Power and data fixing devices for attraction systems

Abstract

The amusement park ride system includes one or more ride vehicles 12 configured to transport passengers, each of the one or more ride vehicles 12 including an outer surface 35 and a base coupler 50 located on or accessible via the outer surface 35. The amusement park ride system also includes a show structure configured to operate for passengers to see, the show structure including a first coupler and a second coupler configured to be detachably coupled and / or fixed to each base coupler 50 of one of the ride vehicles 12. The amusement park ride system also includes a manipulator 22 configured to transport the show structure between the ride vehicles 12 of the multiple ride vehicles 12, the manipulator 22 including a transport coupler 52 configured to be detachably coupled and / or fixed to the second coupler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 451,480, entitled "POWER - DATA FIXATION DEVICE FOR ATTRACTION SYSTEM", filed on March 10, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] This section is for introducing the reader to various aspects of technologies that may be relevant to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in showing the reader the background context and facilitating a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be understood as being read from the above perspective rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Since the early 20th century, amusement parks have become increasingly popular, and the number of people visiting amusement park attractions has also increased. Furthermore, an increasing number of amusement park attractions are using show - ride entertainment systems that provide various immersive experiences for guests within the amusement park. A show - ride entertainment system can employ a movable ride vehicle configured to accommodate one or more than one guest within the amusement park. Additionally, a show - ride entertainment system can generate visual, acoustic, and / or tactile feedback and can provide an immersive experience for guests within the amusement park using various show structures (e.g., show action facilities). Currently, it is recognized that it is desirable to improve the guest experience within the amusement park by incorporating additional components into the show - ride system to provide additional services and features.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summarizes several embodiments that fall within the same scope as the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to outline some of the disclosed embodiments. In practice, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that are similar to or different from the embodiments shown below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the amusement park ride system includes one or more ride vehicles configured to transport passengers and a show structure configured to operate for passengers to see, each of the one or more ride vehicles including an outer surface and a base coupler (e.g., coupling assembly, coupling mechanism, coupling device, fastener (e.g., fastening assembly, fastening mechanism, fastening device)) located on or accessible through the outer surface. The show structure includes a first coupler and a second coupler configured to be detachably coupled and / or fastened to each base coupler of one of the one or more ride vehicles. The amusement park ride system includes a manipulator configured to transport the show structure between the one or more ride vehicles, the manipulator including a transport coupler configured to be detachably coupled and / or fastened to the second coupler.

[0006] In one embodiment, a manipulator for a show ride system includes one or more arms and one or more joints configured to enable the movement of the manipulator, and a transport coupler configured to be coupled and / or fixed to one of the one or more arms and to be detachably coupled and / or fixed to a show structure coupler of a show structure. The transport coupler includes a base plate having one or more magnets arranged around the central axis of the base plate, a motor configured to be coupled and / or fixed to the base plate to rotate the base plate, a power induction coil configured to supply power to the show structure in response to the transport coupler coupling to the show structure coupler, and a data communicator configured to transmit data to the show structure in response to the transport coupler coupling to the show structure coupler.

[0007] In one embodiment, a show structure configured to operate for passengers to see includes a first coupler positioned at a first location on the show structure and accessible by a base coupler of a vehicle or a prop coupler of a show action prop, configured to detachably couple and / or secure the show structure to the vehicle or show action prop; and a second coupler positioned at a second location on the show structure and accessible by a transport coupler of a manipulator, configured to detachably couple and / or secure the show structure to the manipulator. Each of the first and second couplers includes a base plate having one or more magnets configured to align with one or more additional magnets of the base coupler, transport coupler, or prop coupler to couple and / or secure the show structure to the vehicle, manipulator, or show action prop, respectively.

[0008] Various improvements to the features described above may exist in relation to various aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, additional features may be incorporated into these various aspects. These improvements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, any of the aforementioned aspects of this disclosure may incorporate, individually or in any combination, various features described below in relation to one or more of the exemplary embodiments. The above summary is intended only to familiarize the reader with some aspects and contexts of the embodiments of this disclosure without limiting them to the claimed subject matter.

[0009] 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 use the same symbols to indicate the same elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park show ride system according to the embodiments described herein. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of various components of the show ride system shown in Figure 1, according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of each coupler embodiment shown in Figure 2, according to the embodiments described herein. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Shaw structure coupler shown in Figure 2, according to the embodiments described herein. [Figure 4B] This is a side view of an embodiment of the Shaw structure coupler shown in Figure 2, according to the embodiments described herein. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the manipulator shown in Figure 1, according to the embodiments described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure. For the sake of brevity, this specification may not describe all the features of actual implementations. It should be understood that the development of any such implementation found in any engineering or design project will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they should be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure as routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing activities.

[0012] When describing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” mean that there are one, two, 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. Furthermore, any reference to “one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” in this disclosure should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of further embodiments, including the features described.

[0013] This disclosure relates to the field of amusement parks in general, and more specifically to show ride entertainment systems within amusement parks. Show ride entertainment systems can employ many different components to provide experiences to guests in amusement parks. For example, a show ride entertainment system may employ one or more ride vehicles configured to accommodate one or more guests in an amusement park and to carry or transport guests along a predetermined route through a show ride attraction. A show ride system may also include show action equipment that provides an immersive experience to guests transported through the show ride system via the ride vehicles. For example, a show ride system may include show action equipment corresponding to one or more transferable objects (e.g., props that can move around within the ride environment for entertainment purposes), or show structures (e.g., animated figures) that can be transferable objects that can be operated and / or transported within the show ride system to provide an experience to guests. In some cases, transferable objects may be placed on a particular ride vehicle and configured to operate to provide an experience to guests inside the ride vehicle (e.g., activating the features of an animated figure). Furthermore, a show ride system may include show action equipment that corresponds to manipulators or other moving mechanisms that can be configured to move one or more show structures through the show ride system (e.g., between ride vehicles, between other show action equipment) in order to provide an experience to guests on the show ride system. However, due to the mobile nature of the various components within the show ride system, it can be difficult to adjust the position of show action equipment (e.g., movable objects) relative to ride vehicles or other show action equipment within the show ride system without interfering with the guest experience. It can also be difficult to ensure that power and / or entertainment data is transmitted to the show structures by determining when the correct coupling between the show structures and each component of the show ride system occurred.As used herein, “correct coupling” can mean coupling and / or fixing between a show structure and a component of a show ride system that enables the communication of power and / or data and limits the amount of movement of the show structure relative to a component attached to the show structure to less than a threshold amount.

[0014] Accordingly, this embodiment relates to a show ride system configured to enable a show structure to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests by employing one or more couplers (e.g., coupling assemblies, coupling mechanisms, coupling parts, fasteners (e.g., fastening assemblies, fastening mechanisms, fastening parts)) on various components of the show ride system, with each coupler transmitting power and / or data to the coupled and / or fixed show structure. In some embodiments, the couplers may include magnets (e.g., rare-earth magnets, electromagnets) that can couple the show structure to the components of the show ride system by interacting with magnets associated with the show structure. The couplers may also include power induction coils, contact-based transmitters, and / or data antennas to enable the show structure to operate in a way that provides visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests transported through the show ride system by transferring and / or transmitting power and data to the show structure. The magnets allow the show vehicle system to determine that the correct coupling between each coupler and the show structure facilitates the communication of power and data to the show structure. Furthermore, the correct coupling between each coupler and the show structure facilitates the detachment of the show structure from the components of the show vehicle system used to transport the show structure. For example, the show structure couples and / or locks to the manipulator's coupler at a first point in time, and the manipulator can transmit power and data to the show structure through the coupler associated with the manipulator. When the manipulator receives an instruction to place the show structure on the vehicle, it can transport the show structure to the vehicle. The manipulator can then place the show structure near the vehicle's coupler, and when the magnets on the vehicle's coupler coupler couple with, align with, and / or lock to the magnets on the show structure, the show vehicle system can send a signal to the manipulator to detach from the show structure.Furthermore, the show ride system may determine to supply power from the ride vehicle to the show structure and / or transmit entertainment data based on the coupling and / or fixation between the ride vehicle and the show structure. For example, if the show ride system determines that the magnets of a particular coupler are coupled and / or fixed to the show structure (e.g., a metal plate or a series of magnets associated with the show structure), it may determine that it can transmit entertainment data and power from the particular coupler to the show structure.

[0015] In practice, various components of a show ride system can, by utilizing the couplers described herein, transmit entertainment data and power to the show structure at a given point in time during the operation of the show ride system (e.g., when the show structure is coupled and / or fixed to the ride vehicle, when the show structure is being transported by a manipulator, or when the show structure is coupled and / or fixed to show action props) so that the show structure operates to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests being transported through the show ride system. In this way, the show structure can be transported, transported, and / or manipulated more efficiently around the show ride system while continuously operating to present entertainment data to guests, thereby providing guests being transported through the show ride system with a virtually seamless experience (e.g., an experience with limited interruptions based on the show structure not receiving power and / or data).

[0016] To ensure understanding, implementations of this disclosure can be embodied as systems, methods, apparatus, or computer program products. Accordingly, aspects of this disclosure can take the form of entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of software and hardware aspects, all of which can be generally referred to as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.” Furthermore, aspects of this disclosure can also take the form of computer program products embodied in one or more computer-readable media in which computer-readable program code is embedded.

[0017] By storing computer program instructions according to this embodiment, which can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to function in a specific way, on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard drive, memory, disk), the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium can be made to initiate or trigger a specific function / action. Alternatively, by loading computer program instructions onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device, and having a series of operational steps that generate a computer implementation process executed on these computers, other programmable data processing devices, or other devices, these instructions can be made to execute a process for performing a function / action specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram when executed on the computer or other programmable device.

[0018] Based on the above, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a show ride system 10 according to an embodiment described herein. As shown, the show ride system 10 includes one or more ride vehicles 12 configured to travel along a predetermined path 14 (e.g., a track, rail, walkway, artificial waterway, or chute) through the show ride system 10. The ride vehicles 12 may be configured to transport or carry guests 16 along the predetermined path 14, thereby enabling guests 16 to receive visual and / or acoustic feedback from the components of the show ride system 10. The show ride system 10 may also include show action equipment 18 configured to provide visual, acoustic and / or tactile feedback to guests 16 being transported through the show ride system 10. In some embodiments, the show action equipment 18 may include one or more show structures 20 (e.g., animated figures, characters, screens, movable objects), one or more manipulators 22, and / or one or more show action props 24 (e.g., objects, displays, equipment) that interact with each other and / or with the ride vehicle 12 to provide guests 16 with an immersive experience. For example, a show structure 20 may correspond to a movable object (e.g., animated figures, characters, interactive displays) that can be transported by a manipulator 22 and operated to provide guests 16 with visual and / or auditory feedback. In some embodiments, the show structure 20 may operate based on power and entertainment data received from components of the show ride system 10. For example, as will be described in more detail below, when coupled to a particular ride vehicle 12, manipulator 22, or show action prop 24, the show structure 20 may, by receiving power and entertainment data, operate based on entertainment data and present it to guests 16.During operation, the features of the show structure 20 can be moved fluidly, magnetically, and / or mechanically (e.g., by moving attachments, arms, legs, or parts of the body), entertainment data can be displayed via an electronic display associated with the show structure 20, audio data can be output from a speaker associated with the show structure 20, the features of the show structure 20 can be illuminated (e.g., by lighting up the eyes), or any combination thereof.

[0019] The manipulator 22 can correspond to a moving device (e.g., a moving mechanism (e.g., a show action prop moving system)) configured to transport the show structure 20 to specific locations within the show ride system 10 (e.g., from a ride vehicle 12 to a show action prop 24, from the show action prop 24 to a ride vehicle 12, from a first ride vehicle 12 to a second ride vehicle 12). In some embodiments, the manipulator 22 may include arms and / or joints that can transport the show structure 20 with multiple degrees of freedom around the show ride system 10. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the arms and joints may allow the show structure 20 to be easily coupled and / or fixed to the ride vehicle 12 and / or show action prop 24 by the manipulator 22 adjusting the position and / or orientation of the show structure 20, and allow the show structure 20 to be easily moved between the ride vehicle 12, the manipulator 22 and the show action prop 24.

[0020] The show action prop 24 can correspond to show action equipment 18 that provides further visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests 16 transported through the show ride system 10. For example, once the show action prop 24 receives the show structure 20 from the manipulator 22 and binds and / or fixes to the show structure 20, it can transmit entertainment data to the show structure 20 and supply power to it, thereby enabling the show structure 20 to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests 16. The show action prop 24 can also provide further and / or different experiences to guests 16 transported through the show ride system 10 (for example, during periods when the show structure 20 is not bound and / or fixed to the show action prop 24) by operating with different entertainment data (for example, different from the entertainment data used to control the actions of the show character 20). For example, the show action prop 24 may include mechanical features that can be operated and / or moved by actuators associated with the show action prop 24. Furthermore, the show action props 24 may also include speakers, lights, or electronic displays that can be operated based on control signals, regardless of whether the show structure 20 is coupled to and / or fixed to the show action props 24. In some embodiments, the show action props 24 can be configured to move around within a predetermined area 25 (e.g., a track, path, guideway, or stage) within the show ride system 10. That is, the show action props 24 can be restricted to a specific area or predetermined path within the show ride system 10 and configured not to be coupled to and / or fixed to the manipulator 22 for transport.

[0021] For example, the show structure 20 can correspond to a frog character, and further show action props 24 can correspond to lily pads moving around within the show ride system 10. While the show ride system 10 is in operation, a manipulator 22 can transport the frog 20 to a specific ride vehicle 12. Furthermore, the frog 20 can be made to appear alive while attached to and / or fixed to the ride vehicle 12. The manipulator 22 retrieves the frog 20 (for example, by attaching to and / or fixing to the frog 20 and simulating the frog jumping off the ride vehicle 12) after providing the guest 16 in the specific ride vehicle 12 with an experience (e.g., the movement of the frog 20 on the ride vehicle 12, the emission of sound and / or light from the frog 20), and can position the frog 20 on the lily pads 24 or another ride vehicle 12 so that further ride vehicles 12 traveling along a predetermined path 14 can receive visual and / or acoustic feedback from the show structure 20. This operation can be carried out in a way that conceals the nature of transport. Although Figure 1 shows the show structure 20 as a frog and the further show action props 24 as lily pads, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and other embodiments may include any type of show structure or character that can operate to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests 16 being transported through the show ride system 10. Furthermore, although the manipulator 22 is shown as a moving mechanism having one or more arms and one or more joints, in some embodiments the manipulator can also be configured to provide an experience to the guest. That is, in some embodiments the manipulator 22 can operate to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests on the show ride system 10, regardless of whether the show structure 20 is coupled to and / or fixed to the manipulator 22.

[0022] As described above, the show structure 20 can operate to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests 16 by receiving entertainment data and / or power from the ride vehicle 12, manipulator 22, or show action prop 24 when coupled to and / or fixed to each component. For example, each of the ride vehicle 12, manipulator 22, and show action prop 24 may include a power source that enables the operation of the respective component (e.g., providing conduits for the power). When coupled to and / or fixed to the show structure 20, the features of the show structure 20 can be made operational by power from the power sources of each component attached to the show structure 20 being transmitted to the show structure 20 through the components via induction. Similarly, when the show structure 20 is coupled to and / or fixed to each component of the show ride system 10 (e.g., the ride vehicle 12, manipulator 22, or show action prop 24), it can receive entertainment data from each component. The entertainment data may include instructions configured to cause the show structure 20 to perform specific functions (e.g., moving mechanical components of the show structure 20, lighting up features of the show structure 20, causing the show structure 20 to provide acoustic feedback, etc.). In some embodiments, the entertainment data can be transmitted via data communicators (e.g., data transceivers, data antennas, data transmitters) associated with each component of the show ride system, and in other embodiments, the entertainment data can be transmitted via direct coupling and / or fixation, as will be described in more detail below. Thus, upon receiving power and entertainment data from each component of the show ride system 10, the show structure 20 can operate to present the entertainment data and provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to the guest 16.In some embodiments, the show structure 20 can include a local power source (e.g., a battery, a power source housed within the show structure 20) and a controller that stores instructions for operating the show structure 20 to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to the guest 16 without receiving entertainment data from the vehicle 12, the manipulator 22, or the show action prop 24.

[0023] In some embodiments, several components of the show ride system 10 described above (e.g., ride vehicles 12, show structures 20, manipulators 22, and / or show action equipment 24) can be communicatively coupled to a controller 26 configured to control the operation of the show ride system 10. The controller 26 may include a distributed control system or a fully or partially automated computer-based system. For example, the controller 26 may include a processor that may include processing circuits 28 (e.g., one or more microprocessors) capable of executing instructions (e.g., software programs, algorithms, executable code) that perform the disclosed technology. Furthermore, the processor 28 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more dedicated microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or a combination thereof. The controller 26 may include a memory device 30 that stores instructions that the processing circuits 28 can execute. The data stored in the memory device 30 may include, but is not limited to, algorithms for the operation of the vehicle 12, show structure 20, manipulator 22, and / or show action props 24. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 30 can store entertainment data used to operate the show structure and transmit the entertainment data to the vehicle 12, manipulator 22, and / or show action props 24. Furthermore, once the show structure 20 is coupled to and / or fixed to the vehicle 12, manipulator 22, and / or show action props 24, the entertainment data transmitted via the controller 26 can be transferred to the show structure 20, thereby enabling the show structure 20 to operate to present the entertainment data. In some embodiments, the entertainment data stored in the memory 30 can be transmitted directly to a local controller associated with the show structure 20, thereby enabling the show structure 20 to operate to present the entertainment data.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the show structure 20 can locally store entertainment data and operate to present the entertainment data to the guest 16 when it receives power (for example, via coupling and / or attachment to the ride vehicle 12, via coupling and / or attachment to the manipulator 22, or via coupling and / or attachment to the show action prop 24).

[0024] In some embodiments, the memory 30 can also store data indicating the operating schedule of the show vehicle system 10. For example, the show vehicle system 10 can be configured to operate to provide an immersive experience to the guest 16 according to a program or schedule. The program or schedule can be stored in the memory 30 and can indicate the manner in which the components of the show vehicle system 10 operate and / or the times at which the components should operate. For example, the program can specify (e.g., based on a trigger event such as the vehicle 12 passing a certain point on a predetermined route 14) a schedule that the manipulator 22 should transport the show structure 20 to a specific position corresponding to the position of the first vehicle 12 at a specific point during the cycle of the show vehicle system 10. This schedule can specify that at a second point during the cycle of the show vehicle system 10, the manipulator 22 should retrieve the show structure 20 from the first vehicle 12 and transport it to the show action prop 24. The schedule can specify that at a third point, the manipulator 22 should complete the cycle by retrieving the show structure 20 from the show action prop 24 and transporting it to the second vehicle 12. In this way, the controller 26 can control the various components of the show vehicle system 10 based on the instructions stored in the memory 30. The memory 30 can include a tangible non-transitory machine-readable medium such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof).

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller 26 may also include a positioner 32 (e.g., a positioning system) which can be configured to operate the manipulator 22 based on the determined spatial relationships between the components of the show ride system by determining the spatial relationships between the components. For example, the positioner 32 may receive sensor data from one or more sensors 34 positioned around the show ride system 10. The sensors 34 may record data indicating the position or location of a particular ride vehicle 12, the speed of a particular ride vehicle 12, the position of a show structure 20, the position of the manipulator 22, the position of further show action props 24, or any combination thereof. The positioner 32 may use the sensor data and / or data stored in memory 30 to determine the expected position of the ride vehicle 12, thereby enabling the manipulator 22 to move the show structure 20 to an expected position where the show structure 20 can be coupled to and / or fixed to the ride vehicle 12. Similarly, when the positioner 32 receives an indication that a vehicle 12 having the show structure 20 has passed a specific location within the show ride system 10, it can instruct the manipulator 22 to retrieve the show structure 20 based on a determined expected position of the vehicle 12 to which the show structure 22 is attached. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the positioner 32 can determine the expected position of a show action prop 24, thereby enabling the manipulator 22 to transport the show structure 20 to or retrieve the show structure 20 from the show action prop 24. In some embodiments, the positioner 32 can operate based on various detectable features related to the show ride system 10. For example, the positioner 32 can use data extracted from cameras positioned around the show ride system 10 to determine the spatial relationships between various components of the show ride system 10.Furthermore, the positioner 32 can also determine the relative positions of the components of the show ride system 10 using barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates associated with each component of the show ride system 10. In this way, the manipulator 22 can operate to transport the show structure 20 around the show ride system 10 based on the detection data from the positioner 32.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, each of the vehicle 12, manipulator 22, and further show action props 24 may include a coupler 36 (e.g., coupling assembly, coupling mechanism, coupling component, or securer (e.g., securing assembly, securing mechanism, securing component)). Furthermore, the show structure 20 may include one or more show structure couplers 38 (e.g., coupling assembly, coupling mechanism, coupling component, or securer (e.g., securing assembly, securing mechanism, securing component)). During operation, to facilitate the transport of the show structure 20 and / or coupling and / or securing to the show structure 20, each coupler 36 of the vehicle 12, manipulator 22, and / or show action props 24 may be configured to interact with one of the show structure couplers 38, thereby enabling a removable coupling and / or securing between the show structure 20 and the vehicle 12, manipulator 22, or further show action props 24. In some embodiments, the couplers 36 of the ride vehicles 12, manipulators 22, and further show action props 24 may include further components (e.g., magnets, power induction coils, data communicators) that enable the transmission of power and / or data so that the show structure 20 receives power when coupled and / or locked between each coupler 36 and the show structure coupler 38, and provides visual and / or acoustic feedback to guests 16 in the show ride system 10 (e.g., based on data transmitted to the show structure 20). Thus, as will be described in more detail below, once the show structure 20 is coupled and / or locked to each ride vehicle 12, each ride vehicle 12 can transmit data to the show structure 20 and transmit power, thereby enabling the show structure 20 to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback.

[0027] Similarly, once the show structure 20 is coupled to and / or secured to each show action prop 24, the show action prop 24 can transmit data and power to the show structure 20, thereby enabling it to continue providing visual and / or acoustic feedback while the show structure 20 is coupled to and / or secured to the show action prop 24 (for example, via coupling and / or securing between each coupler 36 and the show ride coupler 38). Furthermore, once the show structure 20 is coupled to and / or secured to the manipulator 22, the manipulator 22 can transmit data and power to the show structure 20 (for example, via the coupler 36), thereby enabling it to continue providing visual and / or acoustic feedback to the guests 16 in the show ride system 10 while the show structure 20 is being transported to different locations by the manipulator 22. In this way, the guest experience can be improved by providing the guest 16 experiencing the show ride system 10 with an immersive experience that has a substantially seamless transition (for example, the amount of interruption due to the failure of data transfer and / or power transmission to the show structure 20 is below a threshold, and the time the show structure is inoperable (e.g., not receiving power and / or data) is below a threshold).

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of various embodiments of the show ride system 10 of Figure 1. As described above, during the operation of the show ride system 10, one of the show structure couplers 38 of the show structure 20 can be coupled and / or fastened to the couplers 36 of the ride vehicle 12, the manipulator 22, or the show action prop 24, respectively. For example, the coupler 36 associated with the ride vehicle 12 may correspond to the base coupler 50, the coupler 36 associated with the manipulator 22 may correspond to the transport coupler 52, and the coupler 36 associated with the show action prop 24 may correspond to the prop coupler 54. As described herein, the couplers 36 (e.g., the base coupler 50, the transport coupler 52, and the prop coupler 54) may also be called coupling assemblies, coupling mechanisms, coupling devices, or fasteners (e.g., fastening assemblies, fastening mechanisms, fastening devices) configured to interact (e.g., couple) with the show structure couplers 38. Each of the couplers 36 is positioned on the outer surface 35 of the respective component associated with the coupler 36 (e.g., the vehicle 12, the manipulator 22, the show action prop 24) and can be configured to facilitate coupling and / or fastening to the show structure 20, thereby supplying power to the show structure 20 and / or transmitting entertainment data, thereby enabling the show structure 20 to provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to the guest 16.

[0029] Each coupler 36 (e.g., base coupler 50, transport coupler 52, prop coupler 54) may include a base plate 56 having one or more magnets 58 (e.g., rare earth magnets, electromagnets) arranged around the central axis 60 of the base plate 56. The base plate 56 may be coupled to and / or fixed to a motor 62 via a shaft 64, and the motor 62 may be configured to translate and / or orient (e.g., rotate) the base plate 56 based on control signals from a controller 26 and / or a local controller 66 (e.g., a processor-based controller) associated with each coupler 36. For example, the controller 26 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 66 and enable the translation and / or orientation of one or more magnets 58 by sending control signals to the controller 66 that operate the motor 62 to translate and / or orient the base plate 56. Each coupler 36 may also include a power induction coil 68 configured to supply power to the show structure 20 (e.g., via induction) and a data communicator 70 (e.g., a data antenna assembly (e.g., data antenna, data transceiver, data transmitter) cable coupling) configured to transmit entertainment data to the show structure 20. In some embodiments, the power induction coil 68 may surround one or more magnets 58, and the data communicator 70 may surround the power induction coil 68. However, the position of the power induction coil 68 and / or the data communicator 70 is not limited to the positions described above. For example, in some embodiments, the power induction coil 68 may surround both the data communicator 70 and the magnets 58, while in other embodiments, the data communicator 70 may transmit entertainment data to the show structure 20 by being located within a threshold distance of the base plate 56. Furthermore, although the data communicator 70 is shown as a data antenna, in some embodiments, data can also be transmitted through the data communicator 70 via direct coupling and / or fixation.

[0030] Each show structure coupler 38 (e.g., show structure coupler, show structure fastener) of the show structure 20 is positioned on the outer surface of the show structure 20 and may include a mounting plate 72 having one or more magnets 74 arranged around a central axis 76. However, unlike the base plate 56 of each coupler 36 (e.g., base coupler 50, transport coupler 52, prop coupler 54), the mounting plate 72 of each show structure coupler 38 can be fixed to the show structure 20. In this way, by translating and / or oriented (e.g., rotating) the magnets 58 and 74 on each base plate 56 relative to the magnets 74 on each mounting plate 72, the magnets 58 and 74 can be aligned or offset relative to each other, thereby facilitating coupling (and / or fixing) or disconnection between the show structure 20 and other components of the show ride system 10.

[0031] For example, during a cycle of the show ride system 10, the show structure 20 can be transported from the first ride vehicle 12 to the show action prop 24 or the second ride vehicle 12 via the manipulator 22. Thus, the show structure 20 can be coupled and / or secured to the ride vehicle 12 at a first point in time via coupling and / or fastening between the base coupler 50 and the first show structure coupler 38 (e.g., the lower show structure coupler). When the transport coupler 52 of the manipulator 22 receives a command to transport the show structure 20, it can be positioned close to the second show structure coupler 38 (e.g., the upper show structure coupler 38). When the transport coupler 52 approaches the second show structure coupler 38, the base plate 56 of the transport coupler 52 is translated and / or directed (e.g., rotated) so that the magnet 58 of the transport coupler 52 aligns with the magnet 74 of the second show structure coupler 38, thereby facilitating coupling and / or locking between the manipulator 22 and the show structure 20. Furthermore, when the controller 26 determines that a correct coupling has been made between the transport coupler 52 and the second show structure coupler 38, it can translate and / or direct (e.g., rotate) the base plate 56 of the base coupler 50 so that the magnet 58 of the base coupler 50 is out of phase (e.g., offset) with the magnet 74 of the first show structure coupler 38 by transmitting a signal to translate and / or direct (e.g., rotate) the base plate 56 of the base coupler 50. When the magnet 58 of the base coupler 50 is translated and / or directed (e.g., rotated) in a phase-shifted manner with respect to the magnet 74 of the first show structure coupler 58, the show structure 20 can be detached from the ride vehicle 12 and transported by the manipulator 22 to another location within the show ride system 10.

[0032] Similarly, when the manipulator 22 receives a command to transport the show structure 20 to the show action prop 24, it can position the show structure 20 so that the first show structure coupler 38 is close to the prop coupler 54. As the show structure 20 approaches the show action prop 24, the base plate 56 of the prop coupler 54 is translated and / or directed (e.g., rotated) so that the magnet 58 of the prop coupler 54 aligns with the magnet 74 of the first show structure coupler 38, thereby facilitating coupling and / or fixing between the show action prop 24 and the show structure 20. Furthermore, when the controller 26 determines that the correct coupling between the show structure 20 and the show action prop 24 has been achieved, it can translate and / or direct (e.g., rotate) the base plate 56 of the transport coupler 52 so that the magnet 58 of the transport coupler 52 is out of phase with the magnet 74 of the second show structure coupler 38 by transmitting a signal to translate and / or direct (e.g., rotate) the base plate 56 of the transport coupler 52. When the magnet 58 of the transport coupler 52 is translated and / or directed (e.g., rotated) in phase with the magnet 74 of the second show structure coupler 38, the show structure can detach from the manipulator 22 and operate using power and entertainment data transmitted from the prop coupler 54 of the show action prop 24. In this way, when the manipulator 22 detaches the show structure 20, the show structure 20 can attach to the show action prop 24 and provide visual and / or acoustic feedback to the guest 16.

[0033] Although Figure 2 shows the show structure 20 not coupled to both the manipulator 22 and the ride vehicle 12, such an embodiment is for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that during operation, at least one of the show structure couplers 38 will couple and / or fasten to each coupler 36 of the show ride system 10, allowing the show structure 20 to operate in a way that provides visual and / or acoustic feedback to the guest 16. Also, although Figure 2 shows each coupler 36 and each show structure coupler 38 having six magnets, in other embodiments, any preferred number of magnets (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine or more) can be used to facilitate coupling and / or fastening between the show structure 20 and the components of the show ride system 10. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the mounting plate 72 of the show structure coupler 38 may be a stainless steel plate, and the vehicle 12, manipulator 22, or show action prop 24 may include an electromagnet that interacts with the mounting plate 72 to facilitate coupling and / or locking between their respective couplers 36 and their respective show structure couplers 38.

[0034] In some embodiments, the show structure 20 may also include a local controller 78 and a data receiver 80 (e.g., a data transmission assembly (e.g., a data antenna, data transmitter, data transceiver)) configured to facilitate the operation of the show structure 20. For example, as described above, each coupler 36 may be configured to transmit power and / or entertainment data to the show structure 20 to operate it when the respective coupler 36 and the show structure coupler 38 are properly coupled and / or locked. That is, the data communicator 70 of each coupler 36 can receive entertainment data from the controller 26 and transmit the entertainment data to the local controller 78 of the show structure 20 (e.g., a processor-based controller) via any preferred network, thereby enabling the show structure 20 to present the transmitted entertainment data. In some embodiments, the data receiver 80 of the show structure 20 may be configured to facilitate the reception and / or transmission of entertainment data transmitted to the show structure 20. For example, the data receiver 80 may be a data transmission assembly (e.g., a data transceiver) including a data antenna for receiving data from each data communicator 70 and a data transmitter for transmitting data to the local controller 78. The network may be any suitable wired or wireless (e.g., wireless or optical-based) network that can facilitate data communication between components of the show ride system 10. In some embodiments, the network may be a Wi-Fi network, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) network, a LiDAR device, a 4G network, a 4G LTE network, a 5G network, a Bluetooth network, a Near Field Communication (NFC) network, or any network suitable for transmitting information between the show structure 20 and the ride vehicle 12, manipulator 22, or show action equipment 24. For example, entertainment data may be transmitted via a Near Field Communication network so that the entertainment data is not transmitted until the correct coupling is made between each coupler 36 and each show structure coupler 38.As described herein, “correct coupling” can mean coupling and / or locking between each coupler 36 and each show structure coupler 38 that limits the amount of movement of the show structure 20 relative to the component to which it is attached to a threshold. For example, the show structure 20 may be configured to operate and move based on entertainment data transmitted to the show structure 20, but correct coupling can correspond to coupling and / or locking that limits the amount of movement between each show structure coupler 38 and each coupler 36. Thus, correct coupling may be achieved when the magnet 58 of the coupler is aligned and coupled with the magnet 74 of the show structure coupler 38.

[0035] In some embodiments, the local controller 78 can store entertainment data necessary to operate the show structure 20, and the show structure 20 can present the entertainment data stored in the local controller 78 when it receives power from each coupler 36 (e.g., via a power induction coil 68). Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, the show structure 20 may also include a local power source (e.g., a battery) that enables the operation of the show structure 20. Thus, in some embodiments, each coupler 36 can be configured to couple and / or fasten the show structure 20 to each component of the show ride system 10 without transmitting data and / or power to the show structure 20, and / or to facilitate the transport of the show structure 20 around the show ride system 10. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the coupler 36 described above may correspond to any type of coupling assembly, coupling mechanism, coupling device, or fastener (e.g., fastening assembly, fastening mechanism, fastening device) that can enable removable coupling and / or fastening between the show structure 20 and the components of the show ride system 10. For example, in some embodiments, the coupler 36 may correspond to a piece of a hook-and-loop assembly or an adhesive, and the show structure 20 may be configured to be coupled and / or secured to the coupler 36 in order to be coupled and / or secured to the components of the show ride system 10.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view embodiment of a coupler 36 that may be associated with a vehicle 12, a manipulator 22, and / or a show action prop 24. As described above, each coupler 36 may include a base plate 56 having one or more magnets 58 arranged around a central axis 60. In some embodiments, each coupler 36 may also include a recess 82 (e.g., a keyed recess) that interacts with a key 84 (e.g., a projection, key design) of the show structure 20 as shown in Figures 4A and 4B to facilitate coupling and / or fastening between the show structure 20 and each coupler 36.

[0037] For example, Figure 3 shows a recess 82 (e.g., a keyed recess) that can be machined around the central axis 60 within the base plate 56 of each coupler 36. The recess 82 may have a width extending across the surface of the base plate 56 and a depth extending within the surface of the base plate 56. The recess 82 may also have a geometry that allows each key 84 (e.g., a projection) of the Shaw structure coupler 38 to interact with and / or engage with the recess 82. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the recess 82 may have a star-shaped geometry with 16 points, and the key 84 may have a corresponding geometry that allows interaction with and / or engagement with the recess 82. In some embodiments, the key 84 may have fewer points or vertices than the recess 82. For example, in some embodiments, the recess 82 may have a pentagonal geometry with 5 vertices, and the key 84 may have a square geometry with 4 vertices. In this way, it is possible to facilitate correct coupling between the show structure coupler 38 and the coupler 36 while still allowing a limited allowable amount of movement (e.g., within a threshold movement) between the show structure coupler 38 and the coupler 36.

[0038] In some embodiments, the recess 82 may be a stepped recess having multiple (e.g., two or more) heights in which the same or different geometric shapes are etched to different depths within the recess 82. For example, the recess 82 may have a first portion etched to a first depth within the recess, the first portion may have a circular geometric shape that interacts with a circular first portion of the key 84. Alternatively, the recess 82 may have a second portion etched to a second depth deeper than the first depth within the recess 82, the second portion may have a star-shaped geometric shape that interacts with a star-shaped second portion of the key 84. In this way, the first portion of the recess 82 can engage with the first portion of the key 84 to facilitate the initial connection between the recess 82 and the key 84. In other words, the interaction between the first portion of the recess 82 and the first portion of the key 84 facilitates alignment between the coupler 36 and the show structure coupler 38, thereby enabling the second portion of the key 84 (e.g., the star-shaped portion) to engage with the second portion of the recess 82 (e.g., the star-shaped recess).

[0039] Although the recess 82 is shown as having a star-shaped geometry, in other embodiments the recess 82 may have a different geometry that facilitates coupling and / or locking between the coupler 36 and the show structure coupler 38. Specifically, the recess 82 and the key 84 are shaped to facilitate desired alignment and to facilitate the coordinated translation and / or orientation (e.g., rotation) of both the coupler 32 and the show structure 20. In some embodiments, the show structure 20 may include the recess and the coupler 36 may include the key 84.

[0040] Figures 4A and 4B show different views of the key 84 of a show structure coupler 38, which can be configured to engage with a recess 82 of a coupler 36 to couple and / or secure the show structure 20 to a vehicle 12, a manipulator 22, or a show action prop 24. In some embodiments, the engagement of the key 84 with the recess 82 can further facilitate the alignment of the magnets 58 and 74. For example, in some embodiments, the key 84 can extend from the surface of the mounting plate 72 and be configured to engage with the recess 82 of each coupler 36 before the magnet 74 of the show structure coupler 38 couples with the magnet 58 of the coupler 36. Thus, in some embodiments, the height and / or length of the key 84 can be based on the depth of the recess 82. When the key 84 engages with the recess 82, the magnet 74 of the show structure coupler 38 can align with the magnet 58 of the coupler 36. The engagement of the key 84 with the recess 82 can also facilitate the disengagement of each coupler 36 from each show structure coupler 38. For example, as described above, during the separation of each coupler 36 from each show structure coupler 38, the base plate 56 of each coupler 36 is translated and / or oriented (e.g., rotated), thereby translating and / or oriented (e.g., rotating) the magnet 58 of the coupler. Since the key 84 of the show structure coupler 38 engages with the recess 82 of the coupler 36, the show structure 20 remains fixed to the coupler 36 when the base plate 56 (and therefore the magnet 58) of the coupler 36 is translated and / or oriented (e.g., rotated), making it possible to translate and / or oriented (e.g., rotate) the magnet 58 of the coupler 36 in phase with the magnet 74 of the show structure coupler 38. In this way, by separating each coupler 36 from the show structure coupler 38, the show structure 20 can be transported or transferred to another component of the show ride system 10.

[0041] As described above, the manipulator 22 may include one or more arms and one or more joints that allow the manipulator 22 to move relative to the ride vehicle 12, the show structure 20, the show action props 24, or any combination thereof. For example, Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the manipulator 22 in which the controller 26 is communicatively coupled to the controller 26, thereby allowing the controller 26 to control the position of the transport coupler 52 of the manipulator 22. During the operation of the show ride system 10, the manipulator 22 may be configured to be coupled and / or fixed to the show structure 20 (e.g., via the coupler 36), to supply power and / or data to the show structure 20 (e.g., via the coupler 36), and to transport the show structure 20 to a desired position (e.g., from the show action props 24 to the ride vehicle 12, and from the ride vehicle 12 to the show action props 24) and away from the show structure 20. For example, when the manipulator 22 receives a command to transport the show structure 20 from the vehicle 12 to the show action prop 24, it can receive coordinates from the controller 26 corresponding to the expected position of the show structure 20 on the vehicle 12, thereby positioning the coupler 36 in a location that facilitates coupling and / or locking between the show structure 20 and the manipulator 22. Once the show structure 20 is coupled and / or locked to the manipulator 22, the controller 26 can enable the manipulator to transport the show structure 20 to the show action prop 24 by providing the manipulator 22 with coordinates specifying the expected location or position of the show action prop 24.

[0042] The manipulator 22 may include a plurality of arms 40 and a plurality of joints 42 configured to facilitate the operation or movement of the coupler 36 in a plurality of (e.g., six) degrees of freedom in order to facilitate coupling and / or fixing between the manipulator 22 and the show structure 20. In practice, the manipulator 22 can move the coupler 36 in any preferred degree of freedom, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six degrees of freedom. Furthermore, as described above, the operation of the manipulator 22 can also be controlled using a controller 26 (e.g., an electronic and / or processor-based controller, an automated controller, or a control system). For example, the controller 26 can control the position and movement of the arms 40 and joints 42 to adjust the position of the coupler 36 based on the expected positions of various components in the show ride system 10. In some embodiments, the controller 26 can control the position of the manipulator 22 by using a positioner 32 to determine the expected positions of various components in the show ride system 10. In some embodiments, when the manipulator 22 is coupled to and / or fixed to the show structure 20, the controller 26 can control the power and data transfer transmitted to the show structure 20 through the coupler 36.

[0043] 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.

[0044] While this specification illustrates and describes only a few features of the embodiments disclosed, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Therefore, the appended claims should be understood to include all such modifications and changes that constitute the precise intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Show Ride Systems 12 Vehicles 14 routes 16 Guests 18. Show Action Equipment 20 Show Structure 22 Manipulators 24 Show Action Props 25 Designated area 26 Controllers 28 Processing Circuit 30 memory devices 32 Positioner 34 sensors 36 Couplers 38 Show Structure Coupler

Claims

1. It is an amusement park ride system, One or more vehicles configured to transport passengers, A show structure configured to operate for the passengers to see, A manipulator configured to be coupled to and / or fixed to the show structure and to transport the show structure between one of the one or more vehicles, Equipped with, Each of the one or more vehicles includes an outer surface and a base coupler disposed on or accessible via the outer surface. The aforementioned show structure is, A first coupler configured to be detachably coupled and / or fixed to the base coupler of each of the one or more vehicles, The second coupler, Includes, The manipulator includes a transport coupler configured to be detachably coupled and / or fixed to the second coupler. Amusement park ride system.

2. The aforementioned base coupler is A base plate containing one or more magnets, A motor connected to and / or fixed to the base plate, configured to translate and / or direct the base plate, A power induction coil configured to supply power to the show structure in response to the show structure being coupled to and / or fixed to one or more vehicles, The amusement park ride system according to claim 1, including the following:

3. The show structure includes an animated figure configured to operate based on receiving power from the power induction coil, The amusement park ride system according to claim 2.

4. The show structure is configured to operate based on data, and the base coupler includes an antenna configured to transmit the data to the show structure. The amusement park ride system according to claim 2.

5. The power induction coil surrounds the one or more magnets, and the antenna surrounds the power induction coil. The amusement park ride system according to claim 4.

6. The first coupler includes a first mounting plate which includes one or more additional magnets configured to align with the one or more magnets of the base coupler in order to couple and / or secure the show structure to the vehicle, The amusement park ride system according to claim 2.

7. The one or more additional magnets of the first coupler are fixed to the show structure, and the one or more magnets of the base coupler can be translated and / or directed relative to the one or more additional magnets of the first coupler. The amusement park ride system according to claim 6.

8. The translation and / or orientation of the base plate via the motor is configured to detach the show structure from the vehicle. The amusement park ride system according to claim 2.

9. The aforementioned transport coupler is, A further base plate including one or two or more further magnets, A further motor, coupled and / or fixed to the further base plate and configured to translate and / or orient the further base plate, A further power induction coil configured to supply power to the show structure in response to the show structure coupling and / or securing to the transport coupler, The amusement park ride system according to claim 2, including the following:

10. The transport coupler includes an antenna configured to transmit data to the show structure. The amusement park ride system according to claim 9.

11. The first coupler includes a key configured to engage with a recess in the base coupler of the vehicle, thereby facilitating the coupling and / or securing of the show structure to the vehicle. The amusement park ride system according to claim 1.

12. The base coupler includes a first plurality of magnets, the first coupler includes a second plurality of magnets, and the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configured to align and engage with each other in order to couple and / or fix the show structure to the vehicle. The amusement park ride system according to claim 1.

13. The translation and / or orientation of the base coupler relative to the first coupler is configured to offset the multiple magnets of the base coupler relative to the multiple magnets of the first coupler, thereby engaging or disengaging the show structure from the vehicle. The amusement park ride system according to claim 1.

14. The show structure includes an animated figure configured to operate based on power received through the first coupler, the second coupler, or both thereof. The amusement park ride system according to claim 1.

15. A manipulator for a show ride system, One or more arms and one or more joints configured to enable the movement of the manipulator, A transport coupler configured to be coupled and / or fixed to one of the one or more arms and to be detachably coupled and / or fixed to a show structure coupler of a show structure, The transport coupler is equipped with, A base plate containing one or more magnets, A motor connected to and / or fixed to the base plate, configured to translate and / or direct the base plate, A power induction coil configured to supply power to the show structure in response to the transport coupler coupling and / or securing to the show structure coupler, A data communicator configured to transmit data to the show structure in response to the transport coupler coupling and / or securing to the show structure coupler, A manipulator, including one.

16. The power induction coil surrounds the one or more magnets, the data communicator includes an antenna, and the antenna surrounds the power induction coil. The manipulator according to claim 15.

17. The one or more magnets on the base plate are configured to align with one or more additional magnets associated with the show structure in order to couple and / or secure the show structure to the manipulator. The manipulator according to claim 15.

18. A show structure configured to operate for passengers to see, A first coupler is positioned in a first location on the show structure, is accessible by a base coupler of a vehicle or a prop coupler of a show action prop, and is configured to detachably connect and / or secure the show structure to the vehicle or the show action prop, A second coupler is positioned at a second location on the show structure, is accessible by the transport coupler of the manipulator, and is configured to detachably connect and / or fix the show structure to the manipulator. A show structure comprising a base plate including one or more magnets configured to align with one or more additional magnets of the base coupler, transport coupler, or prop coupler for coupling and / or securing the show structure to the vehicle, the manipulator, or the show action prop, respectively.

19. The show structure includes an animated figure configured to operate based on receiving power from a power induction coil of the vehicle, the manipulator, or the show action prop. The show structure according to claim 18.

20. The show structure is configured to operate based on data received from the data communicator of the base coupler, the transport coupler, or the prop coupler. The show structure according to claim 18.

Images