SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A RIDE VEHICLE OF AN ATTRACTION SYSTEM - Patent application

Abstract

and an amusement park attraction system including a ride vehicle having an input device and a control system configured to determine a parameter value associated with a force applied to the input device, the parameter value including a value of the force applied to the input device, a value of a deformation caused by the force applied to the input device, or both. The control system is also configured to control movement of the ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction system based on the parameter value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 300,209, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A RIDE VEHICLE OF AN ATTRACTION SYSTEM," filed on January 17, 2022, which is incorporated 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 information to better understand 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 or theme parks include various features for providing entertainment to guests. For example, an amusement park may include various attraction systems, such as roller coasters, motion simulators, drop towers, performance shows, log flumes, and the like. In certain embodiments, the attraction systems may include vehicles in which guests may be placed in the attraction systems. The vehicles may move to provide a sense of movement to guests to provide a desired experience to the guests. It is currently recognized that there is a desire to make the movement of the vehicles user-controllable. For example, it may be desirable to allow guests to control the movement of the vehicles to provide a more customizable or interactive experience via the attraction systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments falling within the scope of the initially claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an amusement park attraction system includes a ride vehicle having an input device and a control system configured to determine a parameter value associated with a force applied to the input device. The parameter value includes a value of the force applied to the input device, a value of a deformation caused by the force applied to the input device, or both. The control system is also configured to control movement of the ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction system based on the parameter value.

[0006] In one embodiment, the non-transitory computer readable medium has instructions configured, when executed by a processing circuit, to cause the processing circuit to determine a force applied to an input device of a ride vehicle of an attraction system, determine an orientation of a guest within the ride vehicle, and cause movement of the ride vehicle based on the force applied to the input device and the orientation of the guest.

[0007] In one embodiment, an attraction system for an amusement park includes a ride vehicle having a chassis, a motion base coupled to the chassis, and an input device. The attraction system also includes a control system configured to determine a parameter value including a force applied to the input device, a deformation of the input device, or both, and to command the motion base to cause movement of a chassis of the ride vehicle of the attraction system based on the parameter value.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system including a user-controllable ride vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method or process for operating an attraction system according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method or process for calibrating an input device for operating a ride vehicle of an attraction system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0014] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation will be described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system and business related constraints. It will be further appreciated that such a development effort may be complex and time consuming, but will be a routine exercise in design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0015] The present disclosure is directed to attraction systems, such as roller coasters, dark rides, and / or augmented reality rides or experiences, for amusement or theme parks. The attraction systems can accommodate guests and can include various features for entertaining guests. For example, the attraction systems can include ride vehicles in which guests can position (e.g., seat, fasten). The ride vehicles can move during operation of the attraction system, thereby providing the guest with a sense of movement for the guest's enjoyment.

[0016] To improve the experience provided to different guests, the ride vehicles may be user-controllable. For example, guests may control rotational and / or translational movements associated with the ride vehicles to adjust the position and / or orientation of the ride vehicles. That is, rather than moving in a common or the same (e.g., pre-programmed, preset) pattern, route, or direction for each ride cycle, the ride vehicles may move in a particular manner based on the control provided by the guest within the ride vehicle for a particular ride cycle. Such control allows guests to impart a particular kinesthetic sensation to the ride vehicles that may be more desirable to the guest. Thus, the attraction system may provide a unique, interactive experience tailored to the guest.

[0017] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an input device with which guests can interact to control movement of a ride vehicle of an attraction system. The input device can include a component to which a guest can apply a force, and a control system can determine the applied force and control the movement of the ride vehicle based on the applied force. For example, the control system can translate, roll, and / or pitch the ride vehicle based on the level or amount of force applied and / or based on the direction in which the force is applied. In one embodiment, the component can be fixed or rigidly fixed relative to the ride vehicle to provide certain advantages associated with the implementation of the input device. As an example, the structural rigidity of the component may allow the user to have greater control over the applied force. For example, limiting the movement of the component can enable the user to apply and adjust fine-tuned amounts of force, facilitating more desirable movement of the ride vehicle (e.g., fine-tuning the applied force) based on such force. In effect, the fine-tuned force applied by the user can represent the user's intent to move the ride vehicle, for example, the movement or motion of a target and / or the position or orientation of a target of the ride vehicle. As another example, limited movement of components may limit the physical footprint or space occupied by the input device, such as during actuation by a user. Thus, the area surrounding the input device (e.g., the interior volume of a ride vehicle) may be more efficiently utilized. As a further example, reduced relative movement between a part and the rest of the input device may reduce wear on the input device, such as caused by friction or collision between different parts of the input device. As such, the lifespan of the input device may be increased to improve the overall lifespan of the associated equipment (e.g., the ride vehicle).

[0018] In one embodiment, the movement of the ride vehicle may also be controlled based on the guest's position or attitude within the ride vehicle. For example, the guest may be equipped with a device, such as a headset, that may include sensors. The guest's movement may cause a corresponding movement of the device and the sensor. In another embodiment, a camera system may detect a guest's feature and identify a relative movement based on a change in position of the detected feature. Thus, the control system may determine the position and / or movement of the sensor or guest's feature and cause the ride vehicle to move. In this manner, the control system may enhance control of the ride vehicle based on the guest's position in addition to the forces applied to the input device. As an example, the guest's position (e.g., leaning in anticipation of forces applied by the intended movement of the ride vehicle) may further indicate the guest's intent to move the ride vehicle, and thus the control system may provide an experience that may more closely match the desired movement of the ride vehicle and / or the desired experience provided by the attraction system.

[0019] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an amusement park attraction system 50. The attraction system 50 can include a ride vehicle 52 that can receive one or more guests 54 of the attraction system 50. For example, the guests 54 can be secured within a seat in the ride vehicle 52. The ride vehicle 52 can move during operation of the attraction system 50. In an embodiment, the ride vehicle 52 can be mounted to a base (e.g., a motion base) that can be secured to a portion of the attraction system 50 (e.g., a floor, ceiling, wall). The ride vehicle 52 can move relative to the base such that it rotates and / or pivots relative to the base. In additional or alternative embodiments, the attraction system 50 can include a track, and the ride vehicle 52 can move relative to the track such that it can translate along the track and / or rotate relative to the track. The movement of the ride vehicle 52 may provide guests 54 with a kinesthetic sensation such as inertial forces, gravitational force (g-force), attitude adjustments, etc. to entertain guests 54.

[0020] The attraction system 50 may include or be communicatively coupled to a control system 56 (e.g., automation controller, electronic controller) configured to control the movement of the ride vehicles 52. The control system 56 may include a memory 58 and a processing circuit 60. The memory 58 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as 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 to operate the attraction system 50, such as controlling the movement of the ride vehicles 52. The processing circuit 60 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processing circuit 60 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.

[0021] The ride vehicle 52 may include or be coupled to an actuator 62 (e.g., a hydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, a pneumatic actuator) configured to cause movement of the ride vehicle 52. By way of example, the actuator 62 (e.g., a motor, a linear actuator) may be configured to rotate, swing, and / or translate the ride vehicle 52. The control system 56 may be communicatively coupled to the actuator 62 and cause the actuator 62 to cause movement of the ride vehicle 52. Thus, the control system 56 may control the movement of the ride vehicle 52 via the actuator 62 for the entertainment of the guests 54. The actuator 62 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be representative of one or more actuators configured to manipulate one or more aspects of the ride vehicle 52.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ride vehicle 52 may be user-controllable. That is, for example, a guest 54 disposed within the ride vehicle 52 may control the movement of the ride vehicle 52. To this end, the ride vehicle 52 may include an input device 64 accessible to the guest 54. The guest 54 may use the input device 64 to transmit a user input that causes the movement of the ride vehicle 52. For example, the control system 56 may be communicatively coupled to the input device 64. The guest 54 may interact with the input device 64, the control system 56 may determine an interaction between the guest 54 and the input device 64, and the control system 56 may cause the movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the interaction. In one embodiment, the control system 56 may determine a parameter indicative of a force, rather than a movement or displacement, applied to the input device 64 by the guest 54. To this end, the input device 64 may include a sensor 66 configured to monitor the parameter. As an example, the sensor 66 may include a force transducer (e.g., a load cell) configured to detect a physical force, such as pressure, compression, torque, tension, etc., applied to the input device 64, a strain gauge configured to detect a strain or deformation of the input device 64 (e.g., caused by a physical force applied to the input device 64), or any other suitable sensor 66 configured to monitor a parameter. The control system 56 may be communicatively coupled to the sensor 66, and the sensor 66 may be configured to transmit sensor data indicative of the monitored parameter to the control system 56. The control system 56 may receive the sensor data including the parameter and cause movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the parameter. As an example, the guest 54 may apply a force to the input device 64, the sensor 66 may transmit sensor data indicative of the force to the control system 56, and the control system 56 may cause movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the force, thereby causing movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the interaction between the guest 54 and the input device 64.

[0023] The control system 56 can be configured to cause movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the amount, level, or strength of force being applied by the guest 54 and / or based on the direction of the force being applied by the guest 54. As an example, the control system 56 can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move more slowly in response to a smaller amount of force being applied, and the control system 56 can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move more quickly in response to a larger amount of force being applied. As another example, the control system 56 can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move in a first manner (e.g., a first rotational direction, a first translational direction) in response to a force being applied in a first direction on the input device 64, and the control system 56 can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move in a second direction (e.g., a second rotational direction, a second translational direction) in response to a force being applied in a second direction on the input device 64. In this manner, the input device 64 may enable increased granularity as to how to move the ride vehicle 52 based on user interaction with the input device 64, where the user interaction does not involve substantial displacement of the input device 64.

[0024] In one embodiment, the input device 64 may include a physical component, feature, or part 68 with which the guest 54 may physically interact to apply a force to the input device 64. The physical component 68 may include, for example, a grip, handle, or rod that the guest 54 may grasp to apply a force to the input device 64. Indeed, the physical component 68 may have a size, profile, shape, and / or geometry that may help the guest 54 grasp and more easily or readily apply a desired force to cause movement of the ride vehicle 52. In an embodiment, the physical component 68 may be generally rigid, and movement between the physical component 68 and the ride vehicle 52 may be limited. That is, the physical component 68 may be resilient or resistant to movement, etc., relative to the input device 64 and / or the remainder of the ride vehicle 52 upon application of a force to the physical component 68. In other words, the physical component 68 may not move substantially (e.g., rotate, pivot, twist) from a force applied by the guest 54. As such, the movement (e.g., rotation, rocking, twisting) and / or positioning of the physical component 68 may not be indicative of an interaction between the guest 54 and the input device 64, and the control system 56 may therefore not determine the movement and / or positioning of the physical component 68 to cause movement of the ride vehicle 52. However, the physical component 68 may deform in response to a force applied to the input device 64. For example, the force may change the shape, form, volume, and / or surface area of ​​the physical component 68. In this manner, the physical component 68 may be rigid, but a force may cause a portion of the physical component 68 to distort or flex. Commanding the actuator 62 to drive movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on a physical force applied to the input device 64 may provide certain advantages that may not be easily achieved via causing movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on movement of the input device 64 (e.g., the physical component 68).

[0025] As an example, the force applied by guest 54 to input device 64 may be more indicative of guest 54's intent to move ride vehicle 52. Indeed, a rigid physical component 68 may enable guest 54 to provide greater control to cause movement of ride vehicle 52. For example, with respect to an input device having a physical component that is movable by guest 54, a change in the orientation and / or position of the physical component (e.g., caused by a force applied to the physical component) may correspondingly cause a change in the force applied by guest 54, thereby further changing (e.g., inadvertently changing) the orientation and / or position of the physical component. In other words, it may be difficult for guest(s) 54 to apply a desired amount of force to the physical component while the physical component is moving, such as maintaining the orientation and / or position of the physical component constant while the ride vehicle is moving. However, rigidity of physical component 68 may allow guest 54 to more easily control the amount of force applied, such as to maintain a target amount of force applied to physical component 68. Thus, a rigid physical component 68 may allow guest 54 to more sensitively (e.g., based on finer amounts of force applied) and / or more precisely (e.g., along an intended or targeted movement of ride vehicle 52) and to prevent unintended movement of ride vehicle 52.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, by causing the movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on a force applied to the physical component 68 instead of the position of the physical component 68, the wait time associated with moving the ride vehicle 52 can be reduced. In other words, the ride vehicle 52 can be more easily moved based on the force applied. As an example, a guest 54 may desire to adjust the ride vehicle 52 from a first orientation to a second orientation. In the case of a movable physical component, the guest 54 can adjust the movable physical component from a first position to a second position to cause the ride vehicle 52 to move from the first orientation to the second orientation. However, there can be a substantial distance (e.g., rotational angle, linear distance) between the first position and the second position of the movable physical component. In this manner, the ride vehicle 52 may not be adjusted from the first orientation to the second orientation during the block of time that the movable physical component is adjusted from the first position to the second position. Thus, achievement of the second orientation of the ride vehicle 52 can be delayed using the movable physical component. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, a guest 54 may more easily and / or readily modify the force applied to the rigid physical components 68. As an example, a guest 54 may adjust the amount, level, or intensity of the force applied to the physical components 68 from a first amount to a second amount, and / or adjust the application of the force from a first direction to a second direction to cause movement of the ride vehicles 52 from a first direction to a second direction. Adjustments to the force applied to the rigid physical components 68 (e.g., adjustments to the amount and / or directionality of the force) may be accomplished more quickly than adjustments to the position of a movable physical component. Thus, the ride vehicles 52 may more easily adjust (e.g., with less delay and / or latency) from a first orientation toward a second orientation via the rigid physical components 68.

[0027] Additionally, the fixed physical components 68 may have a longer life span as compared to the life span of the movable physical components. As an example, the movable physical components may include parts that collide, impact, and / or move with one another during use, causing wear. As a result, maintenance may be performed to inspect, repair, and / or replace the movable physical components. For example, operation of the attraction system 50 may be suspended to allow maintenance to be performed on the movable physical components, and the attraction system 50 may not entertain guests 54 while operation is suspended. The fixed physical components 68 may include fewer parts that collide, impact, and / or move with one another. Accordingly, rigid physical components 68 may be associated with less wear and may have a longer life span, resulting in fewer maintenance operations being performed on physical components 68 and fewer outages in operation of attraction system 50. In this manner, rigid physical components 68 may enable more efficient operation of attraction system 50 to entertain guests 54.

[0028] Further still, there may be a limited amount of physical space (e.g., interior volume) associated with the ride vehicle 52. An input device 64 having a substantially non-moving physical component 68 may occupy a smaller physical footprint within the ride vehicle 52 as compared to another input device that may have moving parts or components. For example, a movable physical component may have an expected or possible range of motion within which other components (e.g., props) may not be positioned so as to limit the movement of the movable physical component. However, the physical component 68 may have a limited range of motion, and thus the other components may be positioned closer to the input device 64 (e.g., within a distance of the physical component 68 that would otherwise limit the movement of the movable physical component). In this manner, the input device 64 may enable a more efficient use of the physical space associated with the ride vehicle 52, such as to accommodate the mounting of other components.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 including a ride vehicle 52. A guest 54 is disposed within the illustrated ride vehicle 52, such as within a chassis 100 of the ride vehicle 52. Additionally, an input device 64 may be disposed within the chassis 100 and accessible to the guest 54. For example, the input device 64 may include a support 102 that may be fixed, attached, coupled, or otherwise fixedly coupled to the ride vehicle 52 (e.g., to a cradle or wall of the ride vehicle 52), and a physical component 68 (e.g., an extension, protrusion, pad) may be fixedly coupled to the support 102 (e.g., welded to, secured to, integral with the support 102). For example, an interface between the physical component 68 and the support 102 may limit relative movement between the physical component 68 and the support 102. Thus, relative movement between the physical component 68, the support 102, and the ride vehicle 52 may be limited. The limited movement between the physical component 68, the support 102, and the ride vehicle 52 can enable the guest 54 to apply a desired force to the input device 64 (e.g., to keep the amount of applied force relatively constant). The physical component 68 can be shaped to facilitate allowing the guest 54 to grasp or depress the physical component 68 while positioned on the chassis 100, such as during operation of the attraction system 50, to apply a force to the input device 64. For example, the guest 54 can apply a force to the physical component 68 in a first direction 104 (e.g., lateral), a second direction 106 (e.g., longitudinal, perpendicular to the first direction 104), a third direction 108 opposite the first direction 104, a fourth direction 110 opposite the second direction 106, intermediate directions between any of the directions 104, 106, 110, 108, and / or any other suitable direction. A fixed connection between the physical component 68 and the support 102 may limit relative movement between the physical component 68 and the support 102, but a force applied to the input device 64 may cause a change in shape of the physical component 68, the support 102, and / or another portion of the input device 64.The control system 56 may determine the force to be applied and / or the change in shape (but not actual movement) to cause movement of the ride vehicle 52 .

[0030] As an example, input device 64 may include sensors 66 that may be positioned on various portions or locations of support 102 and / or physical component 68. Sensors 66 may determine an amount and / or directionality of force applied by guest 54 and transmit sensor data indicative of the amount and / or directionality of force to control system 56, which may cause movement of ride vehicle 52 based on the sensor data. For example, sensor(s) 66 may transmit sensor data indicative of a force applied to physical component 68 and / or support 102 (e.g., via physical component 68), a deformation of physical component 68 and / or support 102 (e.g., a deflection of physical component 68, a deformation of an interface or engagement between physical component 68 and support 102), or any other suitable parameter indicative of a force applied to input device 64. In practice, relative movement between the physical components 68 and the supports 102 may be limited and insubstantial, but a force applied to the input device 64 may cause the physical components 68 and / or supports 102 to deform or change shape, such as lengthening and / or shortening, within 100 micrometers per meter. For example, the force may change the shape of the physical components 68 and / or supports 102 (e.g., relative to a default, baseline, or reference shape of the components 68 and / or supports 102), and the sensor data may indicate a change in the shape of the physical components 68 and / or supports 102. The control system 56 may cause movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the sensor data.

[0031] In one embodiment, the ride vehicle 52 can include a motion base 112 that can include a base 114 fixed to a track, path, or floor 116, as well as an actuator 62 that can couple a chassis 100 of the ride vehicle 52 to the base 114. For example, the motion base 112 can include a parallel manipulator (e.g., a Stewart platform) where the base 114 includes a plate and the actuator 62 can include a number of linear actuators coupled to the base 114 and the chassis 100 and configured to move various portions of the chassis 100 relative to the base 114. The control system 56 can utilize the motion base 112 to pivot the chassis 100 relative to the fixed base 114. For example, in response to receiving sensor data indicating that the guest 54 has applied a force to the physical component 68 in the first direction 104, the control system 56 can command the actuator 62 to rotate (e.g., roll) the chassis 100 in a first rotational direction 118 relative to the base 114. In response to receiving sensor data indicating the guest 54 exerts a force on the physical component 68 in the second direction 106, the control system 56 can command the actuator 62 to rotate (e.g., pitch) the chassis 100 in a second rotational direction 120 about the base 114. In response to receiving sensor data indicating the guest 54 exerts a force on the physical component 68 in a third direction 108, the control system 56 can command the actuator 62 to rotate (e.g., roll) the chassis 100 in a third rotational direction 122 opposite the first rotational direction 118 about the base 114. In response to receiving sensor data indicating the guest 54 exerts a force on the physical component 68 in a fourth direction 110, the control system 56 can command the actuator 62 to rotate (e.g., pitch) the chassis 100 in a fourth rotational direction 124 opposite the second rotational direction 128 about the base 114.

[0032] In additional or alternative embodiments, the ride vehicle 52 may include one or more wheels, tracks, and / or rollers 126 configured to rotate to drive translatable or linear movement of the ride vehicle 52 (e.g., chassis 100) along the track 116. As an example, each wheel 126 may be drivable via an actuator 62 (e.g., a respective actuator 62), and the control system 56 may cause the actuator 62 to rotationally drive the wheel 126 to move the ride vehicle 52. For example, in response to receiving sensor data indicating that the guest 54 has applied a force to the physical component 68 in the second direction 106, the control system 56 may command the actuator 62 to rotate the wheel 126 to move the ride vehicle 52 in the second direction 106. In response to receiving sensor data indicating that a guest 54 has applied a force to the physical component 68 in the fourth direction 110, the control system 56 can command the actuators 62 to rotate the wheels 126 to move the ride vehicle 52 in the fourth direction 110. Additionally or alternatively, the wheel(s) 126 can be configured to rotate in a manner to drive the ride vehicle 52 to move in the first direction 104 and / or the third direction 108. In such an embodiment, in response to receiving sensor data indicating that a guest 54 has applied a force to the physical component 68 in the first direction 104, the control system 56 can command the actuators 62 to rotate the wheels 126 to move the ride vehicle 52 in the first direction 104. Further, in response to receiving sensor data indicating that guest 54 exerts a force on physical component 68 in third direction 108, control system 56 can instruct actuator 62 to rotate wheels 126 to move ride vehicle 52 in third direction 108.

[0033] As discussed herein, the speed, acceleration, and / or velocity at which the ride vehicle 52 moves may be based on a force (e.g., an amount, level, or intensity of force) applied to the input device 64. In one embodiment, the control system 56 may cause the ride vehicle 52 to move more slowly in response to receiving sensor data indicating a lesser force is being applied to the physical component 68, and the control system 56 may cause the ride vehicle 52 to move more quickly in response to receiving sensor data indicating a greater force is being applied to the physical component 68. As an example, in response to receiving sensor data indicating a lesser force is being applied to the physical component 68 in the second direction 106, the control system 56 may command the actuator 62 to rotate the ride vehicle 52 more slowly relative to the base 114 to move the ride vehicle 52 more slowly in the second rotational direction 120. In response to receiving sensor data indicating a greater force being exerted on the physical component 68 in the second direction 106, the control system 56 can command the actuator 62 to rotate the ride vehicle 52 faster relative to the base 114 to cause the ride vehicle 52 to move faster in the second rotational direction. As another example, in response to receiving sensor data indicating a lesser force being exerted on the physical component 68 in the second direction 106, the control system 56 can command the actuator 62 to rotate the wheels 126 slower to cause the ride vehicle 52 to move slower along the second direction 106. In response to receiving sensor data indicating a greater force being exerted on the physical component 68 in the second direction 106, the control system 56 can command the actuator 62 to rotate the wheels 126 faster to cause the ride vehicle 52 to move faster along the second direction 106. In this manner, the guest 54 can have greater control over the manner in which the ride vehicle 52 moves via force input.

[0034] To this end, the control system 56 can map or associate certain force parameters (e.g., amount of force, direction of force) with movement parameters (e.g., direction, speed, acceleration) of the ride vehicle 52 to cause corresponding movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the applied force. That is, in response to receiving a force parameter, the control system 56 can cause movement of the ride vehicle 52 according to the movement parameter associated with the force parameter. In one embodiment, the control system 56 can have different associations between the force parameters and the corresponding movement parameters. As an example, different guests 54 can apply or prefer to apply different amounts of force to move the ride vehicle 52 in a particular manner. For example, a first guest 54 can output a relatively large amount of force to the physical component 68 to control the movement of the ride vehicle 52, and a second guest 54 can output a relatively small amount of force to the physical component 68 to control the movement of the ride vehicle 52. Thus, the control system 56 may adjust the association between the force parameters and the corresponding movement parameters to better control the movement of the ride vehicle 52 by a particular guest 54. In other words, for different guests 54, the same movement parameter (e.g., movement of the ride vehicle 52 in a particular direction and / or at a particular speed) may be associated with different force parameters to correspond to different levels of force that each guest 54 may exert. For example, in the above example, a first guest 54 may output a greater force than a force output by a second guest 54 to cause the same type and / or degree of movement of the ride vehicle 52.

[0035] In one embodiment, before operating the attraction system 50 (e.g., in an entertainment mode) that enables control of the movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the force applied by the guest 54, the control system 56 may operate the attraction system 50 in a calibration mode to determine an appropriate association between the force parameters and each corresponding movement parameter. For example, during the calibration mode, the control system 56 may determine an upper threshold (e.g., maximum level, upper amount) of force applied in a particular direction by the guest 54, and the control system 56 may associate the upper force threshold with a corresponding upper threshold (e.g., maximum level, upper amount) of the movement (e.g., speed, acceleration) of the ride vehicle 52. The control system 56 may then associate various force values ​​below the upper threshold with respective corresponding values ​​of movement of the ride vehicle 52. As an example, the control system 56 may associate a force value that is a particular percentage (e.g., 50 percent) of the upper force threshold with a movement value that is a corresponding percentage (e.g., 50 percent) of the upper threshold of movement of the ride vehicle 52. In this manner, the control system 56 may associate a plurality of different force values ​​with respective corresponding values ​​of movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on an upper force threshold corresponding to an upper threshold of movement of the ride vehicle 52. For example, the upper threshold of movement of the ride vehicle 52 may be the same for each guest 54, but each guest 54 may apply a different upper force threshold. Thus, different upper force thresholds may correspond to the same upper threshold of movement of the ride vehicle 52 for different guests 54. As a result, the control system 56 may associate different force values ​​with the same value of movement of the ride vehicle 52 for different guests 54. Thus, different guests 54 may apply different forces to cause the same movement of the ride vehicle 52 and / or the same force applied by different guests 54 may cause different movements of the ride vehicle 52.

[0036] In one embodiment, the association between the force parameters and the respective corresponding movement parameters may be stored (e.g., on memory 58) and associated with a particular guest 54, such as via a guest profile. Thus, the association may be retrieved at any time after execution of the calibration mode (e.g., for a different operation in an entertainment mode), for example, based on the identity of the guest 54 and the corresponding guest profile. For example, a particular association may be retrieved each time a determination is made that a corresponding guest 54 is in the ride vehicle 52 (e.g., based on facial recognition, based on user input). Thus, instead of executing the calibration mode multiple times for the same guest 54, the association may be performed automatically (e.g., the attraction system 50 may operate in an entertainment mode without first operating in the calibration mode), thereby improving efficient operation of the attraction system 50 for the guest 54.

[0037] Although the input device 64 can be used primarily to control certain movements of the ride vehicle 52 via forces applied to the physical components 68, in additional or alternative embodiments, the input device 64 can include other features for causing movement of the ride vehicle 52 and / or can be used to control other aspects of the attraction system 50. In one example, the control system 56 can utilize forces applied to the input device 64 to cause additional movements of the ride vehicle 52, such as yawing the chassis 100 relative to the base 114, moving the ride vehicle 52 along a vertical axis, etc. In another example, the input device 64 can further include movable parts, such as buttons, switches, and dials, with which the guest 54 can interact to cause certain movements of the ride vehicle 52. In further examples, the input device 64 can be used to control other movable components in which the guest 54 is not located and / or other components of the attraction system 50, such as components configured to provide show effects, such as visual outputs (e.g., lighting, video), audio outputs (e.g., sound), etc. For example, control system 56 may be configured to control other components based on a determined force applied to physical component 68 and / or based on actuation of a movable component of input device 64 via guest 54.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control system 56 may also determine an orientation, position, and / or attitude of the guest 54 and control the movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the orientation of the guest 54. As an example, the control system 56 may be communicatively coupled to another sensor 128 that may transmit sensor data indicative of the orientation of the guest 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 128 is attached to a device 130, such as a headset, that the guest 54 may wear. Thus, movement of the guest 54 (e.g., the guest's 54 head) may cause a corresponding movement of the sensor 128, and the control system 56 may determine the movement and / or position of the sensor 128 to determine the orientation of the guest 54. For example, the sensor 128 may include a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer, and the sensor 128 may transmit sensor data indicative of the movement of the sensor 128 to the control system 56. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 128 may include another component, such as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor and / or a proximity sensor, which may transmit sensor data indicative of the orientation of the guest 54 without being physically moved, such as by performing a visual scan or capture of the ride vehicle 52 in which the guest 54 is located.

[0039] The control system 56 may control a direction associated with the movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on an orientation of the guest 54. As an example, the control system 56 may determine that the guest 54 is leaning or may be leaning in a particular direction and cause a corresponding movement, such as a rotation (e.g., roll) and / or a translatable movement of the ride vehicle 52. The control system 56 may additionally or alternatively control a speed, acceleration, and / or velocity associated with the movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on a particular orientation of the guest 54. For example, in response to determining a first orientation and / or a first change in orientation (e.g., a smaller degree of lean) of the guest 54, the control system 56 may cause a first movement (e.g., a slower movement) of the ride vehicle 52. In response to determining a second orientation and / or a second change in orientation (e.g., a larger degree of lean) of the guest 54, the control system 56 may cause a second movement (e.g., a faster movement) of the ride vehicle 52. In this manner, the control system 56 can also control the granularity of how the ride vehicles 52 move based on the orientation of the guest 54 .

[0040] The control system 56 may also utilize the orientation of the guest 54 to verify and / or supplement movement control of the ride vehicle 52 based on the applied force. In one example, the control system 56 may determine a force applied to the input device 64 by the guest 54 (e.g., a force applied in the first direction 104), but the control system 56 may not cause the ride vehicle 52 to move until an appropriate orientation of the guest 54 corresponding to the applied force (e.g., a lean or tilt of the guest 54 relative to the first direction 104 is equal to or greater than a threshold number) is identified. Thus, the control system 56 may prevent unintended movement of the ride vehicle 52 caused by inadvertent application of force to the input device 64 (e.g., gravity, accidental contact of the input device 64). In another example, the control system 56 may cause additional movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on both the force applied to the input device 64 by the guest 54 and the orientation of the guest 54. For example, the control system 56 can determine a change in orientation of the guest 54 (e.g., leaning or tilting towards the first direction 104) and cause a movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the determined change in orientation of the guest 54 prior to determining the force applied to the input device 64. The control system 56 can then determine the force being applied to the input device 64 and cause additional movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the applied force. As an example, the guest 54 may begin to move and change orientation prior to applying a force to the input device 64 in anticipation of the movement of the ride vehicle 52. Thus, the change in orientation and / or direction of the guest 54 can further indicate the guest's 54 intent to move the ride vehicle 52 in a particular manner, and the control system 56 can more easily cause the intended movement of the ride vehicle 52.

[0041] The control system 56 may further utilize the force applied to the input device 64 and the orientation of the guest 54 to control various aspects of the movement of the ride vehicle 52. As an example, the control system 56 may move the ride vehicle 52 in a direction that is based on the orientation of the guest 54 and not based on the force applied to the input device 64. That is, the control system 56 may move the ride vehicle 52 in a direction that is based on the orientation of the guest 54 regardless of the force applied to the input device 64. As another example, the control system 56 may move the ride vehicle 52 at a velocity and / or acceleration that is based on the force applied to the input device and not based on the orientation of the guest 54. Thus, the control system 56 may move the ride vehicle 52 at a velocity and / or acceleration that is based on the force applied to the input device 64 regardless of the orientation of the guest 54. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 56 may move the ride vehicle 52 in a direction that is based on the force applied to the input device 64 and at a velocity and / or acceleration that is based on the orientation of the guest 54. Indeed, control system 56 may utilize forces applied to input devices 64 and the orientation of guest 54 to cause any suitable movement of ride vehicle 52 .

[0042] In one embodiment, the control system 56 may also utilize the orientation of the guest 54 to determine an association between the force parameters and each corresponding movement parameter, in addition to or as an alternative to the upper threshold of the force applied during the calibration mode. As one example, the orientation of the guest 54 may be indicative of a physical parameter, such as a profile, size, and / or dimensions, associated with the guest 54. For example, the location of the sensor 128 may be indicative of a location where the device 130 is mounted by the guest 54, and the location where the device 130 is mounted by the guest 54 may be indicative of a physical parameter associated with the guest 54. As another example, a change in the orientation of the guest 54 caused by the movement (e.g., inertia) of the ride vehicle 52 may be indicative of a strength or force output capability associated with the guest 54. The control system 56 can predict an upper threshold of force output by the guest 54 based on the orientation of the guest 54, and the control system 56 can then associate various force values ​​with respective corresponding values ​​of movement of the ride vehicle 52 based on the predicted upper threshold of force output by the guest 54. Indeed, the control system 56 can generate, adjust, or otherwise update the associations between the force parameters and respective corresponding movement parameters based on the determined orientation of the guest 54.

[0043] Each of FIGS. 3 and 4 described below illustrates one embodiment of a method or process for operating an attraction system (e.g., attraction system 50). Any suitable device or component (e.g., processing circuitry 60 of control system 56) may perform the methods. For example, the same device or different devices may perform each method. In one embodiment, each method may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 58 of control system 56). For example, each method may be performed at least in part by one or more software components, one or more software applications, etc. Although each method is described with a particular order of steps, additional steps may be performed, the described steps may be performed in a different order than illustrated, and / or certain described steps may be skipped or not performed entirely.

[0044] 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method or process 150 for operating an attraction system in an entertainment mode to entertain one or more guests located within a ride vehicle. At block 152, first data indicative of a force applied to an input device (e.g., a support, extension, protrusion, or projection of the input device) may be received. For example, the first data may include a value of the force applied to the input device (e.g., an amount of force, a directionality of the force) and / or a value of a deformation caused by the force applied to the input device. The first data may be received via sensor data transmitted by a sensor such as a force transducer and / or a strain gauge.

[0045] At block 154, second data indicative of the guest's orientation, position, and / or posture is received. As an example, the second data may include a parameter value indicative of the guest's orientation. For example, the parameter value may include a position of a part of the guest (e.g., the guest's head). In an embodiment, the second data may include a position of a sensor attached to a device configured to be worn by the guest. Thus, movement of the guest may cause movement of the device and corresponding movement of the sensor to adjust the position of the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the second data may include an image or visualization of the guest, such as with respect to a ride vehicle and / or within the attraction system.

[0046] In block 156, the ride vehicle may move based on the first data and / or the second data. As an example, an actuator may be commanded to drive the movement of the ride vehicle based on the first data (e.g., force applied to a joystick) and / or the second data (e.g., the position of a portion of the guest detected by a sensor). A particular weighting criterion may be applied to each type of data and combined to provide a single output. For example, the force applied to the joystick may be the primary (more heavily weighted) input, but the force input may be modified by data related to the body position of the guest controlling the input device. Thus, these two inputs may be combined to actuate the actuator in a particular manner. In one embodiment, the actuator may cause the ride vehicle to rotate or swing, for example, about a base. In additional or alternative embodiments, the actuator may cause the ride vehicle to be translatable, such as along a track or path.

[0047] In one embodiment, certain movement parameters of the ride vehicle can be based on the first data and / or the second data. The movement parameters can include, for example, the position (e.g., target position), speed, and / or acceleration of the ride vehicle. As an example, based on the first data indicating a small force applied to the input device (e.g., small force value, small strain value), the ride vehicle can be moved at a reduced speed, reduced acceleration, or both, and based on the first data indicating a large force applied to the input device (e.g., large force value, large strain value), the ride vehicle can be moved at an increased speed, increased acceleration, or both. As another example, a difference (e.g., distance difference, angle difference) between the guest's position indicated by the second data and a reference position indicative of the guest's base or default orientation (e.g., the guest's orientation while the ride vehicle is not moving and / or while in an initial, base, or starting orientation) can be determined. The ride vehicle may be moved at a reduced speed, reduced acceleration, or both based on second data indicating a smaller difference between the position and the reference position (e.g., smaller distance difference, smaller angular difference), and the ride vehicle may be moved at an increased speed, increased acceleration, or both based on second data indicating a larger difference between the position and the reference position (e.g., larger distance difference, larger angular difference).

[0048] In additional or alternative embodiments, the movement of the ride vehicle may be based on whether each of the force indicated by the first data and the orientation indicated by the second data is received. In one example, the ride vehicle may be moved at a reduced speed, reduced acceleration, or both in response to determining that the orientation of the guest is different from the reference position based on the second data and in response to determining that no force is being applied to the input device based on the first data. In another example, the ride vehicle may be moved at a reduced speed, reduced acceleration, or both in response to determining that a force is being applied to the input device based on the first data and in response to determining that the guest is oriented toward the reference position based on the second data. However, in response to determining that a force is being applied to the input device based on the first data and in response to determining that the guest is not oriented toward the reference position based on the second data, the ride vehicle may be moved at an increased speed, increased acceleration, or both.

[0049] In further examples, movement of the ride vehicle may be blocked in response to determining that the guest is oriented toward the reference position (e.g., based on the distance difference and / or angle difference being less than a threshold value) even though a force is applied to the input device. However, in response to determining that the guest is no longer oriented toward the reference position (e.g., based on the distance difference and / or angle difference exceeding a threshold value), the ride vehicle may be moved, such as based on the force applied to the input device. That is, movement of the ride vehicle may be blocked regardless of the force applied to the input device until the guest's position is sufficiently different from the reference position. Additionally or alternatively, movement of the ride vehicle may be blocked regardless of the guest's orientation until the force applied to the input device exceeds a threshold value. In this aspect, in response to determining that the force applied to the input device exceeds a threshold value, the ride vehicle may be moved, such as based on the force applied to the input device. In this manner, the first data and the second data may be used in conjunction to cause movement of the ride vehicle.

[0050] In one embodiment, the force indicated by the first data and the direction indicated by the second data can be used to control respective aspects of the movement of the ride vehicle. As an example, the direction in which the ride vehicle moves can be based on an orientation (e.g., the ride vehicle can move in the same direction as the guest leans), and the speed and / or acceleration at which the ride vehicle moves can be based on a force (e.g., the strength of the force) applied to the input device. In this embodiment, for example, the direction in which the ride vehicle moves can be not based on a force (e.g., the direction of the force) applied to the input device. Similarly, the speed and / or acceleration at which the ride vehicle moves can be not based on the guest's orientation (e.g., the amount of lean). Additionally or alternatively, the direction in which the ride vehicle moves can be based on a force (e.g., the direction of the force) applied to the input device, and the speed and / or acceleration at which the ride vehicle moves can be based on the guest's orientation. Thus, the first data and the second data can be used to control different aspects of moving the ride vehicle.

[0051] 4 is a block diagram of a method or process 170 for operating the attraction system in a calibration mode to determine the manner in which the ride vehicle is to be moved based on commands (e.g., via the first data) of forces applied to an input device while operating in an entertainment mode. As an example, method 170 may be performed prior to operation of the attraction system in the entertainment mode. For example, movement of the ride vehicle may be blocked during execution of method 170. Method 170 may be performed to enable operation of the attraction system in the entertainment mode more appropriately or favorably for a particular guest, such as to accommodate comfort or ability associated with different forces applied by the guest.

[0052] At block 172, data may be received indicative of a force parameter value to be applied to the input device. The force parameter value may include a force value (e.g., an amount, level, or intensity of force) and / or a deformation value (e.g., of the input device). In an embodiment, the force parameter value may be associated with an upper threshold force parameter value to be applied by the guest to the input device. For example, the attraction system may instruct the guest to apply a maximum desired force (e.g., a maximum force that the guest may wish to output to control movement of the ride vehicle during operation of the attraction system in an entertainment mode), and a force parameter value associated with the maximum desired force applied by the guest may be determined in response.

[0053] At block 174, various force parameter values ​​may be associated with corresponding movement parameter values, such as position values, velocity values, and / or acceleration values ​​of the ride vehicle based on the data. As an example, an upper threshold force parameter value may be associated with an upper threshold movement parameter value (e.g., an upper limit of position, velocity, and / or acceleration that the ride vehicle may move to during operation of the attraction system in the entertainment mode), and different force parameter values ​​below the upper threshold force parameter value may be associated with corresponding movement parameter values ​​below the upper threshold movement parameter value. For example, a force parameter value that is a particular percentage of the upper threshold force parameter value may be associated with a movement parameter value that is approximately the same particular percentage of the upper threshold movement parameter value. Additionally or alternatively, force parameter values ​​may be associated with corresponding motion values ​​in any other suitable manner, such as based on another relationship between the force parameter value and the upper threshold force parameter value and / or another relationship between the motion value and the upper threshold motion value.

[0054] At block 176, movement of the ride vehicle may be caused based on an association between the force parameter value and the corresponding movement parameter value. For example, data indicative of a force applied to an input device and including a force parameter value may be received. In response, a corresponding movement parameter value associated with the force parameter value may be determined. The ride vehicle may then be moved according to the corresponding movement parameter value.

[0055] The association between the force parameter values ​​and the corresponding movement parameter values ​​may be stored and retrieved at a later time. For example, the association may be tied to a particular guest (e.g., a guest identification), and in response to determining that a particular guest is in the ride vehicle, the association may be retrieved and implemented (e.g., without re-running the calibration mode). In this manner, after the calibration mode is executed to generate an association between the force parameter values ​​and the corresponding movement parameter values, the association may be readily available for retrieval and implementation at another time.

[0056] Additionally, although method 170 is primarily directed to generating an association between force parameter values ​​and corresponding movement parameter values, similar calibration methods may be performed to generate an association between orientation parameter values ​​and corresponding movement parameter values ​​associated with a guest. For example, an association between an orientation parameter value and a corresponding movement parameter value may be implemented to adjust how movement of a ride vehicle may be controlled based on a determined orientation of a guest during operation of the attraction system in an entertainment mode.

[0057] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes which fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0058] The approaches presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the art of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Moreover, when any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for "performing" a "function"" or "steps for "performing" a "function," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. An amusement park attraction system, comprising: a ride vehicle equipped with an input device; one or more sensors for detecting the orientation of a guest; a control system configured to perform the operations; Equipped with The operation is determining an orientation of the guest positioned within the ride vehicle based on sensor data received from the one or more sensors at a first time; controlling movement of the ride vehicle based on an orientation of the guest at the first time; determining a parameter value associated with a force applied to the input device at a second time after the first time, the parameter value including a value of the force applied to the input device, a value of a deformation caused by the force applied to the input device, or both; controlling additional movement of the ride vehicles of the amusement park attraction system based on the parameter values ​​at the second time; amusement park attraction systems, including

2. the input device comprises a support and an extension coupled to the support, and the parameter value includes a value of a force applied to the extension, a value of a deformation of the extension, or both; 10. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1.

3. the ride vehicle includes a chassis, the support is fixedly coupled to the chassis, and the extension is fixedly coupled to the support; 3. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 2.

4. An actuator is provided, the control system is configured to cause the actuator to cause movement of the ride vehicle based on the parameter value related to a force applied to the input device.

10. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1.

5. the actuator is configured to cause the ride vehicle to rotate about the base, translate along a track of the amusement park attraction system, or both.

5. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 4.

6. The control system includes: receiving data indicative of an upper threshold parameter value associated with a force applied to the input device; associating the upper threshold parameter value with an upper threshold movement value of the ride vehicle; associating a plurality of parameter values ​​with a plurality of corresponding movement parameter values ​​of the ride vehicle based on the data, the plurality of parameter values ​​including a parameter value related to a force applied to the input device; determining a corresponding movement parameter value of the plurality of corresponding movement parameter values ​​in response to determining the parameter value associated with a force applied to the input device; controlling movement of the ride vehicle in accordance with the corresponding movement parameter value; configured to perform operations including 10. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1.

7. the control system is configured to control a direction, a velocity, an acceleration, or any combination thereof, associated with movement of the ride vehicle based on the parameter value associated with a force applied to the input device.

10. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1.

8. The control system is configured to perform an action including determining a difference between the orientation of the guest and a default orientation of the guest.

10. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1.

9. The control system is configured to perform an action including reducing the speed of the ride vehicle, the acceleration of the ride vehicle, or both based on the difference between the orientation of the guest and the default orientation of the guest.

9. The amusement park attraction system of claim 8.

10. a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions configured, when executed by a processing circuit, to cause the processing circuit to perform operations; The operation is determining a guest's orientation within a ride vehicle of the attraction system based on a position of a first sensor of the attraction system at a first time; causing movement of the ride vehicle based on an orientation of the guest at the first time; determining a force applied to an input device of the ride vehicle of the attraction system at a second time after the first time; determining a guest's orientation within the ride vehicle; causing additional movement of the ride vehicle based on the force applied to the input device at the second time; and 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising:

11. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are configured to cause the processing circuit to determine a force to be applied to the input device based on sensor data received via a second sensor, the sensor data indicating a force value, a deformation value, or both, associated with the force to be applied to the input device; The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10.

12. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform an operation; The operation is causing movement of the ride vehicle at a first velocity, a first acceleration, or both in response to determining an orientation of the guest within the ride vehicle; causing movement of the ride vehicle at a second velocity, a second acceleration, or both, in response to determining an orientation of the guest within the ride vehicle and a force applied to the input device, wherein the second velocity is greater than the first velocity, the second acceleration is greater than the first acceleration, or both; 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, comprising:

13. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform an operation; The operation is causing movement of the ride vehicle in response to determining a force applied to the input device and determining that a parameter value related to an orientation of the guest within the ride vehicle is greater than a threshold; preventing movement of the ride vehicle in response to determining a force applied to the input device and determining that the parameter value associated with an orientation of the guest within the ride vehicle is less than the threshold; 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, comprising:

14. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform an operation; The operation is moving the ride vehicle at a first velocity, a first acceleration, or both based on a first force applied to the input device; moving the ride vehicle at a second velocity, a second acceleration, or both, based on a second force applied to the input device, wherein the second velocity is greater than the first velocity, the second acceleration is greater than the first acceleration, or both, based on the second force being greater than the first force; 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, comprising:

15. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform an operation; The operation is moving the ride vehicle at a first velocity, a first acceleration, or both, based on a first orientation of the guest, the first orientation comprising a first distance difference from a reference position, a first angle difference from the reference position, or both; moving the ride vehicle at a second velocity, a second acceleration, or both, based on a second orientation of the guest, wherein the second orientation comprises a second distance difference from a reference position, a second angular difference from the reference position, or both, and wherein the second velocity is greater than the first velocity, the second acceleration is greater than the first acceleration, or both, based on the second distance difference being greater than the first distance difference, the second angular difference being greater than the first angular difference, or both; 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, comprising:

16. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to command an actuator of the ride vehicle to cause movement of the ride vehicle based on the force applied to the input device and an orientation of the guest. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10.

17. An attraction system for an amusement park, comprising: a ride vehicle comprising a chassis, a motion base coupled to the chassis, and an input device; a first sensor configured to detect an orientation of a guest; a control system configured to perform the operations; Equipped with The operation is determining an orientation of the guest based on sensor data received from the first sensor at a first time; instructing the motion base to cause movement of the chassis of the ride vehicle of the attraction system based on an orientation of the guest at the first time; determining a parameter value comprising a force applied to the input device, a deformation of the input device, or both, at a second time after the first time; instructing the motion base to cause movement of the chassis of the ride vehicle of the attraction system based on the parameter value at the second time; Attraction system, including:

18. the motion base comprises a base and an actuator coupled to the base, the control system being configured to cause the actuator to move the chassis about the base based on the parameter value.

18. The attraction system according to claim 17.

19. the control system is configured to command the actuators to pitch, roll, or both, the chassis about the base based on the parameter values. Attraction system.

20. a second sensor communicatively coupled to the control system, the second sensor configured to output sensor data indicative of the parameter value to the control system, the second sensor including a force transducer, a strain gauge, or both; 18. The attraction system according to claim 17.

Images