System and method for detecting interference in entertainment attractions

Abstract

The amusement park attraction system includes one or more travel paths configured to guide one or more ride vehicle assemblies. The amusement park attraction system also includes an interference detection assembly comprising one or more drones, sensor assemblies positioned on the drones, one or more memories, and one or more processors. The one or more memories store instructions. The one or more processors are configured to execute these instructions to control the paths of one or more drones relative to the one or more travel paths, to receive sensor data from the sensor assemblies corresponding to the environment surrounding one or more drones, to detect overlaps between the maximum reach of one or more ride vehicle assemblies and at least one further component of the amusement park attraction system based on the sensor data, and to generate one or more notifications indicating the overlap.

Description

Background Art

[0001] 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 below. This discussion is considered useful in providing readers with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be understood as being read from the above perspective rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0002] Entertainment venues such as theme parks or amusement parks have been formed to provide various immersive experiences to guests. These entertainment venues can include various attractions such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), shows, and games that employ a mobile vehicle assembly configured to accommodate one or more of the guests of the entertainment venue. In some cases, an attraction can also include show elements scheduled to move at a predetermined vehicle spacing (e.g., in coordination with the movement of the vehicle assembly) to enhance the immersive experience of one or two or more guests.

[0003] During the conventional manufacture, inspection, and / or testing of such attractions, measures can be taken to determine whether the mobile vehicle assembly approaches an undesirable proximity to another component of the attraction, such as a show element. Unfortunately, conventional measures for identifying undesirable proximities are cumbersome, time-consuming, inaccurate, and / or expensive. Therefore, it is currently recognized that it is desirable to improve the inspection and testing of amusement park attractions.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] 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.

[0005] In one embodiment, the amusement park attraction system includes one or more travel paths configured to guide one or more ride vehicle assemblies. The amusement park attraction system also includes an interference detection assembly comprising one or more drones, sensor assemblies positioned on the drones, one or more memories, and one or more processors. The one or more memories store instructions. The one or more processors are configured to execute these instructions to control the paths of one or more drones relative to the one or more travel paths, to receive sensor data from the sensor assemblies corresponding to the environment surrounding one or more drones, to detect overlaps between the maximum reach of one or more ride vehicle assemblies and at least one further component of the amusement park attraction system based on the sensor data, and to generate one or more notifications indicating the overlap.

[0006] In one embodiment, an interference detection system for an amusement park attraction includes one or more drones on which sensor assemblies are positioned, one or more memories for storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute these instructions and perform various functions. The functions include controlling the pre-programmed paths of one or more drones relative to one or more ride paths of the amusement park attraction. The functions include receiving sensor data from the sensor assemblies corresponding to the environment surrounding one or more drones. The functions also include detecting one or more interferences between the maximum reach and one or more further components of the amusement park attraction, based on the sensor data and additional data indicating the maximum reach of one or more ride vehicle assemblies configured to travel along one or more ride paths.

[0007] In one embodiment, one or more tangible, non-transient, computer-readable media store instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform various functions when executed by one or more processors. Functions include controlling the paths of one or more vehicles to one or more paths. Functions also include receiving sensor data from sensor assemblies located on one or more vehicles that correspond to the environment surrounding one or more vehicles. Functions also include detecting one or more interferences between the maximum reach and at least one structure adjacent to one or more paths, based on the sensor data and maximum reach data indicating the maximum reach corresponding to one or more further vehicles. Functions also include generating one or more notifications indicating one or more interferences.

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

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic overview of a vehicle system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, comprising a track, a vehicle assembly configured to move along the track, a stationary structure, a movable show element, and an interference detection assembly configured to detect the overlap between the maximum reach corresponding to the vehicle assembly and further components of the vehicle system. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an interference detection assembly, including a drone and a control device corresponding to the drone, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of the drone's trajectory and interference detection assembly, according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic front view of the maximum reach of the vehicle assembly of the vehicle system of Figure 1, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]This is a schematic side view of the maximum reach of the vehicle assembly of the vehicle system of Figure 1, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view of the maximum reach of the vehicle assembly of the vehicle system of Figure 1, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic overhead view of the overlap between the stationary structure of the vehicle system in Figure 1 and the maximum reach associated with the vehicle assembly of the vehicle system in Figure 1, as detected by the interference detection assembly of Figure 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a control device having a display for the interference detection assembly of Figure 1, configured to show an overlap indication and a recommendation for correcting the overlap in Figure 7, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a schematic overhead view of the overlap between one of the movable show elements of the vehicle system in Figure 1 and the maximum reach associated with the vehicle vehicle assembly of the vehicle system in Figure 1, as detected by the interference detection assembly of Figure 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a control device having a display for the interference detection assembly of Figure 1, configured to show an overlap indication and a recommendation for correcting the overlap in Figure 9, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a process flow diagram showing the operation method of the interference detection assembly in Figure 1 according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a schematic side view of a line-of-sight communication system having components that can be adopted in any of Figures 1 to 11 according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a schematic side view of a non-line-of-sight communication system having components that can be adopted in any of Figures 1 to 11 according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes one or more specific embodiments. For the sake of brevity, this specification does not describe all features of these embodiments. 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] This disclosure relates to the inspection and / or testing of amusement park attractions, such as ride systems, in general. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an interference detection assembly configured to identify overlaps between the reach envelope corresponding to a ride vehicle assembly of an amusement park attraction and further components of the amusement park attraction, such as movable show elements or stationary structures, based on sensor data acquired by a drone (e.g., imaging data from one or more cameras, one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, one or more radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, acoustic sensors, fluid sensors, other types of imaging sensors, or any combination thereof). When such overlaps are detected, interference is detected. That is, interference can be defined as an overlap between the reach envelope associated with a ride vehicle assembly and different components of the amusement park attraction that may result in undesirable contact (e.g., contact between the ride vehicle assembly and the attraction function).

[0013] According to this disclosure, an amusement park attraction (e.g., a ride system) includes a ride path (e.g., a track) and a ride vehicle assembly configured to move along the track. An amusement park attraction may also include a stationary structure (e.g., a building wall), a movable show element, or both. On the one hand, care must be taken to ensure that the design of the amusement park attraction (e.g., before opening the amusement park attraction to guests) ensures that the ride vehicle assembly does not come into an undesirable proximity to at least one further component of the amusement park attraction, such as a stationary structure and / or a movable show element. On the other hand, if the ride vehicle assembly comes into a desirable proximity to at least one further component (e.g., where the desirable proximity is slightly larger than the undesirable proximity), the immersive experience for guests within the ride vehicle assembly can be improved.

[0014] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an interference detection assembly can be used to identify overlaps (or interferences) between the maximum reach corresponding to a ride vehicle assembly and at least one further component of a theme park attraction. The interference detection assembly can operate to detect such overlaps without requiring the ride vehicle assembly to run along a track while the interference detection assembly is in operation. That is, the maximum reach corresponding to the ride vehicle assembly may be a virtual volume known to the interference detection assembly, and the interference detection assembly can use data indicating the maximum reach to identify undesirable locations of the further components of the theme park attraction (e.g., stationary structures, movable show elements).

[0015] The maximum reach, which will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings, can correspond to a volume larger than the volume of the vehicle assembly. For example, the boundary of the maximum reach can be defined by a distance (e.g., a safety margin) away from the vehicle assembly, including the body of the vehicle assembly, the seats of the vehicle assembly, etc. These distances (e.g., safety margins) may also take into account the largest possible reach of passengers within the vehicle assembly (e.g., the reach of hand luggage such as mobile phones and cameras).

[0016] With the vehicle assembly removed from the amusement park attraction's track, the drone's path (e.g., land, air, water, or space) for the interference detection assembly can be controlled so that the drone moves substantially along the centerline of the track, maintains a substantially constant distance from the track, or both. A sensor assembly, such as one or more cameras, one or more light-detecting and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, one or more radio-detecting and ranging (RADAR) sensors, or any combination thereof, can be placed on the drone to capture sensor data of the environment surrounding the drone while it is controlled to move along its path.

[0017] The processing circuit of the interference detection assembly can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory circuit of the interference detection assembly to identify overlap (or interference) between further components of the amusement park attraction (e.g., stationary structures, moving show elements) and the maximum reach, based on sensor data and additional data indicating the maximum reach. Furthermore, the processing circuit can also determine the degree of overlap, such as the width of the overlap, the height of the overlap, the length of the overlap, the volume of the overlap, or any combination thereof. The control device of the interference detection assembly can output an indication of the overlap between further components of the amusement park attraction and the maximum reach. In some embodiments, this indication may include the information indicating the degree of overlap described above.

[0018] As described above, further components may be stationary structures or movable show elements. Stationary structures may be, for example, walls of buildings that define the space in which an amusement park attraction (e.g., a "dark ride") is located or exist within such space. In some embodiments, the processing circuit of the interference detection assembly may generate recommendations to correct overlaps between the maximum reach and the stationary structure by moving or resizing the track, ride vehicle assembly, stationary structure, or both. For example, a movable show element may be programmed to move (e.g., via electronic, mechanical, or both) in a certain ride sequence, such as when the ride vehicle assembly approaches the movable show element, in order to improve the immersive experience for (one or more) guests in the ride vehicle assembly. In some embodiments, the processing circuit of the interference detection assembly may generate recommendations to correct overlaps between the maximum reach and the movable show element by changing the timing of the movement of the movable show element, moving or resizing the track, ride vehicle assembly, and / or movable show element, or any combination thereof. Any of the recommendations described above may be displayed on the display of the control device of the interference detection assembly.

[0019] Embodiments of the interference detection assembly of the present disclosure enable improved detection of overlap (or interference) between the maximum reach ranges corresponding to the vehicle assembly of a theme park attraction (e.g., before installing a vehicle assembly on the track of a theme park attraction and / or before opening a theme park attraction to guests). For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the hassle of interference detection, reduce the time taken for interference detection, increase the accuracy of interference detection, and / or increase the cost-effectiveness of interference detection. These and other features will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic overhead view of an embodiment of a theme park attraction (or vehicle system) 10, hereinafter referred to as a vehicle system, having a track 12, a vehicle assembly 14 (e.g., a train of vehicles) configured to move along the track 12, a stationary structure 16 (e.g., a building wall), a first movable show element 18, and a second movable show element 19. According to the present disclosure, an interference detection assembly 20 is configured to detect overlap (or interference) associated with the vehicle assembly 14 and additional components of the vehicle system 10. For example, the interference detection assembly 20 can be configured to detect overlap between the maximum reach range 22 corresponding to the vehicle assembly 14 and the stationary structure 16, the first movable show element 18, the second movable show element 19, or other components of the vehicle system 10.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle assembly 14 is shown for clarity, but the vehicle assembly 14 does not necessarily have to be present for the operation of the interference detection assembly 20. It should be understood that the interference detection assembly 20 can be operative to detect an overlap (or interference) between the maximum reach 22 corresponding to the vehicle assembly 14 and further components of the vehicle system 10. This detection can be performed while the vehicle assembly 14 is removed from the track 12 (e.g., before installing the vehicle assembly 14 on the track 12, before releasing the vehicle system 10 to guests, during maintenance of the vehicle system 10, etc.). Further, the maximum reach 22 will be described in detail while referring to later drawings, but generally the maximum reach 22 can correspond to a volume larger than the volume of the vehicle assembly 14. For example, the boundary of the maximum reach 22 can be defined by a distance away from the vehicle assembly 14 (e.g., a safety margin) that includes the body of the vehicle assembly 14, the seats of the vehicle assembly 14, etc. These distances (e.g., safety margins) can also take into account the maximum reachable range of passengers within the vehicle assembly 14 (including the extension range of personal items such as mobile phones, cameras, etc.).

[0022] As described above, generally the interference detection assembly 20 is configured to detect an overlap between the maximum reach 22 and further components of the vehicle system 10 (e.g., the stationary structure 16, the first movable show element 18, the second movable element 19, etc.). For example, the drone of the interference detection assembly 20 can be programmed to move along a path corresponding to the track 12 (e.g., substantially along the centerline of the track 12, at a constant distance from the track 12). That is, the path of the drone can substantially mimic the vehicle path of the vehicle assembly 14 along the track 12. Note that the path of the drone can correspond to a land route, an air route, a water route, or a space route.

[0023] The drone may include a sensor assembly configured to capture sensor data (e.g., imaging data from one or more cameras, one or more LiDAR sensors, one or more Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, acoustic sensors, fluid sensors, other types of imaging sensors, or any combination thereof) of the environment surrounding the drone (e.g., a stationary structure 16, a first movable show element 18, a second movable show element 19, or any combination thereof). The processing circuit of the interference detection assembly 20 can identify overlaps (or interferences) between further components of the vehicle system 10 (e.g., a stationary structure 16, a first movable show element 18, or a second movable show element 19) and the maximum reach 22 based on the sensor data and additional data indicating the maximum reach 22. In some embodiments, the processing circuit may detect the degree of overlap, such as the height of the overlap, the width of the overlap, the length of the overlap, the volume of the overlap, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the display of the control device of the interference detection assembly 20 can output (for example, show) a notification indicating the overlap and / or degree of overlap.

[0024] In some embodiments, the processing circuit of the interference detection assembly 20 can be configured to generate recommendations for correcting overlaps between the maximum reach 22 and further components of the vehicle system 10. In practice, in some situations, overlaps can be corrected by repositioning and / or resizing the track 12, the vehicle assembly 14 (and therefore the corresponding maximum reach 22 as well), further components (e.g., stationary structure 16, first movable show element 18, or second movable show element 19), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, if overlap is detected between the maximum reach 22 and one of the movable show elements 18, 19, the overlap can also be corrected by changing the timing of the movement of the problematic movable show element 18, 19.

[0025] As an example, the first movable show element 18 can be configured to move across the track 12 from a first position 24 to a second position 26. A linear belt or rail 28 (e.g., an electronically actuated overhead linear belt or rail) can be used to enable the movement of the first movable show element 18 between the first position 24 and the second position 26. Furthermore, a controller 30 can be used to control the movement of the first movable show element 18 from the first position 24 to the second position 26 at predetermined time intervals and / or based on the position of the vehicle assembly 14 relative to the first movable show element 18, including a memory 32 (e.g., memory circuitry), a processor 34 (e.g., processing circuitry), and a communication system 35 (e.g., communication circuitry) of the vehicle system 10. Figure 1 shows the communication system 35 (e.g., communication circuitry) as part of the controller 30, but in some embodiments, the components of the communication system 35 can also be distributed through multiple different or remote components. For example, various communication systems provided herein can be used to facilitate data communication between the controller 30, components of the interference detection assembly 20 (e.g., one or more drones), the vehicle assembly 14, or two or more other communication components. Such communication systems can be employed to facilitate line-of-sight communication, beyond-line-of-sight communication, or both. For example, such a communication system may include multiple nodes or links configured to relay data between two endpoints. These and other features of the communication systems will be described in detail with reference to the drawings later.

[0026] According to this disclosure, the memory circuit 32 can store instructions, and the processing circuit 34 can execute these instructions to perform various functions, such as initiating the movement of the first movable show element 18 from a first position 24 to a second position 26. In response to detecting an overlap between the maximum reach 22 and the first show element 18, the interference detection assembly 20 can recommend changing the timing of the movement of the first movable show element 18 to correct the overlap, and this change can be performed in the controller 30 of the vehicle system 10. For example, the overlap can be corrected by starting the movement of the first show element 18 at an earlier or later predetermined time interval.

[0027] As another example, the second movable show element 19 may be configured to move from a first position 36 to a second position 38 (for example, without crossing the track 12). A curved belt or rail 40 (for example, an electronically operated curved belt or rail) may be used to enable the movement of the second movable show element 19 between the first position 36 and the second position 38. Furthermore, the controller 30 can be used to control the movement of the second movable show element 19 from the first position 36 to the second position 38 at predetermined time intervals and / or based on the position of the vehicle assembly 14 relative to the second movable show element 19. In response to detecting an overlap between the maximum reach 22 and the second show element 19, the interference detection assembly 20 may recommend changing the timing of the movement of the second movable show element 19 to correct the overlap, and this change may be performed in the controller 30 of the vehicle system 10. For example, the overlap can be corrected by starting the movement of the second show element 19 at an earlier or later predetermined time interval.

[0028] In addition to or instead of the above, in either case of the first show element 18 or the second show element 19, the identified overlap described above can also be corrected by physically moving and / or resizing aspects of the vehicle system 10, such as the first movable show element 18 (or related components such as the linear belt or rail 28), the second movable show element 19 (or related components such as the curved belt or rail 40), the track 12, and the vehicle assembly 14. As described above, the interference detection assembly 20 may generate recommendations for one or more such corrections and output or display them on the control device's display as will be described in detail with reference to the drawings later.

[0029] As yet another example, the interference detection assembly 20 may be configured to identify overlap (or interference) between the maximum reach 22 and a stationary structure 16 (e.g., a wall) adjacent to or defining part of the ride system 10. For example, in some embodiments, such as when the ride system 10 is a “dark ride”, the stationary structure 16 may correspond to a building wall. The interference detection assembly 20 may be configured to determine whether the maximum reach 22 overlaps with the stationary structure 16 at any point within the ride system 10, such as in various regions 42 where the track 12 approaches the stationary structure 16 (e.g., a wall). In response to detecting an overlap between the maximum reach 22 and the stationary structure 16, the interference detection assembly 20 may generate a notification recommending movement of the track 12 and / or the stationary structure 16, a notification recommending resizing of the track 12, the stationary structure 16, and / or the ride vehicle assembly 14 (and therefore the corresponding maximum reach 22 as well), or any combination thereof.

[0030] As described above, according to this embodiment, the interference detection assembly 20 may include a drone having a path (e.g., a land path, an air path, a water path, a space path) that is controlled to generally follow the orbit 12. For example, the drone's path can be controlled (e.g., pre-programmed) to follow or substantially follow the centerline of the orbit 12 (e.g., within tolerances or engineering tolerances) and / or (e.g., within tolerances or engineering tolerances) so that the drone maintains a substantially constant distance from the orbit 12. In some embodiments, various indicators 44 (e.g., visual indicators) may be placed along or adjacent to the orbit 12 to guide the drone along a desired path, and the drone may be configured to detect and follow the various indicators 44 (e.g., visual indicators). The use of visual indicators 44 may be employed in addition to or instead of a pre-programmed path executed by the drone's processing circuit. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment includes an orbit 12 and visual indicators 44 distributed around the orbit 12, in other embodiments the vehicle system 10 may not include an orbit 12. For example, the visual indicators 44 can be distributed along the path that the vehicle assembly 14 will ultimately travel (for example, so that the drone's movement along the path is at least partially based on the drone's detection of the visual indicators 44).

[0031] In general, the movement of a drone can be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully user-operable. In practice, the drone's path can be controlled via pre-programmed inputs, remote control devices, sensor feedback (e.g., with respect to indicators placed along the desired path and detected by the drone), or a combination of these. The indicator 44 (e.g., a visual indicator) may include, for example, a specific color, numbers, letters, graphics, a QR code (registered trademark), or other detectable features. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the indicator 44 may also be detected by other means. For example, the indicator 44 may correspond to a beacon detected by the drone via a wireless communication protocol such as short-range wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth) or other radio frequency (RF) technology (e.g., an RF transmitter and receiver).

[0032] Furthermore, the drone's path can be controlled (for example, as described above) so that the drone moves at substantially the same speed as the vehicle assembly 14 moves along the track 12. In this case, the timing of the drone's path in the interference detection assembly 20 can be synchronized with the timing of the vehicle system 10, such as the timing of the movement of the first movable show element 18 and the second movable show element 19. That is, the drone of the interference detection assembly 20 can complete a path (or cycle) around the track 12 in substantially the same amount of time as the vehicle assembly 14 is designed to complete a loop along the track 12, and the control of the movable show elements 18 and 19 can be controlled to be synchronized with the drone's path (or cycle).

[0033] The aforementioned synchronization timing facilitates accurate and time-dependent identification of overlaps (or interferences) between the maximum reach 22 and various components of the vehicle system 10, such as the movable show elements 18 and 19. In some embodiments, the communication circuit 35 of the controller 30 can be used to communicate with the drone to enable the aforementioned time synchronization, to command the movement of the movable show elements 18 and 19 based on the time synchronization, or a combination of both. Detailed embodiments of the features described above, the drone of the interference detection assembly 20, and the control device corresponding to the drone of the interference detection assembly 20 are described in detail below.

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the interference detection assembly 20 of Figure 1, which includes a vehicle (e.g., a drone 50) and a control device 52 associated with the vehicle (e.g., a drone 50). As shown in Figure 2, the drone 50 may include, among many other features, an integrated controller 54 (having, for example, a processing circuit 56 and a memory circuit 58), a communication circuit 60 (e.g., a transceiver), a battery 62 configured to power various aspects of the drone 50, a sensor assembly 64 (e.g., an imaging sensor assembly), a propulsion assembly 66, and a motor assembly 68 configured to drive the propulsion assembly 66. Furthermore, the control device 52 may include a user interface 70, a processing circuit 72, a memory circuit 74, a communication circuit 76 (e.g., a transceiver), and a display 78. In some embodiments, the display 78 and the user interface 70 can be integrated via a touch screen.

[0035] According to this disclosure, the user interface 70 can be used to receive input (e.g., from a user) that defines the path (e.g., land, air, water, space) of a vehicle (e.g., a drone 50). While some embodiments of this disclosure describe a drone 50, it should be understood that other vehicles (e.g., land vehicles, water vehicles, spacecraft, satellites) can be used in a similar manner. The input to the user interface 70 described above can be pre-programmed (e.g., before deploying the drone on the path) or it can be entered in real time (e.g., so that the control device 52 functions as a remote control device). For example, Figure 3 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the drone 50 of the vehicle system 10, including the trajectory 12 and the interference detection assembly 20. The path of the drone 50 can be pre-programmed using inputs received by the user interface 70 of the control device 52 in Figure 2, so that the drone 50 substantially follows the centerline 80 of the track 12 of the vehicle system 10, so that the drone 50 maintains a substantially constant distance 82 from the track 12, and / or so that the drone 50 moves at a speed substantially similar to that of the vehicle assembly 14 in Figure 1. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the movement and / or position of the drone 50 along the X axis 84, Y axis 86, and Z axis 88 of the coordinate system can be controlled based on inputs received by the control device 52 in Figure 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the drone 50 is not tethered to the track 12, but in other embodiments, the drone 50 may be tethered to the track 12. Furthermore, while the user interface 70 in Figure 2 is shown as integrated with the control device 52, in other embodiments, the user interface 70 may be integrated with the vehicle (e.g., the drone 50).

[0036] Referring again to Figure 2, the communication circuit 60 of the drone 50 can, in conjunction with the communication circuit 76 of the control unit 52, receive inputs to the user interface 70 described above, and / or pre-programmed paths corresponding to those inputs. The communication circuit 60 of the drone 50 and the communication circuit 76 of the control unit 52 can be connected via a wireless or wired connection. For example, the wireless connection can support personal area network (PAN) communication such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi communication, or radio frequency (RF) communication. In addition to or instead of this, the wired connection may include any type of Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection and a Lightning connector, etc. In some embodiments, the path of the drone 50 can be controlled using a sensor 90 of the interference detection assembly 20. The sensor 90 can be used in place of or in addition to inputs configured to pre-program the path of the drone 50. The sensor 90 may be, for example, a position sensor, a velocity sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or an imaging sensor, and may be integrated with or separate from the drone 50. In some embodiments, a sensor 90 can be integrated with the drone 50 so that the drone 50 uses indicator detection to guide or assist the drone 50 in moving along a desired path, and this sensor 90 can be used to detect various indicators (e.g., indicator 44 in Figure 1) placed along the desired path of the drone 50.

[0037] The motor assembly 68 of the drone 50 can operate to drive and rotate the propellers (e.g., blades) of the propulsion assembly 66 of the drone 50. Furthermore, the actuators of the propulsion assembly 66 of the drone 50 can operate to control the attitude and / or speed of the drone 50. These features can control the drone 50 to follow the aforementioned path (e.g., a pre-programmed flight path). The sensor assembly 64 of the drone 50 (e.g., an imaging sensor assembly) can capture images or imaging-related data surrounding the drone 50 while the drone 50 is operating to follow the aforementioned path. For example, the sensor assembly 64 may include one or more cameras, one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, one or more radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, one or more other types of imaging sensors, or any combination thereof. As described above, the controller 54 (integrated with the control device 52 of the drone 50 and / or interference detection assembly 20) can use the sensor data acquired by the sensor assembly 64 and additional data indicating the ride envelope 22 in Figure 1 to determine the overlap between the ride envelope 22 in Figure 1 and further components of the ride system 10 in Figure 1. The additional data indicating the ride envelope 22 can be input, for example, via input to the user interface 70 of the control device 52.

[0038] Figures 4 to 6 include various views of the maximum reach 22 corresponding to the vehicle assembly 14 of Figure 1. For example, Figure 4 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the maximum reach 22 related to the vehicle assembly 14 of the vehicle system 10 of Figure 1, Figure 5 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the maximum reach 22 related to the vehicle assembly 14 of the vehicle system 10 of Figure 1, and Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum reach 22 related to the vehicle assembly 14 of the vehicle system 10 of Figure 1.

[0039] Referring first to Figure 4, the vehicle assembly 14 is positioned on the track 12 and includes a body 101, a first seat 100 located within (or attached to) the body 101, a second seat 102 located within (or attached to) the body 101, and wheels 103 coupled to the body 101. The boundary of the maximum reach 22 can be defined by the distance around the vehicle assembly 14 (e.g., a safety margin). For example, the boundary of the maximum reach 22 can extend a certain distance from the wheels 103, body 101, and seats 100, 102 of the vehicle assembly 14. As shown in the figure, the maximum reach 22 can be likened to a muffin or mushroom, with the top of the muffin or mushroom shape taking into account the maximum reachable range of passengers in the first seat 100 and second seat 102 of the vehicle assembly 14 (e.g., including the reach of hand luggage such as a mobile phone or camera). In other words, the aforementioned distance (e.g., safety margin) can take into account the reach of such passengers.

[0040] Next, referring to Figure 5, a side view of an embodiment of the maximum reach 22, the vehicle assembly 14 is positioned on the track 12 and includes a second seat 102, a third seat 104 behind the second seat 102, and a fourth seat 106 facing the rear of the vehicle assembly 14. Due to the viewpoint of the illustration, Figure 5 does not show the first seat 100 of Figure 4, but it should be understood that the first seat 100 can be positioned next to the second seat 102. The boundary of the maximum reach 22 can be defined by the distance around the vehicle assembly 14 (e.g., a safety margin). For example, the boundary of the maximum reach 22 can extend to a certain distance from the wheels 103, body 101, and seats 102, 104, and 106 of the vehicle assembly 14 shown in Figure 5. As shown in the figure, the maximum reach 22 can be likened to a muffin or mushroom, and the top of the muffin or mushroom shape takes into account the maximum reach of passengers in seats 102, 104, 106 of the vehicle assembly 14 (including, for example, the reach of hand luggage such as mobile phones and cameras). That is, the distance described above (e.g., safety margin) can take into account the reach of such passengers.

[0041] In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of the maximum reach 22 shown in Figure 6, the maximum reach 22 may include a rectangle (e.g., a cuboid), and the entire size (+ safety margin) of the vehicle assembly 14 may fit within this rectangle. In other embodiments, the maximum reach 22 may resemble a cylinder (e.g., a column), and the entire size (+ safety margin) of the vehicle assembly 14 may fit within this cylindrical shape. Rectangles and / or cylinders can reduce the processing power associated with detecting overlaps between, for example, the maximum reach 22 and other components of the vehicle system 10. Furthermore, rectangles and / or cylinders may be sized to take into account the maximum reachable range of passengers, such as those described above (e.g., the reach of hand luggage such as mobile phones and cameras).

[0042] It should be understood that the interference detection assembly 20 in Figure 1 can know the maximum reach 22 and corresponding parameters (e.g., length, width, height, area, volume), and can determine the overlap between the maximum reach 22 and the components of the vehicle system 10 in Figure 1, even if the vehicle assembly 14 is not present on the track 12 in Figure 1. As described above, in some embodiments, data indicating the maximum reach 22 can be input to the control device 52 of the interference detection assembly 20 in Figure 2, and the control device 52 can use this data to detect the overlap described above.

[0043] Figure 7 is a schematic overhead view of an embodiment of the overlap 120 between the stationary structure 16 of the vehicle system 10 in Figure 1 and the maximum reach 22 related to the vehicle vehicle assembly 14 of the vehicle system 10 in Figure 1, as detected by the interference detection assembly 20 in Figure 1. As shown, the drone 50 can be configured to fly or otherwise move along a path (e.g., land, air, water, or space) such as a path corresponding to the vehicle path of the orbit 12. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment shows the drone 50 at various moments including a first time (t1), a second time (t2), a third time (t3), a fourth time (t4), a fifth time (t5), a sixth time (t6), and a seventh time (t7). The drone 50 can transmit sensor data acquired by the sensor assembly 64 of the drone 50 as described above to the control device 52. The control device 52 can also receive (or store in its memory circuit 74) additional data indicating the maximum reach 22. The control device 52 can determine whether the maximum reach 22 overlaps with (or interferes with) the stationary structure 16 based on the sensor data and additional data indicating the maximum reach 22. For example, the control device 52 can determine that the maximum reach 22 does not overlap with the stationary structure 16 at t1, t2, t3, t5, t6, and t7.

[0044] Furthermore, the control device 52 can determine that the maximum reach 22 overlaps with the stationary structure 16 at t4, as shown in the figure. In other words, the overlap 120 between the maximum reach 22 and the stationary structure 16 can occur at t4 during the path or period of the drone 50 along the trajectory 12 of the vehicle system 10. In addition to identifying the overlap 120 and the corresponding timing at t4, the control device 52 can also determine the extent of the overlap 120 based on sensor data and additional data indicating the maximum reach 22. For example, the control device 52 can determine the length 122 of the overlap 120, the thickness or width 124 of the overlap 120, the height of the overlap 120 (not shown due to the viewpoint of the figure, but oriented laterally to both the length 122 and the width 124), the area 121 of the overlap, the volume of the overlap 120, or any combination thereof.

[0045] As described above, the display 78 of the control device 52 can be configured to show, display, or output various information related to the overlap 120 described above. For example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control device 52 of the interference detection assembly 20 of Figure 1, which includes a display 78 configured to show an indication of the overlap 120 of Figure 7 and a recommendation for correcting the overlap 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 78 presents a warning section 130 containing information indicating the overlap 120. As shown, the information indicating the overlap 120 may include, for example, the location of the overlap 120 or the identification of the component (e.g., a stationary structure 16 or wall) that overlaps with the maximum reach 22, an indication of the timing of the overlap 120 (e.g., t4), and / or the degree of the overlap 120 (e.g., dimensional data which may include width 124, length 122, height extending laterally relative to width 124 and length 122, and / or volume). Furthermore, the display 78 in Figure 8 also presents a recommendation section 132 containing one or more recommendations for correcting the overlap 120 identified in the warning section 130. For example, as shown, the recommendations may include moving components of the vehicle system 10 (e.g., the track 12 and / or stationary structure 16 or wall) or resizing components of the vehicle system 10 (e.g., the track 12 and / or vehicle assembly 14).

[0046] Figures 7 and 8, described in detail above, relate to a situation where the maximum reach 22 overlaps with a stationary structure 16 (e.g., a wall) of the vehicle system 10 in Figure 1. Other examples of overlap 120 are possible. For example, Figure 9 is a schematic overhead view of an embodiment in which the interference detection assembly 20 in Figure 1 detects an overlap 120 between the maximum reach 22 and one of the movable show elements 18, 19 in Figure 1, such as the first movable show element 18.

[0047] As described above, the controller 30 can operate to move the first movable show element 18 between various positions (for example, from the first position 24 to the intermediate position 140, and then to the second position 26). Furthermore, the control device 52 (and / or the controller integrated with the drone 50) can operate to control the path of the drone 50. Furthermore, the timing of the movement of the first movable show element 18 and the path of the drone 50 can be synchronized. For example, the path of the drone 50 can be controlled to substantially mimic (for example, positionally and velocally) the future vehicle path of the vehicle vehicle assembly 14 of the vehicle system 10 (for example, relative to the track 12). In this way, the control device 52 can identify any overlap between the maximum reach 22, which may depend on a timed sequence, and the first movable show element 18. For example, as described above, the drone 50 can transmit sensor data captured by the sensor assembly 64 of the drone 50 to the control device 52. The control device 52 can also receive (or store in its memory circuit 74) additional data indicating the maximum reach range 22. Based on the sensor data and the additional data indicating the maximum reach range 22, the control device 52 can detect the overlap 120 as outlined below.

[0048] For example, the illustrated embodiment shows three time steps including t8, t9, and t10 (t1-t7 are included in Figure 7 and are therefore excluded in Figure 9 for clarity). The first movable show element 18 is at a first position 24 at t8, at an intermediate position 140 at t9, and at a second position 26 at t10. Furthermore, since the maximum reach 22 at t9 overlaps with the first movable show element 18 at t9, the overlap 120 between the maximum reach 22 and the first movable show element 18 is detected (for example, by the control device 52 or drone 50). The degree of the overlap 120 (e.g., length 122, width 124, height extending laterally relative to length 122 and width 124, area 121, and / or volume) can also be determined as described above.

[0049] The overlap 120 between the maximum reach 22 and the first movable show element 18, as shown in Figure 9, can be corrected by initiating the movement of the first movable show element 18 at different time points such as t8 or t10, rather than t9, so that the first movable show element 18 is at its intermediate position 140. In fact, at t8, the maximum reach 22 is well upstream of the intermediate position 140 of the first movable show element 18, and at t10, the maximum reach 22 is well downstream of the intermediate position 140 of the first movable show element 18. Thus, the overlap 120 shown in Figure 9 can be corrected by changing the relative timing between the path of the drone 50 (configured to mimic the future vehicle path of the vehicle assembly 14 along the track 12 as described above) and the operation of the first movable show element 18. Naturally, in some embodiments, as described above, the overlap between the maximum reach 22 and the movable show elements, such as the first movable show element 18 or the second movable show element 19 in Figure 1, can also be corrected by changing the position and / or size of the various components.

[0050] As described above, the display 78 of the control device 52 can be configured to show, display, or output various information regarding the overlap 120 described above. For example, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control device 52 of the interference detection assembly 20 of Figure 1, which includes a display 78 configured to show an indication of the overlap 120 in Figure 9 and a recommendation for correcting the overlap 120. In the illustrated embodiment, similar to Figure 8, the display 78 presents a warning section 130 containing information indicating the overlap 120. As shown, the information indicating the overlap 120 may include, for example, the location of the overlap 120 or the identification of the component (e.g., the first movable show element 18) that overlaps with the maximum reach 22, an indication of the timing of the overlap 120 (e.g., t9), and / or the degree of the overlap 120 (e.g., dimensional data which may include width 124, length 122, height extending laterally relative to width 124 and length 122, and / or volume). Furthermore, similar to Figure 8, the display 78 in Figure 10 also presents a recommendation section 132 containing one or more recommendations for correcting the overlap 120 identified in the warning section 130. For example, as described above, the recommendations may include changing the operating timing of a component (e.g., the first movable show element 18), moving the position of various components, and / or resizing various components.

[0051] Figure 11 is a process flow diagram showing an embodiment of the operation method 200 of the interference detection assembly 20 of Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the method 200 includes receiving input (block 202) via a processing circuit to program the drone's path so that the drone's path (e.g., an air path, a land path, a water path) mimics the movement path of a vehicle (e.g., a locomotive, a vehicle in a vehicle system, a car, an aerial vehicle, or a space vehicle) (e.g., a vehicle path, a track, a rail, a car path, a walking path, a water vehicle path, an aerial vehicle path). For example, the drone's path (e.g., an aerial vehicle, a space vehicle, a land vehicle, a water vehicle) can be pre-programmed so that the drone follows the path over one cycle of the vehicle path in a vehicle system (e.g., with respect to its trajectory). As mentioned above, the drone's movement can be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully user-operable. For example, the drone's path can be controlled via pre-programmed inputs, remote control devices, sensor feedback (e.g., with respect to indicators placed along the desired path and detected by the drone), or a combination of these.

[0052] As shown in the figure, method 200 includes controlling the drone via a processor (e.g., a processing circuit) to follow a path programmed via block 202 (block 204). As described above, in some embodiments, visual indicators can be placed around the trajectory and detected by the drone so that the drone follows a path corresponding to the visual indicators. The visual indicators can be used in addition to or instead of the inputs that program the drone's path as described above with respect to block 202.

[0053] Method 200 also includes controlling the operation of a movable show element via a processing circuit based on a timer synchronized with the drone's path (block 206). For example, as described above, the drone's speed can be configured to mimic the future speed of the vehicle assembly (e.g., via a pre-programmed path). Thus, the movable show element can be controlled (e.g., electrically controlled) to operate from a first position to a second position according to a synchronous clock based on the drone's position and / or speed. In this way, the movable show element can move when the drone is in the same or similar position as it would be in if the vehicle assembly were traveling along the track in a normal vehicle sequence.

[0054] Method 200 also includes acquiring sensor data along the drone's path via the drone's sensor assembly (block 208). As described above, the sensor assembly may include one or more cameras, one or more LiDAR sensors, one or more RADAR sensors, one or more other types of imaging-related sensors, or any combination thereof, through which sensor data can be acquired. Method 200 also includes determining the overlap (or interference) between the maximum reach and components of the vehicle system based on the sensor data and additional data indicating the maximum reach related to the vehicle assembly (block 210) via a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit may detect overlap between the maximum reach and a stationary structure of the vehicle system, between the maximum reach and a movable show element, or both.

[0055] Method 200 also includes generating a notification via a processing circuit that indicates the overlap and includes recommendations for correcting the overlap (block 212). In some embodiments, the notification may include the degree of overlap (e.g., dimensional data, timing data, etc.). Furthermore, recommendations for correcting the overlap may include, for example, moving the position of a particular component of the vehicle system, resizing a particular component of the vehicle system, or changing the timing of the operation / movement of a particular component of the vehicle system (e.g., a movable show element).

[0056] Figures 12 and 13 show various communication system components that can be used in any of Figures 1 to 11. For example, Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a line-of-sight communication system 300, and Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a non-line-of-sight communication system 320. The communication systems 300, 320 (or their components) in Figures 12 and 13 can be used in any of Figures 1 to 11 and / or in other long-range applications such as rail and automobile implementations. Referring first to Figure 12, the line-of-sight communication system 300 is configured to establish communication between a first vehicle 302 and a second vehicle 304 via nodes (or hubs) 306 and 308. Although the illustrated embodiment shows two nodes 306 and 308, any number of nodes (e.g., one node or three or four or more nodes) can be used.

[0057] According to this disclosure, the second vehicle 304 can correspond to a surveying vehicle moving along a path 319 in front of the first vehicle 302. That is, the second vehicle 304 can be configured to determine whether the maximum reach of the first vehicle 302 interferes with an object before the first vehicle 302 reaches an object adjacent to the path 310, employing the same or similar techniques as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 11. In some embodiments described above, interference detection features can be employed before the vehicle moves along the path (e.g., a track), but in some other embodiments, interference detection features can be employed in front of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving along the path (e.g., when the first vehicle 302 shown in Figure 12 is moving along the path 310).

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, a line of sight exists between the first vehicle 302 and the second vehicle 304. However, the first vehicle 302 and the second vehicle 304 may be spaced apart by a distance exceeding the communication range between them (for example, based on the communication technology or protocol employed in the line-of-sight communication system 300). Thus, nodes 306 and 308 can function as relays for data communication between the first vehicle 302 and the second vehicle 304. As an example, the second vehicle 304 can detect interference between the maximum reach corresponding to the first vehicle 302 and an object adjacent to the path 310. The second vehicle 304 can transmit a notice (for example, via transceiver 312), which is received by node 308, relayed by node 308 to node 306, and relayed by node 306 to the transceiver 314 of the first vehicle 302. In Figure 12, the first vehicle 302 and the second vehicle 304 are positioned on the path 310, but in some embodiments, the first vehicle 302 and / or the second vehicle 304 may be drones, aircraft, spacecraft, or other types of vehicles. Furthermore, it should be understood that nodes 306 and 308 may be ground stations (e.g., cellular towers, stations, or networks, underground stations, etc.), aircraft, drones, spacecraft, satellites, etc.

[0059] Referring to Figure 13, the B-Line-of-Sight communication system 320 can be configured to establish communication between the first vehicle 322 and the second vehicle 324 when there is no line of sight between them. For example, a curve in the path 326 between the first vehicle 322 and the second vehicle 324 may obstruct the line of sight between these vehicles. Another example is when a building obstructs the line of sight between the first vehicle 322 and the second vehicle 324. As shown, the B-Line-of-Sight communication system 320 may include nodes (or hubs) 328, 330 that relay data communication between the first vehicle 322 and the second vehicle 324. For example, the second vehicle 324 may detect interference between the maximum reach corresponding to the first vehicle 322 and an object adjacent to the path 326. The second vehicle 324 can transmit a notification (for example, via transceiver 332), which is received by node 330, relayed by node 330 to node 328, and relayed by node 328 to transceiver 334 of the first vehicle 322. In Figure 12, the first vehicle 322 and the second vehicle 324 are located on route 326, but in some embodiments, the first vehicle 322 and / or the second vehicle 324 may be a drone, aircraft, spacecraft, or other type of vehicle. Furthermore, it should be understood that nodes 328 and 330 may be ground stations, aircraft, drones, spacecraft, satellites, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, the communication systems 300 and 320 in Figures 12 and 13 can also be used to relay communication between a vehicle (e.g., a drone) and non-vehicle components such as control / processing devices that are not necessarily integrated with the vehicle. Generally, the communication systems 300 and 320 in Figures 12 and 13 can be used to relay communication between two control devices regarding the detection of interference between structures adjacent to the aforementioned path and the maximum reach of the vehicle. As used herein, "processor" can mean one or more processors. Similarly, as used herein, "processing circuit," "processor system," and "processor assembly," etc., can mean one or more processors. Similarly, as used herein, "memory" can mean one or more memory. Similarly, as used herein, "memory circuit," "memory system," and "memory assembly," etc., can mean one or more memory.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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]

[0063] 10. Vehicle Systems 12 orbits 14. Vehicle Assembly 16 Stationary structure 18. First movable show element 19. Second movable show element 20 Collision detection assemblies 22 Maximum range 24 First position 26. Second position 28 Linear belt 32 memory 34 processors 35 Communication Systems 36. First position 38. Second position 40 Curved Belt 42 areas 44 Indicators

Claims

1. It is an amusement park attraction system, One or more travel paths configured to guide one or more vehicle assemblies, An interference detection assembly comprising one or more drones, a sensor assembly disposed on at least one of the one or more drones, one or more memories for storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions, The one or more processors are equipped with the instruction, and the one or more processors execute the instruction. The paths of the one or more drones are controlled relative to the one or more movement paths. The sensor assembly receives sensor data corresponding to the environment surrounding the one or more drones. Based on the sensor data, the system detects the overlap between the maximum reach corresponding to the one or more ride vehicle assemblies and at least one further component of the amusement park attraction system. To generate one or more notifications indicating the aforementioned overlap, An amusement park attraction system configured in such a way.

2. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more movable show elements corresponding to the at least one further component of the amusement park attraction system.

3. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, comprising one or more structures corresponding to the at least one further component of the amusement park attraction system.

4. The one or more processors execute the instruction, Determine the degree of overlap, Based on the degree of overlap, one or more recommendations for correcting the overlap are determined. Generate further notifications indicating one or more recommendations for correcting the overlap. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

5. The one or more processors execute the instruction, Determine the degree of overlap, Based on the degree of overlap, one or more recommendations are made to correct the overlap by moving one or more movement paths, at least one additional component, or both thereof. Generate further notifications indicating one or more recommendations for correcting the overlap. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

6. The amusement park attraction system comprises one or more movable elements corresponding to at least one further component, and the one or more processors are Determine one or more recommendations to correct the overlap by changing the timing of the controlled movement of the one or more movable show elements. Generate further notifications indicating one or more recommendations for correcting the overlap. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

7. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions and control the paths of the one or more drones with respect to the one or more movement paths such that the one or more drones move substantially along the centerlines of the one or more movement paths.

8. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions and control the paths of the one or more drones with respect to the one or more travel paths such that the one or more drones maintain a substantially constant distance from the one or more travel paths.

9. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly includes one or more cameras, one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, one or more wireless detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, or any combination thereof.

10. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, comprising a control device having a display configured to show the aforementioned notice.

11. The amusement park attraction system according to claim 1, comprising a user interface configured to receive one or more inputs, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions to control the paths of the one or more drones relative to the one or more travel paths, at least in part, based on the one or more inputs.

12. An interference detection system for amusement park attractions, One or more drones on which sensor assemblies are placed, One or more memory locations for storing instructions, One or more processors, The one or more processors are equipped with the instruction, and the one or more processors execute the instruction. The pre-programmed paths of the one or more drones are controlled in relation to one or more ride paths of the amusement park attraction. The sensor assembly receives sensor data corresponding to the environment surrounding the one or more drones. Based on the sensor data and additional data indicating the maximum reach of one or more vehicle assemblies configured to travel along one or more ride paths, one or more interferences between the maximum reach and one or more further components of the amusement park attraction are detected. An interference detection system configured as follows.

13. The interference detection system according to claim 12, wherein the sensor assembly includes one or more cameras, one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, one or more radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, or any combination thereof.

14. The interference detection system according to claim 12, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to detect one or more interferences between the maximum reach and one or more movable show elements corresponding to one or more further components of the amusement park attraction, based on the sensor data and the additional data indicating the maximum reach.

15. The one or more processors execute the instruction, Determine one or more recommendations, including proposed changes to the timing of the movement of the one or more movable show elements, in order to correct the one or more interferences between the maximum reach and the one or more movable show elements corresponding to the one or more further components of the amusement park attraction. The system generates one or more notifications indicating one or more of the aforementioned interferences and one or more recommendations for correcting the aforementioned interferences. The interference detection system according to claim 14, configured as described above.

16. The one or more processors execute the instruction, Determine the degree of interference in the form of length, width, height, area, or volume of the one or more interferences between the maximum reach and the further components of the amusement park attraction. The system generates one or more of the aforementioned interferences and one or more notifications indicating the degree of interference. The interference detection system according to claim 12, configured as follows.

17. One or more tangible, non-temporary computer-readable media for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, Controlling the routes of one or more vehicles for one or more routes, Receiving sensor data corresponding to the environment surrounding the one or more vehicles from a sensor assembly located on the one or more vehicles, Based on the sensor data and maximum reach data indicating the maximum reach corresponding to one or more additional vehicles configured to move along the one or more paths, one or more interferences between the maximum reach and at least one structure adjacent to the one or more paths are detected. To generate one or more notifications indicating one or more of the aforementioned interferences, One or more tangible, non-temporary computer-readable media configured to cause one or more processors to perform the above-mentioned operation.

18. When the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, Based on the sensor data and the maximum reach data, the degree of interference between the maximum reach and at least one structure adjacent to the one or more paths is determined. To generate further notifications indicating the degree of the one or more interferences, A tangible, non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, configured to cause one or more processors to perform the above.

19. When the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, Determining one or more recommendations to correct the one or more interferences by changing the timing of the controlled movement of one or more movable show elements corresponding to at least one of the structures, To generate further notifications indicating one or more of the above recommendations, A tangible, non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, configured to cause one or more processors to perform the above.

20. The tangible, non-temporary, computer-readable medium according to claim 17, wherein the instruction is configured to cause the one or more processors to relay data indicating the one or more notifications from the one or more vehicles to a node, and relay the data indicating the one or more notifications from the node to one or more further vehicles when executed by the one or more processors.

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