Gate system and method for rotating a loading platform

Abstract

The present embodiment relates to a gate system for an amusement park attraction. The gate system includes a ride platform configured to rotate about a central vertical axis of the ride platform and a gate disposed on the ride platform. The gate is configured to transition between a closed position and an open position. A gate actuation system is coupled to the ride platform and configured to actuate the gate between the closed and open positions based on feedback indicative of the position of a ride vehicle relative to the gate.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure that are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that this description is to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increased interest in increasing the efficiency of loading passengers onto ride vehicles at amusement park attractions. For example, some attractions may include ride systems in which ride vehicles move continuously along a ride zone, such as a rotating ride platform, as passengers exit the ride vehicle and as new passengers enter the ride vehicle. The continuous movement of ride vehicles along a ride zone, e.g., along a rotating ride platform configured to accommodate passengers of the next and previous ride vehicles, presents challenges. For example, it may be difficult to regulate or control the loading and unloading of guests onto the ride vehicle. More specifically, because both the ride vehicle and the rotating ride platform can move, it may be difficult to ensure that guests enter and exit the ride vehicle from the ride zone at the appropriate time. Thus, there is a need for systems and methods configured to manage visitor traffic at such amusement park attractions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, a gate system for an amusement park attraction includes a ride platform configured to rotate about a central vertical axis of the ride platform, a gate disposed on the ride platform and configured to transition between closed and open positions, and a gate actuation system coupled to the ride platform and configured to actuate the gate between the closed and open positions based on feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the gate.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for controlling passenger traffic during embarkation or disembarkation of a ride vehicle of an amusement park attraction includes guiding the ride vehicle along a ride path extending around a rotating ride platform, detecting a position of the ride vehicle relative to a shotgun gate located on the rotating ride platform with a gate actuation system located on the rotating ride platform, and automatically transitioning the shotgun gate from a closed position to an open position based on the position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate.

[0006] In one embodiment, a gate system for controlling passenger passage through a ride zone of an amusement ride comprises a rotating ride platform configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and including a shotgun gate disposed thereon, a ride vehicle configured to travel along a ride path extending about the rotating ride platform, the ride vehicle including a gate activation system configured to provide feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate, and a gate actuation system configured to receive feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate to transition the gate between an open position and a closed position based on the feedback.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a ride system for an amusement park attraction in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic top view of one embodiment of a ride system for an amusement park attraction in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a ride system for an amusement park attraction, illustrating a gate system of the ride system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a ride system having a gate system for an amusement park attraction in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of an electrical actuation system for a gate system of an amusement park attraction, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a mechanical actuation system for a gate system of an amusement park attraction, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a partial schematic top view of an embodiment of a mechanical actuation system for a gate system of an amusement park attraction, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic top view of an embodiment of a mechanical actuation system for a gate system of an amusement park attraction, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0017] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a gate system configured to manage visitor traffic in a ride system of an amusement park ride or attraction. In particular, the disclosed technology relates to a gate system configured to selectively permit and prevent passengers from boarding and / or disembarking from a ride vehicle to prevent passengers from the risk of falling on the ride platform of the ride system. A portion of the ride platform can be configured to rotate as passengers board and disembark from the ride vehicle. For example, the ride platform can include a continuously rotating turntable that rotates in cooperation with the movement of adjacent ride vehicles traveling along a ride zone track portion of a track along which the ride vehicles travel. The speed of travel of the ride vehicles can be substantially matched to the speed of rotation of the ride platform such that the relative motion between the ride vehicles and the ride platform is negligible, thereby facilitating passengers' boarding and disembarking from the ride vehicle. In other words, in the boarding / disembarking configuration, the edges of the ride platform can be stationary relative to the edges of the ride vehicles to create a static physical interface or virtual engagement between the ride vehicles and the ride platform.

[0018] To manage the passage of guests during the ride vehicle boarding or disembarking process, disclosed embodiments of the ride system include a gate system that selectively permits and prevents boarding and / or disembarking from the ride vehicle from the ride platform based on the position of the ride vehicle relative to the turntable or ride platform. The gate system includes a plurality of gates, such as swing gates or "shotgun gates," disposed on the ride platform that are configured to align with corresponding ride vehicles (e.g., passenger seat positions in the ride vehicles) during boarding and disembarking of the ride vehicles. In some embodiments of the gate system, a stationary or fixed rail, such as a "shotgun rail," may extend between each of the plurality of gates to prevent guests from exiting the ride platform toward the ride vehicle other than through an open gate of the gate system.

[0019] Each of the gates is configured to open and close based on the position of the corresponding ride vehicle relative to the ride platform and thus relative to the gate. More specifically, if the ride vehicle (e.g., the position of the passenger seat of the ride vehicle) is not proximate or radially aligned (relative to the axis of rotation of the ride platform) with one of the gates or gate passages, the gate will remain in a closed position to prevent a guest from exiting the ride platform at an inappropriate time. If the ride vehicle is proximate and radially aligned with the gate or gate passage, the gate system will open the gate to allow the guest to enter and exit the ride vehicle. As described in more detail below, the gate system includes a gate actuation system configured to control actuation of the gate between the open and closed positions. The gate actuation system may include a detector, a sensor, an actuator, a mechanical linkage, a cam, or any other suitable component to enable actuation of the gate based on feedback indicative of the position of the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle may include a gate actuation system for the gate system. The gate actuation system is configured to provide feedback to the gate actuation system. For example, a gate activation system for a ride vehicle may include an identifier, marker, emitter, engagement feature, or other suitable component configured to provide feedback to the gate actuation system indicative of the position of the ride vehicle. These and other features of the disclosed embodiments are described in detail below.

[0020] Throughout the following description, it should be understood that "radial alignment" between a ride vehicle and a gate refers to radial alignment (with respect to the axis of rotation of the ride platform) between the ride vehicle and the space or section of the ride platform occupied by the corresponding gate when the gate is in a closed configuration. For example, a ride vehicle and a corresponding gate can initially be in a radially aligned state when the ride vehicle reaches the gate along the ride platform. As a result, the gate system can transition the gate from a closed position to an open position in which the gate no longer needs to be radially aligned with the ride vehicle. Instead, the gate passage created by the gate in the open configuration is radially aligned with the ride vehicle as passengers board or disembark from the ride vehicle. In addition, "radial alignment" may refer to substantial alignment of the ride vehicle and the gate or gate passage within an acceptable degree of tolerance (e.g., within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more degrees of the circumference of the ride platform, within 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or more centimeters, etc.).

[0021] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a ride zone 10 of a ride system 12. As shown, the ride zone 10 may be part of an overall ride system 14 (e.g., an amusement ride or attraction). For example, passengers may board a ride vehicle 16 at the ride zone 10, proceed along an attraction path 18 of the ride system 14, and return to the ride zone 10 to disembark from the ride vehicle 16. While proceeding along the attraction path 18, passengers may be exposed to a variety of experiences, such as virtual reality, alternate reality, environmental interaction, multiple ride paths, fountains, special effects, and the like. It should be noted that portions of the ride system 14, such as the attraction path 18, have been purposely simplified to focus on aspects of the ride system 12.

[0022] The ride system 12 includes a ride platform 20, an entrance 22, and a boarding path 24 of the ride vehicle 16. The entrance 22 may include a ramp 26, stairs, elevator, or other path leading from an area below, above, or adjacent to the ride platform 20 to a stationary portion 28 of the ride platform 20. As shown, the ride platform 20 may extend circumferentially about a central vertical axis 30 to form a substantially planar surface in a plane perpendicular to the central vertical axis 30. In addition to the stationary portion 28, the ride platform 20 includes a rotating portion 32 (e.g., a rotating platform). Each of the stationary portion 28 and the rotating portion 32 extends about the central vertical axis 30 (e.g., a rotation axis), with the rotating portion 32 extending radially outwardly around the stationary portion 28 relative to the central vertical axis 30. As shown, the stationary portion 28 may be substantially circular, with a center of the stationary portion 28 coaxial with the central vertical axis 30 and concentric with the rotating portion 32. However, in other embodiments, stationary portion 28 and rotating portion 32 may have other configurations (e.g., non-circular) and / or ride system 12 or ride zone 10 may have additional stationary platforms, rotating platforms, etc. For example, ride zone 10 may include a stationary platform on the side of ride path 24 opposite ride platform 20.

[0023] As mentioned above, the ride zone 10 also includes a gate system 34 configured to manage visitor traffic within the ride zone 10, and more particularly, to selectively permit and prevent passengers or visitors from traveling between the ride platform 20 and the ride vehicle 16. The ride vehicle 16 enters the ride zone 10 from an attraction path 18. For example, the ride vehicle 16 can travel from the attraction path 18 to a first side 36 of the ride zone 10 and travel clockwise 38 along a ride path 24 toward a second side 40 of the ride zone 10. As shown, the ride path 24 can be disposed at least partially around a perimeter (e.g., a perimeter) of the ride platform 20. The ride path 24 can include a track or conveyor along which the ride vehicle 16 travels. While the ride vehicle 16 travels along the ride path 24, passengers can board and disembark from the ride vehicle 16 when the gate system 34 permits.

[0024] The gate system 34 includes a plurality of gates 42 disposed on the boarding platform 20 (e.g., rotating portion 32) that are configured to remain in a normal closed position until one of the ride vehicles 16 approaches one of the gates 42, becomes radially aligned (with respect to the central vertical axis 30), and remains radially aligned with the corresponding gate 42, thereby preventing movement of guests between the boarding platform 20 and the ride vehicles 16. For example, each gate 42 may remain in a closed position until the position of a passenger seat of one of the ride vehicles 16 becomes radially aligned with the gate 42 and remains in that position.

[0025] As described above, the boarding path 24 is the path along which the ride vehicles 16 travel (e.g., together or at the same speed) with the rotating portion 32 of the ride platform 20. While traveling along the boarding path 24, the ride vehicles 16 may travel at substantially the same rotational speed as the rotating portion 32 of the ride platform 20. In this manner, the position and orientation of each ride vehicle 16 along the periphery of the ride platform 20 may remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle 16 may maintain a temporarily fixed position relative to the periphery of the ride platform 20 such that the orientation of the ride platform 20 relative to the ride vehicles 16 (e.g., seats toward the center or parallel to the edge of the ride platform 20) is substantially maintained while traveling along the boarding path 24 and as the ride platform 20 rotates about the central vertical axis 30.

[0026] With the ride vehicle 16 and the gate 42 radially aligned and traveling at substantially the same rotational speed, the gate system 34 is configured to open the gate 42 to allow passengers to enter and exit the ride vehicle 16 through the ride platform 20. When a passenger enters the ride vehicle 16 and the ride vehicle 16 reaches the end of the ride path 24 at the second side 40 of the ride zone 10, the ride vehicle 16 re-enters the attraction path 18. When the ride vehicle 16 leaves the ride path 24 and re-enters the attraction path 18, the ride vehicle 16 is no longer close to and radially aligned with the corresponding gate 42. In response, the gate system 34 is configured to close the gate 42 to prevent the passenger from exiting the ride platform 20. Operation of the gate system 34 is based on feedback indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 16 relative to the gate 42, as described in further detail below.

[0027] As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, existing passengers in the ride vehicle 16 may exit the ride vehicle 16 via the boarding platform 20 on the first side 36 of the boarding zone 10, and new passengers may enter the ride vehicle 16 via the boarding platform 20 on the second side 40 of the boarding zone 10. In other embodiments, one boarding platform 20 may be used to load passengers onto the ride vehicle 16, and the other boarding platform 20 may be used to unload passengers from the ride vehicle 16. It will be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be incorporated into the boarding zone 10 and / or boarding platforms 20 having any of a variety of configurations and / or applications.

[0028] 2 is a partial schematic top view of one embodiment of the boarding zone 10 and boarding system 12, illustrating the operation of the gate system 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate system 34 includes a plurality of gates 42 (e.g., shotgun gates) with a stationary rail 50 spanning between each of the gates 42. The gate system 34 also includes a divider rail 52 associated with each gate 42 to facilitate the formation of a line of passengers waiting to board one of the ride vehicles 16. The stationary rails 50 and the divider rails 52 are fixed to the boarding platform 20 and remain stationary relative to the boarding platform 20 during operation of the gate system 34.

[0029] As described above, the boarding path 24 extends at least partially around the periphery of the ride platform 20 that is configured to rotate as passengers enter and exit the ride vehicles 16. The gate system 34 includes a gate 42 that is configured to remain in a closed position until one of the ride vehicles 16 is radially aligned with one of the gates 42 and traveling with the gate 42 at substantially the same rotational speed. Once one of the ride vehicles 16 is traveling in radial alignment with one of the gates 42, the gate system 34 opens the gate 42 (e.g., after a time delay) to allow passengers to enter and exit the ride vehicles 16 via the ride platform 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first ride vehicle 54 is radially aligned (e.g., as indicated by dashed line 56) and traveling with a first gate 58 (e.g., a gate passage of the first gate 58) of the gate system 34. Thus, the gate system 34 actuates the first gate 58 to an open configuration to allow passengers to enter and exit the first ride vehicle 54. Additionally, the second vehicle 60 and the second gate 62 (e.g., gate passage) are radially aligned (e.g., as indicated by dashed line 64). Thus, the second gate 62 is also in an open configuration.

[0030] When the ride vehicle leaves the boarding path 24 and re-enters the attraction path 18, the ride vehicle 16 is no longer radially aligned with the gate 42 or associated gate passageway, and the ride vehicle 16 will proceed at a different (e.g., faster) speed than the rotational speed of the ride platform 20. When the gate system 34 detects that the ride vehicle 16 is no longer proceeding in alignment with the gate 42, the gate system 34 closes the gate 42 to prevent passengers from exiting the ride platform 20 through the gate 42. In the illustrated embodiment, a third ride vehicle 66 has left the boarding path 24 and entered the attraction path 18. As shown, the third ride vehicle 66 is no longer radially aligned with the third gate 68 or associated gate passageway with which the third ride vehicle 66 was previously aligned. Thus, the third gate 68 is shown transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration (e.g., similar to the closed configuration of the fourth gate 70 of the gate system 34) by operation of the gate system 34.

[0031] 3 is a partial schematic side view of the boarding zone 10 showing one of the ride vehicles 16 approaching one of the gates 42 of the gate system 34. The illustrated embodiment also includes elements of the gate system 34 and the ride vehicle 16 that enable the gate 42 to be opened or closed when the ride vehicle 16 is radially aligned with the gate 42. More specifically, the ride vehicle 16 includes a gate actuation system 80 and the gate system 34 includes a gate operating system 82. More specifically, the gate operating system 82 is associated with one of the gates 42 of the gate system 34. The gate actuation system 80 and the gate operating system 82 function in cooperation to open or close the gate 42 based on the position of the ride vehicle 16 relative to the gate 42. To this end, the gate actuation system 80 includes features configured to provide feedback to the gate operating system 82 indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 16. The gate operating system 82 receives the feedback and controls operation of the gate 42 based on the feedback. When the gate operating system 82 detects feedback from the gate actuation system 80 indicating radial alignment between the gate 42 and the ride vehicle 16, the gate operating system 82 may actuate the gate 42 to transition from a closed position to an open position. Similarly, when the gate operating system 82 detects that the ride vehicle 16 is no longer radially aligned with the gate 42, the gate operating system 82 may be actuated to transition the gate 42 from an open position to a closed position.

[0032] As described in more detail below, the gate actuation system 80 and the gate actuation system 82 can have any of a variety of configurations and components. For example, the gate actuation system 80 and the gate actuation system 82 can be configured to activate and operate the gate 42 utilizing electrical systems and components (e.g., sensors, motors, controllers, etc.). In another embodiment, the gate actuation system 80 and the gate actuation system 82 can include mechanical components (e.g., linkages, gears, cams, etc.) configured to activate and operate the gate 42 without electrical power. In other embodiments, a combination of electrical and mechanical components can be utilized to provide the functionality described herein.

[0033] 4 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of ride zone 10, showing ride vehicle 16, ride system 12, and various components of each. It should be understood that particular embodiments of ride vehicle 16 and ride system may include additional components not shown and / or omit certain components shown in this embodiment.

[0034] Ride vehicle 16 includes a drive system 90, a controller 92, and a gate actuation system 80. Drive system 90 may include components configured to move ride vehicle 16 along ride path 24 and / or attraction path 18. For example, drive system 90 may include rollers, motors, drive transmissions, gears, chains, any combination thereof, or any other suitable components configured to move ride vehicle 16 along ride path 24 and / or attraction path 18. In some embodiments, drive system 90 may be a component or system of ride path 24 or ride system 12 and may engage ride vehicle 16 to move ride vehicle 16 along ride path 24.

[0035] As described above, the gate actuation system 80 includes one or more components configured to provide feedback to the gate actuation system 82 of the gate system 34 indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 16 (e.g., the position of the ride vehicle 16 relative to the gate actuation system 82 and / or the gate 42). For example, the gate actuation system 80 can include an identifier 94, an emitter 96, and / or an engagement feature 98. The identifier 94 can include a retroreflective marker (e.g., paint, tape, panel, fabric, etc.), a barcode (e.g., linear barcode, matrix barcode, etc.), or other image, object, symbol, etc. that can be detected, sensed, or scanned. The emitter 96 can be configured to output light, acoustic waves, electrical signals, radio frequency signals, magnetic fields, or another form of energy or matter for detection by the gate actuation system 82. The engagement feature 98 can be configured to provide a physical or virtual engagement between the ride vehicle 16 and the ride system 12 (e.g., the gate actuation system 82). For example, the engagement features 98 may include bosses or other protruding features, magnets, hooks, gears, eyelets, shafts, or other components that may physically or virtually engage with the gate actuation system 82 .

[0036] The controller 92 of the ride vehicle 16 is configured to regulate operation of the or one or more components of the ride vehicle 16, such as the drive system 90 and the gate actuation system 80. The controller 92 can regulate operation of the drive system 90 to regulate the speed of the ride vehicle 16 along the boarding path 24. For example, the controller 92 can control operation of the drive system 90 such that the ride vehicle 16 proceeds along the boarding path 24 (e.g., at a speed greater than the rotational speed of the ride platform 20) and the ride vehicle 16 approaches and eventually radially aligns with one of the gates 42 of the gate system 34. Similarly, the controller 92 can operate the drive system 90 to decelerate when the speed of the ride vehicle 16 along the boarding path 24 is greater than the rotational speed of the ride platform 20. Additionally, the controller 92 can regulate operation of the drive system 90 such that the ride vehicle 16 maintains radial alignment with one of the gates 42 (e.g., based on feedback and / or communication between the gate actuation system 80 and the gate operation system 82).

[0037] Ride system 12 includes ride platform 20, a motor 100 configured to rotationally drive a rotating portion 32 of ride platform 20, a controller 102, a gate 42 of gate system 34, and a gate actuation system 82 for gate 42. Controller 102 may be configured to control operation of motor 100 to regulate the rotational speed of ride platform 20. Operation of motor 100 may be controlled based on feedback from any of the ride vehicles 16, feedback from gate system 34, feedback from ride system 12, and / or feedback from other parts of the amusement park ride or attraction, such as an operator interface.

[0038] As described above, the gate actuation system 82 may include any of a variety of components configured to actuate the gate 42 between an open position and a closed position based on feedback and / or input from the gate actuation system 80 of the ride vehicle 16. For example, the gate actuation system 82 may include an electrical system 104 (e.g., an electrical actuation system) and / or a mechanical system 106 (e.g., a mechanical actuation system). The electrical system 104 includes components that typically utilize power, such as a sensor or detector 108, an actuator 110, and / or a controller 112 that cooperate to actuate the gate 42 based on feedback from the gate actuation system 80. For example, the detector 108 may detect a particular presence of one of the identifiers 94 and / or a particular output from one of the emitters 96 of the gate actuation system 80. Based on the detection, the controller 112 may control the actuator 110 to open or close the gate 42. That is, when the detector 108 detects the presence of the identifier 94 and / or the output of the emitter 96 indicating that the ride vehicle 16 is radially aligned with the gate 42, the controller 112 can operate the actuator 110 to transition the gate 42 to an open position. In some embodiments, the controller 112 can operate the actuator 110 to transition the gate 42 to an open position after implementing a time delay that begins when an indication of radial alignment between the ride vehicle 16 and the gate 42 is detected. Thereafter, when the detector 108 detects feedback from the identifier 94 and / or the emitter 96 indicating that the ride vehicle 16 is not radially aligned with the gate 42, the controller 112 can operate the actuator 110 to transition the gate 42 to a closed position. The operation of one embodiment of the electrical system 104 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0039] The mechanical system 106 of the gate actuation system 82 may be included instead of or in addition to the electrical system 104. The mechanical system 106 includes components that do not require the use of electrical power to actuate the gate 42 based on the presence and / or position of the ride vehicle 16. For example, the mechanical system 106 may include cams 114, gears 116, linkages 118 (e.g., levers, bars, etc.), and / or other physical components, such as springs, bearings, shafts, hooks, chains, belts, switches, etc. In operation, the engagement features 98 of the gate actuation system 80 may be configured to engage with the mechanical system 106 of the gate actuation system 82 to actuate the gate 42 between the open and closed positions. More specifically, the engagement features 98 and components of the mechanical system 106 may be constructed and arranged to transition the gate 42 from a closed position to an open position when the engagement features 98 of the ride vehicle 16 physically contact and engage the mechanical system 106 and the ride vehicle 16 moves along the boarding path 24 into radial alignment with the gate 42. Operation of one embodiment of the mechanical system 106 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 6-8.

[0040] 5 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of the ride system 12 having a gate actuation system 82 with an electrical system 104. The gate actuation system 80 of the ride vehicle 16 includes an identifier 94 and an emitter 96. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 16 may include only the identifier 94 or only the emitter 96. As described above, the identifier 94 and the emitter 96 are configured to provide feedback indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 16 to an electrical system 104 of the gate actuation system 82 disposed on or adjacent to the ride platform 20. Specifically, the sensor or detector 108 of the electrical system 104 is disposed adjacent one of the gates 42 of the gate system 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate 42 is a double-wing shotgun gate having a first leaf 120 and a second leaf 122 each configured to transition between a closed position and an open position as shown in FIG.

[0041] The detector 108 is configured to detect the location of the ride vehicle 16 based on detecting the presence of the or one or more identifiers 94 and / or the output of the or one or more emitters 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle 16 includes a first identifier 124 disposed at a front or leading edge 126 of the ride vehicle 16 and a second identifier 128 disposed at a rear or trailing edge 130 of the ride vehicle 16. The electrical system 104 of the gate actuation system 82 includes a first detector 132 disposed at a first end 134 of the gate 42 and a second detector 136 disposed at a second end 138 of the gate. It should be understood that the detector 108 and identifier 94 may be located in any other suitable location in other embodiments.

[0042] The first detector 132 and the second detector 136 may be optical sensors, cameras, or other detectors or sensors configured to detect the first identifier 124 and the second identifier 128. As the ride vehicle 16 travels along the boarding path 24 and approaches the gate 42, the first identifier 124 may become aligned (e.g., radially aligned) with the first detector 132, as indicated by dashed line 140, and the second identifier 128 may become aligned (e.g., radially aligned) with the second detector 136, as indicated by dashed line 142. The first and second detectors 132, 136 are configured to detect alignment with the first and second identifiers 124, 128, respectively, to verify that the ride vehicle 16 is radially aligned with the gate 42. Thus, the first identifier 124 and the second identifier 128 may be unique and / or distinct from one another, for example, so that the second detector 136 does not mistake detection of the first identifier 124 for detection of the second identifier. Once the respective alignment of the identifier 94 and the detector 108 is detected and maintained (e.g., for a time delay period), the controller 112 of the gate actuation system 82 may actuate the actuator 110 to open the gate 42. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first leaf 120 and second leaf 122 of the gate 42 has a separate actuator 110 for adjusting the respective leaf between an open and a closed configuration.

[0043] The third detector 144 of the gate actuation system 82 is configured to detect the output of the emitter 96 of the ride vehicle 16. As mentioned above, the emitter 96 is configured to output light, sound, a magnetic field, radio waves, or any other suitable form of energy. The third detector 144 may be any suitable sensor configured to detect the output of the emitter 96. Based on the detection of the third detector 144, the controller 112 may determine the position of the ride vehicle 16. For example, the controller 112 may be configured to determine that the ride vehicle 16 is radially aligned with the gate 42 based on the strength, shape, size, level, or other measurement or quality of the output detected by the third detector 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the third detector 144 and the emitter 96 are located approximately at the center or midpoint of the gate 42 and the ride vehicle 16, respectively, although in other embodiments, the third detector 114 and the emitter 96 may be located at any suitable location.

[0044] The detected value of the detector 108 is sent to the controller 112, which is configured to operate the actuator 110 based on the detected value. The controller 112 includes a processor 146, such as a microprocessor, which can execute software for controlling the components of the gate actuation system 82. The processor 146 can include multiple microprocessors, or one or more "general purpose" microprocessors, or one or more special purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 146 can include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. The controller 112 also includes a storage device 148 that can store information such as control software, look-up tables, configuration data, and the like. The storage device 148 can include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). The storage device 148 can be used to store various information and for various purposes. For example, the storage device 148 may store processor-executable instructions, including firmware or software, for execution by the processor 146, such as instructions for controlling the actuator 110 based on various detection results of the detector 108. In some embodiments, the storage device 148 is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium that may store machine-readable instructions for execution by the processor 146. The storage device 148 may include a ROM, a flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device 148 may store data, instructions, and any other suitable data.

[0045] As discussed above, additional control of the ride system 12 can be based on the detections of the detector 108. In one embodiment, the controller 102 of the ride system 12 can be configured to control the motor 100 to rotationally drive the ride platform 20. For example, if the detector 108 detects feedback from the identifier 94 and / or the emitter 96 indicating that the ride vehicle 16 and the ride platform 20 are moving at different speeds after previously being radially aligned (e.g., if the ride vehicle 16 accelerates or decelerates relative to the rotation of the ride platform 20), the controller 102 can adjust the operation of the motor 100 to compensate. In other words, the controller 102 can control the motor 100 to accelerate or decelerate (e.g., temporarily) the rotation of the ride platform 20 such that the gate 42 and the ride vehicle 16 are once again radially aligned. In some embodiments, the controller 92 of the ride vehicle 16 can be configured to operate the drive system 90 to similarly compensate for the unequal speeds of the ride vehicle 16 and the ride platform 20. To this end, controller 92 of ride vehicle 16, controller 102 of ride system 12, and / or controller 112 of gate operation system 82 may be configured to communicate with one another. Controller 102 also includes a processor 150 and memory 152, which may be similar to processor 146 and memory 148 of controller 112 described above.

[0046] 6 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the ride system 12 and gate system 34 illustrating one embodiment of a mechanical system 108. The illustrated embodiment includes three gates 42 of the gate system 34, with each gate 42 exhibiting a different configuration based on the engagement or disengagement of the gate 42 with a respective engagement feature 98 of a ride vehicle 16. For example, a first gate 160 of the gate system 34 is not engaged with any engagement feature 98 of any ride vehicle 16. Thus, the first gate 160 is in a closed position that prevents the passage of any guests on the ride platform 20. Each gate 42 may include a spring, counterweight, or other suitable feature for biasing the gate to a closed position when the gate's mechanical system 108 is not engaged with any engagement feature 98 of any ride vehicle 16.

[0047] The second gate 162 of the gate system 34 is shown in the illustrated embodiment to engage with the engagement feature 98 of the first ride vehicle 164. The engagement feature 98 is a protrusion or boss 166 configured to physically engage with the mechanical system 106 of the gate 42. As the first ride vehicle 164 travels along the boarding path 24 and approaches the boarding platform 20, the boss 166 contacts a lever 168 of the mechanical system 106 of the second gate 162. Specifically, the boss 166 contacts an angled surface 170 (e.g., a cam surface) of the lever 168, which allows the boss 166 to maintain contact with the lever 168 as the first ride vehicle 164 travels along the perimeter of the boarding platform 20 on the boarding path 24. In other embodiments, the lever 168 can have a cam surface with a different configuration (e.g., non-angled) configured to engage with the boss 166.

[0048] As the first ride vehicle 164 approaches the ride platform 20 along the ride path 24, the boss 166 exerts a force on the lever 168, which causes the lever to move in a direction 172 (e.g., radially inward toward the central axis 28 of the ride platform 20). At an end 174 of the lever 168 opposite the angled surface 170, the lever 168 is pivotably coupled to a bar 176. The bar 176 is also pivotably coupled to a first end 178 of a gate 42 (e.g., the second gate 162) via a hinge or other pivotable coupling, cam slot, plate, and / or other coupling feature. A second end 180 of the gate 42 is coupled to the ride platform 20 at a pivot point 182. Thus, the second end 180 of the gate 42 can rotate about the pivot point 182, while the second end 180 of the gate 42 remains coupled to the ride platform 20 at the pivot point 182. Meanwhile, the first end 178 of the gate 42 is not limited to a single pivot point coupled to the ride platform 20 and can move along the ride platform 20. In some embodiments, the gate 42 can rotate about the pivot point 182 without the first end 178 being coupled to the bar 176.

[0049] As discussed above, the gate 42 is configured to be in an open position when the vehicle 16 is radially aligned with the gate 42 and / or the gate passage of the gate 42. More specifically, the gate actuation system 82 may be configured to open the gate 42 when a passenger seat of the vehicle 16 is radially aligned with the gate 42 or the gate passage of the gate 42. For example, the passenger seat 184 of the second vehicle vehicle 186 in the illustrated embodiment is radially aligned with the gate passage 188 of the third gate 190 of the gate system 34. As will be appreciated, when the third gate 190 is in a closed position, the third gate 190 may block the space of the gate passage 188. However, when the third gate 190 is in an open position, as illustrated, the gate passage 188 is unobstructed to allow a guest or passenger to enter or exit the third vehicle vehicle 186.

[0050] As the ride vehicles 16 continue along the ride path 24, the boss 166 of each ride vehicle 16 can slide along the angled surface 170 of the lever 168 until the boss 166 no longer contacts the lever 168. When the boss 166 no longer exerts a force on the lever 168, the gate 42 can automatically return to the closed position, as represented by the first gate 160 in FIG. 6. The gate 42 can automatically return to the closed position due to a biasing force from an element of the gate actuation system 82, such as a spring. As will be appreciated, the biasing force of the spring or other element can be selected such that the biasing force can be overcome by the force of the boss 166 on the lever 168 to transition the gate 42 from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the ride system 12 can include fixed elements (e.g., bosses, protrusions, etc.) located at the beginning and end of the ride path 24 that do not rotate with the ride platform 20. The locking element may be configured to unlock and lock the lever 168 of the gate system 34 to respectively allow and prevent movement of the lever 168.

[0051] The mechanical system 106 may include additional features to enhance the functionality of the gate actuation system 82. For example, Figures 7 and 8 are detailed top views of the mechanical system 106 enclosed by line 7-7 in Figure 6, showing the pivot point 182 at which the gate 42 is coupled to the ride platform 20. Figures 7 and 8 are discussed simultaneously below.

[0052] The pivot point 182 includes a ratchet 200 having teeth 202 extending around the circumference of the ratchet 200. The ratchet 200 may be rotatably secured to the gate 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical system 106 also includes a pawl 204 that may be coupled to the ride platform 20 or other components of the ride system 12 via a pin 206. The pawl 204 is configured to engage the teeth 202 of the ratchet 200 when the gate 42 is in the closed position. For example, the mechanical system 106 may include a spring or other biasing element configured to maintain engagement between the pawl 204 and the teeth 202 when the gate 42 is closed. The engagement between the pawl 204 and the teeth 202 prevents the ratchet 200, and consequently the gate 42, from rotating (e.g., in a direction 208) to inadvertently transition from the closed position to the open position. In fact, the engagement between the pawl 204 and the teeth 202 can prevent rotational movement of the gate 42 toward the open position, even if a force is applied to the gate 42 attempting to urge the gate 42 from the closed position to the open position.

[0053] To enable rotation of the gate 42 from a closed position to an open position upon application of a force to the lever 168 (e.g., via the boss 166 of the vehicle 16), the mechanical system 106 includes a bar 210 pivotally coupled to the pawl 204 via a pin 212 at a first end 214 of the bar 210. A second, opposite end of the bar can be pivotally coupled to the lever 168, similar to the coupling between the bar 176 and the lever 168 described above. When a force is applied to the lever 168, for example, via the boss 166, movement of the lever 168 (e.g., in the direction 172 shown in FIG. 6 ) can cause movement of the bar 210 (e.g., in the direction 216 ). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8 , the bar 210 can disengage the pawl 204 from the teeth 202 of the ratchet 200, thereby enabling the gate 42 to rotate from a closed position to an open position. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the mechanical system 106 may include additional and / or alternative elements (e.g., cams, switches, gears, etc.) configured to enable operation of the gate 42 without power based on the position of the ride vehicle 16.

[0054] Accordingly, the presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a gate system configured to selectively enable individual actuation of gates, such as shotgun gates, between open and closed positions based on the position of a corresponding ride vehicle of an amusement ride or attraction. When a ride vehicle approaches a ride zone, such as the boarding platform of an amusement ride, the position of the ride vehicle can be detected (e.g., electronically and / or mechanically), and the gate system is configured to open a gate corresponding to the ride vehicle when a particular position of the ride vehicle is detected by the gate system. For example, the gate system can open a corresponding gate when a seat position of the ride vehicle is aligned with the gate. When the seat position is no longer aligned with the gate, the gate system is configured to transition the gate from the open position to a closed position, thereby accommodating passenger traffic (e.g., boarding and disembarking of the ride vehicle) at the ride zone.

[0055] While only certain features of the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is further to be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another.

[0056] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at the end of this specification is specified or contains one or more elements as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim that contains an element specified in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. 1. A gate system for an amusement park attraction, comprising: a ride platform configured to rotate about a central vertical axis of the ride platform; a gate disposed on the boarding platform and configured to transition between a closed position and an open position; a gate actuation system coupled to the ride platform and configured to actuate the gate between the closed and open positions based on feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the gate; A gate system comprising:

2. the ride vehicle including a gate actuation system configured to provide the feedback to the gate actuation system indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the gate; The gate system according to claim 1 .

3. The vehicle is provided with an identifier for the gate operating system, the identifier being comprised of a retroreflective marker, an image, a barcode, or any combination thereof. The gate system according to claim 2.

4. the gate operating system includes a detector configured to detect the identifier, and the feedback indicative of the position of the ride vehicle relative to the gate includes detecting the identifier.

4. The gate system according to claim 3.

5. the gate actuation system comprises a boss extending from the vehicle, the gate actuation system comprises a lever pivotally coupled to the gate, the boss configured to engage the lever to pivot the gate from the closed position to the open position. The gate system according to claim 2.

6. the gate comprises a ratchet, and the gate actuation system comprises a pawl configured to engage the ratchet in a closed position of the gate, the pawl pivotally coupled to the lever, and engagement of the boss with the lever causes disengagement of the pawl from the ratchet.

6. The gate system according to claim 5.

7. The ratchet is rotatably secured to the gate. The gate system according to claim 6.

8. the gate actuation system is configured to actuate the gate from the closed position to the open position based on feedback indicating that the ride vehicle is in proximity to the gate and radially aligned with the gate relative to the central vertical axis. The gate system according to claim 1 .

9. the gate actuation system is configured to receive feedback indicating that the ride vehicle is radially aligned with the gate relative to the central vertical axis, implement a time delay, and then actuate the gate from the closed position to the open position after implementation of the time delay. The gate system according to claim 8.

10. the gate actuation system is configured to actuate the gate from the open position to the closed position based on feedback indicating the ride vehicle transitioning from proximate to the gate and radially aligned with the gate relative to the central vertical axis to not proximate to the gate and / or not radially aligned with the gate relative to the central vertical axis. The gate system according to claim 8.

11. a motor configured to drive rotation of the ride platform; and a controller configured to adjust operation of the motor based on feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the gate; The gate system of claim 1 .

12. the ride vehicle comprising a drive system configured to move the ride vehicle along a ride path extending around the ride platform; a controller configured to adjust operation of the ride vehicle based on feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the gate; The gate system of claim 1 .

13. 1. A method for controlling passenger passage upon entry or exit of a ride vehicle of an amusement park attraction, comprising: guiding the ride vehicle along a ride path extending around a rotating ride platform; detecting a position of the ride vehicle relative to a shotgun gate disposed on the rotating ride platform using a gate actuation system disposed on the rotating ride platform; automatically transitioning the shotgun gate from a closed position to an open position based on a position of the vehicle relative to the shotgun gate; A method comprising:

14. detecting a position of the vehicle relative to the shotgun gate includes detecting an identifier of the vehicle with a detector of the gate operating system, the identifier being a retroreflective marker. The method of claim 13.

15. automatically transitioning the shotgun gate from the closed position to the open position based on a position of the ride vehicle proximate to the shotgun gate and radially aligned with the shotgun gate relative to an axis of rotation of the rotating ride platform. The method of claim 14.

16. engaging a boss extending from the vehicle with a lever of the gate operating system; transmitting movement of the lever to the shotgun gate to transition the shotgun gate from the closed position to the open position; The method of claim 13, comprising:

17. automatically transitioning the shotgun gate from the open position to the closed position based on the vehicle transitioning from a first position in proximity to and aligned with the shotgun gate to a second position out of proximity to and / or out of alignment with the shotgun gate. The method of claim 13.

18. 1. A gate system for controlling passenger passage through a boarding zone of an amusement ride, comprising: a rotating ride platform configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and including a shotgun gate disposed thereon; a ride vehicle configured to travel along a ride path extending around the rotating ride platform, the ride vehicle including a gate actuation system configured to provide feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate; a gate actuation system configured to receive feedback indicative of a position of the vehicle relative to the shotgun gate to transition the gate between an open position and a closed position based on the feedback; A gate system comprising:

19. a motor configured to drive rotation of the rotating ride platform; and a controller configured to adjust operation of the motor based on the feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate to maintain radial alignment of the ride vehicle and the shotgun gate relative to an axis of rotation of the rotating ride platform.

20. The gate system of claim 18.

20. the gate actuation system comprises a boss protruding from the vehicle, and the gate operating system comprises a lever pivotally coupled to the shotgun gate, the boss and the lever configured to engage one another to transition the shotgun gate from the closed position to the open position such that upon alignment of the vehicle and the shotgun gate, the shotgun gate is in the open position.

20. The gate system of claim 18.

21. the gate actuation system comprises a retroreflective marker affixed to the vehicle; The gate operating system comprises: a detector configured to detect the retroreflective marker; an actuator configured to actuate the shotgun gate between the open and closed positions; a controller configured to control the actuator to actuate the shotgun gate from the closed position to the open position upon detection by the detector of the retroreflective marker indicating alignment of the shotgun gate with the vehicle; 20. The gate system of claim 18, comprising:

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