System and method for monitoring electrostatic buildup in an attraction system - Patents.com

Abstract

An attraction system for an amusement park includes a sensor configured to monitor static buildup associated with the attraction system and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor, the control system configured to receive data from the sensor indicative of an amount of static buildup associated with the attraction system and to operate the attraction system based on the data indicative of the amount of static buildup associated with the attraction system.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] 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 and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background 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 [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] Amusement or theme parks include various features that provide entertainment to guests. For example, an amusement park may include different attraction systems such as roller coasters, motion simulators, drop towers, performance shows, and log flumes. During operation of some of the attraction systems, electrostatic buildup or ionization may occur, such as through electricity conducted within the attraction system and / or contact between various components within the attraction system. Electrostatic buildup may affect the operation of the attraction system by affecting electrical conduction used to operate or power certain equipment. Thus, when significant electrostatic buildup is present, the attraction system may not operate as desired. Thus, there is a need to mitigate electrostatic buildup to improve the operation of the attraction system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The following summarizes certain embodiments common in scope to the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather to outline possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, an attraction system at an amusement park includes a sensor configured to monitor static buildup associated with the attraction system and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor, the control system configured to receive data from the sensor indicative of an amount of static buildup associated with the attraction system and to operate the attraction system based on the data indicative of the amount of static buildup associated with the attraction system.

[0005] In one embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium is configured, when executed by the processing circuit, to cause the processing circuit to perform operations including monitoring an amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system, determining that the amount of electrostatic accumulation is greater than a threshold, and adjusting operation of the attraction system in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic accumulation is greater than the threshold.

[0006] In one embodiment, an attraction system includes a ride vehicle and a control system, the control system being configured to operate the attraction system in a first operating mode to move the ride vehicle, determine that an amount of static accumulation associated with the ride vehicle exceeds a threshold during operation of the attraction system in the first operating mode, and in response to determining that the amount of static accumulation exceeds the threshold during operation of the attraction system in the first operating mode, adjust operation of the attraction system from the first operating mode to a second operating mode to reduce an amount of static accumulation associated with the ride vehicle.

[0007] 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]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system having a plurality of ride vehicles in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flowchart of a method or process for operating an attraction system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It should also be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. In order to describe these embodiments concisely, not all features of the implementations may be described herein. It will be appreciated that the development of any such implementation, such as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's defined objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will further be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are nevertheless a routine design, fabrication and manufacturing endeavor for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to attraction systems, such as roller coasters, performance shows, water rides, augmented reality rides or experiences, in amusement or theme parks. The attraction systems can accommodate many guests and can include various features to entertain the guests. For example, the attraction systems can include guest areas in which guests can be positioned (e.g., seated, secured), such as ride vehicles and / or theater-like seating arrangements. The attraction systems can entertain guests positioned within the guest areas, such as through show effects and / or by moving the guest areas to create kinesthetic sensations.

[0012] Unfortunately, attraction systems can suffer from static electricity or ionization buildup (e.g., static electricity buildup or accumulation). In general, static electricity buildup occurs due to an imbalance between positive and negative charges in an object that can result from electron flow to and / or from the object. As an example, electricity is conducted through the attraction system to power and / or operate various equipment (e.g., show effects, ride vehicles), and this conduction of electricity can cause charge imbalances that can result in static electricity buildup. As another example, some objects in the attraction system (e.g., wheels and ride tracks of a ride vehicle) can come into contact with each other, causing electron flow between these objects, resulting in charge imbalances. In either case, static electricity buildup can result in electrostatic discharges that can include sudden electron flow to and / or from an object due to electrostatic forces (e.g., attractive forces, repulsive forces) that arise through charge imbalances. Electrostatic discharges can affect the operation of the attraction system. For example, electrostatic discharges can impede (e.g., block, reduce) the flow of electricity through the attraction system, affecting the operation of various equipment. Static discharge may be felt by guests and therefore may affect the guest experience. Thus, static build-up and static discharge may affect the guest experience provided by the attraction system.

[0013] Accordingly, it is now recognized that operation of an attraction system can be improved by mitigating and / or limiting the effects of static buildup and / or static discharge. For example, it may be desirable to take action to mitigate the amount of static buildup when the static buildup exceeds a certain amount (e.g., a measured value). Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to monitoring the amount of static buildup in an attraction system to determine when mitigation action can be taken to address the static buildup. In an embodiment, a sensor (e.g., a static sensor) can monitor the amount of static buildup associated with the attraction system, and a control system can receive data from the sensor, the data can be indicative of the amount of static buildup. The control system can act based on the amount of static buildup indicated by the data and operate the attraction system to reduce the amount of static buildup in response to determining that the amount of static buildup exceeds a threshold. As an example, the control system can operate deionization equipment to reduce the amount of static buildup, output a notification prompting a user to address the amount of static buildup, and / or pause operation of the attraction system to prevent the static buildup from affecting the attraction system (e.g., operations, structural integrity associated with the attraction system). In this manner, the operation of the control system and the sensor may cooperate to counteract the effects of electrostatic build-up on the attraction system.

[0014] It should be noted that the control system and sensors may operate to monitor the amount of static buildup associated with the attraction system while the attraction system is operating to entertain guests. Indeed, monitoring the amount of static buildup may not affect the operation of the attraction system to entertain guests, such as the movement of ride vehicles along a track. As an example, rather than pausing the attraction system to determine whether excessive static buildup exists (e.g., via manual inspection of the attraction system), the attraction system may continue to operate while the control system and sensors automatically determine whether excessive static buildup exists. Thus, the control system and sensors may enable efficient operation of the attraction system while monitoring the amount of static buildup.

[0015] With this in mind, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 for an amusement park. For example, the attraction system 50 can include roller coasters, motion simulators, water rides, walk-through attractions (e.g., mazes), and the like. The attraction system 50 can include guest areas 52 in which various guests 54 can be located. In some embodiments, the guest areas 52 can include ride vehicles that can move (e.g., translate, rotate) along a track or path 55 of the attraction system 50, or such ride vehicles can define the guest areas 52. In further or alternative embodiments, the guest areas 52 can pivot about a motion base and / or remain stationary within the attraction system 50. In further embodiments, the guest areas 52 can include spaces such as walkable areas (e.g., queues or lines). The attraction system 50 can also include show effects 56 that can operate to enhance the guest experience provided by the attraction system 50 to guests 54, and the like, within the guest areas 52. For example, the show effects 56 may include visual outputs 58 (eg, lights, videos, displays), audio outputs 60 (eg, sounds, alarms), and / or robots 62 (eg, movable objects, animated figures).

[0016] The attraction system 50 may experience static electricity accumulation during operation. As an example, some objects in the attraction system 50 may come into contact with each other. For example, static electricity accumulation may occur in the guest area 52 due to contact between the guest area 52 (e.g., wheels of a ride vehicle) and the track 55. As another example, electricity may be transmitted to power the attraction system 50 from a power source 64, which may include a battery, a power grid, and / or a generator. In some embodiments, the power provided by the power source 64 may enable operation of the show effects 56, such as presenting visual output 58, providing audio output 60, and / or moving the robot 62. In further or alternative embodiments, the power provided by the power source 64 may enable operation of the guest area 52, such as movement of the guest area 52 (e.g., along the track 55). Electrostatic accumulation may occur in the attraction system 50 due to the flow of electricity through the attraction system 50, such as through an electrical bus or connector system, and / or to on-board electrical components (e.g., of the guest area 52).

[0017] To this end, the attraction system 50 may include an electrostatic sensor 66 configured to monitor an amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system 50. The electrostatic sensor 66 may include, for example, an electrostatic field meter (e.g., electric field meter), an ionization sensor, an electrostatic discharge facility, and / or any other suitable sensor configured to determine an amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with an object, such as by determining an electrostatic force or field caused by an electric charge on a surface of the object. The electrostatic sensor 66 may determine the amount of electrostatic accumulation without contacting the object in some embodiments. Thus, the electrostatic sensor 66 may not affect the operation (e.g., movement) of the object. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrostatic sensor 66 is configured to determine an electrostatic accumulation associated with the guest area 52 (e.g., a ride vehicle in which the guest 54 is located). To this end, the electrostatic sensor 66 may be positioned on, adjacent to, and / or engaged with the guest area 52. As an example, in the case of a guest area 52 configured to move about a track 55, the electrostatic sensor 66 may be fixed at a particular location along the track 55 (e.g., a pick-up / drop-off station) such that the electrostatic sensor 66 may determine an amount of electrostatic build-up associated with the guest area 52 each time the guest area 52 traverses a particular location. In further or alternative embodiments, the electrostatic sensor 66 may be configured to determine an amount of electrostatic build-up associated with any other suitable object of the attraction system 50 (e.g., a moving ride platform or other people mover), such as the power source 64 and / or the equipment providing the show effects 56. In either embodiment, the electrostatic sensor 66 may determine an amount of electrostatic build-up repeatedly, such as with a particular frequency, during operation of the attraction system 50 to determine whether an amount of electrostatic build-up associated with the attraction system 50 is excessive.

[0018] The attraction system 50 may also include or be communicatively coupled to a control system 68 (e.g., an automation controller, an electronic controller). The control system 68 may include a memory 70 and a processing circuit 72. The memory 70 may include a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), and / or a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions for operating the attraction system 50. The processing circuit 72 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processing circuit 72 may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. The control system 68 may be communicatively coupled to the electrostatic sensor 66 to receive sensor data from the electrostatic sensor 66. The sensor is operative to output data correlating to the level of such electrostatic accumulation detected, such that the sensor data may be indicative of the amount of electrostatic accumulation being monitored by the electrostatic sensor 66. While the control system 68 receives the sensor data from the electrostatic sensor 66, the attraction system 50 can continue to operate and entertain the guests 54. Additionally, the control system 68 can control certain operations (e.g., equipment operations, ride operations, power supply operations) based on the amount of electrostatic accumulation indicated by the sensor data.

[0019] For example, in some embodiments, the control system 68 can compare the amount of electrostatic accumulation indicated by the sensor data to a threshold or threshold amount that can be predetermined or set and that can be associated with an amount of undesirable (e.g., excessive) electrostatic accumulation. Thus, the control system 68 can take action to address the electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system 50 in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic accumulation exceeds the threshold. For example, the attraction system 50 can include a deionization facility 74 that can be used to reduce electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system 50. The deionization facility 74 can include a grounded medium (e.g., straps, chains, brushes) that can contact an object to reduce the electrostatic accumulation on the object. When the grounded medium contacts the object, the grounded medium can balance and / or disperse the charge to mitigate the electrostatic accumulation associated with the object by allowing the flow of electrons between the grounded medium and the object to reduce the number of charged ions. Thus, the grounded medium can include a conductive material, and the deionization facility 74 can include an engagement mechanism (e.g., actuator, link system) that can contact the grounded medium to the object to facilitate the flow of electrons. Additionally or alternatively, the deionization equipment 74 may include a spray system, such as a nozzle, orifice, sprinkler, orifice, configured to output a deionization material, which may include any suitable fluidized material (e.g., air, water, powdered material) having charged particles and / or facilitating the flow of electrons. Upon contact with an object, the deionization material may facilitate the flow of electrons through the object to reduce electrostatic buildup on the object. The deionization equipment 74 may further include any other suitable components configured to reduce electrostatic buildup on the object, such as by facilitating the flow of electrons.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the control system 68 can be communicatively coupled to the deionization facility 74 and configured to control the operation of the deionization facility 74. As an example, in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic buildup exceeds a threshold, the control system 68 can instruct the deionization facility 74 to actuate (e.g., move to contact the object and output deionized material onto the object) to reduce the amount of electrostatic buildup (e.g., until the amount of electrostatic buildup is determined to be below the threshold). In this manner, the control system 68 can automatically reduce the electrostatic buildup associated with the attraction system 50.

[0021] In such an embodiment, the control system 68 may control the amount, rate and / or frequency of deionization provided by the deionization facility 74 based on the determined amount of electrostatic accumulation. As an example, if the amount of electrostatic accumulation is high (e.g., if the object has a large charge), the control system 68 may operate the deionization facility 74 to provide high deionization such that the deionized material is output at a higher flow rate (e.g., by increasing the size of the opening of the nozzle configured to output the deionized material, thereby increasing the velocity of the deionized material being ejected through the nozzle). If the amount of electrostatic accumulation is low, the control system 68 may operate the deionization facility 74 to provide low deionization such that the deionized material is output at a lower flow rate (e.g., by decreasing the size of the opening of the nozzle configured to output the deionized material, thereby decreasing the velocity of the deionized material being ejected through the nozzle). In practice, as the amount of electrostatic accumulation changes due to the deionization operation, the operation of the deionization facility 74 may be adjusted accordingly, such as to gradually decrease the rate of deionization provided. Thus, deionization operations can be accomplished in a more tailored manner based on the amount of electrostatic buildup to be reduced.

[0022] In further or alternative embodiments, the control system 68 may output a notification in response to determining that the amount of static buildup exceeds a threshold. The notification may inform a user, such as an operator and / or technician, that there is excessive static buildup associated with the attraction system 50. For example, the notification may include a visual output, an audio output, a notification sent to a device associated with the user (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet), another suitable feature, or any combination thereof. The notification may prompt the user to manually address the static buildup, such as by manually operating the deionization facility 74. Additionally, the notification may indicate undesirable operation of the attraction system 50 and / or the deionization facility 74. For example, a frequency of sending notifications above a threshold frequency may indicate that the frequency of excessive static buildup is undesirable or abnormal. As an example, the deionization facility 74 may not sufficiently reduce the excessive static buildup associated with the attraction system 50 and / or the operation of the attraction system 50 may cause static buildup to occur at an undesirably high rate. Thus, frequent receipt of notifications indicating detection of excessive static buildup may also prompt a user to perform maintenance on the attraction system 50 (e.g., deionization equipment 74) in addition to or instead of manually reducing the static buildup.

[0023] In further embodiments, the control system 68 may adjust (e.g., suspend) the operation of a component or element of the attraction system 50 in response to determining that the amount of static electricity accumulation exceeds a threshold. As an example, the control system 68 may prevent movement of the guest area 52 (e.g., along the track 55), may prevent guests from entering the guest area 52, may prevent operation of any show effects 56, and / or may shut off the power provided by the power source 64. Adjusting the operation of the components of the attraction system 50 may facilitate addressing the static electricity accumulation, such as facilitating access to objects that can reduce the static electricity accumulation (e.g., via a deionization facility 74). Additionally or alternatively, adjusting the operation of the components of the attraction system 50 may facilitate reducing the static electricity accumulation by preventing further static electricity accumulation. The control system 68 may resume operation of the components of the attraction system 50 (e.g., without operating to reduce the static electricity accumulation of the components) after the static electricity accumulation has been reduced (e.g., the amount of static electricity accumulation is below another threshold).

[0024] 2 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system 50. The illustrated attraction system 50 includes a plurality of ride vehicles 100 configured to move along a track 55. In one embodiment, a static sensor 66 or a plurality of static sensors 66 can be configured to monitor the amount of static accumulation of each of the ride vehicles 100 and / or the track 55. That is, the amount of static accumulation associated with each ride vehicle 100 may differ from one another, and the static sensor(s) 66 can determine these different amounts of static accumulation and provide sensor data indicative of the amount of static accumulation to a control system 68. The control system 68 can compare the amount of each static accumulation to a threshold (e.g., a common threshold, a respective threshold) and operate the attraction system 50 based on the comparison.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the control system 68 may operate to address an amount of static buildup associated with a particular one of the ride vehicles 100. For example, the control system 68 may operate the deionization equipment 74 to individually reduce each static buildup associated with the ride vehicles 100. In other words, the control system 68 may operate the deionization equipment 74 to reduce an amount of static buildup associated with an individual ride vehicle of the ride vehicles 100, but not to reduce an amount of static buildup associated with another ride vehicle of the ride vehicles 100. As an example, the control system 68 may determine that a first amount of static buildup associated with a first ride vehicle 100A may exceed a threshold value. However, the control system 68 may determine that an amount of static buildup associated with the remaining ride vehicles 100, such as a second amount of static buildup associated with a second ride vehicle 100B, may not exceed a threshold value. As a result, the control system 68 can instruct the deionization equipment 74 to reduce a first amount of static buildup associated with the first ride vehicle 100A, while preventing operation of the deionization equipment 74 from reducing a second amount of static buildup associated with the second ride vehicle 100B. Thus, the control system 68 can prevent excessive operation of the deionization equipment 74, such as operation to reduce static buildup that has not accumulated sufficiently to exceed a threshold, thereby reducing costs associated with operation of the deionization equipment 74 and / or extending the life of the deionization equipment 74. In another example, the control system 68 can output a notification indicating a particular ride vehicle 100 (e.g., the first ride vehicle 100A) that has an amount of static buildup that exceeds a threshold. This notification can then prompt a user to reduce the amount of static buildup on the indicated ride vehicle 100 rather than other ride vehicles 100 that may not be associated with excessive static buildup. Thus, a user can more quickly or easily address a determined excessive static buildup. In another embodiment, automated action may be taken for individual components of the attraction system 50 (e.g., deployment of a deionization station 74) based on a detected need to reduce static buildup.For example, designated ride vehicles 100 may be sprayed with deionizing material while other aspects of the attraction system 50 are not.

[0026] The control system 68 may further suspend operation of the ride vehicles 100 in response to determining that the amount of static accumulation associated therewith exceeds a threshold value. For example, the control system 68 may prevent movement of the ride vehicles 100 along the track 55. In one embodiment, each of the ride vehicles 100 may be physically coupled to one another (e.g., to form a train). Thus, the ride vehicles 100 may collectively move along the track 55. In such an embodiment, the control system 68 may suspend operation of each ride vehicle 100 (e.g., the entire train) in response to determining that the amount of static accumulation in at least one of the ride vehicles 100 exceeds a threshold value to allow the amount of static accumulation to be addressed. That is, the particular ride vehicle(s) 100 associated with the excessive static accumulation may be addressed (e.g., as opposed to another ride vehicle 100 not associated with the excessive static accumulation) to reduce the amount of static accumulation, but the operation of each of the ride vehicles 100 may be suspended to facilitate a reduction in the amount of static accumulation in the particular ride vehicle(s) 100.

[0027] In further or alternative embodiments, the ride vehicles 100 may not be physically coupled to one another, but instead each ride vehicle 100 may move independently of one another along the track 55. In this embodiment, in response to the control system 68 determining that an amount of static accumulation associated with one of the ride vehicles 100 is above a threshold, the control system 68 may pause operation of that ride vehicle 100 and not pause operation of the other ride vehicles 100. As an example, in response to determining that an amount of second static accumulation associated with the first ride vehicle 100A is above a threshold, the control system 68 may pause operation of the first ride vehicle 100A, such as by preventing movement of the first ride vehicle 100A along the track 55. However, the control system 68 may determine that an amount of first static accumulation associated with the second ride vehicle 100B is below a threshold. In response, the control system 68 may not pause operation of the second ride vehicle 100B. For example, the control system 68 may prevent movement of a first ride vehicle 100A along the track 55 while allowing movement of a second ride vehicle 100B along the track 55. Thus, a determination that the amount of static buildup associated with one of the ride vehicles 100 exceeds a threshold may result in a corresponding action being taken to address the amount of static buildup associated with that ride vehicle 100, while leaving the operation of another one of the ride vehicles 100 unaffected. In this manner, the control system 68 may efficiently operate the attraction system 50 to entertain guests 54 while reducing the amount of static buildup associated with the ride vehicles 100.

[0028] Further, in some embodiments, the control system 68 may determine a frequency and / or amount at which excessive static buildup (e.g., occurrences where the amount of static buildup exceeds a threshold) is detected. The control system 68 may compare these frequencies and / or amounts to a threshold frequency and / or threshold amount, respectively. In response to determining that the frequency and / or amount exceed a threshold, the control system 68 may suspend operation of the attraction system 50, such as operation of each of the ride vehicles 100 and / or operation of the show effects (e.g., show effect 56 of FIG. 1 ). For example, a frequency and / or amount exceeding a threshold frequency and / or threshold amount may indicate an undesirable operation or condition, such as a structural change in the attraction system 50 that may be causing excessive static buildup to occur at an undesirable rate, a malfunction of the deionization equipment 74 and / or the static sensor 66, and / or a failure associated with the show effect 56. Thus, the control system 68 may suspend operation of the attraction system 50 to facilitate addressing the undesirable operation or condition, such as, for example, to allow for maintenance operations to be performed.

[0029] 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method or process 120 for operating an attraction system (e.g., attraction system 50) based on an amount of electrostatic accumulation. Method 120 may be performed by any suitable device or component (e.g., processing circuitry 72 of control system 68). In some embodiments, method 120 may be implemented by executing instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 70 of control system 68). For example, method 120 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components, one or more software applications, and the like. Although method 120 is described using a particular order of steps, additional steps may be performed, described steps may be performed in a different order than that shown, and / or certain described steps may be skipped or not performed entirely.

[0030] At block 122, the amount of static buildup may be monitored. For example, sensor data may be received from a static sensor, and the sensor data may indicate the amount of static buildup. The attraction system may continue to operate and entertain guests while the static buildup is being monitored. At block 124, the amount of static buildup may be compared to a first threshold to determine whether the amount of static buildup is greater than the first threshold. In response to determining that the amount of static buildup is not greater than the threshold, no further action may be taken and the amount of static buildup may continue to be monitored as described at block 122.

[0031] Meanwhile, in response to determining that the amount of static buildup is greater than the first threshold in block 126, operation of the attraction system can be adjusted to mitigate the static buildup. As an example, the attraction system can initially operate in a first mode of operation (e.g., an operating mode that does not actively address or reduce static buildup) to entertain guests. However, in response to determining that the amount of static buildup is greater than the first threshold, operation of the attraction system can transition to a second mode of operation. During operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation, action can be taken to address or reduce the amount of static buildup. In some embodiments, this action can include instructing the deionization equipment to reduce the amount of static buildup. Certain actions of the deionization equipment, such as a flow rate, speed, and / or amount of deionized material output by the deionization equipment, can be based on the amount of static buildup. For example, a greater amount of static buildup detected can output a greater flow rate, speed, and / or amount of deionized material. In further or alternative embodiments, the action may include outputting a notification prompting the user to address the static buildup, such as manually operating the deionization equipment to reduce the amount of static buildup. In one embodiment, the attraction system may continue to operate and entertain guests while operating in the second mode of operation. For example, the guest area may continue to move and / or show effects may continue to operate while the deionization equipment is operating (e.g., automatically operating, manually operating). However, in further or alternative embodiments, some functions or operations of the attraction system (e.g., of components, devices, elements, equipment of the attraction system) may be suspended during operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation to facilitate addressing the static buildup.

[0032] The amount of static accumulation can continue to be monitored during operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation, such as during or after taking actions to address the static accumulation. In block 128, the amount of static accumulation can be compared to a second threshold to determine whether the static accumulation has been properly addressed and / or reduced via the second mode of operation. In an embodiment, the second threshold can be lower than the first threshold, thus indicating that the static accumulation has been sufficiently reduced (e.g., to a level that would not affect operation of the attraction system). In response to determining that the amount of static accumulation is not below the second threshold, the attraction system can continue to operate in the second mode of operation and continue to take actions to address the static accumulation to reduce the static accumulation.

[0033] Meanwhile, in response to determining that the amount of static buildup is less than the second threshold in block 130, operation of the attraction system may be adjusted. As an example, operation of the attraction system may be adjusted from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation. That is, operation of the attraction system may be returned to operation prior to determining that the amount of static buildup is greater than the first threshold. As an example, in an embodiment in which the deionization equipment automatically operates to reduce the amount of static buildup, operation of the attraction system may be adjusted to suspend operation of the deionization equipment. As another example, in an embodiment in which some operation of the attraction system is adjusted or suspended (e.g., movement of the guest area is prevented), operation of such attraction system may be initiated (e.g., allowing movement of the guest area).

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, further actions may be performed in response to determining that the amount of static buildup is less than the second threshold. For example, in embodiments where a notification is output indicating excessive static buildup, a further notification may be output indicating that the static buildup has been adequately addressed. As an example, a user may be initially notified that the static buildup is excessive and then manually address the excessive static buildup. The further notification may inform the user that the excessive static buildup has been adequately addressed by indicating to the user that the static buildup is no longer excessive. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments where a deionization facility operates during operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation, in response to determining that the amount of static buildup is less than the second threshold, the deionization facility may be prevented from further operation. Thus, wear on the deionization facility may be reduced (e.g., operation of the deionization facility may be limited to when an excessive amount of static buildup is present). Furthermore, operation of the attraction system may be adjusted to entertain guests rather than continue to address the static buildup.

[0035] The method 120 can be repeatedly performed during operation of the attraction system. That is, the amount of static accumulation associated with the attraction system can be repeatedly monitored while the attraction system is operating, and the attraction system can be operated (e.g., in a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation) based on the determined amount of static accumulation. For example, if the amount of static accumulation is determined to be greater than a first threshold, the attraction system can be operated to address the static accumulation. Such operation of the attraction system can reduce the amount of static accumulation below a second threshold, causing adjustment of subsequent operation of the attraction system. At a certain point after the amount of static accumulation is reduced below the second threshold, the amount of static accumulation may again increase above the first threshold. In response, operation of the attraction system can again be adjusted to address the excessive static accumulation.

[0036] Additionally, in some embodiments, method 120 may be performed for a particular object, such as a particular ride vehicle of an attraction system. As an example, different objects of the attraction system may be monitored for their respective amounts of static accumulation. In response to determining that the amount of static accumulation associated with a particular object is greater than a first threshold, operation of the attraction system may be adjusted to a second mode of operation to address the static accumulation of the particular object. As an example, during operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation, the amount of static accumulation of the particular object may be reduced (e.g., and the amount of static accumulation of another object associated with the object is not greater than the first threshold). In practice, multiple iterations of method 120 may be performed independently and / or in parallel with each other for different objects of the attraction system to determine whether the excessive static accumulation to be addressed is associated with any one of the various objects or a combination thereof. Independent execution of method 120 may address the static accumulation of a particular object without affecting the operation of other objects, thereby enabling more efficient operation of the attraction system to entertain guests.

[0037] While only certain features of the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0038] 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]

[0039] 50 Attraction System 54 Guests 55 orbit 66 Electrostatic Sensor 66 Electrostatic Sensor 70 Memory 72 Processing circuit 74 Deionization Equipment 100 Vehicles 100A First Vehicle Car 100B Second vehicle

Claims

1. An attraction system for an amusement park, comprising: a sensor configured to monitor electrostatic buildup associated with the attraction system; and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor; The control system comprises: receiving data from the sensor indicative of an amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system; operating the attraction system based on data indicative of the amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system; configured to perform operations including: An attraction system characterized by:

2. a ride vehicle, the sensor being configured to monitor static electricity buildup associated with the ride vehicle; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

3. the control system is configured to suspend operation of the ride vehicle in response to determining that the amount of static electricity accumulation associated with the ride vehicle is greater than a threshold. The attraction system according to claim 2 .

4. the ride vehicle is a first ride vehicle and the attraction system comprises a second ride vehicle, the sensor is configured to monitor static accumulation associated with the second ride vehicle, and the control system is configured to continue operation of the second ride vehicle while operation of the first ride vehicle is suspended in response to determining that an amount of static accumulation associated with the first ride vehicle is greater than the threshold and an amount of static accumulation associated with the second ride vehicle is less than the threshold. The attraction system according to claim 3.

5. a deionization facility, the control system being configured to command the deionization facility to operate in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic buildup associated with the attraction system is greater than a threshold. The attraction system according to claim 1 .

6. The deionization equipment includes straps, brushes, chains, spray systems, or any combination thereof. The attraction system according to claim 5.

7. the sensor comprises an electrostatic field meter; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, monitoring an amount of electrostatic buildup associated with the attraction system; and determining that the amount of static buildup is greater than a threshold; adjusting operation of the attraction system in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic accumulation is greater than the threshold; and 23. A non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including:

9. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are configured to cause the processing circuit to operate the deionization equipment to reduce the amount of static electricity buildup in response to determining that the amount of static electricity buildup is greater than the threshold. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8.

10. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic buildup corresponds to a first value, operating the deionization equipment to output deionized material at a first flow rate; in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic buildup is associated with a second value greater than the first value, operating the deionization equipment to output the deionized material at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate; 10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including:

11. the attraction system comprises a plurality of ride vehicles, and the instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, determining that a vehicle of the plurality of vehicle vehicles has a static electricity accumulation greater than the threshold; in response to determining that the amount of static electricity build-up associated with the vehicle is greater than the threshold, operating the deionization equipment to reduce the amount of static electricity build-up associated with the vehicle; 10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including:

12. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, determining that an additional amount of static electricity buildup associated with an additional vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles is less than a threshold; in response to determining that the amount of additional static buildup associated with the additional vehicle vehicle is less than a threshold, preventing operation of the deionization equipment from reducing the amount of additional static buildup associated with the additional vehicle vehicle; 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11 configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including:

13. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are configured to cause the processing circuit to interrupt a flow of power from a power source to the attraction system in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system is greater than the threshold. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8.

14. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are configured to cause the processing circuit to output a notification in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system is greater than the threshold. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8.

15. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, determining a frequency of occurrences when the amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the attraction system is greater than the threshold; suspending operation of the attraction system in response to determining that the frequency is greater than a threshold frequency; and 10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8 configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including:

16. An attraction system, comprising: A vehicle; A control system; The control system comprises: operating the attraction system in a first mode of operation to move the ride vehicle; determining, during operation of the attraction system in the first mode of operation, that an amount of static electricity accumulation associated with the ride vehicle exceeds a threshold; in response to determining that the amount of static accumulation exceeds the threshold during operation of the attraction system in the first mode of operation, adjusting operation of the attraction system from the first mode of operation to a second mode of operation to reduce the amount of static accumulation associated with the ride vehicle; configured to perform operations including: An attraction system characterized by:

17. the control system is configured to prevent movement of the ride vehicle during operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation.

17. The attraction system of claim 16.

18. and a further ride vehicle, the control system further comprising: determining that an amount of static electricity accumulation associated with the additional ride vehicle does not exceed the threshold during operation of the attraction system in the first mode of operation; in response to determining that the amount of electrostatic accumulation associated with the additional ride vehicle does not exceed the threshold during operation of the attraction system in the first mode of operation, enabling movement of the additional ride vehicle during operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation. The attraction system of claim 17 , configured as follows:

19. the threshold is a first threshold, and the control system determining, in response to operating the attraction system in the second mode of operation, an amount of static electricity accumulation associated with the ride vehicle is less than a second threshold, the second threshold being lower than the first threshold; adjusting operation of the attraction system from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation in response to determining that the amount of static electricity accumulation associated with the ride vehicle is less than the second threshold; The attraction system of claim 16 configured to perform operations including:

20. a deionization facility, the control system comprising: suspending operation of the deionization equipment during operation of the attraction system in the first mode of operation; operating the deionization facility to reduce the amount of static electricity buildup associated with the ride vehicle during operation of the attraction system in the second mode of operation; The attraction system of claim 16 configured to perform operations including:

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