Systems and methods for wireless communication in ride attractions - Patents.com

Abstract

The system includes an attraction vehicle within the attraction, the attraction vehicle including one or more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters related to the attraction, the system also includes a network interface configured to wirelessly transmit information related to the one or more parameters using a transmit signal in a first high frequency band and wirelessly receive received information at the attraction vehicle using a receive signal in a second high frequency band, and a controller configured to operate the attraction vehicle based at least in part on the received information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 334,675, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION IN RIDE ATTRACTIONS," filed April 26, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and claimed below. This disclosure is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that this description is to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks and other entertainment facilities include experiences (e.g., ride vehicle experiences, animated figures (e.g., robotic characters), scenes, attractions, etc.) for entertaining park patrons. As experiences become more technologically advanced and complex, components within the experience may benefit from robust monitoring and synchronization using wireless communications. However, within the experience, wireless communication mechanisms may experience interference when using conventional wireless communications technologies available to consumers. Additionally, multiple locations (e.g., scenes) may transmit information for that particular location. However, wireless signals intended for use at each location may inadvertently interfere and / or trigger actions at other locations, and vice versa. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system includes an attraction vehicle of an attraction. The attraction vehicle includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters related to the attraction. The system also includes a network interface configured to wirelessly transmit information related to the one or more parameters using a transmit signal in a first high frequency band and wirelessly receive received information at the attraction vehicle using a receive signal in a second high frequency band. The system also includes a controller configured to operate the attraction vehicle based at least in part on the received information.

[0006] In one embodiment, the system includes a network interface configured to receive and transmit high-speed signals in a high frequency range from an attraction vehicle within the attraction, and one or more processors configured to control one or more objects within the attraction by transmitting control signals based at least in part on the signals transmitted from the attraction vehicle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the method includes measuring one or more parameters of operation of the attraction vehicle traveling within the attraction using one or more sensors on the attraction vehicle. The method also includes transmitting transmission information from the attraction vehicle to a network of access points. The transmission information relates to the one or more parameters and is transmitted wirelessly using a transmit signal in a first high frequency band. The method also includes receiving received information wirelessly at the attraction vehicle using a receive signal using a second high frequency band. The received information is based at least in part on a signal from another attraction vehicle within the attraction that is transmitted wirelessly to the network of access points. The method further includes operating the attraction vehicle based at least in part on the received information and the one or more parameters.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a sensor network and one or more electronic devices, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an experience / attraction that can utilize the system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the system of the unlinked local sensor network of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network of interconnected local sensors and devices, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graphical representation of an attraction including multiple scenes or experiences within the attraction, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for utilizing wireless communication of the system of FIG. 1 using high frequency bands from the perspective of an attraction vehicle, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for utilizing wireless communication in the system of FIG. 1 using high frequency bands from the perspective of a network of access points within the attraction, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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 are described herein. As with any industrial design or design project, it will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developers, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary between implementations. It will be further appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] When describing elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, 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 intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be noted that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive. For example, unless expressly stated otherwise, "A or B" is intended to mean A or B, or both A and B.

[0012] Amusement parks or other entertainment venues are becoming more and more popular. Furthermore, immersive experiences at such entertainment venues are in high demand. To provide new and exciting experiences / attractions, ride experiences and scenes are becoming more and more complex. These scenes may include visual shows including live action, animated figures, electronic display-based images, etc. These scenes may also include integration of lighting, sound, movement, interactive elements, visual media, etc. Thus, components within the attraction may benefit from monitoring using wireless signals. This monitoring can be used to initiate or synchronize actions within the scene based on moving vehicles. The moving vehicles can be ride vehicles that guests ride, drones, robots, or other vehicles that can move within the attraction. Furthermore, monitoring can be used for ride safety systems that include programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that use data from wireless signals to turn on or off specific tags in response to the signals. Additionally or alternatively, monitoring can include watchdog software or hardware that tracks the location of moving vehicles within the experience to ensure that the vehicles do not collide within the experience. Position tracking can track a moving vehicle in two or three dimensions. Position tracking can also include tracking the rotation of a moving vehicle. Position tracking can be used to control shell doors between scenes to provide sound insulation between scenes. For example, a shell door can open when the tracked position approaches the shell door and close when the tracked position moves a certain distance away from the shell door.

[0013] In a ride experience setting, wireless communications may experience relatively high interference in widely available consumer frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz) due to the proliferation of consumer devices operating in these frequency bands. Furthermore, these frequency bands are available to consumers due to their relatively robust ability to penetrate objects (e.g., walls) and broadcast over relatively long distances (e.g., over 800 feet). However, the ability to penetrate objects may cause wireless signals to bleed between scenes within the experience. In addition, the relatively large distances covered by consumer frequency bands may cause bleed between scenes, as the scenes may be significantly smaller than the broadcast range of devices using the consumer frequency bands. To mitigate these issues, ride experiences may use relatively high frequency bands (e.g., 60-80 GHz, etc., outside and above the 5 GHz consumer band) that are less suitable for consumer devices due to their extremely short transmission lengths compared to the relatively low common consumer wireless bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Specifically, the short transmission length may be due to the fact that relatively high frequency signals are subject to attenuation due to increased absorption by moisture and / or oxygen (O2). Specifically, at such high frequencies (e.g., 50 GHz and above), atmospheric absorption is much greater than at lower frequencies (e.g., below 10 GHz). For example, a signal using the 60 GHz frequency band may have up to 98% of its transmission energy absorbed by atmospheric oxygen. The absorption rate may be further affected by the moisture level in the air. For example, in areas with a lot of rain, the transmission distance is further significantly reduced. Regardless of the location, high frequency radio signals may have a short transmission distance. In addition, high frequency radio signals may require a line of sight (LoS) between the transmitter and receiver since they cannot penetrate walls efficiently. Although the limited range and LoS requirements may limit connectivity in some ways, the limited range and LoS requirements provide a convenient mechanism for demarcating the area in which wireless communication occurs.

[0014] For example, in certain buildings, the walls, ceilings, and / or floors can act as Faraday cages that block wireless communication signals from outside the building. This blocking can act to block transmissions and receptions to and from consumer devices. This blocking can be more severe for signals having higher frequencies (e.g., 60-80 GHz). Therefore, attractions can be placed in such structures to reduce noise in the high frequency bands compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz consumer frequencies. This can be used to substantially isolate the attraction vehicles from noise outside the attraction. Additionally, walls within the structure can be used to isolate wireless communication to and from the attraction vehicles so that they do not interfere with each other.

[0015] With the above in mind, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The system 100 may be a wireless communication system used for wireless communication at an amusement park attraction. As shown, the system 100 includes an electronic device 102, which may be in the form of any suitable electronic computing device, such as a computer, a laptop, a personal computer, a server, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device, or any other computing device. The electronic device 102 may include a controller 104 including one or more processors 106. The controller 104 of the electronic device 102 may also include one or more memory and / or storage devices 108. The one or more processors 106 may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array or an application specific integrated circuit), a programmable logic controller, another processor, or any combination thereof. For example, the one or more processors 106 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors, such as an ARM processor. The one or more processors 106 may execute instructions stored in one or more memories and / or storage devices 108 to perform operations related to data transmitted to and / or from the attraction vehicles. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 106 may implement, be, and / or include a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, or other suitable controller. For example, the controller may be attached to the remainder of the electronic device 102 as a chip or an expansion card using a corresponding connection type.

[0016] The one or more storage devices 108 can store information such as control software, look-up tables, configuration data, sensor data, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 106 and / or the one or more storage devices 108 can be external to the controller 104 and / or the electronic device 102. The one or more storage devices 108 can include a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium, such as a volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) and / or a non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM)). The one or more storage devices 108 can store a variety of information and can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the one or more storage devices 108 can store machine-readable and / or processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by the one or more processors 106, such as instructions for determining the likelihood that an individual's future income and / or expenses will change and adjusting the individual's financial plan accordingly. The one or more storage devices 108 may include one or more storage devices (e.g., non-volatile storage devices) that may include read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage medium, or a combination thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electronic device 102 may also include an electronic display 110 that enables graphical and / or visual output to be displayed to a user. The electronic display 110 may use any suitable display technology and may include an electroluminescent (ELD) display, a liquid crystal (LCD) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, an active matrix OLED display, a plasma display panel (PDP), a quantum dot LED (QLED) display, or the like.

[0018] As shown, the electronic device 102 may include a data acquisition system (DAQ) 112 for transmitting and receiving information to and from the sensor network 120 of electronic sensors. For example, the electronic device 102 may include a communication interface that allows the controller 104 to communicate with a server and / or other computing resources of the sensor network 120 via a communication mechanism. For example, the communication mechanism may include a wireless communication system including one or more antennas and one or more transceivers for transmitting and receiving data over high-speed wireless signals (e.g., between 60 GHz and 80 GHz). In some embodiments, the wireless communication system may be used to communicate over a network (e.g., a mobile communication network, a WiFi network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc.) in addition to the high-speed wireless signals. In some cases, at least a portion of the information received from the sensor network 120 may be downloaded and stored in the memory or storage device 108 of the electronic device 102. The sensor network 120 may include UV sensors 122, infrared sensors 124, vibration sensors 126, image sensors 128, audio sensors 130, biometric sensors 132, position (e.g., global positioning system and / or motion sensors) sensors 134, orientation (e.g., accelerometers and / or gyroscopes) sensors 136, and the like. It should be noted that while the above sensors are illustrated in FIG. 1, any other suitable sensors may be used in the system 100, such as acceleration sensors, speed sensors, torque sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, x-ray sensors, and the like. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor network 120 may be located on the attraction vehicle to determine information regarding the vehicle, passengers, vehicle heading / speed, and other information. Additionally, the attraction vehicle may have an instance of the electronic device 102 on the attraction vehicle that utilizes the wireless communication system 114 to communicate with another instance of the electronic device 102 (e.g., an attraction control computing device / server).In some embodiments, the computing device 102 on the attraction vehicle may include fewer components than the computing device 102 shown and may include some or all of the sensor network 120.

[0019] The sensor network 120 allows the system 100 to collect and / or share a vast amount of data about the amusement park attraction, allowing the system 100 to obtain a fine-grained view of various aspects and components within the system 100. For example, position sensors and orientation (e.g., accelerometers and / or gyroscope) sensors can be used to determine where the ride vehicle is and which direction it is facing. For example, the direction of travel and the direction the seats are facing may be different and tracked separately. The position can be used to open and close doors and / or generally to prevent collisions between the vehicle and other objects such as doors, walls, and / or moving objects (e.g., other vehicles). The position can also be used to start a scene based on the vehicle entering the scene or to reset a scene based on the vehicle leaving the scene. The position sensors can be used to ensure that the vehicle is looking at the right place in the scene at the right time. Additionally or alternatively, the infrared sensor 124 may detect whether the wheels or motors of the ride vehicle are emitting heat above a thermal threshold, and if so, may trigger an alert to a technical operator (e.g., via the controller 104), disable the ride vehicle, or take other appropriate action. The sensor network 120 may also enable the system 100 to address more qualitative issues at an amusement park attraction. For example, one bulb in a light bulb set may burn out during a show or scene, adversely affecting the quality of the user's experience. However, if a camera or other image sensor (e.g., 128) detects a difference in the lighting of the scene (e.g., a deviation from a predefined profile), the electronic device 102 may cause the brightness or direction of other bulbs in the light bulb set to compensate for the failed bulb. Additionally, the sensor network 120 may enable the system 100 to detect qualitative deviations, such as a guest being in an unexpected area. Upon making this determination, the system 100 may alert a technical operator or take other corrective action (e.g., stopping or pausing operation of the experience).

[0020] In addition to the sensor network 120, the DAQ 112 can collect web data 138 using software applications such as a web crawler to obtain information about anomalies or other problems within the attraction. For example, if a scene experiences a problem that is not easily detected by a sensor (e.g., an animated character's wig falls off or a costume malfunction occurs in another way), a guest may notice the problem and post about it on social media. The DAQ 112 can detect the social media posts through the web crawler and trigger an alert. The attraction vehicle or scene can be adjusted using this information. For example, the scene / attraction vehicle can incorporate real-time and / or near real-time data (e.g., video captured from another location).

[0021] 2 illustrates an experience 300 that can utilize the system 100, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The experience can feature a ride vehicle 310 with a position sensor 134 and an orientation sensor 136, an animated figure 312, environmental elements 314 (e.g., a fan to simulate wind blowing on guests, a fire, etc.), audio equipment 306, set lights 302, sound sensors 130, temperature sensors 304, image sensors 128 (e.g., cameras or other image sensors), various DAQs 112 for collecting and sharing data with other sensors (e.g., at least in part, via a wireless network using high-speed signals), and electronic devices 102 (e.g., a communication hub). The animated figure 312 can have multiple actuators to enable movement of the animated figure 312. The actuators of the animated figure 312 can include various sensors, such as torque sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, gyroscopes, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the animated figure 312 may be presented at least in part using a video display. Additionally, guests may wear biometric sensors 132 to enable monitoring of certain biometric data and / or to track the movements of the user.

[0022] The experience 300 can go through multiple cycles under normal operating conditions (e.g., as verified by a human technical operator) to obtain this data. For example, the cycles can include moving the ride vehicle experience to determine appropriate triggers and responses to verify that the ride vehicle experience is not only operating according to the original creative intent, but that the ride vehicle experience is responsive to the presence and / or correct location of guests as intended. Upon collecting a sufficient amount of data, the one or more electronic devices 102 can begin collecting, processing, and labeling the data. Based on the results of the processing and labeling phases, the one or more electronic devices 102 can determine and encode the parameters of a properly functioning experience.

[0023] An experience can be cycled repeatedly to allow for learning of additional aspects and parameters of the observed experience. For example, there may be a processing path in which the color and intensity of the lighting (e.g., detected via the image sensor 128 or the set lights 302) is learned and stored throughout the system 100. By sampling the experience 300 frame by frame over a known unit of time, the system 100 can verify whether the set lights 302 are functioning properly per specification and are aimed as intended. The system 100 can detect anomalies such as flickering, stalling, degradation, or timing and triggering errors. Another processing path can determine whether the animated figures 312, environmental elements 314, and / or other action devices are being triggered properly, moving within expected motion profiles, and can determine where and when motion is expected to occur under normal conditions.

[0024] Based on the obtained information, the one or more electronic devices 102 can generate a profile of the experience 300 based on the received sensor data. The profile can include reference values ​​and thresholds that indicate expected ranges of characteristics or aspects of the experience 300. For example, a profile in which the equipment of the experience 300 (e.g., the set lights 302, the audio equipment 306, the environmental elements 314, and the animated figures 312) are determined to operate in accordance with specifications and expectations can be designated as an A profile. However, a profile in which the equipment of the experience 300 is determined to operate outside of specifications and expectations can be designated as a B profile, a C profile, a D profile, etc.

[0025] In this manner, the one or more electronic devices 102 can determine whether the experience 300 is operating properly according to specifications and expectations. Through cycling and processing passes of the experience 300, a profile threshold can be determined, outside of which the profile may be assigned differently, but within which the assignment may be maintained even if deviations in aspects and characteristics of the experience 300 are detected. For example, if during operation of the experience 300, the system 100 detects that the set lights 302 are dimmer than expected due to a technical error, the system 100 may determine this to be a deviation from the A-profile, but not beyond the A-profile threshold. Under such conditions, the experience 300 can be determined to be operating properly. However, if a technical issue occurs that causes the animated figure 312 to stop moving completely, this may cause the profile of the experience 300 to be assigned to the B-profile, C-profile, etc.

[0026] Depending on the parameters and boundaries specified by the user of the system 100, the B-profile or C-profile may be determined to be an inappropriate operation of the experience 300, and therefore the one or more electronic devices 102 may determine that corrective action needs to be taken. Corrective action may include performing automatic maintenance on the faulty equipment, such as sending a command to cause the experience 300 to adjust the current to a faulty set light 302 that is outputting a lower brightness than expected, or sending a command to cause the experience 300 to adjust other equipment to account for the faulty equipment (e.g., adjusting the brightness of other set lights 302 to compensate for the faulty set light 302). Corrective action may also include sending an alert (e.g., to an alert panel 308) to inform a technical operator of the fault. If the fault requires emergency action, the one or more electronic devices 102 may send an emergency alert to a technical operator to cause the experience 300 to stop or pause operation.

[0027] The one or more electronic devices 102 can learn to identify known and emerging anomalies and to predict anomalies that may occur in the future. For example, if the one or more electronic devices 102 determine that the brightness of the set lights 302 is gradually decreasing before the bulb burns out, the one or more electronic devices 102 can trigger an alert to a technical operator when they detect that the brightness of the set lights 302 is gradually decreasing and can transmit an estimate during the alert of how long it will take for the bulb in the set lights 302 to burn out. In this manner, the system 100 can enable predictive maintenance within the experience 300 and enable the technical operator to take corrective action prior to a failure, maintaining the quality of the experience 300.

[0028] The system 100 can also apply machine learning (ML) performed on the experience 300 to another experience. The learning data from the experience 300 can be extrapolated and retargeted to another sufficiently similar experience by performing a deep learning process known as transfer learning. Transfer learning allows a well-trained ML model to be reused to make observations or predictions on a different but related problem set. For example, using learning data on the operating characteristics of the set light 302 in the experience 300, the ML engine 114 can identify and predict issues that set light in a different experience may be subject to.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the experience 300 may utilize multiple local sensor networks that are not linked by a single network. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system 400 of unlinked local sensor networks, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Sensors 404A, 404B, 404C, and 404D (collectively referred to as sensors 404) may be various sensors within the experience 300. These sensors may communicate data to a communication hub 402 (e.g., electronic device 102). The communication hub 402 may analyze sensor data from the sensors 404 and send commands to the sensors 404 or other components within the experience 300. The communication hub 402 may include a transceiver 403 (or separate receiver and transmitter) for communicating with other devices. Additionally, the sensors 404 may communicate with each other. The communication hub 402 and the sensors 404 may comprise a sensor network 406. Similarly, the communication hub 410 can receive signals (e.g., via the transceiver 411 or a separate receiver and transmitter) from devices 412 (e.g., animated figures 312 or ride vehicles 310) having sensors 414A and 414B (collectively referred to as sensors 414). The communication hub 410, the devices 412, and the sensors 414 in the devices 412 can constitute a sensor network 416. The communication hub 410 can communicate with the devices 412 and the sensors 414. The communication hub 402 can communicate with the communication hub 410 using a wireless connection 420 via the transceivers 403 and 411. The wireless connection 420 can include a high-speed signal (e.g., between 60 GHz and 80 GHz), but the sensor networks 416 and 406 are separate networks. For example, the communication hub 402 can include / utilize an access point to provide the wireless connection 420 between the communication hub 402 and the communication hub 410.

[0030] In contrast to FIG. 3, in certain embodiments, the system 100 can utilize an interconnected system of local sensor networks. As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the system 100 can utilize other systems in the experience 300 to communicate data. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a network 500 of interconnected local sensors and devices, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, a central communication hub 502 can collect data from and communicate with sensors 504A, 504B, and 504C (collectively referred to as sensors 504). For example, the central communication hub 502 can include a transceiver 503 (or a separate receiver and transmitter) for communicating with other devices. The sensors 504 can also communicate with each other. A particular sensor (e.g., 504A) can act as a small communication hub for other sensors (e.g., 504B), collecting information and sending commands to the other sensors. Also, the local communication hub 506 can collect data from the sensor 504 as well as from the device 508 with the sensor 510A, the sensor 501B, and the sensor 510C. In this manner, the device 508 and the sensor 510 in the device 508 can communicate with each other and with the sensor 504. The local communication hub 506 can include one or more transceivers 507 (or separate receivers and transmitters) to communicate with other devices. For example, the central communication hub 502 can also communicate with the local communication hub 506 via wired communication and / or wireless communication (e.g., via WiFi, cellular networks, etc.) using the respective transceivers 503 and 507. For example, the wireless communication can include high-speed signals (e.g., 60 GHz-80 GHz signals). Although only one local communication hub 506 is shown, it should be understood that there can be any number of local communication hubs in the system 100. Additionally, local communications hubs may be assigned to areas of the experience 300, to particular equipment of the experience 300 (eg, animated character 312), to a vehicle, or to a subsystem of a particular equipment (eg, a set of actuators within the animated character 312).

[0031] Using the network 500, parameters detected by one sensor (e.g., 504B) in the network 500 can be communicated to other sensors (e.g., 504A, 504C, 510) in the network 500 as well as other equipment (e.g., device 508), such as the animated figure 312 or a controller in a door, environmental element 314, etc. For example, an experience 300 or scene can be initialized when a vehicle connects to a particular communication hub / access point. Additionally or alternatively, if a temperature increase above a threshold is detected by the temperature sensor 304, the temperature sensor 304 can communicate the temperature increase over the network 500 and cause one or more fans to be activated, settings of a central air conditioning unit to be adjusted, and / or the output of a particular heat generating element (e.g., a flame) in the experience 300 to be reduced.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, the training data can be augmented with three-dimensional (3D) information about the experience 300 being observed (e.g., via the 3D modeling engine 116). By informing the system 100 of the global location of the sensors in the sensor network 120 relative to known computer-aided or time-varying 3D data, additional sensors, devices, and other equipment can be repositioned, removed, or added without retraining from a particular observation angle. For example, given the pixel data of the image sensor 128 and knowledge of where a particular pixel corresponds to the 3D set, the image sensor 128 can be retrained from a new angle, reducing or eliminating the time typically required to add, remove, move, or reattach a new image sensor. Thus, by using an interconnected network of sensors, devices, and equipment, such as the network 500 shown in FIG. 4, together with the transfer learning process described above and the 3D modeling engine 116, the system 100 can reduce or eliminate the time and / or processing power typically required when adding, removing, moving, and / or reconfiguring sensors, devices, and equipment.

[0033] Additionally, by using the 3D modeling engine 116, the system 100 may be able to detect and correct certain position errors of equipment or sensors. For example, if the system 100 detects unexpected readings from the position sensor 134 and / or the orientation sensor 136, the system may determine that the vehicle is out of alignment and send feedback to the system 100 that enables the system 100 to correct the vehicle's position.

[0034] 5 is a graphical representation of an attraction 450 that includes multiple scenes or experiences within the attraction. As shown, the attraction 450 includes a first group of vehicles 452A, 452B, and 452C (collectively referred to as vehicles 452) and a second group of vehicles 454A, 454B, and 454C (collectively referred to as vehicles 454). The vehicles 452 travel on a first track 456 of the attraction 450, and the vehicles 454 travel on a second track 457 of the attraction 450. Although two tracks are shown, some embodiments of the attraction 450 can have a different number of tracks, such as one, three, four, or more tracks. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments of the attraction 450 can traverse without tracks. For example, passengers may be able to at least partially control where each vehicle travels until an elapsed time has elapsed and the vehicle moves to a next location (e.g., a finish line).

[0035] As mentioned above, the vehicles 452 and 454 can transfer data between them using high speed wireless signals (e.g., 60 GHz, 80 GHz, or any frequency in between). For example, the vehicles 452 and / or 454 can connect to inner access points 458A, 458B, 458C, 458D, 458E, and 458F (collectively referred to as inner access points 458). Additionally or alternatively, the vehicles 452 and / or 454 can connect to outer access points 460A, 460B, 460C, 460D, 460E, 460F, 460G, 460H, and 460I (collectively referred to as outer access points 460). Although the illustrated attraction has a different number of inner access points 458 and outer access points 460, some embodiments can include the same number of inner access points 458 as outer access points 460. Further, in some embodiments, at least some of the access points may be located between the first trajectory 456 and the second trajectory 457. In some embodiments, the vehicle 452 may connect only to the inner access point 458 and the vehicle 454 may connect only to the outer access point 460. To enforce the use of a dedicated access point per trajectory, the inner access point 458 may operate using a first frequency (e.g., 62 GHz) and the outer access point 460 may operate using a second frequency (e.g., 75 GHz).

[0036] In some locations, when using high frequency signals (e.g., 60 GHz or higher), the access points 458 and / or 460 may be within range of each other even if the available range is limited. To further reduce the possibility of interference or crosstalk between the access points, the walls 462, 464, 466, 468, 470, and 472 may be strategically placed throughout the attraction. Additionally or alternatively, the location of the access points may be planned relative to the location of the walls in the attraction. Additionally, some scenes in the attraction may have clamshell doors through which the vehicles 452 and / or 454 may pass as they travel through the attraction between scenes. In these embodiments, the computing devices on the ride vehicles may transition from one access point to another as / after the doors close. Additionally, wireless signals from the vehicles to the access points may be used to control when the clamshell doors open and when the clamshell doors close.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process 480 for utilizing wireless communication in a high frequency band. As used herein, a high frequency band is a band above 56.2 GHz, including 60 GHz, greater than 60 GHz, between 60 GHz and 80 GHz, or including 80 GHz. One or more sensors in the attraction vehicle acquire one or more parameters (block 482). For example, the one or more parameters may include a location of the attraction vehicle, an orientation of the attraction vehicle, a speed of the attraction vehicle, a proximity of other attraction vehicles, a parameter in the attraction scene, etc. A computing device / wireless transmitter in the attraction vehicle wirelessly transmits information related to the one or more parameters using a transmission signal in the high frequency band (block 484). A computing device / wireless receiver in the attraction vehicle may also wirelessly receive received information in the high frequency band (block 486). In some embodiments, the transmitted information and the received information may utilize different high frequency bands. Additionally or alternatively, the track to which the attraction vehicles are assigned, mounted, and / or travel may correspond to a particular frequency, such that a first attraction vehicle on a first track transmits using a first high frequency band and a second attraction vehicle on a second track transmits using a second high frequency band that is different from the first high frequency band. As noted above, the receive and transmit high frequency bands may be different. For example, a first attraction vehicle on a first track transmits using a first high frequency band and receives using a third high frequency band. Similarly, a second attraction vehicle on a second track transmits using the second high frequency band and receives using a fourth high frequency band. In some embodiments, the third high frequency band is different from the fourth high frequency band. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth high frequency bands may be different from one another with no overlapping frequencies.

[0038] The attraction vehicle may operate based at least in part on the received information (block 488). For example, the attraction vehicle may change speed or stop based on the received information. For example, the received information may indicate that the attraction vehicle ahead has stopped, that a clamshell door has malfunctioned, or that another malfunction or maintenance issue has occurred. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction vehicle may present information on its display based at least in part on the received information.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process 600 for a controller computing device and / or network to wirelessly communicate with attraction vehicles. The controller computing device can be a computing device similar to the electronic device 102 described above. The controller computing device / network receives information from one or more attraction vehicles using signals in a high frequency band (block 602). For example, the information can include the location of the attraction vehicles, the orientation of the attraction vehicles, the speed of the attraction vehicles, the proximity between the attraction vehicles, parameters in the attraction scene, other sensor values, etc. Signals from different attraction vehicles can be received using different high frequency bands. For example, attraction vehicles on a first track can use a first high frequency band and attraction vehicles on a second track can use a second high frequency band. The computing device / network can use the received information to control one or more objects (block 604). For example, the computing device / network may utilize the access point to transmit signals in one of the radio frequency bands to control the speed / stop the motion of the attraction vehicle, change the orientation of at least a portion of the attraction vehicle (e.g., the seats), control aspects of the attraction vehicle or scene (e.g., video, lighting, animation sequences, etc.), etc. Communications to the attraction vehicle may utilize a different frequency band than that used for communications from the attraction vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the computing device / network may control one or more objects using 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.4, or other wireless conventional standards. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the computing device / network may control one or more objects using a wired connection such as Ethernet.For example, such conventional wireless or wired connections can be used to control video displays, animated objects, lights, objects that have a stationary position, such as doors, etc.

[0040] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0041] 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]

[0042] 102 Electronic Devices 104 Controller 106 processors 108 Memory 110 Display 112 DAQ System 114 Wireless Communications 116 3D Modeling Engine 120 Sensor Network 122 UV sensor 124 IR Sensor 126 Vibration Sensor 128 Image Sensor 130 Audio Sensor 132 Biometric Sensors 134 Position Sensor 136 Orientation Sensor 138 Web Data

Claims

1. An attraction system equipped with attraction vehicles, The aforementioned attraction vehicle is One or more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters related to the attraction system, A network interface that is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors, By closing doors to disconnect the access points from previous access points or by having the attraction vehicle travel behind a wall, the attraction vehicle moves between access points as it moves between scenes of the attraction, and by wirelessly transmitting information related to the one or more parameters to the multiple access points using a first high-frequency band transmission signal, The attraction vehicle wirelessly receives the received information using a receiving signal that uses a second high-frequency band. The network interface is configured such that the first and second high-frequency bands use frequencies higher than 60 GHz to exchange data between the attraction vehicle and one or more wireless electronic devices. A controller configured to operate the attraction vehicle based at least partially on the received information, An attraction system equipped with these features.

2. The attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the first high-frequency band is different from the second high-frequency band.

3. The attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the first high-frequency band and the second high-frequency band overlap at least partially.

4. The attraction system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of tracks, wherein the frequencies of the first high-frequency band and the second high-frequency band are at least partially based on which of the plurality of tracks the attraction vehicle is assigned to.

5. The attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a compass sensor, and the one or more parameters include the orientation of at least a portion of the attraction vehicle.

6. The attraction system according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the orientation of the attraction vehicle includes the orientation of one or more seats in the attraction vehicle.

7. The attraction system according to claim 6, wherein the orientation of at least some of the attraction vehicles includes a direction of travel that is tracked separately from the orientation of one or more seats in the attraction vehicle.

8. The attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a position sensor, and the one or more parameters include the position of the attraction vehicle.

9. The attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a speedometer, and the one or more parameters include the speed of the attraction vehicle.

10. The attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include proximity sensors, and the one or more parameters include the degree of proximity of the attraction vehicle to an object in the attraction system.

11. The attraction system according to claim 10, wherein the object includes a door in the attraction system or another attraction vehicle in the attraction system.

12. The attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the received information includes a control signal that is at least partially based on transmitted information relating to the one or two or more parameters.

13. The attraction system according to claim 12, wherein operating the attraction vehicle includes stopping or slowing down the attraction vehicle based on information from other attraction vehicles or other sensors within the attraction system.

14. It is an attraction system, A network interface configured to receive and transmit high-frequency high-speed signals from an attraction vehicle to multiple access points by closing doors or having the attraction vehicle travel behind a wall, and by having the attraction vehicle move between the multiple access points as it passes through the attraction, wherein the high-frequency band uses frequencies higher than 60 GHz for exchanging data between the attraction vehicle and another wireless electronic device. One or more processors configured to control one or more objects within the attraction by transmitting control signals based at least partially on high-speed signals transmitted from the attraction vehicle, An attraction system equipped with these features.

15. The attraction system according to claim 14, wherein the one or more processors include a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller.

16. The attraction system according to claim 14, wherein the high-frequency band includes frequencies between 60 GHz and 80 GHz.

17. The attraction system according to claim 14, wherein controlling the one or more objects includes transmitting the control signal to other attraction vehicles using the high-frequency band to slow down, stop, or rotate the other attraction vehicles within the attraction.

18. The attraction system according to claim 14, wherein controlling the one or more objects includes transmitting control signals to other attraction vehicles using an additional high-frequency band to slow down, stop or rotate the other attraction vehicles within the attraction, the attraction vehicle moves along a first track within the attraction corresponding to the high-frequency band, and the other attraction vehicles move along a second track within the attraction corresponding to the additional high-frequency band.

19. A method for operating an attraction system, A step of measuring one or more parameters of the operation of the attraction vehicle as it travels through the attraction using one or more electronic sensors on the attraction vehicle, A step of transmitting information from a transmitter on the attraction vehicle to a network comprising the multiple access points, wherein the information is related to one or more parameters and is transmitted wirelessly using a first high-frequency band transmission signal. The receiving step of wirelessly receiving information in the attraction vehicle using a receiving signal that uses a second high-frequency band, wherein the receiving information is at least partially based on a signal from another attraction vehicle within the attraction that is wirelessly transmitted to the network of the access point, wherein the first and second high-frequency bands use frequencies higher than 60 GHz for exchanging data between the attraction vehicle and one or more wireless electronic devices. A step of using a controller to operate the attraction vehicle based at least partially on the received information and the one or two or more parameters, Methods that include...

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the second high-frequency band includes frequencies between 60 GHz and 80 GHz.

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