SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND CHARGING PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON VEHICLE - Patent application

Abstract

The present systems and methods are directed to a ride system including a personal electronic device (PED) retention system for a ride vehicle. The PED retention system includes a locking portion configured to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED of a ride vehicle passenger to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle. The PED retention system also includes a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED during a ride cycle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to amusement parks. [Background technology]

[0002] Many amusement parks include rides in which a ride vehicle carries one or more passengers along a ride path. The ride vehicle may change speed and / or direction as it travels along the ride path. The ride path may include a number of features, such as tunnels, turns, loops, and the like. Various show effects on the ride vehicle and / or in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle may be provided to enhance the experience of one or more passengers.

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which 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 these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments within the scope of the initially claimed invention 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 in which the subject matter can be implemented. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a ride system includes a personal electronic device (PED) retention system for a ride vehicle. The PED retention system includes a locking portion configured to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle. The PED retention system also includes a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED during the ride cycle.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a PED retention system for a ride vehicle includes a container configured to house a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle during a ride cycle. The container allows the passenger to access a camera function of the PED during the ride cycle. The PED retention system also includes a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED while the PED is housed within the container during the ride cycle.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a PED retention system includes charging an energy storage component of the PED using a charging system of the PED retention system in response to the PED being locked to a ride vehicle via a lock portion.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ride system that can be used in an amusement park according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a personal electronic device (PED) support system that can be used in the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the PED support system includes a charging system. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a front view of a PED retention system that can be used in the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the PED retention system includes a coupling assembly configured to couple a passenger's PED to a cable of a charging system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a PED retention system that can be used in the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the PED retention system includes an opening to allow a passenger to view and / or access features of the PED. [Diagram 5] 2 is a front view of a PED retention system that can be used in the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the PED retention system includes an adjustable arm. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of the ride system of FIG. 1 having a ride control system that enables communication between passenger PEDs and other components of the ride system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 2 is a flow diagram of a method of using a PED retention system in the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual embodiment may not be described herein. It is to be understood that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system and business related constraints. It is to be further understood that such a development effort may be complex and time consuming, but would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture without experimentation for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] When introducing 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 element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are 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 invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0012] The systems and methods disclosed herein generally relate to a personal electronic device (PED) retention system for a ride system in an amusement park. The ride system may include any type of attraction or experience designed to entertain passengers, such as an attraction including a ride vehicle that moves along a path, an attraction including a ride vehicle that moves without moving along a path, an attraction including a room or theater with fixed or movable seats for passengers to sit in while watching a video, or the like. The PED retention system may include features that retain (e.g., contain, secure) a passenger's PED in the ride vehicle during a ride cycle (e.g., during at least a portion of the ride cycle; between boarding and disembarking). The PED retention system may also include features that charge an energy storage component (e.g., a battery) of the PED during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the PED retention system may include features that allow passengers to access certain functions, such as a camera, of the PED during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the PED retention system may facilitate communication between the PED and other components of the ride system. In some such cases, a passenger may use the PED to control show effects, such as, for example, light effects on the ride vehicle or in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle during the ride cycle. Thus, the present embodiments may advantageously hold the PED during the ride cycle (e.g., prevent the PED from falling off the ride vehicle) and also allow the passenger to charge the PED during the ride cycle and / or use the PED to customize their experience on the ride vehicle.

[0013] 1 is a perspective view of a ride system 10 that may be used in an amusement park. The ride system 10 may include a ride vehicle 12 that may travel along a ride path 14 (e.g., a track). The ride vehicle 12 may pass one or more show effects 16 (e.g., show elements such as lights or animated figures) as the ride vehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14. The ride vehicle 12 may include one or more seats 18 and / or one or more passenger restraints 20 (e.g., lap bars, seat belts) arranged to retain one or more passengers on the ride vehicle 12.

[0014] The vehicle 12 may also include one or more PED retention devices 22 (e.g., containers, compartments, enclosures, recesses, cables, ties) that may be part of a PED retention system 24. For example, as shown, one PED retention device 22 may be provided for each seat 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the PED retention devices 22 for the seats 18 in the front row of seats 18 are positioned in or on the front dashboard of the ride vehicle 12, and the PED retention devices 22 for the seats 18 in the other row of seats 18 are positioned in or on the seats 18 in the adjacent row of seats 18 (e.g., on the rear of the seats 18). However, it should be understood that the PED retention devices 22 may be positioned in any suitable location on the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., in or on the seats 18, in or on the passenger restraints 20, on the underside or floor of the ride vehicle 12, in or on the sides of the ride vehicle 12, on the inboard or outboard faces of the ride vehicle 12).

[0015] It should also be understood that more than one ride vehicle 12 may travel along the ride path 14. It should further be understood that the ride vehicles 12 may not travel along the ride path 14, but instead may be stationary or may move (e.g., tilt, spin, ascend, descend) without traversing the ride path 14 (e.g., without moving forward or backward along the ride path 14). Additionally, the ride vehicles 12 may have any suitable number of seats 18 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or more seats) arranged in any suitable configuration.

[0016] The PED holding device 22 can have any of a variety of configurations that enable the PED holding device 22 to hold a passenger's PED. While FIGS. 2-5 depict various embodiments of the PED holding device 22 for ease of discussion, these embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and features of the illustrated embodiments can be combined in any of a variety of ways. With this in mind, FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a PED holding device 22 that is part of a PED holding system 24. As shown, the PED holding device 22 includes a container 30 defined by a number of walls 32. The container 30 can be coupled to the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., to a frame or surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12 via one or more fasteners 36, such as bolts or welds), or the container 30 can be integrally formed with the surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., a one-piece structure). The container 30 may extend outwardly from the surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12, as shown, or may be concave such that the container 30 is partially or completely concave relative to the surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12. For example, the container 30 may simply be a recess or opening formed in the surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12 that is sized to receive the PED 40 from a passenger.

[0017] The PED 40 may be a device that rides with a passenger on and off the ride vehicle 12. In some cases, the PED 40 is a device that a passenger brings to the amusement park, takes within the amusement park to different ride attractions, and / or takes home from the amusement park. The PED 40 may be owned by the passenger or may otherwise be under the passenger's control (e.g., rented or borrowed for a period of time). The PED 40 may be a cell phone, a tablet, a watch, a camera, a laptop computer, an e-reader, an MP3 player, a toy, a rechargeable battery, or any other portable electronic device and / or rechargeable device.

[0018] The container 30 may be associated with at least one charging system, such as a wired charging system 42 and / or a wireless charging system 44, configured to charge the PED 40 while the PED 40 is within the container 30. For example, during operation, a passenger may place a PED 40 within the container 30 and then manually move a cable 46 of the wired charging system 42 to mate a connector (e.g., a male connector) at one end of the cable 46 with a corresponding connector (e.g., a female connector) of the PED 40 to enable the wired charging system 42 to charge an energy storage component (e.g., a battery) of the PED 40 (e.g., using power from a power source 48). It should be appreciated that instead of a cable 46, the wired charging system 42 may include a docking station having a connector that is in a fixed position relative to the container 30. In such a case, the passenger may position the PED 40 relative to the docking station to mate the connector with the corresponding connector of the PED 40 to enable the wired charging system 42 to charge the energy storage component of the PED 40. The cable 46 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, although the wired charging system 42 may include any other suitable type of cable or connector configured to charge the PED 40 upon physical connection or engagement with a corresponding connector on the PED 40. In embodiments having a wireless charging system 44, the wireless charging system 44 may include a transmitter positioned proximate to or within the container 30 that can interact with a receiver on the PED 40 to charge the PED 40 via any suitable wireless charging technology, such as inductive charging technology and / or radio frequency charging technology.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 12 may be stationary, moving slowly in place, or slowly traversing the ride path 14. In some such cases, the configuration of the container 30 and / or the connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to maintain the PED 40 within the container 30 and retain the PED 40 on the ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle. In some such cases, the PED 40 may remain substantially stationary within the container 30 or may remain in a predetermined position within the container 30 that allows the wireless charging system 44 to charge the PED 40 during the ride cycle.

[0020] However, it may be desirable to further secure the PED 40 within the container 30. For example, a cover 52 (e.g., a lid, brace, net, straps) may be positioned over the PED 40 during the ride cycle. The cover 52 may have any of a variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 52 includes a hinged lid that pivots, as indicated by arrow 54, from an open configuration (e.g., open position) to a closed configuration (e.g., closed position) relative to a base 53 of the container 30 to enclose the PED 40 within the container 30. The cover 52 may be adjusted to the closed configuration manually by a passenger and / or an operator, or the cover 52 may be adjusted to the closed configuration (e.g., prior to the ride cycle) via an actuator electronically controlled by an electronic controller. The cover 52 may include a rigid element 56 (e.g., hard plastic or metal) and / or a compressible element 58 (e.g., foam). The rigid element 56 can protect the PED 40 within the container 30 and provide support to the compressible element 58. When the cover 52 is in the closed configuration, the compressible element 58 can contact and compress the PED 40 to prevent movement of the PED 40, thereby facilitating charging of the PED 40, and / or preventing relative movement between the PED 40 and the ride vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. Thus, the container 30 can protect the PED 40 by preventing relative movement between the PED 40 and the ride vehicle 12 and / or by surrounding the PED 40 with a number of walls 32 (e.g., by isolating the PED 40 from the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12). In some embodiments, the container 30 can be waterproof (e.g., the container 30 can prevent water from entering the interior of the container 30). The container 30 can accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes and / or can be adjustable to accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes (e.g., the walls 32 can be adjustable).

[0021] In some embodiments, the PED holding device 22 can include a locking portion 60. The locking portion 60 can have any of a variety of configurations and can generally be moved between an unlocked configuration (e.g., an unlocked position; unlocked state) that allows access to the PED 40 held by the PED holding device 22 and a locked configuration (e.g., a locked position; locked state) that prevents access to the PED 40 held by the PED holding device 22. As described in more detail below, the locking portion 60 can be in a locked configuration during a ride cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking portion 60 is configured to lock the cover 52 to the base 53 of the container 30, and the locking portion 60 includes two locking elements 64, 66 that engage with each other to hold the cover 52 in a closed configuration. The locking elements 64, 66 can be any suitable type of locking mechanism (e.g., a magnetic lock; a mechanical fastener such as a latch; an electronically actuated lock).

[0022] In some embodiments, the lock 60 can be manually adjusted by the passenger and / or operator at any time before, during, and after the ride cycle to allow access to the PED 40 at any time, including during the ride cycle. However, in other embodiments, the lock 60 can be an electronically actuated lock that is maintained in a locked configuration during the ride cycle, thereby preventing passengers from accessing the PED 40 held by the container 30 during the ride cycle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, passengers cannot open the container 30 or remove the PED 40 from the container 30 while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0023] If the lock portion 60 is electronically activated, the lock portion 60 may be part of a lock system 68 (e.g., a radio frequency identification [RFID] lock system) that includes a receiver 70 that receives activation and deactivation signals from a transceiver (e.g., on the ride vehicle 12 or in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12). In operation, upon receipt of an activation signal at the receiver 70 (e.g., prior to a ride cycle), the lock portion 60 may transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. The lock portion 60 may be held or maintained in the locked configuration until a deactivation signal is received at the receiver. Thereafter, upon receipt of a deactivation signal at the receiver 70 (e.g., after a ride cycle), the lock portion 60 may transition from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0024] In some embodiments, the charging systems 42, 44 and the locking system 68 may cooperate to motivate passengers to lock the PED 40 within the container 30, thereby reducing the accidental dropping of the PED 40 from the ride vehicle 12. For example, the charging systems 42, 44 may charge the energy storage device of the PED 40 only while the locking portion 60 is in the locked configuration. In such a case, the locking system 68 may provide feedback indicative of the configuration of the locking portion 60 to an electronic controller (e.g., having a processor and memory) associated with the PED retention system 24 (e.g., via a sensor 72 that detects whether the locking portion 60 is in the locked or unlocked configuration). Upon receiving feedback indicative of the locking portion 60 being in the locked configuration, the electronic controller may direct the provision of power from the power source 48 via the charging systems 42, 44 to charge the energy storage component of the PED 40. Other variations of this approach are envisioned. For example, in an embodiment without the locking feature 60, the charging system 42, 44 may only charge the energy storage device of the PED 40 while the cover 52 is in a closed configuration (e.g., as detected by a sensor) and / or while the PED 40 is detected as fully and / or properly positioned within the container 30 (e.g., as detected by a sensor). Thus, a passenger who connects a PED 40 to the cable 46 of the wired charging system 42 but continues to hold and / or manipulate the PED 40 in an unintended manner during the ride cycle will not enjoy the benefit of having the PED 40 charged during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, access to and / or functionality of various other features (e.g., camera and / or audio features of the PED 40; camera and / or audio features of the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12) may be based on the configuration of the cover 52 and / or the position of the PED 40 within the container 30. Thus, the PED retention system 24 may motivate the passenger to lock the PED 40 within the container 30 in any of a variety of ways.

[0025] 3 is a front view of one embodiment of a PED retention system 24 that may be used with the ride vehicle 12. As shown, the PED retention system 24 includes a PED retention device 22 having a linkage assembly 80 (e.g., strap, net, tether) configured to couple the PED 40 to the cable 46 of the wired charging system 42. As mentioned above, in some cases, the configuration of the container 30 and / or the connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to retain the PED 40 on the ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle. However, it may be desirable to have another connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 via the linkage assembly 80 (e.g., in addition to the connection between the connector of the cable 46 and the corresponding connector of the PED 40) to facilitate charging and / or to further secure the PED 40 to the ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage assembly 80 includes a cable portion 82 coupled to and in contact with the cable 46 (and / or the connectors at the ends of the cable 46) and two PED portions 84 extending from the cable portion 82 and wrapping around the PED 40. The cable portion 82 may be relatively rigid, while the PED portions 84 may be relatively flexible (e.g., compared to the cable portion 82). The PED portions 84 may each include a first end coupled to the cable portion 82 and a second end coupled to the cable portion 82 (or to the first end of the respective PED portion 84). For example, the first end may be fixed or rigidly fixed to the cable portion 82, while the second end may be removably coupled to the cable portion 82 via a fastener 86 (e.g., a snap, buckle, hook-and-loop interface). In operation, the passenger may manually move the cable 46 to connect the connectors of the cable 46 to the corresponding connectors of the PED 40. The passenger may then wrap the PED portion 84 around the PED 40 and couple the respective second end of each of the PED portions 84 to the cable portion 82. The passenger may adjust (e.g., tighten) the PED portion 84 such that the cable portion 82 and the PED portion 84 generally drive the cable 46 and the PED 40 toward each other to facilitate charging the PED 40 during the ride cycle and / or to secure the PED 40 to the ride vehicle 12, even during portions of the ride cycle in which the ride vehicle 12 is rapidly moving, turning, flipping, or the like. Thus, the PED portion 84 may accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes (e.g., one passenger may use the coupling assembly 80 to hold their PED 40 having a first size, and another passenger may use the coupling assembly 80 to hold their PED 40 having a second size that is different from the first size). In some embodiments, fastener 86 can be lock 6 of FIG. 2 and / or can operate as lock 60 of FIG. 2 and thus can be electronically activated to prevent separation of PED 40 from cable 46 and from ride vehicle 12 during a ride cycle.In such a case, the wired charging system 42 and the lock 60 may cooperate such that the wired charging system 42 charges the energy storage device of the PED 40 only while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration. Additionally, the coupling assembly 80 may be positioned relative to the PED 40 to allow a passenger to view at least a portion of the PED 40 (e.g., a display screen) and / or access at least a portion of the functionality of the PED 40 (e.g., a camera functionality and / or audio functionality of the PED 40) during the ride cycle.

[0027] The linking assembly 80 can have any of a variety of configurations, but generally can be coupled to and in contact with both the cable 46 and the PED 40. For example, the linking assembly 80 can include any number of cable portions 82 and PED portions 84. In some embodiments, the linking assembly 80 can be a net that extends from the cable 46 and wraps around the PED 40 to prevent movement of the cable 46 relative to the PED 40. It should be appreciated that the linking assembly 80 can include an elastic portion (e.g., the PED portion 84) that can stretch to wrap around the PED 40 to prevent relative movement between the cable 46 and the PED 40. It should also be appreciated that the linking assembly 80 can be used in combination with a container, such as the container 30 of FIG. 2. For example, the container 30 can hold the PED 40, and the linking assembly 80 can be used to strengthen the connection between the cable 46 and the PED 40. Further, it should be appreciated that the coupling assembly 80 may be configured to couple a component of the wireless charging system 44 (FIG. 2) to the PED 40, such as by wrapping around the component and the PED 40.

[0028] 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a PED holding device 24 that may be used in the ride vehicle 12. As shown, the PED holding device 22 includes a container 30 that includes an opening 88 that allows a passenger to view at least a portion of the PED 40 (e.g., a display screen) and / or access at least some functions of the PED 40 (e.g., a camera function and / or an audio function of the PED 40). In some embodiments, the opening 88 may be an open space between the walls 32 of the container 30, and the opening 88 may allow a passenger to touch the PED 40 while the PED 40 is within the container 30. However, in some embodiments, the opening 88 may be a window (e.g., a transparent component) that may be disposed between the walls 32 (e.g., opaque walls) of the container 30 to cover the PED 40 while the PED 40 is within the container 30. In such cases, passengers may not be able to touch the PED 40 while it is within the container 30, but the passengers may still be able to see at least a portion of the PED 40 and / or access at least some features of the PED 40 through the opening 88 (e.g., a camera lens on the PED 40 may obtain an image through the opening 88). It should also be understood that the opening 88 may have any of a variety of configurations, including any of a variety of sizes and locations.

[0029] The walls 32 of the container 30 may extend outward (e.g., toward the passengers) from a surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12 and / or may curve inward (e.g., toward each other). Thus, the walls 32 may prevent the PED 40 from moving laterally (e.g., side-to-side) relative to the container 30 and vertically (e.g., front-to-back) relative to the container 30. The PED 40 may also be supported by and rest on one of the walls 32 forming a bottom of the container 30, as shown. In some embodiments, the container 30 may be associated with at least one charging system, such as a wired charging system 42 and / or a wireless charging system 44 ( FIG. 2 ), configured to charge the PED 40 while the PED 40 is within the container 30. The container 30 may accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes and / or may be adjustable (e.g., the walls 32 may be adjustable) to accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 12 may be stationary, moving slowly in place, or slowly traversing the ride path 14. In some such cases, the configuration of the container 30 and / or the connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to maintain the PED 40 within the container 30 and retain the PED 40 on the ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle. In some such cases, the PED 40 may remain generally stationary within the container 30 or in a predetermined position within the container 30 where the wireless charging system 44 can charge the PED 40 during the ride cycle.

[0031] However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to further secure the PED 40 within the container 30, for example, with a cover 52. Similar to the cover 52 of FIG. 2, the cover 52 of FIG. 4 includes a hinged lid that pivots from an open configuration to a closed configuration relative to a base 53 of the container 30, as indicated by arrow 54, to enclose the PED 40 within the container 30. The cover 52 may be adjusted to the closed configuration manually by a passenger and / or by an operator, or the cover 52 may be adjusted to the closed configuration (e.g., prior to a ride cycle) via an actuator that is electronically controlled by an electronic controller. The cover 52 may include a rigid element 56 and / or a compressible element 58. When the cover 52 is in the closed configuration, the compressible element 58 contacts and compresses the PED 40 to prevent vertical movement (e.g., up and down) of the PED 40 relative to the container 30, thereby facilitating charging of the PED 40 and / or further securing the PED 40 to the ride vehicle 12. Preventing movement of the PED 40 relative to the container 30 (and thus relative to the vehicle 12) can also facilitate the display of images (including streaming video) on the screen of the PED 40 and / or the use of certain functions of the PED 40 (e.g., the camera of the PED 40).

[0032] It should be appreciated that the container 30 may include additional compressible elements that contact and compress other surfaces of the PED 40 to help prevent vertical, lateral, and / or longitudinal movement of the PED 40 relative to the container 30. The container 30 may also include a locking feature 60, FIG. 2, that may be electronically actuated to prevent separation of the cover 52 from the base 53 and separation of the PED 40 from the cable 46 and from the ride vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. In such a case, the charging systems 42, 44 and the locking feature 60 may cooperate to charge the energy storage device of the PED 40 only while the locking feature 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0033] In operation, a passenger can position the PED 40 within the container 30, such as by lowering the PED 40 into the container 30 in the direction of arrow 89. The passenger (or operator) can manually couple the connector of the cable 46 to a corresponding connector on the PED 40, or can couple the PED 40 to a wired charging system 42 or wireless charging system 44 ( FIG. 2 ). The passenger (or operator) can close the cover 52 and lock the cover 52 to the base 53 of the container 30 via the locking portion 60. However, in some embodiments, the cover 52 can be adjusted to a closed configuration and / or the locking portion 60 can be adjusted to a locked configuration via instructions from an electronic controller. The cover 52 and locking portion 60 can remain in these configurations during the ride cycle.

[0034] While the PED 40 is held and / or locked within the container 30, passengers can view at least a portion of the PED 40 and / or access at least some features of the PED 40 through the opening 88. For example, passengers can view the screen of the PED 40 to view pop-up notifications (e.g., text messages or social media messages), view images (e.g., images obtained by the camera of the PED 40) displayed on the display screen, view information regarding the currently playing audio track (e.g., via the speaker of the PED 40), and / or view any other information that may be desired to be displayed on the screen of the PED 40. Passengers can interact with the PED 40 by touching it, such as by entering and sending text messages, operating the camera of the PED 40, selecting an audio track to play during the ride cycle, and / or performing any of a variety of other operations using the PED 40. For example, passengers can operate the camera of the PED 40 to take pictures and / or record videos of themselves as the ride vehicle 12 moves along the ride path 14. The photos and / or videos may be stored locally on the PED 40 and / or the videos may be streamed (eg, live streamed), for example, over a network (eg, a cellular or other wireless network).

[0035] In some embodiments, certain features of the PED 40 and / or use of the PED 40 (e.g., camera feature and / or audio feature) may be available to the passenger only while the lock portion 60 is in the locked configuration. For example, the passenger may be motivated to run a software application on the PED 40 during the ride cycle (e.g., due to various features of the software application, such as features that allow the passenger to play games during the ride cycle or features that allow the passenger to view information or media not otherwise available on the screen of the PED 40 during the ride cycle), and the application may enable use of the camera of the PED 40 and / or access to audio tracks only while the lock portion 60 is in the locked configuration. In some instances, the software application may enable certain of its features (e.g., game feature, media) to be available on the PED 40 only while the lock portion 60 is in the locked configuration. Features of the PED 40 (e.g., camera feature and / or audio feature) may be automatically activated while the lock portion 60 is in the locked configuration (e.g., without passenger input). For example, a software application on the PED 40 may enable the PED 40 to automatically take photographs and / or record videos (e.g., during the ride cycle and / or at specific portions of the ride cycle) while the lock portion 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0036] It may be desirable for the PED holding device 22 to be adjustable to allow for a number of different viewing directions for the camera function of the PED 40. Accordingly, FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of a PED holding system 24 that may be used in the ride system of FIG. 1, where the PED holding device 22 is adjustable to allow for a number of different viewing directions for the camera function of the PED 40. The PED holding device 22 may have any of a variety of configurations, but may include a container 30 similar to the container 30 of FIG. 4, which is mounted on an adjustable arm 90 (e.g., a rotatable arm, a flexible arm, a telescoping arm). The container 30 may accommodate and / or be adjustable to accommodate PEDs 40 of different sizes. The adjustable arm 90 may be attached to or supported by a surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12. While the adjustable arm 90 can have any number of degrees of freedom for changing the position and / or angle of the camera relative to the ride vehicle 12, in some embodiments, the adjustable arm 90 can at least rotate, as indicated by arrow 92. The adjustable arm 90 can additionally or alternatively move vertically, as indicated by arrow 94. The adjustable arm 90 can additionally or alternatively move longitudinally (e.g., front to back; toward and away from the passenger) and / or laterally (e.g., side to side). Such movement can enable the camera of the PED 40 to capture images of the passenger, adjacent passengers, and / or the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. For example, a passenger may want to orient the PED 40 to capture an image (e.g., a video image) of the front of the ride vehicle 12 as the ride vehicle 12 ascends a hill on the ride path 14, and the passenger may want to orient the PED 40 to capture an image of the passenger as the ride vehicle 12 descends a hill on the ride path 14.

[0037] In some embodiments, a passenger can manually adjust the adjustable arm 90 by touching and exerting a force on the adjustable arm 90. Additionally or alternatively, a passenger can adjust the adjustable arm 90 using an input device 100 (e.g., a touch screen, a control pad, a joystick) of the ride vehicle 12. As discussed in more detail below, the PED 40 can be communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle 12 and / or the ride system 10 (e.g., via a wired charging system 42, a wireless charging system 44, or any other suitable wired or wireless communication system). Thus, in some embodiments, a passenger can adjust the adjustable arm 90 using the PED 40. For example, the passenger can see a virtual control pad 102 on the screen of the PED 40 and can cause movement of the adjustable arm 90 by touching the virtual control pad 102.

[0038] In some embodiments, the movement of the adjustable arm 90 can be pre-programmed prior to the ride cycle. For example, the adjustable arm 90 can be configured to move between a first position (e.g., a first camera position and / or angle) that orients the PED 40 to capture images of the front of the ride vehicle 12 during some portions of the ride cycle, and a second position (e.g., a second camera position and / or angle) that orients the PED 40 to capture images of the passenger during other portions of the ride cycle. In this manner, the PED retention system 24 facilitates the generation of more interesting and entertaining images without input from the passenger during the ride cycle (e.g., without the passenger touching the PED 40 during the ride cycle). Thus, the images can be of better quality because they may not show the passenger moving their hands to touch the PED 40 or adjust the adjustable arm 90. The movement of the adjustable arm 90 can be pre-programmed such that the adjustable arm 90 moves in the same way during each ride cycle, or a plurality of different movement sequences can be pre-programmed such that the adjustable arm 90 moves in different ways during different ride cycles. Thus, a passenger may obtain different images each time the passenger experiences the ride. In some embodiments, the passenger may select one of a number of different motion sequences or provide an input related to a motion preference of the adjustable arm 90 prior to the ride (e.g., via the PED 40 at any time prior to the ride), at a kiosk prior to the ride, or while queuing for the ride, and / or via the input device 100 of the ride vehicle 12. For example, the passenger may provide an input that restricts the motion of the adjustable arm 90 such that the camera of the PED 40 does not capture images of seats on one side of the passenger (e.g., other passengers not traveling with the passenger) and / or that causes the motion of the adjustable arm 90 such that the camera of the PED 40 captures images of seats on the other side of the passenger (e.g., other passengers traveling with the passenger).

[0039] It should be understood that the container 30 of FIG. 5 may be used with the cover 52 and / or the locking portion 60. In some such cases, the charging system 42, 44 and the locking portion 60 may cooperate such that the charging system 42, 44 charges the energy storage device of the PED 40 only while the locking portion 60 is in the locked configuration. Further, certain features of the PED 40 and / or uses of the PED 40 may be available to a passenger only while the locking portion 60 is in the locked configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustable arm 90 may be movable only while the locking portion 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0040] The PED holding device 22 may also allow passengers to access the PED 40 to select and / or play audio tracks during a ride cycle. The audio tracks may be played via a speaker on the PED 40. As discussed in more detail below, the PED 40 may be communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle 12 and / or the ride system 10 (e.g., via a wired charging system 42, a wireless charging system 44, or any other suitable wired or wireless communication system). Thus, in some embodiments, an audio track selected by a passenger using the PED 40 may be played via the speaker 104 on the ride vehicle 12 and / or via speakers in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. Additionally, the audio tracks may be selected from audio tracks stored on a storage device of the PED 40, audio tracks stored on a remote storage device and available for streaming over a wireless network, and / or audio tracks stored on a ride storage device of the ride system 10 (e.g., on board the ride vehicle 12). Through communication between the PED 40 and the ride system 10, audio tracks stored in the ride memory can be displayed on the screen of the PED 40. In this manner, passengers can customize their experience while riding in the ride vehicle 12. In some embodiments, certain audio features (e.g., the ability to display audio tracks stored in the ride memory of the ride system 10 and / or the ability to play an audio track selected via the PED 40 on the ride vehicle's speaker 104 and / or speakers in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12) may only be available to passengers while the lock portion 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0041] As mentioned above, the PED 40 can communicate with the vehicle system 10. In some instances, the PED holding system 24 can facilitate these communications between the PED 40 and the vehicle system 10 (e.g., via a wired charging system 42 or a wireless charging system 44) and / or position the PED 40 to facilitate use of the PED 40 by a passenger during a vehicle cycle. With the above in mind, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system 10 having a vehicle control system 110 that enables communication between a passenger's PED 40 and other components of the vehicle system 10.

[0042] As shown, the PED holding device 22 holds the PED 40 on the ride vehicle 12. The PED 40 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wired charging system 42, a wireless charging system 44, or via other wired or wireless communication systems) to a ride vehicle controller 112 (e.g., an electronic controller) located on the ride vehicle 12. The ride vehicle 12 may additionally or alternatively include an input device 100, a speaker 104, and / or a display screen 114 (e.g., a touch screen). In some embodiments, some or all of these components on the ride vehicle 12 may mirror the PED 40 or effectively replace / function as components of the PED 40 during a ride cycle. For example, the display screen 114 may be located adjacent to or on the container 30 (e.g., on the cover 52 of the container 30). In response to the lock 60 being in the locked configuration, or at some other time, the display screen 114 may mirror the screen of the PED 40 such that the display screen 114 appears to be the screen of the PED 40. Alternatively, icons, images (e.g., stored on the PED 40), audio tracks (e.g., stored on the PED 40), etc. that might otherwise be displayed on the screen of the PED 40 may be displayed on the display screen 114. The passenger may then interact with the display screen 114 during the ride cycle, such as to select an audio track to be played through the speaker 104, or to perform any of the other techniques disclosed herein. Advantageously, this may allow the passenger to feel as if they are interacting with their own PED 40, providing a comfortable or familiar interface for the passenger.

[0043] It should be appreciated that the ride controller 112 may perform various disclosed operations based on the configuration of the locking portion 60 (e.g., upon receiving feedback from the sensor 72 [FIG. 1], the ride controller 112 may direct the provision of power from the power source 48 [FIG. 1] to charge the energy storage component of the PED 40). The ride vehicle controller 112 may also communicate (e.g., via a wireless network 116) with a ride environment controller 118 configured to control various show effects 120 (e.g., show elements such as lights and animated figures; one or more show effects 16 of FIG. 1) in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12 as the ride vehicle moves along the ride path. The ride environment controller 118 may also be configured to direct the display of information (e.g., images) on a ride display screen 122 and / or the playing of audio via a vehicle speaker 124. The ride display screen 122 and / or the vehicle speaker 124 may be disposed in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. For example, the ride display screen 122 may be located near an end of the ride path 14, or at the exit of the attraction (e.g., by an exit door), or in an operations room designated for use by the ride operator. As another example, the ride speakers 124 may be located in a section of the ride 12 along the ride path 14.

[0044] In operation, the PED 40 may cooperate with components of the ride system 10 to enhance the passenger experience. For example, the PED retention system 24 may enable a passenger to operate a camera of the PED 40 as the ride vehicle 12 moves along the ride path 14, or may otherwise enable a camera of the PED 40 to capture images as the ride vehicle 12 moves along the ride path 14. Passengers may view images obtained by the camera of the PED 40 on a screen of the PED 40, on a display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12, on a ride display screen 122, and / or on any other screen communicatively coupled to the ride system 10. For example, the PED 40 may take images of passengers as the ride vehicle 12 descends the hill of the ride path 14, and the images may be displayed on the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12 at the exit of the ride and / or on the ride display screen 122 so that the passengers can view the images on a larger display screen (e.g., the ride display screen 122 relative to the screen of the PED 40). In some embodiments, the PED 40 may capture an image of one of the show effects 120, and the image may be displayed on the ride display screen 122 in the operations room to allow an operator to view the show effect 120 (e.g., to see if the show effect 120 is functioning properly or improperly).

[0045] In some embodiments, the PED retention system 24 may enable passengers to interact with the PED 40 and select an audio track for playback as the ride vehicle 12 moves along the ride path 14. The audio track may be played via a speaker on the PED 40, a speaker 104 on the ride vehicle 12, and / or a vehicle speaker 124. Additionally, the audio track may be selected from audio tracks stored on a storage device on the PED 40, audio tracks stored on a remote storage device outside of the ride vehicle 12 and available for streaming over a wireless network (e.g., network 116), and / or audio tracks stored on a vehicle storage device on the ride vehicle 12. For example, through communication between the PED 40 and the ride system 10, audio tracks stored on the vehicle storage device may be displayed on a screen of the PED 40 for selection by the passenger.

[0046] Various other functions can be enabled through communication between the PED 40 and the ride system 10. For example, the PED support system 24 can include an adjustable arm 90, where a passenger can control movement of the adjustable arm 90, for example, via input at the PED 40, the input device 100, and / or the display screen 114. Additionally, the PED 40 can be used to display any information that is typically displayed on the display screen 114. Thus, in some cases, the PED 40 may function as the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., in place of the display screen 114) or can function as a redundant display screen such that a passenger can view information on both the screen of the PED 40 and the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12. The various displays and screens can be configured based on user preferences and / or available devices. For example, one passenger may not have a PED 40 and may view the information on a display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12, another passenger may view the information on a display screen 114 that mirrors the screen of the PED 40, another passenger may view the information only on the screen of the PED 40, and another passenger may view the information on both the screen of the PED 40 and the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12.

[0047] The PED retention system 24 may also enable passengers to interact with other features of the ride system 10 during the ride cycle (e.g., as the ride vehicle 12 moves along the ride path 14) and / or control the show effects 120. For example, a software application on the PED 40 may enable passengers to play games related to the ride system 10 (e.g., answer trivia questions) during the ride cycle to enhance the experience. As another example, upon initiation of communication between the PED 40 and the ride environment controller 118 (e.g., via the ride vehicle controller 112 and / or via the network 116), a software application on the PED 40 may enable passengers to provide input via the PED 40 to control the show effects 120. Passengers may provide input to illuminate lights along the ride path 14, activate animated figures, or otherwise modify the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle (e.g., water effects, smoke effects, moving walls, etc.). It should be understood that the ride system 10 may also enable passengers to control effects on the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., lights on the ride vehicle 12), control the movement of the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., steering, speed), and / or otherwise affect other aspects of the ride experience via input at the PED 40.

[0048] Communication between the PED 40 and the ride system 10 allows the ride system 10 to gather information about the passenger that can enable the ride system 10 to enhance the experience for the passenger. For example, the ride system 10 can obtain information about the passenger's preferred language from the PED 40 (e.g., from a setting on the PED 40), and the ride system 10 can then provide communications (e.g., on-screen text on the PED 40, display screen 114, or vehicle display screen 122) in the passenger's preferred language. It should be understood that communication between the PED 40 and the ride system 10 and / or related functionality (e.g., selection of an audio track for the PED 40 to be played through the vehicle speakers 124, control of the show effects 120 with the PED 40) may only be available while the lock portion 60 is in the locked configuration.

[0049] As shown, the ride controller 112 may include a memory device 130 and a processor 132 that enable the ride controller 112 to control (e.g., via control signals) the components of the ride vehicle 12, including the adjustable arm 90 of the PED retention system 24. The ride environment controller 118 may include a memory device 134 and a processor 136 that enable the ride environment controller 118 to control (e.g., via control signals) the show effects 120 and other components of the ride system 10. The ride controller 112 may include a communications component 138, which may also include a communications component 140. The communications components 138, 140 enable communication between the ride vehicle controller 112 and the ride environment controller 118 over the network 116. The communications components 138, 140 may additionally or alternatively enable communication with the PED 40 over the network 116 (e.g., the PED 40 may communicate wirelessly with the ride controller 112 and / or the ride environment controller 118). For example, a passenger may provide an input directing the activation of one of the show effects 120 via the PED 40, which may be wirelessly communicated from the PED 40 to the ride environment controller 118 over the network 116.

[0050] One or more ride cameras 142 may be provided on (e.g., travel with) the ride vehicle 12 and / or one or more ride cameras 144 may be provided in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. Images obtained by the ride cameras 142 and / or the ride cameras 144 may be communicated to the PED 40 (e.g., via the wired charging system 42, the wireless charging system 44, or other suitable wired or wireless communication system) and may be displayed on a screen of the PED 40. In some cases, in response to the PED 40 being locked within the container 30, certain functionality associated with the ride vehicle cameras 142 and / or the ride cameras 144 may be made available to passengers. For example, the ride camera 142 and / or the ride camera 144 may only capture images of the passenger as they experience the ride while the PED 40 is locked within the container 30, and / or any images obtained by the ride camera 142 and / or the ride camera 144 may be provided to the passenger (e.g., provided for display on the PED 40) only while the PED 40 is locked within the container 30. Other similar techniques for incentivizing passengers to lock the PED 40 within the container 30 are envisioned. For example, passengers may be able to purchase or download any images obtained by the ride vehicle camera 142 and / or the ride camera 144 at a discounted price if the PED 40 is locked within the container 30 during the ride cycle.

[0051] The memory devices 130, 134 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media that store instructions executable by the processors 132, 136 and / or data (e.g., thresholds) processed by the processors 132, 136. For example, the memory devices 130, 134 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), rewriteable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives, optical disks, and / or the like. Additionally, the processors 132, 136 may include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Additionally, the memory devices 130, 134 may store instructions executable by the processors 132, 136 to perform the methods and control actions described herein for the vehicle system 10.

[0052] It should be understood that the vehicle control system 110 illustrated in Figure 6 is merely exemplary, and that various other configurations may be utilized to implement the techniques disclosed herein. Moreover, the various functions described herein may be divided in any suitable manner among the vehicle controller 112, the vehicle environment controller 118, and / or one or more other processing devices (e.g., the processor of the PED 40). Moreover, it should be understood that the various features and elements shown and described with reference to Figures 1-6 may be combined with or interchanged with one another.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 150 of using a PED retention system 24 in a vehicle system 10. The method 150 disclosed herein includes various steps represented by blocks. It should be noted that at least some steps of the method 150 may be performed as an automated procedure by a system, such as the vehicle system 10. Although the flow chart illustrates the steps in a certain order, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any suitable order and that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, where appropriate. Additionally, steps may be added or omitted from the method 150. Additionally, certain steps or portions of the method 150 may be performed by separate devices. For example, a first portion of the method 150 may be performed by the processor 132 of the vehicle controller 112, while a second portion of the method 150 may be performed by the processor 136 of the vehicle environment controller 118.

[0054] In step 152, the method 150 may begin with the PED retention system 24 receiving or mating with the PED 40. For example, a passenger may place the PED 40 in the container 30 and / or couple the PED 40 to the wired charging system 42. In step 154, the locking portion 60 of the PED retention system 24 may be adjusted from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to prevent access to the PED 40 and / or to prevent the PED 40 from being separated from the ride vehicle 12 during a ride cycle. In step 156, the charging system 42, 44 of the PED retention system 24 may charge an energy storage component of the PED 40. In some embodiments, the charging system 42, 44 may charge an energy storage component of the PED 40 in response to the locking portion 60 being in the locked configuration.

[0055] At step 158, the camera of the PED 40 may be used to capture images during the ride cycle. In some embodiments, the camera may be accessible to the passenger and / or operable in response to the lock 60 being in the locked configuration. At step 160, the PED 40 may be used to select and / or play an audio track during the ride cycle. In some embodiments, the selection and / or playback functionality may be available in response to the lock 60 being in the locked configuration. At step 162, the PED 40 may be used to control features of the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., adjustable arm 90, movement of the ride vehicle 12) and / or features in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., show effects 120). In some embodiments, the PED 40 may be operable to control such features in response to the lock 60 being in the locked configuration.

[0056] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes which fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0057] The approaches presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Moreover, when any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as a "means for "performing" a "function" or a "step for "performing" a "function," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim that contains an element designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10 Vehicle System 12 Vehicles 14 Vehicle Routes 16 Show Effects 18 seats 20 Passenger Restraints 22 PED Retention Device 24 PED Retention System

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle system comprising: A personal electronic device (PED) retention system for a ride vehicle, The PED retention system comprises: a locking portion configured to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock the PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle; a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED during the ride cycle; Equipped with A vehicle system, wherein the PED retention system is configured to enable functionality of a software application on the PED in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the lock.

2. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the PED support system comprises a container configured to house the PED during the vehicle cycle.

3. The vehicle system of claim 2 , wherein the PED retention system comprises a compressible material configured to contact the PED and inhibit movement of the PED relative to the container while the PED is housed within the container.

4. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the charging system is configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the lock.

5. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the charging system comprises a wired charging system including a cable having a connector configured to connect to a corresponding connector on the PED.

6. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the charging system includes a wireless charging system configured to wirelessly charge an energy storage component of the PED.

7. 2. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the PED retention system comprises an adjustable arm configured to move to adjust a position of the PED relative to a frame of the ride vehicle during the ride cycle, and an electronic controller configured to control the adjustable arm to move to adjust a position of the PED relative to a frame of the ride vehicle during the ride cycle.

8. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the PED holding system is configured to enable use of a camera of the PED during the vehicle cycle.

9. 2. The ride vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the PED retention system includes an opening that allows the passenger to view a display screen of the PED while the PED is locked to the ride vehicle via the lock portion.

10. 2. The ride system of claim 1, further comprising a camera on the ride vehicle or in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle, and in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the locking portion, functionality associated with the camera is made available to the passenger.

11. 2. The ride system of claim 1, further comprising a ride vehicle display screen on the ride vehicle, the ride vehicle display screen configured to mirror the display screen of the PED while the PED is locked to the ride vehicle via the locking portion.

12. 2. The ride system of claim 1, further comprising a ride control system configured to communicatively couple to the PED, the ride control system configured to enable input from the passenger at the PED to affect show effects in an environment surrounding the ride vehicle during the ride cycle.

13. 13. The ride system of claim 12, wherein the ride control system is configured to enable input from the passenger at the PED to affect the show effects in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the locking portion.

14. a personal electronic device (PED) retention system for the ride vehicle, comprising: a container configured to house a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle during a ride cycle, the container enabling a ride controller of the ride vehicle to interface with a camera of the PED during the ride cycle; a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED while the PED is housed within the container during the ride cycle; a locking unit configured to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock the PED within the container, the PED retention system being configured to enable functionality of a software application in response to the PED being locked within the container via the locking unit; A personal electronic device (PED) holding system comprising:

15. 15. The PED holding system of claim 14, wherein the charging system is configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED in response to the PED being locked within the container via the locking portion.

16. 15. The PED support system of claim 14, further comprising an adjustable arm coupled to the container, the adjustable arm configured to move to adjust the position of the container and the PED relative to a frame of the ride vehicle during the ride cycle.

17. 1. A method of operating a personal electronic device (PED) retention system during a ride cycle, comprising: charging an energy storage component of the PED during the ride cycle using a charging system of the PED retention system in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via a lock portion of the PED retention system; enabling functionality of a software application on the PED in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the lock; A method comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, including the step of allowing access to a camera of the PED during the ride cycle in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the lock.

19. 20. The method of claim 17, comprising receiving an input via the PED and using an electronic controller to control a characteristic of the ride vehicle based on the input, or to control a characteristic of a show effect in an environment surrounding the ride vehicle based on the input.

20. 1. A system comprising: a container configured to receive a guest's personal electronic device (PED); a locking mechanism configured to lock the guest's PED within the container; one or more processors; a memory device storing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, in response to the PED being locked in the container by the locking portion, cause the one or more processors to activate an input feature of a software application on the PED to enable input via the input feature while the PED is locked in the container via the locking portion; A system comprising:

21. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by the PED based on the input provided by the guest via the input feature while the PED is locked within the container via the lock; transmitting a control signal for controlling at least one characteristic based on said data; wherein the feature is physically separate from the PED, and the at least one feature includes a camera, a light emitting element, or both.

21. The system of claim 20.

22. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by the PED based on the input provided by the guest via the input feature while the PED is locked within the container via the lock; transmitting a control signal for controlling an animated character based on said data; wherein the animation character is physically separated from the PED.

21. The system of claim 20.

23. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the container is coupled to or integrally formed with a vehicle configured to transport the guests.

24. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by the PED based on the input provided by the guest via the input feature while the PED is locked within the container via the lock; transmitting a control signal to control a feature of the vehicle based on the data; 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the features include a speed controller for the vehicle, a direction controller for the vehicle, or both.

25. an adjustable arm configured to couple the container to the vehicle; The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by a PED based on the input provided by the guest via the input feature while the PED is locked within the container via the lock; sending a control signal to control the adjustable arm based on the data; The system of claim 23 .

26. The system of claim 20 , comprising a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED.

27. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the charging system is configured to charge the energy storage component of the PED in response to the PED being locked within the container via the lock.

28. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by the PED based on the input provided by the guest via the input feature while the PED is locked within the container via the lock; transmitting control signals that control features of an attraction based on the data to provide the guest with a personalized experience at the attraction; Let them do so, 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the attraction feature is physically separate from the PED.

29. 30. The system of claim 28, wherein one of the one or more processors is on-board the PED.

30. A system for the environment, comprising: a container configured to couple a personal electronic device (PED) of a guest of the environment to a structure of the environment during a cycle between entering and leaving the guest in the environment, the container including a lock configured to transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to secure the PED within the container during the cycle; one or more processors; a memory device storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a signal indicating that the PED is secured within the container via the lock during the cycle; and, in response to receiving a signal indicating that the PED is secured within the container via the lock during the cycle, activate an input feature of a software application on the PED to enable the guest to provide input to the PED; A system comprising:

31. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by the PED based on the input provided to the PED by the guest while the PED is secured within the container via the lock during the cycle; transmitting a control signal for controlling a characteristic of the environment during the cycle based on the data; 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the features are physically separate from the PED, and the features include a camera in the environment, light emitting elements in the environment, animated characters in the environment, or any combination thereof.

32. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the structure comprises a vehicle configured to transport the guest through the environment.

33. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by the PED based on the input provided to the PED by the guest while the PED is secured within the container via the lock during a cycle; transmitting control signals for controlling features of the vehicle during the cycle based on the data; 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the features include a speed controller for the vehicle, a direction controller for the vehicle, or both.

34. The system of claim 30 , comprising a charging system configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED.

35. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data generated by the PED based on input provided to the PED by the guest while the PED is secured within the container via the lock during the cycle; transmitting a control signal to control a characteristic of the environment during the cycle based on the data; Let them do so, The system of claim 30 , wherein the feature is physically separate from the PED.

36. 1. A method comprising: receiving, at one or more processors, a signal indicating that a lock is in a locked position to secure a guest's personal electronic device (PED) to a structure of the environment; initiating, via the one or more processors, an input feature of a software application on the PED in response to receiving the signal indicating that the locking portion is in the locked position to secure the guest's PED to a structure of the environment; A method comprising:

37. receiving, in the one or more processors, data generated by the PED based on inputs provided to the PED by the guest using input features of the software application on the PED during the guest's cycling through the environment between boarding and disembarking; sending, via the one or more processors, control signals for controlling features of the environment during the cycle based on the data, the features being physically separate from the PED; 37. The method of claim 36, comprising:

38. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the features include a camera in the environment, a light emitting element in the environment, a speaker in the environment, an animated character in the environment, or any combination thereof.

39. 40. The method of claim 37, wherein the structure comprises a vehicle that transports the guest through the environment, and the features include a speed controller for the vehicle, a direction controller for the vehicle, or both.

Images