SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF AN ATTRACTION SYSTEM - Patent application

Abstract

Attraction system 50 includes a plurality of show effects 64, 66, 68, a handheld or wearable device, and a control system 52. Control system 52 is configured to perform operations including monitoring a parameter of the handheld or wearable device, determining that the parameter is indicative of undesirable use of attraction system 50, and controlling the handheld or wearable device, at least one show effect of the plurality of show effects 64, 66, 68, or both. Control system 52 is also configured to provide guidance to modify the parameter in response to determining that the parameter is indicative of undesirable use of attraction system 50.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 120,045, filed December 1, 2020, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AN OPERATION OF AN ATTRACTION SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. 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, these statements should be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks typically include a variety of attractions that provide guests with unique experiences. For example, an amusement park may include a variety of rides and show performances. As technology continues to improve, such attractions have become more sophisticated and complex. As a result, expectations regarding the entertainment value of attractions have also increased. Furthermore, attractions offer an increasing number of options for user interaction and selection. As a result, a mismatch may occur between a user's expected interactions and / or expected progress through an attraction over a given period of time. As a result, more creative attractions and technologies are needed to match expectations and experiences. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following provides an overview of some embodiments disclosed herein. Note that these aspects are merely intended to provide the reader with a summary of some embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In fact, the disclosure may include various aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an attraction system includes a plurality of show effects, a handheld or wearable device, and a control system. The control system is configured to perform operations including monitoring a parameter of the handheld or wearable device, determining that the parameter is indicative of undesirable use of the attraction system, and controlling the handheld or wearable device, at least one show effect of the plurality of show effects, or both. In this case, the control system is configured to provide guidance to modify the parameter in response to determining that the parameter is indicative of undesirable use of the attraction system.

[0006] In one embodiment, a control system for an attraction system includes a processing circuit and a memory having instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are configured to cause the processing circuit to perform operations including: identifying an interaction between a handheld or wearable device of the attraction system and a show effect among a plurality of show effects of the attraction system; controlling the handheld or wearable device, the show effect, or both, in response to identifying the interaction between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect; monitoring a parameter of the handheld or wearable device; and identifying an undesirable interaction between a user and the attraction system based on the parameter. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are also configured to cause the processing circuit to perform operations including, in response to identifying an undesirable interaction between the user and the attraction system, controlling the handheld or wearable device and the show effect to provide guidance to alter the parameter associated with the undesirable interaction.

[0007] In one embodiment, an attraction system includes a show effect from a plurality of show effects, a handheld or wearable device, and a control system. The control system is configured to perform operations including: identifying an interaction between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect; controlling the handheld or wearable device, the show effect, or both in response to identifying the interaction between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect; and detecting an undesirable parameter associated with the handheld or wearable device that indicates an undesirable position of the handheld or wearable device, an undesirable use of the handheld or wearable device, or both. The control system is also configured to perform operations including controlling the handheld or wearable device and the show effect to provide guidance integrated with effects provided by other show effects from the plurality of show effects in response to detecting the undesirable parameter.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system having multiple areas to which guests can be directed, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic overhead view of an area incorporated into an attraction system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a communication network between a control system, attraction equipment, and show effects of an attraction system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for controlling an attraction system based on the position and undesirable parameters of an attraction device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for controlling an attraction system based on interactions between show effects and attraction devices, according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean the presence of 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 described herein are described below. In the interest of brevity, not all features of an implementation are described herein. It should be noted that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, while such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, it would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to attraction systems, such as amusement park attraction systems. The attraction system can include different areas with various show effects, such as lighting, sound devices, animated figures, video interactions, virtual reality devices, augmented reality devices, actuating elements (e.g., decorations configured to actuate), flame generators, water pumps, smoke machines, and airflow generators. Guests at the amusement park can be guided through the different areas to experience the show effects. In one embodiment, guests can interact with some of the show effects. For example, each guest can have an attraction device that can be used to activate one of the show effects.

[0016] In some situations, it may be difficult to guide guests through an attraction system in a desired manner. For example, guests may not move through different areas of the attraction system in a timely manner and / or may not properly use attraction equipment to interact with the attraction system's show effects. This may result in the guest not being able to fully experience the attraction system and / or may require personnel associated with the attraction system to assist or guide the guest during operation of the attraction system. In either case, the guest's experience may be affected, such as by reducing the guest's sense of immersion within the attraction system's environment.

[0017] It is now recognized, therefore, that systems and methods for facilitating interaction between guests and attraction systems can improve the guest experience. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to controlling elements of an attraction system, such as attraction devices and / or show effects, to assist in guiding guests through the attraction system. As one example, a control system for an attraction system can monitor parameters related to guests to determine whether the guests are interacting with the attraction system in a desired manner. These parameters can indicate, for example, how the guests are moving through different areas and how the guests are using the attraction devices. In response to determining that the monitored parameters indicate undesirable interaction between the guest and the attraction system (e.g., undesirable guest location, undesirable use of the attraction devices, and / or undesirable utilization of the attraction system), the control system can activate the guest's attraction devices and / or show effects in the area in which the guest is located to assist the guest. For example, the control system can cause the attraction devices and / or show effects to provide instructions regarding navigation through different areas of the attraction system and / or instructions regarding use of the attraction devices. In this manner, the control system can operate the attraction system to assist guests without the need for intervention by attraction system operators. Thus, the attraction system may provide a more thorough and efficient guest experience by providing a more immersive and / or personalized experience to guests. In fact, the present embodiment integrates existing aspects of show effects and coordination with attraction equipment to seamlessly provide precise guidance to individual users based on location and user data without substantially disrupting or interrupting immersion in the attraction experience.As described further below, this embodiment is achieved by selecting particular show elements and features for guidance (e.g., incentive-based guidance) presentation based, for example, on observational data related to the operation and location of entertainment devices within a particular attraction (e.g., an area within the attraction).

[0018] In light of the above, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 that may be part of an amusement park. For example, the attraction system 50 may include an interactive game, a theatrical show, another suitable type of attraction system, or any combination thereof. The attraction system 50 may include, or be communicatively coupled to, a control system 52 (e.g., an electronic controller) configured to control the operation of certain features of the attraction system 50. To this end, the control system 52 may include a memory 54 and a processing circuit 56, such as a microprocessor. The memory 54 may include one or more of 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 any other tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium that contains executable instructions for operating the attraction system 50. The processing circuit 56 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof, configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 54.

[0019] For example, the attraction system 50 may include different areas, such as a first area 58, a second area 60, and a third area 62. Each of the areas 58, 60, and 62 may be a spatial volume separated from one another within the attraction system 50 via walls, partitions, markings, and the like. For example, each of the areas 58, 60, and 62 may be a room, a queue section, an elevator, a people mover, an interaction space, a theater, a ride environment, a ride vehicle, and the like, of the attraction system 50. Each of the areas 58, 60, and 62 may also include a respective show effect that provides entertainment to guests of the attraction system 50. That is, the first area 58 may include a first show effect 64 that provides entertainment to guests located within the first area 58, the second area 60 may include a second show effect 66 that provides entertainment to guests located within the second area 60, and the third area 62 may include a third show effect 68 that provides entertainment to guests located within the third area 62. The control system 52 can be communicatively coupled to each of the show effects 64, 66, 68 and can control the show effects 64, 66, 68 to provide entertainment to guests present in the different areas 58, 60, 62. As an example, the control system 52 can control the show effects 64, 66, 68 to provide entertainment to guests by providing visual output (e.g., lighting), providing audio output (e.g., sound), changing the position of props (e.g., animated figures), etc. While the illustrated attraction system 50 includes three areas 58, 60, 62, each including a different show effect 64, 66, 68, further or alternative attraction systems 50 can include a different number of areas (e.g., one area, two areas, more than three areas) and / or different configurations of show effects, such as show effects that can be shared among multiple areas and / or areas that do not include show effects controlled by the control system 52. Furthermore, the control system 52 can represent multiple controllers that communicate to coordinate show effects within a single area or between areas.

[0020] In some embodiments, guests of the attraction system 50 can interact with the show effects 64, 66, 68. By way of example, a guest or user 70 can possess and / or be associated with an attraction device 72, which can be a handheld and / or wearable device that the guest 70 can carry to the different areas 58, 60, 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the guest 70 is located in the first area 58 and can use the attraction device 72 to interact with the first show effect 64. In further or alternative embodiments, the guest 70 can also interact with one of the other show effects 66, 68 by moving to the second area 60 and / or the third area 62 and / or while remaining in the first area 58. For example, the attraction device 72 can include a radio frequency identification tag, bar code, signal emitter, or the like that cooperates with the control system 52 (e.g., a control system camera) to facilitate detection of the relative position or movement of the attraction device 72 and initiation of show effects based on such detection. Thus, guest 70 may use attraction device 72 to cause control system 52 to activate one of the first show effects 64 based on, for example, the orientation of attraction device 72 (e.g., the direction or orientation of attraction device 72 in one of the first show effects 64). Control system 52 may, in response, control attraction system 50 to provide an interactive experience for guest 70 based on the interaction associated with guest 70. Indeed, control system 52 may create a unique experience for guest 70 by controlling (e.g., enabling, modifying, activating) show effects 64, 66, 68 to provide different experiences for different guests, such as by providing an output that may be based on the interaction between guest 70 and attraction system 50 and / or an identifier (e.g., of guest 70 and attraction device 72).

[0021] In some embodiments, the control system 52 can also control other aspects related to the attraction system 50 based on the interaction between the guest 70 and the attraction system 50. As an example, the control system 52 can be communicatively coupled to a database 74. The database 74 can store different information, and the control system 52 can update the information stored in the database 74 based on the interaction between the guest 70 and the attraction system 50. For example, the database 74 can store a point amount associated with the guest 70 (e.g., the guest 70's user profile), and the control system 52 can instruct the database 74 to update the point amount, such as by increasing or decreasing the point amount, based on the interaction between the guest 70 and the attraction system 50. The points can be used to provide a gamification experience for the attraction system 50. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 52 can operate the attraction system 50, such as by activating one of the show effects 64, 66, 68 in a particular manner, based on the amount of points stored in the database 74, to provide a more unique experience for the guest 70.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, guest 70 may interact with attraction system 50 without using attraction device 72. For example, control system 52 may be configured to detect particular movements and / or gestures (e.g., waving) made by guest 70 and may control show effects 64, 66, 68 or communicate with database 74 based on such movements matching target movements, etc. Indeed, when different movements are detected, control system 52 may instruct show effects 64, 66, 68 to be activated differently and / or database 74 to be updated differently to provide a unique experience for guest 70.

[0023] 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an area 100, which may represent any one or more of the areas 58, 60, 62 of the attraction system 50 of FIG. 1. The area 100 includes a space 102 through which guests 104 can move during operation of the attraction system. For example, the area 100 may include an enclosure 106 (e.g., a wall) and at least one opening 108 that allows guests 104 to transition in and out of the enclosure 106 to enter and exit the space 102. In further or alternative embodiments, the area 100 does not include an enclosure 106, and the space 102 may be open so that guests 104 can enter and exit the area 100 from any suitable portion of the space 102. Show effects 110 (e.g., lighting, sound equipment, robots, special effect props) may also be located within the space 102. Guests 104 can interact with show effects 110 via respective attraction devices 72, etc., and control system 52 can control show effects 110 to entertain guests 104 within space 102 based on such interactions.

[0024] Within the illustrated area 100, guest 104A may be separated from a group of guests 104B. For example, guest 104B's group may exit the space 102 to allow a different group of guests to enter the space 102, such as based on the duration that guest 104 has been in the area 100 exceeding a threshold. However, unlike guest 104B, guest 104A may not exit the space 102 as desired. As such, it may be desirable to guide guest 104A out of the space 102. As an example, control system 52 may monitor the position of each guest 104 within the space 102 (e.g., based on the location of an attraction device 72 carried by guest 104) and determine that guest 104A is not moving toward an opening 108 to exit the space 102 at the desired time. As a result, control system 52 may operate an attraction device 72 associated with guest 104, a show effect 110, and / or another feature of the area 100 to guide guest 104A toward the opening 108. Indeed, the control system 52 can determine the current location of the attraction device 72 within the attraction system (e.g., within the space 102) and control various features proximate the attraction device 72 to guide the guest 104A from the current location and out of the space 102. For example, an animated figure can be activated to provide instructions (e.g., movement signals or speech output) and / or a virtual character can be presented to convey or speak guidance. Thus, the control system 52 can operate the area 100 to guide the guest 104 out of the space 102 without human intervention. As a result, the control system 52 can guide the guest 104 through the attraction system in a desired manner while continuing to provide an immersive experience for the guest 104. This guidance can include providing in-game incentives to travel to specific locations (e.g., instructions to advance to the next room and earn points).Additionally or alternatively, the control system 52 may provide disincentives for remaining in a certain location (e.g., instructions to proceed to the next room or to lose 20 points) to encourage movement in a desired flow. In practice, these instructions may be integrated with other effects and / or interactions provided by the attraction system (e.g., by the attraction devices 72, show effects 110) so as to be presented seamlessly and appropriately to maintain the immersive experience provided to the guest 104.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, as described herein, the control system 52 may monitor other parameters related to the interaction between the guest 104 and the area 100. For example, the control system 52 may monitor the guest 104's usage of the attraction device 72 and detect any occurrence of undesired usage, such as incorrect use of the attraction device 72 to interact with the show effects 110, failure to use the attraction device 72 when expected, and undesired movement of the attraction device 72 (e.g., indicating the guest 104 exiting the attraction system while still holding the attraction device 72). In this case, the control system 52 may control the attraction system (e.g., the attraction device 72 itself) to guide the guest in the desired use of the attraction device 72, such as by providing instructions related to how the guest should use the attraction device 72 correctly.

[0026] 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a communications network 130 in which control system 52, attraction device 72, and show effect 134 (e.g., any of show effects 64, 66, 68, 110) are communicatively coupled to one another. The illustrated attraction device 72 includes a user interface 136 with which guests can interact to activate different features of the attraction device 72. For example, the user interface 136 may include a touch screen, buttons, knobs, switches, dials, another suitable component, or any combination thereof. The attraction device 72 may also include a visual output component 138, such as a light or display, and an audio output component 140, such as a speaker. Interaction with the user interface 136 may activate the visual output component 138 (e.g., to present a particular visual output or image) and / or activate the audio output component 140 (e.g., to output a sound). As an example, the attraction device 72 may include themed toys (e.g., toy laser shooters, toy wands, bracelets, toy swords) that facilitate interaction with the environment via wireless signals (e.g., radio signals, light emissions, audio signals, position tracking).

[0027] The show effect 134 may also include a visual output component 142 and an audio output component 144. The visual output component 142 and / or the audio output component 144 may be activated to entertain guests. As an example, the visual output component 142 and / or the audio output component 144 may be controlled based on activation of the user interface 136 of the attraction device 72 to provide an interactive experience in which guests can activate the show effect 134 based on operation of the attraction device 72. Indeed, the control system 152 may activate a feature of the show effect 134 in response to identifying an interaction between the attraction device 72 and the show effect 134. In some examples, the interaction between the attraction device 72 and the show effect 134 may include physical contact between the attraction device 72 and the show effect. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction device 72 may be configured to output a signal (e.g., an infrared signal, a laser) based on interaction with the user interface 136, etc., and the show effect 134 may include a sensor 145 configured to receive the signal. Thus, the interaction between the attraction device 72 and the show effect 134 may include receiving a signal transmitted by the attraction device 72 (eg, detected by the sensor 145).

[0028] Additionally, the interaction between the attraction device 72 and the show effect 134 may be identified based on other indications, such as a parameter (e.g., position) of the attraction device 72 when the user interface 136 is activated, a parameter (e.g., position, movement) of the show effect 134 when the user interface 136 is activated, the position of the attraction device 72 relative to the show effect 134, another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. In practice, the attraction device 72 may include a sensor 146 capable of transmitting sensor data indicative of the parameter of the attraction device 72, and the control system 52 may identify the interaction between the attraction device 72 and the show effect 134 using sensor data received from the sensor 145 of the attraction device 72, the sensor 146 of the attraction device 72, or both. In either case, the control system 52 may cause the show effect 134 to present a visual output, present an audio output, adjust its position, or perform any combination thereof, based on the various sensor data received from the attraction device 72, the show effect 134, or both. To this end, the control system 52 may store subroutines 150 (e.g., stored in the memory of the control system 52) that can be executed to control the attraction devices 72, the show effects 134, or both, based on various criteria related to the received sensor data.

[0029] In some embodiments, sensors 146 can monitor the location of attraction devices 72, such as their location within an area of ​​the attraction system. For example, sensors 146 can use ultra-high frequency transmissions to communicate the location of attraction devices 72 to control system 52. Control system 52 can determine whether attraction devices 72 are located within a desired area via sensor data received from sensors 146. As an example, control system 52 can monitor a time associated with an attraction experience, determine an expected location of attraction devices 72 based on the associated time, and determine whether the current location of attraction devices 72 indicated by sensors 146 matches the expected location (e.g., is within a location range). If the detected location of attraction devices 72 is not within an expected location threshold, steps can be taken to prompt the user to move attraction devices 72 to the desired location via show effects 134 and / or control of attraction devices 72.

[0030] In further or alternative embodiments, sensors 146 may indicate usage of attraction device 72. For example, sensors 146 (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers) may monitor the orientation and / or movement of attraction device 72, and control system 52 may determine whether the orientation and / or movement is undesirable based on sensor data received from attraction device 72. In practice, control system 52 may determine, based on the sensor data, whether the guest is holding attraction device 72 correctly, whether the attraction device 72 is facing show effect 134 (e.g., during activation of user interface 136), and the like. Additionally or alternatively, sensors 146 may indicate user interaction with user interface 136, such as the occurrence of a guest actuating (e.g., pressing, rotating, selecting, tapping, manipulating, activating) user interface 136. As an example, the control system 52 may receive sensor data from the sensors 146 to determine, for example, the frequency of activation of the user interface 136, the time associated with activation of the user interface 136, and the orientation and / or position associated with the attraction device 72 and / or show effect 134 during activation of the user interface 136. Thus, the control system 52 may determine whether the guest is interacting with the user interface 136 in a desired manner to determine whether the guest is using the attraction device 72 in a desired manner.

[0031] The control system 52 can appropriately control the attraction device 72 and / or the show effect 134 based on a determination that the guest is not interacting with the attraction system in a desired manner. As one example, the control system 52 can activate a particular function of the attraction device 72 that directs or guides the guest to a different area (e.g., an expected location) within the attraction system based on a determination that the current location of the attraction device 72 is undesirable (e.g., the current location does not match the expected location). As another example, the control system 52 can cause the attraction device 72 to provide guidance or instructions to correct usage of the attraction device 72, such as by indicating a desired orientation (e.g., how to hold) of the attraction device 72 and / or a desired manner or time to activate the user interface 136. In practice, to provide such guidance or instructions, the control system 52 can control the visual output component 138 to present a visual output (e.g., text instructions), the audio output component 140 to present an audio output (e.g., speech), and another suitable feature to present another type of output (e.g., a component providing haptic feedback). Each of these can occur alone or in coordination with the control of show effects 134, which can include multiple show effects. For example, control system 52 can determine the location of attraction device 72 (e.g., based on sensor data received from sensors 145) and activate show effect 134 (e.g., display an animation in a position visible from the location of attraction device 72) based on detecting an undesirable parameter associated with attraction device 72 and determining that show effect 134 is in proximity to attraction device 72. Control system 52 can then operate visual output component 142 and / or audio output component 144 of show effect 134 to provide instructions to guide guests and / or correct usage of attraction device 72.For example, a thematic character or a thematic animated robot within the animation may provide instructions and / or demonstrations on how to properly utilize the attraction device 72. In further embodiments, the sensor 145 may transmit sensor data indicating the position of a show effect 134, such as a prop associated with the show effect, and the control system 52 may control the show effect 134 based on this position. As an example, the prop may include an arrow, and the sensor data transmitted by the sensor 145 may indicate the direction of the arrow, causing the control system 52 to adjust the position of the arrow to point the guest toward a location to navigate (e.g., to direct the guest to a different area within the attraction system) or indicate how the user should use the attraction device 72, which may have a similar arrow form factor.

[0032] 4 and 5, described below, each illustrate a method for controlling an attraction system. In one embodiment, a single respective component, such as processing circuitry 56, may perform each method. In further or alternative embodiments, multiple components may perform the steps of one of the methods. Also, additional steps may be performed relative to the methods described. Furthermore, some steps of the illustrated methods may be eliminated, modified, and / or performed in a different order. Furthermore, any method steps of each method may be performed in parallel with one another, e.g., simultaneously and / or in concert with one another.

[0033] 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 170 for controlling an attraction system based on detecting undesirable parameters associated with a guest's attraction device, which may include detecting an attraction device in an undesirable location or improper use of the attraction device, etc. At block 172, the attraction device is monitored. For example, the attraction device may include a sensor, and sensor data from the sensor may be received and processed by a controller. In another embodiment, block 172 may include receiving emissions or related data from an emitter of the attraction device (e.g., at the controller) to determine information about the attraction device. At block 174, an undesirable parameter associated with the attraction device is detected based on analysis of the sensor data, data from the emitter, etc. As described above, the undesirable parameter may indicate a guest interacting with the attraction device in an undesirable manner or another undesirable use of the attraction device.

[0034] In block 176, in response to detecting the undesirable parameter, the location of the attraction device can be determined or confirmed, such as based on further sensor data received from a sensor on the attraction device, another sensor on the attraction device, or a sensor otherwise associated with the attraction system (e.g., a camera located in the attraction room). In block 178, based on the detected undesirable parameter and / or the location of the attraction device, the attraction device, the show effect, or both can be controlled to respond to the undesirable parameter. As one example, the attraction device can be controlled to provide instructions or guidance by providing visual outputs, audio outputs, haptic feedback, and the like. Additionally, operational features of the attraction device (e.g., interactive communication features such as laser emitters) can be disabled until the desired location is reached. As another example, a show effect determined to be in proximity to the attraction device can be controlled to provide instructions by providing visual outputs, audio outputs, adjusting its position, and the like. In practice, the show effect can be selected from a set of different show effects, and the instruction can be provided based on a comparison between the location of the attraction device and the location of the show effect, such as in response to determining that the location of the attraction device is within a threshold distance of the location of the show effect. Furthermore, to maintain guest immersion, show effects can be controlled to provide instructions in a manner that is integrated with the interactions or effects provided by other show effects. For example, show effects can be controlled such that guidance is coordinated with the operation of other show effects to integrate guidance with other operational control of the attraction system.

[0035] In one embodiment, in response to detecting an undesirable parameter, the show effect may be controlled to move closer to the attraction device before providing an instruction. Such control may be implemented by reducing the distance between the attraction device and the show effect so that the instruction can be provided more clearly after the show effect has moved closer to the attraction device. Such control may also include positioning a moving barrier, which may be part of the show effect, to discourage movement in the undesirable direction (e.g., by blocking a path). Additionally, the interaction provided by the show effect may be intentionally repetitive (e.g., by repeating audio instructions) to encourage the user to lose interest and move on rather than continuing to interact in the same way. Furthermore, the interaction may be user-specific based on user data associated with the attraction device in a database. For example, a username or other identifier may be publicly or otherwise displayed to focus attention on a particular user, further discouraging undesirable activity, such as by indicating that points will be deducted from the particular user's game score based on the undesirable activity.

[0036] In one example, the undesirable parameter may be associated with an undesirable location of an attraction device within an attraction system. For example, the attraction system may include multiple areas, each of which may be associated with a duration, a time interval, a threshold time, or a block of time. Thus, a current time associated with an attraction device's involvement in an attraction experience may be monitored, an expected location within the attraction may be determined based on the current time, and a determination may be made that the current location of the attraction device is undesirable based on a discrepancy between the expected location and the current location. Thus, the attraction device and / or show effects may be controlled to guide guests away from their current location or toward the expected location.

[0037] In another example, the undesirable parameter may relate to an undesirable orientation or movement of the attraction device. Such undesirable orientation or movement may indicate that the guest is not holding the attraction device correctly (e.g., the guest is holding the attraction device upside down), that the guest is not using the attraction device correctly to interact with a show effect (e.g., the guest is not using the attraction device to correctly point at the show effect, the guest is not correctly activating the attraction device by pressing a trigger, the guest is not correctly gesturing using the attraction device, etc.). Accordingly, the attraction device and / or the show effect may be controlled to provide instructions related to correcting the orientation of the attraction device. This control may include a character (e.g., an animated character or an automated figure) presenting an example of how to properly utilize the attraction device. The character may include and / or be presented on a show effect determined to be near and visible to an appropriate user based on the location of the attraction device (e.g., of multiple available show effects). Furthermore, aspects of the character may also be controlled based on user data associated with the attraction device. For example, such instructions may be provided using a character preferred by the user to encourage interest in the instructions and otherwise personalize the experience. Additionally, historical data regarding previously given instructions may be stored to encourage compliance. For example, a character may reference previous instructions given to a user to assist the user in understanding the instructions.

[0038] In a further example, the undesirable parameter may relate to an interaction between a guest and an attraction device, such as based on activation of a user interface of the attraction device. In some embodiments, the undesirable interaction may include an amount of user interface activation (e.g., within a certain period of time) exceeding or falling below a threshold amount. In further or alternative embodiments, the undesirable interaction may include a time associated with activation of the user interface, indicating whether the user interface was activated in response to a feature of the show effect (e.g., in response to movement of the show effect). In such an embodiment, the time associated with activation of the user interface may be compared to an expected time, and the undesirable parameter may be determined based on a difference between these times exceeding a threshold. In a further embodiment, the undesirable interaction may include the orientation and / or position of the attraction device relative to the show effect during activation of the user interface, such as whether the attraction device is pointing at or facing the show effect when the user interface is activated. Thus, the undesirable parameter may be determined based on an orientation and / or position that does not match the expected orientation and / or position when the user interface is activated. In either case, the attraction devices and / or show effects can be controlled to instruct guests on how to properly interact with or use the attraction devices, such as by providing step-by-step instructions on how to properly use the attraction devices.

[0039] 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 200 for controlling an attraction system. In block 202, an interaction between a guest's attraction device and a show effect may be identified. For example, sensor data indicative of the interaction may be received. In one embodiment, the sensor data may indicate physical contact between the attraction device and a show effect, such as a prop. In further or alternative embodiments, the attraction device may output a signal (e.g., upon activation of a user interface of the attraction device), and the show effect may receive the signal and transmit sensor data indicative of the interaction between the attraction device and the show effect.

[0040] In block 204, additional parameters associated with the attraction device may be determined in response to identifying an interaction between the show effect and the attraction device. The additional parameters may include positioning, such as the location and / or orientation of the attraction device (e.g., relative to the show effect) when the user interface was activated, historical data associated with the attraction device (e.g., previous interactions with the show effect or other show effects), aspects related to the guest's user profile, another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. In practice, the additional parameters may be determined via sensor data received from the attraction device (e.g., from sensor 146 of FIG. 3), information stored in a database (e.g., database 74 of FIG. 1), another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. Such parameters may be uniquely associated with the attraction device and / or the guest.

[0041] In block 206, in response to identifying an interaction between the attraction device and the show effect, the attraction device, the show effect, or both may be controlled based on the additional parameters determined with respect to block 204. For example, the attraction device, the show effect, or both may be controlled to provide a unique experience to the guest. For example, the attraction device, the show effect, or both may be controlled based on an aspect of the guest, such as an identifier associated with the guest. As an example, the identifier may indicate past activity associated with the guest (e.g., previous experiences provided to the guest by the attraction system), preferences expressed by the guest, a number of accumulated points associated with the guest, other suitable parameters associated with the guest, or any combination thereof. Thus, the attraction device, the show effect, or both may be controlled based on a characteristic associated with the guest indicated by the identifier. In another aspect, the attraction device, the show effect, or both may be controlled based on an aspect of the attraction device. As an example, based on a determination that the attraction device has been used incorrectly (e.g., the location of the attraction device is undesirable), the attraction device, the show effect, or both may be controlled to output an indication indicating that the attraction device has been used incorrectly. As another example, based on a determination that an attraction device was previously used incorrectly but that recent usage of the attraction device was correct, the attraction device, the show effect, or both, may be controlled to output an indication that the attraction device is now being used correctly. In either case, the attraction system may provide a unique, personalized experience for the guest while providing guidance and prompts for the guest to achieve anticipated driving goals.

[0042] While only certain features of the embodiments 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 that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0043] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if 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 under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. An attraction system, a plurality of show effects experienced by users of the attraction system; a handheld or wearable device capable of interacting with the plurality of show effects and usable by a user of the attraction system; a control system; Equipped with The control system includes: monitoring a parameter of the handheld or wearable device; determining that the parameter is indicative of undesirable utilization of the attraction system; selecting at least one show effect in response to determining that the handheld or wearable device is within a threshold distance of the at least one show effect of the plurality of show effects and based on a determination that the parameter is indicative of the undesirable use of the attraction system; In response to determining that the parameter is indicative of the undesirable use of the attraction system, controlling the at least one show effect of the plurality of show effects to provide guidance to change the parameter; configured to perform operations including: Attraction system.

2. the parameter includes a current location of the handheld or wearable device, and the control system is configured to determine, based on a comparison of the current location of the handheld or wearable device with an expected location, that the parameter indicates that the user is in an undesirable location. The attraction system according to claim 1 .

3. the control system is configured, in response to determining that the user is in the undesirable position, to control the at least one show effect to provide a visual output, an audio output, haptic feedback, or any combination thereof, that guides the user out of the undesirable position. The attraction system according to claim 2 .

4. the expected location is a range of locations; The attraction system according to claim 2 .

5. a first area and a second area, the predicted location being in the second area and the current location being in the first area, and the control system being configured to control the at least one show effect to guide the user from the first area to the second area; The attraction system according to claim 2 .

6. a plurality of areas, each area of ​​the plurality of areas associated with a respective fixed time, and the control system configured to determine the predicted location of the handheld or wearable device based on a comparison between a current time associated with the handheld or wearable device and the respective fixed time; The attraction system according to claim 2 .

7. The control system includes: accessing a respective location associated with each show effect of the plurality of show effects; determining that the respective position of the at least one show effect is within the threshold distance of the current position of the handheld or wearable device; controlling the at least one show effect to provide guidance in response to the determining that the respective position of the at least one show effect is within the threshold distance of the current position of the handheld or wearable device; configured to perform operations including: The attraction system according to claim 2 .

8. the control system is configured to determine that the parameter is indicative of an undesirable use of the handheld or wearable device. The attraction system according to claim 1 .

9. the parameters include an orientation of the handheld or wearable device, an actuation of a user interface of the handheld or wearable device, or both; The attraction system according to claim 8.

10. the control system is configured, in response to determining that the parameter is indicative of the undesirable usage of the handheld or wearable device, to control the at least one show effect to provide a visual output, an audio output, haptic feedback, or any combination thereof, instructing on correct usage of the handheld or wearable device. The attraction system according to claim 8.

11. 1. A control system for an attraction system, comprising: a processing circuit; a memory containing instructions; Equipped with The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry, identifying an interaction between a handheld or wearable device of the attraction system and a show effect of a plurality of show effects of the attraction system, the plurality of show effects being experienced by a user of the attraction system, and the handheld or wearable device being capable of interacting with the plurality of show effects and being capable of being used by the user of the attraction system; and monitoring a parameter of the handheld or wearable device; identifying undesirable interactions between a user and the attraction system based on the parameters; selecting the one show effect from the plurality of show effects based on the interaction and the undesired interaction; controlling the show effect to provide guidance to modify the parameter associated with the undesired interaction in response to the identification of the undesired interaction between the user and the attraction system; configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including Control system.

12. the parameters are indicative of a location of the handheld or wearable device, a usage of the handheld or wearable device, or both; The control system of claim 11.

13. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are configured to cause the processing circuit to identify the interaction between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect in response to determining physical contact between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect, activating a user interface of the handheld or wearable device, receiving a signal by the show effect, or any combination thereof. The control system of claim 11.

14. the instructions, when executed by the processing circuit, are configured to cause the processing circuit to control the handheld or wearable device to display text, output speech, or both. The control system of claim 11.

15. the show effect is configured to provide guidance integrated with interactions provided by other show effects of the plurality of show effects. The control system of claim 11.

16. An attraction system, a show effect among a plurality of show effects experienced by users of the attraction system; a handheld or wearable device capable of interacting with the plurality of show effects and usable by a user of the attraction system; a control system; Equipped with The control system includes: Identifying an interaction between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect; Detecting an undesirable parameter associated with the handheld or wearable device that is indicative of an undesirable position of the handheld or wearable device, an undesirable use of the handheld or wearable device, or both; selecting the show effect from the plurality of show effects based on the interaction and the detection of the undesirable parameter; in response to the detection of the undesirable parameter, controlling the show effect to provide guidance for addressing the undesirable parameter such that the guidance is integrated with effects provided by other show effects of the plurality of show effects; configured to perform operations including: Attraction system.

17. the undesirable parameters include a current location of the handheld or wearable device, an orientation of the handheld or wearable device, an operation of a user interface of the handheld or wearable device, or any combination thereof; 17. The attraction system of claim 16.

18. The control system includes: in response to detecting the undesired position of the handheld or wearable device, controlling the show effect to provide a direction out of the undesired position; In response to detecting the undesired usage of the handheld or wearable device, controlling the show effect to provide instructions regarding correct usage of the handheld or wearable device; or Both of these, configured to perform operations including:

17. The attraction system of claim 16.

19. The control system includes: determining additional parameters associated with the handheld or wearable device in response to identifying the interaction between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect; controlling the show effect based on the additional parameter in response to identifying the interaction between the handheld or wearable device and the show effect; configured to perform operations including:

17. The attraction system of claim 16.

20. the additional parameters include historical data associated with the handheld or wearable device, a location associated with the handheld or wearable device, an identifier of a user associated with the handheld or wearable device, or any combination thereof; 20. The attraction system of claim 19.

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