Clearance Envelope Scanning System

Abstract

A clearance envelope scanning system (32) for an amusement attraction (10) includes a detection system (34) configured to couple to a ride vehicle (18) of the amusement attraction (10). The detection system (34) includes an emitter (36) configured to output waves (152, 154) within an environment (12) of the amusement attraction (10) and a receiver (38) configured to detect the waves (152, 154) reflected from an object (20) within the environment (12). The clearance envelope scanning system (32) also includes a controller (44) communicatively coupled to the detection system (34), the controller (44) configured to analyze characteristics of the waves (152, 154) detected by the receiver (38) to determine whether the object (20) is present within the clearance envelope (30) of the ride vehicle (18).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63,315,821, entitled "CLEARANCE ENVELOPE SCANNING SYSTEM," filed March 2, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and 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. 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] Generally, an amusement park or theme park includes a variety of entertainment systems or attractions, each of which provides a unique experience to the park's guests. For example, an amusement park may include different attraction systems, such as roller coasters, drop towers, and log flumes. Some attraction systems include environments that may have multiple different features, such as scenic elements, animated figures, and special effects that help immerse the guest in the experience of the attraction system. However, the installation and configuration of these features may be difficult. For example, it may be difficult to determine whether these features are located in desired locations in the environment (e.g., relative to the path of travel of the ride vehicles) to provide the guest with the desired effect or experience. Furthermore, as attraction systems become increasingly complex, the importance of coordinating the various features of the attraction system with each other also increases. Thus, improved techniques for assessing or evaluating the environment of an attraction system to determine whether the features of the attraction system are implemented in a desired manner are desirable. 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, a clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement park attraction includes a detection system configured to couple to a ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction. The detection system includes an emitter configured to output waves within an environment of the amusement park attraction and a receiver configured to detect the waves reflected from an object within the environment. The clearance envelope scanning system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system, the controller configured to analyze characteristics of the waves detected by the receiver to determine whether an object is present within the clearance envelope of the ride vehicle.

[0006] In another embodiment, a controller for a clearance envelope verification system for an amusement park attraction includes a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium having processor-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, are configured to cause a processing circuit to output a control signal to a detection system coupled to a ride vehicle to emit waves within an environment of the amusement park attraction, receive an input from the detection system including data representative of reflected waves detected by the detection system in the environment, analyze characteristics of the reflected waves, and determine whether an object in the environment violates the clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on the characteristics of the reflected waves.

[0007] In a further embodiment, a clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement attraction includes a detection system configured to be removably attached to a ride vehicle configured to move along a ride vehicle path within an environment of the amusement attraction, the detection system configured to emit waves into the environment and outwardly relative to the ride vehicle and to detect the waves reflected from objects within the environment as the ride vehicle moves through the environment along the ride vehicle path. The clearance envelope scanning system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system, the controller configured to monitor a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on data representative of an expected configuration of the amusement attraction and to determine whether an object extends within the clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on characteristics of the waves reflected from the object and detected by the detection system.

[0008] Various aspects of the disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description and by reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system having an environment and a clearance envelope scanning system configured to scan the environment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system environment and a ride vehicle having a clearance envelope scanning system moving along a ride vehicle path in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a clearance envelope scanning system coupled to an environment of an amusement park attraction and a ride vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction showing an environment having a number of environmental features and a ride vehicle having a clearance envelope scanning system within the environment in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction illustrating an environment of the amusement park attraction and a clearance envelope scanning system coupled to a ride vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" 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. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for scanning clearance envelopes associated with an amusement park attraction system. For example, the attraction system may include any of a variety of amusement park rides, such as roller coasters, dark rides, water rides, augmented reality rides or experiences, etc. The attraction system may have a variety of physical environment features, such as design props, set pieces, and scenery elements, that entertain and provide a unique experience (e.g., an immersive environment) to guests of the attraction system. Such features may be located at target locations or predetermined locations within the attraction system's environment. In some embodiments, the features may be at specific locations along a ride vehicle path such that they are visible to guests from a particular viewpoint as they travel along the ride vehicle path within the ride vehicle of the attraction system. In further or alternative embodiments, the features may be located at several locations to allow the features to interact with each other as intended. For example, a projector may be positioned relative to a display screen to project an image onto the display screen.

[0013] It may be beneficial to scan the environment of the attraction system to identify the location of features (e.g., environmental features, physical features, physical objects) to verify that the features are correctly positioned. For example, it may be desirable to scan the environment of the attraction system to verify that the features are correctly positioned relative to the ride vehicles moving along the ride vehicle path of the attraction system and to ensure that the features do not violate the clearance envelope of the ride vehicles moving along the ride vehicle path. A clearance envelope may be defined as a space or area that surrounds or extends from a ride vehicle as it moves along the ride vehicle path. As described herein, scanning the environment includes determining whether physical objects of the environment extend within a prescribed clearance envelope of a ride vehicle moving along the ride vehicle path. Thus, a user (e.g., an operator of the attraction system) may evaluate the environment and the attraction system to determine whether physical features of the environment are positioned at least a threshold distance away from the ride vehicles moving in the environment. However, scanning the environment may be difficult or cumbersome. For example, conventional systems utilized to detect objects extending within the clearance envelope of a ride vehicle system may be custom-made for a particular attraction system and / or ride vehicle and may be difficult or cumbersome to design, build, operate, and / or store when not in use. Thus, verifying compatibility with the different clearance envelopes of multiple attraction systems may be cumbersome.

[0014] It is now recognized that a system configured to scan the environment of an attraction system to easily verify compliance with a clearance envelope of a ride vehicle and / or a ride vehicle path can enable improved design, operation, and maintenance of the attraction system. In accordance with the techniques disclosed herein, a clearance envelope scanning system can include a controller and a detection system (e.g., a sensing system) configured to define or establish a clearance envelope for a ride vehicle moving along the ride vehicle path and to detect violations of the clearance envelope as the ride vehicle moves along the ride vehicle path. In particular, the clearance envelope scanning system is configured to detect physical objects (e.g., environmental features) that violate the established or defined clearance envelope of the ride vehicle as the ride vehicle moves along the ride vehicle path, such as during a maintenance, verification, inspection, or testing procedure. The detection system may include one or more emitters and / or receivers configured to establish (e.g., form, define, etc.) a clearance envelope and detect violations of the clearance envelope by physical objects that may extend into the clearance envelope. For example, the emitters and / or receivers may include light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices, infrared 3D scanners, structured light scanners, laser transmitters and / or receivers, digital photogrammetry scanners, radio transmitters and / or receivers, another suitable transmission and detection system, another suitable device configured to emit and / or detect electromagnetic energy, or any combination thereof. The detection system may detect physical objects that extend into the clearance envelope, as well as qualities or characteristics of the physical objects, such as the location (e.g., relative to the vehicle) of the physical objects in the environment, the amount (e.g., distance) that the physical objects extend into the clearance envelope, the location of the physical objects along the vehicle path, or any other suitable characteristic of the physical objects in the environment.

[0015] The controller of the clearance envelope scanning system may also be programmable to establish or prescribe different clearance envelopes for a number of different ride vehicle systems. For example, the controller may be programmed to generate or establish individual (e.g., unique) clearance envelopes for different ride vehicle systems, and the controller may operate the detection system according to the particular selected clearance envelope. In some embodiments, the controller may generate or establish the clearance envelope based on a model or configuration of a particular ride vehicle system, attraction system, and / or environment, such as a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing or model of the environment or attraction system. As a result, the controller may generate a desired clearance envelope for a particular ride vehicle system, attraction system, and / or environment, detect violations of the clearance envelope, and / or verify compliance with the clearance envelope as the ride vehicle moves through the environment along the ride vehicle path. Indeed, in some embodiments, the clearance envelope scanning system can be a modular system that can be reprogrammed or reconfigured for different attraction systems with ride vehicle systems in different environments, and can be used individually with each ride vehicle system in the corresponding environment. For example, the modular clearance envelope scanning system can be removably attached to different ride vehicle systems and operate to verify compliance with the individual or unique clearance envelope of each ride vehicle system as the ride vehicle moves through the corresponding environment. In this manner, instead of a different custom system for each attraction system, ride vehicle system, and environment, a single embodiment of the clearance envelope scanning system can be utilized with multiple different attraction systems and ride vehicle systems configured to operate in different environments. Thus, this embodiment allows for a more efficient evaluation of the clearance envelope compliance of multiple attraction systems.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system 10 having an environment 12 and a ride vehicle system 14 disposed within the environment 12. The ride vehicle system 14 includes a ride vehicle path 16 extending through the environment 12 and a ride vehicle 18 configured to move within the environment 12 along the ride vehicle path 16. For example, the ride vehicle 18 may be configured to accommodate one or more guests (e.g., passengers) and guide the guests through the environment 12 along the ride vehicle path 16. As the guests move within the ride vehicle 18 along the ride vehicle path 16, they may pass through, observe, or otherwise experience the environment 12 of the attraction system 10. For example, the environment 12 may include, in addition to the ride vehicle path 16, an enclosure, a stage, a room, a queue line, an outdoor environment, any other suitable type of setting, or any combination thereof.

[0017] The environment 12 can include various environmental features 20, such as props 22 (e.g., decorations, figures, scenic elements), show effects 24 (e.g., lighting, audio equipment), display surfaces 26 (e.g., projector screens for projection mapping), plants 28 (e.g., flowers, trees), and / or other features (e.g., physical objects, structures, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more of the environmental features 20 can enhance the experience of guests traveling in the ride vehicles 18, for example, by inducing or generating sensory effects (e.g., sights, sounds, etc.) for guests traveling in the environment 12. For example, the environmental features 20 can create a particular atmosphere or setting associated with the attraction system 10 experience (e.g., jungle, haunted house, outer space, etc.). In some embodiments, the environmental features 20 can be other physical objects, such as structural components that support various systems or features of the amusement park attraction system 10.

[0018] It is desirable to establish and maintain a clearance envelope 30 for the ride vehicle system 14 (e.g., ride vehicle 18) as the ride vehicle 18 moves through the environment 12 along the ride vehicle path 16. The clearance envelope 30 may be a space, area, region, or zone surrounding and / or extending around the ride vehicle 18 that defines a desired clearance between the ride vehicle 18 and elements or objects (e.g., environmental features 20) within the environment 12 as the ride vehicle 18 moves along the ride vehicle path 16. That is, the clearance envelope 30 defines a clearance zone extending from the ride vehicle 18 that physical elements located within the environment 12 should not encroach on or interfere with. The clearance envelope 30 may be established based on various parameters, such as data regarding the size or dimensions of the passengers in the ride vehicle 18, data regarding the size of the ride vehicle 18, data regarding the dimensions or configuration of the ride path 16, and data regarding the operation of the ride system 14. Establishing and maintaining the clearance envelope 30 can avoid unintended or undesirable contact or interaction between physical objects within the environment 12 (e.g., environmental features 20) and the ride vehicle 18 and / or guests within the ride vehicle 18 as the ride vehicle 18 moves within the environment 12.

[0019] In some cases, the location or position of physical objects (e.g., environmental features 20) within the environment 12 may change. For example, the growth of plants 28 within the environment 12 may change the location or position of the plants 28 within the environment 12 relative to the ride vehicle path 16 and / or the ride vehicles 18 moving within the environment 12. Therefore, it may be desirable to verify the conformance of the ride vehicle system 14 with respect to the clearance envelope 30, such as during installation of the amusement park attraction system 10, during routine maintenance or inspection of the amusement park attraction system 10, at specific scheduled or determined time intervals, or at other suitable times (e.g., during times when the ride vehicle system 14 may be operated without the presence of guests within the ride vehicles 18). In other words, it may be desirable to verify that the clearance envelope 30 is maintained and not violated (e.g., by physical objects that extend within the clearance envelope 30). In practice, it may be desirable to repeatedly (e.g., two or more times) verify the compliance of the environment 12 (e.g., environmental features 20) with respect to the clearance envelope 30.

[0020] Accordingly, the present embodiment includes a clearance envelope scanning system 32 (e.g., an amusement park attraction scanning system, a clearance envelope verification system, etc.) configured to establish or generate the clearance envelope 30 and detect violations of the clearance envelope 30. Specifically, the clearance envelope scanning system 32 is configured to verify compliance with the clearance envelope 30 as the ride vehicle 18 moves through the environment 12 along the ride vehicle path 16. For example, the clearance envelope scanning system 32 may be configured to delineate the clearance envelope 30 of the ride vehicle system 14 and detect objects in the environment 12 that extend within (e.g., violate) the clearance envelope 30 as the ride vehicle 18 moves through the environment 12 along the ride vehicle path 16, such as during installation, inspection, or maintenance procedures. To this end, the clearance envelope scanning system 32 may include a detection system 34 configured to establish (e.g., plot, outline, mark, delineate, determine, define, etc.) the clearance envelope 30 and detect violations of the clearance envelope 30 (e.g., detect physical objects extending within the clearance envelope 30). In some embodiments, the detection system 34 may be a modular system configured to be removably coupled (e.g., removably attached) to the vehicle vehicle 18. In practice, the detection system 34 may be removably coupled to the vehicle vehicle 18 such that it may be individually coupled to different vehicle vehicles 18 operating in different environments 12 and / or with different vehicle vehicle paths 16. In this manner, the clearance envelope scanning system 32 may be configured and operated to verify compliance with different clearance envelopes 30 for multiple vehicle vehicle systems 14 operating in different environments 12.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system 34 includes an emitter 36 and a receiver 38 disposed within a housing 40. As discussed above, the housing 40 can be a modular component (e.g., an enclosure) that includes the emitter 36 and the receiver 38 and can be coupled to the vehicle 18 during a clearance envelope scanning and verification procedure (e.g., as the vehicle 18 is guided through the environment 12 along the vehicle vehicle path 16). However, in some embodiments, the emitter 36 and / or the receiver 38 can be disposed outside of the housing 40. For example, the housing 40, which can include other components of the detection system 34, can be coupled to a first portion of the vehicle vehicle 18, and the emitter 36 and / or the receiver 38 can be disposed in another portion of the vehicle vehicle 18. In other embodiments, the detection system 34 can be integrated with the vehicle vehicle 18. As discussed below, the detection system 34 can additionally or alternatively include other components, such as a power source, communication circuitry, processing circuitry, memory, and a user interface.

[0022] The emitter 36 is configured to output a signal or wave (e.g., light wave, acoustic wave, electromagnetic wave, etc.) to establish and define the clearance envelope 30. That is, the emitter 36 may output a signal or wave outwardly to the detection system 34 and / or the ride vehicle 18. For example, the emitter 36 may be a radio wave transmitter, a laser transmitter, an infrared wave transmitter, an ultraviolet wave transmitter, or other suitable transmitter configured to output a signal or wave (e.g., electromagnetic energy). As the ride vehicle 18 moves through the environment 12, the signal or wave may be reflected off physical objects (e.g., environmental features 20) within the environment 12, and the reflected signal or wave may be received or detected by the receiver 38. The detection system 34 (e.g., the clearance envelope scanning system 32) may determine whether any physical objects violate the clearance envelope 30 based on the reflected waves. In some embodiments, the detection system 34 may determine the location or position of the physical objects within the environment 12. For example, receiver 38 (e.g., radio receiver, laser receiver, etc.) may receive reflected waves at different times having different characteristics, etc., indicative of the location or position of the physical object relative to ride vehicle 18 and / or detection system 34 within environment 12. Detection system 34 may analyze the detected parameters of each reflected wave to determine the location and / or position of the physical object within environment 12. In some embodiments, emitter 36 may continuously output a transmitted signal or wave (e.g., pulsed laser light, radio frequency transmitter, etc.) and receiver 38 may continuously receive the reflected wave such that detection system 34 may continuously evaluate compliance of environment 12 (e.g., environmental features 20) with the clearance envelope 30 established for ride vehicle system 14 (e.g., as ride vehicle 18 moves within environment 12 along ride vehicle path 16).

[0023] In some embodiments, the detection system 34 may also include a position sensor 42 that may be disposed within the housing 40. The position sensor 42 may be configured to collect and / or transmit data indicative of a position (e.g., coordinate position or location) of the detection system 34 within the environment 12 and / or along the vehicle path 16. Feedback indicative of the position of the detection system 34, and thus the vehicle 18, within the environment 12 may also be used to further assess compliance with the clearance envelope 30. For example, position feedback may be used to determine a location along the vehicle path 16 where a violation or breach of the clearance envelope 30 is detected, and to determine which of the various environmental features 20 are violating the clearance envelope 30. In some embodiments, the clearance envelope 30 established for the vehicle system 14 may be dynamic. In other words, the size, dimensions, shape or other characteristics of the clearance envelope 30 may vary at different locations of the ride vehicle 18 along the ride vehicle path 16, and position feedback may be used to adjust operation of the detection system 34 to establish clearance envelopes 30 with different characteristics at different locations along the ride vehicle path 16. Additionally or alternatively, data received via the position sensor 42 may be used to evaluate or determine the placement of the detection system 34 relative to the ride vehicle 18 (e.g., the mounted or installed location of the detection system 34 on the ride vehicle 18). Further, while the illustrated embodiment shows one emitter 36, receiver 38 and position sensor 42 for purposes of clarity, it should be understood that the detection system 34 may include any suitable number of emitters 36, receivers 38, and / or position sensors 42 to enable generation and monitoring of the clearance envelope 30. In some embodiments, the emitter 36 and receiver 38 can be a single, integrated, or combined component (e.g., a laser transceiver, a spinning transceiver, etc.) configured to output and receive waves or signals.

[0024] The clearance envelope scanning system 32 also includes a controller 44 configured to be communicatively coupled to the detection system 34. The controller 44 may be a dedicated controller for the clearance envelope scanning system 32 or may be another controller for the attraction system 10, such as a controller configured to control the operation of the ride vehicle 18, one or more environmental features 20, the environment 12, and / or one or more additional components of the ride vehicle system 14, or any other suitable controller configured to perform additional functions or operations. The controller 44 may include a memory 46 and a processing circuit 48. The memory 46 may include a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), and / or a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The processing circuit 48 may be configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory 46. For example, the processing circuitry 48 may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. The detection system 34 may be configured to transmit sensor feedback or data indicative of the scan data of the environment 12 received via the receiver 38 to the controller 44 (e.g., wirelessly and / or via a wired connection). In some embodiments, the controller 44 may evaluate the data to assess compliance with the clearance envelope 30. That is, the controller 44 may be configured to determine whether any physical object violates the clearance envelope 30 based on the data received from the detection system 34.

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller 44 and / or the detection system 34 can be programmed (e.g., based on user input) to establish the clearance envelope 30 based on data related to the ride vehicle system 14, the environment 12, and / or the attraction system 10. For example, the controller 44 can include a user interface 50 configured to enable input of data related to the ride vehicle system 14, the environment 12, and / or the attraction system 10. The user interface 50 can include a touch screen, buttons, track pad, switches, monitor, keyboard, camera, another suitable component, or any combination thereof, that can be utilized by a user to perform a desired action (e.g., the configuration of the detection system 34 to be used with a particular embodiment of the ride vehicle system 14 in a particular embodiment of the environment 12). In some embodiments, a user can interact with the user interface 50 to load a profile related to the ride vehicle system 14, the environment 12, and / or the attraction system 10. For example, the profile may include model files (e.g., computer-aided design drawing files) associated with the ride vehicle system 14, the environment 12 and / or the attraction system 10 that define or represent an expected configuration of the ride vehicle path 16, an expected location or position of the environmental features 20 of the environment 12, and / or a clearance envelope 30 established for the ride vehicle system 14. Additionally or alternatively, a user may interact with the user interface 50 to adjust operation of the ride vehicle 18 (e.g., along the ride vehicle path 16), adjust operation of the detection system 34, adjust operation of one or more environmental features 20 of the environment 12, and / or adjust any other suitable operational parameters of the attraction system 10 and / or the clearance envelope scanning system 32. For example, the user interface 50 may enable user adjustment of the operation of the emitter 36 (e.g., parameters of the signal or wave output by the emitter 36), the receiver 38 (e.g., the sensitivity of the receiver 38), or both.In some embodiments, the user interface 50 may also be configured to display or otherwise output a notification to provide feedback to a user of the clearance envelope scanning system 32. For example, the user interface 50 may output (e.g., display) a notification during and / or after a clearance envelope scanning procedure indicating whether a violation of the clearance envelope 30 has been detected.

[0026] 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system 10 illustrating the ride vehicle system 14 within the environment 12. As shown, a ride vehicle path 16 extends through the environment 12 along which ride vehicles 18 travel. The environment 12 includes various environmental features 20 disposed along or adjacent to the ride vehicle path 16. As discussed above, the environmental features 20 can be designed to simulate a particular atmosphere and / or to elicit one or more sensory responses in guests traveling within the ride vehicles 18.

[0027] In accordance with the present technique, the ride vehicle 18 includes a detection system 34 of a clearance envelope scanning system 32 coupled to the ride vehicle 18. For example, the detection system 34 may be mounted to the frame or body of the ride vehicle 18, and may include or otherwise be communicatively coupled to an emitter 36 and a receiver 38. The detection system 34 may be attached to the ride vehicle 18 using straps, magnets, adhesives, fasteners, or any other suitable technique. The detection system 34 may establish and / or monitor a clearance envelope 30 that defines an area 60 extending from (e.g., surrounding) the detection system 34, and thus the ride vehicle 18, as the ride vehicle 18 moves along the ride vehicle path 16 (e.g., during a verification or testing procedure). The detection system 34 is configured to detect physical objects extending within the area 60 defined by the clearance envelope 30 by analyzing signals or waves output by the emitters 36 and reflected from the physical objects and subsequently detected by the receivers 38. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the detection system 34 may detect portions 62 of the environmental features 20 that extend within the area 60 of the clearance envelope 30 as the ride vehicle 18 moves along the ride vehicle path 16. Based on the detection of the portions 62, a user or operator may adjust or modify the environmental features 20 as desired to ensure that the environmental features 20 do not extend within the clearance envelope 30 during normal operation of the ride vehicle system 14. Further details of the clearance envelope scanning system 32 are described further below.

[0028] 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system 10 showing the ride vehicle system 14 extending through the environment 12. The figure shows a ride vehicle 18 moving along a ride vehicle path 16 within the environment 12 in which various environmental features 20 are disposed. For example, the environmental features 20 include a first environmental feature 100 (e.g., trees, props, plants 28, etc.), a second environmental feature 102 (e.g., displays, animatronics, puppets, etc.), a third environmental feature 104 (e.g., show effects, lighting systems, projectors, etc.), a fourth environmental feature 106 (display surfaces, screens, etc.), and a fifth environmental feature 108 (show effects, lighting systems, projectors, etc.). As shown, the environmental features 20 are disposed within the environment 12 along and / or adjacent to the ride vehicle path 16 such that they are visible to or otherwise perceivable by guests 98 moving within the ride vehicle 18.

[0029] As described above, it is desirable to verify that environmental features 20 disposed within the environment 12 are sufficiently spaced (e.g., at least a threshold distance away) from the ride vehicle 18 and / or the ride vehicle path 16 as the ride vehicle 18 moves along the ride vehicle path 16. In other words, it is desirable to verify that the environmental features 20, or portions thereof, do not violate a clearance envelope 30 established for the ride vehicle 18, the ride vehicle path 16, and / or the ride vehicle system 14. By verifying that the clearance envelope 30 is not violated, undesirable contact between the ride vehicle 18 and the environmental features 20 may be avoided, mitigated, and / or substantially prevented. Similarly, by identifying environmental features 20 and / or other physical elements that violate the clearance envelope 30, rectifying measures can be taken to ensure that such physical elements, objects and / or features are adjusted, removed, modified or otherwise addressed to ensure that the clearance envelope 30 is not violated prior to operation of the ride vehicle system 14 (e.g., a guest 98 is present within the ride vehicle 18 during normal operation of the ride vehicle system 14). Accordingly, the present embodiment includes a clearance envelope scanning system 32 that includes a detection system 34 configured to scan the environment 12 to identify physical objects (e.g., portions of one of the environmental features 20) that extend within the clearance envelope 30.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system 34 is mounted to a forward portion 110 (e.g., front, top, front end, etc.) of the ride vehicle 18. As described above, the detection system 34 may include a housing 40 including an emitter 36 configured to output a signal or wave and a receiver 38 configured to receive the signal or wave reflected from a physical object within the environment 12. The housing 40 may be coupled to the forward portion 110 of the ride vehicle 18 to enable a generally unobstructed line of sight 112 from the detection system 34 to environmental features 20 adjacent to the ride vehicle 18 and / or otherwise present within the environment 12. Thus, waves or signals emitted from the emitter 36 may reflect off environmental features 20 within the environment 12 and / or adjacent to the ride vehicle 18 and be transmitted back to the detection system 34 where they may be detected by the receiver 38. It should be understood, however, that other embodiments of the detection system 34 and / or some components of the detection system 34 (e.g., emitter 36, receiver 38) may be located in other portions of the ride vehicle 18. For example, the detection system 34 and / or components of the detection system 34 may be located in the rear portion 114 of the ride vehicle 18 and / or in a lateral portion (e.g., side) 116 of the ride vehicle 18. In fact, some embodiments of the clearance envelope scanning system 32 may incorporate multiple detection systems 34 or components (e.g., multiple housings 40, multiple emitters 36, and / or multiple receivers 38) that are coupled to the ride vehicle 18 (e.g., at different locations or positions) to verify compliance of the environment 12 with the clearance envelope 30.

[0031] In operation, the detection system 34 generates and / or establishes (e.g., plots, contours, marks, etc.) the clearance envelope 30 via signals or waves emitted by the emitter 36 and monitors (e.g., verifies) that the clearance envelope 30 is not violated based on an evaluation of the waves or signals reflected from the environmental features 20 and received by the receiver 38. For example, the detection system 34 (e.g., the clearance envelope scanning system 32) may determine the distance of a physical object relative to the detection system 34, and thus relative to the ride vehicle 18, based on a quality, characteristic or parameter (e.g., wavelength, frequency, amplitude, etc.) of the waves or signals received by the receiver 38. For example, the detection system 34 may determine that a physical object (e.g., a branch of the first environmental feature 100) is generally present within the clearance envelope 30 associated with the ride vehicle 18, the vehicle path 16 and / or the ride vehicle system 14 based on a determination that the physical object is within a certain distance of the ride vehicle 18. In other words, the clearance envelope 30 may be generally defined by one or more threshold distances 118 extending from the detection system 34 and / or the vehicle 18. Accordingly, the one or more emitters 36 and / or receivers 38 are configured to detect the presence of an object within the one or more threshold distances 118 to detect a violation of the clearance envelope 30. For example, the detection system 34 may determine that an object has violated the clearance envelope 30 based on waves or signals emitted by the emitters 36 and detected by the receivers 38 (e.g., after reflecting off an object within one of the threshold distances 118).

[0032] The threshold distances 118 that define the clearance envelope 30 may extend in any suitable direction relative to the ride vehicle 18 and / or the detection system 34. For example, the threshold distances 118 may extend along a longitudinal axis 120 (e.g., a direction of travel of the ride vehicle 18), a vertical axis 122, a lateral axis 124, or any combination thereof. Thus, the clearance envelope 30 may be defined to extend around and / or encompass any suitable portion of the detection system 34 and / or the ride vehicle 18. The one or more threshold distances 118 that define the clearance envelope 30 may be selected based on any suitable parameters, variables, or inputs (e.g., user inputs), such as the size of the ride vehicle 18, the operating speed of the ride vehicle 18, the configuration of the ride vehicle path 16, metrics associated with passengers or guests 98 that may move within the ride vehicle 18, the types of environmental features 20, and the locations of the environmental features 20. In some embodiments, the one or more threshold distances 118 may be determined based on a percentile metric related to a size or dimension of a group of guests 98 and user input indicating the percentile metric plus a margin (e.g., a measurement margin). For example, the one or more threshold distances 118 may be determined based on a percentile metric and / or margin related to the reach (e.g., arm's reach) of guests 98 seated within the ride vehicle 18.

[0033] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the clearance envelope 30 may vary along the vehicle vehicle path 16. For example, the detection system 34 may be configured to establish and monitor a clearance envelope 30 defined by a first set of threshold distances 118 at a first location 126 along the vehicle vehicle path 16 and to establish and monitor a clearance envelope 30 defined by a second set of threshold distances 118 at a second location 128 along the vehicle vehicle path 16, the first and second sets of threshold distances 118 being different from one another to establish clearance envelopes 30 of different configurations or shapes at different locations of the vehicle vehicle 18 along the vehicle vehicle path 16. The detection system 34 may be configured to establish and monitor a clearance envelope 30 having a desired shape or configuration associated with a particular portion of the vehicle vehicle path 16 based on data received via a position sensor 42 of the detection system 34 (e.g., position or location data) or data received via another input (e.g., a position or tracking system of the vehicle vehicle system 14). However, in other embodiments, the detection system 34 may establish a clearance envelope 30 having a uniform shape or configuration (e.g., a constant or fixed series of threshold distances 118 for a portion of the ride vehicle system 14 or for all of the ride vehicle system 14).

[0034] As mentioned above, the parameters of the clearance envelope 30 may be based on any suitable input, such as computer-aided design (CAD) drawings or model files of the ride vehicle systems 14, environments 12 and / or attraction systems 10, which may be programmed or uploaded into the clearance envelope scanning system 32 (e.g., memory 46). Thus, the clearance envelope scanning system 32 (e.g., detection system 34) may be programmed and reprogrammed for use with a number of different ride vehicle systems 14, environments 12 and attraction systems 10.

[0035] 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system 10 showing the ride vehicle system 14 disposed within the environment 12 and a detection system 34 that generates and monitors the clearance envelope 30 to detect a breach of the clearance envelope 30. As described above, the clearance envelope 30 may be defined by a plurality of threshold distances 118 extending from the detection system 34 and / or the ride vehicle 18. The emitter 36 may output a wave or signal, and the receiver 38 may detect the wave or signal reflected from a physical object (e.g., one of the environmental features 20) to determine whether the physical object is within one of the threshold distances 118 according to the techniques described above. The plurality of threshold distances 118 that define the clearance envelope 30 may vary in length or size relative to one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of threshold distances 118 may define a clearance envelope 30 that has a substantially uniform shape or configuration (e.g., a region 60 of substantially constant size or shape) as the ride vehicle 18 moves along the ride vehicle path 16. In other embodiments, the detection system 34 may establish the clearance envelope 30 based on variable threshold distances 118 such that the shape, size or configuration of the clearance envelope 30 changes as the ride vehicle 18 moves along the ride vehicle path 16 (e.g., based on the position of the ride vehicle 18 and the detection system 34 along the ride vehicle path 16). In either case, the magnitude of each threshold distance 118 may be selected based on one or more parameters, such as a desired clearance distance from the ride vehicle 18, an expected location of one of the environmental features 20, a direction in which the threshold distance 118 extends from the vehicle vehicle 18, or other suitable factors. The clearance envelope scanning system 32 may determine that the clearance envelope 30 has been violated based on detecting (e.g., via operation of the emitter 36 and receiver 38) that one of the environmental features 20 is located within one or more of the threshold distances 118.

[0036] The plurality of threshold distances 118 generally define a perimeter 150 of the clearance envelope 30. As will be appreciated, any suitable number of threshold distances 118 may be utilized to define the perimeter 150 of the clearance envelope 30. That is, the detection system 34 (e.g., one or more emitters 36) may output waves or signals in any suitable number of directions, and the detection system (e.g., one or more receivers 38) may monitor and detect the waves or signals returning to the detection system 34, such as after the waves or signals reflect off of objects in the environment 12. In practice, the waves or signals output by the emitters 36 may reflect off of a physical object (e.g., one or more environmental features 20) and then be detected by the receivers 38 to indicate the presence and location of the physical object. Based on detection of the reflected waves or signals, the detection system 34 may determine whether a physical object has extended within or crossed one or more of the threshold distances 118 into the region 60 of the clearance envelope 30. For example, the detection system 34 may determine whether a physical object extends within the clearance envelope 30 across one or more of the threshold distances 118 based on the characteristics (e.g., wavelength, amplitude, frequency, etc.) of the wave or signal detected by the receiver 38.

[0037] The embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates a detection system 34 establishing a clearance envelope 30 at a particular location along the vehicle path 16 in an environment 12 having two nearby environmental features 20 (e.g., a first environmental feature 100 and a second environmental feature 102). The detection system 34 can determine whether any of the environmental features 20 violate the clearance envelope 30 in the manner described above. One or more emitters 36 of the detection system 34 output waves or signals 152 (e.g., outwardly toward the detection system 34 and the vehicle vehicle 18). One or more of the waves or signals 152 (e.g., output waves, first waves, etc.) can reflect off one of the environmental features 20 back toward the detection system 34 (e.g., as reflected waves or reflected signals 154). One or more receivers 38 can detect the reflected waves or reflected signals 154 (e.g., return waves, second waves, etc.) that reflect back to the detection system 34. In some embodiments, the detection system 34 can analyze the characteristics of the reflected wave or signal 154 to determine the location of the environmental feature 20 and whether the environmental feature 20 extends within the clearance envelope 30.

[0038] For example, a first output wave 156 output by the detection system 34 may contact and be reflected by the first environmental feature 100. This may result in a first reflected wave 158 (e.g., a first return wave) returning toward the detection system 34, which may be detected by the receiver 38. In some embodiments, data indicative of the first reflected wave 158 may be transmitted to a controller 44 of the clearance envelope scanning system 32, which may analyze the data representative of the first reflected wave 158 to determine a location of a portion 160 of the first environmental feature 100 that reflected the first output wave 156 and transmitted the first reflected wave 158 back to the detection system 34. For example, the controller 44 may analyze a characteristic of the first reflected wave 158 to determine that the portion 160 of the first environmental feature 100 extends within the area 60 to violate the clearance envelope 30. Similarly, a second output wave 162 output by the detection system 34 may contact the second environmental feature 102, reflect, and transmit a second reflected wave 164 back to the detection system 34, and the controller 44 may determine that a portion 166 of the second environmental feature 102 violates the clearance envelope 30. The controller 44 may also determine the amount that the portions 160 and 166 of the environmental feature 20 extend into the clearance envelope 30 (e.g., the distance that the portions 160 and 166 extend within the perimeter 150) based on an analysis of the first reflected wave 158 and the second reflected wave 164. As discussed above, the controller 44 may also determine the location along the vehicle path 16 where the violation of the clearance envelope 30 was detected based on feedback from the position sensor 42 to facilitate identification (e.g., visual identification) of the portions 160 and 166 of the environmental feature 20 that violate the clearance envelope 30.

[0039] The technique may also be utilized to verify that a portion of the environmental feature 20 does not violate the clearance envelope 30. For example, an output wave 152 output by the detection system 34 may contact and reflect off a portion 168 of the first environmental feature 100 and / or second environmental feature 102, and characteristics of the corresponding reflected wave 154 detected by the detection system 34 may be analyzed to determine that the portion 168 of the first environmental feature 100 and / or second environmental feature 102 does not violate the clearance envelope 30.

[0040] 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system 10 showing a ride vehicle system 14 disposed within the environment 12 and a detection system 34 that generates and monitors the clearance envelope 30 and detects violations of the clearance envelope 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system 34 establishes the clearance envelope 30 having a non-uniform configuration or shape. That is, the clearance envelope 30 is defined by a number of threshold distances 118 of differing magnitudes that define an area 60 of the clearance envelope 30 having an irregular shape. In accordance with the techniques described above, the detection system 34 of FIG. 5 can determine that the first environmental feature 100 and the third environmental feature 104 do not violate the clearance envelope 30 (e.g., do not extend into the area 60) and that the second environmental feature 102 violates the clearance envelope 30 and extends into the area 60.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system 34 also includes an emitter 36 and a receiver 38 disposed external to a housing 40 of the detection system 34. As discussed above, the emitter 36 and / or receiver 38 may be coupled to the ride vehicle 18 instead of being disposed within the housing 40. Such emitters 36 and / or receivers 38 may be communicatively coupled to components of the detection system 34 disposed within the housing 40 to enable operation of the detection system 34 in the manner described above. For example, the emitters 36 and / or receivers 38 external to the housing 40 may be coupled to a forward portion 110, a rear portion 114, and / or a side portion 116 of the ride vehicle 18. In this manner, a line of sight 112 may be established between the emitters 36 and / or receivers 38 and physical objects (e.g., environmental features 20) disposed in multiple directions around the ride vehicle 18 within the environment 12.

[0042] The detection system 34 also includes additional features that may be located within or outside the housing 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system 34 includes a memory 170 and a processing circuit 172 that may be similar to the memory 46 and processing circuit 48 described above. For example, the memory 170 and the processing circuit 172 may be configured to perform functions similar to the memory 46 and the processing circuit 48 of the controller 44, such as operating the emitter 36 to output an output wave or signal 152 to establish the clearance envelope 30 and / or analyzing the reflected wave or reflected signal 154 to determine whether the clearance envelope 30 has been violated (e.g., by a physical object extending into the area 60 of the clearance envelope 30). The clearance envelope scanning system 32 may also include the memory 170 and the processing circuit 172 of the detection system 34 instead of or in addition to the memory 46 and the processing circuit 48 of the controller 44. Thus, the detection system 34 may include a separate or integrated controller (e.g., memory 170 and processing circuitry 172) configured to evaluate the reflected waves or signals 154 (e.g., scan data) detected by the receiver 38 to assess compliance with the clearance envelope 30, and / or the detection system 34 may transmit the scan data to the controller 44 to assess compliance with the clearance envelope 30.

[0043] The detection system 34 may also include a power source 174, which may be located within the housing 40 or outside the housing 40. The power source 174 may be configured to provide power to components of the detection system 34, such as the emitter 36, the receiver 38, the memory 170, the processing circuitry 172, communication circuitry (e.g., communicatively coupled to the controller 44), and / or other components of the detection system 34. The power source 174 may be a battery, a capacitor, a hardwire connection (e.g., coupled to another power source or to a utility power source), a generator, another suitable power source, or any combination thereof.

[0044] The memory 170 and processing circuitry 172 of the detection system 34 and / or the memory 46 and processing circuitry 48 of the controller 44 may be configured to perform additional functions in addition to controlling the operation of the emitter 36 and the receiver 38. Indeed, the detection system 34 and the controller 44 may be configured to perform any of the functions disclosed herein. As described above, the clearance envelope scanning system 32 (e.g., the detection system 34 and / or the controller 44) may be programmed to establish the clearance envelope 30 of one or more different embodiments of the environment 12 and / or the ride vehicle system 14. For example, the detection system 34 (e.g., the memory 170) and / or the controller 44 may be programmed or stored with computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, models, or other data representing expected configurations of objects within the environment 12, such as the attraction system 10, the environment 12, the ride vehicle system 14, and / or the environmental features 20. The clearance envelope scanning system 32 can establish a clearance envelope 30 having a desired shape or configuration based on these models, drawings or data and determine that the environment 12 and objects within the environment 12 conform to the desired clearance envelope 30.

[0045] The detection system 34 and / or controller 44 may also be configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the clearance envelope scanning system 32, such as operating parameters of the emitter 36 and receiver 38. For example, in some embodiments, the detection system 34 and / or controller 44 may be configured to adjust the sensitivity of the clearance envelope scanning system 32 (e.g., via adjusting the analysis of the reflected waves 154). The detection system 34 and / or controller 44 may also be configured to enable calibration of the clearance envelope scanning system 32, such as for use with a particular embodiment of the attraction system 10, environment 12 and / or ride vehicle system 14. For example, the detection system 34 and / or controller 44 may enable calibration of the detection system 34 to establish the clearance envelope 30 based on the position of the detection system 34 and / or components of the detection system 34 (e.g., the emitter 36 and / or receiver 38) relative to the ride vehicle 18 (e.g., in a mounted configuration). In this manner, the clearance envelope scanning system 32 can be configured and reconfigured for use with multiple different embodiments of the attraction system 10, environment 12 and ride vehicle system 14 to facilitate, simplify and improve clearance envelope verification procedures associated with the amusement park attraction system 10.

[0046] Accordingly, the technology disclosed herein relates to a system and method for scanning the clearance envelope of an environment of an amusement attraction system. Specifically, the present embodiment is configured to scan the environment of the amusement attraction to verify that features within the environment are correctly positioned relative to ride vehicles moving along the ride vehicle path of the amusement attraction system and to verify that the features do not violate the clearance envelope of the ride vehicles moving along the ride vehicle path. The clearance envelope scanning system may include a detection system configured to output waves or signals and receive reflected waves or signals that reflect off objects in the environment. Based on an analysis of the reflected waves (e.g., characteristics of the reflected waves), the clearance envelope scanning system may determine whether objects within the environment violate or conform to a clearance envelope established for a particular amusement attraction system. As described herein, the clearance envelope scanning system may be a modular, programmable system that may be utilized with different amusement attraction systems having different clearance envelopes. In this manner, the present technique allows for a more efficient assessment of clearance envelope compliance of multiple amusement park attraction systems.

[0047] While only a few features and embodiments have been shown and described, numerous modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art, such as changes in size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of the various elements, parameter values ​​such as temperature and pressure, attachment methods, use of materials, colors, and orientations, without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the claimed subject matter. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be modified or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0048] Moreover, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described, including those that are not relevant to the best mode currently contemplated or that are not relevant to feasibility. It will be understood that numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made in the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project. While such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, it will be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture without undue experimentation.

[0049] 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]

[0050] 10. Amusement Park Attractions 12 Environment 14 Vehicle Systems 16 Vehicle Routes 18 Vehicles 20 Environmental Characteristics 30 Clearance Envelope 34 Detection Systems 98 Guests 100 First Environmental Feature 102 Second Environmental Feature 104 Third Environmental Feature 106 Fourth Environmental Feature 108 The fifth environmental characteristic 110 Front part of vehicle 112 Line of Sight 114 Rear part of vehicle 116 Side parts of vehicles 118 Threshold Distance 120 Longitudinal axis 122 Vertical axis 124 Horizontal axis 126 1st position 128 2nd position

Claims

1. 1. A clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement park attraction, comprising: a detection system configured to couple to a ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction; a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system; The detection system comprises: an emitter configured to output waves within an environment of the amusement park attraction; a receiver configured to detect the waves reflected from objects in the environment; Including, the controller is configured to analyze characteristics of the waves detected by the receiver to determine whether the object is within a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle. Clearance envelope scanning system.

2. 2. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 1, wherein said detection system includes a housing configured to be removably mounted to said vehicle, said emitter and said receiver being disposed within said housing.

3. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 2 , wherein the controller is disposed within the housing.

4. 2. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine an amount of extension of the object within the clearance envelope of the vehicle based on an analysis of the characteristics of the waves detected by the receiver.

5. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 1 , wherein the detection system includes a position sensor configured to collect data indicative of a position of the detection system within the environment.

6. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 5 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a position of the object within the environment based on feedback from the position sensor.

7. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to establish the clearance envelope for the vehicle based on data representative of an expected configuration of the environment.

8. 8. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 7, wherein the data representative of the expected configuration of the environment comprises a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing of the environment.

9. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 1 , wherein the waves include radio waves, infrared waves, light waves, ultraviolet waves, or combinations thereof.

10. A controller for an amusement park attraction clearance envelope verification system, the controller including a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium having processor-executable instructions stored thereon, the processor-executable instructions, when executed, performing: outputting a control signal to a detection system coupled to a ride vehicle for emitting waves within an environment of the amusement park attraction; receiving an input from the detection system including data representative of reflected waves detected by the detection system in the environment; analyzing a characteristic of the reflected wave; determining whether an object in the environment violates a clearance envelope of the vehicle based on characteristics of the reflected waves; A controller configured to cause the processing circuit to perform the following:

11. 11. The controller of claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to determine the clearance envelope for the ride vehicle based on data representing an expected configuration of the amusement park attraction.

12. The instructions, when executed, receiving computer-aided design (CAD) data representing the anticipated configuration of the amusement park attraction; determining the clearance envelope for the ride vehicle based on the CAD data representative of the anticipated configuration of the amusement park attraction; The controller of claim 11 configured to cause the processing circuitry to:

13. The instructions, when executed, receiving further CAD data representing further potential configurations of further amusement park attractions; determining a further clearance envelope for a further ride vehicle based on the further CAD data representative of the further anticipated configuration of the further amusement park attraction; The controller of claim 12 configured to cause the processing circuitry to:

14. The instructions, when executed, receiving further input from the detection system, the input including data indicative of a first position of the detection system within the environment; determining a second position of the object within the environment based on characteristics of the reflected wave and the further input received from the detection system; and The controller of claim 10 configured to cause the processing circuitry to:

15. The instructions, when executed, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to determine an amount that objects in the environment extend within the clearance envelope of the vehicle vehicle based on characteristics of the reflected waves. The controller of claim 10.

16. The controller of claim 10 , wherein the controller is disposed within a modular housing of the detection system, the modular housing being removably attached to the ride vehicle.

17. 1. A clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement park attraction, comprising: a detection system configured to be removably attached to a ride vehicle configured to move along a ride vehicle path within the environment of the amusement park attraction; a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system; Equipped with the detection system is configured to emit waves into the environment and outwardly relative to the ride vehicle and to detect the waves reflected from objects in the environment as the ride vehicle moves through the environment along the ride vehicle path; the controller is configured to monitor a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on data representative of an expected configuration of the amusement park attraction and determine whether the object extends within the clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on characteristics of the waves reflected from the object and detected by the detection system. Clearance envelope scanning system.

18. the detection system is configured to be removably attached to a further ride vehicle configured to move along a further ride vehicle path within a further environment of a further amusement park attraction, the environment and the further environment being distinct from one another, and the ride vehicle path and the further ride vehicle path being distinct from one another; the controller is configured to monitor a further clearance envelope for the further ride vehicle based on further data representative of a further anticipated configuration of the further amusement park attraction; 20. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 17.

19. 20. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to receive data representative of an expected configuration of the amusement park attraction via a first user input, and wherein the controller is configured to receive the further data representative of the further expected configuration of the further amusement park attraction via a second user input.

20. The detection system comprises: an emitter configured to emit the waves into the environment and outwardly relative to the ride vehicle; a receiver configured to detect the waves reflected from the objects in the environment as the ride vehicle moves through the environment along the vehicle path; wherein the waves include electromagnetic energy.

20. The clearance envelope scanning system of claim 17.

Images