Automatic equipment cleaning and transfer system and method

Abstract

A method for operating a cleaning and transport system in a venue having a first location and a second location includes receiving one or more accessories on a conveyor at the second location. The method also includes transporting one or more accessories from the second location to the first location via the conveyor. The method further includes cleaning one or more accessories while they are being transported from the second location to the first location via the conveyor. The method further includes receiving one or more guest items on a conveyor at the first location. The method further includes transporting one or more guest items from the first location to the second location via the conveyor.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This section is for introducing readers to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is considered useful in showing the background circumstances to readers and facilitating a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these descriptions should be read from the above viewpoints rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0002] In various environments including various entertainment environments (e.g., amusement parks, theaters, restaurants), guests may touch and / or carry specific components within the environment. For example, in an amusement park or a theater, guests may touch and / or carry viewing glasses, and in a restaurant, guests may touch and / or carry cutlery. In some cases, such contact may cause bacteria or other undesirable substances to accumulate on the components. Therefore, it is currently recognized that it may be desirable to clean the components in some cases.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments within the same scope as the subject matter of the original claims are summarized below. These embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather merely show an overview of some disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure can include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments shown below.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for operating a cleaning and transport system in a venue having a first location and a second location includes receiving one or more accessories on a conveyor at the second location. The method also includes transporting one or more accessories from the second location to the first location via the conveyor. The method further includes cleaning one or more accessories while they are being transported from the second location to the first location via the conveyor. The method further includes receiving one or more guest items on a conveyor at the first location. The method further includes transporting one or more guest items from the first location to the second location via the conveyor.

[0005] In one embodiment, an equipment cleaning and transfer system used in a venue having a first location and a second location includes a conveyor formed in a continuous loop, a second access zone in the second location that allows guests to deposit one or more accessories onto the conveyor, and a first access zone in the first location that allows guests to retrieve one or more accessories from the conveyor. The equipment cleaning and transfer system also includes a cleaning device positioned along the conveyor between the second access zone and the first access zone to clean one or more accessories as they are being transferred from the second access zone to the first access zone via the conveyor.

[0006] In one embodiment, the environment includes an entrance area, an attraction area, and an exit area. The environment also includes an apparatus cleaning and transfer system, which includes a conveyor configured to transport one or more guest items from a first location between the entrance area and the attraction area to a second location between the attraction area and the exit area, and a guest item cleaning device positioned along the conveyor to clean one or more guest items as they are being transported from the first location to the second location via the conveyor.

[0007] 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]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an environmental cleanup and transport system at a first point in time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the cleaning and transfer system of Figure 1 at a second point in time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows the cleaning and transfer system of Figure 1 at a third point in time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a portion of the cleaning and transfer system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container for holding accessories, guest items, or both. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of the cleaning and transfer system shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to equipment cleaning and transport systems and methods. Equipment cleaning and transport systems and methods can be used in any of a variety of environments, such as entertainment environments. For example, equipment cleaning and transport systems and methods can be used to clean (e.g., wash, disinfect, sterilize) and / or transport items (e.g., accessories and / or guest items) in amusement parks, theaters and restaurants. It should also be understood that equipment cleaning and transport systems and methods can be used to clean and / or transport items in airports, airplanes, hotels and / or any other environment or venue having entrances and exits. Furthermore, it should be understood that equipment cleaning and transport systems and methods can also be used to clean and / or transport items in any other environment or venue where guests and / or other personnel (e.g., employees) and / or other sources such as bacteria and undesirable particles come into contact with the items and / or the items are exposed to such sources.

[0012] The cleaning and transport systems and methods disclosed herein have the advantage of performing efficient cleaning and / or transport of items. For example, a guest may pass through an entrance to visit an attraction, such as a ride attraction at an amusement park. As the guest proceeds through the queue toward the ride vehicle, they may reach a first location where they can access an accessory (e.g., receive or obtain the accessory) via a cleaning and transport system associated with the ride attraction. The accessory may be a virtual reality (VR) and / or augmented reality (AR) headset, a handheld blaster gun that allows the guest to fire virtual projectiles, and / or any other item configured to be carried by the guest within the ride attraction (e.g., worn and / or held). At the first location, the guest may deposit their item with the cleaning and transport system. The guest can then board the ride vehicle (with the accessory) and travel through the ride attraction for the ride experience. When the ride experience is finished, the guest may disembark (with the accessory) from the ride vehicle and reach a second location on their way toward the exit of the ride attraction. In the second location, guests can access guest items (for example, receive or retrieve guest items) and deposit accessories into a cleansing and transport system. Guests can then leave the ride attraction with their guest items, and the accessories can be returned to the first location via the cleansing and transport system.

[0013] The cleaning and transport system can clean accessories while a conveyor is moving them from a second location to a first location, in order to achieve efficient cleaning and transport of accessories (for example, accessories that may be used by multiple guests over time and received by another guest at a first location). For example, the cleaning and transport system can pass accessories through a cleaning zone that includes one or more cleaning devices applying heat, ultraviolet light, soap and water, and / or any other (single or multiple) cleaning and / or disinfection technology. The cleaning and transport system can also transport guest items on a conveyor from a first location to a second location while guests are enjoying the ride experience, in order to achieve efficient transport of guest items at the same time (for example, guest-owned items that guests carry inside and outside of a ride attraction). The cleaning and transport system can also clean guest items by transporting them through a further cleaning zone that includes one or more further cleaning devices. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cleaning and transport system can also charge accessories and / or guest items.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the cleanup and transport system 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "System 10") that can be used in Environment 12. It should be understood that Environment 12 may include any of a variety of features and / or may be used for any of a variety of purposes. For example, Environment 12 may include, or may be, attractions such as ride attractions with vehicle-type rides, walk-through attractions that are passed through by walking along stationary and / or moving paths (e.g., conveyors), show attractions including visible and / or audible entertainment, game attractions including collecting points and / or other achievements, and interactive attractions including interacting with real and / or virtual actors.

[0015] For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 shows that Environment 12 is an amusement park attraction, comprising an attraction section 14 having a loading zone 16 and an unloading zone 18, as well as a queue section 20, an entrance section 22, and an exit section 24. For example, a guest 50 can visit and experience Environment 12 by passing through the entrance section 22, waiting in the queue section 20 for a certain period of time, then using the loading zone 16 to board a ride vehicle, or otherwise entering the attraction section 14, then using the unloading zone 18 to get off the ride vehicle, or otherwise exiting the attraction section 14, and then exiting through the exit section 24.

[0016] System 10 is used within and / or integrated with the environment 12 to clean and / or transport items of guest 50. As shown in the figure, System 10 includes a conveyor 30 (e.g., a conveyor system) configured to support items that may include one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34. The conveyor 30 may be a belt conveyor supporting items at the top, rollers that rotate and are driven to roll items over the top, or a track that suspends items on hangers below. The conveyor 30 may be a single continuous loop that carries both one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34. On the other hand, the conveyor 30 may include multiple loops and / or levels (e.g., a belt conveyor for one type of item such as one or more guest items 34 and a track for another type of item such as one or more accessories 32 positioned vertically above the belt conveyor). Furthermore, the conveyor 30 may include physically separate conveyor sections, such as a first conveyor section that carries any item in a first direction (e.g., one or more accessories 32 in the first direction) and a second conveyor section that carries any item in a second direction (e.g., one or more guest items 34 in the second direction). In some cases, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction. In some cases, the first and second conveyor sections may be stacked vertically (e.g., up and down) and / or horizontally (e.g., side by side). Thus, the conveyor 30 may include physically independent conveyor sections that operate as separate unidirectional conveyors (e.g., not a continuous loop, not transporting items in a continuous loop, separate conveyors that can be considered as part of a conveyor system). In practice, the conveyor 30 may include any number of transport structures (e.g., multiple belts and / or tracks) and may have any preferred configuration that facilitates the transport of items as generally described herein. The conveyor 30 can be supported on a frame 52, such as a frame attached to the floor or the ceiling of a structure.In one embodiment, the conveyor 30 may be separate from the attraction portion 14 (for example, it may be located outside the attraction portion 14), or at least separate from the ride vehicles or other structures that guests 50 see and / or interact with while they are in the attraction portion 14.

[0017] One or more accessories 32 may include shared portable devices configured to be carried (e.g., held and / or worn) by the guest 50. For example, one or more accessories 32 may include VR and / or AR headsets, handheld blaster guns or other aiming devices that allow the guest 50 to fire virtual projectiles, wands, toys, figurines, clothing, jewelry, wristbands, headgear, medals, glasses (e.g., corrective lenses, sunglasses, 3D glasses), and / or any combination thereof. Each of one or more accessories 32 may be configured to be used by multiple different guests 50 over time. One or more guest items 34 may include personal portable devices configured to be carried (e.g., held and / or worn) by the guest 50. For example, one or more guest items 34 may include mobile phones, tablets, watches, cameras, laptop computers, e-readers, toys, clothing, bags, glasses, groceries, and / or any combination thereof. Each of the one or more guest items 34 may be owned by and / or associated with each guest 50 (e.g., permanently associated). Thus, as will be further described herein, the system 10 may clean and / or transport each of the one or more accessories 32 so that multiple different guests 50 can use each of them over time in the attraction section 14, while also cleaning and / or transporting each of the one or more guest items 34 so that each guest 50 can enjoy the attraction section 14 without having to carry the guest items 34 with them.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the environment 12 includes a first location 40 (e.g., zone, region, area) through which the guest 50 passes or visits, such as while the guest 50 is moving from the entrance section 22 to the attraction section 14. For example, the first location 40 may be located at or near the end of the queue section 20 and / or adjacent to the boarding zone 16. Furthermore, the environment 12 includes a second location 42 (e.g., zone, region, area) through which the guest 50 passes or visits, such as while the guest 50 is moving from the attraction section 14 to the exit section 24. For example, the second location 42 may be located adjacent to the disembarking zone 18. In any case, the system 10 includes a conveyor 30 that crosses or passes through the first location 40 and the second location 42. Thus, the guest 50 can access the conveyor 30 (e.g., items such as access zones, one or more accessories 32 and one or more guest items 34 on the conveyor 30) when they are in the first location 40 and the second location 42. In one embodiment, a guest 50 can take out and deposit one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34 while moving along the conveyor 30. However, it should be understood that other features are also assumed. For example, one or more accessories 32 can be transferred to one or more accessory bins at a first location 40 (e.g., via the configuration of the conveyor 30, via a robotic arm (e.g., a mechanical arm, an electromagnetic arm, a soft robotic arm, an arm including pneumatic suction)) for easy access by the guest 50, and / or one or more guest items 34 can be transferred to one or more guest item bins at a second location 42 (e.g., via the configuration of the conveyor 30, via a robotic arm). In this specification, the first location 40 and the second location 42 are described with reference to several other parts of the environment for the sake of clarity, but it should be understood that the first location 40 may be located in any preferred part of the environment 12, such as between the entrance area 22 and the ride zone 16 of the attraction area 14, in the entrance area 22, and / or in the ride zone 16 of the attraction area 14.Similarly, the second location 42 may be located in any preferred part of the environment 12, such as between the exit section 24 and the disembarkation zone 18 of the attraction section 14, in the exit section 24, and / or the disembarkation zone 18 of the attraction section 14.

[0019] The operational characteristics of system 10 can be understood by referring to Figures 1 to 3. Specifically, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of system 10 and environment 12 at a first time point in time when the first guest 50A is in the first location 40. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of system 10 and environment 12 at a second time point in time when the first guest 50A is in the attraction section 14 and the second guest 50B is in the first location 40. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of system 10 and environment at a third time point in time when the first guest 50A is in the second location 42, the second guest 50B is in the attraction section 14, and the third guest 50C is in the first location 40.

[0020] As shown in the illustration, in Figure 1, the first guest 50A is present at the first location 40 and can access a part of the conveyor belt 30 (for example, the first access zone). Specifically, the first guest 50A can receive the first accessory 32A from the conveyor belt 30, and / or deposit the first guest item 34A from the conveyor belt 30, from among the one or more guest items 34. Subsequently, the first guest 50A can carry the first accessory 32A to the ride zone 16 and bring it into the attraction section 14.

[0021] For example, as shown in Figure 2, a first guest 50A can bring a first accessory 32A onto a ride vehicle that moves through the attraction section 14 (for example, along a path). While the first guest 50A is moving through the attraction section 14, a first guest item 34A can be transported (e.g., transferred) via the conveyor belt 30 from a first location 40 to a second location 42. In addition, a second guest 50B can reach the first location 40 and access a portion of the conveyor belt 30 (e.g., the first access zone). Specifically, the second guest 50B can receive a second accessory 32B from one or more accessories 32 from the conveyor belt 30 and / or deposit a second guest item 34B from one or more guest items 34 onto the conveyor belt 30. The second guest 50B can then carry the second accessory 32B to the boarding zone 16 and bring it into the attraction section 14.

[0022] Referring to Figure 3, the first guest 50A can reach the disembarkation zone 18 after completing the ride experience. The first guest 50A can disembark from the ride vehicle with the first accessory 32A and proceed to the second location 42 through the disembarkation zone 18. The first guest 50A can place the first accessory 32A on the conveyor belt 30 (for example, in the second access zone). Furthermore, the conveyor belt 30 can present the first guest item 34A or allow the first guest 50A to access the first guest item 34A while the first guest 50A is in the second location 42 (for example, while in the second access zone). For example, the conveyor 30 may have specific parameters (e.g., speed, length) and / or move according to a timing control signal that causes the first guest item 34A to reach the second location 42 when the first guest 50A reaches the second location 42 (e.g., when it enters the second location 42 and / or when it is located inside the second location 42). In this way, the first guest 50A can efficiently return the first accessory 32A and retrieve the first guest item 34A as it moves toward the exit portion 24 of the environment 12. The conveyor 30 can then return the first accessory 32A to the first location 40 and guide and / or pass the first accessory 32A to a cleaning device 60 that cleans the first accessory 32A while it is being transported to the first location 40.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the second guest 50B can bring the second accessory 32B onto another vehicle (or the same vehicle) traveling through the attraction section 14. While the second guest 50B is traveling through the attraction section 14, the second guest item 34B can be transported (e.g., transferred) via the conveyor belt 30 from the first location 40 to the second location 42. In addition, the third guest 50C can reach the first location 40 and access a portion of the conveyor belt 30 (e.g., the first access zone). Specifically, the third guest 50C can receive the third accessory 32C from the conveyor belt 30 and / or deposit the third guest item 34C from the conveyor belt 30. The third guest 50C can then carry the third accessory 32C to the boarding zone 16 and bring it into the attraction section 14. In this way, guests 50 can efficiently acquire and return one or more accessories 32, making it easy for multiple guests 50 to use one or more accessories 32 in the attraction section 14, and guests 50 can also deposit one or more guest items 34 while experiencing the attraction section 14 so that they can be transported by the system 10.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cleaning device 60 can be arranged along the conveyor 30 so as to clean one or more accessories 32 when the one or more accessories 32 are being transported (e.g., transferred) from the second location 42 to the first location 40. Accordingly, the one or more accessories 32 pass through the cleaning device 60 after each use by one of the guests 50 and are cleaned before other guests 50 access them at the first location 40. The cleaning device 60 can be configured to clean (e.g., disinfect) the one or more accessories 32 via heat, ultraviolet light, soap and water, other cleaning liquids, and / or other suitable cleaning techniques. Further, it should be understood that a plurality (e.g., two, three, four, five, or six or more) of cleaning devices 60 can also be arranged along the conveyor 30 to clean the one or more accessories 32 when the one or more accessories 32 are being transported (e.g., transferred) from the second location 42 to the first location 40. In such cases, each of the one or more accessories 32 can undergo a multi-stage cleaning process such as a fluid cleaning process, a first dry heat treatment, a second heat treatment, and / or an ultraviolet treatment.

[0025] System 10 is configured to cooperate with the attraction section 14. For example, System 10 is configured to cooperate with the attraction section 14 to synchronize the presentation of one or more guest items 34 at a second location 42 with the arrival of guests 50 at the second location 42. In one embodiment, the conveyor 30 can move continuously at a constant speed during normal operation. Thus, the conveyor 30 can generally move continuously at a constant speed so that a series of guests 50 can pass from the queuing section 20 through the first location 40 to receive one or more accessories 32 and / or place one or more guest items 34, pass through the attraction section 14 and then pass through the second location 42 to receive one or more guest items 34 and / or place one or more accessories 32. In such cases, this constant speed can be selected so that the travel time of one or more guest items 34 from the first location 40 to the second location 42 corresponds to (e.g., matches) the time it takes for a guest 50 to travel from the first location 40 through the attraction section 14 to the second location 42 (e.g., estimated travel time, average travel time, time based on known timing signals, time based on empirical data, and / or time based on modeled data, one ride cycle).

[0026] In one embodiment, the conveyor 30 can be dynamically controlled based on one or more inputs. Since time can vary based on various factors, the one or more inputs can indicate the time it takes for a guest 50 to move from a first location 40 to a second location 42 via an attraction portion 14. For example, in response to one or more inputs indicating a delay in the attraction portion 14, the movement of the conveyor 30 can be controlled to be slower (e.g., compared to a constant speed during normal operation). Specifically, in response to one or more inputs indicating that the vehicle has temporarily stopped within the attraction portion 14 due to, for example, the need for maintenance, boarding issues, and alighting issues, the movement of the conveyor 30 can be controlled to be slower (e.g., to a non-zero speed and / or to stop). In this way, the conveyor 30 can be controlled to provide one or more guest items 34 to the guest 50 within the vehicle that has temporarily stopped within the attraction portion 14 (e.g., considering the delay in the attraction portion 14 and the corresponding delay in the arrival / movement time of the guest) when the guest 50 reaches the second location 42. In practice, by dynamically controlling the conveyor 30 based on the current operating parameters of the attraction portion 14 (e.g., speed, timing, duration), one or more guest items 34 can be presented to the guest 50 when the guest 50 reaches the second location 42 (e.g., to a specific guest 50 who has stored each of the one or more guest items 34, each of the one or more guest items 34 can be presented to this specific guest 50 when this specific guest 50 reaches the second location 42).

[0027] In one embodiment, the conveyor 30 can move in increments corresponding to the group of vehicles during normal operation. For example, the conveyor 30 can move at a constant speed over a first period of time so that a first guest group 50 located at a second location 42 can deposit their respective accessories 32 onto the conveyor 30 and receive their respective guest items 34 from the conveyor 30, and at the same time, a second guest group 50 located at the first location 40 can receive their respective accessories 32 from the conveyor 30 and deposit their respective guest items 34 onto the conveyor 30. Next, the conveyor 30 can move a certain distance to align the accessories 32 used by the first guest group 50 with the (single or double) cleaning device 60. Then, the conveyor 30 can be temporarily stopped so that the accessories 32 used by the first guest group 50 can be completely cleaned by the (single or double) cleaning device 60. Subsequently, the conveyor 30 can resume moving at a constant speed so that the second group of guests 50 located at the second location 42 can deposit their respective accessories 32 onto the conveyor 30 and receive their respective guest items from the conveyor 30, and at the same time, the third group of guests 50 located at the first location 40 can receive their respective accessories 32 (which may be the same accessories used by the first group of guests 50) from the conveyor 30 and deposit their respective guest items 34 onto the conveyor 30. As will be described in more detail herein, the system 10 may utilize a unique identifier to facilitate coordination and synchronization between the conveyor 30 and the attraction section 14 (for example, to present one or more guest items 34 at appropriate times).

[0028] In one embodiment, the system 10 may include additional cleaning devices 64 positioned along the conveyor 30 to clean one or more guest items 34 as they are being transported (e.g., transferred) from a first location 40 to a second location 42. Thus, one or more guest items 34 are cleaned by passing through the additional cleaning devices 64 before being removed by the guest 50 at the second location 42. The additional cleaning devices 64 may be configured to clean (e.g., disinfect) one or more guest items 34 using heat, ultraviolet light, soap and water, other cleaning solutions, and / or any other suitable cleaning technique. Furthermore, it should be understood that multiple (e.g., two, three, four, five, or six or more) additional cleaning devices 64 may be positioned along the conveyor 30 to clean one or more guest items 34 as they are being transported (e.g., transferred) from the first location 40 to the second location 42. In such cases, each of the one or more guest items 34 can undergo a multi-stage cleaning process, such as a first drying heat treatment, a second heat treatment, and / or ultraviolet treatment. In one embodiment, a cleaning device 60 can extend across the conveyor 30 and operate as a further cleaning device 64 (for example, cleaning one or more accessories 32 moving from a second location 42 to a first location 40, and cleaning one or more guest items 34 moving from a first location 40 to a second location 42).

[0029] As will be described in more detail herein, in one embodiment, a guest 50 may opt in and / or opt out of a cleaning process for one or more guest items 34. For example, one or more input devices (e.g., switches, buttons, readers, scanners) located on the conveyor 30, at a first location 40, and / or any other suitable location may enable and / or receive one or more cleaning inputs indicating whether the guest 50 will opt in and / or refuse a cleaning process for one or more guest items 34. In practice, one or more cleaning inputs may indicate specific parameters (e.g., type, temperature) of the cleaning process for one or more guest items 34. As described herein, the system 10 may not include a cleaning device along the portion of the conveyor 30 that carries one or more guest items 34 from the first location 40 to a second location 42. Therefore, system 10 can be designed not to clean one or more guest items 34 (for example, using any of the following techniques: heat, ultraviolet light, fluid, etc.). That is, system 10 can have a cleaning device 60 only along the portion of the conveyor 30 that carries one or more accessories 32 from the second location 42 to the first location 40. Therefore, system 10 can be designed to clean only one or more accessories 32 and not one or more guest items 34.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system 10 can be configured to charge one or more accessories 32 when one or more accessories 32 are being transported via the conveyor 30. In addition to or instead of this, the system 10 can also be configured to charge one or more guest items 34 when one or more guest items 34 are being transported via the conveyor 30. For example, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 shows a bus bar 66 coupled to a current source 68. The bus bar 66 can be configured to contact the conductors and / or contacts of one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34 on the conveyor 30. The bus bar 66 can be configured to contact the conductors and / or contacts of one or more cables (e.g., USB, USB-C, Lightning, Micro USB) extending to one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34 on the conveyor 30 (e.g., connected or plugged in). Therefore, the busbar 66 can charge the energy storage components of one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34 on the conveyor 30 through the flow of current from the current source 68 through the busbar 66. In this way, the busbar 66 and associated components (e.g., conductors, contacts, and / or one or more cables) provide wired charging to one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34 on the conveyor 30. The busbar 66 can extend along the entire length of the conveyor 30 (e.g., around a continuous loop) or along a portion of the entire length of the conveyor 30. Furthermore, it should be understood that any of the various techniques can be used to charge one or more accessories 32 while they are being transported via the conveyor 30. For example, system 10 can implement wireless charging techniques via inductive charging, magnetic resonance, radio frequency harvesting, etc. In one embodiment, a guest 50 may allow and / or deny the charging process for one or more guest items 34.

[0031] To facilitate the disclosed technology, System 10 may include, or relate to, a control system 70 (e.g., an electronic control system (e.g., a controller)) as shown in Figure 1 for ease of explanation. The control system 70 includes a processor 72, a memory device 74, and a communication system 76 (e.g., one or more communication devices, communication circuits), the communication system may include a wired communication system and / or a wireless communication system (e.g., including a transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver). The processor 72 may include one or more processors and may be any type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer executable code. The memory device 74 may include one or more memory devices and may be any suitable manufactured article capable of functioning as a medium for storing processor executable code or data, etc. The manufactured article may represent a computer-readable medium (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) capable of storing processor executable code used by the processor 72 to perform the various technologies disclosed herein. The memory device 74 can represent a non-temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., any preferred form of memory or storage). The term "non-temporary" simply indicates that the medium is tangible and not a signal.

[0032] The components described above with respect to the control system 70 are merely illustrative, and the control system 70 may include further or fewer components. In some embodiments, the control system 70 may be a distributed control system including multiple processors (e.g., including one or more cloud computing systems having multiple processors). In practice, the term “control system” as used herein means, but is not limited to, an electronic control system or computer system such as a single computer, virtual machine, virtual container, host, server, laptop and / or mobile device, or multiple electronic computer devices that cooperate to perform functions described as being performed on or by a controller. The communication system 76 may include one or more communication devices, which may be any preferred device configured to communicate with other devices and systems via a network (e.g., the cleaning device 60, further cleaning devices 64, current sources 68 and / or other charging devices, the drive system 78 for the conveyor 30, input devices, sensors and / or attraction control systems).

[0033] Figure 4 shows some embodiments of a system 10 having a container 80 for holding accessories, guest items, or both. In one embodiment, the container 80 can be integrally formed with and / or fixed to the conveyor 30. In one embodiment, the container 80 can be separated from the conveyor 30 and movable relative to the conveyor 30. For example, a guest can receive the container 80 at a first location, obtain one or more accessories 32 from the container 80, and place one or more guest items 34 inside the container 80. The guest can then return the container 80 onto the conveyor 30, where the container 80 can be locked in place on the conveyor 30 (e.g., by a key fit, magnetic system) and / or roll along the conveyor 30 (e.g., via rollers on the conveyor 30 and / or passive or driven wheels on the container 80).

[0034] In one embodiment, the container 80 can be locked in place on the conveyor 30 via a magnetic system including one or more electromagnets incorporated into the conveyor 30, the container 80, or both. One or more electromagnets may be configured to selectively engage (e.g., magnetically couple) with corresponding reactive materials incorporated into the conveyor 30, the container 80, or both. The corresponding reactive materials may include one or more strips of metallic materials (e.g., ferromagnetic materials such as iron), permanent magnets, other electromagnets, and / or any other suitable magnetically attractive material. As an example, in one embodiment, one or more electromagnets may be integrated with the conveyor 30 and the corresponding reactive materials may be integrated with the container 80. Therefore, by selectively energizing, deenerging, or reversing the magnetic poles of one or more electromagnets, the transition between the conveyor 30 and the container 80 between an engagement configuration in which one or more electromagnets attract the corresponding reactant material and an engagement / disengagement configuration (e.g., a separation configuration or a non-engagement configuration) in which one or more electromagnets do not attract and / or move away the corresponding reactant material can be facilitated. Furthermore, by making the current supplied to each of the one or more electromagnets independently adjustable (e.g., via the control system 70), the magnetic coupling force between one or more electromagnets and the corresponding reactant material can be modulated, and thus the coupling strength between the conveyor 30 and the container 80 can be transiently adjusted.

[0035] In one embodiment, the container 80 can be locked in place on the conveyor 30 via a magnetic system including one or more permanent magnets incorporated into the conveyor 30, the container 80, or both. The one or more permanent magnets may be configured to engage (e.g., magnetically couple) with corresponding reactive materials incorporated into the conveyor 30, the container 80, or both. It should be understood that the magnetic system may include any of the various features and components that enable the conveyor 30 to magnetically couple with the container 80.

[0036] The container 80 can also facilitate other operations such as properly positioning one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34 on the conveyor 30 for transport, cleaning and / or charging. In one embodiment, the container 80 can facilitate wired and / or wireless charging of one or more accessories 32 and / or one or more guest items 34 placed on the contacts and / or charging pad 82 by including cables, contacts and / or a charging pad 82.

[0037] In one embodiment, the container 80 may include an input device 84 such as a switch, button, reader, and / or scanner. The input device 84 may enable and / or receive one or more inputs, such as one or more cleaning inputs indicating whether a guest allows and / or denies a cleaning process for one or more guest items 34. For example, the input device 84 may include a switch that a guest can switch between an "on" position and an "off" position, respectively, to allow or deny a cleaning process. Specifically, a particular guest may place one or more guest items 34 in their respective container 80 and then adjust the switch to the "on" position to select a cleaning process. As a result, the position of the switch in this "on" position may be read by and / or communicated to a further cleaning device so that the further cleaning device can perform a cleaning process for each of the one or more guest items 34 in their respective container 80. On the other hand, if a particular guest has adjusted the switch to the "off" position and refused the cleaning process, the further cleaning device will not perform the cleaning process on each of the one or more guest items 34 within each container 80. It should be understood that the input device 84 may include multiple buttons (e.g., physical buttons or virtual display buttons) that can be activated by the guest to allow or refuse the cleaning process and / or to make more specific choices such as (e.g., the type of cleaning process).

[0038] In one embodiment, the input device 84 may include a reader (e.g., a radio frequency identification reader) or scanner (e.g., a quick response code scanner) configured to receive a unique identifier (e.g., from a radio frequency tag or quick response code). As a result, once a unique identifier is obtained via the input device 84, this unique identifier can be used to look up a database (e.g., in the control system's memory device or otherwise accessible by the control system). For example, the database may include a lookup table that associates each unique identifier with one or more preferences about the cleaning process. In such a case, a particular guest may indicate their preferences through an application (e.g., a software application), and as a result, each preference is linked to a particular unique identifier of that particular guest. The particular guest can then cause a device (e.g., one of one or more guest devices 34, a wearable, a mobile device) to tap (e.g., bring close, place within the communication range of the particular input device 84) to a particular input device 84 of the container 80. As a result, a specific input device 84 can communicate a specific unique identifier of a particular guest to the control system, which can then control and operate additional cleaning devices (and / or generally the system 10) based on the preferences of each particular guest.

[0039] It should be understood that similar operational features can be provided for the charging process. For example, the input device 84 can enable and / or receive one or more inputs, such as one or more charging inputs, indicating whether a guest allows and / or denies the charging process for one or more guest items 34. In this way, a guest can control the processing of one or more guest items 34 by providing one or more inputs when one or more guest items 34 are being processed by the system 10. For example, some guests may not want a cleaning process for each of their guest items 34, other guests may want a full cleaning process for all of their guest items 34, and yet another guest may want a specific cleaning process for only some of their guest items 34. For example, if the first guest item 34A is only a mobile phone, the first guest may provide inputs that allow a cleaning process using only ultraviolet light. On the other hand, the second guest 50B may deposit a second guest item 34B, which includes a wallet containing many different items, and provide inputs that deny the cleaning process.

[0040] In this way, each guest can provide their own unique input and make their own choices each time they provide their respective guest item 34 to system 10, or they can provide default inputs or default preferences that apply to multiple systems 10 (for example, in different attractions or environments in an amusement park). Guests can not only have their respective guest item 34 held and transported each time they visit environment 12 (and / or other environments including different attractions or environments in an amusement park), but they can also advantageously choose to have their respective guest item 34 cleaned each time they visit environment 12. Furthermore, one or more guest items 34 can be held and transported with appropriate timing control in accordance with the arrival of a particular guest at a second location, and one or more accessories 32 can also be held and transported via a conveyor 30.

[0041] A unique identifier can facilitate the return of one or more guest items 34 via the conveyor 30. For example, each container 80 can be associated (temporarily, for example, during one ride cycle) with a particular ride vehicle in the attraction section (for example, based on the position of a particular ride vehicle relative to the boarding zone when a particular guest places their respective guest items in the container 80). Thus, the system 10 can coordinate and synchronize the delivery of one or more items 34 to a second location, even if a particular ride vehicle overtakes other ride vehicles or moves to the disembarking zone differently in a disordered order relative to other ride vehicles. To accommodate these embodiments, the conveyor 30 can be configured to coordinate and change the order in which one or more guest items 34 are presented at the second location 42. For example, the conveyor 30 may have multiple branches that deliver to their respective bays (e.g., exit bays), and mechanical arms or guides that transport the appropriate items from among the one or more guest items 34. As another example, the conveyor 30 can remove one or more guest items 34 from the conveyor 30 and reposition the one or more guest items 34 on the conveyor 30 in an order and timing such that they reach the second location in sync with the arrival of the guest.

[0042] Furthermore, in one embodiment, each of the one or more accessories 32 may have a unique identifier that can function as a key to unlock access to the corresponding guest item among the one or more guest items 34 in the second location 42. For example, referring to Figure 4, a specific input device 84 of a particular container 80 can read the unique identifier of the second accessory 32B and associate it with the particular container 80. The second guest 50B can also place the second guest item 34B inside the particular container 80. As a result, the second guest 50B can receive the second guest item 34B at the second location after moving through the attraction portion by presenting the second accessory 32B and having the specific input device 84 of the particular container 80 read it. For example, the particular container 80 may have a door or lid configured to unlock and / or open in response to the specific input device 84 of the particular container 80 reading the second accessory 32B. A unique identifier on the second accessory 32B can also facilitate tracking the location of the second guest 50B (e.g., through the attraction section) in order to synchronize the delivery of the second guest item 34B to the second location (e.g., to make it available when the second guest 50B arrives at the second location). It should be understood that these techniques can also be implemented using compartments or pads on the conveyor 30 instead of using containers. Also, as described herein, the conveyor 30 may have multiple branches making deliveries to their respective bays (e.g., exit bays) and mechanical arms or guides for transporting the appropriate guest item from one or more guest items 34 in order to facilitate synchronized deliveries and / or provide additional time for the unlocking process. It should be understood that the conveyor belt 30 may have multiple branches that receive one or more guest items 34 or other items from multiple different starting points, for example, when a guest enters or accesses the first location 40 via one or more priority lines, one or more single rider lines, and one or more virtual queues.Furthermore, it should be understood that the container 80 may include any of the various locking configurations, including mechanical locks and electromagnetic locks. In addition, each container 80 may be assigned to a guest group experiencing the attraction together via one or more unique identifiers relating to such a guest group (e.g., a group in a single ride vehicle, a group walking together along a stationary path and / or moving path).

[0043] It should also be understood that access to each container 80 can be provided using any of various types of unique identifiers, including biometric data. For example, a specific input device 84 in a particular container 80 can read the biometric data (e.g., voice recognition, facial recognition, fingerprint) of a second guest 50B when the second guest 50B places a second guest item 34B inside that particular container 80. The second guest 50B can then receive the second guest item 34B at a second location by having the specific input device 84 in that particular container 80 read the biometric data.

[0044] Similarly, each guest may possess a guest item (e.g., a mobile device, wearable, and / or card) that includes a unique identifier, such as a quick response code or barcode, which each guest brings and / or which is provided to each guest who wishes to use System 10. For example, a specific input device 84 in a particular container 80 can read the unique identifier of each guest item of the second guest 50B when the second guest 50B places the second guest item 34B into the particular container 80. The second guest 50B can then receive the second guest item 34B at a second location by presenting and having the specific input device 84 in the particular container 80 read each unique identifier.

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the operation method 100 of a cleaning and transfer system, such as the cleaning and transfer system 10 of Figure 1. The following method 100 is described as being performed by a system (e.g., system 10) that can be controlled by a control system (e.g., control system 70). Furthermore, the following method 100 is described as including several steps to be performed in a specific order, but it should be understood that the steps of method 100 can be performed in any preferred order, some steps can be omitted, and / or some steps can be added.

[0046] In block 102, method 100 may include receiving one or more accessories at a second location related to the venue (e.g., the environment). For example, a guest may place one or more accessories on a conveyor of the system while present at the second location within the venue. In one embodiment, the second location within the venue may be located between the disembarkation zone of the attraction portion of the venue and the exit portion of the venue.

[0047] In block 104, method 100 may include transporting one or more accessories from a second location related to the venue to a first location. For example, a conveyor may move (e.g., continuously or at regular intervals, in a loop) to transport one or more accessories from the second location to the first location. In one embodiment, the first location within the venue may be located between the entrance portion of the venue and the ride zone of the attraction portion of the venue, in the entrance portion of the venue, or in the ride zone of the attraction portion of the venue.

[0048] In block 106, method 100 may include cleaning and / or charging one or more accessories while they are being transported from a second location to a first location. For example, the system may include a cleaning device, and the conveyor may pass one or more accessories through the cleaning device while they are being transported from a second location to a first location. In one embodiment, the system may include a charging system, and one or more accessories may receive power via contacts and / or charging pads on the conveyor while they are being transported from a second location to a first location.

[0049] In block 108, method 100 may include providing access to one or more accessories at a first location. For example, a guest may take one or more accessories from a system conveyor while present at the first location within the venue. When a guest takes one or more accessories in this manner, one or more accessories may be conveniently cleaned and / or charged for use by the guest (e.g., via a cleaning and / or charging process in block 106).

[0050] In block 110, method 100 may include receiving one or more guest items at a first location. For example, a guest may place one or more guest items on a conveyor belt while in the first location. A guest may receive one or more accessories from the conveyor belt (block 108) and deposit one or more guest items on the conveyor belt sequentially (e.g., one by one) or simultaneously.

[0051] In block 112, method 100 may include transporting one or more guest items from a first location to a second location. For example, a conveyor may move (e.g., continuously or at regular intervals, in a loop) to transport one or more guest items from a first location to a second location.

[0052] In block 114, method 100 may include cleaning and / or charging one or more guest items while they are being transported from a first location to a second location. For example, the system may include a further cleaning device, and the conveyor may pass one or more guest items through the further cleaning device while they are being transported from a first location to a second location. In one embodiment, the system may include a charging system, and one or more guest items may receive power via contacts and / or charging pads on the conveyor while they are being transported from a first location to a second location.

[0053] In block 116, method 100 may include providing access to one or more guest items at a second location. For example, a guest may take one or more guest items from a conveyor belt while the guest is present at a second location within the venue. When a guest takes one or more guest items in this manner, one or more guest items may be conveniently cleaned and / or charged for use by the guest (e.g., through a cleaning and / or charging process in block 114).

[0054] Furthermore, as described herein, guests can experience the attraction portion of the environment while the system performs the operations shown in blocks 110-116. Thus, guests do not need to bring their own items into the attraction portion of the environment, thereby freeing up space within the vehicle and allowing guests' hands to manipulate objects in the attraction portion of the environment (e.g., each accessory obtained at the first location). In addition, the system (e.g., a conveyor which may be a single continuous loop structure) can simultaneously and efficiently clean one or more accessories used by multiple guests over time.

[0055] It should be understood that the features illustrated and described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 can be combined in any preferred manner. Although only some features of the present invention have been illustrated and described in this specification, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that are included in the actual spirit of the present invention.

[0056] 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) (a function)" or "...steps for (performing) (a 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]

[0057] 10. Cleaning and Transfer System 12 Environment 14 Attraction Section 16 boarding zones 18 Disembarking Zone 20 Queue section 22 Entrance section 24 Exit part 30 Conveyors 32 Accessories 34 Guest Items 40. Place 1 42. Second Place 50 Guests 50A First Guest 52 frames 60 Purification device 64 Further purification devices 66 Bus Bar 68 Current source 70 Control Systems 72 processors 74 memory devices 76 Communication Systems

Claims

1. A method for operating a cleaning and transport system in a venue having a first location and a second location, Receiving one or more accessories on the conveyor at the second location, Transferring one or more accessories from the second location to the first location via the conveyor, The one or more accessories are cleaned while being transported from the second location to the first location via the conveyor, Receiving one or more guest items on the conveyor at the first location, Transferring one or more guest items from the first location to the second location via the conveyor, A method that includes this.

2. The one or more accessories are transported from the second location within the venue to the first location via the conveyor, Transferring one or more guest items from the first location to the second location via the conveyor, The method according to claim 1, which includes performing the actions simultaneously.

3. This includes cleaning the one or more guest items while they are being transported from the first location to the second location via the conveyor. The method according to claim 1.

4. This includes cleaning one or more guest items according to one or more inputs indicating the guest's preferences. The method according to claim 3.

5. The first location is located between the entrance and the attraction area of ​​the venue, and the second location is located between the attraction area and the exit of the venue. The method according to claim 1.

6. This includes transporting one or more accessories from a second location to a first location via a first unidirectional conveyor that forms part of the conveyor, and transporting one or more guest items from a first location to a second location via a second unidirectional conveyor portion that forms part of the conveyor. The method according to claim 1.

7. This includes charging the one or more accessories while they are being transported from the second location to the first location via the conveyor. The method according to claim 1.

8. The process includes charging the one or more guest items while they are being transported from the first location to the second location via the conveyor. The method according to claim 1.

9. This includes adjusting the speed of the conveyor based on one or more inputs indicating timing information from the attraction area of ​​the venue. The method according to claim 1.

10. This includes setting the speed of the conveyor so that when each guest reaches the second location after moving from the first location in the venue through the attraction experience in the attraction section, one or more guest items arrive at the second location. The method according to claim 1.

11. A device cleaning and transport system used in a venue having a first location and a second location, A conveyor formed in a continuous loop shape, A second access zone in the second location that allows a guest to leave one or more accessories on the conveyor, A first access zone at the first location that allows the guest to take out the one or more accessories from the conveyor, A cleaning device is provided between the second access zone and the first access zone along the conveyor to clean the one or more accessories as they are being transported from the second access zone to the first access zone via the conveyor, A device cleaning and transfer system equipped with the following features.

12. The cleaning device is configured to clean the one or more accessories by applying a cleaning solution, heat, ultraviolet light, or a combination thereof. The apparatus cleaning and transfer system according to claim 11.

13. The first access zone allows the guest to deposit one or more guest items on the conveyor belt at the first location in the venue, and the second access zone allows the guest to retrieve one or more guest items from the conveyor belt at the second location in the venue. The apparatus cleaning and transfer system according to claim 11.

14. The system includes an additional cleaning device positioned between the first access zone and the second access zone along the conveyor to clean the one or more guest items as they are being transported from the first access zone to the second access zone via the conveyor. The apparatus cleaning and transfer system according to claim 13.

15. A charging device is positioned along the conveyor to charge the one or more accessories as they are being transported from the second access zone to the first access zone via the conveyor. The apparatus cleaning and transfer system according to claim 11.

16. The first position is located between the entrance and the attraction area of ​​the venue, and the second position is located between the attraction area and the exit of the venue. The apparatus cleaning and transfer system according to claim 11.

17. The system comprises one or more processors configured to control the conveyor drive system based on one or more inputs indicating the expected travel time of the guest from the first location to the second location. The apparatus cleaning and transfer system according to claim 11.

18. The one or more accessories are configured to be used by multiple different guests over time within the attraction area of ​​the venue, and the one or more accessories include virtual reality and / or augmented reality headsets, handheld aiming devices, wands, toys, figurines, clothing, jewelry, wristbands, headgear, medals, glasses, and / or any combination thereof. The apparatus cleaning and transfer system according to claim 11.

19. The entrance area, The attraction part, The exit section, A device cleaning and transfer system, A conveyor configured to transport one or more guest items from a first location between the entrance and the attraction to a second location between the attraction and the exit, A guest item cleaning device positioned along the conveyor to clean the one or more guest items when they are being transported from the first location to the second location via the conveyor, The environment, including.

20. The conveyor is configured to transport one or more accessories from the second location to the first location, and the device cleaning transport system includes an accessory cleaning device positioned along the conveyor to clean the one or more accessories as they are being transported from the second location to the first location via the conveyor. The environment described in claim 19.

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