Choreographed ride systems and methods

Abstract

To provide ride vehicles.SOLUTION: A ride vehicle includes a riding assembly configured to carry a rider, a base configured to couple to the riding assembly, and a control system configured to control the coordination of movements of the ride vehicle with movements of separate ride vehicles. The base includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface, a vertical movement system configured to move the riding assembly vertically relative to the base, and a roll system configured to move the riding assembly angularly relative to the base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of provisional application Serial No. 62 / 863,598, entitled "CHOREOGRAPHED RIDE SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed June 19, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to ride vehicles. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ride vehicles capable of moving about coordinated ride paths relative to one another and along multiple directions.

[0003] Some ride vehicles are ridden by users for transportation and / or entertainment purposes. For example, some entertainment rides, such as carousels and other structured ride systems, include ride vehicles that move in a circular pattern along a fixed path on a surface. During operation, the movement of the ride vehicles is typically restricted to a fixed path along the ride surface. It is now recognized that such movement of the ride vehicles can detract from the user's experience while riding the ride vehicle.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is provided below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a summary of these specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may not be described below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the ride vehicle includes a ride assembly configured to carry passengers, a base configured to couple to the ride assembly, and a control system configured to control coordination between movement of the ride vehicle and movement of a separate ride vehicle. The base includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface, a vertical movement system configured to move the ride assembly vertically relative to the base, and a roll system configured to move the ride assembly angularly relative to the base.

[0007] In one embodiment, the ride vehicle includes a ride assembly configured to carry passengers and a base configured to couple to the ride assembly. The base includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface and a ride assembly movement system configured to move the ride assembly relative to the base. The ride vehicle also includes a ride vehicle control system configured to receive a signal indicative of a position of the ride vehicle from the sensor, determine that a distance between the position of the ride vehicle and a corresponding position along the ride path exceeds a threshold distance, and output a signal to the surface movement system indicative of a command to adjust the position of the ride vehicle in response to determining that the distance exceeds the threshold distance.

[0008] In one embodiment, a ride system includes a plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles configured to traverse a surface and a ride control system configured to transmit one or more choreographed ride paths to the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles, detect positions of each of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles relative to one another and to the one or more choreographed ride paths within a ride area, and transmit commands to the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles to control movement of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles based on the positions of each of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles relative to one another and to the one or more choreographed ride paths.

[0009] There may be various refinements of the features described above in relation to the various aspects of the disclosure. Other features may also be incorporated into these various aspects. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below in relation to one or more of the exemplary embodiments may be incorporated alone or in any combination into any of the above-mentioned aspects of the disclosure. The summary presented above is intended to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and content of the disclosure, and is not intended to be limiting on the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a ride system including a ride vehicle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle system of FIG. 1 including a surface mobility system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a side block diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle system of FIG. 1 including a vertical movement system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side block diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle system of FIG. 1 including a roll system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a ride vehicle control system for the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the ride system of FIG. 1 having multiple ride vehicles, according to one aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 8] 2 is a flow chart of a method suitable for controlling the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system of FIG. 1 having ride vehicles at first respective locations according to one aspect of the disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system of FIG. 1 having ride vehicles at second respective locations according to one aspect of the disclosure. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system of FIG. 1 having ride vehicles at third respective locations according to one aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 12] 2 is a flow chart of a method suitable for controlling the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 2 is a flow chart of a method suitable for controlling the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation will be described herein. As with any engineering or design project, it is understood that the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system and business related constraints. Moreover, it is understood that such a development effort may be complex and time consuming, but would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0013] Certain ride systems include ride vehicles that can carry passengers (e.g., users) within a ride area of ​​the ride system. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to ride vehicles that can move about a ride path within the ride system and move relative to one another. For example, a ride system can include multiple ride vehicles that can carry, entertain, and / or transport passengers within a ride area. The movement of the ride vehicles can be directed along the ride path and / or relative to one another and other parts of the ride system. Additionally, the ride vehicles can move in a particular direction relative to the surface of the ride system while moving along the ride path and / or can include ride assemblies that can carry passengers and move relative to the surface of the ride system. For example, the ride vehicles can include mechanisms and portions (e.g., ride assemblies) that can move vertically and / or horizontally (e.g., move in any planar direction, spin, and turn) and roll in various directions.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle and / or ride system may include a control system that controls the movement of the ride vehicle within the ride area. For example, based on the position of the ride vehicle relative to the ride path (e.g., based on the actual position of the ride vehicle relative to the intended position of the ride vehicle along the ride path), the control system may adjust the trajectory or course of travel of the ride vehicle. In some embodiments, as the ride vehicle travels within the ride area, certain factors may affect the trajectory of the ride vehicle, such as obstacles within the ride area, the weight of passengers on the ride vehicle, the weight of other items placed on or part of the ride vehicle, obstacles attached to the ride vehicle that may drag behind, in front of, or to the side of the ride vehicle, and / or passenger inputs (e.g., passengers shifting their weight, passengers turning a steering wheel or adjusting the trajectory of the ride vehicle, passengers adjusting the speed of the ride vehicle, etc.). In this manner, the control system may adjust the trajectory or course of travel of the ride vehicle to generally follow the ride path and take such factors into account.

[0015] Further, based on the position of the ride vehicle along the ride path (e.g., the progression of the ride vehicle along the ride path), the control system may control the horizontal movement, vertical movement, and roll of the ride vehicle or a ride assembly of the ride vehicle. In this manner, the ride vehicles and ride systems described herein may move in a choreographed manner in various directions for the transportation and / or entertainment of passengers. In certain embodiments, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicle may be viewed by persons other than the passengers, such as persons waiting to board the ride vehicle and / or spectators. In this manner, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicle may provide an entertaining attraction to persons viewing the ride system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ride system may be an entertainment ride system capable of providing entertainment to passengers aboard the entertainment ride system and to viewers of the entertainment ride system. The entertainment ride system may have a particular theme, such that the ride paths of the ride vehicles and / or the particular decorative appearance of the ride vehicles and ride system generally match this theme.

[0017] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 of a ride system 11. For ease of discussion, the ride vehicle 10 and certain components of the ride vehicle 10 may be described with reference to a vertical axis or direction 12, a longitudinal axis or direction 14, and a lateral axis or direction 16. As shown, the ride vehicle 10 may include a base 18, a ride assembly 20 (e.g., a seat) coupled to the base 18, and a pole 22 extending from the base 18 generally along the vertical axis 12. The base 18 may move the ride vehicle 10 along a ride path and / or a surface 23 of the ride system 11, and the ride assembly 20 may carry a passenger (e.g., a user) of the ride vehicle 10. For example, a passenger may ride the ride vehicle 10 for entertainment and / or transportation purposes. As shown, the ride assembly 20 is coupled to a decorative feature 24 that resembles a lion. The decorative feature 24 is coupled to the base 18 via supports 26. The decorative feature 24 may provide passengers with an experience that simulates interacting with the decorative feature 24, such as riding a lion in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the decorative feature 24 may be other animals (e.g., tigers, elephants, birds, fish), characters (e.g., superheroes, storybook characters, unicorns), structures, decorations, and / or objects. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the decorative feature 24 may be omitted from the ride vehicle 10, and the ride assembly 20 may be coupled to the base 18 via supports 26, or the ride assembly 20 may be integrated into the base 18.

[0018] The ride vehicle 10 may include a pole 22 to provide an experience similar to a conventional ride vehicle, such as a carousel ride vehicle. As such, the pole 22 may be a decorative feature that enhances the passenger experience while riding the ride vehicle 10. Additionally, the ride assembly 20 and / or the decorative feature 24 may be coupled to the pole 22. For example, the pole 22 may support the ride assembly 20 and / or the decorative feature 24, may couple the ride assembly 20 and / or the decorative feature 24 to the base 18, and / or may function as a movement mechanism configured to allow the ride assembly 20 and / or the decorative feature 24 to move relative to the base 18 generally along the vertical axis 12. In some embodiments, the pole 22 may be omitted from the ride vehicle 10.

[0019] During operation of the ride vehicle 10, passengers may be seated in the ride assemblies 20, and the ride vehicle 10 may traverse the surface 23 of the ride system 11 via the base 18. As described in more detail below, the ride vehicle 10 may move along a choreographed ride path within the ride system 11 (e.g., along the surface 23 of the ride system 11) and / or may include mechanisms that enable the ride vehicle 10 and / or the ride assemblies 20 to move vertically (e.g., generally along the vertical axis 12), move horizontally (e.g., generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the lateral axis 16), and roll (e.g., rotate generally about the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the lateral axis 16) while moving along the ride path. Movement of the ride vehicle 10 along the choreographed ride path and / or in various directions while traveling along the ride path may provide entertainment and / or transportation to passengers. For example, the staging of the ride vehicle 10 and the corresponding staging of adjacent ride vehicles may generally match the theme of the ride vehicle 10 and / or the ride system. In the illustrated embodiment, the theme may relate to lions, and the staging and movement of the ride vehicle 10 may simulate the movement of a lion. Additionally, the movement of the ride vehicle 10 may simulate the movement of a carousel ride vehicle (e.g., the ride assembly 20 may move in an elliptical pattern generally along the vertical axis 12 while moving along the surface 23 of the ride system 11).

[0020] Additionally, ride system 11 may include additional features generally matching the theme of ride system 11. For example, ride system 11 may include audio effects, lighting effects, and other suitable effects that passengers may hear, see, feel, or otherwise sense within the environment of ride system 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio effects and / or lighting effects may be generally associated with the lion and / or carousel ride systems.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the ride system 11 of Figure 1, including the ride vehicle 10. The ride system 11 includes a ride control system 32 that communicates with a ride vehicle control system 34 of the ride vehicle 10. As shown, the ride control system 32 and the ride vehicle control system 34 are communicatively coupled via a wireless connection 36 (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). In some embodiments, the ride control system 32 and the ride vehicle control system 34 may be communicatively coupled via a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), CANbus, ISObus, etc.).

[0022] Ride vehicle 10 includes a surface movement system 40, a vertical movement system 42, and a roll system 44 communicatively coupled to ride vehicle control system 34 such that ride vehicle control system 34 can control surface movement system 40, vertical movement system 42, and roll system 44. In some embodiments, surface movement system 40, vertical movement system 42, and / or roll system 44 can be communicatively coupled directly to ride control system 32 such that ride control system 32 can control surface movement system 40, vertical movement system 42, and / or roll system 44.

[0023] The surface motion system 40 can move the ride vehicle 10 generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the lateral axis 16 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11. For example, the surface motion system 40 can move the ride vehicle 10 in any planar direction (e.g., along a plane parallel to the surface 23), can turn the ride vehicle 10, and can spin the ride vehicle 10. The vertical motion system 42 can move the ride assembly 20 generally along the vertical axis 12 relative to the base 18 and / or relative to the surface 23 of the ride system 11. The roll system 44 can roll or angle the ride assembly 20 (e.g., can move the ride assembly 20 generally at an angle and / or can tilt the ride assembly 20) relative to the base 18 and / or relative to the surface 23 of the ride system 11. In certain embodiments, vertical movement system 42 and / or roll system 44 can be included in a ride assembly movement system configured to vertically and / or angularly move the ride assembly relative to base 18.

[0024] In this manner, ride vehicle control system 34 may control surface movement system 40, vertical movement system 42, and roll system 44 as ride vehicle 10 moves within ride system 11 to move passengers seated on ride assembly 20. By moving passengers as ride vehicle 10 moves along a ride path within ride system 11, ride vehicle 10 may provide passengers with an entertainment experience that simulates the movement of a carousel ride system, animals, superheroes, and / or other entertainment systems or characters.

[0025] 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the ride vehicle 11 of FIG. 1 including a surface mobility system 40 for the ride vehicle 10. As discussed above, the surface mobility system 40 can move the ride vehicle 10 in any planar direction generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the lateral axis 16. The surface mobility system 40 can also turn and / or spin the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11. In some embodiments, the surface mobility system 40 can turn the ride vehicle 10 in a first direction while spinning the ride vehicle 10 in a second direction. For example, the surface mobility system 40 can turn the ride vehicle 10 to the left while spinning the ride vehicle 10 to the right (e.g., spinning the ride vehicle 10 clockwise when viewed from a top view).

[0026] As shown, the surface movement system 40 includes a surface movement actuator 50, a surface movement mechanism 52, and a surface position sensor 54. The surface movement actuator 50 can be actuated to cause the surface movement mechanism 52 to move the ride vehicle 10. For example, the surface movement actuator 50 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, and the like, and can be coupled to each of the surface movement mechanisms 52. After actuation by the surface movement actuator 50, the surface movement mechanism 52 can rotate, turn, or perform other suitable movement such that the ride vehicle 10 moves along the surface 23 of the ride system 11. For example, the surface movement mechanism 52 can be a wheel, a sphere (e.g., a steel or rubber ball), another suitable movement mechanism, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 can include more or fewer surface movement mechanisms 52 (e.g., one surface movement mechanism 52, two surface movement mechanisms 52, five surface movement mechanisms 52, etc.).

[0027] The surface position sensor 54 may output a signal indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 10 within the ride system 11. For example, the surface position sensor 54 may sense the position of the ride vehicle 10 along the longitudinal axis 14, along the lateral axis 16, relative to separate ride vehicles, relative to the ride path, relative to other portions of the ride system 11, along the surface 23, or the like, and output a signal indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 10. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive a signal indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 10 from the surface position sensor 54. The ride vehicle control system 34 may adjust the trajectory (e.g., course) of the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11 based on the surface position of the ride vehicle 10. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 may output a signal to the surface movement actuator 50 to actuate the surface movement mechanism 52 to move the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11. In some embodiments, the surface movement actuators 50 may be omitted or may be integrated with the surface movement mechanism 52, and the ride vehicle control system 34 may communicate directly with the surface movement mechanism 52 to cause the surface movement mechanism 52 to move the ride vehicle 10. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may communicate directly with the surface movement system 40, or portions thereof, to control the movement of the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11.

[0028] 4 is a side block diagram of one embodiment of the ride system 11 of FIG. 1 including the vertical movement system 42 of the ride vehicle 10. As described above, the vertical movement system 42 may move the ride vehicle 10 generally along the vertical axis 12 (e.g., generally up, down, and / or in an elliptical motion as the ride vehicle 10 moves within the ride system 11). As shown, the vertical movement system 42 includes a vertical movement actuator 60, a vertical movement mechanism 62, and a vertical position sensor 64. The vertical movement actuator 60 is configured to operate such that the vertical movement mechanism 62 moves the ride assembly 20 generally relative to the base 18 and / or the ride vehicle 10. For example, the vertical movement actuator 60 may be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, other suitable actuator, or the like, and may be coupled to the vertical movement mechanism 62. After actuation by the vertical movement actuator 60, the vertical movement mechanism 62 may rotate, turn, or perform other suitable movement to move the ride assembly 20 in a generally vertical direction relative to the base 18. For example, the vertical movement mechanism 62 may include a gear capable of moving along the pole 22, a pulley system, another suitable movement mechanism configured to move the ride assembly 20, or the like. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 may include additional vertical movement mechanisms 62 (e.g., two vertical movement mechanisms 62, three vertical movement mechanisms 62, five vertical movement mechanisms 62, etc.). The vertical movement of the ride assembly 20 may simulate the movement of a galloping animal, the movement of a carousel ride system, or other suitable movement associated with the movement of the ride vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system 42 may be combined with surface movement caused by the surface movement system 40. For example, while the ride assembly 20 moves upward or downward (e.g., vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system 42), the surface movement system 40 can turn, spin, or otherwise move the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11.

[0029] The vertical position sensor 64 may output a signal indicative of the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 or the vertical position of the ride vehicle 10. For example, the vertical position sensor 64 may sense the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 along the vertical axis 12 and / or relative to the base 18 and output a signal indicative of the vertical position of the ride assembly 20. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive a signal indicative of the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 from the vertical position sensor 64. The ride vehicle control system 34 may adjust the vertical position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 based on the vertical position of the ride assembly 20. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 may output a signal to actuate the vertical movement actuator 60, which may cause the vertical movement mechanism 62 to move the ride assembly 20 generally upward and / or downward. In some embodiments, the vertical movement actuator 60 may be omitted or may be integrated with the vertical movement mechanism 62, and the ride vehicle control system 34 may communicate directly with the vertical movement mechanism 62 to cause the vertical movement mechanism 62 to move the ride assembly 20. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may communicate directly with the vertical movement system 42, or a portion thereof, to control the movement of the ride assembly 20. In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 may control the vertical movement of the ride assembly 20 of a ride vehicle 10 based on the respective vertical positions of the other ride assemblies 20 of the other ride vehicles 10. For example, the ride control system 32 may control the vertical movement / position of the ride assembly 20 of a ride vehicle 10 based on another ride assembly 20 of another separate ride vehicle 10 being in a first vertical position.

[0030] 5 is a side block diagram of one embodiment of the ride system 11 of FIG. 1 including the roll system 44 of the ride vehicle 10. As described above, the roll system 44 can move the ride assembly 20 in a generally angular direction relative to the base 18 and / or surface 23 of the ride system 11. As shown, the roll system 44 includes a roll actuator 70, a roll mechanism 72, and a roll sensor 74. The roll actuator 70 is configured to actuate such that the roll mechanism 72 moves the ride assembly 20 in a generally angular direction relative to the base 18 and / or surface 23 of the ride system 11. For example, the roll actuator 70 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, other suitable actuators, or combinations thereof, and can be coupled to the roll mechanism 72. After actuation by the roll actuator 70, the roll mechanism 72 can rotate, turn, or perform other suitable motion to move the ride assembly 20 in a generally angular direction relative to the base 18. As shown, the ride assembly 20 is coupled to the pole 22, and the roll mechanism includes a lever configured to tilt the ride assembly 20 and the pole 22 relative to the base 18 (e.g., move the ride assembly 20 and the pole 22 in a generally angular direction relative to the base 18). In some embodiments, the roll mechanism 72 may include any other suitable mechanism capable of tilting the ride assembly 20 relative to the pole 22 and / or base 18 and moving the ride assembly 20 in a generally angular direction. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 may include additional roll mechanisms 72 (e.g., two roll mechanisms 72, three roll mechanisms 72, five roll mechanisms 72, etc.). The tilting movement of the ride assembly 20 may simulate the ride vehicle assembly leaning into a turn via the surface movement system 40 as the ride vehicle 10 traverses the surface 23, or may simulate other movements associated with the movement of the ride vehicle 10.

[0031] The roll sensor 74 may output a signal indicative of the angular position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 and / or surface 23. For example, the roll sensor 74 may sense the angular position of the ride assembly 20 about the lateral axis 14 and / or the vertical axis 16 and output a signal indicative of the angular position of the ride assembly 20. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive a signal indicative of the angular position of the ride assembly 20 from the roll sensor 74. The ride vehicle control system 34 may adjust the angular position of the ride assembly 20 relative to the base 18 based on the angular position of the ride assembly 20. For example, the ride vehicle control system may output a signal to activate the roll actuator 70, which may cause the roll mechanism 72 to move the ride assembly 20 in a general angular direction (e.g., tilt / tilt the ride assembly 20). In some embodiments, the roll actuator 70 may be omitted or may be integrated into the roll mechanism 72, with the ride vehicle control system 34 communicating directly with the roll mechanism 72 to cause the roll mechanism 72 to move the ride assembly 20. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may communicate directly with the roll system 44, or a portion thereof, to control the movement of the ride assembly 20.

[0032] Additionally, the roll movement caused by roll system 44 may be combined with surface movement caused by surface movement system 40 and / or vertical movement caused by vertical movement system 42. For example, while ride assembly 20 is tilted to the left or right (e.g., roll movement caused by roll system 44), surface movement system 40 may turn, spin, or otherwise move ride vehicle 10 along surface 23 of ride system 11, and / or vertical movement system 42 may move ride assembly 20 in a generally vertical direction relative to base 18.

[0033] 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of exemplary components of ride vehicle control system 34 of ride vehicle 10 of FIG. 1. For example, ride vehicle control system 34 may include communications components 80, processor 82, memory 84, storage 86, input / output (I / O) ports 88, display 90, and the like. Communications components 80 may be wireless or wired communications components that may facilitate communications between ride vehicle control system 34 and ride control system 32, surface movement system 40, vertical movement system 42, and roll system 44. For example, communications components 80 may provide the wireless connections 36 and / or wired connections of FIGS. 2-5.

[0034] Processor 82 may be any suitable type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code, and may include multiple processors capable of performing the operations described below.

[0035] Memory 84 and storage 86 may be any suitable article of manufacture capable of acting as a medium for storing processor executable code, data, or the like. These articles of manufacture may represent computer readable media (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) capable of storing processor executable code used by processor 82 to execute the presently disclosed techniques. Memory 84 and storage 86 may also be used to store data and various other software applications. Memory 84 and storage 86 may represent non-transitory computer readable media (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) capable of storing processor executable code used by processor 82 to execute the various techniques described herein. Note that non-transitory simply indicates that the medium is tangible and not a signal.

[0036] The I / O port 88 may be an interface that may be coupled to input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), sensors, and other peripheral components, such as input / output (I / O) modules. The display 90 may be operable to portray visualizations associated with software or executable code being processed by the processor 82. In one embodiment, the display 90 may be a touch display that may receive input from a passenger of the ride vehicle control system 34. The display 90 may be any suitable type of display, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0037] It should be noted that the components described above with respect to ride vehicle control system 34 are example components, and ride vehicle control system 34 may include additional or fewer components than those illustrated. Additionally, ride control system 32 may include components similar to those illustrated with respect to ride vehicle control system 34, such as communication components, a processor, memory, storage, input / output (I / O) ports, and / or a display.

[0038] 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 11 having ride vehicles 10A and 10B disposed generally adjacent to one another. Ride vehicle 10A may generally follow ride path 100A that extends along surface 23 of the ride system. Ride vehicle 10B may generally follow ride path 100B that extends along surface 23. As shown, ride paths 100A and 100B are generally similar and extend in different directions along surface 23. In some embodiments, ride paths 100A and 100B, or portions thereof, may not be generally similar and / or may extend in different directions relative to one another. In certain embodiments, ride vehicle 10 may be trackless such that ride vehicle 10 may travel in either direction along surface 23 and follow ride paths 100A and 100B. As described herein, the trackless ride vehicles 10 can move according to a common choreographed routine of the ride system 11 (e.g., along ride paths 100A and 100B, as well as other associated movements within the ride system 11).

[0039] Each of ride control system 32 and / or ride vehicle control systems 34A and 34B may control the movement of ride vehicles 10A and 10B to generally follow ride paths 100A and 100B, respectively. For example, ride vehicle control system 34A may receive data (e.g., part of a common directing routine) indicative of ride path 100A from ride control system 32. In some embodiments, the common directed routine may include transitioning ride vehicle 10A from a passenger boarding area (e.g., a ride queue) to ride path 100A. As ride vehicle 10A moves along surface 23, ride vehicle control system 34A may receive signals indicative of the position of ride vehicle 10A, such as signals from surface position sensor 54. Ride vehicle control system 34A may compare the position of ride vehicle 10A to a corresponding position along ride path 100A to determine whether ride vehicle 10A is following ride path 100A. For example, ride path 100A may include a plurality of positions (e.g., tens, hundreds, or thousands of positions) disposed along surface 23. Ride vehicle control system 34A may determine whether the distance between the position of ride vehicle 10A and a corresponding position along ride path 100A exceeds a threshold ride path distance (e.g., 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, 10 centimeters, 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters). Based on a determination that the distance between the position of ride vehicle 10A and a corresponding position along ride path 100A exceeds the threshold ride path distance, ride vehicle control system 34A may adjust the trajectory of ride vehicle 10A to generally return ride vehicle 10A to or guide ride vehicle 10A along ride path 100A.

[0040] In some examples, as the ride vehicle 10 moves along the surface 23, certain factors may affect the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10, causing the ride vehicle 10 to move off course (e.g., the current ride path may differ from the intended ride path). Such factors may include obstacles on the surface 23, the weight of passengers on the ride vehicle 10, the weight of other items placed on or part of the ride vehicle 10, obstacles attached to the ride vehicle 10 that may drag behind, in front of, or to the side of the ride vehicle 10, and / or passenger input (e.g., passenger shifting their weight, passenger turning the steering wheel or generally adjusting the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10, passenger adjusting the speed of the ride vehicle 10, etc.).

[0041] As shown, the current ride path 102 of ride vehicle 10B differs from the intended ride path 100B. For example, ride vehicle 10B may transition from following the intended ride path 100B to following the current ride path 102 based on an obstacle (e.g., an obstacle detected by a sensor of ride vehicle 10B) along the intended ride path 100B. Ride vehicle control system 34B may receive a signal indicative of a position of ride vehicle 10B along surface 23B. Ride vehicle control system 34B may determine whether a distance 104 between a position of ride vehicle 10B and a corresponding position along ride path 100B (e.g., the intended position of ride vehicle 10B as indicated by ghost ride vehicle 106) exceeds a threshold ride path distance. Based on a determination that the distance 104 between the position of ride vehicle 10B and a corresponding position along ride path 100B exceeds a threshold ride path distance, ride vehicle control system 34B can adjust the trajectory of ride vehicle 10B to generally return ride vehicle 10B to the intended ride path 100B.

[0042] In certain embodiments, ride control system 32 may receive signals indicative of the position of each ride vehicle 10 along surface 23 and may control the trajectory (e.g., course) of one or more ride vehicles 10 based on their positions relative to one another. For example, ride control system 32 may receive signals indicative of the positions of ride vehicles 10A and 10B and may determine whether distance 108 between ride vehicles 10A and 10B is less than a threshold vehicle vehicle distance (e.g., 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, 10 centimeters, 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters). Based on a determination that distance 108 is less than the threshold vehicle distance, ride control system 32 may adjust the trajectory of ride vehicle 10A and / or ride vehicle 10B such that ride control system 32 generally increases distance 108. In some embodiments, the ride control system 32 may continuously adjust the course of one or more ride vehicles 10 (e.g., periodically every tenth of a second, half a second, one second, two seconds, five seconds, or ten seconds) based on positioning feedback of at least a subset of other distinct ride vehicles 10.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may determine a threshold ride path distance and / or a threshold ride vehicle distance for the ride vehicle 10 based on the ride path 100, the weight of the ride vehicle 10, the type of ride vehicle 10, the size of the ride vehicle 10, the size of the surface 23, the weight of passengers riding in the ride vehicle 10, obstacles within the ride area, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may determine whether the distance between a position of the ride vehicle 10 and a corresponding position along the ride path 100 exceeds the threshold ride path distance and / or whether the distance between the ride vehicles 10 is less than the threshold ride path distance at periodic intervals during movement of the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23. The periodic intervals may be any time period between one tenth of a second and one second, between one second and three seconds, between one second and ten seconds, between five seconds and one minute, or any other suitable time period.

[0044] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method 120 suitable for controlling the ride vehicle 10 and ride system 11 of Figure 1. Although the following description of method 120 is detailed as being performed by the ride control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method 120 described below. Additionally, although method 120 is described below in a particular order, it should be noted that method 120 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0045] At block 122, the ride control system 32 may receive input indicating a ride path 100A for the ride vehicle 10A. For example, the ride control system 32 may receive passenger input indicating a selection of a particular ride path, a choreographed movement (e.g., steering) of the plurality of ride vehicles 10 including the respective ride paths 100 of each ride vehicle 10, or any other suitable input. In some embodiments, the passenger may be an operator of the ride system 11. Additionally, the passenger may be aboard the ride vehicle 10 and may provide input indicating a desired experience while aboard the ride vehicle 10. The desired experience may correspond to a level of movement of the ride vehicle 10, an intensity of the movement of the ride vehicle 10, and other experiences associated with the ride system 11. The ride path 100 of each ride vehicle 10 includes movement along the surface 23 of the ride system 11 and the movement (e.g., spins, vertical / elliptical movements, rolls, and turns) of the ride vehicle 10 as it moves along the surface 23.

[0046] At block 124, the ride control system 32 may transmit the ride path 100A to the first ride vehicle 10A, such as via the wireless connection 36. The ride control system 32 may also transmit the ride path 100B to ride vehicle 10B, and the other ride paths 100 to each of the other ride vehicles 10. In response, ride vehicle 10A may follow ride path 100A, and ride vehicle 10B may follow ride path 100B.

[0047] At block 126, the ride control system 32 may receive a signal indicative of a position of the first ride vehicle 10A. The position of the first ride vehicle 10A may be a position along the surface 23 within the ride system 11 and the ride path 100A as detected by the surface position sensor 54. In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may also receive signals indicative of the vertical position of the ride vehicle 10A and / or the angular position of the ride vehicle 10A from the vertical position sensor 64 and the roll sensor 74, respectively.

[0048] To follow the ride path 100, the ride control system 32 and / or the ride vehicle control system 34 may output signals to actuators of the ride vehicle 10. For example, based on a particular position along the ride path 100A, the ride vehicle control system 34 may determine that the ride vehicle 10A is in a surface position, a vertical position, a roll position, and / or is performing a particular movement (e.g., a spin movement, a roll movement, an elliptical movement, etc.). Based on the position of the ride vehicle 10A along the ride path 100A, the ride vehicle control system 34 may output signals to the surface movement actuators 50, the vertical movement actuators 60, and the roll actuators 70 to perform the appropriate surface movement, vertical movement, and roll movement, respectively.

[0049] In some embodiments, ride vehicle 10 may include sensors that can detect obstacles along ride path 100 and output signals indicative of the presence of the obstacle to ride control system 32 and / or ride vehicle control system 34. Ride control system 32 or ride vehicle control system 34 may control movement of ride vehicle 10 to deviate from ride path 100 and along surface 23 based on the presence of the obstacle.

[0050] At block 128, the ride control system 32 may detect and / or determine whether a first distance (e.g., similar to distance 104 of FIG. 7) between the first ride vehicle 10A and a corresponding location along the ride path 100A exceeds a threshold vehicle path distance. As described above, the ride control system 32 may determine whether the first distance exceeds the threshold vehicle path distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride system 11. Distance 104 may be caused by an obstacle along the ride path 100A and movement of the ride vehicle 10A to avoid the obstacle.

[0051] At block 130, the ride control system 32 receives a signal indicative of a position of the second ride vehicle 10B. In some embodiments, the position of the second ride vehicle 10B may be relative to the position of the first ride vehicle 10A. At block 132, the ride control system 32 may detect and / or determine whether a second distance (e.g., distance 108 of FIG. 7) between the first ride vehicle 10A and the second ride vehicle 10B is less than a threshold ride vehicle distance. As described above, the ride control system 32 may determine whether the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride system 11. In certain embodiments, input indicative of a passenger's desired experience while riding the ride vehicle 10A may cause the first ride vehicle 10A to move closer to the second ride vehicle 10B. In this manner, passenger input may vary the threshold ride vehicle distance based on passenger preferences.

[0052] At block 134, ride control system 32 may control the movement of first ride vehicle 10A and / or second ride vehicle 10B (e.g., by outputting a signal indicative of an instruction to adjust the movement of ride vehicle 10A or 10B) in response to determining that the first distance exceeds the threshold ride path distance and / or that the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance. For example, as ride vehicles 10A and 10B move along surface 23, ride control system 32 may periodically determine whether the first distance is greater than the threshold ride path distance and / or whether the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance and, based on the determination, control the respective trajectories of ride vehicles 10A and / or 10B.

[0053] After outputting the signal indicative of a command to adjust the movement of ride vehicles 10A or 10B, method 120 may return to block 126 to receive a next signal indicative of the position of the first ride vehicle 10A relative to the ride path 100A. The ride control system 32 may repeatedly execute blocks 126-134 during operation of the ride system 11 (e.g., as the ride vehicles 10 move within the ride system 11). In this manner, the ride control system 32 may control the ride vehicles 10 to facilitate the ride vehicles 10 generally following the choreographed ride path 100 and to prevent the ride vehicles 10 from contacting each other during operation of the ride system 11.

[0054] 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ride system 11 of FIG. 1 having ride vehicles 10 disposed in first respective positions relative to one another and respective ride paths 100 within ride area 140 and along surface 23 of ride system 11. Ride control system 32 and / or ride vehicle control system 34 of each respective ride vehicle 10 may control the movement (e.g., steering) of each respective ride vehicle 10 within ride vehicle area 140. For example, each ride vehicle 10 may have a respective ride path 100, which may be directed such that ride paths 100 generally follow one another smoothly, match one another, match a theme of ride system 11, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, ride vehicle 10A may follow ride path 100A, and ride vehicle 10B may follow ride path 100B. Additionally, as described above, each ride path 100 may be directed to include movement along the surface 23 using the surface movement mechanism 52, generally vertical movement using the vertical movement mechanism 62, and generally angular movement of the ride vehicle 10 and / or ride assembly 20 using the roll mechanism 72 as the ride vehicle 10 moves along the ride path 100. The ride control system 32 and / or ride vehicle control system 34 of each respective ride vehicle 10 may control the ride vehicle 10 to generally follow the ride path 100 and make various vertical, surface, and / or angular movements.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the ride system 11 may have a theme related to a horse and / or carousel ride system. In this manner, the movement of the ride vehicle 10 along the choreographed ride path 100 may simulate the movement of a horse and / or carousel ride system. Such movement of the ride vehicle 10 may entertain passengers aboard the ride vehicle 10 and / or people viewing the ride vehicle 10. Additionally, the ride system 11 may include additional features that generally match the theme of the ride system 11. For example, the ride system 11 may include audio effects, lighting effects, and other suitable effects that passengers may hear, see, feel, or otherwise sense within the environment of the ride system 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio and / or lighting effects may generally be related to a horse and / or carousel ride system.

[0056] As shown, the ride system 11 includes 24 ride vehicles 10 disposed within a ride area 140 of the ride system 11. In some embodiments, the ride system 11 may include more or fewer ride vehicles 10 (e.g., 2 ride vehicles 10, 3 ride vehicles 10, 5 ride vehicles 10, 10 ride vehicles 10, 30 ride vehicles 10, etc.). Additionally, as shown, each ride vehicle 10 is configured to carry two passengers. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle 10 may be configured to carry more or fewer passengers (e.g., 1 passenger, 3 passengers, 4 passengers, etc.). The illustrated embodiment may include each ride vehicle 10 at a first respective position along a respective ride path 100. As described in more detail below, FIGS. 10 and 11 show the ride vehicles 10 at second and third positions along a respective ride path 100.

[0057] Figure 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ride system 11 of Figure 1 with the ride vehicles 10 in second respective positions relative to each other and to their respective ride paths 100 along surface 23 within a ride vehicle area 140 of the ride system 11. As shown, ride vehicles 10A and ride vehicles 10B are each moving along ride paths 100A and 100B, respectively, from a first position in Figure 9 to a second position in Figure 10. The other ride vehicles 10 are also moving within the ride area 140 relative to the positions in Figure 10.

[0058] Figure 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ride system 11 of Figure 1 with the ride vehicles 10 in third respective positions relative to each other and to their respective ride paths 100 along surface 23 within ride vehicle area 140 of the ride system 11. As shown, ride vehicles 10A and 10B are each moving along ride paths 100A and 100B, respectively, from a second position in Figure 10 to a third position in Figure 11.

[0059] As each ride vehicle 10 moves along its respective ride path 100, ride control system 32 may control the movement of ride vehicles 10 to facilitate matching the intended presentation associated with ride system 11. For example, ride control system 32 may control the movement of ride vehicles 10A and 10B to facilitate generally placing ride vehicles 10A and 10B at the first, second, and third locations of Figures 9, 10, and 11, respectively. As discussed above, ride vehicle control system 32 may compare the positions of ride vehicles 10A and 10B to corresponding positions along ride paths 100A and 100B. Ride control system 32 may control the movement (e.g., adjust the trajectory) of ride vehicles 10A and / or 10B based on a determination that the distance between the positions of ride vehicles 10A and 10B and corresponding positions along ride paths 100A and 100B exceeds a threshold ride path distance. Further, ride control system 32 may determine whether distance 108 between the respective positions of ride vehicles 10A and 10B is less than a threshold ride vehicle distance and control the movement of ride vehicles 10A and / or 10B based on that determination.

[0060] Figure 12 is a flow chart of a method 160 suitable for controlling the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1. Although the following description of method 160 is detailed as being performed by vehicle control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method 160 described below. Additionally, although method 160 is described below in a particular order, it should be noted that method 160 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0061] At block 162, the ride control system 32 receives input indicative of the direction of the ride vehicles 10 (e.g., two or more ride vehicles 10) along their respective ride paths 100. For example, the input may include a program or other suitable file having the ride path 100 for each respective ride vehicle 10, among other data. The input may be provided by an operator of the ride system 11 and / or may be received from another system communicatively coupled to the ride control system 32. In some embodiments, the input may be stored in the ride control system 32 and may be retrieved after receiving an instruction to operate the ride system 11. Additionally, as described herein, the input may be received from a user (e.g., a passenger) aboard or attempting to board the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., a user in a queue for the ride system 11).

[0062] At block 164, the ride control system 32 transmits the ride path 100 to the ride vehicles 10. For example, each ride path 100 may be specific to a particular ride vehicle 10, and the ride control system 32 may output the ride path 100 to each respective ride vehicle 10. The ride vehicle control system 34 may receive the ride path 100 and may initiate operation of the ride vehicle 10 to generally follow the ride path 100.

[0063] At block 166, the ride control system 32 receives signals indicative of the positions of each of the ride vehicles 10 relative to their respective ride paths 100 and / or relative to each other. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34 and / or the surface position sensor 54 may output signals to the ride control system 32.

[0064] After receiving the positions of the ride vehicles 10 at block 168, the ride control system 32 may control the movement of the ride vehicles 10 based on their respective positions relative to the ride path 100 and / or relative to each other. For example, the ride control system 32 may control the movement (e.g., adjust the trajectory) of a particular ride vehicle 10 based on a determination that the distance between the position of the ride vehicle 10 and a corresponding position along the ride path 100 exceeds a threshold ride path distance. Additionally, the ride control system 32 may determine whether the distance 108 between the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10 is less than a threshold ride vehicle distance and control the movement of the ride vehicles 10 based on that determination. In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 may control the movement of the ride vehicles 10 by outputting a signal to the ride vehicle control system 34. For example, ride control system 32 may output signals to ride vehicle control system 34 to enable ride vehicle control system 34 to coordinate the movement of each ride vehicle 10 with the movement of other (e.g., separate) ride vehicles 10.

[0065] After controlling the movement of the ride vehicles 10 based on their respective positions relative to the ride path 100, the method 160 may return to block 166 and may receive subsequent signals indicative of the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10 relative to their respective ride paths 100 and / or relative to each other. The ride control system 32 may repeatedly execute blocks 166 and 168 during operation of the ride system 11 (e.g., as the ride vehicles 10 move within the ride system 11). In this manner, the ride control system 32 may control the ride vehicles 10 to facilitate the ride vehicles 10 generally following the choreographed ride path 100 and to prevent the ride vehicles 10 from contacting each other during operation of the ride system 11.

[0066] As discussed above, the ride control system 32 may determine the ride path 100 based on passenger input, such as input received from passengers aboard or about to board the ride vehicle 10 and / or an operator of the ride system 11. Figure 13 is a flow chart of a method 180 suitable for determining the ride path 100 based on passenger input. Although the following description of the method 180 is detailed as being performed by the ride control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method 180 described below. Additionally, although the method 180 is described below in a particular order, it should be noted that the method 180 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0067] At block 182, the ride control system 32 may receive input indicative of a desired passenger experience. The passenger may be riding on the ride vehicle 10, about to ride on the ride vehicle 10, and / or in a queue of the ride system 11 waiting to ride on the ride vehicle 10. The input provided by the passenger may include a desired passenger experience, such as a desired intensity level of the ride system 11, a desired theme of the ride system 11, and other preferences of the passenger. The desired intensity level may indicate a proximity that the passenger may desire to approach various obstacles (e.g., walls, other ride vehicles 10). That is, a first intensity level may correspond to allowing the ride vehicles 10 to travel within 2 meters of each other (e.g., a threshold ride vehicle distance), while a second, higher intensity level may correspond to allowing the ride vehicles 10 to travel within 1 meter of each other to create a sensation to the passenger that the ride vehicles 10 may collide. Additionally, the desired intensity level may include an amount of vertical movement and / or roll of the ride assembly 20. For example, a first intensity level may correspond to less vertical movement and / or roll of the ride vehicle 10 as compared to a second, higher intensity level. The desired theme may be a theme related to a movie, a television program, a fictional character, pop culture, and may include a particular ride path of the ride vehicle 10 and other variations of the ride system 11. For example, if a passenger selects a theme related to birds or airplanes, the ride path of the ride vehicle 10 may simulate the flight of a bird or airplane. Other preferences that may be provided via passenger input include a language selection, a character selection, the passenger's height and / or weight, and other similar preferences.

[0068] Additionally, at block 184, the ride control system 32 receives additional passenger input. The additional passenger input may be received from a different passenger relative to the input received at block 182. For example, the additional input may be received from an operator of the ride system 11 and may include a rendition of the ride vehicle 10, a theme of the ride system 11, a threshold ride path distance, a threshold ride vehicle distance, and other passenger input. The rendition of the ride vehicle 10 and / or the theme of the ride system 11 may include ride paths 100 that simulate the movement of particular objects, such as carousel ride assemblies, animals (e.g., horses, dogs, dinosaurs), vehicles (e.g., planes, trains, ships, automobiles), and fictional characters (e.g., ghosts, superheroes). The threshold ride path distance may be a minimum distance between each ride path 100, and the threshold ride vehicle distance may be a minimum distance between each ride vehicle 10. In certain embodiments, a theme for the ride system 11 may include a rendition of the ride vehicle 10, a threshold ride path distance, and a threshold ride vehicle distance. In this manner, an operator may provide a single input (e.g., a theme) that enables the ride vehicles 10 to travel along their respective ride paths 100 based on the threshold ride path distance and the threshold ride vehicle distance.

[0069] At block 186, based on the passenger input received at blocks 182 and 184 (e.g., passenger input received from passengers aboard the ride vehicle 10 and from the operator), the ride control system 32 determines the ride path 100 for the ride vehicle 10. For example, the ride control system 32 may determine the ride path 100 based on a desired intensity level for the ride system 11, a desired theme for the ride system 11, a rendition of the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., ride path 100), a threshold ride path distance, a threshold ride vehicle distance, and other passenger inputs.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the ride control system 32 may adjust the initial ride path 100 and / or resolve conflicts between passenger inputs when determining the ride path. For example, if an operator provides input indicating an initial ride path 100 corresponding to a first intensity level (e.g., block 184) and a passenger (e.g., a passenger aboard the ride vehicle 10) provides input indicating a second intensity level that is generally higher in intensity than the first intensity level, the ride control system 32 may adjust the initial ride path 100 provided by the operator to a higher intensity ride path 100 corresponding to the second intensity level. The higher intensity ride path 100 may include more relative surface movement, vertical movement, and roll as the ride vehicle 10 travels along the ride path 100 as compared to the ride path 100 provided for the first, lower intensity level. Additionally, the higher intensity ride path 100 may allow the ride vehicles 10 to travel closer together (e.g., the threshold ride vehicle distance may be relatively lower as compared to the ride path 100 provided at the first, lower intensity level). In this manner, via method 180, ride control system 32 may provide a customized passenger experience that allows passengers to at least partially determine / control the presentation of the ride path 100 and ride vehicles 10.

[0071] As discussed above, the ride system of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for enhancing a passenger's experience while riding in a ride vehicle of the ride system. For example, a ride system may include a plurality of ride vehicles configured to carry passengers within a ride area to entertain and / or transport the passengers. Movement of the ride vehicles may be directed along a ride path and / or relative to each other and other parts of the ride system and may be controlled by a ride control system and / or a ride vehicle control system. The ride system may determine the ride path based on various passenger inputs, such as operator inputs and inputs indicative of a desired passenger experience.

[0072] Additionally, the ride vehicles may move in a particular direction relative to the surface of the ride system while moving along the ride path, and / or may include ride assemblies configured to carry passengers and move relative to the surface of the ride system. For example, the ride vehicles may include features and portions (e.g., ride assemblies) that may move vertically and / or horizontally (e.g., may move in any planar direction, may spin, and may turn) and roll in various directions. In this manner, the ride vehicles and ride systems described herein may move in a choreographed manner in various directions for the transportation and / or entertainment of passengers. In certain embodiments, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicles may be viewed by persons other than the passengers, such as persons waiting to board the ride vehicles. The choreographed movement of the ride vehicles may provide an entertainment appeal to persons viewing the ride system.

[0073] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes which fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0074] The approaches presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Moreover, when any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for "performing" a "function"" or "steps for "performing" a "function," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 Vehicles 11 Vehicle System 12 Vertical axis or vertical direction 14 Longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction 16 Transverse axis or transverse 18 Base 20. Ride Assembly 22 Paul 23 Surface

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a ride assembly configured to carry a passenger; a base configured to couple to the ride assembly, the base including a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface, a vertical movement system configured to move the ride assembly vertically relative to the base, and a roll system configured to move the ride assembly angularly relative to the base; a control system configured to control coordination between movement of the ride vehicle and movement of a separate ride vehicle; A vehicle equipped with the above.

2. 2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to instruct the surface transportation system to steer the ride vehicle relative to the separate ride vehicles based on a common production routine that includes transitioning the ride vehicle between a ride path and a passenger boarding area.

3. The ride vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the common choreographed routine includes a respective choreographed ride path for the ride vehicle and each of the separate ride vehicles.

4. The ride vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to continuously control adjustments to the course of the ride vehicles based on positioning feedback for at least a subset of the distinct ride vehicles.

5. The ride vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the surface transportation system is configured to turn the ride vehicle, spin the ride vehicle, and move the ride vehicle in a straight line.

6. The ride vehicle of claim 1 , comprising a surface position sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a surface position of the ride vehicle along the surface.

7. 7. The ride vehicle of claim 6, wherein the control system is configured to determine a relative position of the ride vehicle with respect to one or more of the separate ride vehicles based on signals indicative of the surface position and data received by the control system regarding the one or more of the separate ride vehicles.

8. 2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vertical movement system includes a vertical position sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a vertical position of the ride assembly, and the control system is configured to coordinate operation of the vertical movement system based on the vertical position and data received by the control system regarding the vertical position of one or more of the separate ride vehicles.

9. A vehicle comprising: a ride assembly configured to carry a passenger; a base configured to couple to the ride assembly, the base including a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface and a ride assembly movement system configured to move the ride assembly relative to the base; A vehicle control system; Equipped with the ride vehicle control system comprising: receiving a signal from a sensor indicative of a position of the ride vehicle; determining that a distance between a position of the ride vehicle and a corresponding position along a ride path exceeds a threshold distance; responsive to determining that the distance exceeds the threshold distance, outputting a signal to the surface mobility system indicative of a command to adjust a position of the ride vehicle. The vehicle is configured as follows.

10. The ride vehicle control system includes: receiving indications of obstacles located along the vehicle path; outputting an additional signal to the surface mobility system to adjust the position of the ride vehicle based on the obstacle along the vehicle path.

10. The ride vehicle of claim 9, wherein the ride vehicle is configured as follows:

11. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 9, wherein the ride vehicle control system is configured to determine whether a distance between a position of the ride vehicle and a corresponding position along the ride path exceeds the threshold distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride vehicle.

12. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 9, wherein the ride vehicle control system is configured to command the surface movement systems and the ride assembly movement systems to coordinate operations with corresponding systems on separate ride vehicles based on a choreographed routine.

13. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 9, wherein the ride vehicle control system is configured to determine the threshold distance based on the ride route, a weight of the ride vehicle, a type of the ride vehicle, a size of the ride vehicle, an additional weight of the passenger, one or more passenger inputs indicative of a desired experience, or a combination thereof.

14. The ride vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the ride vehicle control system is configured to continuously control adjustments to the position of the ride vehicle based on positioning feedback of at least one separate ride vehicle.

15. The ride vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the ride vehicle control system is configured to receive data indicative of the ride path, the threshold distance, or both from the ride vehicle control system.

16. 1. A vehicle system comprising: a plurality of trackless ride vehicles configured to traverse a surface; A vehicle control system; Equipped with the vehicle control system comprising: transmitting one or more choreographed ride paths to the plurality of trackless ride vehicles; determining a position of each of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles relative to one another within a ride area and relative to the one or more choreographed ride paths; transmitting a plurality of commands to the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles to control movement of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles based on respective positions of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles relative to one another and relative to the one or more choreographed vehicle paths. A vehicle system configured as follows.

17. The vehicle control system includes: determining that a distance between the respective positions of the plurality of rail-free vehicle vehicles is below a threshold distance; in response to determining that the distance is below the threshold distance, transmitting a signal to at least one ride vehicle of the plurality of trackless ride vehicles to adjust a position of the at least one ride vehicle within the ride vehicle area.

20. The vehicle system of claim 16, configured as follows:

18. 18. The ride system of claim 17, wherein the ride control system is configured to determine the threshold distance based on the choreographed ride path, a plurality of weights of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles, a plurality of types of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles, a plurality of sizes of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles, one or more weights of one or more passengers riding in the trackless vehicle vehicles, one or more passenger inputs indicative of a desired experience for the one or more passengers, or a combination thereof.

19. 17. The ride system of claim 16, wherein the ride control system is configured to transmit the commands to the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles to control movement of the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles based on a common choreographed routine that includes the one or more choreographed ride paths and transition the plurality of trackless vehicle vehicles between the one or more choreographed ride paths and a passenger boarding area.

20. 17. The ride system of claim 16, wherein each of the one or more choreographed paths illustrates movement of a respective ride vehicle of each of a plurality of trackless ride vehicles along the surface and illustrates movement of a ride assembly of each ride vehicle in a vertical and angular direction relative to a base of the respective ride vehicle.

Images