Detection Systems for Interactive Systems

Abstract

The interactive system includes a device configured to output a signal toward a surface, the signal reflecting off the surface along a path of travel at a predetermined angle, and an object obstructing the signal's path of travel causing a return signal to travel in the opposite direction along the path of travel for reception by the device. The interactive system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the device. The control system is configured to receive data from the device related to reception of the return signal by the device and to determine a position of the object relative to the device based on the data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 005,883, entitled "SENSING SYSTEM FOR AN INTERACTIVE SYSTEM," filed April 6, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, as 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.

[0003] Amusement parks include a variety of attractions that provide a unique experience for park guests. For example, amusement parks may include a variety of rides and show performances. As attractions have become more sophisticated and complex, expectations regarding the entertainment quality of the attractions have correspondingly increased. As a result, improved and more creative attractions are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be noted that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these particular embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] The interactive system includes a device configured to output a signal toward a surface, the signal reflecting off the surface along a path of travel at a predetermined angle, and an object obstructing the signal's path of travel causing a return signal to travel in the opposite direction along the path of travel for reception by the device. The interactive system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the device. The control system is configured to receive data from the device related to reception of the return signal by the device and, based on the data, determine a position of the object relative to the device.

[0006] The interactive system includes a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and forming a space between the first surface and the second surface, and a device configured to output a signal toward the first surface, the signal reflecting off the first surface along a path of travel toward the second surface, and an object obstructing the path of travel of the signal causing the signal to reflect off the object to form a return signal traveling in the opposite direction along the path of travel for reception by the device. The interactive system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the device. The control system is configured to receive data from the device related to reception of the return signal by the device and to determine the presence of an object in the space based on the data.

[0007] The interactive system includes a first surface, a second surface positioned relative to the first surface to form a space between the first and second surfaces, and a device configured to output a signal into the space, the signal reflecting off the first and second surfaces along a path of travel within the space, and an object blocking the signal's path of travel causing the signal to reflect off the object to form a return signal traveling in the opposite direction along the path of travel for reception by the device. The device is configured to, upon receiving the return signal, determine a distance traveled by the return signal. The interactive system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the device. The control system is configured to receive data from the device indicative of the distance traveled by the return signal and, based on the data, determine a position of the object relative to the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an interactive system having an interactive feature and a detection system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the interactive system of FIG. 1, where the sensing system is configured to output signals traveling along two axes, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of the interactive system of FIG. 1 in which a sensing system is used to detect interactions with interactive features, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of the interactive system of FIG. 1 in which a detection system is used to detect another interaction with an interactive feature, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the interactive system of FIG. 1, where the interactive feature includes multiple interactive components, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an interactive system having a detection system configured to determine a height of a user, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive system having a sensing system configured to output signals traveling in three axes, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the interactive system of FIG. 7, where the sensing system is configured to determine a profile of the object, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any industrial design or engineering project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developers' particular goals, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will further be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless represent a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] 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 element. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. One or more specific embodiments of the present embodiments are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It will be recognized that, as with any industrial design or engineering project, development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developers' particular goals, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will further be recognized that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a detection system configured to detect interactions. The detection system can be used in attractions, such as attractions in amusement parks. For example, the attraction can include features (e.g., physical props, display screens, walls) with which guests of the attraction can interact. The detection system can be used to detect the occurrence of and / or determine the location of an interaction between a guest and the feature, such as a particular portion of the feature that the guest touches. The feature can then be updated based on the detected interaction between the guest and the feature, for example, to provide a unique entertainment experience for the guest. Various other actions can be taken based on the detected interaction between the guest and the feature, for example, to store information related to the interaction.

[0013] In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a detection system having a device (e.g., a ranging device) configured to emit a signal (e.g., laser, infrared) that travels along a path that traverses multiple directions. For example, the detection system can include a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite each other to form a space between them. The device can be configured to output a signal toward the first surface such that the signal reflects off the first surface toward the second surface. The signal can then continue traveling within the space by reflecting off the first and second surfaces to travel along a substantial length of the space. If an object, such as a visitor, is positioned within the space and blocks the signal's path of travel, the signal can reflect off the object and return to the device, where it can be received by the device. The received signal can then facilitate determining the location of the object within the space. Thus, such a detection system can facilitate detecting and / or locating the occurrence of an interaction between an object and a signal without using multiple sensors, such as multiple sensors positioned at various locations to emit respective signals in different directions. In this manner, the disclosed detection system can reduce the cost and / or complexity associated with manufacturing, operating, and / or maintaining the detection system.

[0014] With the above in mind, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interactive system 50 having an interactive feature 52 (e.g., a physical prop, a display screen, a wall surface). A user 54 (e.g., an attraction guest) may interact with the interactive feature 52 during operation of the interactive system 50. For example, the user 54 may come into contact with a portion of the interactive feature 52. The interactive feature 52 may include or be associated with a detection system 56 configured to facilitate detecting and / or determining the location of an interaction between the user 54 and the interactive feature 52. That is, the detection system 56 may detect that the user 54 has interacted with the interactive feature 52, and further, the detection system 56 may determine the location of the interaction relative to the interactive feature 52. It should be noted that while FIG. 1 depicts the user 54 interacting with the interactive feature 52, the detection system 56 may detect an interaction between the interactive feature 52 and any suitable object, such as a vehicle, debris, etc.

[0015] In one embodiment, the detection system 56 is communicatively coupled to a control system 58 (e.g., an electronic controller) of the interaction system 50. The control system 58 may include a memory 60 and a processor 62, such as a microprocessor. The memory 60 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or some other non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions for operating the interaction system 50. The processor 62 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or some combination thereof, configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 60 to operate the detection system 56 and / or other components of the interaction system 50, for example, to determine the location of an interaction between the user 54 and the interactive feature 52.

[0016] In one embodiment, the interactive system 50 may be part of an attraction that may be present in an amusement park. Illustratively, the interactive features 52 may be part of an interactive activity (e.g., a game, a show, a ride) and may further include a display 64 (e.g., a display screen, a wall) configured to display images viewable and / or selectable by the user 54. For example, the user 54 may interact with the interactive features 52, such as by touching to select one of the images presented on the display 64. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the interactive system 50 may be part of a path along which the user 54 travels, and the interactive features 52 may facilitate determining characteristics of the user 54. As an example, the control system 58 may determine where the user 54 travels along the path based on the interaction between the user 54 and the interactive features 52. As an example, the control system 58 may determine physical characteristics of the user 54 (e.g., height, profile) via the sensing system 56. As an example, the interactive feature 52 may be part of a perimeter fence (e.g., an enclosure), and the control system 58 may determine an interaction with the perimeter fence to determine the security characteristics of the perimeter fence.

[0017] The control system 58 may also perform additional operations of the interaction system 50 based on the interaction, such as based on the determined location of the interaction between the user 54 and the interactive feature 52. As an example, the control system 58 may update the display 64 of the interactive feature 52 (e.g., by changing the image on the display 64) and / or update another portion of the interaction system 50 (e.g., animated figures, ride vehicle movement, lights, sounds) to provide a more interactive activity for the user 54 for entertainment purposes. As an example, the control system 58 may control the operation of the detection system 56, such as how the detection system 56 is positioned relative to the interactive feature 52. Thus, the control system 58 may adjust how the location of the interaction between the user 54 and the interactive feature 52 may be determined.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interactive system 50 having a detection system 56. The illustrated detection system 56 includes a device 90 configured to output a signal 92 (e.g., via a transmitter of the device 90). For example, the device 90 may include any suitable ranging or distance measuring device, such as a laser ranging device, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, a radar device, an acoustic navigation and ranging (sonar) device, a photometer, an ultrasonic ranging device, or any other suitable device. Furthermore, the signal 92 may include light (e.g., infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light) or other suitable components that may travel along a path (e.g., a signal path). After being output from the device 90, the signal 92 may reflect off an object (e.g., the user 54 of FIG. 1 ), return to the device 90, and be received by the device 90 (e.g., via a receiver of the device 90). Based on one or more characteristics of the return of the signal 92, such as the time of travel of the signal 92, the wavelength of the signal 92, and / or the angle of receipt of the signal 92, the device 90 (or control system 58) can determine the distance between the device 90 and the object. Thus, the device 90 can facilitate determining the position of the object relative to the device 90 and relative to the interactive feature 52.

[0019] In one embodiment, the detection system 56 can guide the signal 92 to travel along a particular travel path 93 (e.g., a signal path) in the interactive system 50. To this end, the detection system 56 can include a first surface 94 and a second surface 96, each of which can be made of a reflective material such as metal or glass. The first surface 94 and the second surface 96 can be positioned relative to one another (e.g., opposite one another) to form a space 98 between the surfaces 94, 96. For example, the first surface 94 and the second surface 96 can be substantially parallel to one another. The device 90 can be oriented and positioned relative to the surfaces 94, 96 to output the signal 92 to contact the second surface 96 at an angle 100 that is not substantially perpendicular to the second surface 96, such that the signal 92 travels a first length 102 from the device 90 to the second surface. The reflective properties of second surface 96 allow signal 92 to reflect off second surface 96 within space 98 and contact first surface 94 at angle 100 (e.g., an angle that is not substantially perpendicular to first surface 94). Thus, signal 92 travels a second length 104 from second surface 96 to first surface 94, the distance across second length 104 being substantially the same as the distance across first length 102. The reflective properties of first surface 94 then reflect signal 92 back to second surface 96 at angle 100 to travel a third length 106, and signal 92 can continue to travel away from device 90 within space 98, reflecting between first surface 94 and second surface 96 along the respective lengths (e.g., vertical lengths) of surfaces 94, 96, unless an object obstructs signal 92's travel path 93. In this manner, the travel path 93 of the illustrated signal 92 may include a zigzag or wave-like (e.g., triangular) pattern extending through the space 98 in a direction away from the device 90 .

[0020] Although the illustrated signal 92 travels within the space 98 along five units indicated by grid lines across the space 98 relative to the length of the surfaces 94, 96, the signal 92 may travel along any suitable number of units based on parameters of the surfaces 94, 96 (e.g., length, reflective properties), parameters of the signal 92 (e.g., signal strength), and / or parameters of the device 90 (e.g., orientation). In one embodiment, the signal 92 may travel substantially along a plane formed by a first axis 108 (e.g., horizontal axis, x-axis) and a second axis 110 (e.g., vertical axis, y-axis), such as by reversing direction relative to the first axis 108 each time the signal 92 reflects off one of the surfaces 94, 96. Thus, the signal 92 may travel in two dimensions within the space 98, and the various lengths may have specific relationships to one another. For example, the first length 102 and the third length 106 can be substantially parallel to each other, and the second length 104 and the third length 106 can be symmetrical about an axis substantially parallel to the first axis 108.

[0021] Note that the path of travel 93 of the signal 92 within the space 98 can be based on the orientation of the device 90 relative to the surfaces 94, 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the space 98 spans five units relative to a first axis 108 and five units relative to a second axis 110, as indicated by the grid lines that intersect the space 98. Additionally, the device 90 is oriented such that each length of the signal 92 (e.g., lengths 102, 104, 106) spans five units relative to the first axis 108 and one unit relative to the second axis 110. In this manner, the signal 92 can be considered to have a resolution of one unit. However, by changing the orientation of the device 90 (e.g., changing the contact angle 100 between the signal 92 and the second surface 96), the characteristics of the lengths of the signal 92 (e.g., lengths 102, 104, 106) can be changed. For example, decreasing the angle 100 can increase the resolution. As one example, each length of signal 92 (e.g., lengths 102, 104, 106) may extend five units along first axis 108 and two units along second axis 110 such that signal 92 has a resolution of two units, and travel path 93 may include fewer lengths within space 98 to span the lengths of surfaces 94, 96. Additionally, increasing angle 100 results in reduced resolution. As another example, each length of signal 92 may extend five units along first axis 108 and half a unit along second axis 110 such that signal 92 has a resolution of half a unit, and signal 92 may include more lengths within space 98 to span the lengths of surfaces 94, 96.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an interactive system 50 in which a sensing system 56 is used to detect an object 130 (e.g., a portion of a guest) within a space 98 and determine the position of the object 130 within the space 98 relative to a device 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the object 130 is positioned along a first length 102 of a path of travel 93 of a signal 92. As a result, the signal 92 can travel along a first portion 132 of the path of travel 93, shown by a solid line in FIG. 3 . The signal 92 can then reflect off the object 130 and return to the device 90 along the first portion 132 of the path of travel 93 in the opposite direction (e.g., as a return signal). Thus, the signal 92 does not travel along the remaining second portion 134 of the path of travel 93, shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3 . Instead, the signal 92 travels from the object 130 back to the device 90 by traveling in the opposite direction along the first portion 132 of the path of travel 93.

[0023] The device 90 may receive the signal 92 and, based on a characteristic of the signal 92, may determine a distance traveled by the signal 92 (e.g., along a first portion 132 of the path of travel 93). For example, the characteristic of the signal 92 may indicate that the distance traveled is associated with the first portion 132. The device 90 may transmit the determined distance to the control system 58, which may determine a position of the object 130 in the space 98 relative to the device 90 based on the determined distance and parameters associated with the path of travel 93 of the signal 92. The control system 58 may determine a first coordinate (e.g., an x-coordinate) relative to the first axis 108 according to a first equation: x=sine(a)×D First equation where x is the first coordinate, a is the contact angle 100 between the signal 92 and the second surface 96, and D is the reverse travel distance along the travel path 93 (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 132). Additionally, the control system 58 can determine a second coordinate (e.g., a y coordinate) relative to the second axis 110 by the following second equation: y=cosine(a)×D Second equation where y is the second coordinate, a is the contact angle 100 between the signal 92 and the second surface 96, and D is the reverse travel distance along the travel path 93 (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 132). Thus, the control system 58 can determine the first and second coordinates of the object 130 within the space 98 based on the distance determined by the device 90.

[0024] 4 is a schematic diagram of the interactive system 50 in which the sensing system 56 is used to detect another object 160 within a space 98 and to determine the position of the object 160 within the space 98 relative to the device 90. While FIGS. 3 and 4 are described with reference to different objects (e.g., object 130 in FIG. 3 and object 160 in FIG. 4) for ease of discussion and clarity of image, it should be noted that the present technique can detect the same object (e.g., object 130 in FIG. 3) at different positions and within the space 98 (e.g., at the position in FIG. 3 at one time and at the position in FIG. 4 at another time during a series of interactions between the object 130 and the interactive system 50).

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the object 160 is positioned along the third length 106 of the path of travel 93 of the signal 92. As a result, the signal 92 can travel along a third portion 162 of the path of travel 93, which is shown in solid line in FIG. 4 . The third portion 162 can include the entire first length 102, the entire second length 104, and a portion of the third length 106. The signal 92 can reflect off the object 160 and return to the device 90 in the opposite direction along the third portion 162 of the path of travel 93 (e.g., as a return signal). In other words, the signal 92 travels from the object 160 to the device 90 along a portion of the third length 106, the entire second length 104, and the entire first length 102. As a result, the signal 92 does not travel along the remaining fourth portion 164 of the path of travel 93, which is shown in dashed line in FIG. 4 .

[0026] Upon receiving the signal 92 reflected from the object 160, the device 90 can determine the distance traveled by the signal 92 (e.g., the return signal) in the reverse direction along the third portion 162 of the path of travel 93. The device 90 can transmit the determined distance to the control system 58, which can determine the position of the object 160 in the space 98 relative to the device 90 based on the determined distance and parameters related to the path of travel 93 of the signal 92. Note that the first and second equations can be used to accurately calculate the position of the object 130 shown in FIG. 3 in the space 98 when the object 130 is located in a portion of the first length 102. However, because the object 160 is located in another portion of the path of travel 93 of the signal 92 after the first length 102, e.g., the third length 106, the first equation can be modified to determine the first coordinate of the object 160 shown in FIG. 4. This is because the first equation does not take into account that the signal 92 reverses direction relative to the first axis 108 upon reflection from the surfaces 94, 96. Rather, in such cases, the first coordinate can be determined by the third equation. x=sine(a)×Rem(D / L) Third equation where a is the contact angle 100 between the signal 92 and the second surface 96, D is the reverse travel distance along the travel path 93 (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, the third portion 162 including the first length 102, the second length 104, and part of the third length 106), L is the distance associated with the entirety of one of the lengths 102, 104, 106 (e.g., the entire length 102 from the first end at the first surface 94 to the second end at the second surface 96), and Rem(D / L) is the remainder when the distance D is divided by the distance L. That is, Rem(D / L) indicates the portion 166 of the last length traveled by the signal 92 (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, the third length 106). The second coordinate of the object 160 can still be determined by the second equation above because it will not be affected by reflections of the signal 92 from the surfaces 94, 96. In other words, signal 92 does not reverse direction relative to second axis 110 upon reflection off surfaces 94, 96 along path of travel 93 until it strikes object 160. In certain embodiments, the first coordinate and / or the second coordinate may be rounded to the nearest integer, the nearest tenth, etc. after calculation by the first equation, the second equation, or the third equation to represent an estimate of the first coordinate and / or the second coordinate.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interactive system 50 having a sensing system 56 implemented with an interactive feature 52, which may include an interactive component 200 with which a user (e.g., user 54 of FIG. 1 ) can interact. In one embodiment, the interactive feature 52 may include a display (e.g., display 64), and the interactive component 200 may include an icon or image presented on the display, where the user can approach and / or touch the image to interact with the interactive feature 52. Additionally or alternatively, the interactive component 200 may include a physical object with which the user can interact. For example, the interactive component 200 may include specific interface features, including buttons, dials, rollers, blocks, animated figures, etc. The interactive component 200 may be positioned to interrupt the signal 92 when the user approaches and / or touches the interactive component 200. In particular, interaction between the user and interactive feature 52 can cause signal 92 to be reflected back to device 90, which can determine the distance that signal 92 (e.g., a return signal) travels in the opposite direction along path of travel 93 in the manner described above with respect to Figures 2-4. Control system 58 can receive the distance from device 90 and can determine the location of the interaction between the user and interactive feature 52 (e.g., a first coordinate along first axis 108 and a second coordinate along second axis 110). Control system 58 can then determine which of interactive components 200 the user interacted with based on the locations of the interactive components 200 within space 98 (e.g., known locations, such as known coordinates along first axis 108 and second axis 110) and the location of the interaction between the user and interactive feature 52 (e.g., determined location).

[0028] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first interactive component 200A is positioned proximate the second surface 96 such that the third length 106 and the fourth length 202 of the path of travel 93 of the signal 92 extend across the first interactive component 200A. Additionally, the second interactive component 200B is positioned above the first interactive component 200A relative to the second axis 110 and is substantially centered between the surfaces 94, 96 such that the fifth length 204 of the path of travel 93 of the signal 92 extends across the second interactive component 200B. By determining the location of the interaction between the user and the interactive feature 52, the control system 58 can determine whether the user has interacted with the first interactive component 200A or the second interactive component 200B.

[0029] For example, based on the distance determined by the device 90, the control system 58 can determine that the user interacted at a first position 206 of the interactive feature 52. The control system 58 can compare the first position 206 (e.g., x, y coordinates) of the interactive feature 52 with the positions (e.g., x, y coordinates) of each of the interactive components 200 to determine which of the interactive components 200 the user interacted with. In this case, the control system 58 can determine that the first position 206 matches (e.g., substantially matches, overlaps) the position of the first interactive component 200A and determine that the user interacted with the first interactive component 200A. Similarly, the control system 58 can determine that the user interacted at a second position 208 of the interactive feature 52, and the control system 58 can determine that the second position 208 matches (e.g., substantially matches, overlaps) the position of the second interactive component 200B and determine that the user interacted with the second interactive component 200B. Further, the control system 58 may determine that the user interacted at a third location 210 of the interactive feature 52, and the control system 58 may determine that the third location 210 does not substantially coincide with the location of any of the interactive components 200. Thus, upon determining that the user interacted at the third location 210, the control system 58 may determine that the user did not interact with any of the interactive components 200. In this manner, the control system 58 may determine whether an interaction between the user and the interactive component 200 occurred without the use of additional sensors, such as sensors (e.g., positioned on the interactive component 200 or around the interactive feature 52) configured to directly determine the interaction between the user and the interactive component 200. Indeed, the configuration of the device 90 and / or the signal 92 output by the device 90 may be sufficient to enable the determination of the occurrence and location of interactions between various objects and the interactive feature 52.

[0030] Based on the determined interaction between the user and the interactive feature 52 (e.g., one of the interactive components 200), the control system 58 can perform further actions. As one example, the control system 58 can cause the interactive feature 52 (e.g., on the interactive feature 52) to present a different image in response to determining that the user has interacted with one of the interactive components 200. For example, the control system 58 can display the movement of the corresponding interactive component 200 to present a realistic interaction between the user and the interactive component 200. In another example, the control system 58 can be communicatively coupled to a database 212, and the control system 58 can update the database 212 based on the interaction. The database 212 can store, for example, information related to the user (e.g., the number of points associated with a stored user profile), and the control system 58 can update the information stored on the database 212 (e.g., adding additional points to the user profile). Thus, the interaction system 50 can provide users with interactive activities, such as activities (e.g., games) in which multiple users can compete with each other to accumulate the greatest amount of points.

[0031] In additional or alternative embodiments, the control system 58 can perform an action based on whether or not there is an interaction with the interactive feature 52, regardless of the specific location of the interaction with the interactive feature 52. To this end, the interactive feature 52 may not include the interactive component 200. Instead, for example, the interactive system 50 can be positioned adjacent to an entrance (e.g., a hallway, a space) to a room so that the control system 58 can determine whether a user has passed through the entrance to enter the room (e.g., so that the signal 92 travels from one side of the entrance to another side of the entrance, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 ). For example, in response to determining that a user has passed through the entrance, the control system 58 can turn on a light to illuminate the room. In another implementation, if the control system 58 determines that someone has passed through the entrance in an unauthorized manner (e.g., during a time interval in which occupancy of the room is prevented), the control system 58 can output a notification, such as a visual output (e.g., a light), an audio output (e.g., a sound), a notification to a mobile device, or the like. In either case, the control system 58 may perform some appropriate action based on the determined occurrence of an interaction with the interactive feature 52 without determining the specific location of the interaction.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interaction system 50 in which a detection system 56 is configured to determine the height of a user 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the user 54 may navigate through a space 98 formed by surfaces 94, 96 of the detection system 56. That is, the interaction system 50 may form the space 98 as a passageway 228 (e.g., an entrance) through which the user 54 may navigate. For example, the passageway 228 may be adjacent to the entrance of an attraction such as a roller coaster, water ride, tower drop, or the like, such that the user may navigate through the space 98 before entering the attraction. As a result, the interaction system 50 may determine the height of each user passing through the passageway 228 to determine whether the user is eligible to experience the attraction (e.g., by exceeding a height threshold). To this end, the device 90 may be positioned and oriented to output the signal 92 at a downward angle relative to the first axis 108 and the second axis 110. As the user 54 passes through the space 98 along a direction that may generally be substantially perpendicular to the first axis 108 and the second axis 110, the signal 92 may reflect off a portion of the user 54. Because the signal 92 travels generally downward relative to the second axis 110, the signal 92 may reflect off of or near the top of the user 54 and return to the device 90, providing the device 90 with a determined distance. The device 90 may transmit the determined distance to the control system 58, which may determine the location of the reflection from the user 54 (e.g., a second coordinate of the reflection relative to the second axis 110). The control system 58 may further determine the height of the user 54 based on the determined location of the reflection. For example, the control system 58 may determine the reflection distance relative to the floor 232 to determine the height of the user 54.

[0033] The control system 58 can then perform additional actions based on the determined height of the user 54. As one example, if the height of the user 54 does not exceed a predetermined height threshold, the control system 58 can output a notification, e.g., to an operator, indicating that the height of the user 54 is below the height threshold. In an additional example, the control system 58 can monitor and / or store the heights of various users 54 over time to determine height characteristics of the users 54. In this manner, the control system 58 can determine whether an attraction appeals to users with a predetermined anthropometry, for example, to determine the popularity of the attraction. Modifications or improvements to the attraction can then be made based on the determined height of the user 54.

[0034] 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive system 50 having a sensing system 56 configured to output a signal 92 traveling along a first axis 108, a second axis 110, and a third axis 240 (e.g., perpendicular axes). Specifically, the second axis 110 can be oriented at an acute angle relative to the third axis 240, rather than a substantially perpendicular angle. Thus, the signal 92 can travel along a plane formed by the first axis 108 and the second axis 110, across a plane formed by the first axis 108 and the third axis 240, and across a plane formed by the second axis 110 and the third axis 240, such that the signal 92 is directed along a three-dimensional path of travel 93 within a space 98 between a first surface 94 and a second surface 96. To this end, surfaces 94, 96 may be shaped, positioned, and / or oriented in an appropriate manner, and device 90 may be positioned and / or oriented to output signal 92 toward surfaces 94, 96 (e.g., toward the second surface). Device 90 may be positioned and / or oriented to output signal 92 toward surfaces 94, 96 (e.g., toward the second surface 96) along a plane formed by first axis 108 and second axis 110, where second axis 110 is oriented at a particular angle relative to third axis 240. That is, device 90 may be oriented to output signal 92 at a particular angle relative to the plane formed by first axis 108 and second axis 110, at a particular angle relative to the plane formed by first axis 108 and third axis 240, and / or at a particular angle relative to the plane formed by second axis 110 and third axis 240. Thus, the travel path 93 of the signal 92 can be determined, such that the location of the reflection of the signal 92 can also be determined. For example, the location of the reflection relative to the plane formed by the first axis 108 and the second axis 110 can be determined by the first equation, the second equation, and / or the third equation.Furthermore, the position of the reflection relative to the plane formed by the first axis 108 and the third axis 240 and / or the position of the reflection relative to the plane formed by the second axis 110 relative to the third axis 240 can be determined based on the angle between the second axis 110 relative to the third axis 240 and the position of the reflection relative to the plane formed by the first axis 108 and the second axis 110. In practice, the position of the reflection of the signal 92 can include a first coordinate relative to the first axis 108, a second coordinate relative to the second axis 110, and / or a third coordinate relative to the third axis 240, where the third coordinate relative to the third axis 240 can be determined based at least in part on the first coordinate relative to the first axis 108 and the second coordinate relative to the second axis 110. Thus, the position or reflection of the signal 92 can be determined in three-dimensional space.

[0035] 8 is a side view of an embodiment of an interaction system 50 having a detection system 56 arranged as shown in FIG. 7 , where the detection system 56 is configured to output a signal 92 traveling relative to the first axis 108, the second axis 110, and the third axis 240. The illustrated interaction system 50 can be used to determine the profile of various objects, such as the physical profile of a user 54, that may pass through a space 98 formed by the detection system 56. Illustratively, the user 54 may generally travel along a direction 250 through the space (e.g., perpendicular to the third axis 240 and the first axis 108). The user 54 may be at a first position 252 at a first operating time of the interaction system 50, such that the signal 92 reflects off the user 54 at the first position 254 (e.g., the feet of the user 54). The control system 58 can then associate the first position 254 (e.g., height relative to the second axis 110) with the first operating time of the interaction system 50. The user 54 may be at a second position 256 at a second operating time after the first operating time of the interaction system 50, with the signal 92 reflecting back to the user 54 at a second position 258 (e.g., the torso of the user 54). The control system 58 may then associate the second position 258 with the second operating time of the interaction system 50. The user 54 may be at a third operating time after the second operating time of the interaction system 50, with the signal 92 reflecting back to the user 54 at a third position 260 (e.g., the head of the user 54). The control system 58 may then associate the third position 262 with the third operating time of the interaction system 50. Based on the respective associations between the determined positions 254, 258, 262 and times, the control system 58 may determine the type of object in the space, such as, in the illustrated embodiment, that the user 54 is a person.

[0036] In one embodiment, the control system 58 can identify and / or distinguish objects passing through the space 98, for example, by matching techniques (e.g., matching a profile with one of a plurality of stored profiles). For example, the control system 58 can identify the user 54 as a person and / or distinguish the user 54 from other objects, such as strollers, animals, props, etc. For example, other objects may have different associations between reflected position and time. In additional or alternative embodiments, the control system 58 can distinguish the user 54 from other users. For example, the control system 58 can determine certain characteristics of the user 54, such as the height of the user 54, the geometric shape of the user 54's profile, or some other suitable characteristic of the user 54. The control system 58 can then distinguish each user 54 from one another based on the determined characteristics. In either case, the control system 58 can determine the profiles of objects passing through the space 98 to identify and / or distinguish the objects from one another.

[0037] While only certain features of the present disclosure 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 as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0038] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 50 Interactive Systems 52 Control System 54 users 56 Detection System 58 Control Systems 60 memory 62 processors 64 displays

Claims

1. 1. An interactive system comprising: an apparatus configured to output a signal toward a surface, the signal reflecting off the surface along a path of travel that extends at an angle along a plane formed by a first axis and a second axis, an object that interrupts the path of travel of the signal causing the signal to return along the path of travel in a reverse direction for reception by the apparatus, the signal reflecting off the surface before reaching the object; a control system communicatively coupled to the device; Equipped with The control system includes: receiving data from the device, the data relating to the receipt of the return signal by the device; determining a position of the object relative to a position of an interactive component configured to interact with the object and relative to the first axis, the second axis, or both based on the data; An interactive system that is configured to:

2. The interactive system of claim 1 , wherein the data includes a distance traveled by the return signal in a reverse direction along the travel path.

3. 2. The interactive system of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to determine the position of the object relative to the first axis by a first equation, and the control system is configured to determine the position of the object relative to the second axis by a second equation, the first equation including a term sine(a)×D, and the second equation including a term cosine(a)×D, where a represents the certain angle and D represents a distance traveled by the return signal.

4. comprising the interactive component, The control system includes: comparing the position of the object with known positions of each of the interactive components; determining that an interaction with the interactive component has occurred based on a determination that the position of the object matches the known respective positions of the interactive component; 2. The interactive system according to claim 1, wherein the interactive system is configured as follows:

5. The interactive system of claim 4 , wherein the control system is configured to adjust the interactive component in response to determining that the interaction with the interactive component has occurred.

6. 5. The interactive system of claim 4, further comprising a database, wherein the control system is configured to update a number of points assigned to a user in the database in response to determining that the interaction with the interactive component has occurred.

7. 10. The interactive system of claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the control system is configured to update an image on the display based on the position of the object relative to the first axis, the second axis, or both.

8. 1. An interactive system comprising: a first surface; and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and defining a space between the first surface and the second surface; an apparatus configured to output a signal toward the first surface, the signal reflecting off the first surface toward the second surface along a path of travel that extends along a plane formed by a first axis and a second axis, an object obstructing the path of travel of the signal causing the signal to reflect off the object to form a return signal traveling in the opposite direction along the path of travel for reception by the apparatus; a control system communicatively coupled to the device; Equipped with The control system includes: receiving data from the device, the data relating to the receipt of the return signal by the device; determining a position of the object in the space relative to the first axis, the second axis, or both based on the data; An interactive system that is configured to:

9. 9. The interactive system of claim 8, wherein the data includes a distance traveled in the reverse direction by the return signal, and the control system is configured to determine the position of the object in the space based on the distance, the length of the travel path between the first surface and the second surface, and a contact angle between the signal and the first surface.

10. The interactive system of claim 8 , wherein the control system is configured to determine a height of the object relative to a floor based on the position of the object within the space.

11. The interactive system of claim 8 , wherein the first surface and the second surface comprise a reflective material.

12. The interactive system of claim 8 , wherein the device is configured to output the signal into the space such that the travel path of the signal includes a wave-like pattern.

13. The interactive system of claim 8 , wherein the control system is configured to operate the interactive system based on determining the position of the object within the space.

14. 1. An interactive system comprising: a first surface; and a second surface positioned relative to the first surface to form a space between the first surface and the second surface, the space being a passageway through which an object can travel; and an apparatus configured to output a signal into the space, the signal reflecting off the first surface and the second surface along a path of travel within the space, the object obstructing the path of travel of the signal causing the signal to reflect off the object to form a return signal traveling in a reverse direction along the path of travel for reception by the apparatus, the apparatus configured, upon receiving the return signal, to determine a distance traveled by the return signal; a control system communicatively coupled to the device; Equipped with The control system includes: receiving data from the device indicative of the distance traveled by the return signal; determining a position of the object relative to the device based on the data; An interactive system that is configured to:

15. 15. The interactive system of claim 14, wherein the travel path extends along a plane formed by a first axis and a second axis, the second axis and a third axis, or the first axis and the third axis in the space, and the control system is configured to determine the position of the object relative to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis.

16. The control system includes: determining a plurality of positions of the object; associating each location of the plurality of locations with a respective time; determining a profile of the object based on the association between each location of the plurality of locations and the respective time; 16. The interactive system according to claim 15, wherein the interactive system is configured to:

17. The interactive system of claim 14 , wherein the device comprises a laser ranging device, a light detection and ranging device, a radar device, an acoustic navigation ranging device, a photometer, an ultrasonic ranging device, or any combination thereof.

18. The interactive system of claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to determine the position of the object relative to the first axis and the second axis based on the data.

19. The interactive system of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a laser ranging device, a light detection and ranging device, a radar device, an acoustic navigation ranging device, a photometer, an ultrasonic ranging device, or any combination thereof.

20. The interactive system of claim 8 , wherein the space is a passageway through which the object travels to block the travel path of the signal.

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