System and method for providing images to an attraction system - Patents.com

Abstract

An amusement park attraction system (50) includes a ride vehicle (54) that moves along a path in the attraction system (50). A walkway moves alongside the ride vehicle (54), and a projector (60) projects an image (62) that follows the movement of the ride vehicle (54) along the walkway and the movement of the walkway alongside the ride vehicle (54).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 299,686, filed January 14, 2022, and entitled "SHOW EFFECT SYSTEM FOR ATTRACTION SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] 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.

[0003] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues may include a variety of features to entertain guests. For example, amusement parks may include rides such as roller coasters, water rides, and dark rides. In some embodiments, a ride may include a ride vehicle in which a guest may be located during operation of the ride. For example, a guest may enter the ride vehicle to begin a ride cycle, the ride vehicle may transport the guest along a path during the ride cycle, and the guest may exit the ride vehicle after completion of the ride cycle. It is now recognized that it may be desirable to provide unique and effective techniques for directing or guiding a guest's transition into and / or out of the ride vehicle to facilitate operation of the ride. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Below, we present an overview of some embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are merely intended to provide the reader with a summary of some of these embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may include various aspects that may not be presented below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an attraction system for an amusement park includes a ride vehicle that moves along a path in the attraction system, a walkway that moves alongside the ride vehicle, and a projector that projects an image that follows the movement of the ride vehicle along the path and the walkway that moves alongside the ride vehicle.

[0006] In one embodiment, an amusement park attraction system includes a path system including a first path portion and a second path portion configured to move alongside one another, a ride vehicle coupled to the first path portion and driven to move by movement of the first path portion, and a projector configured to project an image that follows movement of the ride vehicle and movement of the second path portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, an amusement park attraction system includes a ride vehicle configured to move along a path in the attraction system, a projector configured to project an image, and a controller communicatively coupled to the projector, the controller configured to determine a position of the ride vehicle, determine a target location based on the position of the ride vehicle, project an image at the target location, and instruct the projector to maintain the position of the image relative to the ride vehicle during movement of the ride vehicle along the path.

[0008] 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]

[0009] [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 top view of an embodiment of an attraction system including a pathway system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an attraction system including a pathway system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a projector of an attraction system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to concisely describe these embodiments, not all of the features of the implementations are described herein. It should be understood that in the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are routine undertakings of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to amusement park systems or features. An amusement park may include various attraction systems, such as rides and theater systems, to entertain guests. For example, an attraction system may include a ride vehicle. A guest may enter the ride vehicle, and the ride vehicle may transport the guest along a path after the guest enters the ride vehicle. The guest may then exit the ride vehicle after the ride vehicle has traversed the path.

[0013] In some situations, a guest may have difficulty entering and / or exiting a ride vehicle. This situation may be applicable to any ride vehicle, but may be a special problem for a particular ride configuration, a particular ride vehicle configuration, or a particular guest. For example, a ride vehicle may have an irregular shape, and / or another object in the attraction system may impede or impede guest movement into and / or out of the ride vehicle. In such situations, it may be difficult to operate the attraction system efficiently. As an example, the operation of the attraction system may be temporarily suspended to assist the guest in entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle. As another example, an operator may provide instructions to guide the guest in entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle. However, while providing instructions, the operator may not be able to perform other actions or services that aid in the operation of the attraction system. Additionally or alternatively, the guest's experience may be affected by the difficulties associated with entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle. For example, difficulties associated with entering a ride vehicle may cause guests to be uncomfortable positioned within the ride vehicle, thereby diminishing or detracting from the overall experience provided by the attraction system.

[0014] Accordingly, it is now recognized that efficient provision of directions or guidance for entering and / or exiting a ride vehicle can improve the operation of an attraction system, such as by improving the efficient operation of the ride vehicle and / or the experience provided to guests by the attraction system. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to projecting an image that moves with or follows the ride vehicle to aid guests in entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle. In practice, the image can be projected in a manner that limits the relative movement between the image and the ride vehicle to aid guests in viewing the image. For example, a guest may enter and / or exit the ride vehicle while the ride vehicle is moving. In such embodiments, a pathway (e.g., conveyor belt, moving belt, rotating platform, moving walkway) adjacent to the ride vehicle can move with the ride vehicle to aid guests in entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle from the pathway. By limiting the movement between the projected image and the ride vehicle, the image may be presented in a manner that is easily accessible to the guest while the guest is traveling with the ride vehicle and / or with the path adjacent or proximate to the ride vehicle. In some embodiments, the image may be projected onto the path and adjacent to the ride vehicle (e.g., the projection may include imagery that points out or otherwise illustrates aspects of the ride vehicle) so that the guest traveling the path can more easily view the imagery in the context of the ride vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the image may be projected completely or partially onto the ride vehicle. For example, the image may directly reference a particular portion of the ride vehicle, and the image may be projected onto such portion to provide a more meaningful visualization.

[0015] The attraction system may include a projector configured to present an image. In one embodiment, the projector may be coupled to the ride vehicle. Thus, the movement of the projector and the image provided by the projector may naturally be synchronized with the movement of the ride vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the projector may be coupled to a different support of the attraction system, and the ride vehicle may move relative to the support. In such an embodiment, the projector may adjust the image provided to follow or track the movement of the ride vehicle. To this end, a control system may be communicatively coupled to the projector and instruct the projector to adjust the location at which the image is projected to correspond to the location of the ride vehicle. For example, the control system may determine a location of the ride vehicle, determine a target location for the image based on the location of the ride vehicle, and instruct the projector to output the image at the target location. Thus, as the ride vehicle moves, the projector can be instructed to determine an updated position of the ride vehicle (e.g., based on image tracking, global positioning system, position sensor), determine an updated target position for the image based on the updated position of the ride vehicle, and output the image at the updated target position to maintain the relative position of the image to the ride vehicle. Although embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to projecting images that provide instructions or guidance for entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle, the projected images can also include any additional or suitable images. For example, the images can also include other instructions and / or visualizations unrelated to the instructions, such as decorative lighting and / or graphic effects.

[0016] With this in mind, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50. The attraction system 50 can include a path system 52. The path system 52 can have a path along which the ride vehicles 54 of the attraction system 50 can travel. In one embodiment, the path system 52 can include a track along which the ride vehicles 54 can be coupled, and the ride vehicles 54 can travel via the track during operation of the attraction system 50. Additionally or alternatively, the path system 52 can include an open path (e.g., a trail or space) along which the ride vehicles 54 can travel. The movement of the ride vehicles 54 through the path system 52 within the attraction system 50 can entertain guests positioned within the ride vehicles 54. For example, the movement of the ride vehicles 54 can provide a sensation of movement (e.g., gravity) to the guests. Additionally or alternatively, ride vehicles 54 may move through attraction system 50 to transport guests to portions of attraction system 50 that may provide show effects 56, such as visual effects (e.g., lighting), audio effects (e.g., sound effects, music) and / or other features (e.g., robotic figures, smoke effects) to entertain guests.

[0017] The pathway system 52 may also include guest areas 58 through which guests of the attraction system 50 may travel. By way of example, the guest areas 58 may include walkways, queues, lines, and the like through which guests may walk within the attraction system 50. In some embodiments, guests may enter and / or exit the ride vehicles 54 through the guest areas 58. For example, in some portions of the attraction system 50, such as loading / unloading stations within the attraction system 50, the ride vehicles 54 and the guest areas 58 may be located adjacent to one another. Thus, guests may approach the ride vehicles 54 from the guest areas 58 to enter the ride vehicles 54 and / or leave the ride vehicles 54 to disembark onto the guest areas 58 (e.g., proceed toward an exit to leave the attraction system 50). In other portions of the attraction system 50, the ride vehicles 54 and the guest areas 58 may not be located adjacent to one another. For example, ride vehicle 54 may travel away from guest area 58 via pathway system 52 (eg, after a guest has entered ride vehicle 54).

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction system 50 includes a projector 60 configured to project an image 62 into or onto the path system 52. In some embodiments, the projector 60 may be part of or integrated with the ride vehicle 54. The projected image 62 may assist guests in entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle 54. As an example, the image 62 may provide instructions, directions, or other guidance that may assist guests in efficiently transitioning between the ride vehicle 54 and the guest area 58. In some embodiments, the image 62 may include text 64, such as text instructions, that may provide directions for guests to enter and / or exit the ride vehicle 54. In further or alternative embodiments, the image 62 may include symbols 66, such as arrows and footprints, that may represent instructions to the guest. In practice, the symbols may include specific targets for positioning the guest (e.g., foot and hand positions as part of the boarding / disembarking process). In further embodiments, the images 62 may be continually modified or updated to provide animation (e.g., a video including multiple images 62 cycled in sequence), or the like. The images 62 may reduce the difficulty guests have in transitioning between the ride vehicles 54 and the guest areas 58 by providing clear instructions on how to enter and / or exit the ride vehicles 54. Thus, the images 62 may improve the experience provided to guests by the attraction system 50 and increase throughput efficiency.

[0019] In some instances, the ride vehicle 54 may be in motion (e.g., within a pick-up / drop-off station) while a guest is entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle 54. To facilitate entry and / or exit from the ride vehicle 54 through the guest area 58, a portion of the guest area 58 (e.g., a conveyor belt, moving belt, rotating platform, moving walkway), such as a portion located adjacent or proximate to the ride vehicle 54, may also move simultaneously with the ride vehicle 54. However, a guest may not be able to easily determine how to efficiently transition between the ride vehicle 54 and the guest area 58. For example, a guest may lack balance, the ride vehicle 54 may be irregularly shaped, and / or an object may block or obstruct the entrance and / or exit of the ride vehicle 54. Thus, the images 62 may provide instructions or guidance (e.g., detailed, timed instructions indicating body positioning) to guide guests in more efficiently transitioning between the ride vehicles 54 and the guest areas 58, thereby enabling continued operation of the attraction system 50.

[0020] In one embodiment, the projector 60 may output the image 62, such as at a location on the guest area 58 adjacent or proximate to the ride vehicle 54. Thus, a guest may quickly and easily view the image 62 while transitioning in either direction between the ride vehicle 54 and the guest area 58. Additionally or alternatively, the projector 60 may output the image 62 on the ride vehicle 54 to provide clear instructions regarding the characteristics of the ride vehicle 54 (e.g., where to place the feet within the ride vehicle 54 during the transition process into or out of the ride vehicle 54). In either case, in embodiments where the ride vehicle 54 and / or the guest area 58 move simultaneously with one another while the guest is transitioning between the ride vehicle 54 and the guest area 58, the image 62 presented by the projector 60 may follow the movement of the ride vehicle 54 and / or the guest area 58. In practice, the position of the image 62 relative to the ride vehicle 54 and / or the position of the image 62 relative to the guest area 58 can be maintained so that the guest can view the image 62 as they move through the ride vehicle 54 and / or the guest area 58. To this end, the projector 60 can be coupled to or fixed to a portion of the ride vehicle 54. Thus, as the ride vehicle 54 moves, the projector 60 moves correspondingly and the image 62 presented by the projector 60 can move with the projector 60. Additionally or alternatively, the position and / or orientation of the projector 60 can be adjusted to change the location at which the image 62 is presented. For example, the projector 60 can be coupled to or fixed to a support (e.g., a wall, a ceiling) of the attraction system 50, and the ride vehicle 54 and / or the guest area 58 can move relative to the support and thus the projector 60. Thus, the projector 60 can present an image 62 that can follow or track the movement of the ride vehicle 54 and / or guest area 58, thereby reducing relative movement between the projector 60 and / or ride vehicle 54, and / or between the projector 60 and / or guest area 58, allowing guests to easily view the image 62.

[0021] In embodiments where multiple guests may transition between the guest area 58 and the respective ride vehicles 54, separate images 62 may be projected on each of the ride vehicles 54. For example, each image 62 may be projected adjacent to an associated ride vehicle 54 to allow a guest to transition between a particular associated ride vehicle 54 and the guest area 58. Thus, different guests may view each image 62 being projected to aid in the transition between the different associated ride vehicles 54 and the guest areas 58. In further or alternative embodiments, a single image 62 (e.g., a continuous image) may be projected to facilitate the guest transition between the guest area 58 and the respective ride vehicles 54, and the image 62 may include different elements (separate component images) located adjacent to the respective ride vehicles 54. Thus, different guests may view different elements of the image 62 to aid in the guest transition between the different associated ride vehicles 54 and the guest areas 58.

[0022] The projector 60 can be communicatively coupled to a control system 68 (e.g., an automation controller, a programmable controller, an electronic controller, a control circuit, a cloud computer system). The control system 68 can include a memory 70 and a processing circuit 72. The memory 70 can 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 contains instructions. The processing circuit 72 can be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processing circuit 72 can 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 can instruct the projector 60 to provide an image 62. For example, the control system 68 can send image data to the projector 60, and the projector 60 can provide the image 62 based on the image data received from the control system 68. As mentioned above, the image 62 can be a single projection or multiple smaller images, each associated with a different ride vehicle 54. However, as also mentioned above, in some embodiments, individual projectors 60 can be associated with (e.g., coupled to, positioned adjacent to) each ride vehicle 54 to provide an image 62, each associated with a respective ride vehicle 54.

[0023] The control system 68 can enable or pause the projector 60 from presenting the image 62. As an example, the control system 68 can determine the position of the ride vehicle 54 within the attraction system 50 (e.g., relative to the projector 60 or the pick-up / drop-off area) and control the projection based on this position. The control system 68 can instruct the projector 60 to present the image 62 in response to determining that the position of the ride vehicle 54 indicates that the image 62 should be projected, such as when the ride vehicle 54 is adjacent or proximate to the guest area 58 (e.g., the ride vehicle 54 is within the pick-up / drop-off station). On the other hand, the control system 68 can pause the projector 60 from presenting the image 62 in response to determining that the position of the ride vehicle 54 indicates that the image 62 should not be projected, such as when the ride vehicle 54 is not adjacent or proximate to the guest area 58 (e.g., the ride vehicle 54 is outside the pick-up / drop-off station). In this manner, the control system 68 can reduce energy consumption associated with projecting the image 62 by limiting the presentation of the image 62 to periods during which the image 62 is available to guests transitioning between the ride vehicle 54 and the guest area 58.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the control system 68 may cause the projector 60 to adjust the projection of the image 62. For example, the control system 68 may cause the projector 60 to present the image 62 at a particular location that corresponds to the location of the ride vehicle 54 within the attraction system 50. As an example, the control system 68 may determine a target location for the image 62 based on the location of the ride vehicle 54. The target location may include a location on the guest area 58 adjacent or proximate to the location of the ride vehicle 54 and / or a location of a part or component of the ride vehicle 54. The control system 68 may instruct the projector 60 to present the image 62 at the target location. As the ride vehicle 54 moves within the attraction system 50, the target location is updated, and the control system 68 may instruct the projector 60 to present the image 62 at the updated target location. As an example, the control system 68 may instruct the projector 60 to move the position of the image 62 according to the movement of the ride vehicle 54 within the attraction system 50 (e.g., in response to the relative movement of the ride vehicle 54 with respect to the projector 60). In embodiments in which the projector 60 is on the ride vehicle 54, the relative movement between the ride vehicle 54 and the projector 60 may be factored out, and thus the projector 60 may provide the image 62 on, within, or outside of the ride vehicle 54 (e.g., on a surface of the guest area 58) without adjustment for the relative movement between the projector 60 and the ride vehicle 54.

[0025] As a further embodiment, the control system 68 can instruct the projector 60 to adjust the image 62 provided based on the position of the ride vehicle 54. That is, the projector 60 can provide different images appropriate for different locations depending on the detected position of the ride vehicle 54. As an example, when the ride vehicle 54 is present at a first location where the guest is to exit the ride vehicle 54 (e.g., at a drop-off area located at the end of the ride before resuming the tour of the route), the control system 68 can instruct the projector 60 to output a first image 62. The first image 62 can provide instructions, for example, on how to exit the ride vehicle 54. Also, when the ride vehicle 54 is present at a second location where the guest is to enter the ride vehicle 54, the control system 68 can instruct the projector 60 to provide a second image 62. For example, the second image 62 can provide instructions on how to enter the ride vehicle 54, where such instructions can be different from the instructions on how to exit the ride vehicle 54. Thus, the control system 68 can adjust the images 62 presented to provide more appropriate or suitable instructions to the guest.

[0026] To this end, the control system 68 may be communicatively coupled to a sensor 74 configured to determine the position of the ride vehicle 54. For example, the sensor 74 may be a barcode reader on the ride vehicle 54 that reads barcodes along the track, a camera that detects a barcode (e.g., a quick response code) on the ride vehicle 54, an optical sensor that detects retroreflective material on the ride vehicle 54, or the like. The sensor 74 may provide sensor data to the control system 68, which may indicate the position of the ride vehicle 54 within the attraction system 50. In one embodiment, the sensor 74 may include a camera or other similar device configured to capture images including the ride vehicle 54, and the control system 68 may determine the position of the ride vehicle 54 based on the captured images (e.g., via machine vision). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 74 may output a signal within the attraction system 50, such as toward a ride vehicle 54, the signal may be deflected (e.g., reflected) from the ride vehicle 54, and the sensor 74 may receive the deflected (e.g., reflected) signal and transmit sensor data associated with the deflected signal to the control system 68. The control system 68 and / or the sensor 74 may determine the position of the ride vehicle 54 based on characteristics of the deflected signal, such as the deflection angle, the travel time of the signal between output and reception via the sensor 74, and the strength or attenuation of the deflected signal. Further, in one embodiment, the sensor 74 may be configured to determine different parameters associated with the attraction system 50, such as the operation time of the attraction system 50 and the position of the guest within the attraction system 50 (e.g., relative to the ride vehicle 54), and the control system 68 may instruct the projector 60 to present the image 62 based on the parameters determined by the sensor 74.

[0027] Instructions provided via the image 62 can be more effective or useful than other techniques for providing instructions. For example, the image 62 can be presented without the need to manually provide instructions to each guest, such as via an operator of the attraction system 50. Furthermore, application of direct modifications, such as painting or etching, to the ride vehicle 54 and / or guest area 58 can be avoided. The image 62 can be more easily adjusted, changed or updated than such modifications, and therefore is easier to present in different forms. Thus, the image 62 can provide greater flexibility in providing instructions to guests. In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the projector 60 is external to the ride vehicle 54), the projector 60 can be easily calibrated to provide a projection location that is at a desired relative location to the ride vehicle 54 by optically detecting the ride vehicle 54.

[0028] 2 is a top view of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 having a path system 52. The path system 52 can include a first path portion 100 (e.g., a first path), such as a moving track, on which the ride vehicles 54 can engage to move within the attraction system 50. In some embodiments, the first path portion 100 can move within the attraction system 50 to facilitate movement of the ride vehicles 54 within the attraction system 50. For example, an inner tube water-based ride can include such a moving track as the first path portion 100. In some embodiments, the first path portion 100 can be a fixed track or an open path along which the ride vehicles 54 travel. The path system 52 may also include a second path portion 102 (e.g., a second path of the guest area 58 in FIG. 1 ), such as a moving walkway (e.g., a moving belt, a rotating platform, a moving walkway, a conveyor) that may move adjacent to or proximate to and along the first portion 104 of the first path portion 100 to provide a boarding and / or disembarking zone. As an example, the first portion 104 of the first path portion 100 and the second path portion 102 may be disposed within a boarding / disembarking station 106 of the attraction system 50, and guests may transition between the second path portion 102 and the ride vehicle 54. For example, guests may move from the second path portion 102 onto the first path portion 100 (which may move with the second path portion 102) to board the ride vehicle 54, and / or may move from the ride vehicle 54 onto the first path portion 100 and further onto the second path portion 102. In different examples, a guest may travel between the second path portion 102 and the ride vehicle 54 without stepping on or otherwise directly contacting the first path portion 100. In either case, the guest may utilize the second path portion 102 to enter and / or exit the ride vehicle 54.Thus, the second path portion 102 may move with the ride vehicle 54, such as with the movement of the first portion 104 of the first path portion 100, to facilitate a transition between the first path portion 100 and the second path portion 102. That is, the relative movement between the ride vehicle 54 and the second path portion 102 may be limited to facilitate movement between the ride vehicle 54 and the second path portion 102. For example, the ride vehicle 54 and the second path portion 102 (e.g., via movement of the first path portion 100 or some other vehicle motivation mechanism) may move along a first direction 108 (e.g., horizontally, forward) within the pick-up / drop-off station 106. Thus, the second path portion 102 may move in conjunction with the ride vehicle 54 during operation of the attraction system 100.

[0029] The ride vehicle 54 may pass through the pick-up / drop-off station 106 and move to a second portion 110 of the first path portion 100 (e.g., a thrill ride portion) where the guest is not expected to transition between the ride vehicle 54 and the second path portion 102. For example, after the guest enters the ride vehicle 54 (e.g., via the second path portion 102 at the pick-up / drop-off station 106), the guest may be secured within the ride vehicle 54, and the ride vehicle 54 may transition from the first portion 104 of the first path portion 100 to the second portion 110 of the first path portion 100 while the guest is secured within the ride vehicle 54. Thus, in the second portion 110 of the first path portion 100, the guest may be prevented from exiting the ride vehicle 54. The second portion 110 of the first path portion 100 may initially extend away from the pick-up / drop-off station 106 and thus away from the second path portion 102 to guide the ride vehicle 54 in that manner. For example, the second portion 110 of the first path portion 100 may carry the guest through various features, such as uphill features, looping features, curved features, features in tunnels, and features down drops, to entertain the guest. In some embodiments, the second portion 110 of the first path portion 100 may again eventually extend back to the pick-up / drop-off station 106 and the first portion 104 of the first path portion 100 to guide the ride vehicle 54 in that manner, thereby completing a ride cycle or circuit. When the ride vehicle 54 returns to the pick-up / drop-off station 106, the guest may exit the ride vehicle 54 onto the second path portion 102, etc.

[0030] The path system 52 may also include a third path portion 112 (e.g., a third path, a stationary path, a queue, a passageway of the guest area 58 of FIG. 1 ) that may extend at least partially into the boarding / dropping off station 106 adjacent to the second path portion 102. The third path portion 112 may enable the progression of guests from an entrance of the attraction system 50 to the boarding / dropping off station 106 and / or from the boarding / dropping off station 106 to an exit of the attraction system 50. For example, the third path portion 112 may enable the guest to enter the attraction system 50 and proceed toward the ride vehicle 54 and / or proceed from the ride vehicle 54 to exit the attraction system 50. Within the boarding / dropping off station 106, the ride vehicle 54 and / or the second path portion 102 may move relative to the third path portion 112. For example, the third path portion 112 may be stationary relative to the ride vehicle 54 and the second path portion 102 to help the guest navigate through the attraction system 50. The second path portion 102 may function as an intermediate passageway to help the guest easily transition between the third path portion 112 and the ride vehicle 54, and enter and / or exit the ride vehicle 54 via the third path portion 112.

[0031] While in the illustrated embodiment, the first path portion 100, the second path portion 102, and the third path portion 112 are separate path portions, the first path portion 100, the second path portion 102, and the third path portion 112 may be considered as part of a single overall path along which a guest may be guided and / or transported. For example, the path may extend from an entrance and / or exit of the attraction system 50 to a boarding / drop-off area of ​​the ride vehicle 54 and may include at least a portion of each of the first path portion 100, the second path portion 102, and the third path portion 112. A guest may navigate such a path through the attraction system 50 (as a passenger) via the ride vehicle 54 or by self-navigation (e.g., walking) to and / or away from the ride vehicle 54.

[0032] The images 62 may be output to provide visual procedural guidance to the guest for entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle 54. As one example, the ride vehicle 54 may have an irregularly shaped chassis 114 that the guest cannot easily traverse to enter and / or exit the seating area 116 within the ride vehicle 54. As another example, one of the seats 118 within the seating area 116 of the ride vehicle 54 may not be easily or quickly accessible from the second path portion 102. For example, a barrier 120 located within the ride vehicle 54 (e.g., within the seating area 116) may prevent the guest from moving across the seating area 116 to the seat 118. As a further example, another object or feature of the attraction system 50 may obstruct or block progress between the seating area 116 and the second path portion 102. Thus, the images 62 may provide guidance on how to transition between the seating area 116 and the second path portion 102. As an example, the image 62 may guide the guest to move from the second path portion 102 to the seating area 116 along an indirect route 122 , such as around the rear of the ride vehicle 54 .

[0033] Thus, the image 62 can be projected in a manner that is easily visible to guests. For example, the image 62 can be projected to follow the movement of the ride vehicle 54, the movement of the first path portion 100, and / or the movement of the second path portion 102 through the pick-up / drop-off stations 106. In this manner, guests entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle 54 can more easily view the image 62. That is, relative movement between the image 62 and the ride vehicle 54, between the image 62 and the first path portion 100, and / or between the image 62 and the second path portion 102 can be substantially avoided or prevented. Thus, guests on the second path portion 102 and / or within the ride vehicle 54 can view the image 62 without having to search for a moving image (e.g., relative to the first path portion 100, the second path portion 102, and / or the ride vehicle 54), for example, while transitioning between the ride vehicle 54 and the second path portion 102.

[0034] In one embodiment, the image 62 may be projected onto the second path portion 102. In further or alternative embodiments, the image 62 may be projected onto the ride vehicle 54 and / or onto the first path portion 100. Indeed, the image 62 may be projected at any suitable location visible to the guest that would be useful for providing instructions regarding entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the projector 60 is coupled to the chassis 114 or the like of the ride vehicle 54. Thus, as the ride vehicle 54 moves (e.g., due to movement of the first path portion 100), the projector 60 may move correspondingly. As the projector 60 moves, the image 62 output by the projector 60 may move as well. For example, in an embodiment in which relative movement between the first path portion 100 and the second path portion 102 is limited, as the first path portion 100 moves, the ride vehicle 54 moves, and as the ride vehicle 54 moves, the projector 60 moves, such that the image 62 moves with the second path portion 102. Thus, relative movement between the image 62 and the second path portion 102 may be limited. In such an embodiment, the orientation of the projector 60 may be maintained to maintain the position of the image 62 relative to the ride vehicle 54. That is, the projector 60 may move with the ride vehicle 54 to maintain the position of the image 62 output by the projector 60 relative to the position of the ride vehicle 54.

[0035] The control system 68 may be communicatively coupled to the projector 60 and configured to enable or pause the output of the image 62. For example, the control system 68 may receive sensor data from the sensor 74 and control the operation of the projector 60 based on the sensor data. In one embodiment, the control system 68 may be configured to instruct the projector 60 to output the image 62 based on the sensor data indicating that the ride vehicle 54 is located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106. The control system 68 may also be configured to instruct the projector 60 to pause the output of the image 62 based on the sensor data indicating that the ride vehicle 54 is not located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106. For example, the sensor 74 may be disposed within the pick-up / drop-off station 106 to capture optical data related to the pick-up / drop-off station 106. The optical data may indicate whether the ride vehicle 54 is located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106. As an example, the sensor 74 may be configured to output a number of signals, such as infrared light, within the pick-up / drop-off station 106. The ride vehicle 54 may be fitted with a retroreflective element 124 (e.g., a sticker, a panel) that may prompt the signal output by the sensor 74 to be deflected (e.g., reflected) onto the retroreflective element 124. Thus, while the ride vehicle 54 and retroreflective element 124 are located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106, the retroreflective element 124 may deflect the signal towards the sensor 74 to facilitate receipt of the signal via the sensor 74. Thus, in response to receiving the deflected signal, the sensor 74 may determine that the ride vehicle 54 is located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 74 may determine whether the ride vehicle 54 is located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106 using another technique, such as by capturing an image within the pick-up / drop-off station 106 and using a proximity measurement to determine whether the ride vehicle 54 has crossed a boundary into and / or out of the pick-up / drop-off station 106.

[0036] In some embodiments, the attraction system 50 may include multiple ride vehicles 54, with a separate projector 60 coupled to each of the ride vehicles 54. A control system 68 may be communicatively coupled to each of the projectors 60 and configured to operate each of the projectors 60 independently of one another to output a respective image 62. For example, the control system 68 may operate each projector 60 based on whether the corresponding ride vehicle 54 to which the projector 60 is coupled is located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106. Additionally or alternatively, the separate control systems 68 may be configured to control operation of the projectors 60 to output a respective image 62. For example, each projector 60 may include an internal control system 68 that controls the projector 60 in which the control system 68 is encapsulated to output the image 62. In either embodiment, the separate images 62 may be projected at respective locations adjacent the ride vehicles 54 to aid guests in entering and / or exiting the particular ride vehicle 54.

[0037] 3 is a side view of an embodiment such as a boarding / dropping off station 106 of the attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, a first ride vehicle 54A and a second ride vehicle 54B are disposed within the boarding / dropping off station 106. Thus, a first image 62A may be projected onto, adjacent to, or proximate to the first ride vehicle 54A (e.g., on the second path portion 102 of FIG. 2 ) to facilitate entry and / or exit from the first ride vehicle 54A, and a second image 62B may be projected onto, adjacent to, or proximate to the second ride vehicle 54B (e.g., on the second path portion 102 of FIG. 2 ) to facilitate entry and / or exit from the second ride vehicle 54B. Additionally, the projector 60 may not be coupled to either ride vehicle 54. Instead, the projector 60 may be mounted on a different support of the attraction system 50. For example, the projector 60 may be coupled to a wall 150 (e.g., a side wall), a ceiling 152, and / or another support within the pick-up / drop-off station 106, and the ride vehicle 54 may move relative to the projector 60 (e.g., via movement of the first path portion 100). Thus, the projector 60 may be controlled to adjust the image 62 output by the projector 60 so that the image 62 follows the movement of the corresponding ride vehicle 54 and maintains the position of the image 62 relative to the corresponding ride vehicle 54. The projector 60 may also be located on a separate moving feature, such as an overhead transport system, trolley, or drone, that may move the projector 60 (and thus the corresponding projected image 62) relative to other aspects of the system. For example, the projector 60 may be moved within a separate vehicle, but in conjunction with the ride vehicle 54.

[0038] The control system 68 can determine a position of the first ride vehicle 54A within the pick-up / drop-off station 106 (e.g., relative to the projector 60) via sensor data received from the sensor 74. The control system 68 can determine a target position (e.g., relative to the projector 60) at which the first image 62A should be projected based on this position. The control system 68 can then instruct the projector 60 to output the first image 62A at the target position. As the first ride vehicle 54A moves within the pick-up / drop-off station 106, such as through movement of the first path portion 100, the control system 68 can determine an updated position of the first ride vehicle 54A. The control system 68 can also determine an updated target position based on the updated position of the first ride vehicle 54A and instruct the projector 60 to output the first image 62A at the updated target position. Thus, the control system 68 can cause the projector 60 to move the position of the first image 62A based on the movement of the first ride vehicle 54A to maintain the position of the first image 62A relative to the position of the first ride vehicle 54A. In one embodiment, the control system 68 can instruct the projector 60 to pause the output of the first image 62A once it determines that the first ride vehicle 54A is no longer located within the pick-up / drop-off station 106.

[0039] Similarly, the control system 68 can determine the position of the second ride vehicle 54B, determine a target location to project the second image 62B, and command the projector 60 and / or another projector to output the second image 62B at the target location. The second image 62B can be projected independent of the projection of the first image 62A. That is, the control system 68 can cause the second image 62B to be projected based on the position of the second ride vehicle 54B regardless of the position of the first ride vehicle 54A. Thus, the control system 68 can cause the individual images 62 to be output at different locations adjacent or proximate to each ride vehicle 54 based on the received sensor data. For example, the control system 68 can determine the positioning of the ride vehicles 54 within the pick-up / drop-off station 106 and, based on this positioning, instruct the projector 60 to output the image 62 onto a suitable surface (e.g., of the second path portion of one of the ride vehicles 54), thereby causing the projector 60 to projection map the image 62 onto a surface within the pick-up / drop-off station 106.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method or process 170 for operating an attraction system (e.g., attraction system 50 of FIGS. 1-3). Method 170 may be performed by any suitable device or component (e.g., processing circuitry 72 of control system 68 of FIGS. 1-3). For example, each step of method 170 may be performed by the same device or different devices. In one embodiment, method 170 may be implemented by executing instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 70 of control system 68 of FIGS. 1-3). For example, method 170 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components, one or more software applications, and the like. Although method 170 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.

[0041] At block 172, a location of the ride vehicle relative to a projector or the like within the attraction system may be determined. For example, the location of the ride vehicle may be determined via sensor data received from a sensor. At block 174, a target image and / or a target location (e.g., relative to the projector) of the projected image may be determined based on the location of the ride vehicle. As an example, a particular target image may be determined in response to determining that the location of the ride vehicle is in a particular portion of the attraction system. For example, a first target image including guidance associated with entering the ride vehicle may be determined in response to determining that the ride vehicle is in a portion of the attraction system where a guest may enter the ride vehicle. A second target image including guidance associated with exiting the ride vehicle may be determined in response to determining that the ride vehicle is in a portion of the attraction system where a guest may exit the ride vehicle. Additionally, no target image may be determined in response to determining that the location of the ride vehicle is outside of the particular portion of the attraction system. Additionally, the target location may include a location on the ride vehicle and / or a location adjacent or proximate to the ride vehicle (e.g., on the second path portion 102 of FIG. 2). Such location may depend on the location of the ride vehicle within the attraction system.

[0042] At block 176, the projector may be instructed to output an image based on the target image and / or the target location of the projected image. For example, image data may be determined based on the target image and / or the target location of the projected image and sent to the projector. The projector may then output an image based on the image data. Additionally, the orientation and / or position of the projector may be adjusted to project an image at the target location. Guests entering and / or exiting the ride vehicle may quickly or easily view an image output by a projector (e.g., on or adjacent or proximate to the ride vehicle).

[0043] The steps of method 170 may be repeated iteratively during operation of the attraction system. For example, the position of the ride vehicle may constantly change during operation, and an updated target image and / or an updated target position of the projected image may be determined based on the changing position of the ride vehicle. Thus, the projector may be instructed to update the output image based on the position of the ride vehicle. For example, the projector may be instructed to counter relative motion between the image and the ride vehicle by adjusting the position of the image such that the image moves with the movement of the ride vehicle. Such positioning of the projected image relative to the ride vehicle may facilitate viewing by guests.

[0044] While only certain features of the disclosure 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 that fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0045] 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]

[0046] 50 Attraction System 52 Route System 54 Vehicles 60 Projector 62 images 68 Control Systems 70 Memory 72 Processing circuit 74 Sensors 100 First Route Part 102 Second Route Section 104 First part of the first path part 106 Pick-up / Drop-off Station 108 First Direction 110 Second part of the first path part 112 Third Route Section 114 Chassis 116 Seating Area 118 seats 120 Barrier 122 Indirect Route

Claims

1. An attraction system for an amusement park, comprising: a ride vehicle configured to move along a path of the attraction system; a walkway configured for travel alongside the ride vehicle; a projector configured to project an image that tracks the movement of the ride vehicle along the route and the passageway adjacent to the ride vehicle; An attraction system comprising:

2. the projector is configured to move with the ride vehicle to cause the image projected by the projector to follow the movement of the ride vehicle along the path and the passage alongside the ride vehicle. The attraction system according to claim 1 .

3. the projector is coupled to the ride vehicle, and movement of the ride vehicle along the path drives the projector to move with the ride vehicle. The attraction system according to claim 2 .

4. the ride vehicle and the pathway are configured to move relative to the projector, and the projector is configured to adjust the location at which the image is projected to follow movement of the ride vehicle along the pathway and movement of the pathway alongside the ride vehicle. The attraction system according to claim 1 .

5. a controller communicatively coupled to the projector, the controller comprising: determining a position of the ride vehicle in the attraction system; and determining a target location based on the position of the ride vehicle; and instructing the projector to project an image at the target location that tracks the movement of the ride vehicle along the route and the passageway alongside the ride vehicle; The attraction system of claim 4 configured to perform operations including:

6. the projector is coupled to a wall of the attraction system; The attraction system according to claim 4.

7. the projector is configured to project the image onto the walkway; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

8. An attraction system for an amusement park, comprising: a path system including a first path portion and a second path portion configured to move alongside one another; a ride vehicle coupled to the first path portion and driven to move by movement of the first path portion; a projector configured to project an image that tracks the movement of the ride vehicle and the movement of the second path portion; An attraction system comprising:

9. a boarding / dropping off station, the first path portion and the second path portion moving alongside each other at the boarding / dropping off station, and the first path portion extending outside the boarding / dropping off station away from the second path portion; The attraction system according to claim 8.

10. the projector is configured to project the image onto the ride vehicle. The attraction system according to claim 8.

11. a controller communicatively coupled to the projector, the controller comprising: determining a position of the ride vehicle within the attraction system; and instructing the projector to project an image that tracks movement of the ride vehicle and movement of the second path portion in response to determining that the position of the ride vehicle is within the determined portion of the attraction system; instructing the projector to pause projection of the image in response to determining that the ride vehicle's position is outside the determined portion of the attraction system; The attraction system of claim 8 configured to perform operations including:

12. a third path portion, the third path portion remaining stationary relative to the first path portion and the second path portion, the second path portion being disposed between the first path portion and the third path portion. The attraction system according to claim 8.

13. a further ride vehicle coupled to the first path portion, the projector configured to project a further image that follows movement of the further ride vehicle and movement of the second path portion. The attraction system according to claim 8.

14. An attraction system for an amusement park, comprising: a ride vehicle configured to move along a path of the attraction system; and a projector configured to project an image; a controller communicatively coupled to the projector; The controller comprises: determining a position of the ride vehicle; and determining a target location based on a position of the ride vehicle; instructing the projector to project the image at the target location and to maintain a position of the image relative to the ride vehicle during movement of the ride vehicle along the path; configured to perform operations including: An attraction system characterized by:

15. a walkway configured to move alongside the ride vehicle, and the controller configured to instruct the projector to project the image at the target location and to maintain a position of the image relative to the walkway and the ride vehicle during movement of the walkway alongside the ride vehicle. The attraction system according to claim 14.

16. The controller: determining a first position of the ride vehicle; determining a first image based on the first position of the ride vehicle; in response to determining the first image, commanding the projector to project the first image; determining a second position of the ride vehicle; and determining a second image based on the second position of the ride vehicle; and in response to determining the second image, commanding the projector to project the second image; The attraction system of claim 14 configured to perform operations including:

17. a sensor configured to determine a position of the ride vehicle, the sensor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to output sensor data to the controller, the controller configured to determine a position of the ride vehicle based on the sensor data received from the sensor. The attraction system according to claim 14.

18. the sensor is configured to emit a signal and receive a reflection of the signal, and the controller is configured to determine a position of the ride vehicle based on the reflection of the signal.

18. The attraction system of claim 17.

19. a retroreflective element mounted on the vehicle, the retroreflective element configured to reflect the signal emitted by the sensor toward the sensor to enable the sensor to receive a reflection of the signal; 20. The attraction system of claim 18.

20. the projector is not coupled to the ride vehicle; The attraction system according to claim 14.

Images