Guest measurement system and method

Abstract

A guest measurement system (12) includes a controller (14) associated with an attraction measurement area (20) of an individual attraction within a theme park. The guest measurement system (12) includes the controller (14) configured to receive sensor signals indicative of a guest characteristic from one or more sensors (16). The controller (14) includes a processor (204) configured to detect one or more extremities of the guest based in part on the sensor signals, identify a plurality of sub-regions of each of the one or more extremities, estimate dimensions of the identified plurality of sub-regions of the each of the extremities, and generate a height calculation for the guest based on the estimated dimensions of the identified plurality of sub-regions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 172,442, entitled “GUEST MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” filed April 8, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment utilized to measure guests within an amusement park to assess one or more physical characteristics and / or determine eligibility to enter an attraction at the amusement park, e.g., to enter an amusement ride as a passenger. [Background technology]

[0003] Theme parks or amusement parks have become increasingly popular. More sophisticated and creative ride attractions have helped to increase the popularity and success of such parks. Some attractions impose height restrictions on passengers above a height threshold. For example, a theme park ride attraction may involve a ride vehicle, such as a roller coaster type vehicle, or other vehicle that travels along a ride path. Ride height restrictions limit the ride to passengers within a certain height range who can fit into the restraints of each seat. Passengers may be measured prior to entering the ride to determine if they fit within the height restriction. For example, passengers may manually compare their height to a line painted on a wall. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following summarizes some embodiments common in scope to the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to outline possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a guest measurement system includes one or more sensors configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a guest characteristic in an attraction measurement area of ​​a respective attraction within a theme park. The guest measurement system includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signals indicative of the guest characteristic from the one or more sensors. The controller includes a processor configured to detect one or more extremities of the guest based in part on the sensor signals. The processor is configured to identify a plurality of sub-regions of each of the one or more extremities, estimate dimensions of the identified plurality of sub-regions of each of the one or more extremities, and generate a height calculation for the guest based on the estimated dimensions of the identified plurality of sub-regions.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method of measuring a guest within an attraction measurement area includes receiving one or more sensor signals from one or more sensors indicative of a distance of the guest from a height marker. The guest measurement is initiated in response to detecting that the guest is within a threshold distance from the height marker. The guest measurement includes identifying an extremity of the guest using the one or more sensor signals, estimating dimensions of a sub-region of the identified extremity based on the height marker, and generating a guest height calculation using the estimated dimensions of the sub-region.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a guest measurement system includes one or more sensors configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a characteristic of a guest in an attraction measurement area of ​​a particular attraction within a theme park, and a controller configured to receive the sensor signals indicative of the guest characteristic from the one or more sensors, the controller including a processor configured to identify one or more anatomical features of the guest based in part on the sensor signals, estimate dimensions of the identified one or more anatomical features, and generate a guest height calculation based on the estimated dimensions.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a guest measurement device includes one or more sensors configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of a guest characteristic in an attraction measurement area of ​​a particular attraction within an amusement park. The device includes a controller configured to receive a user input to activate one or more light detection and ranging sensors to emit photons within the area, receive reflected photons at the light detection and ranging sensors, generate a sensor signal based on receiving the reflected photons, identify one or more anatomical features of the guest based in part on the sensor signal, estimate dimensions of the identified one or more anatomical features, and generate a guest height calculation based on the estimated dimensions.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated with like reference characters throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an attraction measurement area at an amusement park according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method of using the guest measurement system, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a guest measurement system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]1 is a schematic diagram of an amusement park attraction measurement area utilizing a guest measurement system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 13 is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-regions of various limbs of a guest that are utilized as part of the height calculation logic of the guest measurement system, according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate attraction measurement techniques that measure one or more guest characteristics that are further used to determine a guest's eligibility to enter height-restricted attractions. These measurement techniques allow for measurements of guests in a variety of positions, such as standing, sitting, prone, or crouching. Additionally, these measurement techniques reduce user measurement errors or confusion associated with attraction eligibility requirements.

[0012] 1 illustrates an example guest measurement system 12 that includes a controller 14 coupled to one or more sensors 16 that generate guest measurement data in a guest measurement area 20 of an attraction. The one or more sensors 16 (e.g., depth sensors) are positioned around the perimeter of the area 20. The one or more sensors 16 may be co-located with one another or may be spaced apart at distributed locations within the measurement area 20. The one or more sensors may include depth sensors, color sensors, proximity sensors, and the like.

[0013] In one embodiment, the depth sensor may include an infrared projector, an infrared camera, and an RGB camera to obtain measurements of the guest. The one or more sensors may be co-located with each other or may be remotely located at specific locations within the measurement area. For example, the one or more sensors may be located on the ceiling or nearby walls of the measurement area 20 to capture measurements of the guest and surrounding area. Also, measurements may be obtained by a guest service representative using a handheld device including one or more sensors 16 by moving the handheld device in front of the guest to obtain associated data. In one embodiment, the handheld device including one or more sensors 16 is a handheld mobile device or tablet. The sensor 16 may include a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) enabled sensing system. The LiDAR enabled sensing system may be integrated with the handheld mobile device or tablet to enable the handheld mobile device or tablet to activate measurements at the LiDAR enabled sensing system, receive measurement data using the LiDAR enabled sensing system, and view the measurement data on the LiDAR enabled sensing system. The system may include a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, or VCSEL, that emits a burst of photons in an area containing the guest and receives the reflected light signal at the device. Measurements of the photons received at a detector (e.g., a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD)) adjacent to the light source may be used to derive the distance of the object or surface from the camera lens. The resolution of the distance may be based on an arrangement of a projected grid of the VCSEL. In an embodiment, the device may include a VCSEL that emits a series of infrared dots that are detected by a receiver sensor. A LiDAR-enabled sensing system may be used to generate depth information of the sensing area, making distance determinations more accurate.

[0014] As described further below, one or more sensors 16 may also obtain measurements of known height markers 32 positioned along the planar axis of the guest measurement area, or of known height props positioned within the measurement area 20, for calibration purposes.

[0015] The guest measurement system 12 allows for natural movement of guests in or within the area 20 and, in embodiments, may include markers 38 by which guests are automatically measured without the guest having to input or estimate their own measurements (e.g., height). One or more sensors 16 collect environmental data, including data representative of one or more guests, shown in FIG. 1 as a first guest 22a and a second guest 22b. The environmental data is provided to the controller 14, which uses the environmental data to determine guest characteristics, such as height. The guest measurement system 12 may accurately measure guests while they are crouching or while they are sitting in a wheelchair, stroller, or the like. As shown by way of example, the first guest 22a is taller than the second guest 22b. However, the first guest 22a is crouching and the second guest 22b is holding a balloon. If the distance 30 from the ground represents a minimum height to ride the attraction, a light beam type sensor measuring the break in the beam at the minimum height would erroneously indicate the second guest 22b as being tall enough because the balloon would block the beam. Additionally, the first guest 22a would also be erroneously identified as not being tall enough. In contrast, the disclosed measurement system 12 as shown herein correctly identifies the first guest 22a as being tall enough and the second guest 22b as not having reached at least the minimum height. The system 12 uses the sensor signals to identify anatomical features and generate a height calculation based on the estimated dimensions of the anatomical features. In an embodiment, the system 12 may provide a display 36 or other indicator that the system 12 qualifies or does not qualify for a height calculation.

[0016] In an embodiment, one or more guest features are identified using information acquired via one or more sensors 16. The guest features can be anatomical features, for example, each guest's limbs are identified. The guest's head, neck, torso, pelvis, arms, knees, shins, ankles, feet, hands, toes and fingers, etc. can be identified. It is understood that some of these limbs can have paired or corresponding limbs (i.e., right and left limbs) across the medial axis of the guest's body. An embodiment of the present disclosure includes identifying multiple sub-regions of each identified anatomical feature (e.g., limbs) and estimating measurements or dimensions of each of the multiple sub-regions. The total height of the guest can be estimated or calculated by summing certain sub-region measurements to obtain a limb estimate. For example, an estimated total leg height can be based on the sum of certain leg sub-regions. In an embodiment, the leg height + guest torso height and head dimension can be used to determine the guest height. In another embodiment, the wing span of a guest can be used to determine if the guest's height has been calculated correctly. For example, wingspan can be generally defined as the length of an individual's arm from one end to the other when the arm is held at 90 degrees parallel to the ground at shoulder height. Since a human's height is roughly the length of their wingspan, the wingspan can act as a quality check to verify the guest's estimated height.

[0017] The height of a particular sub-region can be estimated using various mathematical relationships and equations (e.g., 3D Pythagoras' theorem, linear interpolation). It can be appreciated that a measurement of a particular sub-region of a first limb can be used in place of a second corresponding limb if the confidence associated with the first limb exceeds the confidence of the second corresponding limb by a threshold (e.g., by more than one standard deviation). An embodiment of the present disclosure includes generating an overall height calculation for a guest based on the estimated limb measurements. In this manner, a guest can remain seated (e.g., in a wheelchair) while being measured prior to riding the vehicle.

[0018] With this in mind, Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a method 100 of using a guest measurement system in accordance with the present technology. The method 100 includes receiving sensor signals indicative of guest characteristics, such as depth sensor information, from one or more sensors located within a measurement area prior to boarding a vehicle (block 102).

[0019] The method 100 includes detecting anatomical features of the guest, such as one or more limbs, based on information obtained from one or more sensors (block 104). It will be appreciated that the sensor information obtained from the one or more sensors may first be filtered, normalized, calibrated, and / or pre-processed to facilitate use with the height calculation logic described herein. Based on this sensor information, the presence and location of various limbs and / or anatomical features of the guest may be identified or detected, including the guest's head, neck, torso, pelvis, thighs, knees, calves, shins, ankles, feet, toes, hands, wrists, fingers, elbows, and forearms. Skeleton tracking may be used to predict or observe the location of anatomical joints within the guest's body. These locations may be used to create a data structure from which distances between joints may be calculated and visualized on a screen. Addition of lengths between identified joints may be used to estimate height. In an embodiment, these techniques may be used to identify limb differences, such as amputations, and the length of identified amputations. Based on the stored attraction information, a notification of attractions the guest can ride can be generated. Using the depth sensor, the system can create an image of an individual's skeletal structure in 3D space with real-world coordinates. Multiple depth sensors can be utilized to create a composite image in 3D space that can augment the collected data.

[0020] The method 100 includes identifying a number of sub-regions of an individual limb (block 106). For example, the method 100 may use various mathematical equations and relationships (e.g., geometry, 3D Pythagoras' theorem, linear interpolation) to estimate one or more dimensions of a particular sub-region. It will be appreciated that the limb may also be divided into sub-regions for purposes of estimating the limb's dimensions. For example, the guest's left calf may be measured in three sub-regions while corresponding measurements of three corresponding sub-regions of the guest's right calf may be measured. By doing this, as will be further described below with reference to FIG. 5, the guest measurement system may better estimate the guest's overall height by using the most accurate measurement of a particular sub-region, regardless of whether the measurements used are of the guest's left calf or the guest's right calf. The estimated dimensions may include length estimates between joints (e.g., wrist to elbow, elbow to shoulder, ankle to knee, knee to hip) and / or width estimates in a plane parallel to the length axis.

[0021] That is, some measurements from the left limb and some measurements from the right limb may be used to estimate an overall limb measurement or dimension (block 108). The accuracy of the estimation for each limb may also be determined. The guest measurement system may perform a calibration in which measurements taken by one or more sensors are compared to a calibration standard, such as a known height marker or known height prop height, to determine the certainty of the dimension estimation for each sub-region of each limb. Statistical analysis may also be performed to identify outliers in the estimate. In some embodiments, measurements outside a threshold (e.g., one standard deviation, two standard deviations) may be removed from the sub-region measurements to increase the accuracy of the overall height calculation.

[0022] The method 100 includes generating an overall guest height calculation for the guest based on the combination of estimated limb sub-regions (block 110). If there are multiple measurements of a particular sub-region (e.g., left thigh sub-region and right thigh sub-region), the guest measurement system may determine which measurement of the particular sub-region is more certain and use the more certain measurement. Once each limb sub-region is estimated, the method includes generating a final height calculation. Using the methods described herein, a guest may be measured to determine whether they can enter a ride without having to stand up from a wheelchair, assisted mobility device, stroller, etc. It will be further understood that the techniques described herein may be applied to guests without mobility limitations.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a guest measurement system 200 according to the present embodiment. The guest measurement system 200 includes a controller 202 that can be implemented in a computer device, a server, a distributed processor, or a cloud computing environment. The controller 202 includes a processor 204 and a memory 206. The processor 204 can include one or more processing units (processing or computing circuits), and the memory 206 can include one or more tangible, non-transitory machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to hold or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 204 or other processor-based devices (e.g., mobile devices). The controller 202 can utilize one or more types of models 208 (e.g., software-based models that the processor 204 can execute). For example, the models 208 can include a geometry-based model, such as a 3D Pythagorean Theorem model. Association techniques can also be used to discover relationships between variables. In one embodiment, the skeleton tracker 216 can establish the presence and / or location of various skeletal joints and / or anatomical features, such as the guest's head, hands, torso, center of gravity, pelvis / hips, thighs, knees, shins, ankles and feet.

[0024] The model 208 can receive various inputs 210 to perform the estimation of each sub-region of the guest's extremities. The inputs 210 can include vehicle information 212 and depth data 214. The vehicle information 212 can include limitations of a particular vehicle. For example, a vehicle may have a particular height or weight limit. Also, some vehicle seats can only accommodate a particular depth for passengers, and thus a guest using a particular disability accommodation (e.g., a cane, wheelchair, etc.) may not be able to ride the ride, may require the use of an additional seat (e.g., an adjacent seat), or may require a particular seat on the ride that is suitable for the guest.

[0025] The depth data 214 may include data from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be located on the ceiling or walls of the attraction measurement room or in a handheld device operated by a team member. The one or more sensors may include a depth sensor, a color sensor, a proximity sensor, and the like. In one embodiment, the depth sensor may include an infrared projector, an infrared camera, and an RGB camera to obtain measurements of the guest. The infrared projector, the infrared camera, and the RGB camera may be located in close proximity to each other (e.g., within a few centimeters of each other) or in the same location as each other. As can be seen, the infrared projector may project an infrared pattern onto nearby objects within the area detected by the infrared camera. The infrared camera and / or the RGB camera capture the projected infrared pattern. These cameras then send a video of the captured infrared pattern to a depth sensor processor to determine the depth of each projected infrared pattern (e.g., dot). In one embodiment, the density of the projected infrared pattern on a particular object may be correlated to the distance from the projector. In one embodiment, the depth sensor may include a LiDAR sensing system that generates the depth data 214.

[0026] Returning to the description of model 208, model 208 uses various mathematical equations and relationships (e.g., geometry, 3D Pythagoras' theorem, linear interpolation) to estimate the height or length of a particular sub-region of a particular identified limb. The identified limb may be divided into multiple sub-regions based in part on the size of the limb and the certainty of the particular identified limb, etc. Some limbs may be present on both sides of the medial axis of the body that divides the guest's body into a left and right side. Model 208 may estimate the length of both the left and right limbs if the identified limbs are paired limbs (i.e., the left shank on the left side of the body and the right shank on the right side of the body), but may use only the estimate of one limb if the size of the left and right limbs is deemed sufficiently similar. In this case, model 208 may use the estimated height of only one limb (i.e., the left shank or the right shank) after determining which estimate is more accurate based on depth data 214. On the other hand, if model 208 determines that the left and right limbs fall outside a certain similarity threshold, it may use the height estimates of both the left and right limbs. In another embodiment, model 208 uses the height estimates of both paired limbs regardless of the similarity threshold.

[0027] In one embodiment, the model 208 determines the height or length of corresponding sub-regions of the paired limbs. For example, the model 208 can determine the height or length of a first region, a second region, and a third region of the guest's left calf. The model 208 can also determine the height or length of a corresponding first region, a corresponding second region, and a corresponding third region of the guest's right calf. The model 208 then determines whether the first region of the left calf or the corresponding first region of the right calf is more accurate based on the certainty of the depth data 214 provided from the regions. The model 208 can then proceed to generate an overall height calculation using the more accurate measurement. In practice, the model 208 can use measurements from specific sub-regions on both sides of the body for one particular limb to increase accuracy.

[0028] The controller 202 can perform a calibration to compare measurements taken by one or more sensors to those of a calibration standard, such as the height of a known height marker or known height prop, to determine the certainty of the estimated height of each sub-region of each limb. The controller 202 can then determine whether the certainty of the measured height of each sub-region or limb is acceptable (e.g., within a determined margin of error). If there are multiple measurements of a particular sub-region (e.g., a left thigh sub-region and a right thigh sub-region), the controller 202 can determine which measurement of the particular sub-region is more certain and use the more certain measurement.

[0029] The model 208 can then use the more accurate measurements of a particular region to output a clear height calculation 218 for that particular region. Once the controller 202 has determined the clear height calculation 218 for each particular region, it can generate an overall clear height calculation. The controller 202 can output an overall clear height calculation for the guest's entire body by summing each clear height estimate for each limb. This final clear height calculation can be used to determine whether the ride has enough space to accommodate the guest while seated or assisted by the guest's assistive device (e.g., the guest's wheelchair, mobility aid, stroller) without the guest having to dismount from their assistive device. In one embodiment, this output can include a notification regarding eligibility to ride a particular attraction based on the estimated height.

[0030] 4 is a schematic side view of a theme park attraction measurement area utilizing the guest measurement system 200 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the guest 22 may be measured in an attraction measurement area 220, which is a separate enclosed room adjacent to a ride area 222. The separate enclosed room may include a ceiling 224, a floor 226, and a number of walls 228 that surround the measurement area. The attraction measurement area 220 may include one or more sensors 232 therein. The one or more sensors 232 may be moved via a motor 234 communicatively coupled to the controller 202 to appropriately capture image data. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors 232 may be located within a handheld device 236 (e.g., a wand, tablet, or mobile device). A park employee 238 may use the handheld device 236 to capture image data and / or depth data 214 when the handheld device 236 is positioned in front of the guest 22.

[0031] It can be understood that the guest 22 can be asked to move into the space 240 so that the guest 22 can be measured. The space 240 can be a distance 242 away from the height marker 244. The space 240 can be an area that is easily visible via one or more sensors 232 located above the space 240 (e.g., along a rail 230 located along the ceiling 224 or via a handheld device 236 held by a park employee). The height marker 244 can be a specific marker or prop with a known height located a distance 242 behind the space 240. The height marker 244 can be located substantially parallel to an axis 246 that can be defined as an axis extending between the ceiling 224 and the floor 226. Once the guest 22 is determined to be in place, the height measurement can be initiated. In some embodiments, the sensor data can be calibrated to a known measurement or dimension of the height marker 244 by positioning the guest within a threshold distance to the height marker 244. Once calibrated, the sensor data is used to estimate the dimensions of the anatomical features.

[0032] In an embodiment, the sensor 232 is housed in a mobile device or tablet and an operator activates the sensor 232 via interaction with a user interface of the mobile device or tablet.

[0033] It can be appreciated that the guest measurement system 200 can be used to measure a guest 22 in a wheelchair, mobility aid, stroller, cart, etc., or whenever the guest 22 is holding an accessory 248 (e.g., a walking stick, a shopping bag, a purse) that may partially block the view of the guest 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the guest measurement system 200 can be used to measure a guest 22 in a wheelchair. It can be appreciated that when the guest 22 is in a wheelchair or stroller, a portion of the guest's body may be blocked from the view of one or more sensors 232. For example, parts of the wheelchair may block the view of the guest's left leg. In such an instance, the one or more sensors 232 may not be able to properly capture the dimension of the guest's left leg. As described in more detail below, the guest measurement system 200 can then take one or more corrective actions, including, but not limited to, attempting to remeasure the left leg, estimating the measurement of the left leg based on other body part measurements, substituting a measurement of the right leg, or a combination thereof. It will be appreciated that guest measurement system 200 may also estimate guest measurements by referencing a database of previously taken guest measurements. Similar corrective action may be taken when strollers, shopping carts, shopping bags, etc. obstruct the view of the guest's body.

[0034] The controller 202 may be communicatively coupled to the display 250, one or more sensors 232, height markers 244, and / or nearby vehicles 252. As described above, the controller 202 may receive various inputs 210 to appropriately estimate the height of each sub-region of the guest's limbs. The inputs 210 may include vehicle information 212 and depth data 214 of FIG. 3, among others. The vehicle information 212 may include the number of seats available, the number of seats that can accommodate the guest on the mobility assistance vehicle, restrictions on what type of mobility assistance vehicle is suitable for the particular vehicle, height restrictions, and weight restrictions. The depth data 214 may be received from one or more sensors 232 positioned throughout the attraction measurement area. The depth data 214 may be obtained from an infrared pattern projected onto an object (e.g., a guest) by one or more infrared projectors. One or more infrared cameras may detect the projected light pattern to determine the depth associated with the object at which the pattern is detected. Both of the various inputs 210 are then input into the model 208 to estimate the height of the particular sub-region of the identified limb, as described above. The estimated height of the guest can be output to a display 250 to inform park personnel whether the guest 22 can be accommodated on the ride 252.

[0035] In some embodiments, the disclosed guest measurement system 200 can use facial recognition or other guest tracking technology to correlate guests to their measured height. Thus, guests can be measured early in the day and their estimated heights logged in a guest profile. Using guest recognition technology, other attractions can also use the guest profile to associate recognized guests with estimated heights to determine ride eligibility. In this way, measurements need only be taken once per day.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-regions 260 of various limbs of a guest 22 utilized in a guest measurement system according to the present embodiment. It will be appreciated that each identified limb can be divided into various sub-regions for the purpose of collecting depth information. In some embodiments, paired limbs (e.g., left and right shanks) can be divided into various numbers of sub-regions depending on their size. For example, limbs of a larger guest (e.g., with a long shank) can be divided into four sub-regions, whereas limbs of an average-sized guest (e.g., with an average-length shank 261) can be divided into only three sub-regions. Some anatomical features (e.g., torso, neck) are not paired, but the same concept of applying various numbers of sub-regions to identified limbs can be applied. In the illustrated embodiment, the torso 262 of the guest 22 is divided into two sub-regions, but for larger guests, torso depth information can be obtained over three, four, or more sub-regions.

[0037] As discussed above, the guest measurement system 200 of Figure 3 may receive depth information from one or more sensors 232 of Figure 4. The guest measurement system 200 may receive multiple depth information readings for a given sub-area from various sensors disposed within the attraction measurement area 220 of Figure 4. For example, the guest measurement system 200 may receive depth information for a particular sub-area 260 (i.e., torso 262) from one or more sensors 232 disposed above the space 240 of Figure 4, adjacent walls 224, 228 of Figure 4, and / or from the handheld device 236 of Figure 4. It may be appreciated that while the guest measurement system 200 receives depth information for the same particular sub-area from various sensors 232, the depth information from each sensor 232 may remain siloed. In this manner, if depth information received from a single sensor 232 appears to be erroneous (e.g., outside an acceptable uncertainty measure), the guest measurement system 200 can ignore the erroneous depth information when estimating the length of a particular limb.

[0038] In some embodiments, guest measurement system 200 may receive multiple depth information measurements for each sub-region 260. Guest measurement system 200 may then determine whether any of the collected depth information includes one or more outliers for the particular sub-region. If guest measurement system 200 determines that any statistical outliers exist, these outliers may be removed from the collected depth information used to estimate the height of the particular sub-region 260. If guest measurement system 200 determines that one or more outliers exist, one or more corrective actions may be performed. The one or more corrective actions may be performed instead of or in addition to removing the outliers. As discussed above, the one or more corrective actions may include, but are not limited to, attempting to re-measure the particular sub-region 260 of the identified limb, estimating the measurement of the particular sub-region 260 of the identified limb based on other body part measurements (e.g., estimating the measurement of the particular sub-region 260 of the identified limb based on a database), or substituting a measurement of a paired sub-region 260 of the identified limb.

[0039] For example, it can be appreciated that the guest measurement system 200 can recalibrate one or more sensors 232 if one or more outliers are identified. Recalibrating one or more sensors 232 can include comparing measurements obtained by one or more sensors 232 to a known standard, such as the height of a known height marker 244, or another suitable calibration technique. In another non-limiting example, the corrective action can include estimating measurements of a particular sub-region of the identified limb based on measurements obtained from a historical database. Thus, the guest measurement system 200 can substitute one or more measurements from a historical database by identifying suitable sub-region measurements based in part on the overall height and stature of the guest, whether the guest is seated or standing, a particular model of mobility aid (e.g., wheelchair, stroller), and the like.

[0040] In another non-limiting example, the guest measurement system 200 can use sub-regions with high quality measurements and discard or not use sub-regions with low quality measurements. Thus, a measurement or estimate of guest limb length can be based on the sum of individual sub-regions from different corresponding limbs. In one example, if the left shank and right thigh represent the highest quality leg sub-regions, the leg measurement can be based on the sum of these sub-regions. The quality indicator can be based on the confidence of the raw sensor data. For example, if the right shank sensor data is identified as an outlier outside a desired confidence interval, the guest measurement system 200 can substitute the sensor data of the left shank sub-region for the corresponding sub-region of the right shank. In this case, the guest measurement system 200 can ignore the data of the left shank sub-region when generating the overall height calculation for the guest 22.

[0041] Although only certain features of the present embodiments 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 appended 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 disclosed embodiments can be combined or substituted with one another.

[0042] 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]

[0043] 12 Guest Measurement System 14 Controller 16 Sensors 20 Guest Measurement Area 22a First Guest 22b Second Guest 30 distance 32 Sensors 36 displays 38 Marker

Claims

1. A guest measurement system, comprising: one or more sensors configured to generate sensor signals indicative of guest characteristics in an attraction measurement area of ​​a particular attraction within the amusement park; a controller configured to receive the sensor signal indicative of the guest characteristic from the one or more sensors; The controller comprises: Detecting one or more extremities of the guest based in part on the sensor signal; identifying a plurality of sub-regions of each of the one or more limbs; estimating dimensions of the identified sub-regions of the individual limbs of the one or more limbs; generating a guest height calculation based on the estimated dimensions of the identified plurality of sub-regions; selecting a vehicle seat for the guest based in part on the guest height calculation; a processor configured to: A guest measurement system.

2. The one or more sensors include a camera or a depth sensor. The guest measurement system of claim 1 .

3. the processor is configured to detect the one or more extremities of the guest by determining a right side extremity and a corresponding left side extremity of the same type. The guest measurement system of claim 1 .

4. The processor, determining a first confidence interval for the first estimated dimension of the right limb and a second confidence interval for the corresponding second estimated dimension of the left limb; determining that the first confidence interval or the second confidence interval exceeds a threshold; The guest measurement system of claim 3 , configured to:

5. and if the processor determines that the first confidence interval exceeds the threshold and the second confidence interval does not exceed the threshold, then the processor is configured to use the first estimated dimension for the right limb sub-region and not use the second estimated dimension for the corresponding left limb sub-region to determine the guest height calculation. The guest measurement system according to claim 4.

6. the processor is configured to determine a linear dimension of a length between joints of the one or more limbs. The guest measurement system of claim 1 .

7. The one or more limbs include a leg or an arm, The guest measurement system of claim 1 .

8. the processor is configured to generate an indication that the guest is eligible for the attraction based in part on the guest height calculation. The guest measurement system of claim 1 .

9. the sensor signal generates a signal indicative of one or more dimensions of a height marker within the attraction measurement area. The guest measurement system of claim 1 .

10. 1. A method for measuring guests within an attraction measurement area, comprising: receiving one or more sensor signals from the one or more sensors indicative of a guest distance from a height marker; initiating a guest measurement in response to detecting that the guest is within a threshold distance from the height marker; wherein the guest measurement includes identifying a guest's limb using the one or more sensor signals, estimating a dimension of a sub-region of the identified limb based on the height markers, and generating a guest height calculation using the estimated dimension of the sub-region. A method comprising:

11. detecting when the distance exceeds the threshold distance from the height marker; outputting an indication that the guest is not located within the threshold; The method of claim 10.

12. the height markers are disposed along a planar axis of the attraction measurement area, the height markers including objects of known height; The method of claim 10.

13. summing a portion of the sub-areas of the identified limb to generate an limb measurement and generating the guest height calculation based on the limb measurement. The method of claim 12.

14. the one or more sensors include a camera; The method of claim 10.

15. A guest measurement system, comprising: one or more sensors configured to generate sensor signals indicative of guest characteristics in an attraction measurement area of ​​a particular attraction within the amusement park; a controller configured to receive the sensor signal indicative of the guest characteristic from the one or more sensors; The controller comprises: identifying one or more anatomical features of the guest based in part on the sensor signal; Estimating a size of the identified one or more anatomical features; generating a guest height calculation based on said estimated dimensions; storing said guest height calculation as part of a guest profile for said guest; Identifying the guest based on guest tracking information; Accessing the guest profile of the identified guest; generating an indication of ride eligibility for a plurality of rides using the stored guest height calculations of the guest profile; wherein the guest height calculation is performed once for the plurality of rides over a period of time. A guest measurement system.

16. The processor, identifying a plurality of sub-regions of individual anatomical features of the identified one or more anatomical features; The guest measurement system of claim 15 configured to:

17. The processor, estimating dimensions of the identified sub-regions of the respective anatomical features; The guest measurement system of claim 16 configured to:

18. A guest measurement device, one or more sensors configured to generate sensor signals indicative of guest characteristics in an attraction measurement area of ​​a particular attraction within the amusement park; receiving a user input that activates one or more light detection and ranging sensors to emit photons within an area; receiving reflected photons at the light detection and ranging sensor; generating a sensor signal based on receiving the reflected photons; identifying one or more anatomical features of the guest based in part on the sensor signal; Estimating a size of the identified one or more anatomical features; generating a guest height calculation based on said estimated dimensions; a processor configured to A guest measurement device comprising:

19. The processor, identifying a plurality of sub-regions of individual anatomical features of the identified one or more anatomical features; 20. The guest measurement device of claim 18, configured to:

20. The processor, estimating dimensions of the identified sub-regions of the respective anatomical features; 20. The guest measurement device of claim 19, configured to:

21. The processor, Identifying the guest based on guest tracking information; Accessing the guest profile of the identified guest; generating an indication of ride eligibility for the identified guest using the stored guest height calculation of the guest profile. The guest measurement system of claim 15 configured to:

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