Reaction control system and method

Abstract

The responsive control system includes a track, a trolley that moves along the track, an animated figure coupled to the trolley, at least one responsive control element coupled to a portion of the animated figure (e.g., on a feature, limb, and / or body of the animated figure), and a controller. The controller detects the presence of a ride vehicle or a guest. The controller controls the trolley to position the animated figure based on the presence of the ride vehicle or guest. The controller also controls the animation of the animated figure by operating the responsive control element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 113,003, entitled "REACTION CONTROLLED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed November 12, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of entertainment environments such as amusement parks, theaters, and show sets. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for providing a wide range of movement and motion to show scene features, such as animated characters, in entertainment environments. [Background technology]

[0004] In certain entertainment settings, such as an amusement park setting, animations for amusement park features may be limited in terms of movement and / or motion with respect to guests viewing the animations. That is, the equipment providing the animations may be limited to animations within a certain distance and / or a certain area. As an example, the equipment may move animated figures toward guests on an amusement park ride and within a certain range with respect to the guests. Specifically, the animated figures may move within the same area of ​​the ride and / or up to a certain distance from the guests and then stop due to limitations of the equipment. The equipment may be fixed to a certain area of ​​the ride (e.g., attached to the ceiling of a show scene on the ride) and therefore provide animations that are limited to the specific area. In this manner, equipment limitations may practically limit the number and / or range of animations for the animated figures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Certain embodiments within the scope of the originally claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the responsive control system includes a track, a trolley that travels along the track, an animated figure coupled to the trolley, at least one responsive control element coupled to a portion of the animated figure, and a controller. The controller detects the presence of a ride vehicle or a guest. The controller also controls the trolley to position the animated figure based on the presence of the ride vehicle or guest. The controller also controls the animation of the animated figure by operating the responsive control element.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for moving an animated figure includes determining a desired location for the animated figure, the animated figure coupled to a trolley. The method also includes moving the trolley along a path based on the desired location, determining an animation for the animated figure, and determining one or more components of the animated figure to move relative to other components of the animated figure based on the animation. The method further includes moving one or more components of the animated figure relative to other components of the animated figure by controlling one or more reaction control elements coupled to, positioned on, or integral with the one or more components of the animated figure.

[0008] In one embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to detect the presence of a guest or ride vehicle. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to position a trolley along a path based on the detected presence, the trolley coupled to an animation figure. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to determine at least one component of the animation figure to control based on the animation. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to, in response to determining the at least one component, operate at least one reactive control element associated with the trolley and the at least one component to provide the animation, the at least one reactive control element being mounted to the animation figure and / or coupled to the animation figure via a rod.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an amusement park ride with a reactive control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an animated figure connected to a reaction control element of a reaction control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an animated figure connected to a reaction control element and a trolley system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an animated figure including a reaction control element, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a reactive control system for providing reactive control animation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram for providing reactive control animation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described herein. It is understood that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints. It is further understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" 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. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," or "some embodiments" of the invention are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Use of the terms "about" or "approximately" should be understood to mean including proximity to a target (e.g., a design, value, amount), such as within any suitable or contemplated tolerance (e.g., within 0.1% of the target, within 1% of the target, within 5% of the target, within 10% of the target, within 25% of the target, etc.).

[0013] As used herein, a "reaction control element" may refer to a propeller (e.g., a motor-driven propeller, a quadcopter propeller, a clockwise and / or counterclockwise propeller), an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone), an electric duct fan, a pneumatic device, and / or a gyroscopic device. A "reaction control system" may refer to a system utilizing one or more reaction control elements and / or additional movement systems (e.g., a trolley system having rails (e.g., rods), trolleys, and / or cables) connected (e.g., physically or wirelessly) to one or more show scene features (e.g., amusement park features) to provide animation. Show scene features may include, but are not limited to, animated figures (e.g., physical figures, robotic figures, and / or figures displayed on electronic displays), props, lighting effects, and / or sound effects. As an example, a reaction control system may rotate one or more propellers to generate thrust and cause animated figures to fly in a particular direction.

[0014] As previously mentioned, equipment providing animation for show scene features, such as equipment on amusement park rides, along walkways, and / or in shows, can limit the maximum effectiveness of the animation. In particular, physical limitations associated with the equipment can hinder the number of animations. The equipment providing animation often includes systems of pulleys, cables, robotic arms, and / or other mechanical assemblies. Furthermore, the equipment can be oriented and positioned in such a way that the show scene features remain in close proximity to the equipment. Proximity can enable the equipment to control the show scene features. Thus, by limiting the position and connections of the equipment, such as the number of cables and their relative positioning to prevent tangling, the animation provided by the show scene features can be limited. As an example, animation limitations for an animated figure can relate to movement restrictions within a particular area of ​​the amusement park (e.g., the tunnel portion of a ride with a show scene feature), the distance of movement within and / or outside of a particular area, the movement or animation of a part of the animated figure (e.g., the upper body or limbs of the animated figure), etc.

[0015] Additionally, equipment may be heavy and / or fixed (e.g., mounted) in certain areas. For example, robotic arms, lifting assemblies, and / or other mechanical assemblies may be too heavy to easily provide movement and / or mobility for animation (e.g., lifting an animated figure weighing hundreds of pounds) without using vast amounts of energy. For this reason, a system that provides a wide range of motion, movement, and / or mobility for animation may be desirable. In show scene features that include animated figures, it may be desirable to provide a wide range of movement, movement, and / or mobility for different parts of the animated figure without increasing the weight of the animated figure (e.g., a lighter animated figure).

[0016] While the examples provided herein may be particularly directed to specific aspects of an amusement park, such as mechanical animated figures (e.g., animated figures with propellers) to facilitate a wide range of movement for animation, it should be noted that the techniques in this disclosure may be applicable to other conditions and / or contexts. Accordingly, the examples should be understood to reflect real-world examples of an amusement park to provide useful context for discussion and should not be construed as limiting the further applicability of the present approach. For example, it should be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to additional situations where providing a wide range of movement, movement, and / or mobility can be utilized. Additional situations may include moving other amusement park features, such as ride carts, ride tracks, etc. It should also be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to additional animated figures, such as displayed animated figures and / or human animated figures (e.g., lifting a human performer during a show event), as well as additional show scene features, such as props, lighting effects, and / or sound effects (e.g., moving to different parts of a stage during a show event).

[0017] With the above in mind, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an amusement ride 100 having a reactive control system 102. Specifically, the reactive control system 102 can be wired or wirelessly connected (as depicted by the dashed lines) to the different show scene features, sensors, and trolley system of the amusement ride 100. A "trolley system" can refer to a combination or assembly of rails 103 and trolleys 104. The positioning of the rails 103 can be parallel and perpendicular, forming multiple horizontal and vertical paths. That is, the rails 103 can be connected and spaced apart in a manner that creates multiple horizontal and vertical paths for travel through the x- and y-axes of a linear axis system. In other embodiments, the rails 103 can be curvilinear (e.g., nonlinear), including curves, turns, and intersections that guide the trolleys 104 along circuitous paths and redirect them to different routes. That is, the rails 103 may be multi-dimensional to guide the trolley 104 in multi-dimensional space (e.g., x-axis and / or y-axis). In some embodiments, such as those in which the amusement park ride 100 is a roller coaster track or the like, the rails 103 may also move through the z-axis to guide the trolley 104 through a linear axis system of x-y-z axes.

[0018] While the illustrated embodiment shows rails 103 positioned and extending within a particular area of ​​the amusement ride 100 so that animations can be provided within a threshold distance (e.g., inside and outside) of the particular area, the systems and methods described herein may use rails 103 extending throughout the entire area of ​​the amusement ride 100 (e.g., ceiling, ground, walls, etc.). As one example, the responsive control system 102 may provide animations in other areas of the amusement ride 100, such as above guests as they travel along the amusement ride 100. As another example, the responsive control system 102 may provide animations along the ride path and / or on the ground of the ride path via rails 103 positioned on the ground of the amusement ride 100. For example, one or more animations may include animated figures that appear to crawl on the ground via the rails 103. In such an embodiment, the responsive control system 102 may, for example, cause an animated figure to push upward (e.g., launch upward) when a guest is near the animated figure. In addition to or as an alternative to the illustrated linear rails 103 positioned horizontally and vertically to provide movement in the x- and y-axes of a linear system, the systems and methods described herein can utilize curved or non-linear rails 103 (e.g., rails 103 with sharp and / or smooth curves), as well as rails that provide movement in the z-axis of a linear axis system. As an example, the rails 103 can be routed along the walls of a tunnel portion of the amusement park ride 100, such that the rails 103 arc from one end of the tunnel to the other.

[0019] As shown, the trolleys 104 of the trolley system can be connected to rails 103 and cables 105 that are connected to the animated figures 106. Thus, the responsive control system 102 can steer the animated figures 106 horizontally and / or vertically by moving the trolleys 104, which represent a type of vehicle, along the rails 103, which represent any manner of track or path. The rails 103 and trolleys 104 can simultaneously provide dependent or independent animation movement for multiple animated figures 106. Furthermore, the architecture of multiple rails 103 across a particular area of ​​the amusement park ride 100 can reduce the heavy lift associated with lifting each individual animated figure 106 using a ceiling-mounted harness.

[0020] The reaction control system 102 can also raise the cable 105 to shorten the length of the cable 105, or lower the cable 105 to lengthen the length of the cable 105 extending from the trolley 104. In this manner, the animated figures 106 connected to the cable 105 can move up or down the z-axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first animated figure 106a is a witch, the second animated figure 106b is a skeleton, and the third animated figure 106c is a bat. These animated figures 106 are connected to the cable 105. Thus, the reaction control system 102 can move the animated figures 106 in the x-axis and / or y-axis directions via the trolley system, and can move the animated figures 106 vertically in the z-axis direction via the cable 105.

[0021] In some embodiments, the reaction control system 102 can move the cable 105 forward and backward, tilt forward and backward, and / or rotate. In addition to or instead of the rail 103, trolley 104, and / or cable 105 providing the range of motion, reaction control elements 108 on the animated figure 106 can provide the range of motion. As described above, the reaction control elements 108 can include one or more propellers (e.g., motor-driven propellers, quadcopter propellers, clockwise and / or counterclockwise propellers), UAVs (e.g., drones), electric duct fans, pneumatic devices, and / or gyroscopic devices. In particular, the animated figure 106 can include reaction control elements 108 on animated regions or features, such as the extremities of the animated figure 106. For example, the third animated figure 106c includes reaction control elements 108 on its wings. The reaction control element 108 of the third animated figure 106c can be used to assist or motivate the associated trolley 104 and / or move the wings relative to other features of the third animated figure 106c while being supported or maintained within a certain area by the associated cable 105. In some embodiments, the cable 105 can be a rigid body (e.g., a post) that maintains its position relative to the rail 103 and facilitates relative movement of the reaction control element 108.

[0022] As shown, both the fourth animated figure 106d and the fifth animated figure 106e include reaction control elements 108 on their bodies that can be used to move the fourth animated figure 106d and the fifth animated figure 106e without employing cables 105. The fourth animated figure 106d is a bat that includes reaction control elements 108 on its wings, and the fifth animated figure 106e is also a bat that includes reaction control elements 108 on its back via rods 107. The reaction control elements 108 on the wings of the fourth animated figure 106d allow the wings to be animated, such as moving up and down (e.g., for a flying animation) or rotating, without the aid of cables 105. Similarly, the reaction control elements 108 on the back of the fifth animated figure 106e allow the body of the fifth animated figure 106e to move up and down, rotate, etc., without the aid of cables 105. In some embodiments, such as the fifth animated figure 106e, the reaction control element 108 may be connected to a rod 107 or another assembly that connects to the body of the animated figure 106. In this manner, the reaction control element 108 on the animated figure 106 may provide controlled movement for the animation without a heavy assembly. Furthermore, the reaction control element 108 on the animated figure 106 may be easily hidden and / or may not be noticeable by guests while riding the amusement park ride 100.

[0023] In some embodiments, the animated figure 106 may not only be connected to the rails 103, trolley 104, and / or cable 105, but may also include reactive control elements 108 at its ends (e.g., limbs, head, or other character features). Here, the first animated figure 106a, the second animated figure 106b, and the third animated figure 106c may also include reactive control elements 108 at their ends or features. As an example, the first animated figure 106a (e.g., a witch) may include reactive control elements 108 at its extremities, such as its hands, knees, and feet, to facilitate animation using these features. Connections between such features (e.g., hands and feet) and other aspects of the first animated figure 106a may include hinged or flexible connections to enable relative movement. The mass of the various features of the animated figure 106 may be coupled with gravity or rigid connections, which may be employed to facilitate relative movement of the components. As one example, the responsive control elements 108 on the first animated figure 106a may move the hand (which is hingedly connected to the main body of the animated figure 106a) up and down from the broomstick as shown, followed by a rotating and waving animation. The rails 103, trolleys 104, and / or cables 105 may provide movement in the x, y, and z axes to move the entire animated figure 106 horizontally and / or vertically, and upward and / or downward, within a particular area of ​​the amusement park ride 100. Additionally or alternatively, the responsive control elements 108 on the animated figure 106 may provide movement in the x, y, and z axes, as well as more detailed movement, for animations involving features (e.g., components) of the animated figure 106 without using the rails 103, trolleys 104, and / or cables 105 to animate these features (e.g., no cables connected to the limbs).

[0024] The responsive control system 102 may provide animation as the guest rides the amusement ride 100 (e.g., the guest perceives an animated figure 106 flying while riding the ride cart). As described with respect to FIG. 5 , the responsive control system 102 may determine that a guest is currently riding the amusement ride 100 based on sensor data. As shown, the ride cart 112 of the amusement ride 100 may include one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags 118. As the ride cart 112 on the ride path 113 moves along the ride track 116, an electronic reader 119 on the ride track 116 may read the RFID tag 118 to indicate the presence of the ride cart 112. Based on the ride cart 112 being present and moving along the ride track 116, the responsive control system 102 can determine that the guest is within a threshold distance of an animated figure 106, which may be animated to react to and / or interact with the guest. Additionally or alternatively, a weight sensor 120 positioned on the ride track 116 can detect a weight above a threshold as the ride cart 112 moves over the weight sensor 120, indicating the presence of the ride cart 112 and / or a guest.

[0025] After determining that the ride cart 112 is present and that a guest is likely present, additional park sensors, such as cameras 114 and / or guest-wearable RFID tags 118, may be triggered to transmit data to the responsive control system 102 to assist in guest detection. For example, the responsive control system 102 may also perform image analysis to determine that a guest is in the ride cart 112 and / or facing the animated figure 106. In addition to or instead of the cameras 114, the responsive control system 102 may analyze data associated with the RFID tags 118 to determine guest presence. In some embodiments, the responsive control system 102 may use the cameras 114 and / or RFID tags 118 to determine guest presence rather than first determining guest presence based on, for example, the weight of the ride cart 112.

[0026] When the reaction control system 102 determines that a guest is present, it can animate the animated figure 106. Specifically, the reaction control system 102 can cause the animated figure 106 to move in one or more directions, such as flying, floating, dancing, etc., to facilitate providing the animation. To illustrate, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an animated figure 106 connected to reaction control elements 108. While the illustrated embodiment shows and describes multiple reaction control elements 108 on the animated figure 106, the systems and methods described herein can include one or more reaction control elements 108 on the animated figure 106 to provide the animation.

[0027] As shown, the reaction control element 108 is connected to a rod 107, which is connected to the animation figure 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reaction control assembly 130 includes a rod 107 with a reaction control element 108 on each end of the rod 107. The first reaction control assembly 130 is connected (e.g., attached) to the center of the abdomen of the animation figure 106. This arrangement allows the weight of the animation figure 106 to be evenly distributed and allows a single assembly to move the entire body of the animation figure 106 for animation purposes. To provide movement, the reaction control elements 108 of the first reaction control assembly 130 can rotate in opposite directions (e.g., counter-rotation installation), such that the reaction control element 108 on one end of the rod 107 drives in a clockwise direction and the reaction control element 108 on the other end of the rod 107 drives in a counterclockwise direction (as depicted by the solid arrows by the first reaction control assembly 130). Counter-rotating reaction control elements 108 can generate thrust in a particular direction, causing the animated figure 106 to move in the opposite direction to the thrust. As an example, if the animated figure 106 is positioned horizontally, with the body of the animated figure 106 parallel to the ground, the thrust can cause the animated figure 106 to levitate for a floating animation.

[0028] In some embodiments, the animation figure 106 can include an additional reaction control assembly, such as a second reaction control assembly 132. Here, the second reaction control assembly 132 includes a first rod 107A and a second rod 107B, with a reaction control element 108 connected to each end of the first rod 107A and the second rod 107B. The second reaction control assembly 132 is connected to a lower portion of the animation figure 106, such as the lower abdomen or legs (not shown). Similar to the reaction control element 108 of the first reaction control assembly 130, the reaction control element 108 of the second reaction control assembly 132 can be driven in the opposite direction (as depicted by the solid arrows by the second reaction control assembly 132) to generate a thrust force and move the animation figure 106 in a direction opposite to the thrust force. The placement of the second reaction control assembly 132 can distribute the weight of the animation figure 106 while also allowing for movement of at least the lower portion of the animation figure 106 for animation purposes.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the direction of actuation or rotation of the reaction control elements 108 to generate thrust causes the animation figure 106 to rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise about the axis of rotation (as indicated by the dashed arrows). Depending on the orientation of the animation figure 106, the rotation may cause the animation figure 106 to rotate left or right (e.g., rotate). In general, the thrust generated by one or more of the reaction control elements 108 of the first reaction control assembly 130 and / or the second reaction control assembly 132 may facilitate various animations of the animation figure 106, involving different movements such as spinning, moving towards or away from guests, floating, leaning towards or away from guests, etc. As an example, a reaction control element 108 rotating in a clockwise direction may provide forward thrust, while a reaction control element 108 rotating in a counterclockwise direction may provide backward thrust, or vice versa (e.g., based on whether the reaction control element 108 is a right- or left-hand propeller). Additionally, each reaction control element 108 can be independently actuated to provide greater control of movement in multiple axes via multiple reaction control elements 108 .

[0030] As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the animated figure 106 can be connected to a cable 105 to provide animation. The cable 105 can provide vertical animation, such as moving the animated figure 106 to different heights relative to the trolley 104. Specifically, the responsive control system 102 can change the length of the cable 105 to shorten or lengthen the height. The responsive control system 102 can use counterweights, custom tensioning systems, buoyancy, and / or winches (e.g., retracting or retracting) to change the length. When used in combination with a responsive control element 108, the cable 105 can also tilt the animated figure 106 forward or backward. To illustrate, FIG. 3 depicts an animated figure 106 connected to a responsive control element 108 and connected to a trolley system (e.g., rails 103 and trolley 104). As shown, the cable 105 connected to the animated figure 106 can be connected to the trolley 104, which moves along the rails 103. In the following description, the animated figure 106 is described as being connected to a single cable 105, however, the systems and methods described herein may use one or more cables 105 to move the animated figure 106. Additionally or alternatively, the cable 105 may be positioned elsewhere on the animated figure 106 (e.g., not between the shoulder blades) based on one or more factors such as the animation provided by the animated figure 106 and / or the weight distribution of the animated figure 106.Furthermore, although the following description describes the animation figure 106 as including both reaction control elements 108 (e.g., on the body) and connected to the reaction control elements 108 via rods 107, this is indicative of a particular embodiment, and the animation figure 106 can include either the animation figure 106 integrated with one or more reaction control elements 108, or one or more reaction control elements 108 connected to the animation figure 106 via one or more rods 107 for the purpose of providing animation.

[0031] As previously mentioned, the cables 105 can provide vertical animation (e.g., via a winch) by varying the length of the cables 105 to raise or lower the animated figure 106 (as indicated by the double-headed arrows). Each of the reaction control elements 108 can also provide animation. Specifically, the reaction control elements 108 can rotate independently and individually, accelerating a mass of air or gas to generate thrust and move the animated figure 106. The reaction control elements 108 can convert rotational motion from a power source into a flow of air or gas that lifts or pushes the reaction control element 108 forward or backward, thereby moving the animated figure 106. This allows each of the reaction control elements 108 to move along multiple axes of a linear axis system 109 related to yaw, pitch, and / or roll, thereby providing animation for the reaction control elements 108. That is, each of the reaction control elements 108 can provide roll, pitch, and / or yaw motion, as well as surge, heave, and / or sway motion. By way of example, and as discussed with respect to FIG. 4 , reaction control elements 108 can provide such movement at these locations on the animated figure 106, such as individual joints. In some embodiments, individual reaction control elements 108 can cooperate to move multiple joints, such as moving a limb via multiple reaction control elements 108 on a joint. In general, yaw movement can refer to rotation of the animation figure 106 and / or reaction control elements 108 along a vertical axis of the linear axis system 109, such as the z-axis. Pitch movement can refer to rotation of the animation figure 106 and / or reaction controlled elements 108 along a lateral axis of the linear axis system 109, such as the y-axis (e.g., left to right). Roll movement can refer to rotation of the animation figure 106 and / or reaction control elements 108 along a front-to-back axis of the linear axis system 109, such as the x-axis (e.g., forward and backward).

[0032] Yaw motion can allow the animation figure 106 to rotate from left to right or side to side, similar to turning a body or head. That is, yaw motion can rotate the animation figure 106 clockwise or counterclockwise while remaining level with the ground. This can adjust the orientation of the animation figure 106, for example, to face a guest for an animation. Pitch motion can move the animation figure 106 and / or tilt it forward or backward. Roll motion can tilt the animation figure 106 either left or right, or side to side, causing the animation figure 106 to "roll" in either direction (to move to one side depending on the tilt). Thus, the responsive control element 108 can provide yaw, pitch, and / or roll motion to facilitate moving the animation figure 106 in different directions for an animation.

[0033] The reaction control elements 108 can independently generate thrust in a particular direction (as indicated by the straight solid arrows) to pitch the animated figure 106 at a particular reaction control element 108 in an opposite direction. For example, as shown, a reaction control element 108 integrated into the animated figure 106 (e.g., the ankle) can rotate to generate thrust toward the front of the animated figure 106. This thrust direction causes the animated figure 106 to move and / or pitch forward. Similarly, a reaction control element 108 connected to a rod 107 and the animated figure 106 can rotate to generate thrust toward the front of the animated figure 106. This thrust direction causes the animated figure 106 to pitch forward (as indicated by the curved solid arrows). In this manner, thrust can be generated to move the animated figure 106 (e.g., forward or backward) and / or pitch the animated figure 106 in opposite directions. That is, reaction control elements 108 integrated into the animation figure 106 (e.g., on the abdomen and ankles) and / or reaction control elements 108 connected to the animation figure 106 (e.g., via rods 107) can provide movement within a linear axis system 109 and movement of the joints, limbs and / or body of the animation figure 106 to provide animation.

[0034] In some embodiments, reaction control elements 108 integrated into the animated figure 106 (e.g., on the abdomen and ankles) or connected to the animated figure 106 (e.g., via rods 107) can also create a pendulum effect. Specifically, when the reaction control elements 108 generate thrust that moves the animated figure 106 in opposite directions, the cables 105 can move with the animated figure 106. As the animated figure 106 continues to move and / or if the rotation of the reaction control elements 108 periodically starts, stops, accelerates, and / or decelerates, the weight of the animated figure 106 connected to the cables 105 can cause the animated figure 106 to swing freely. That is, the animated figure 106 can function as a pendulum, and as the reaction control elements 108 move the animated figure 106 from an equilibrium position (e.g., a resting position), the restoring force of gravity can accelerate the animated figure 106 back and forth toward the equilibrium position. This acceleration can cause the animated figure 106 to move further outward or inward relative to the equilibrium position. Thus, the pendulum effect caused by the reaction control element 108 when used in combination with the cable 105 can cause the animation figure 106 to move a greater distance for animation than would be possible without the pendulum effect.

[0035] In some embodiments, the responsive control element 108 can also facilitate moving the animated figure 106 along a trolley system. That is, a thrust can move the trolley 104 along the rails 103. By way of example, the trolley system can move the animated figure 106 toward a guest, and the responsive control element 108 can generate a thrust that causes the animated figure 106 to turn around (e.g., left or right) and move away from the guest. The responsive control element 108 can push the animated figure 106 along the trolley system.

[0036] 4 illustrates an animated figure 106 having responsive control elements 108 that provide movement and positioning within a linear axis system 109 for animation. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the animated figure 106 can include responsive control elements 108 on the animated figure 106, such as over an area or feature to be animated. While the illustrated embodiment includes an animated figure 106 integrated with six responsive control elements 108, the systems and methods described herein can include animated figures 106 integrated with multiple responsive control elements 108 (e.g., 2, 10, 100, etc.) and / or of different sizes (e.g., small responsive control elements 108 on the fingers and larger responsive control elements 108 on the hands of the animated figure 106). Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment includes responsive control elements 108 on the hands, knees, and feet of the animated figure 106, which represents a particular embodiment, the systems and methods described herein can include responsive control elements 108 on any area of ​​the animated figure 106 that is animated. For example, the animated figure 106 may include responsive control elements 108 in the fingers, neck, legs, elbows, other body joints, accessories coupled to the animated figure 106, or parts of accessories. As an example, if an animation involves moving a particular part of the animated figure 106, such as an extremity, the responsive control elements 108 may be part of or located at the extremity. Here, the animated figure 106 includes responsive control elements 108 in each of the hands, knees, and feet of the animated figure 106. In this manner, responsive control elements 108 on the hands can provide hand movement when the arms hinge about the shoulders of the animated figure 106. Similarly, responsive control elements 108 at the knees and feet can provide leg movement when each of the legs hinges around the torso of the animated figure 106. The responsive control elements 108 can operate independently to generate independent animations.That is, the reaction control elements 108 on the animation figure 106 can generate thrusts in different directions and / or at different speeds to independently move the limbs and joints for animation. As an example, the reaction control elements 108 on the left knee and left foot of the animation figure 106 can generate thrust in a particular direction to move the left leg down the z-axis, while the reaction control elements 108 on the right knee and right foot of the animation figure 106 can generate thrust in the opposite direction to move the right leg up the z-axis. Furthermore, the reaction control elements 108 on the knee can provide movement for the knee, such as bending movement, since the knee is hinged to the thigh. Furthermore, the reaction control elements 108 on the foot can also provide movement for the foot, such as bending upward and / or downward, since the foot is hinged to the ankle.

[0037] Specifically, the reaction control elements 108 on each of the hands, knees, and feet can rotate to generate thrust in a particular direction, moving the hands in the opposite direction. As an example, the reaction control elements 108 can generate thrust that moves air downward (e.g., by rotating their blades clockwise), causing the hands, knees, and feet to move upward (as depicted by the solid arrows) and creating hinge movements at the shoulders, torso, and ankles of the animated figure 106. Similarly, the reaction control elements 108 can generate thrust that moves air upward (e.g., by rotating their blades counterclockwise), causing the hands, knees, and feet to move downward (as depicted by the dashed arrows). Note that in some embodiments, the animated figure 106 is buoyant in its environment (e.g., air or water) and may require assistance in addition to gravity to move downward at an appropriate speed. The thrust can also position the animated figure 106 within a linear axis system 109. In particular, enabling the responsive control elements 108 to generate a thrust in a particular direction can cause the animated figure 106 to move in the opposite direction. By way of example, one or more responsive control elements 108 on the limbs (e.g., hands, feet, head, etc.) and / or back (not shown) of the animated figure 106 can rotate in a particular direction to generate a downward thrust, causing the animated figure 106 to move upward. Moving the body of the animated figure 106 upward can position the animated figure 106 in the z-axis. Similarly, one or more responsive control elements 108 on the limbs and / or body of the animated figure 106 can generate thrust to position the animated figure 106 in the x-axis and y-axis.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a reactive control system 102 for providing movement and / or motion for animation. As shown, the reactive control system 102 includes a sensor 150, an animation figure controller 110, and an animation figure 106. While the animation figure controller 110 and the animation figure 106 are described and depicted as separate components, the systems and methods described herein can also include animation figures 106 and / or reactive control elements 108 integrated with the animation figure controller 110 (e.g., a single device or component). As an example, an animation figure controller 110 integrated with one or more reactive control elements 108 can provide on-board control signals to control the reactive control elements 108. The control signals can control the initialization, shutdown, rotational speed, etc., of the propulsion components (e.g., propellers) of the reactive control elements 108 and / or other components (e.g., actuators) of the animation figure 106. In addition to controlling the animation figure 106, the reactive control system 102 can also control other show scene features, such as props, lighting effects, and / or sound effects. In some embodiments, the responsive control system 102 can be directly or communicatively coupled to a show scene system that controls these show scene features. In this manner, the responsive control system 102 and / or the show scene system can synchronize the animated figures 106 and other show scene features to provide particular animations or show effects. For example, an animation figure controller 110 integrated with the responsive control elements 108 and / or the animated figures 106 can provide on-board control signals to synchronize and control the animated figures 106, props, lighting effects, and / or sound effects.

[0039] It should be understood that the illustrated systems are intended to be illustrative only, and that, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments, certain features and components may be omitted, and various other features and components may be added to facilitate performance.

[0040] In an amusement park setting, the animated figure controller 110 may control the animated figure 106. The amusement park may include one or more animated figures 106 for attractions throughout the park, such as rides, virtual game rooms, picnic areas, restaurants, etc. As described in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 , the animated figure controller 110 may control the animated figure 106, for example, to provide animations and / or interact with park guests. By way of example, the animated figure controller 110 may control the height of the animated figure 106 relative to a guest and / or the movement of individual limbs of the animated figure 106. In some embodiments, the presence of a guest on or near the animated figure 106, such as on an amusement park ride 100, may trigger the animated figure controller 110 to control the movement of the animated figure 106. The responsive control system 102 may detect a guest using one or more of the sensors 150.

[0041] The sensors 150 may include one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags 118, one or more cameras 114, one or more inertial measurement units 117, one or more weight sensors 120, one or more electronic readers 119, and / or one or more proximity sensors 121. The sensors 150 may be placed or positioned in areas where guest presence is expected, such as on the ride cart 112 or ride track 116 of the amusement ride 100. The RFID tags 118 may communicate with the electronic readers 119 to indicate the presence of a guest. In particular, the RFID tags 118 may be incorporated into the amusement ride 100, such as on the ride track 116 or ride cart 112 of the amusement ride 100 (e.g., inside, on the sides of, or at the entrance to the ride cart 112). Accordingly, the electronic readers 119 may be positioned in a manner that allows for scanning of the RFID tags 118. As an example, the electronic reader 119 can be positioned on the ride track 116 such that when the ride cart 112 passes over the electronic reader 119, the electronic reader 119 scans the RFID tag 118 on the ride cart 112 to indicate that a guest is on the ride. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 118 can include a guest-wearable RFID tag 118 (e.g., a wristband having an RFID tag 118). Thus, input data from the electronic reader 119 can indicate the presence of a guest upon scanning the guest-wearable RFID tag 118. The animated figure controller 110 can then animate the animated figure 106, for example, causing the animated figure 106 to move, rotate, tilt, and / or accelerate (e.g., to provide a flying animation).

[0042] In additional embodiments, the camera 114 may be placed or positioned in an area based on where a guest is expected to be present, such as to view the ride cart 112 on the amusement park ride 100. The camera 114 may determine the presence of a guest based on images or video captured by the camera 114. Specifically, the camera 114 may perform facial and / or body recognition to determine the presence of a guest. In some embodiments, the camera 114 may instead provide images and / or video as input data to the animated figure controller 110, which may then perform facial and / or body recognition.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, a weight sensor 120 can indicate the presence of a guest. The weight sensor 120 can be attached to the ride track 116 and can indicate the presence of a ride cart 112 on the ride track 116 based on a predetermined weight. Similarly, a proximity sensor 121 can be placed or positioned in proximity to an area where a guest is expected to be present. The proximity sensor 121 can detect the presence of a nearby object without physical contact using electromagnetic fields, light, and / or sound. The proximity sensor 121 can emit an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared) and look for a change in the electric field or return signal. To accurately detect the presence of a nearby object as a guest, the proximity sensor 121 can be placed near the loading point for the ride cart 112 and / or on the ride cart seat. In general, RFID tags 118 and / or cameras 114 may be used alone or in combination with other sensors 150 (e.g., weight sensors 120 and / or proximity sensors 121) to detect the presence of and / or identify guests.

[0044] The inertial measurement unit 117 includes devices, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or magnetometers, that measure the forces, angular velocities, and / or orientation of the animation figure 106. The inertial measurement unit 117 can provide these measurements to the reaction control system 102, which can use them to determine the extent of movement of the animation figure 106 within the linear axis system 109. That is, based on the measured forces, angular velocities, and / or orientation of the animation figure 106 and the animation being performed for the animation figure 106, the reaction control system 102 can determine which reaction control elements 108 to initialize, the amount of thrust from each of the initialized reaction control elements 108, the rotational speed of the propulsion assemblies of the reaction control elements 108 (e.g., propellers, electric duct fans of a UAV, pneumatic devices, and / or gyroscopic devices) to generate faster or slower thrust, etc., relative to the initial force, angular velocity, and / or orientation of the animation figure 106. Furthermore, measurements from the inertial measurement unit 117 can enable the reactive control system 102 to compensate for inertial loads. That is, the animated figure 106 connected to the cable 105 has mass, and because the cable 105 has mass, the animated figure 106 can have an inertial load. An inertial load can refer to resistance to changes in the velocity, etc., of the animated figure 106. As an example, a cable 105 connected to a large mass, such as the animated figure 106, and having a large radius, such as a long cable length, can support high inertia. Once the cable 105 begins to move with the animated figure 106, it can be difficult to stop the inertial load. The inertial measurement unit 117 measures the inertia and sends the measurements to the reactive control system 102, which can then control the reactive control element 108 accordingly. That is, the reactive control system 102 can generate a faster and stronger thrust on the reactive control element 108 to counteract the heavy inertial load.As an example, the reaction control system 102 may allow for many reaction control elements 108 to counter a heavy animated character 106 .

[0045] The responsive control system 102 also includes a monitoring system 111. The monitoring system 111 can be a management system that monitors the sensors 150 and / or the animated figures 106. For example, the monitoring system 111 can monitor control signals sent from the animated figure controller 110 in response to the presence of a guest to modify the animation provided by the animated figure 106. In particular, the monitoring system 111 can ensure that the sensors 150 and / or the animated figures 106 function as expected and / or provide the animation as expected. For example, the monitoring system 111 can ensure that the animated figures 106 move in the expected direction using the trolley 104. In some embodiments, the monitoring system 111 can also track ride wait times or queues to maintain expected throughput.

[0046] Additionally, if the animated figure controller 110 is not functioning as expected (e.g., sending erroneous control signals), the monitoring system 111 can control or reconfigure the animated figure controller 110. That is, the monitoring system 111 can reset the animation algorithms of the animated figure controller 110 (e.g., algorithms that initialize the responsive control elements 108) and / or override or reset the animations provided by the animated figure controller 110. In this manner, the monitoring system 111 can reset or recalibrate the animated figure controller 110, the sensors 150, and / or the animated figure 106. In certain embodiments, the monitoring system 111 and the animated figure controller 110 can be implemented as a single controller.

[0047] The animation figure controller 110 may enable the communications circuitry 158 to interface with various electronic devices, such as the monitoring system 111 and / or the animation figure 106. The monitoring system 111 may communicate with the animation figure controller 110 to receive and / or send information (depicted by the double-headed arrow) to verify that the animation figure 106 is operating as expected. Additionally or alternatively, the animation figure controller 110 may enable the communications circuitry 158 to interface with components of the animation figure 106 to receive and / or send information (depicted by the double-headed arrow). For example, the communications circuitry 158 may enable the animation figure controller 110 to be communicatively coupled to a network, such as a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), and / or a wide area network (WAN). Thus, in some embodiments, the animation figure controller 110 may process data from the input device 152, determine the presence of a guest, determine the animation of the animation figure 106, and communicate the action to be implemented for the animation to the animation figure 106 via the communications circuitry 158. For example, after processing sensor data from input device 152, processor 154 may determine control signals that enable communication circuitry 158 to wirelessly transmit control data to animation figure 106 to activate reaction controlling elements 108 and / or trolley systems to provide movement. In other embodiments, communication circuitry 158 may be wired to animation figure 106.

[0048] The processor 154 may include one or more processing devices that receive input signals from the input devices 152 related to the presence of a guest, which can then be used to determine movement or animation motion for the animated figure 106 using the techniques described herein. The memory 156 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired algorithms (e.g., program code) in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 154 or other processor-based device. In particular, the processor 154 may include a processing core for executing the machine-executable instruction algorithms stored in the memory 156. The processor 154 may also include a processor-side interface that allows software applications running on the processing cores to interact with hardware components on the amusement ride 100 associated with the processor 154, such as the animated figure 106, and / or other show scene features (e.g., sound effects, lighting effects, props, etc.). By way of example, the processor 154 may enable one or more actuators (e.g., for the eyes, lips, head, neck, and other appendages), audio devices, video devices, lighting devices, etc. of the animated figure 106 to provide animation. That is, the processor 154 may provide facial expressions via eye and lip actuators, create lighting effects via illumination devices, play audio via audio devices, display video via video devices, etc. These functions may enable animations in which the animated figure 106 appears to be conversing with guests on the amusement ride 100.Additionally, in some embodiments, the animated figure 106 may include an atmospheric effects device for generating fog effects, wind effects, precipitation effects (eg, water), and the like from the animated figure 106 .

[0049] As an example in an amusement park setting, the stored algorithms may include, but are not limited to, algorithms that determine the presence of a guest based on sensor data from sensors 150, algorithms that determine animation for animated figures 106 (e.g., stored in memory 156), and algorithms that determine the configuration of responsive control elements 108 (e.g., which responsive control elements 108 to initialize, the direction of blade rotation of the responsive control elements 108, the speed of blade rotation, etc.). In this manner, the animated figure controller 110 may determine the presence of a particular guest and control the animated figure 106 accordingly, for example, when the particular guest is within a predetermined range of the animated figure 106 and / or when it is determined that the guest is facing the animated figure 106. Animations may include animations for the animated figures 106 on the amusement park ride 100, but may also include interactions on the amusement park grounds.

[0050] The animation figure 106 may include or be connected to rails 103, trolleys 104, cables 105, responsive control elements 108, and batteries 115. While the following description describes these components as separate and / or connected components representing particular embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may also include animation figures 106 that do not include one or more of these components and / or combinations of one or more of these components. As previously described, the animation figure controller 110 may provide movements for an animation to the animation figure 106. Upon receiving movements associated with an animation, the animation figure controller 110 may initialize the rails 103, trolleys 104, cables 105, and / or responsive control elements 108. In particular, the animation figure 106 may be connected to cables 105, which connect to the trolley 104, which moves in x- and y-axes via the rails 103, for movement horizontally and / or vertically relative to the rails 103. Specifically, the animated figure controller 110 can move the trolley 104 along the path provided by the rails 103. Additionally or alternatively, the animated figure controller 110 can activate a winch on the trolley 104 connected to the cable 105 to decrease the distance of the animated figure 106 from the trolley 104 so that the animated figure 106 is further from the ground. Meanwhile, the animated figure controller 110 can let out the cable 105 to increase the distance of the animated figure 106 from the trolley 104 so that the animated figure 106 is closer to the ground. By winding in the cable 105 or unwinding the cable 105 via the winch, the animated figure 106 can be brought closer to guests as they ride the ride cart 112.In some embodiments, such z-axis motion can be imparted by rail 103 transitioning height dynamically (eg, raising and lowering the rail) or based on tilting and lowering of rail 103.

[0051] In addition to or alternatively to initializing the trolley system, the animation figure controller 110 can initialize the reaction control elements 108 to provide animation (e.g., moving the animation figure 106 and / or features of the animation figure 106 in various directions for animation). As discussed above, the animation figure controller 110 can independently control the reaction control elements 108 to provide animation. In some embodiments, the reaction control elements 108 can be connected to rods 107 attached to the animation figure 106 to provide animation. In additional embodiments, the reaction control elements 108 may be integrated into or mounted on the animation figure 106 (e.g., without the rods 107) to provide animation. As discussed above, the reaction control elements 108 (with or without the rods 107) can animate the animation figure 106. In particular, the reaction control elements 108 can rotate to generate thrust and move the animation figure 106 in a direction opposite to the thrust. The thrust can cause the entire animated figure 106 and / or portions of the animated figure 106 (e.g., the lower abdomen and / or limbs of the animated figure 106 connected to the responsive control element 108) to rotate, tilt, orient, etc. Additionally, the animated figure controller 110 can cause the responsive control element 108 to rotate (e.g., speed up, slow down, stop, etc.) at a particular acceleration, which can cause the animated figure 106 to move at different speeds (e.g., faster or slower) and / or to different degrees (e.g., more rotation or tilt). These movements, alone or in conjunction with each other, can provide a wide range of animation effects. As an example, the responsive control element 108 can cause the animated figure 106 to accelerate forward while leaning forward in a particular direction (e.g., toward a guest) to create a flying animation.

[0052] The battery 115 may include an on-board battery for powering the animation figure 106 and its components, such as the responsive control element 108 and / or the trolley 104. Additionally or alternatively, the animation figure controller 110 may receive power via an external power source via the cable 105. In some embodiments, a charging station or pad may charge the battery 115 for the animation figure 106. The charging station may include a charging pad, and the animation figure controller 110 may cause the animation figure 106 to periodically return to the charging pad, such as during an animation, ride, show, and / or after a predetermined time has elapsed. In additional or alternative embodiments, the battery 115 may be charged wirelessly. In particular, wireless charging may transfer power from a charging station to the battery 115 using induction or magnetic fields between coils. An alternating current may be passed through an induction coil in the charging station, creating a varying magnetic field that generates an electromotive force. The electromotive force generates an alternating current in the induction coil of the battery 115 or a device that includes the battery 115. The alternating current flowing through the battery 115 or the induction coil of a device equipped with the battery 115 can be converted to direct current by a rectifier to charge the battery 115.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process 160 for providing animation to an animated figure 106. While the process 160 is described using a particular order of operations, it should be understood that the described operations may be performed in an order different from that shown, and that certain described operations may be skipped or not performed at all. Generally, at least some of the steps of the process 160 may be performed at least in part by the responsive control system 102 of FIG. 5. Specifically, these steps may be performed at least in part by the processor 154 of the responsive control system 102 executing instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory (meaning not a signal) computer-readable medium, such as memory 156. In alternative or additional embodiments, at least some of the steps of the process 160 may be performed by any other suitable component, control logic, or the like. Furthermore, although the following description describes an animated figure 106 having multiple reaction control elements 108 integrated into the animated figure 106 (e.g., as part of joints, limbs, extremities, and / or other regions of the body) and connected to the animated figure 106 via rods 107, which represents a particular embodiment, the animated figure 106 may alternatively include one or more reaction control elements 108 integrated into the animated figure 106 and / or one or more reaction control elements 108 connected to the animated figure 106 via one or more rods 107.

[0054] In order to provide the reactive control animation via the reactive control system 102, the processor 154 may determine that the ride cart 112 and / or a guest are present at a location of interest (process block 162). In particular, the processor 154 may determine the presence of a guest and the guest's position relative to the animated figure 106 based on sensor data from the sensors 150 received by the input device 152. That is, the input device 152 may receive sensor data indicating that the ride cart 112 and / or a guest (e.g., in the ride cart 112) is within a predetermined threshold distance, such as within a viewing range, from the animated figure 106. As an example, the sensor data may indicate the presence of the ride cart 112 based on a weight detected by the weight sensor 120 on the ride truck 116, as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor data may indicate the presence of a guest based on image data from the camera 114 and / or detection of an RFID tag 118 on the guest's wearable device. In this manner, the processor 154 can determine that a guest is within viewing range of the animated figure 106, and therefore the processor 154 can provide animation to the animated figure 106. Otherwise, the animated figure 106 can remain in a default state, such as an inactive state (e.g., to conserve energy).

[0055] After determining that a guest is present, the processor 154 may determine which component of the animated figure 106 to initialize based on the animation (process block 164). That is, the processor 154 may determine one or more animations to provide based on one or more algorithms stored in the memory 156, as described above. The animation may be based on the particular amusement ride 100, an area within the particular amusement ride 100 (e.g., a particular show scene), the time of day, data related to the guest, the number of guests, events occurring at the amusement park, etc. Providing the animation may include utilizing one or more components of the animated figure 106. As one example, the animation may include a flying effect around the guest. The flying effect may include moving the animated figure 106 in a clockwise direction, tilting the animated figure 106 forward and toward the guest, etc.

[0056] Additionally, determining which components to initialize can be based on the architecture of the animation figure 106, such as the integration or placement of responsive control elements 108 on the animation figure 106 (e.g., on the limbs, back, and / or torso (e.g., abdomen and / or chest)), the connections to the responsive control elements 108 (e.g., responsive control elements 108 connected to rods 107), and / or the connections to a trolley system. In some embodiments, continuing with the flight animation example, the processor 154 can determine not to initialize integrated responsive control elements 108 on the limbs of the animation figure 106 that would not be needed to provide the flight animation of the animation figure 106. Instead, the processor 154 can determine to initialize the responsive control elements 108 connected to the animation figure 106 via the trolley system and rods 107 to create thrust that moves the entire body of the animation figure 106 and provide the flight animation. In additional or alternative embodiments, such as an animation involving moving limbs of the animated figure 106 (e.g., hands moving up and down) and / or an animation involving moving limbs of the animated figure 106 (e.g., hands moving up and down), the processor 154 may determine not to initialize the responsive control elements 108 connected to the trolley system and / or rods 107. Instead, the processor 154 may determine to initialize the responsive control elements 108 on the limbs of the animated figure 106. In such embodiments, the responsive control elements 108 may also provide flying animations. As an example, individual responsive control elements 108 on joints, limbs, and / or other regions of the body may generate thrust in a direction that causes the animated figure 106 to float and / or fly in opposite directions.

[0057] Furthermore, in additional or alternative embodiments, the animation figure 106 can include or be coupled to a robotic arm assembly. The robotic arm assembly can also provide movement of the animation figure in the x, y, and z axes. Specifically, the robotic arm assembly can move upward, downward, inward, outward, rotate, etc., and move the coupled animation figure 106 accordingly. For example, the robotic arm assembly can provide movement for a flying animation of the animation figure 106. Furthermore, a single robotic arm assembly can move the animation figure 106 more efficiently than multiple responsive control elements 108, for example, if the animation figure 106 is heavy. In some embodiments, the robotic arm can position the animation figure 106 in the x, y, and z axes, and the responsive control elements 108 can move the end of the animation figure 106 to provide an animation effect.

[0058] In embodiments including an animated figure 106 connected to a trolley system (as indicated by the dashed box) and where the animation involves movement with the trolley system, the processor 154 may initialize the trolley system for the animation (process block 166). Specifically, based on the animation, the processor 154 may cause the trolley 104 to move within the x, y, and z axes of the show scene area of ​​the amusement ride 100, moving the animated figure 106 accordingly. In this manner, the animation may utilize the entire show scene, as opposed to being attached to a specific area of ​​the show scene (e.g., a cable 105 attached to the ceiling of the show scene or connected to a fixed pulley). Furthermore, based on the animation, the processor 154 may determine the most efficient (e.g., fastest) route to the area of ​​interest of the animated figure 106 within the show scene (e.g., near a guest). The processor 154 may then cause the trolley 104 to move along the horizontal and / or vertical rails 103 of the most efficient route. Upon reaching the region of interest, the processor 154 can move the animated figure 106 up or down by pulling or reeling in the cable 105 via a winch. In some embodiments, the animation can include providing additional movement, such as the animated figure 106 moving forward or backward, tilting, or rotating. In such embodiments, responsive control elements 108 connected to the animated figure 106 and / or to the rails 103 connected to the animated figure 106 can be initialized. In some embodiments, the cable 105 can include electrical or signal conductors (e.g., electrical cables that communicate electrical signals and / or power) that are part of the cable 105. That is, the cable 105 can provide a communication channel for communicating control signals to the animated figure 106. For example, the cable 105 can communicate control signals (e.g., from the processor 154) to the responsive control elements 108 of the animated figure 106 to initialize them.

[0059] In embodiments where the animation includes movement using the responsive control element 108, the processor 154 may initialize the responsive control element 108 for the animation (process block 168). As described with respect to FIGS. 2-4 , the processor 154 may initialize the responsive control element 108 to rotate and accelerate air in a particular direction to generate thrust and move the animated figure 106 in the opposite direction. The processor 154 may also provide roll, yaw, and / or pitch movement of the animated figure 106. In some embodiments, the processor 154 may adjust the rotational speed of the responsive control element 108 to increase or decrease acceleration. As an example, the processor may rotate the responsive control element 108 at or near maximum speed to provide movement (e.g., leaning forward toward a guest), and then reduce the speed once the movement is achieved (e.g., maintaining the leaned position and / or hovering at a particular location). In some embodiments, the processor 154 can decouple the animated figure 106 from the cables 105 to provide animation using the responsive control elements 108. By way of example, after reaching a specific or approximately specific x-y position within a show scene, the processor 154 can animate the animated figure 106 using the responsive control elements 108 without being connected to the cables 105, e.g., flying or floating around the x-y position. Decoupling from the cables 105 can provide more flexibility for animation movement. In this manner, the responsive control system 102 utilizes the rails 103, trolleys 104, cables 105, and / or responsive control elements 108 to provide controlled movement and motion of the animated figure 106 animation (e.g., flying and / or floating) in the x-y-z axes without using heavy, bulky, and / or tangled assemblies.

[0060] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. 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. It is to be understood that any of the features illustrated or described with respect to the above-described figures can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0061] The techniques presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the art of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Furthermore, when any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for "performing" a "function"" or "steps for "performing" a "function," such elements are to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 Amusement Park Rides 102 Reaction Control System 103 Rail 104 Trolley 105 Cable 106 Animated Figures

Claims

1. 1. A reaction control system comprising: Trucks and a trolley configured to move along the track; an animated figure coupled to the trolley; at least one reaction control element coupled to a portion of said animated figure; a controller communicatively coupled to the trolley and the animated figure; Equipped with The controller: detecting the presence of a ride vehicle or guest proximate to the track based on sensor data received by the controller from one or more sensors proximate to the track; controlling the trolley to position the animated figure based on the presence of the ride vehicle or the guest; controlling the animation of the animated figure by operating the reaction control element; A reaction control system configured as follows:

2. 2. The reaction control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the animation of the animation figure by rotating the animation figure, tilting the animation figure, moving the trolley to move the animation figure in one or more dimensions within a linear axis system consisting of x-, y-, and z-axes, all perpendicular to each other, in conjunction with the operation of the reaction control element, or any combination thereof.

3. The reaction control system of claim 1 , wherein the track includes a plurality of rails, and the trolley is coupled to the animation figure via a cable.

4. The reactive control system of claim 3 , wherein the trolley is configured to extend and retract the cable from the trolley to vary the distance between the trolley and the animated figure.

5. 5. The reaction control system of claim 4, wherein the trolley is configured to extend or retract the cable using a counterweight, a custom tensioning system, a winch, or any combination thereof.

6. 10. The reactive controlled system of claim 1, wherein the track includes a plurality of track segments arranged to facilitate movement of the trolley along two or more axes.

7. 2. The reactive control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine, based on the sensor data received by the controller, that the ride vehicle or the guest is within a threshold distance from the animated figure.

8. 8. The reaction control system of claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a camera, a weight sensor, an electronic reader configured to read an RFID tag, or any combination thereof.

9. 10. The reaction control system of claim 1, wherein the at least one reaction control element comprises a plurality of propellers coupled to respective portions of the animated figure, the respective portions being configured to move relative to one another.

10. 10. The reactive control system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to manage the plurality of propellers based on an animation determined based on a detected position of the ride vehicle or the guest.

11. The reactive control system of claim 10 , wherein the animation includes using the plurality of propellers to move one or more extremities of the animated figure.

12. 1. A method of moving an animated figure, comprising: determining, by a responsive control system, the presence of a ride vehicle or guest proximate to the path based on sensor data received from one or more sensors proximate to the path; determining, by the responsive control system, a desired location for the animated figure based on the presence of the ride vehicle or the guest, the animated figure being coupled to a trolley configured to move along the path; moving, by the reaction control system, the trolley along the path based on the desired location; determining, by said reaction control system, the animation of said animated figure; determining, by said reaction control system, one or more components of said animated figure that move relative to other components of said animated figure based on said animation; moving, by said reaction control system, said one or more components of said animated figure relative to other components of said animated figure by controlling one or more reaction control elements coupled to, disposed on or integrated with said one or more components of said animated figure; A method comprising:

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the one or more components include one or more limbs of the animation figure that connect to a body of the animation figure via a hinge.

14. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more reaction control elements comprise a propeller, an unmanned aerial vehicle, an electric duct fan, a pneumatic device, a gyroscopic device, or any combination thereof.

15. 13. The method of claim 12, including the step of moving the trolley horizontally or vertically along the path to provide a corresponding movement of the animated figure.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, including the step of activating a winch on the trolley to facilitate vertical movement of the animation figure relative to the trolley.

17. The method of claim 12 , wherein the one or more reaction control elements include a plurality of propellers, the method including coordinating the operation of the plurality of propellers to provide the animation.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising the step of moving the trolley along the path by actuating the one or more reaction control elements.

19. A tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium that, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to: detecting the presence of a guest or ride vehicle proximate to the route based on sensor data received from one or more sensors proximate to the route; positioning a trolley along the path based on the detected presence, the trolley being coupled to an animated figure and configured to move along the path; determining, based on the animation, at least one component of the animated figure to be controlled; in response to determining the at least one component, operating the trolley and at least one reaction control element associated with the at least one component to provide the animation, the at least one reaction control element being mounted on the animation figure, connected to the animation figure via a rod, or a combination thereof; A tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium containing machine-readable instructions for causing

20. 20. The tangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 19, comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control rotation of the at least one reaction control element, a propeller.

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