Passenger monitoring using depth sensors

Abstract

This invention provides a system and method for determining whether a guest area is occupied using sensors. [Solution] The attraction system includes a sensor configured to emit an output signal toward a guest area and receive a reflected signal from the guest area, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system is configured to receive data from the sensor indicating the signal travel distance based on the output signal and the reflected signal. The control system is also configured to determine whether the guest area is occupied by comparing the signal travel distance with an unoccupied distance value corresponding to the distance between the sensor and an unoccupied guest area, and by comparing the difference between the signal travel distance and the unoccupied distance value with a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 984,092, entitled "RIDER MONITORING USING DEPTH SENSOR", filed on March 2, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] This section is for introducing readers to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. This discussion is considered useful in showing readers the background circumstances and facilitating a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be read from the above perspective rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] An amusement park, also called a theme park, includes various functions that each provide a unique experience for the guests of the amusement park. For example, the amusement park can include different attraction systems such as roller coasters, motion simulators, drop towers, performance shows, log flumes, etc. In some attraction systems, guests are placed within an accommodation area such as a ride vehicle. However, it can be difficult to determine the occupancy status of the accommodation area. As an example, it is considered cumbersome for a user such as an operator of an attraction system to manually count the number of guests within the accommodation area.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The following outlines some embodiments disclosed herein. These embodiments are merely summaries of some embodiments and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In practice, this disclosure may include various embodiments not shown below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the attraction system includes a sensor configured to emit an output signal toward a guest area and receive a reflected signal from the guest area, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system is configured to receive data from the sensor indicating the signal travel distance based on the output signal and the reflected signal. The control system is also configured to determine whether the guest area is occupied by comparing the signal travel distance with an unoccupied distance value corresponding to the distance between the sensor and an unoccupied guest area, and by comparing the difference between the signal travel distance and the unoccupied distance value with a threshold.

[0006] In one embodiment, the attraction system includes a ride vehicle configured to move along a ride path of the attraction system, a sensor configured to emit an output signal toward the ride vehicle and receive a reflected signal, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system is configured to receive data from the sensor based on the output signal and the reflected signal. The control system is also configured to determine the current distance between the sensor and the ride vehicle based on the data, compare the current distance to the unoccupied distance between the ride vehicle and the sensor when the ride vehicle is not occupied, and determine whether the ride vehicle is occupied based on the comparison between the current distance and the unoccupied distance.

[0007] In one embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium includes an executable instruction. The instruction is configured to cause the processor to, when executed by the processor, to operate the attraction system in calibration mode to determine the unoccupied distance between the attraction system's sensors and the guest area when the guest area of ​​the attraction system is not occupied; to operate the attraction system in operation mode to determine the current distance between one or another sensor and the guest area; to compare the current distance with the unoccupied distance; and to determine whether the guest area is occupied in the operation mode of the attraction system based on the comparison between the current distance and the unoccupied distance.

[0008] A better understanding of these and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be gained by reading the following detailed description while referring to the attached drawings, which indicate the same parts throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the attraction system in calibration mode according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a side perspective view of the attraction system of Figure 2 in an operating mode according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process for operating an attraction system to determine an unoccupied distance according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process for determining the occupancy status of a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes one or more specific embodiments. For the sake of brevity, this specification does not describe all features of these embodiments. Furthermore, the development of any such embodiment, as seen in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary by implementation. Moreover, while such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, they are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing activities for those skilled in the art who will benefit from this disclosure.

[0011] When describing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” mean that there are one or more of these elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and mean that there may be further elements other than those listed. Hereinafter, one or more specific embodiments of the embodiments described herein will be described. In order to briefly describe these embodiments, not all features of the implementation will be described herein. Furthermore, in developing any such implementation found in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s particular objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary by implementation. Moreover, while such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, they are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing activities for those skilled in the art who will benefit from this disclosure.

[0012] This disclosure relates to a system and method for determining the occupancy status of an attraction. For example, an attraction may include any of the various amusement park features such as a roller coaster, a performance show, a water ride, and an augmented reality ride or experience. An attraction may accommodate many guests and may include various features to entertain such guests. In one example, an attraction may include a guest area such as seats in a ride vehicle where guests are fixed, and the ride vehicle may move along a path. In another example, an attraction may include a guest area such as a theater-like seating configuration where guests are seated, and the guest area may remain stationary while the attraction is in operation.

[0013] Determining the occupancy status of an attraction can be useful for identifying the number of guests inside the attraction and confirming that guests are securely seated within the ride vehicles. However, determining the location of guests within an attraction in order to determine its occupancy status can be difficult or cumbersome. For example, counting the number of guests inside an attraction over different operating hours can be difficult. Another example is monitoring the position of guests within an attraction to determine whether they are securely seated within the ride vehicles, which can be challenging.

[0014] It is now recognized that systems configured to determine guest occupancy can improve the operation of attractions. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system configured to determine whether an area is occupied by a guest by identifying the distance between an area where a guest can be placed and another part of the attraction. For example, the system may include a sensor configured to emit a signal toward a guest area and receive a signal reflected from a portion of the guest area. The received signal may indicate the distance between the sensor and the portion of the area. If the area is not occupied, the emitted signal spreads across the entire portion of the area, and the received signal may indicate a first distance from the sensor to the area. On the other hand, if the area is occupied, it is assumed that the emitted signal is blocked by the guest before it can spread across the entire area. Thus, the received signal indicates a second distance from the sensor to the guest, and the second distance may be shorter than the first distance. In this way, the distance indicated by the received signal can be used to determine the occupancy status of an area, for example, by comparing it with a reference distance indicating an unoccupied area where there is no guest. In fact, in one embodiment, the system operates to emit a signal toward a guest area and receive a signal reflected back from the guest area to facilitate the identification of whether a guest is present in and / or properly secured within the guest area. For example, a signal directed towards a guest area can be reflected back from that area by the guests and / or the seating structure within that area. The characteristics of the reflected signal detected by the system can facilitate the determination of occupancy status and / or fixed information.

[0015] Based on the above, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the attraction system 50, which may be a roller coaster, a dark ride, a drop tower, or any other suitable attraction system 50. The attraction system 50 may include a ride vehicle 52 in which guests can be positioned while the attraction system 50 is in operation. For example, the ride vehicle 52 may have one or more ride seats 54 in which guests can occupy. In one embodiment, the ride vehicle 52 may be configured to move along a ride path 56. The ride path 56 may be a track that guides the ride vehicle 52 through the attraction system 50, and / or the ride path 56 may include an open surface in which the ride vehicle 52 can move widely (for example, it may guide the ride vehicle 52 based on user input). In further or alternative embodiments, the attraction system 50 may not have a ride path 56. Rather, the ride vehicle 52 may remain stationary within the attraction system 50 while it is in operation, for example, for a theatrical show. In practice, the ride vehicle 52 can also be any other preferred guest area of ​​the attraction system 50 where guests can be present while the attraction system 50 is in operation.

[0016] The attraction system 50 may also include show effects 58 to further enhance the guest experience. Show effects 58 may include lighting, sound, and animated figures, etc., to provide additional features to entertain guests. In one embodiment, the attraction system 50 may also include guest paths 60 that guests can use to move within the attraction system 50, such as from the entrance of the attraction system 50 to the ride vehicle 52 and / or from the ride vehicle 52 to the exit of the attraction system 50. As an example, guest paths 60 may include pathways (e.g., queues), stairs, escalators, and elevators. Show effects 58 can entertain guests while they are moving along the guest paths 60 within the attraction system 50, so that they can also be enjoyed while they are waiting inside the attraction system 50 (e.g., when they are not on the ride vehicle 52).

[0017] In one embodiment, the attraction system 50 may include and / or be communicatively coupled to a control system 62. The control system 62 may include a memory 64 and a processor 66, such as a microprocessor. The memory 64 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-temporary computer-readable medium containing instructions to operate the attraction system 50, such as a show effect 58. The processor 66 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, configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 64 to control the attraction system 50. In one embodiment, the control system 62 may be configured to receive user input to operate the attraction system 50. For example, the control system 62 may include a user interface that users, such as operators and / or guests of the attraction system 50, can interact with to operate the attraction system 50. In further or alternative embodiments, the control system 62 can operate the attraction system 50 automatically without receiving user input. For example, the control system 62 can be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 68. The (one or more) sensors 68 can be configured to monitor the operating parameters of the attraction system 50 and can transmit data (e.g., sensor data) indicating the operating parameters to the control system 62. For example, the (one or more) sensors 68 may include separate systems of one or more emitters and detectors that cooperate to detect an object or part of an object (e.g., a backrest), including the identification of measurements such as the distance to the object, the size of the object, and the relative spacing between objects.The (single or multiple) sensors 68 may include wave-based technology such as light emitters and detectors that work with the processor to correlate detected values ​​with measured values ​​and provide data. As a result, the control system 62 can operate the attraction system 50 based on the data.

[0018] For example, the (single or multiple) sensors 68 can be configured to monitor operational parameters related to the occupancy status of the ride vehicle 52. Specifically, the (single or multiple) sensors 68 can determine whether a guest is occupying one or more of the (single or multiple) ride seats 54 of the ride vehicle 52. Thus, the control system 62 operates the attraction system 50 based on the occupancy status of the ride vehicle 52. For example, the control system 62 can activate a specific show effect 58 based on the number of guests detected in the ride vehicle 52. In addition to or instead of this, the control system 62 can also store information related to the number of guests detected in the ride vehicle 52 (for example, in memory 64). For example, the control system 62 can monitor the number of guests passing through the attraction system 50 over a period of time. The control system 62 can then store such information and use it to determine the popularity of the attraction system 50 and the number of guests it can accommodate over its operating hours.

[0019] Figure 2 is a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction system 50 includes a plurality of ride vehicles 52 configured to be connected to one another (e.g., via links) and to move along a ride path 56. The illustrated ride path 56 can be a track that guides the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and / or orientation) of the ride vehicles 52 through the attraction system 50. Each ride vehicle 52 also includes one or more ride seats 54, each capable of holding one or more guests of the attraction system 50. As an example, each ride seat 54 may include restraints 90, such as lap bars, configured to secure guests inside the ride vehicle 52 as the ride vehicle 52 moves along the ride path 56 during the operation of the attraction system 50.

[0020] Furthermore, the attraction system 50 may include a control system 62 configured to determine the occupancy status of a ride vehicle 52 via a first sensor 92 that is communicably coupled. For example, the first sensor 92 may be located at a first position 94 within the attraction system 50 and may be configured to determine the distance between a ride seat 54 and the first sensor 92. In one embodiment, the first sensor 92 may be configured to emit an output signal 96 that travels away from the first position 94 through the attraction system 50, and the output signal 96 may be reflected back to the first sensor 92 as a reflected signal 98 from any physical object (e.g., the ride vehicle 52). That is, the output signal 96 and the reflected signal 98 may be the same signal that travels along a path from the first sensor 92 to a physical object and then deviates from the physical object and returns to the first sensor 92. In other words, the output signal 96 represents such a signal in the path portion from the first sensor 92 to the physical object, and the reflected signal 98 represents the same signal in the path portion from the physical object to the first sensor 92.

[0021] The first sensor 92 receives a reflected signal 98 and can transmit data related to the reflected signal 98 to the control system 62 for further processing. As an example, the first sensor 92 may be a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, an acoustic navigation ranging (sonar) device, a radio detection and ranging (radar) device, an infrared remote sensing device, another suitable device, or any combination thereof, configured to emit and receive signals 96, 98 between the first sensor 92 and another part of the attraction system 50. In practice, the specific device used may be based on the application of the attraction system 50, such as whether certain show effects (e.g., fog, light) may interfere with signals 96, 98. The control system 62 receives data related to the output signal 96 and the corresponding reflected signal 98 from the first sensor 92 and can determine the distance between the first sensor 92 and a physical object based on this data. For example, the data may include the time associated with receiving one of the corresponding reflected signals 98 after emitting the output signal 96, indicating the signal travel distance of signals 96, 98 between the first sensor 92 and the physical object, the wavelength of the reflected signal 98, the angle of the travel path of the reflected signal 98 back to the first sensor 92, other preferred parameters related to signals 96, 98, or any combination thereof. The control system 62 can determine the distance between the first sensor 92 and the physical object based on the signal travel distance.

[0022] Therefore, the first sensor 92 can be used to identify the distance between the first sensor 92 and the vehicle seat 54 of the vehicle 52. For example, the first sensor 92 can be arranged to emit an output signal 96 to the vehicle seat 54 without interruption (i.e., not blocked by other physical objects of the attraction system 50) and receive a reflected signal 98 without interruption. The control system 62 can determine whether the vehicle 52 is occupied based on the identified distance between the first sensor 92 and the vehicle seat 54. For example, the distance between the occupied vehicle seat 54 and the first sensor 92 when the output signal 96 can fully spread within the vehicle seat 54 is considered to be greater than the distance between the occupied vehicle seat 54 and the first sensor 92 when the output signal 96 may be blocked by a guest before fully spreading within the vehicle seat 54 (i.e., the output signal 96 may only partially spread within the vehicle seat 54). In this way, the control system 62 can determine whether the value of the identified distance between the vehicle seat 54 and the first sensor 92 matches the distance corresponding to an unoccupied vehicle seat 54 or the distance corresponding to an occupied vehicle seat 54. Note that the distance to a specific area (e.g., the base and / or back of the vehicle seat 54) can be identified to facilitate the analysis according to this embodiment. Furthermore, in addition to determining whether the vehicle seat 54 is occupied, the distance to a restraint (e.g., a lap bar) can also be detected to facilitate determining whether the restraint is correctly engaged.

[0023] To this end, the control system 62 can operate the attraction system 50 in calibration mode to determine a baseline distance value associated with an unoccupied ride seat 54. In calibration mode, the control system 62 can operate the ride vehicle 52, for example, by moving the ride vehicle 52 along the ride path 56 when no guests are positioned in the ride seats 54. Furthermore, during calibration mode, the first sensor 92 can be manipulated to emit an output signal 96 toward the unoccupied ride seat 54 toward the ride vehicle 52. The control system 62 receives data associated with the output signal 96 and the resulting reflected signal 98, and based on this data, can determine the unoccupied distance 100 between the unoccupied ride seat 54 and the first sensor 92. The (single or multiple) unoccupied distance 100 may include the detection of restraints 90 while the ride vehicle 52 is unoccupied. For example, a first unoccupied distance 100A can be determined by observing the area of ​​the vehicle seat 54 that is not obstructed by the restraint 90 (for example, with respect to the first sensor 92), and a second unoccupied distance 100B can be determined by monitoring the area where the restraint 90 shows engagement. Both distances can be used for calibration and, in combination with subsequent measurements, to identify not only whether a passenger is present but also whether the passenger is properly restrained.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first sensor 92 can simultaneously emit multiple output signals 96 in various directions, such as toward a first ride vehicle 52A and toward a second ride vehicle 52B. A first ride vehicle 52A located in a first part of the attraction system 50 (e.g., a first section of the ride path 56) can be located at a different separation distance from the first sensor 92 than the separation distance from the first sensor 92 associated with a second ride vehicle 52B located in a second part of the attraction system 50. Thus, the first sensor 92 can receive respective reflected signals 98 corresponding to the first ride vehicle 52A and the second ride vehicle 52B, and the control system 62 can determine separate unoccupied distances 100 between the unoccupied ride seats 54 of different ride vehicles 52 and the first sensor 92. In other words, the control system 62 can determine a first unoccupied distance 100A between an unoccupied first ride vehicle 52A and the first sensor 92, and a second unoccupied distance 100B between an unoccupied second ride vehicle 52B and the first sensor 92, which is different from the first unoccupied distance 100A. In practice, the control system 62 can associate multiple unoccupied distances 100 with each unoccupied ride vehicle 52. In further or different embodiments, the first sensor 92 can be configured to emit an output signal 96 to a single part of the attraction system 50, such as a single point on the ride path 56, in calibration mode. Each ride vehicle 52 moving along the ride path 56 can intersect the single point on the ride path 56 at different points in time, and generally, at the single point, each ride vehicle 52 can be located at substantially the same distance from the first sensor 92. Therefore, the data transmitted by the first sensor 92 can indicate a single unoccupied distance 100 between the unoccupied vehicle 52 and the first sensor 92. Furthermore, the first sensor 92 can also emit output signals (e.g., one for occupancy status and one for restraint fixation) to monitor different positions within the same seating area. Moreover, the first sensor 92 can represent multiple sensing devices coordinating to perform such monitoring.In any case, the control system 62 stores the (single or plural) non-occupied distance 100 determined via the calibration mode of the attraction system 50, such as in the memory 64, and can search for and / or refer to the (single or plural) non-occupied distance 100 at a later time point.

[0025] During the operation of the attraction system 50, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle 52 is occupied using the (single or plural) non-occupied distance 100. As an example, the first sensor 92 continues to emit and receive signals 96, 98 during the operation of the attraction system 50, and the control system 62 can continuously receive data to identify the distance between the first sensor 92 and the vehicle 52. Then, the control system 62 can compare the identified distance with the stored (single or plural) non-occupied distance 100 to determine whether the vehicle 52 is occupied. For example, the control system 62 can determine whether the identified distance substantially matches the (single or plural) non-occupied distance 100 to indicate that one of the vehicles 52 is not occupied, or can determine whether the identified distance does not substantially match the (single or plural) non-occupied distance 100 (e.g., the identified distance is smaller than the (single or plural) non-occupied distance 100) to indicate that one of the vehicles 52 is occupied by a guest. As described above, a similar operation can also be performed to identify whether a restraint (e.g., a lap bar) is correctly positioned.

[0026] Although the illustrated first sensor 92 is coupled above the ride vehicle 52, the first sensor 92 can be positioned at any preferred location within the attraction system 50 to transmit signals 96, 98 between the ride seat 54 and the first sensor 92. For example, the first sensor 92 can be positioned on the ride vehicle 52 and in part of the ride path 56. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first sensor 92 can be fixedly coupled to the first position 94 by attaching it to a fixed structure within the attraction system 50 (e.g., a support for the ride path 56). Thus, the first sensor 92 can remain substantially in the first position 94 during the operation of the attraction system 50.

[0027] In addition to or instead of the above, the first sensor 92 may also be configured to move within the attraction system 50. For example, the first sensor 92 may be coupled to a device that can move within the attraction system 50 to follow the ride vehicle 52 (e.g., away from physical show effects or features within the attraction system 50) and / or be guided by the user, in order to ensure uninterrupted emission and reception of signals 96, 98. As the first sensor 92 moves relative to the ride vehicle 52, the distance between the first sensor 92 and the ride vehicle 52 may change. Furthermore, the ride vehicle 52 may move at high speed and / or in complex movements (e.g., corkscrew or twist) during operation, which may make it difficult for signals 96, 98 to accurately indicate the distance between the ride vehicle 52 and the first sensor 92. For example, depending on the orientation of the vehicle 52, the output signal 96 emitted by the first sensor 92 may be transmitted to the side of the vehicle 52 rather than to the intended unoccupied vehicle seat 54, so that the specified distance between one of the unoccupied vehicle 52 and the first sensor 92 does not substantially match the stored unoccupied distance 100. Therefore, due to the orientation of the vehicle 52 relative to the first sensor 92, the specified distance may not accurately reflect the occupancy status of the vehicle 52.

[0028] Therefore, the attraction system 50 may also include a second sensor 102 that can be firmly coupled to the first sensor 92, so that when the positioning of the first sensor 92 changes, the positioning of the second sensor 102 can also change accordingly. Positioning as used herein includes orientation, location, attitude and / or position. The second sensor 102 may be configured to determine the positioning of the ride vehicle 52 relative to the second sensor 102, and therefore relative to the first sensor 92. For example, the second sensor 102 may include an optical camera and / or another image detection device, and the second sensor 102 may use machine vision to determine the positioning of the ride vehicle 52 relative to the first sensor 92 and the positioning of the first sensor 92 relative to the ride vehicle 52. The second sensor 102 may also be communicatively coupled to a control system 62 to transmit data indicating the positioning of the ride vehicle 52 relative to the first sensor 92. The control system 62 may adjust the unoccupied distance 100 as appropriate based on such data. For example, the second sensor 102 may, after the (single / double) unoccupied distance 100 has been determined and stored according to the first position 94 of the first sensor 92, transmit data to the control system 62 to indicate that the relative distance between the first sensor 92 and the vehicle 52 has changed, such as the first sensor 92 moving to the second position 104 (as represented by the dashed elements 92 and 102). The control system 62 can then appropriately update the stored (single / double) unoccupied distance 100 to reflect the position of the first sensor 92 at the second position 104. For example, the control system 62 may determine that the first sensor 92 is substantially closer to the vehicle 52 at the second position 104 than at the first position 94, and therefore reduce the (single / double) unoccupied distance 100. Therefore, while the first sensor 92 is at the second position 104, the control system 62 can accurately determine whether the passenger vehicle 52 is occupied by comparing an updated, shorter (single / multiple) unoccupied distance 100 associated with the second position 104 with the distance later identified by the first sensor 92, rather than the initially stored (single / multiple) unoccupied distance 100 associated with the first position 94.If the second sensor 102 indicates that the first sensor 92 has returned to the first position 94 from the second position 104, the control system 62 can update the (single / multiple) unoccupied distance 100 again (for example, to the (single / multiple) unoccupied distance that was initially stored) and compare the distance with the updated (single / multiple) unoccupied distance 100. The functionality of the first sensor 92 and the second sensor 102 can be provided by a single sensing device. However, this single sensing device can still be referred to as the first sensor 92 and the second sensor 102 based on their distinct functionality. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the use of additional sensing devices can also be avoided by the control system 62 determining the relative position of the first sensor 92 and the vehicle 52 based on the model and position data of the vehicle path 56.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control system 62 can cause the first sensor 92 to emit an output signal 96 when it determines that the vehicle 52 is within a certain range of the output signal 96, and not cause the first sensor 92 to emit an output signal 96 when it determines that the vehicle 52 is outside that range of the output signal 96. In other words, the control system 62 can reduce the energy consumption associated with operating the first sensor 92 by selectively directing it to emit an output signal 96 at specific times rather than always emitting it. As an example, the control system 62 can pinpoint the location of the vehicle 52 in the attraction system 50. The control system 62 can also store a number of locations (for example, locations close to the first sensor 92) in which the control system 62 can activate the first sensor 92. Therefore, the control system 62 can activate the first sensor 92 to emit and receive signals 96 and 98 in response to determining that a vehicle 52 is present at a location included in the stored locations. On the other hand, the control system 62 can stop the operation of the first sensor 92 in response to determining that a vehicle 52 is not present at a location included in the stored locations.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates the operation of the attraction system 50 in a calibration mode in which the ride vehicle 52 can move along the entire ride path 56 without passengers or guests in order to obtain an unoccupied distance 100. In further or different embodiments, Figure 2 may also show a portion of the ride path 56 in which the ride vehicle 52 is not occupied during the normal operation of the attraction system 50 (i.e., the operation of the attraction system 50 to entertain guests). For example, the illustrated portion of the ride path 56 lies between the disembarkation area 106 in which guests can exit the ride vehicle 52 and the boarding area 108 in which guests can enter the ride vehicle 52. Thus, during the normal operation of the attraction system 50, the ride vehicle 52 is considered to be occupied before the disembarkation area 106 and after the boarding area 108, and not occupied after the disembarkation area 106 and before the boarding area 108. Then, the first sensor 92 can emit an output signal 96 toward the illustrated portion of the ride path 56 to acquire the unoccupied distance 100 without requiring the attraction system 50 to operate in a calibration mode different from normal operation. Thus, the unoccupied distance 100 can be acquired without disrupting the flow of the attraction system 50 (for example, by stopping the attraction system 50 and operating it in calibration mode).

[0031] In one embodiment, the first sensor 92 can be configured to direct its output signal 96 toward a portion of the illustrated ride path 56 in order to acquire the unoccupied distance 100, and the first sensor 92 can change direction and / or position. Thus, the first sensor 92 can direct its output signal 96 toward a different portion of the ride path 56 in which a ride vehicle 52 may be occupied in order to acquire a further distance (for example, a distance that may indicate an occupied ride vehicle 52). The further distance can then be compared to the unoccupied distance 100, after any modifications based on the second sensor 102, to determine whether the ride vehicle 52 is occupied. In further or alternative embodiments, an additional first sensor 92 can also be used to direct its output signal 96 toward a ride vehicle 52 in a different section of the ride path 56 in order to acquire a further distance for comparison with the unoccupied distance 100. In any case, the unoccupied distance 100 can be continuously acquired during the normal operation of the attraction system 50.

[0032] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the attraction system 50 in Figure 2, with the ride vehicle 52 of the attraction system 50 occupied by a guest 120. In this way, the attraction system 50 can be in an operating mode to entertain the guest 120. For example, the control system 62 can operate the attraction system 50 in operating mode after storing the (single and multiple) unoccupied distances in calibration mode. While in operating mode, the control system 62 commands the first sensor 92 to emit and receive signals 96, 98 so that it can determine whether the ride vehicle 52 is occupied.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first vehicle 52A is occupied by the guest 120. Therefore, the data transmitted by the first sensor 92 can indicate that the first distance 122 between the first sensor 92 and the first vehicle 52A is smaller than the stored unoccupied distance, as the output signal 96 is reflected from the guest 120 rather than from the vehicle seat 54 (e.g., the seat portion or floor portion of the vehicle seat 54). The control system 62 can compare the first distance 122 with the stored unoccupied distance to determine whether the first vehicle 52A is occupied. In one example, the control system 62 can determine that the first distance 122 is smaller than the unoccupied distance 100 in Figure 2 by an amount exceeding a threshold distance. Therefore, the control system 62 can determine that the first distance 122 indicates that the first vehicle 52A is occupied.

[0034] On the other hand, the second vehicle 52B can be considered not to be occupied by the guest 120. As a result, the data transmitted by the first sensor 92 can indicate that the second distance 124 between the first sensor 92 and the first vehicle 52A is substantially the same as the stored unoccupied distance. That is, the control system 62 can determine that the second distance 124 does not deviate from the unoccupied distance 100 in Figure 2 by an amount exceeding the threshold distance. Therefore, the control system 62 can determine that the second distance 124 indicates that the second vehicle 52B is not occupied.

[0035] In Figures 2 and 3, a single first sensor 92 is implemented within the attraction system 50. However, in another embodiment, multiple first sensors 92 can be implemented and used to determine the occupancy status of the ride vehicle 52. For example, the data received from each of the first sensors 92 can be compared with each other to determine the accuracy of the respective specified distances between the first sensors 92 and the ride vehicle 52. In practice, multiple pairs of first sensors 92 and second sensors 102 can be implemented to determine the occupancy status of the ride vehicle 52 based on various respective positionings of the first sensors 92 relative to the ride vehicle 52.

[0036] Furthermore, although the attraction system 50 shown in Figures 2 and 3 includes moving ride vehicles 52, the approach for determining the occupancy status of the attraction system 50 described can also be applied to stationary areas that guests 120 can occupy. For example, even if the attraction system 50 is a performance show or theatrical show with seats that are substantially stationary within the attraction system 50, the distance between the first sensor 92 and the seats can still be determined using the first sensor 92.

[0037] Figures 4 and 5 show various embodiments of a method or process for operating an attraction system, such as the attraction system 50 in Figures 2 and 3. Each step of the method may be performed by a single controller, such as the control system 62 (Figures 1-3), or multiple controllers may perform different steps of each method. Furthermore, in other embodiments, such as different embodiments of the attraction system, the steps of each method may be performed in different ways. For example, additional steps may be performed, or some steps of each method may be modified, deleted, or performed in a different order.

[0038] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process 150 for operating an attraction system to determine unoccupied distance values. In block 152, the attraction system is operated in calibration mode. During calibration mode, unoccupied ride vehicles of the attraction system can be operated to move within the attraction system (e.g., via ride paths). This operation can be part of normal operation, which can help limit measurement discrepancies and inconsistent throughput of the attraction.

[0039] In block 154, the unoccupied distance value is determined during the calibration mode. For example, the first sensor is instructed to emit an output calibration signal toward an unoccupied ride vehicle and to receive a corresponding reflected calibration signal. The first sensor can then transmit calibration data based on the output calibration signal and the reflected calibration signal. Based on the calibration data, the resulting calibration distance between the first sensor and an unoccupied ride vehicle (e.g., a seat, a specific seat portion, or a restraint in a desired position while the seat is unoccupied) can be determined. In one embodiment, multiple calibration distances can be determined for each ride vehicle located at different positions within the attraction system. Alternatively, a single calibration distance can be determined and associated with all ride vehicles. In either case, the calibration distance determined via the calibration mode is stored as an unoccupied distance value, as shown in block 156.

[0040] The frequency at which steps of Method 150 are performed can vary based on the attraction system. In one example, Method 150 may be performed once a day so that the exact (single / multiple) unoccupied distance values ​​are determined and updated daily. In another example, Method 150 may be performed once each time the attraction system is modified, such as after a ride vehicle (e.g., ride seats) is modified and / or after a show element is changed. In either case, Method 150 can be performed at a suitable frequency to update and store the exact (single / multiple) unoccupied distance values.

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process 180 for determining the occupancy status of a ride vehicle. Method 180 can be performed during the operating mode of the attraction system and is performed after Method 150 so that a corresponding unoccupied distance value is determined and retrieveable. In block 182, the signal travel distance is identified. The signal travel distance can indicate the current distance between the first sensor and the ride vehicle (e.g., a seat, a specific seat portion, or a restraint in a desired position while the seat is unoccupied). For example, as described with reference to block 154 of Figure 4, the first sensor can be instructed to emit an output signal toward the ride vehicle and receive a corresponding reflected signal, and the signal travel distance can be identified based on the parameters of the reflected signal. The sensor can then transmit data indicating the signal travel distance.

[0042] In block 184, the signal travel distance is compared with an unoccupied distance value that can be determined via calibration mode. In some embodiments, the unoccupied distance value can be updated or modified based on the determined position of the first sensor relative to the vehicle. That is, the unoccupied distance value determined and stored via calibration mode is applicable to the first position of the first sensor relative to the vehicle. However, the first sensor may now be in a second position relative to the vehicle (e.g., the first sensor has moved within the attraction system). Therefore, the initially determined unoccupied distance value is updated to reflect the second position, and the updated unoccupied distance value can accurately reflect the distance between the unoccupied vehicle and the first sensor based on the second position. Thus, the occupancy status of the vehicle can be accurately determined based on the comparison of the signal travel distance and the updated unoccupied distance value. In some embodiments, calibration distances can be supplied to multiple sensors (e.g., the first sensor 92) throughout the entire vehicle path 56, and the calibration distances can be adjusted based on the model or known relative orientation of each sensor relative to the vehicle 52 when it is within the monitoring range of a particular sensor.

[0043] In block 186, a determination is made as to whether the signal travel distance deviates from the unoccupied distance value by an amount exceeding the threshold distance. For example, the current distance between an occupied vehicle and the first sensor may be substantially smaller than the calibration distance between an unoccupied vehicle and the first sensor. Thus, a determination can be made as to whether the signal travel distance is substantially smaller than the unoccupied distance value (for example, by an amount exceeding the threshold distance). The threshold distance can be set based on a database of body metrics for standard body size and physical characteristics. For example, a threshold of 6 inches can be set based on the minimum human body thickness that is likely to be placed in the seat monitoring position.

[0044] In response to a determination that the signal travel distance does not deviate from the unoccupied distance value by an amount exceeding the threshold distance, it can be determined that the vehicle is not occupied, as shown in block 188. That is, the signal travel distance substantially matches the unoccupied distance value, and therefore the current distance between the vehicle and the sensor indicates that the vehicle is not occupied. On the other hand, in response to a determination that the signal travel distance deviates from the unoccupied distance value by an amount exceeding the threshold distance, it can be determined that the vehicle is occupied, as shown in block 190. For example, the signal travel distance may be less than the unoccupied distance value by an amount exceeding the threshold distance, and therefore the signal travel distance indicates that the vehicle is occupied.

[0045] In one embodiment, further actions can be taken based on a comparison between the signal travel distance and the unoccupied distance value. In one example, information regarding the occupancy status of ride vehicles can be stored. At a later point, such information can be referred to to determine information about the attraction system. For example, the occupancy status of ride vehicles can be used to determine whether the attraction system should be modified (e.g., to increase the popularity of the attraction system).

[0046] In another example, the operation of the attraction system can be modified based on the determined occupancy status of the ride vehicles. For example, the operation of the attraction system can be suspended or terminated. In addition to or instead of this, the ride path taken by one of the ride vehicles can be modified based on the occupancy status of the ride vehicles. That is, the ride vehicles can be configured to move in various ways through the attraction system, and a specific ride path can be selected based on the determined occupancy status.

[0047] In further examples, additional information regarding the occupancy status of a vehicle can be determined. For instance, during calibration mode, additional distances can be determined and stored in addition to the unoccupied distance value associated with an unoccupied vehicle. Such distances may include a first distance indicating the presence of another object (e.g., a jacket, a bag) inside a vehicle that does not contain a guest. This object is considered smaller than a typical guest so that the first distance does not deviate from the unoccupied distance value by a threshold amount, but it can still substantially deviate from the unoccupied distance value. Other stored distances may include a first set of distances indicating the position of a guest. For example, the first set of distances may indicate the posture of a guest, such as a second distance indicating a seated guest, a third distance indicating a standing guest, and a fourth distance indicating a leaning guest. As another example, the first set of distances could indicate how guests are positioned within the ride vehicle, such as whether guests are fully housed in their seats, whether any part of a guest is protruding from their seat, whether multiple guests are seated in a single seat (e.g., a child on a parent's lap), or whether guests are moving within their seats (e.g., not completely secured within their seats). This information can then be used to determine improvements to secure guests within the ride. The stored distances may further include a second set of distances indicating guest attributes. For example, the second distance could indicate a guest's height and / or torso size. In this way, specific guest parameters or demographics, such as age, can be determined, and the attraction system can be improved using this additional information about the occupancy status of the attraction system.

[0048] Furthermore, certain distances, such as excessive distances that deviate from the unoccupied distance value by a substantially greater amount than the threshold distance (e.g., a further threshold distance greater than the threshold distance), may indicate that the operation of components within the attraction system (e.g., ride vehicles, first sensors, control systems) should be corrected for purposes such as performing maintenance. In one embodiment, such information can be communicated to users, such as attraction system operators, by outputting a notification when an excessive distance is detected. For example, this notification may include a visual output (e.g., light), an audio output, a notification sent to a mobile device, another preferred notification, or a combination of any of these.

[0049] Furthermore, while this disclosure describes the calibration mode as primarily determining and storing unoccupied distance values ​​related to unoccupied ride vehicles, in further or different embodiments, the calibration mode may also include determining and storing (single and multiple) occupied distances related to occupied ride vehicles. For this purpose, a full ride vehicle (e.g., occupied by guests or objects representing guests) can be operated during the calibration mode, and the control system can determine the (single and multiple) occupied distances between the ride vehicle and the first sensor. These (single and multiple) occupied distances can then be stored and used in comparison with distances identified during the operation mode of the attraction system to determine the occupancy status of the ride vehicle. For example, if the determined distance substantially matches the stored (single and multiple) occupied distances, the ride vehicle can be determined to be occupied, and if the determined distance substantially deviates from the stored (single and multiple) occupied distances, the ride vehicle can be determined to be unoccupied.

[0050] While this specification illustrates and describes only a few features of the present disclosure, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to include all such modifications and changes in accordance with the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0051] The claimed technologies described herein refer to and apply to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical, but which certainly improve the art. Furthermore, if any of the claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "...means for performing [function]" or "...steps for performing [function]," such elements should be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. On the other hand, any claim containing elements designated in any other form should not be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 50 Attraction Systems 52 Vehicles 54 Vehicle seats 56 Transportation Routes 58 Show Effects 60 Guest Routes 62 Control Systems 64 memory 66 processors 68 sensors

Claims

1. It is an attraction system, A sensor configured to emit an output signal toward the guest area and receive a reflected signal from the guest area, A control system that is communicatively coupled to the aforementioned sensor, The control system is equipped with, The sensor receives data indicating the signal travel distance based on the output signal and the reflected signal. The unoccupied distance value, which corresponds to the distance between the sensor and the guest area that is not occupied, is compared with the signal travel distance. Whether the guest area is occupied is determined by comparing the difference between the signal travel distance and the non-occupied distance value with a threshold. It is configured in such a way. An attraction system characterized by the following features.

2. The control system is configured to determine that the guest area is occupied in response to the determination that the difference exceeds the threshold, wherein the threshold corresponds to a distance value of a physiometric reference associated with a specific portion of the guest area in the direction from which the sensor is configured to emit the output signal. The attraction system according to claim 1.

3. The control system is configured to determine that the guest area is not occupied in response to the determination that the difference does not exceed the threshold. The attraction system according to claim 1.

4. The control system is configured to operate the attraction system in calibration mode while the guest area is an unoccupied guest area, and in the calibration mode, The sensor or another sensor is instructed to emit an output calibration signal toward the unoccupied guest area and to receive a reflected calibration signal from the unoccupied guest area. The sensor or the other sensor receives calibration data based on the output calibration signal and the reflection calibration signal. Determine the calibration distance related to the aforementioned calibration data, The calibration distance is stored as the non-occupied distance value. The attraction system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

5. The aforementioned guest area is an unoccupied guest area between the disembarking area and the boarding area, and the control system is The sensor or another sensor is instructed to emit an output calibration signal toward the unoccupied guest area and to receive a reflected calibration signal from the unoccupied guest area. The sensor or the other sensor receives calibration data based on the output calibration signal and the reflection calibration signal. Determine the calibration distance related to the aforementioned calibration data, The calibration distance is stored as the non-occupied distance value. The attraction system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

6. The sensor is a first sensor, the data is first data, and the attraction system includes a second sensor configured to determine the position of the first sensor relative to the guest area, the second sensor being communicatively coupled to the control system, and the second sensor being configured to transmit second data indicating the updated position of the first sensor relative to the guest area. The attraction system according to claim 1.

7. The control system is Based on the second data indicating the updated position of the first sensor relative to the guest area, the unoccupied distance value is set to the updated unoccupied distance value. While the first sensor is in the updated position relative to the guest area, the first sensor receives third data indicating a further signal travel distance based on a second output signal from the first sensor and a second reflected signal detected by the first sensor. The aforementioned further signal travel distance is compared with the updated non-occupied distance value, Based on the comparison between the further signal travel distance and the updated non-occupied distance value, it is determined whether the guest area is occupied. The attraction system according to claim 6, configured as described above.

8. The aforementioned guest area is part of the ride vehicle of the attraction system. The attraction system according to claim 1.

9. It is an attraction system, A ride vehicle configured to move along the ride path of the aforementioned attraction system, A sensor configured to emit an output signal toward the vehicle and receive a reflected signal, A control system that is communicatively coupled to the aforementioned sensor, The control system is equipped with, The sensor receives data based on the output signal and the reflected signal. Based on the aforementioned data, the current distance between the sensor and the vehicle is determined. The unoccupied distance between the vehicle and the sensor when the vehicle is not occupied is compared with the current distance. Based on the comparison between the current distance and the unoccupied distance, it is determined whether the vehicle is occupied. It is configured in such a way. An attraction system characterized by the following features.

10. The vehicle includes a seat, and the sensor is configured to emit the output signal toward the seat. The attraction system according to claim 9.

11. The control system is configured to determine that the vehicle is occupied in response to a determination that the current distance is smaller than the unoccupied distance by an amount exceeding the threshold distance. The attraction system according to claim 9.

12. The control system is configured to determine, based on the output signal and the reflected signal, the position of the guest in the vehicle, the size of the guest in the vehicle, or both. The attraction system according to claim 11.

13. The control system is configured to store information related to the occupancy status of the vehicle based on the determination of whether the vehicle is occupied. The attraction system according to claim 9.

14. The aforementioned sensor is not coupled to the vehicle. The attraction system according to claim 9.

15. The control system is configured to determine whether the restraint is engaged based on the output signal and the reflected signal. The attraction system according to claim 9.

16. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing executable instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, When the guest area of ​​the attraction system is not occupied, the attraction system is operated in calibration mode to determine the unoccupied distance between the sensor of the attraction system and the guest area. The attraction system is operated in operating mode to determine the current distance between the sensor or another sensor and the guest area. Comparing the current distance with the unoccupied distance, Based on the comparison between the current distance and the unoccupied distance, it is determined whether the guest area is occupied in the operating mode of the attraction system. A non-temporary computer-readable medium characterized by being configured to cause the processor to perform the above.

17. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, The sensor is instructed to emit an output calibration signal toward the guest area and to receive a corresponding reflected calibration signal. The sensor receives data related to the output calibration signal and the corresponding reflection calibration signal. Based on the data received from the sensor, the unoccupied distance is determined and stored. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 16, configured to cause the processor to perform the above.

18. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, The other sensor emits an output signal toward the guest area and receives the corresponding reflected signal. Receiving data related to the output signal and the corresponding reflected signal from the aforementioned other sensor, Determining the current distance based on data received from the aforementioned other sensor, A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, configured to cause the processor to perform the above.

19. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, Receiving additional data related to the updated positioning of the sensor in relation to the guest area, Based on the aforementioned additional data, the unoccupied distance is set to the updated unoccupied distance, When the sensor is in the updated position relative to the guest area, the current distance between the sensor and the guest area is determined. The process involves comparing the current distance with the updated unoccupied distance, Based on the comparison between the current distance and the updated unoccupied distance, it is determined whether the guest area is occupied. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 16, configured to cause the processor to perform the above.

20. The attraction system comprises a ride vehicle and a ride path, and in the calibration mode and the operation mode, the instruction is configured to cause the processor to move the ride vehicle along the ride path through the attraction system when executed by the processor. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 16.

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