the riding path.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes the steps of directing a ride vehicle along the ride path at a first location on the ride path toward a second location on the ride path, determining an occupancy status of the ride vehicle, and controlling a track switch based on the occupancy status of the ride vehicle to direct the vehicle along the ride path or along an attraction path at the second location along the ride path.

[0007] In one embodiment, an attraction ride system is provided, the attraction ride system including a turntable configured to rotate about a vertical axis, the system also including a ride path disposed about a periphery of the turntable, with ride vehicles configured to travel along the ride path, and the system also including a first track switch disposed along the ride path and configured to steer the ride vehicles from a secondary portion of the ride path or the attraction path to a main portion of the ride path, and a second track switch disposed along the ride path and configured to steer the ride vehicles from the main portion of the ride path to the secondary portion of the ride path or the attraction path.

[0008] In one embodiment, an attraction ride system is provided that includes a boarding and / or disembarking area comprising a conveyor. The system also includes a boarding path disposed about a perimeter of the conveyor, with ride vehicles configured to travel along the boarding path and an attraction path coupled to the boarding path. The system also includes a controller configured to direct the ride vehicles from the boarding path onto the attraction path based on a first occupancy state of the vehicles or to direct the ride vehicles to re-loop the boarding path based on a second occupancy state of the ride vehicles.

[0009] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like numerals refer to the same elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a ride system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a ride system. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flow chart of a method of operating a ride system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0012] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to ride systems configured to allow a variable amount of available ride time for passengers into ride vehicles. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments allow variable ride times for passengers into a particular ride vehicle while allowing other ride vehicles to continue traveling at a nominal speed through the ride zone and attraction. For example, the disclosed ride systems can include a ride zone having a turntable configured to rotate continuously about a central vertical axis. The ride zone is configured to receive an occupied ride vehicle (e.g., a vehicle occupied by a passenger) at a first radial position (e.g., relative to the central vertical axis) along the periphery of the turntable. In some embodiments, the first radial position can include a first track turnout. The ride vehicle and the turntable are configured to rotate in unison from a first radial position to a second radial position (e.g., relative to the central vertical axis) along the periphery of the turntable. In some embodiments, the first radial position can include a first track turnout. The rotational speed of the ride vehicle can be substantially matched to the rotational speed of the turntable such that relative movement between the ride vehicle and the turntable is substantially imperceptible, in other words, the edges of the turntable can be immobile relative to the edges of the ride vehicle to provide a static physical or virtual interface between the ride vehicle and the turntable.

[0013] Passengers may be dropped off from the ride vehicle onto the turntable. Once a passenger has disembarked from the ride vehicle, new passengers are directed to board the ride vehicle from the turntable. Typically, to improve user throughput through the attraction, the turntable and ride vehicle may rotate continuously at a nominal speed as passengers are disembarking and boarding the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle may continue to move in conjunction with the turntable until the ride vehicle reaches a second radial position. If the ride vehicle is occupied by boarded passengers by the time the ride vehicle reaches the second radial position, the ride vehicle may be directed along the attraction path to begin a ride cycle of the attraction. However, if the ride vehicle is vacant by the time the ride vehicle reaches the second radial position and passengers are still attempting to board the ride vehicle, the ride vehicle may be directed to continue rotating (e.g., recirculating through the boarding path) and the turntable returns to the first radial position. The passenger may continue to attempt to board the ride vehicle as the ride vehicle's progress is recirculated from the second radial position to the first radial position and again from the first radial position to the second radial position. Once the passenger successfully boards the ride vehicle and the ride vehicle reaches the second radial position, the ride vehicle may be directed along the attraction path. In this manner, a slow-boarding passenger does not cause disruption to other passengers, since each ride vehicle continues to move at a nominal speed through the boarding zone, regardless of the occupancy of the other ride vehicles. Thus, passengers may have a long available time to board the ride vehicle.

[0014] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a ride zone 10 of a ride system 12. As shown, the ride zone 10 may be a portion of an overall ride system 14 (e.g., an attraction). For example, passengers may board a ride vehicle 16 at the ride zone 10, proceed along an attraction path 18 of the ride system 14, and return to the ride zone 10 to disembark from the ride vehicle 16. While traveling along the attraction path 18, passengers may be exposed to a variety of experiences, such as virtual reality, alternate reality, environmental interaction, multiple ride paths, water features, special effects, and the like. It should be noted that portions of the ride system 14, such as the attraction path 18, have been purposely simplified to focus on aspects of the ride system 12.

[0015] The ride system 12 includes a turntable 20, an approach path 22, a first track switch 24, a second track switch 26, and a variable speed zone 28. The turntable 20 is configured to rotate at a substantially constant rotational speed about an axis 40. In this embodiment, the turntable 20 is substantially circular and rotates in a clockwise direction 41. However, the turntable 20 may be any suitable shape that can correspond to the theme of the ride system 14 and may also rotate in a counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, the turntable 20 may include a fixed portion 42 disposed within a rotating portion 44. That is, the rotating portion 44 may be configured to rotate about the fixed portion 42, but the fixed portion 42 remains stationary. The approach path 22 may be any suitable inclined path, and the approach path 22 may include a staircase, a substantially flat inclined surface, an escalator, or any combination thereof. Generally, a user may enter the boarding zone 10 at the entrance 50, travel down the access road 22 toward an intermediate portion (e.g., the fixed portion 42) of the turntable 20, and board the ride vehicle 16. Similarly, a user may exit the boarding zone 10 by traveling up the access road 22 toward the entrance 50.

[0016] The ride vehicles 16 may enter the ride zone 10 through a variable speed zone 28, which is located at the end of the attraction path 18. As described in more detail below, the speed of the ride vehicles 16 may be increased and / or changed as the ride vehicles 16 travel through the variable speed zone 28. For example, in some embodiments, the speed of the ride vehicles 16 may be adjusted to create gaps (e.g., bubbles) between the ride vehicles 16 or to eliminate gaps between the ride vehicles 16. In practice, each ride vehicle 16 may be independently controlled such that each ride vehicle 16 may travel at a different speed for at least a portion of the travel time.

[0017] From the variable speed zone 28, the ride vehicles 16 may enter a ride path 56, which is disposed around the periphery of the turntable 20. The first track switch 24, in one configuration, changes position to allow the ride vehicles 16 to enter available space in the ride path 56 from the attraction path 18, and alternatively or additionally, in another configuration, to allow the ride vehicles 16 that have recirculated along the ride path 16 to continue along the ride path 16 through the first track switch 24.

[0018] Passengers may board and disembark from the ride vehicles 16 while the ride vehicles 16 travel along the boarding path 56. The boarding path 56 may include a track or conveyor or may be a virtual path of a trackless ride system along which the ride vehicles 16 travel. In some embodiments, the boarding path 56 is a path along which the ride vehicles 16 travel while rotating in conjunction with (i.e., together with or simultaneously with) the turntable 20. As shown, while traveling along the boarding path 56, the ride vehicles 16 may rotate at substantially the same rotational speed as the turntable 20. In this manner, the position and orientation of each ride vehicle 16 of the plurality of ride vehicles along the periphery of the turntable 20 may remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle 16 may maintain a constant temporal position relative to the periphery of the turntable 20 while traveling through the ride path 56 and while the turntable 20 rotates about its center point, such that the orientation of the turntable 20 relative to the ride vehicle 16 is substantially maintained (e.g., seats facing inward or parallel to the edge of the turntable 20). For example, in this embodiment having a substantially circular turntable 20, each ride vehicle 16 of the plurality of ride vehicles may be continuously oriented toward the axis 40 of the turntable 20 as the ride vehicle 16 travels along the ride path 56. In certain embodiments, the rotational speed of the turntable 20, as well as the speed of the vehicles in the ride path 56, is less than the average speed of the ride vehicles 16 in the attraction path 18.

[0019] The ride vehicle 16 may enter the ride path 56 from the variable speed zone 28 via the first track switch 24. In practice, as described in further detail below, the first track switch 24 may be in a first position to direct the ride vehicle 16 from the variable speed zone 28 to the ride path 56 along a first direction 58 (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). Alternatively, the first track switch 24 may be in a second position to direct the ride vehicle 16 from another portion of the ride path 56 along a second direction 60 (e.g., a clockwise direction) to proceed along the ride path 56. Similarly, the second track switch 26 may be in a third position to direct the ride vehicle 16 from the ride path 56 along a third direction 62 (e.g., a counterclockwise direction) to the beginning of the attraction path 18. Alternatively, the second track switch 26 can be in a fourth position to direct the ride vehicle 16 along a fourth direction 64 (e.g., a clockwise direction) further along the boarding path 56 toward the first track switch 24.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle 16 is configured to enter the ride zone 10 and travel clockwise 41 along the ride path 56 from the first track switch 24 to the second track switch 26 (e.g., the main portion 65 of the ride path 56). As the first ride vehicle 16 travels along the ride path 56, passengers may disembark from the first ride vehicle 16. Once a passenger disembarks from the first ride vehicle 16, a new passenger may be instructed to board the first ride vehicle. The new passenger may attempt to board the first ride vehicle 16 as the first ride vehicle 16 travels along the main portion 65. If the new passenger successfully boards the first ride vehicle 16 before the first ride vehicle 16 reaches the second track switch 26, the first ride vehicle 16 may be directed from the ride path 56 to the attraction path 18 through the second track switch 26. However, if a new passenger is not successfully boarded onto the first vehicle 16 before the first vehicle 16 reaches the second track switch 26, the first vehicle 16 may be directed to continue along the boarding path 56 (e.g., along a secondary portion of the boarding path 56) through the second track switch 26. In practice, as shown, the secondary portion 66 of the boarding path 56 may be located directly underneath the approach road 22. That is, the passenger and first vehicle 16 may travel directly underneath the approach road 22 while the passenger continues to attempt to board the first vehicle 16. Thus, the approach road 22 is positioned such that the clearance underneath the approach road 22 is sufficient to allow clearance for the vehicle 16 and any unboarded passengers traveling underneath the approach road 22 from the location of the second track switch 26 to the first track switch 24.

[0021] The first ride vehicle 16 may continue to travel along the ride path 56 in this manner until the new passenger has completed boarding the first ride vehicle 16. When the passenger has completed boarding the first ride vehicle 16 and the first ride vehicle 16 has reached the second track switch 26, the first ride vehicle 16 may be directed from the boarding path 56 to the attraction path 18. Thus, the passenger may have additional time to board the first ride vehicle 16.

[0022] Although FIG. 1 is described with reference to a tracked ride system 12 using a turntable 20, it should be understood that other boarding / drop-off arrangements may be used in conjunction with the present technology. For example, the trackless ride system 12 may use trackless vehicles 16 traveling along a preprogrammed or variable path. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the system 12 may include a boarding station 70 having a conveyor 72, which may be shaped to accommodate an irregular boarding area (e.g., a peninsula shape, a strip shape, or other shape) and moves relative to a programmed boarding path 56 along which the tracked or trackless vehicles 16 travel. The boarding path 56 coincides with the direction of the conveyor 72 such that passengers may board the ride vehicles 16 while positioned on the conveyor 72. The ride vehicles 16 may travel along the boarding path 16 at a speed approximately equal to the speed of the conveyor 72. To accommodate passengers who may require additional time to board, the vehicle may be directed through a second track switch 26 onto a secondary portion 66 of the boarding path 56 that recirculates for passenger boarding.

[0023] Return movement onto the attraction path 18 and / or recirculation back onto the ride path 56 may be controlled by the ride system controller (see FIG. 4 ), which sends control signals to the vehicle controllers of the individual ride vehicles 16 based on occupancy as provided herein. Based on the control signals received, the individual ride vehicles will either enter the attraction path 18 or recirculate back onto the ride path 56 as directed by the control signals.

[0024] With this in mind, Figure 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a boarding process 80 that may be utilized by ride system 12. Accordingly, the following discussion may refer to Figures 1-2 in conjunction with Figure 3. Additionally, the following discussion refers to the progression of a particular ride vehicle 16 through the boarding process 80.

[0025] At block 82, the first ride vehicle 16 may enter the ride zone 10 from the attraction path 18. More specifically, after traveling along the attraction path 18, the ride vehicle 16 may travel through the variable speed zone 28 and traverse the first track switch 24.

[0026] At block 84, the first ride vehicle 16 may be directed along the main portion 65 of the ride path 56 through the first track switch 24. In particular, the first track switch 24 may be defaulted to a first position to direct the first ride vehicle 16 from the variable speed zone 28 in the first direction 58. After passing through the first track switch 24 and entering the ride path 56, passengers present on the ride vehicle who have completed the attraction by traveling along the attraction path 18 may disembark from the first ride vehicle 16 while the first ride vehicle 16 continues to travel along the main portion 65 of the ride path 56. However, it should be understood that passengers on the ride vehicle 16 may alternatively represent passengers in the ride phase, that is, passengers who have not yet entered the attraction path 18 and passengers who have not yet fully boarded the ride vehicle 16. In block 88, the ride operator may instruct the new passenger to board the first ride vehicle 16 while the first ride vehicle 16 continues to travel along the main portion 65 of the ride path 56.

[0027] The first ride vehicle 16 may proceed from the first track switch 24 to the second track switch 26 along the boarding path 56 while the passenger continues to board the first ride vehicle 16. At block 90, the first ride vehicle 16 may arrive at the second track switch 26. More specifically, at block 90, the first ride vehicle may approach the second track switch 26. At block 92, as the first ride vehicle 16 approaches the second track switch 26, the controller and / or operator will determine whether the passenger has successfully boarded the first ride vehicle 16. For example, in some embodiments, as the first ride vehicle 16 proceeds along the main portion 65 of the boarding path 56 (e.g., between blocks 84, 86, 88, and 90), the operator may observe passengers disembarking and boarding the first ride vehicle 16. Once a passenger successfully boards the first ride vehicle 16, the operator can provide a ride confirmation signal to the ride system 12 confirming the occupancy status of the first ride vehicle 16 (e.g., fully loaded, empty, or partially loaded). In certain embodiments, the recirculation can be based on rules such that fully loaded vehicles are always moved onto the attraction path, empty vehicles are always recirculated, and partially loaded ride vehicles are recirculated based on a signal indicating passengers still attempting to board, or are moved onto the attraction based on a signal that all valid passengers have boarded, even if there are empty seats on the vehicle 16. In certain embodiments, the occupancy status can be a first status associated with a vehicle that has been allowed to enter the attraction path, or a second status associated with a vehicle that has been instructed to recirculate onto the ride path 56. Providing the ride confirmation signal can include pressing a button on an operation panel, utilizing a key, utilizing a short-range communication device (e.g., an RFID tag), or utilizing any other suitable input. Alternatively or additionally, boarding verification of the first ride vehicle 16 may be automatic and based on sensor detection of a passenger within the first ride vehicle 16 .A controller (e.g., an attraction controller and / or a respective controller of the first ride vehicle 16) may receive the boarding confirmation signal and, based on the boarding confirmation signal, adjust the second track switch 26 to the third position to cause the first ride vehicle 16 to proceed in the third direction 62 to the attraction path 18. That is, generally, if a passenger successfully boards the first ride vehicle 16 and the controller receives a boarding confirmation signal at block 92, the first ride vehicle 16 may be directed through the second track switch 26 towards the attraction path 18 (block 94). The first ride vehicle 16 may then proceed along the attraction path 18 and ultimately back to the ride zone 10 (block 82).

[0028] However, if at block 90 the controller and / or operator determines that the passenger has not successfully boarded the first ride vehicle 16, then at block 96 the first ride vehicle 16 may be steered along the boarding path 56 from the second track switch 26 towards the first track switch 24 (e.g., along the secondary portion 66 of the boarding path 56). For example, in some embodiments, the ride system 12 may by default steer the first ride vehicle 16 along the secondary portion 66 of the boarding path 56 if it does not receive input from an operator confirming boarding of the first ride vehicle 16. More specifically, the second track switch 26 may default to the fourth position to steer the first ride vehicle 16 in the fourth direction 64. If the controller does not receive a boarding confirmation signal, the second track switch 26 may remain in the fourth position. After traveling along the secondary portion 66 of the boarding path 56, the first ride vehicle 16 may again be directed along the main portion 65 of the boarding path 56 (block 84). The controller may operate to manage the merging of the ride vehicles 16 to recirculate into available space on the main portion 65 of the boarding path 56.

[0029] Ride vehicles 16 traveling along the main portion 65 of the ride path 56 may generally move along the ride path 56 at regular intervals. Thus, assuming each ride vehicle 16 is similarly directed along the attraction path 18 from the second track switch 26, the ride vehicles 16 may similarly proceed along the attraction path 18 at regular intervals. However, as described in the embodiment of block 96, if a passenger does not successfully board the first ride vehicle 16, instead of being directed along the attraction path 18, the first ride vehicle 16 may be directed along the secondary portion 66 from the second track switch 26. When the ride vehicle 16 traveling along the secondary portion 66 of the ride path 56 arrives at the first track switch 24, the first track switch 24 may be placed in a second position to direct the ride vehicle 16 along the second direction 60 to proceed along the main portion 65 of the ride path 56. That is, upon arrival at the first track switch 24 from the secondary portion 66, the ride vehicle 16 may again be directed along the boarding path 56 as described in the embodiment of block 84.

[0030] In such an embodiment, an expanded spacing (e.g., gap, bubble space) may occur between two adjacent ride vehicles 16 traveling along the attraction path 18 due to the first ride vehicle 16 being positioned between the pair of adjacent ride vehicles 16 along the ride path 56 and being directed to the first track switch 24 instead of the attraction path 18. Thus, in block 100, the expanded spacing between the pair of adjacent ride vehicles 16 traveling along the attraction path 18 at the expanded spacing may be normalized when the pair of adjacent ride vehicles 16 traveling along the attraction path 18 arrive at the variable speed zone 28. That is, the spacing between the adjacent ride vehicles 16 may be made substantially equal to the spacing between other ride vehicles 16 traveling through the variable speed zone 28. This may be accomplished by increasing or decreasing the speed of one or more ride vehicles 16 traveling through the variable speed zone 28. Additionally, the adjustment of the spacing may be coordinated with the recirculation of the oncoming vehicles 16 from the secondary portion 66 of the ride path 56 to the main portion 65 of the ride path 56.

[0031] At block 100, the speed of the second ride vehicle 16 traveling through the variable speed zone 28 may be adjusted to create space for the first ride vehicle 16 traveling along the secondary portion 66 toward the first track switch 24. Generally, the ride vehicle 16 may arrive at the variable speed zone 28 from the attraction path 18 before moving onto the ride path 56. While in the variable speed zone 28, the ride vehicle 16 may proceed at a nominal speed to transition to the ride path 56 at regular intervals. However, once the first ride vehicle 16 is directed from the second track switch 26 along the secondary portion 66 of the ride path 56 (e.g., due to not receiving a confirmation signal), the speed of one or more vehicles 16 (e.g., the second ride vehicle) in the variable speed zone 28 may be adjusted to approximately double the spacing between a pair of adjacent ride vehicles 16. In this manner, a first vehicle 16 proceeding from the second track switch 26 may be positioned between a pair of adjacent vehicle vehicles 16 in the variable speed zone 28 as the pair of vehicle vehicles 16 transition onto the boarding path 56. In effect, the act of directing the first vehicle 16 from the second track switch 24 along the secondary portion 66 may be fed to a controller managing the merge at block 98.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of ride system 12. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the ride system includes a turntable assembly 106 that drives the rotation of turntable 20 via a motor 108 and a turntable controller 110. The turntable controller 110 can be connected to a central ride control device 120 and can communicate via a wireless network (e.g., wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless wide area network (WWAN), near field communication (NFC)) and / or via a wired network (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN)). The control system 120 includes a processor 124 and a memory 126. It should be understood that other disclosed components of ride system 12 can also include memory and a processor and can operate to execute processor-based instructions stored in the memory.

[0033] The central ride controller 120 may also control vehicle movement, variable vehicle movement (e.g., through the variable speed zone 28), and merging of the ride path 56 from the secondary portion 66 during recirculation, and may further be in communication with the first track switch 24 and the second track switch 26 and their respective controllers 130, 132 to direct movement of the ride vehicles 16 between the attraction path 18 and the ride path 56. For example, in one embodiment, the controller 120 may receive a signal or data that one or more ride vehicles 16 approaching the second track switch 26 have an occupancy status associated with being moved onto the attraction path 18. As one or more ride vehicles 16 approach the second track switch 26, the second track switch 26 receives a signal to switch (or remain) at the attraction path position. In another embodiment, when the ride system 14 is operational and a ride vehicle 16 passing through the boarding path 56 is in an unloading state, the second track switch 26 receives a signal from the controller 120 to move (or remain) in a position to recirculate the ride vehicle 16. The controller 120 can track all of the vehicles 16 of the ride system 14 on the boarding path 56 or on the attraction path 18 and their respective positions. Additionally, the controller 120 can control the recirculation of empty vehicles 16 or entry into a maintenance or holding path in order to maintain a desired or constant number of vehicles 16 in the attraction path 18. That is, the controller 120 can record the entry of a vehicle 18 onto the attraction path 18 and can instruct the vehicle 16 to recirculate until space is available to prevent too many vehicles 16 on the attraction path 18.

[0034] The central controller 120 may allow for operator input using an operator interface 140, which may include a display 142. In some embodiments, an operator may use the operator interface 140 to send one or more signals to the central controller 120 that operate the ride system 12, as described herein.

[0035] In general, the embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods configured to provide variable ride times for passengers boarding a ride vehicle. For example, the disclosed embodiments include an attraction with a ride zone having a ride vehicle configured to rotate with a turntable while passengers disembark and board the ride vehicle. Typically, passengers have a set time to board the ride vehicle as the ride vehicle progresses through the ride zone. However, if a passenger spends more than the set time to board the ride vehicle, the passenger and ride vehicle may be recirculated to the starting location of the ride zone. Specifically, the recirculation of the ride vehicle may be performed without adversely affecting the progress of other ride vehicles through the ride zone or through the attraction. In this manner, passengers are provided with a long or variable amount of time to board the ride vehicle without impeding the movement of other ride vehicles and while allowing the entire ride system 14 to continue normal operation. The continuous progression of ride vehicles through the attraction allows the attraction to circulate a large number of guests through the attraction, thereby increasing the efficiency of the attraction.

[0036] Although only certain features of the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is further to be understood that certain elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with or substituted for one another.

[0037] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 10. Boarding Zone 12. Boarding System 14 Ride System 16 Vehicles 18 Attraction Route 20 Turntable 22 Approach road 24 First track switch 26 Second track switch 28 Variable Speed ​​Zones 40 Turntable shaft 41 Clockwise Direction 42 Fixed part 44 Rotating part 50 Entrance 56 Boarding Route 58 First Direction 60 Second Direction 62 The Third Direction 65 Main parts 66 Secondary part

Claims

1. An attraction ride system, a turntable configured to rotate about a vertical axis; a ride vehicle configured to travel along a ride path disposed around a periphery of the turntable; a first track switch disposed along the ride path and configured to be positioned at a first location to direct the ride vehicle from an attraction path to a main portion of the ride path and configured to be positioned at a second location to direct the ride vehicle from a secondary portion of the ride path to the main portion of the ride path; a second track switch disposed along the ride path and configured to be positioned at a third location to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the ride path to the attraction path and configured to be positioned at a fourth location to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the ride path to the secondary portion of the ride path; An attraction ride system equipped with

2. 2. The attraction ride system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle travels along the ride path at a speed that matches a rotational speed of the turntable so as to maintain a constant distance from a particular point on an edge of the turntable while the ride vehicle travels along the ride path.

3. 10. The attraction ride system of claim 1, comprising a fixed platform coaxially positioned within the turntable and which does not rotate with the turntable.

4. 4. The attraction ride system of claim 3, further comprising a passenger entrance pathway connecting to said fixed platform.

5. 10. The attraction ride system of claim 1, comprising a ride controller configured to control a speed of the ride vehicle within the attraction path to regulate spacing of the ride vehicle relative to another ride vehicle.

6. 6. The attraction ride system of claim 5, further comprising a variable speed zone disposed at an end of the attraction path, the ride vehicles configured to pass through the variable speed zone, and the first track switch configured to be disposed at the first location to direct the ride vehicles from the variable speed zone to the main portion of the ride path.

7. 7. The attraction ride system of claim 6, wherein the ride control device is configured to control the speed of the ride vehicle while the ride vehicle is within the variable speed zone to adjust spacing of the ride vehicle relative to a second ride vehicle within the variable speed zone.

8. 8. The attraction ride system of claim 7, wherein the ride control device is configured to control a speed of the ride vehicle, control a second speed of the second ride vehicle, or both, within the variable speed zone to increase a distance between the ride vehicle and the second ride vehicle within the variable speed zone.

9. 8. The attraction ride system of claim 7, wherein the ride control device is configured to control a speed of the ride vehicle, control a second speed of the second ride vehicle, or both, within the variable speed zone to reduce a distance between the ride vehicle and the second ride vehicle within the variable speed zone.

10. 2. The attraction ride system of claim 1, further comprising a ride control device configured to receive a ride confirmation signal associated with the ride vehicle while the ride vehicle travels along the major portion of the ride path, and wherein the ride control device is configured to adjust a position of the second track switch based on whether the ride control device receives the ride confirmation signal.

11. 11. The attraction ride system of claim 10, wherein upon receiving the confirmation signal, the ride control device is configured to position the second track switch to the third location to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the ride path to the attraction path.

12. 11. The attraction ride system of claim 10, wherein in the absence of the confirmation signal, the ride control device is configured to position the second track switch to the fourth position to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the ride path to the secondary portion of the ride path.

13. 1. A method for admitting a passenger into a ride vehicle, comprising: directing a ride vehicle at a first location of the ride path along the ride path toward a second location of the ride path; determining an occupancy status of the ride vehicle; controlling a track switch to direct the vehicle along the ride path or along an attraction path at the second location along the ride path based on the occupancy status of the ride vehicle; A method comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein determining the occupancy state includes determining whether the passenger is in or has boarded the ride vehicle.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein controlling the track switch comprises controlling the track switch to direct the ride vehicle along the ride path at the second location based on a determination that the passenger is boarding the ride vehicle.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein controlling the track switch comprises controlling the track switch to direct the ride vehicle along the attraction path at the second location based on a determination that the passenger has boarded in the ride vehicle.

17. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein directing the ride vehicle along the ride path at the first location includes controlling a second track switch to direct the ride vehicle from a secondary portion of the ride path along a main portion of the ride path or from a variable speed zone of the attraction path along the main portion of the ride path.

18. An attraction ride system, a turntable configured to rotate about a vertical axis; a boarding path disposed about a periphery of the turntable, the ride vehicle being configured to travel along the boarding path; a first track switch disposed along the ride path, the first track switch configured to direct the ride vehicle from a secondary portion of the ride path or an attraction path to a main portion of the ride path; a second track switch disposed along the ride path, the second track switch configured to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the ride path to the secondary portion of the ride path or an attraction path; An attraction ride system equipped with

19. 20. The attraction ride system of claim 18, comprising a ride control device configured to control a speed of the ride vehicle along the ride path such that the speed of the ride vehicle along the ride path substantially matches a rotational speed of the turntable.

20. a variable speed zone located at an end of the attraction path, the first track switch configured to direct the ride vehicle from either the secondary portion of the ride path or the variable speed zone of the attraction path to a main portion of the ride path; a ride control device configured to adjust a speed of the ride vehicle through the variable speed zone based on a presence of a second ride vehicle located along the secondary portion of the ride path; The attraction ride system of claim 18, comprising:

21. a boarding and / or disembarking area including a conveyor; a boarding path disposed about a periphery of the conveyor, the boarding path being configured for a ride vehicle to travel along the boarding path; an attraction route connected to the boarding route; a controller configured to direct the ride vehicle from the ride path onto the attraction path based on a first occupancy state of the vehicle or to direct the ride vehicle to recirculate the ride path based on a second occupancy state of the ride vehicle; An attraction ride system equipped with

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