Target assembly system and method

Abstract

A target assembly system and method are provided. [Solution] The system includes a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid. The system also includes a wall having a surface facing the nozzle and a thickness extending from the surface. The system also includes one or more capacitive sensors configured to detect the presence of liquid on or adjacent to the surface through the thickness of the wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 461,535, entitled "TARGET ASSEMBLY SYSTEM AND METHOD", filed on April 24, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference 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 technology described and / or claimed hereinafter. This discussion is considered to be helpful in showing readers the background circumstances and facilitating a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be understood to be read from the above perspective rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Entertainment venues such as theme parks or amusement parks have been formed to provide guests with various immersive experiences. These entertainment venues can include various attractions such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), shows, and games, among which there are those that employ ride assemblies configured to move (single or multiple) guests along a ride path (e.g., a track), show effects configured to enhance the immersive experience of (single or multiple) guests, and the like.

[0004] In some traditional attractions, one or more guests operate devices such as ball launchers configured to fire balls, aiming to hit a target assembly. For example, detection features can be configured to determine whether a guest successfully hit the target assembly with a ball launched by the ball launcher. Unfortunately, the detection features in traditional attractions can be inaccurate or prone to malfunction, which can negatively impact the guest experience. Furthermore, such traditional attractions may have limited range and immersion. Therefore, there is now a recognized need for improved target assemblies and corresponding entertainment attractions. [Overview of the project]

[0005] 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.

[0006] In the embodiment, the system includes a nozzle configured to discharge a liquid. The system also includes a wall having a surface facing the nozzle and a thickness extending from the surface. The system also includes one or more target sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) configured to detect the presence of liquid on or adjacent to the surface through the thickness of the wall.

[0007] In one embodiment, a target assembly for an entertainment attraction includes a wall having a surface and a thickness extending from the surface. The target assembly also includes one or more target sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) configured to detect the presence of liquid on or adjacent to the surface through the thickness of the wall.

[0008] In one embodiment, the entertainment system includes a first nozzle operable by a first guest to discharge a first liquid, a second nozzle operable by a second guest to discharge a second liquid, a target facing the first and second nozzles, and one or more target sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) configured to detect the presence of the first liquid, the second liquid, or both in the target through the thickness of the target. The entertainment system may also include a control system configured to receive sensor feedback from one or more target sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) and, at least in part, determine a first game score corresponding to the first guest, a second game score corresponding to the second guest, a team score corresponding to the first and second guests, or any combination thereof.

[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 indicate the same parts throughout with the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an overhead view of an attraction (e.g., a ride system) having a target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) configured to detect the presence of liquid discharged from the nozzle of the attraction at the target assembly of the attraction, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the attraction in Figure 1 according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a nozzle device and target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) corresponding to a target assembly that can be used in the attraction of Figure 1 according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a nozzle device that can be used in the attraction shown in Figure 1, according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 5]Figure 1 is a side view of a target assembly that can be used in the attraction according to an aspect of the present disclosure, comprising a wall having a first surface configured to face the nozzle of the attraction, and a target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) disposed on a second surface of the wall opposite to the first surface. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a side view of a target assembly that can be used in the attraction according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the target assembly comprising a wall having a surface configured to face the nozzle of the attraction, and a target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) embedded in the wall. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a side view of a target assembly that can be used in the attraction, which includes an enclosure configured to protect the target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) from several aspects of the surrounding environment, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a front view of a plurality of target assemblies that can be used on a common wall (or character) in the attraction of Figure 1, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a target assembly that can be used in the attraction of Figure 1, which includes a target sensor array (e.g., a capacitive sensor array) having at least two target sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of an attraction employing an electrical circuit comprising a target assembly and a nozzle device for dispensing liquid onto the target assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an attraction, such as the one shown in Figure 1, which employs one or more target assemblies and one or more nozzle devices configured to discharge liquid onto the one or more target assemblies, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [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 does not describe all features of the implementation. 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 by 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 a target assembly and corresponding control, commonly used in amusement park attractions. According to some embodiments, an amusement park attraction may include a nozzle device (e.g., a water gun, a spray blaster, etc.) configured to discharge a liquid (e.g., water, treated water such as chlorinated water, water colored with dyes, watercolors, or paints) toward the target assembly. For example, a guest may operate the nozzle device to discharge the liquid toward a first surface of the wall of the target assembly. A target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) may be placed on a second surface of the wall opposite to the first surface, or the target sensor may be embedded in the wall. In this way, the target sensor can be hidden from view of the guest (e.g., when the first surface of the wall faces the guest). The target sensor may be configured to detect the presence of the liquid discharged from the nozzle device operated by the guest on the first surface of the wall. For example, the target sensor may include a capacitive sensor configured to detect the presence of the liquid on the first surface of the wall by detecting the capacitance of the liquid. Other types of target sensors include imaging sensors (e.g., cameras, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, etc.) and light sensors with or without light emitters (e.g., visible light sensors, infrared light sensors, ultraviolet light sensors, laser sensors). A detailed description of the target sensors and their corresponding functions will be provided below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] In some embodiments, the target assembly can be integrated with show elements of amusement park attractions such as avatars, humanoids, robots, figures, and actionable characters. As described above, by concealing the target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) from view of the guest, the authenticity of the show element is enhanced compared to conventional configurations where the sensor and / or other components are located at the location of the target assembly facing the guest. Furthermore, as will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, the accuracy, precision, and / or reliability of the target sensor in detecting the presence of liquid on the walls of the target assembly does not decrease with the movement of the target assembly. In practice, unlike some conventional sensing techniques, the target sensor may not include any moving mechanical components. Thus, some embodiments employ a moving show element in which the target assembly (or part thereof) is integrated internally, and the movement of the show element does not affect the sensor readings by the target sensor. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first surface of the wall of the target assembly can be configured to repel liquid by employing a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating to prevent liquid from seeping into the first surface of the wall and / or to prevent liquid from remaining on the first surface of the wall for longer than a desired moment (or time interval). In this way, the target sensor can quickly and sequentially detect multiple "hits" on the target assembly. Further detailed embodiments of one or more target assemblies, (single or multiple) target sensors, etc., are shown with reference to the drawings.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control system can control one or more effects of an amusement park attraction in response to a target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor) detecting the presence of liquid discharged from a nozzle device controlled by a guest on the wall of a target assembly. For example, in response to a sufficient amount of liquid (e.g., a fluid film) hitting the wall of the target assembly and being detected by the target sensor, the control system can control light, water features, speakers configured to emit sound, fireworks effects, flame effects, bubble effects, confetti effects, the operation of animated figures, the movement of the amusement park attraction's ride vehicles, a scoreboard (e.g., a digital scoreboard), other effects, or any combination thereof. Other effects can also be controlled. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the amusement park attraction can employ control features in which the activation of a particular effect is initiated in response to team achievements (e.g., through two guests operating two separate nozzles), the order in which targets are hit by (single or multiple) guest-operated nozzle devices, etc. These and other features will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 is an overhead view of an embodiment of an attraction 10 (e.g., a ride system) having one or more target sensors 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an imaging sensor such as a camera or a LiDAR sensor, an optical sensor with or without a light emitter (e.g., a visible light sensor, an infrared light sensor, an ultraviolet light sensor, a laser sensor, etc.)) configured to detect the presence of liquid 24 (e.g., water, treated water such as chlorinated water, water colored with dyes, watercolors or paints, etc.) discharged from a nozzle device 16 of the attraction 10 (e.g., a water gun, a spray blaster, etc.) at the target assembly 14 of the attraction 10. In some of the following examples, the attraction 10 shown in Figure 1 is described in the context of a ride system that employs a ride path 18 (e.g., a track), a ride vehicle 20 configured to move along the ride path 18, and a loading station 19 from which guests can enter and exit the ride vehicle 20. However, it should be understood that the features relating to the target assembly 14 (and / or other target assemblies of the attraction 10, which are described in detail below) can also be applied in the context of other types of attractions that do not employ a ride path 18, a ride vehicle 20, and a loading station 19 (e.g., platform-based attractions, walk-through attractions, shows, games, etc.).

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 20 may include multiple seats 21, such as six pairs of two seats 21 each (e.g., a total of 12 seats 21). However, any number of seats 21 or other restraint mechanisms can be employed, and other configurations of seats 21 are also possible according to this disclosure. A guest 22 located in one of the seats 21 on the vehicle 20 can operate a nozzle device 16 (e.g., a water gun, spray blaster, etc.) to spray liquid 24 toward a target assembly 14. For simplicity, only one example of a nozzle device 16 corresponding to the vehicle 20 is shown. However, in other embodiments, multiple nozzle devices may be employed, such as one example of a nozzle device 16 for each example of seats 21.

[0018] The nozzle device 16 can discharge the liquid 24 in a laminar flow or a non-laminar flow. Furthermore, the nozzle device 16 can be operated while the vehicle 20 is moving, while the vehicle 20 is stationary, or both. In some embodiments, the target assembly 14 can be configured to move (e.g., change position, change orientation). As shown in the figure, the target assembly 14 can move along a target assembly path (e.g., a track) 26. In other embodiments, the target assembly 14 may be a drone or other device configured to move without a target assembly path 26.

[0019] The movement of the target assembly 14, the vehicle 20, or both can be controlled by a control system (e.g., a controller, a control assembly) 28. For example, the control system 28 can include a memory circuit 30 (e.g., one or more memories) that stores instructions, a processing circuit 32 (e.g., one or more processors) configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory circuit 30, and a communication circuit 34 (e.g., one or more transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wired connections, etc.) configured to receive and / or transmit communications to various components of the attraction 10. As an example, the memory circuit 30 can store instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit 32, command the processing circuit 32 to perform the movement of the vehicle 20, the movement of the target assembly 14, the operation of various effects of the attraction 10, or any combination thereof (e.g., via communications enabled by the communication circuit 34). Note that the memory circuit 30, the processing circuit 32, and / or the communication circuit 34 can be separate (e.g., separate systems, separate assemblies, separate components) that are not integrated into a single controller (e.g., the control system 28). In other words, the memory circuit 30, the processing circuit 32, and / or the communication circuit 34 can exist outside of integrated control. For example, in an embodiment where the control system 28 includes a controller, the communication circuit 34 can exist outside of the controller and can be coupled to the controller via a wired or wireless connection.

[0020] Furthermore, the processor circuit 32 (for example, of the control system 28) may include one or more microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more dedicated microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or any combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit 32 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) or composite instruction set (CISC) processors. The memory circuit 30 (for example, of the control system 28) may include one or more volatile memories such as random access memory (RAM), and / or one or more non-volatile memories such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory circuit 30 can store various information and can be used for various purposes. For example, the memory circuit 30 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processing circuit 32 to execute, such as instructions for controlling various components of the attraction 10. The memory circuit 30 and / or the processing circuit 32 may be located in any preferred part of the attraction 10.

[0021] The target assembly 14 can include at least one instance of the target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitance sensor) as described above, and the target sensor 12 is configured to detect the presence of the liquid 24 discharged from the nozzle device 16 in the target assembly 14 in response to the operation of the nozzle device 16 by the guest 22. That is, the target sensor 12 can be configured to detect the presence of the liquid 24 on the forward-facing surface 36 of the wall of the target assembly 14 through the wall thickness (e.g., without the liquid 24 directly contacting the target sensor 12). In this way, the target sensor 12 can be hidden so as not to be visible from the perspective of the guest 22 on the vehicle 20. In some embodiments (e.g., when the target assembly 14 includes an aesthetic corresponding to the theme of the attraction 10), the target assembly 14 can be (or the target assembly 14 can be formed on) a figure, an avatar, a humanoid, a robot, a cartoon character, or other show elements. By hiding the target sensor 12 so as not to be visible from the perspective of the guest 22, the credibility of the target assembly 14 (e.g., a figure, an avatar, a humanoid, a robot, a cartoon character, etc.) can be enhanced compared to a configuration where the sensing technology is visible from the perspective of the guest 22 inside the vehicle 20.

[0022] Furthermore, the target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) can be non-mechanical, in other words, it can detect the presence of liquid 24 in the target assembly 14 without substantial movement of the structure of the target sensor 12. For example, the target sensor 12 can detect the presence of liquid 24 in the target assembly 14 in response to the amount of liquid 24 present on the forward surface 36 of the target assembly 14 exceeding a threshold (e.g., threshold amount). In some embodiments, the target sensor 12 can detect the presence of liquid 24 on the forward surface 36 of the target assembly 14 in response to the presence and / or formation of a fluid film of liquid 24 on the forward surface 36 (e.g., fluid film size (e.g., fluid film thickness, fluid film area, fluid film volume)) exceeding a threshold fluid film presence and / or formation (e.g., threshold fluid film size (e.g., fluid film thickness, fluid film area, fluid film volume)). In practice (for example, if the liquid 24 is conductive and / or contains a dielectric constant different from that of air), the target sensor 12 may be a capacitive sensor configured to detect the capacitance of the liquid 24 in response to the fulfillment of the threshold conditions described above. In other embodiments, the target sensor 12 may include an imaging sensor (e.g., a camera or LiDAR sensor), an optical sensor with or without a light emitter (e.g., a visible light sensor, an infrared light sensor, an ultraviolet light sensor, or a laser sensor), and the like.

[0023] In addition to or instead of the above, the target sensor 12 may also be configured to accurately and reliably detect the presence of liquid 24 in the target assembly 14 despite the movement of the target assembly 14 and / or the movement of the target sensor 12 attached to the target assembly 14. Thus, the target sensor 12 can be more accurate and reliable than detection techniques that are adversely affected by the movement of itself (and / or the target to which it is placed). Further detailed embodiments of the target assembly 14 and the target sensor 12 corresponding to the target assembly 14 will be shown below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The control system 28 can be communicatively coupled to the target sensor 12 and can be configured to command one or more aspects of the attraction 10 (e.g., one or more effects) in response to the guest 22 successfully hitting the target assembly 14 with the liquid 24 released from the nozzle device 16. For example, the control system 28 can be configured to command the movement of the ride vehicle 20 and / or its seats (e.g., roll, pitch or yaw motion, changes in direction, velocity or acceleration, rotation routines, ascent or descent, or changes in altitude), the movement or animation of the target assembly 14 or a specific part thereof, such as an appendage of the character corresponding to the target assembly 14 (e.g., arms, legs), the character's body (e.g., torso), the character's head, or any other part of the character, one or more other effects of the attraction 10, or any combination thereof, in response to determining that the guest 22 has successfully hit the target assembly 14 with the liquid 24 released from the nozzle device 16.

[0025] For example, one or more other effects of attraction 10 include a visual effects system 38 (e.g., light, image projector, or display (e.g., light-emitting diode display, organic light-emitting diode display, liquid crystal display)) that is commanded to emit visual output (e.g., various colors, brightness, images, etc.), a speaker 40 that is commanded to emit sound (e.g., controlled to play music, play dialogue at different volumes), and a body of water (e.g., lake, pond, lagoon, liquid reservoir) that starts, stops, or changes the color of a liquid (e.g., water), generates liquid fountains (e.g., sprays) or mist, and / or changes the body of water (e.g., lake, pond, lagoon, liquid reservoir) to include a liquid (e.g., water) of a specific color, generate tides or currents, etc. Examples of effects of attraction 10 include water features 42 that are commanded to be activated, a scoreboard that is commanded to change the displayed score, a ride path 18 (or related components such as switches) that are commanded to change the path, direction, speed, acceleration, etc., of the ride vehicle 20, further targets that are commanded to appear or disappear, environmental weather effects that are commanded to change the environment (e.g., external environment) related to attraction 10, such as wind speed or direction, cloud cover, sunshine (e.g., switching between day and night) simulated by attraction 10, other effects 46 that are commanded to activate confetti cannons, fireworks effects, flame effects, bubble effects, the movement and / or operation of animated figures, or any combination thereof. The effects of attraction 10 described above form a non-exclusive list of examples provided herein, and it should be understood that this disclosure also includes other examples of effects.

[0026] In particular, the controls described above by this disclosure can improve the immersive experience associated with the attraction 10. In some embodiments, certain effects can be integrated with the target assembly 14 (e.g., formed on or added to the target assembly 14). For example, in some embodiments, a visual effects system 38 and / or a speaker 40 can be coupled to or otherwise integrated with the target assembly 14. As an example, the visual effects system 38 may include (one or more) lights, which may be integrated with the cartoon eyes of a cartoon character corresponding to the target assembly 14, in which case the visual effects system 38 is controlled to a bright red by the control system 28 in response to the detection of the presence of liquid 24 on the forward surface 36 of the target assembly 14 by the target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor). The features described above are shown as non-limiting examples, and it should be understood that this disclosure may also include other controls in response to the guest 22 successfully hitting the target assembly 14 via liquid 24 released by a nozzle device 16 operated by the guest.

[0027] As shown in the figure, attraction 10 may include a second target assembly 48 (for example, configured to move along a second target assembly path 50) which includes at least one second target sensor 52 (e.g., a capacitive sensor), an associated second speaker 54, an associated second light 56, and an associated second further effect 57. Similarly, attraction 10 may include a third target assembly 58 (for example, configured to move along a third target assembly path 60) which includes at least one third target sensor 62 (e.g., a capacitive sensor), an associated third speaker 64, an associated third light 66, and an associated third further effect 67. As shown in the figure, the second target assembly 48 is positioned along a different location on the ride path 18 than the location of target assembly 14, and the third target assembly 58 is positioned along a different location on the ride path 18 than the locations of target assembly 14 and the second target assembly 48. In this way, the guest 22 can control the nozzle device 16 at various intervals along the vehicle path 18 in an attempt to hit various target assemblies 14, 48, and 58 with the liquid 24 discharged from the nozzle device 16. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, multiple targets (e.g., target assembly 14, second target assembly 48, third target assembly 58, etc.) can also be integrated within or on a single feature (e.g., landscape, building, plant), character (e.g., figure, anime figure, humanoid, robot, avatar, cartoon character), etc. For example, target assembly 14 could correspond to an appendage of the character (e.g., arms, legs), the second target assembly 48 could correspond to the character's body or torso, and the third target assembly 58 could correspond to the character's head.

[0028] In addition to the points mentioned above, in some embodiments, multiple ride vehicles and / or multiple nozzle devices may be employed. As shown in the figure, a second ride vehicle 70 may be employed in the attraction 10. The second ride vehicle 70 may be similar to the first ride vehicle 20 (for example, the second ride vehicle 70 may also include various seats 71). A second guest 72 is located in one of the seats 71 and can control a second nozzle device 74 configured to release a second liquid 75 via operation of the second nozzle device 74 by the second guest 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the second liquid 75 released by the second nozzle device 74 has not hit the target assembly 14 as shown. In embodiments employing two or more nozzle devices 16, 74 (for example, including two ride vehicles 20, 70, or including one ride vehicle with multiple nozzle devices 16, 74), the attraction 10 may include team-oriented objectives or criteria. In other words, the control system 28 can command the operation of specific components of the attraction system 10 in a specific manner in response to the fulfillment of a specific team-oriented objective or criterion. For example, the control system 28 can command the operation of a component (e.g., a visual effects system 38, a speaker 40, etc.) in a first manner in response to guest 22 successfully hitting the target assembly 14 but second guest 72 failing to do so; in a second manner in response to both guests 22 and 72 successfully hitting the target assembly 14; and in a third manner in response to guest 22 failing to hit the target assembly 14 but second guest 72 successfully hitting the target assembly 14. In addition to or instead of this, the control system 28's control (e.g., command) of various components (e.g., effects of the attraction 10) can also be based on the order in which guest 22 and / or second guest 72 successfully hit the target assembly 14.In addition to or instead of this, the control (e.g., commands) of various components (e.g., the effects of attraction 10) by the control system 28 may also be based on the order in which guest 22, second guest 72, or both successfully hit various target assemblies 14, 48, 58.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control system 28 can calculate various scores based on the performance of the first guest 22, the second guest 72, or both. For example, the control system 28 can calculate a first score corresponding to the first guest 22, a second score corresponding to the second guest 72, a team score corresponding to both the first guest 22 and the second guest 72, or any combination thereof. The control system 28 and / or other components of the attraction system 10 can be configured to decipher when the liquid 24 discharged from the first nozzle device 16 hit a particular target (e.g., target assembly 14), and when the liquid 75 discharged from the second nozzle device 74 hit a particular target (e.g., target assembly 14). That is, the attraction 10 can distinguish which nozzle device 16 or 74 was used to hit the corresponding target assembly 14 in response to the detection of the presence of liquid (e.g., liquid 24 corresponding to nozzle device 16, or further liquid 75 corresponding to the second nozzle device 74) by a target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) detecting the presence of liquid (e.g., liquid 24 corresponding to nozzle device 16, or further liquid 75 corresponding to the second nozzle device 74).

[0030] In some embodiments, multiple instances of the target sensor 12 can be placed on the target assembly 14 so that the target sensor 12 and / or control system 28 can distinguish the directivity of the detected liquid 24 or 75, and can be used to infer which of the nozzle devices 16 or 74 was involved in the hit on the target assembly 14. In addition to or instead of this, the position of vehicles 20, 70 on a vehicle path 18 that can be tracked by the control system 28 can also be used to determine which of the nozzle devices 16 or 74 was involved in the hit on the target assembly 14. In addition to or instead of the above, the control system 28 may also receive data from the nozzle devices 16, 74 themselves indicating when the nozzle devices 16, 74 were triggered to release the liquid 24, 75, where these nozzle devices were located when the nozzle devices 16, 74 were triggered to release the liquid 24, 75 (or when the contacted liquid 24, 75 was detected, for example, by the (single or multiple) target sensors 12), and / or what orientation the nozzle devices 16, 74 were in (for example, what orientation these nozzle devices were in (for example, relative to a vehicle, vehicle path, pedestrian path, or other relative reference frame, absolute reference frame, base bearing position and / or orientation) when each nozzle device 16, 74 was triggered to release the liquid 24, 75). The control system 28 may also use other data and / or feedback to determine the conditions described above and calculate a score corresponding to the first guest 22, the second guest 72, or a team including the first guest 22 and the second guest 72. Such a score can be based at least in part on the total number of targets hit by the liquids 24, 75 released from each nozzle 16, 74, the order in which the liquids 24, 75 released from the nozzles 16, 74 hit the targets, the order in which the liquids 24, 75 released from each nozzle 16, 74 hit the targets, and / or other conditions.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the attraction 10 in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows various aspects of the control system 28 in Figure 1. Note that Figure 2 is an example of implementation of various components of the attraction 10 in Figure 1, and other implementations are possible according to this disclosure.

[0032] As shown in the figure, the target assembly 14 may include at least one target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) and at least one visual effects system 38 (e.g., one or more lights) integrated with the target assembly 14. The target sensor 12 may be communicatively coupled to a ride / show breakout (RSB) element junction box 100 that distributes multi-conductor cables to individual paths within the show action facility. Generally, the RSB element junction box 100 may be configured to transmit and / or receive data (e.g., multi-pair data) to and from various components of the attraction 10. For example, as shown in the figure, the RSB element junction box 100 is communicably coupled to an air valve control 102 (e.g., a torso actuator 104 for operating the torso of a figure 125 corresponding to one or more target assemblies 14, an accessory actuator 106 for operating the accessory parts (e.g., arms, legs) of a figure 125 corresponding to one or more target assemblies 14, and a head actuator 108 for operating the head of a figure 125 corresponding to one or more target assemblies 14) which is employed to control various aspects of one or more target assemblies 14. In some embodiments, the figure 125 may include multiple targets (e.g., a first target corresponding to an accessory part operated by the accessory actuator 106, a second target corresponding to the torso operated by the torso actuator 104, and a third target corresponding to the head operated by the head actuator 108). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the figure 125 (e.g., an animated figure) may be separated from the targets and actuated in response to feedback from target sensors 12 associated with the targets. To supply the (single and multiple) pneumatic force to operate the actuators 104, 106, and 108 described above, a facility pneumatic supply (facility pneumatic supply) 111 (for example, a pressurized tank) can be used.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the RSB element junction box 100 may also be communicatively coupled to water effects (WFX) pneumatic controls 112 that can be fluidly coupled to the facility air supply device 111 of the attraction 10. The WFX pneumatic controls 112 may be configured to control (e.g., command) the water features 42 (e.g., WFX nozzles) of the attraction 10 via a water regulator 114 coupled to one or more pressurized water conduits 116 (e.g., extending from a facility water supply) 117, and a pressurized water hose 118 connecting the water regulator 114 to the water features 42 (e.g., WFX nozzles). As described above, control of the actuators 104, 106, 108 and the (single or multiple) water devices 42 (e.g., WFX nozzles) can be based on the detection by the target sensor 12 of the presence of liquid 24, 75 discharged from the nozzle devices 16, 74 in Figure 1 in one or more target assemblies 14. The actuators 104, 106, 108 (and / or other actuators or actuatable features according to this disclosure) can be actuated mechanically, electronically, magnetically, pneumatically, and / or hydraulically, among many possible actuation techniques according to this disclosure. The WFX feature 42 can also be controlled by other means (e.g., hydraulic, mechanical, electromagnetic) in addition to or instead of pneumatic technology.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the RSB element junction box 100 can be communicatively coupled to a ride-show distribution (RSD) box 119, where the RSD box 119 includes networked input / output devices and receives commands over the network to read the state of inputs and control the state of outputs. For example, the RSD box 119 is coupled to a subsystem controller (SSC) 120, which can be a programmable logic controller (PLC)-based computer that controls the entire ride / show system through one or more RSD boxes 119. In some embodiments, the RSD boxes 119 are powered via the SSC 120 (e.g., via a DC 24V power supply). As illustrated, one or more RSD boxes 119 can be network-linked via a ride / show network (RSN) box 122 configured to control (e.g., issue commands) and / or assist all or part of the communication between various components of the attraction 10. As shown in the diagram, the RSN box 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive data to and from various components, such as the show control supervisor (SCS) box 124 (e.g., via fiber optic connection, multipair data connection, etc.). The SCS box 124 may be a PLC-based computer that determines show system responses (e.g., lighting effects, sound effects, video effects, other visual effects, other effects) based on inputs received from the SSC box 120.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the audio / visual (AV) rack 126 can be controlled (e.g., commanded) to supply audio signals to a speaker breakout box (SBB) 128 that converts, modifies, packages, and / or relays the audio signals to the speaker 40. The show lighting control rack (SLCR) 130 and the show lighting dimmer rack (SLDR) 132 can coordinate to ultimately control (e.g., command) the visual effects system 38 and its outputs shown in Figure 2. For example, the SLCR 130 can transmit a digital multiplexer (DMX) signal to a light-emitting diode (LED) driver 134, which then converts, modifies, packages, and / or relays the DMX signal to a DMX decoder 136. Also, as shown in the figure, the DMX decoder 136 receives power (e.g., DC 24V power) from a transformer 138 configured to receive input power (e.g., AC 120V power) from the SLDR 13. Generally, the DMX decoder 136 generates a regulated voltage output to operate the visual effects system 38 (for example, in response to the nozzle device hitting the target assembly 14). As shown in the figure, the data communication and / or power connections of the attraction 10 may include wired connections and circuits corresponding to (one or multiple) target sensors 12, the visual effects system 38, the DMX decoder 136, the RSB element junction box 100, the air valve control 102, the appendage actuator 104, the torso actuator 106, the head actuator 108, the WFX air control 112, the water regulator 114, the pressurized water conduit 116, and / or the WFX feature 42 (e.g., the nozzle). According to this disclosure, it should be understood that the analog or digital communication paths shown in the attraction 10 of Figure 1 can be either wired or wireless.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of nozzle devices (e.g., first nozzle device 16 and second nozzle device 74) and target sensors (e.g., first target sensor 12, second target sensor 52 and third target sensor 62) corresponding to various target assemblies (e.g., first target assembly 14, second target assembly 48 and third target assembly 58, respectively) that can be used in attraction 10 of Figure 1. The features shown in Figure 3 can be used in the context of attraction 10 of Figure 1, which includes one or more ride vehicles, but it should be understood that the features of this disclosure can also be used in the context of attractions that do not employ ride vehicles that move along a ride path (e.g., track), such as attractions located in a booth or on a platform (e.g., shows, games, etc.).

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, target assemblies 14, 48, and 58 are positioned on a common wall 160 or on a character corresponding to the common wall 160. For simplicity, the common wall 160 in the illustrated embodiment includes a flat cylindrical shape. However, the common wall 160 can also represent a landscape (e.g., plants, buildings, fences) or a character such as a humanoid, robot, avatar, figure, or statuette, and it should be understood that the target assemblies 14, 48, and 58 can correspond to various positions on the common wall 160, such as the character's head, appendages, or torso. Furthermore, while target assembly 14 includes a target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) as shown, in other embodiments, multiple instances of the target sensor 12 can be positioned on the target assembly 14, and it should be understood that this also applies to the other target assemblies 48 and 58 in Figure 3.

[0038] As shown in the figure, the nozzle device 16 includes a base 162, a nozzle 164 configured to protrude from the base 162 and discharge liquid 24, and a control panel 166. The control panel 166 may include a nozzle control pad 168 configured to control (e.g., command) the movement of the nozzle 164 (e.g., the pivoting of the nozzle 164 around an anchor point 169), and a liquid control pad 170 configured to control the discharge of liquid 24 from the nozzle 164. Similarly, a further nozzle device 164 includes a base 172, a nozzle 174, a control panel 176, a nozzle control pad 178, and a liquid control pad 180. The inner diameter 182 of the nozzle 164 of the first nozzle device 16 and the inner diameter 184 of the nozzle 174 of the second nozzle device 74 can be in the range of about 5 millimeters (mm) to about 7 mm, respectively. Furthermore, nozzle devices 16 and 74 can be configured to discharge liquids 24 and 75, respectively, such that each jet of liquid 24 and 75 contains a pressure of approximately 140 kilopascals (kPa) to approximately 280 kPa. Additionally, nozzle devices 16 and 74 can be configured to discharge liquids 24 and 75 in bursts lasting from 1 to 10 seconds (e.g., a burst of approximately 2 seconds). Each of the nozzle devices 16 and 74 is understood to be configured to receive a pressurized liquid, such as water, and discharge the pressurized liquid from its respective nozzles 164 and 174. Various liquid control valves, tanks, pumps, etc., can be employed to supply the pressurized liquid discharged from the nozzles 164 and 174 of the nozzle devices 16 and 74, respectively. The inner diameters 182 and 184 of the nozzles 164 and 174, pressure, flow rate, etc., can be wider or narrower depending on the desired output of the liquid pressure and / or the liquid discharge distance (e.g., the desired distance for firing liquids 24 and 75).

[0039] In some embodiments, the nozzle devices 16, 74 can be configured in a manner different from that shown in Figure 3 and described above. For example, Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat 189, a platform 191, and a nozzle device 193 mounted on the platform 191, which may be employed in the attraction 10 of Figure 1 and / or any other attraction according to this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, a liquid actuator 194 (e.g., a lever, trigger, switch, dial, button, etc.) may be employed to activate the flow of liquid 195, such as water, from the nozzle 196 of the nozzle device 193. Furthermore, the nozzle 196 can be operated (e.g., moved) in a first circumferential direction around a first pivot 197 (e.g., a hinge, ball joint, etc.) and in a second circumferential direction around a second pivot 198 (e.g., a hinge, ball joint, etc.) via a grip 199 attached to the nozzle 196 that is accessible to guests. The first pivot portion 197 and the second pivot portion 198 can be positioned on or on the cradle 201 between the nozzle 196 and the platform 191, or integrated with the cradle 201.

[0040] Furthermore, the various features of the nozzle devices 16, 74, and 193 described above and / or described later do not have to be mutually exclusive. That is, for example, some features of nozzle device 16 can be adopted in nozzle device 193, and vice versa. In addition, other nozzle device features can be adopted according to this disclosure. In general, the nozzle devices 16, 74, and 193 can be configured to aim regardless of whether there is a system to swivel, rotate, or otherwise move the nozzles 164, 174, and 196, such as a yoke system that may include a trigger that controls both aiming and / or rotation (for example, whether or not there is a chair for guests). Another system may include a water blaster on one or more ball joints (e.g., single or double joints that allow rotation (e.g., pivot joints, ball joints, universal joints)) and / or a holding system used for all aiming, which may include one or more holding parts (e.g., grips or rests) for stabilization during use (e.g., aiming, water discharge), such as a pedal used by the guest to rotate the system. In addition to or instead of this, nozzle devices 16, 74, 193 may also include a handheld water blaster operated by the guest (e.g., including a seat that is rotatable or otherwise movable to facilitate the guest controlling the direction or viewpoint themselves). Other nozzle device features according to this disclosure are also possible.

[0041] Referring again to Figure 3, the common wall 160 includes a first (e.g., forward-facing) surface 36 as described above with respect to Figure 1, a second surface 190 (e.g., a rear-facing surface) opposite to the first surface 36, and a thickness 192 extending from the first surface 36 (e.g., to the second surface 190). In some embodiments, target sensors 12, 52, 62 (e.g., capacitive sensors) are positioned on the second surface 190 facing away from the nozzle devices 16, 74 such that the presence of the target sensors 12, 52, 62 is hidden from the user's viewpoint in the nozzle devices 16, 74. The wall 160 may include a material (e.g., plastic, ceramic, or some other non-metallic material) that allows the target sensors 12, 52, 62 to detect the (single or multiple) liquids 24, 75 present on the first surface 36. The settings of the target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor), the thickness 192 of the wall 160, the material of the wall 160, other embodiments of this disclosure, or any combination thereof can be adjusted so that the target sensor 12 reliably detects the presence of liquid 24 on the first surface 36 when the liquid 24 hits the target assembly corresponding to the target sensor 12. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness 192 of the wall 160 can be set to about 10 mm or less in the factory settings of the target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) so that the target sensor 12 reliably detects the presence of liquid 24 on the first surface 36 through the thickness 192 of the wall 160. Thus, the thickness 192 can correspond to a detection distance that the target sensor 12 is calibrated or otherwise configured to detect the liquid 24.

[0042] Furthermore, the target sensors 12, 52, and 62 can be configured to prevent them from falsely indicating hits to their respective target assemblies 14, 48, and 58 based on the presence of rain. For example, target sensors 14, 52, and 58 (e.g., capacitive sensors) can generally be configured to detect a fluid film of liquid (e.g., corresponding to liquids 24, 75) on a first surface 36 of the wall 160 (e.g., a forward-facing surface). Rainfall (e.g., relatively light rain) is not considered suitable for generating a sufficient fluid film on the first surface 36 to be detected by target sensors 14, 52, and 58. In practice, target sensors 14, 52, and 58 (e.g., capacitive sensors) can be calibrated to detect a threshold fluid film that is not considered achievable with rainfall (e.g., relatively light rain). Furthermore, the first surface 36 of the wall 160 can be angled downward (e.g., with respect to the gravity vector) to reduce or cancel out the amount of rain that comes into contact with and / or approaches the first surface 36, especially when the rain is not very directional (e.g., due to fairly strong winds). In addition to or instead of this, a shield 188 (e.g., a wall) can be configured to block or reduce the amount of rain that comes into contact with the wall 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the shield 188 is shown as covering the wall 160, but the shield 188 can be configured to protect the wall 160 from above, from below, and / or from one or more sides of the wall 160. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can be suitable for indoor and outdoor environments, both of which can be referred to as external environments.

[0043] As described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2, the various effects of the attraction 10 in Figures 1 and 2 can be controlled in response to the liquids 24 and / or 75 hitting targets on the wall 160. In addition to or instead of this, a score can also be calculated with respect to the first nozzle device 16 (or the first guest operating the first nozzle device 16), the second nozzle device 74 (or the second guest operating the second nozzle device 74), a combination of the first nozzle device 16 and the second nozzle device 74 (for example, a team including the first and second guests), or any combination thereof. The score can be calculated based on various criteria (e.g., the total number of targets hit, the total number of hits on one or more targets, the order in which the targets were hit, accuracy).

[0044] Figures 5 to 8 show various embodiments of a target assembly 14 that can be used in the attraction 10 of Figure 1. For example, Figure 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a target assembly 14 (coupled or integrated thereto) that can be used in the attraction 10 of Figure 1, including a wall 160 having a first (e.g., forward-facing) surface 36 configured to face the (single or double) nozzles of the attraction 10, and a target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) positioned on a second (e.g., backward-facing) surface 190 of the wall 160 opposite to the first surface 36. In the illustrated embodiment, a target area 200 is visible on the first surface 36 of the wall 160. Furthermore, the target area 200 can be roughly aligned with the target sensor 12 positioned on the second surface 190 of the wall 160. Thus, the target sensor 12 can detect a liquid (e.g., a fluid film) present in the target area 200 on the first surface 36. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic coating 202 or superhydrophobic coating 202 can be placed (or formed) on the first surface 36 of the wall 160. The coating 202 can be configured to repel liquid from the wall 160 so that the target sensor 12 can detect multiple hits to the target area 200 in succession. For example, the coating 202 may include an acrylic material, but other materials are also possible. Generally, the target sensor 12 in Figure 5 can be configured to detect the presence of liquid in the target area 200 through the entire thickness 192 of the wall 160. As described above, the target sensor 12 can detect liquid in response to the amount of liquid (e.g., the amount or size (e.g., thickness, area, volume)) of a fluid film exceeding a threshold amount (e.g., fluid film threshold amount or threshold size (e.g., thickness, area, volume)).

[0045] Figure 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a target assembly 14 (coupled or integrated thereto) which can be used in the attraction 10 of Figure 1, and which includes a wall 160 having a first (e.g., forward-facing) surface 36 configured to face the (single or double) nozzles of the attraction 10, and a target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) embedded in the wall 160. The embodiment in Figure 6 may be identical or similar to the embodiment in Figure 5, except that the target sensor 12 in Figure 6 is embedded in the wall 160, while the target sensor 12 in Figure 5 is located on a second (e.g., rear-facing) surface 190 of the wall 160. Thus, in Figure 6, the target sensor 12 is configured to detect the presence of liquid in the target area 200 through a portion of the thickness 192 of the wall 160.

[0046] Figure 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a target assembly 14 that can be used in the attraction 10 of Figure 1, and includes an enclosure 210 configured to protect a target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) from several aspects of the surrounding environment, such as rain, moisture, sunlight, hail, and temperature changes. The embodiment of Figure 7 can be identical or similar to the embodiment of Figure 5, except that it includes an enclosure 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a gasket 212 is provided between the enclosure 210 and the wall 160, enabling a seal that blocks or reduces the ingress of ambient rain or moisture into the enclosure interior 214, which is defined by the enclosure 210 and surrounds the target sensor 12. Depending on the embodiment, the enclosure 210 can be fixed to a second surface 190 of the wall 160, welded to a second surface 190 of the wall 160, bonded to a second surface 190 of the wall 160 (e.g., via adhesive), or otherwise bonded to a second surface 190 of the wall 160. In some embodiments, the enclosure 210 may be sized such that the interior 214 of the enclosure is greater than the thickness 192 of the wall 160. For example, the width 216 of the interior 214 of the enclosure may be greater than the thickness 192 of the wall 160. Other dimensions measured from the target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitance sensor) to the enclosure 210 may also be greater than the thickness 192 of the wall 160. In this way, the target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitance sensor) may not detect false positives corresponding to liquids that have accumulated (or otherwise come into contact with) the enclosure 210 because such liquids are too far away from the target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitance sensor) to detect.

[0047] In one embodiment, a target sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an imaging sensor (e.g., a camera or LiDAR sensor), a light sensor with or without a light emitter (e.g., a visible light sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, or a laser sensor)) can be bonded to the first surface 36, coupled to the first surface 36, or partially or completely positioned in front of the first surface 36 (for example, positioned substantially midway between the (single or multiple) nozzles of the attraction 10 and the first surface, offsetting the sensor from the path or predicted path of the liquid discharged from the nozzles of the attraction 10).

[0048] Figure 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a common wall 160 on which multiple target assemblies (e.g., a first target assembly 14, a second target assembly 48, and a third target assembly 58) are arranged. As described above, the common wall 160 does not have to be perfectly flat and may instead include curved surfaces designed to facilitate the aesthetic reflection of landscapes (e.g., plants, buildings) and / or characters such as avatars, humanoids, robots, figurines, or statuettes. In the illustrated embodiment, the common wall 160 represents a grizzly bear. The target assemblies 14, 48, and 58 are positioned at various locations on the common wall 160, for example, the first target assembly 14 being the appendages of the grizzly bear (e.g., legs 230), the second target assembly 48 being the body 232 of the grizzly bear, and the third target assembly 58 being the head 234 of the grizzly bear. Although hidden from the field of view in the illustrated viewpoint, the first target sensor 12 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) in Figure 1 can correspond to the first target assembly 14 shown in Figure 8, the second capacitive sensor 52 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) in Figure 1 can correspond to the second target assembly 48 shown in Figure 8, and the third capacitive sensor 62 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) in Figure 1 can correspond to the third target assembly 58 shown in Figure 8.

[0049] While some of the features described above have been explained in the context of a single target sensor corresponding to a single target assembly, it should be understood that multiple target sensors can also be employed with respect to a single target assembly according to this disclosure. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a target assembly 300 that employs a wall 302 and a target sensor array 304 disposed on the surface 305 of the wall 302. For simplicity, Figure 9 includes a first target sensor 306 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) and a second target sensor 308 (e.g., a capacitive sensor) of the target sensor array 304, but in some embodiments, more (e.g., three or more, five or more, ten or more, etc.) target sensors can also be employed. As described with respect to previous embodiments, the target sensor array 304 can be disposed on the surface 305 of the wall 302 opposite to the further surface 310, configured to face a nozzle device (not shown) that discharges liquid onto the further surface 310.

[0050] According to this disclosure, target sensors 306, 308 can be used to determine which one or more nozzle devices (for example, among a number of nozzle devices) successfully hit the target assembly 300. This determination can be made in one or more ways. For example, in one embodiment, the first target sensor 306 can be configured to detect liquid in response to the amount of liquid present on a further surface 310 exceeding a first threshold, and the second target sensor 308 can be configured to detect liquid in response to the amount of liquid present on the further surface 310 exceeding a second threshold that is different from the first threshold (for example, higher than the first threshold). Furthermore, the first nozzle device can be configured to discharge a larger amount of liquid (for example, by volume) (and / or a higher flow rate and / or a higher pressure of liquid) than the second nozzle device. Thus, sensor readings from the first target sensor 306, the second target sensor 308, or both can be used to determine whether the first nozzle, the second nozzle, or a combination of the first and second nozzles successfully hit the target assembly 300 at a given time (or within a given time interval). As described above, the target sensor array 304 may employ additional target sensors (other than the first target sensor 306 and the second target sensor 308) having hierarchical liquid volume thresholds, liquid flow rate thresholds, etc., to further facilitate the distinction of which (single or multiple) nozzle devices successfully hit the target assembly 300 with liquid.

[0051] In addition to or instead of the above, target sensors 306 and 308 may be designed to have directional features such that target sensor 306 detects liquid present on a further surface 310 of the target assembly 300 that approaches or contacts the further surface 310 at a first angle, and target sensor 308 detects liquid present on a further surface 310 of the target assembly 300 that approaches or contacts the further surface 310 at a second angle different from the first angle. In this way, sensor feedback from target sensors 306 and 308 can be used to determine which (single or multiple) nozzle device successfully hit the target assembly 300 with liquid. In some embodiments, position data and / or orientation data corresponding to the (single or multiple) nozzle devices can be used in conjunction with the directional features of target sensors 306 and 308 described above to distinguish which (single or multiple) nozzle device successfully hit the target assembly 300.

[0052] In further embodiments, each nozzle device may be configured to discharge different types of liquids, and each of the target sensors 306, 308 may be configured to detect a particular type of liquid based on a corresponding target of that particular type of liquid. Naturally, in any embodiment described herein, more target sensors 306, 308 than the two target sensors 306, 308 in the illustrated embodiment may be employed in the target sensor array 304 to improve the accuracy of distinguishing which (single or multiple) nozzle devices successfully hit the target assembly 300. The system can calculate a score for each nozzle device (or the guest operating each nozzle device) by distinguishing which nozzle device successfully hit the target assembly 300. Furthermore, a team score can also be calculated based on combinations of two or more nozzle devices (and / or two or more corresponding guests). A description of the scoring features is given above in detail with reference to the drawings above.

[0053] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the attraction 400 that employs a target assembly 402 and an electrical circuit 404 which is completed (e.g., closed) when a nozzle device 406 discharges liquid 410 onto the target assembly 402. As shown in the figure, an electrical contact 408 can be placed on the target assembly 402, configured to make contact with the liquid 410 discharged from the nozzle device 406. Further electrical contacts 412 can be placed inside or on the nozzle device 406, configured to make contact with the liquid 410 when the liquid 410 is being discharged from the nozzle device 406. Wiring 414 can extend from the further electrical contacts 412 of the nozzle device 406 to the electrical contact 408 of the target assembly 402. Thus, when the liquid 410 makes contact with both the electrical contact 408 of the target assembly 402 and the further electrical contact 412 of the nozzle device 406, the electrical circuit 404, including the electrical contacts 408, 412, the wiring 414, and the liquid 410, can be closed. When the electrical circuit 404 is closed, the power supply 416 can transmit current through the electrical circuit 404, and this current can be detected by the sensor 418. In response to the sensor 418 detecting the current (or some other parameter indicating that the electrical circuit 404 is closed), the attraction 400 can determine that the nozzle device 406 has successfully hit the target assembly 402 with the liquid 410. The illustrated embodiment can be more accurate and / or reliable if the nozzle device 406 employed in the attraction 400 is configured to discharge a laminar flow of the liquid 410.

[0054] In other embodiments, the electrical contacts 408, 412 and / or wiring 414 may be omitted, and the flow of liquid 410 (e.g., laminar flow) between the nozzle device 406 and the target assembly 402 may carry light (e.g., visible light sensor, infrared light sensor, ultraviolet light sensor, laser light sensor, or any other suitable light) transmitted from the nozzle device 406 to the target assembly 402. That is, although reference numeral 408 is used to describe the electrical contacts, it may also represent a sensor (e.g., a visible light sensor, infrared light sensor, ultraviolet light sensor, laser sensor, etc.) configured to detect light transmitted through the flow of liquid 410. Furthermore, although reference numeral 412 is used to describe the electrical contacts, it may also represent a light transmitter (e.g., a visible light sensor, infrared light transmitter, ultraviolet light transmitter, laser light transmitter, etc.). In some embodiments, data may be packaged in light, and this data may indicate a light source such as the nozzle device 406 or another nozzle device of the attraction 400. Thus, by employing data packaged in light (for example, via controllable and / or predetermined wavelength, intensity, frequency, period, etc.), it is possible to distinguish which nozzle device, such as nozzle device 406, successfully hit the target assembly 402. In addition to or instead of this, the light transmitted through the flow of liquid 410 (e.g., laminar flow) may include a specific color corresponding to each nozzle device, such as nozzle device 406. As an example, nozzle device 406 may be configured to transmit red light, while another nozzle device of attraction 400 may be configured to transmit blue light. In this way, the color of the light (e.g., red light) can be detected and used to distinguish which nozzle device, such as nozzle device 406, successfully hit the target assembly 402.

[0055] Figure 11 is a process flow diagram showing an embodiment of a method 500 for operating an attraction such as attraction 10 in Figure 1, which employs one or more target assemblies and one or more nozzle devices configured to discharge liquid onto one or more target assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, method 500 includes commanding the movement of target assemblies via an attraction control system (block 502). For example, target assemblies can move along a target assembly path (e.g., a trajectory). In some embodiments, target assemblies can be positioned on a drone (e.g., remotely controlled or pre-programmed) that is commanded to fly along a specific target assembly path.

[0056] Method 500 also includes discharging a liquid onto a forward-facing surface of a target assembly through one or more nozzle devices (block 504). Each nozzle device can be operated by a guest of the attraction. In some embodiments, the nozzle devices are fixed (e.g., placed on a platform), in other embodiments, the nozzle devices are placed on a ride vehicle that moves along a ride vehicle path (e.g., a track), and in other embodiments, the nozzle devices may be placed along a walkway or other path (e.g., nozzles placed on rails along the path) and the nozzle devices may be moved along the path (e.g., the nozzle devices are placed on rails along the path and slid or rolled along the rails).

[0057] Method 500 also includes detecting liquid present on the forward surface of a target assembly through the thickness of the target assembly via one or more target sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) (block 506). As described above, one or more target sensors may be placed on the rearward surface of the target assembly or embedded within the target assembly so as not to be visible from the viewpoint of one or more guests operating one or more nozzle devices.

[0058] Method 500 may also include, via a control system, commanding at least one effect of the attraction based on sensor feedback from one or more target sensors (block 508). As described above, various effects of the attraction can be commanded, such as the movement of a target assembly (or its individual components), the movement of a ride vehicle, one or more lights (e.g., integrated with or separate from the target assembly), one or more speakers configured to emit sound, confetti effects, water effects or features, fireworks effects, flame effects, bubble effects, confetti effects, animated figures, a scoreboard (e.g., showing scores for various guests, teams of two or more of various guests, etc.), further or another effect or feature, or any combination thereof.

[0059] Note that the specific method described herein (e.g., Method 500) does not necessarily require all of steps 502, 504, 506, and 508 shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, Figure 11 should not be interpreted as implying a specific order in which steps 502, 504, 506, and 508 are performed, and these steps can be performed in any preferred order.

[0060] While only a few features have been illustrated and described in this specification, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the attached claims are intended to cover all modifications and changes that would constitute the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0061] 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]

[0062] 10 attractions 12 Target Sensors 14 Target Assembly 16 Nozzle device 18 Transportation Routes 20 Vehicles 21 seats 22 Guests 24 liquid 26 Target Assembly Path 28 Control Systems 30 memory circuits 32 Processing Circuits 34 Communication Circuit 36 Forward-facing surface 38 Visual Effects Systems 40 speakers 42 Water Characteristics 46 Other effects 48 Second Target Assembly 50 Second target assembly path 52 Second target sensor 54. Second speaker 56. The second light 57. Second further effect 58 Third Target Assembly 60 Third Target Assembly Path 62 Third target sensor 64. The third speaker 66 The Third Light 67. A third further effect 70 Second vehicle 71 seats 72. Second Guest 74 Second nozzle device 75 The second liquid

Claims

1. A target assembly system, A nozzle configured to release liquid, A wall having a surface facing the nozzle and a thickness extending from the surface, One or more capacitive sensors configured to detect the presence of the liquid on or adjacent to the surface through the thickness of the wall, A system equipped with these features.

2. The wall includes a further surface opposite to the surface, and therefore the thickness extends from the surface to the further surface, and the one or more capacitance sensors are arranged on the further surface. The system according to claim 1.

3. The one or more capacitance sensors are configured to detect the presence of the liquid in response to the presence of a threshold amount of the liquid within the detection distance of the one or more capacitance sensors. The system according to claim 1.

4. The wall includes a plastic or ceramic material. The system according to claim 1.

5. The surface of the wall includes a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating configured to repel the liquid. The system according to claim 1.

6. The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating contains acrylic. The system according to claim 5.

7. The thickness of the aforementioned wall is approximately 10 millimeters or less. The system according to claim 1.

8. The system includes an actuator configured to move the aforementioned wall, The system according to claim 1.

9. The one or more capacitive sensors are configured to operate based on detecting the presence of the liquid on or adjacent to the surface through the thickness of the wall, and have one or more effects, The system according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned one or more effects include light, water features, speakers configured to emit sound, fireworks effects, flame effects, bubble effects, confetti effects, the operation of animated figures, or any combination thereof. The system according to claim 9.

11. The one or more capacitance sensors, the dimensions of the wall thickness, the wall material, or any combination thereof are configured such that the one or more capacitance sensors do not detect the presence of further rain on or adjacent to the surface through the wall thickness. The system according to claim 1.

12. The system comprises an enclosure that defines the interior of the enclosure, in which one or more capacitive sensors are arranged, and the enclosure is configured to protect the interior from the external environment. The system according to claim 1.

13. The nozzle includes an inner diameter that defines the flow path of the liquid passing through the nozzle, and the dimension of the inner diameter at or adjacent to the nozzle outlet is in the range of approximately 5 millimeters (mm) to approximately 7 mm. The system according to claim 1.

14. The nozzle is configured to discharge the liquid such that the jet of liquid discharged by the nozzle contains a pressure of approximately 140 kilopascals (kPa) to approximately 280 kPa. The system according to claim 1.

15. The one or more capacitive sensors are: A first capacitive sensor configured to detect the presence of the liquid in response to a first threshold amount of the liquid on or adjacent to the surface, A second capacitive sensor configured to detect the presence of a liquid, a further liquid, or both in response to a second threshold amount of liquid, a further liquid, or both on or adjacent to the surface, The system according to claim 1, including the following:

16. A first effect configured to operate based on a first sensor feedback from the first capacitance sensor, A second effect configured to operate based on the first sensor feedback and the second sensor feedback from the second capacitive sensor, The system according to claim 15, comprising:

17. The nozzle is configured to discharge a laminar flow of the liquid. The system according to claim 1.

18. The nozzle is configured to discharge the liquid in a non-laminar flow. The system according to claim 1.

19. A first target corresponding to the first capacitance sensor, A second target corresponding to the second capacitance sensor, The system comprises the one or more capacitance sensors, which include the first capacitance sensor, the second capacitance sensor, or both thereof. The system according to claim 1.

20. Based on sensor feedback from the first capacitance sensor, the second capacitance sensor, or both thereof, the order in which the liquid is present in the first target and the second target is determined. Based on the aforementioned order, one or more effects of the system are commanded. The system according to claim 19, comprising a control system configured as described above.

21. A target assembly for an entertainment attraction, A wall having a surface and a thickness extending from the surface, One or more capacitive sensors configured to detect the presence of liquid on or adjacent to the surface through the thickness of the wall, A target assembly equipped with the following features.

22. The thickness of the wall is 10 millimeters (mm) or less, and the wall contains plastic or ceramic material. The target assembly according to claim 21.

23. The surface of the wall includes a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating configured to repel the liquid. The target assembly according to claim 21.

24. The wall has a further surface on the opposite side of the aforementioned surface, and therefore the thickness extends from the aforementioned surface to the further surface. The enclosure further comprises an enclosure that engages with the further surface of the wall to define the interior of the enclosure, the one or more capacitive sensors are arranged inside the enclosure, and the enclosure and the further surface of the wall are configured to protect the interior of the enclosure from the external environment. The target assembly according to claim 21.

25. It is an entertainment system, A first nozzle, operable by a first guest to discharge a first liquid, A second nozzle, operable by a second guest to release a second liquid, A target facing the first nozzle and the second nozzle, One or more capacitive sensors configured to detect the presence of the first liquid, the second liquid, or both in the target through the thickness of the target, Control system and, The control system is equipped with, Sensor feedback is received from the one or more capacitive sensors. Based at least in part on the sensor feedback, a first game score corresponding to the first guest, a second game score corresponding to the second guest, a team score corresponding to the first guest and the second guest, or any combination thereof is determined. An entertainment system configured in such a way.

26. A further target facing the first nozzle and the second nozzle, One or more further capacitive sensors configured to detect the presence of the first liquid, the second liquid, or both of these further in the target through the thickness of the further target, The control system is equipped with, Further sensor feedback is received from the aforementioned one or more additional capacitive sensors. Based at least in part on the sensor feedback and the further sensor feedback, the first game score, the second game score, the team score, or any combination thereof is determined. The entertainment system according to claim 25, configured as described above.

27. The aforementioned target and the further target are arranged on a common wall or surface. The entertainment system according to claim 26.

28. The aforementioned target is located on a first wall, and the further target is located on a second wall that is physically separated from the first wall. The entertainment system according to claim 26.

29. The control system is configured to determine the first game score, the second game score, the team score, or any combination thereof, at least in part, based on the sensor feedback, the further sensor feedback, and the scoring algorithm, the scoring algorithm is The total number of targets hit by the first liquid corresponding to the first nozzle, the second liquid corresponding to the second nozzle, or both thereof. The first liquid and the second liquid hit the target in a first order, The second sequence in which the first liquid hits the target and the further target, A third sequence in which the second liquid hits the target and the further target, These combinations, The entertainment system according to claim 26, wherein points are assigned to the first game score, the second game score, the team score, or any combination thereof, based on the above.

30. The control system is configured to command one or more lighting or water effects of the entertainment system based at least partially on the sensor feedback. The entertainment system according to claim 26.

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