Rotating Platform Coaster

Abstract

To provide, in the field of amusement parks, systems and methods utilized to provide amusement park experiences.SOLUTION: An apparatus for an amusement park includes a bogie system that moves along a ride path, a platform coupled to the bogie system, and a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform. The platform may rotate about a guide axis with respect to the bogie system, and the plurality of seats may rotate about the guide axis with the platform.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 〔Cross - Reference to Related Applications〕 This application claims priority and the benefit thereof based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 827,690, entitled "ROTATING PLATFORM COASTER", filed on April 1, 2019, and this document is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement parks. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing an amusement park experience.

Background Art

[0003] This section is for introducing to the reader various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed hereinafter. This discussion is considered to be helpful in showing the reader the background circumstances and facilitating a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should not be construed as admitting prior art, but should be understood to be read from the above perspective.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Amusement parks often include attractions that incorporate a simulated competitive environment among participants. For example, these attractions may have cars or trains that race against each other along a track (e.g., dueling coasters, go-karts). Incorporating a competitive environment can provide guests with additional entertainment value and increase versatility, encouraging them to enjoy the attraction multiple times. However, some systems, by including multiple track sections that create a simulated competitive environment, can increase the cost and complexity of the attraction. There is now a recognized need to provide improved systems and methods for simulated racing attractions that enhance guest excitement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following describes several embodiments that are identical in scope to the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the Disclosure. In practice, the Disclosure may include a variety of forms that are similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the apparatus for an amusement park includes a bogie trolley system configured to move along a ride path, a platform coupled to the bogie trolley system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie trolley system about a guide axis, and a plurality of seats coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate together with the platform about a guide axis.

[0007] According to another embodiment, the system includes a bogie truck system configured to guide movement along a vehicle path; a platform coupled to the bogie truck system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie truck system about a guide axis; a plurality of seats coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about a guide axis; a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about a guide axis; and a second actuator configured to rotate the platform about an inclination axis oriented laterally with respect to the guide axis.

[0008] According to another embodiment, the system includes a track that defines a vehicle path, a bogie system coupled to the track and configured to guide movement along the vehicle path, a platform coupled to the bogie system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis, a first seat coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about a guide axis, and a second seat coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about a guide axis, wherein the rotation of the platform adjusts the first position of the first seat and the second position of the second seat relative to each other along the vehicle path.

[0009] A better understanding of these and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be gained by reading the following detailed description while referring to the attached drawings, which indicate the same parts throughout with the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system for a rotating platform vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]This is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system for a rotating platform vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform vehicle in a first position according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform vehicle in a second position according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform vehicle at the end of a track according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform vehicle at the end of a track according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform vehicle having a gimbal system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure. For the sake of brevity, this specification may not describe all features of the embodiments. In developing any such embodiments, as can be seen in any engineering or design project, it should be understood that numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary by implementation. Furthermore, while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that they are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing activities.

[0012] Amusement park attractions involving a competitive environment (e.g., races between passengers) can be limited by the physical constraints of the attraction's area and the degree of control over the ride experience. For example, while vehicles on a multi-lane track (e.g., go-karts) can interact with each other, these interactions are generally based on individual passengers and therefore limit the nature of the experience (e.g., these vehicles are usually configured to travel at relatively lower speeds than other amusement park rides). These isolated track sections (e.g., roller coaster tracks) can have individual vehicles where passengers sit during the attraction. Unfortunately, these multiple isolated track sections can increase the cost of constructing and operating the attraction. Furthermore, the increased number of variables associated with multiple isolated tracks, each with its own individual vehicle, can increase the complexity of the control system involved in creating a competitive environment. In addition, having vehicles on independent track sections can make it difficult to simulate certain interactions (e.g., one vehicle overtaking another, or sharing a lane with another) because the track sections need to be merged or intersected.

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure aim to facilitate a simulated competition attraction in a way that gives guests the ability and / or illusion of controlling the outcome of a competition (e.g., a race or sporting event). As used herein, a simulated competition may mean a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) that moves along a track at a variable speed, and the positions of seats (e.g., sub-vehicles) that secure guests within the ride vehicle are movable relative to each other. The ride vehicle may include a plurality of seats (e.g., pods, vehicles, or other features that match the theme of the simulated competition attraction) that can be positioned on a platform configured to rotate relative to the track or ride path on which the ride vehicle travels. In some embodiments, guests can tilt or otherwise adjust their position to rotate the platform. Thus, guests may feel that their movement has caused them to be positioned ahead of other guests relative to the ride path. In other embodiments, guest interaction with various features positioned along the ride path (e.g., a track) can cause the platform to rotate. For example, a guest can collect points by using an interaction device mounted on the vehicle to point the device at targets placed along the vehicle's path, when the device is properly positioned and / or activated. Having collected points, the guest can then interact with features on the vehicle (e.g., buttons, throttle, pedals) to cause the platform to rotate. In yet another embodiment, the platform rotation can occur at various points along the vehicle's path, independent of guest interaction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the ride path (e.g., a track) may include dead ends that appear to guests as a break in the ride path, thereby increasing guest excitement. The ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) may approach a dead end in a first direction of travel, rotate, and reorient the guest to face a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel. The ride vehicle may then begin moving from the dead end along the ride path in the second direction of travel. In addition to or instead of this, the dead ends of the ride path may simulate the boundaries of a stadium or other suitable environment that harmonizes with the simulated competition attraction. As a non-limiting example, the ride path may be configured to move guests near a goal located at the outer boundary of a stadium. In this case, when positioned near the goal, guests may attempt to score by using physical components (e.g., a ball) and / or by interacting with simulated components (e.g., holograms or images) and making gestures.

[0015] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) can be configured to move along a ride path (e.g., a track), rotate substantially lateral to an axis relative to the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path, and / or tilt or move around an axis that defines the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path. Thus, the ride vehicle can be configured to have multiple degrees of mobility to further enhance the guest experience. In some embodiments, the seats of the ride vehicle can include a gimbal system that can maintain the guest's position (e.g., viewpoint or field of view) relative to the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path (e.g., the guest continuously faces the direction of the ride vehicle's movement). For example, actuators controlling the rings of the gimbal system can maintain the guest's field of view or viewpoint in the direction of the ride vehicle's movement along the ride path. In other embodiments, the gimbal system can also be used to provide additional mobility by moving individual seats relative to the platform during a simulated competition attraction.

[0016] Based on these considerations, Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes seats 12 coupled to a platform 14 configured to move in a direction of motion 18 along a vehicle path 16 (e.g., a track). While the exemplary embodiment in Figure 1 shows a substantially straight vehicle path 16, in other embodiments the vehicle path 16 may be curved, circular, polygonal, or any other shape that can simulate a road or travel path (e.g., a river). For example, the vehicle path 16 may include S-curves and hairpin curves to enhance the excitement provided to passengers during operation. In some embodiments, the platform 14 can be coupled to the vehicle path 16 via a bogie truck or rollers (e.g., wheels) configured to be coupled to a structure 20 of the vehicle path 16 (e.g., rails, tracks, or another preferred component) to allow movement in a direction of motion 18 along the vehicle path 16. In yet another embodiment, the structure 20 of the ride path 16 can be positioned in a slot or groove beneath the ground 22 (e.g., a machined racing surface) so that the structure 20 of the ride path 16 is substantially hidden from the guest's line of sight. In other words, the structure 20 can be shielded from the guest's line of sight from the ground 22.

[0017] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the platform 14 and therefore the seats 12 are configured to rotate around a guide axis 24 in a first rotational direction 26 (e.g., clockwise relative to Figure 1) and a second rotational direction 28 (e.g., counterclockwise relative to Figure 1). As will be described in detail below, the rotation of the seats 12 and the platform 14 around the guide axis 24 can allow for adjustment of the relative positions of the seats 12, thereby creating the illusion that one seat 12 is moving ahead of another seat 12 in a race or other competitive scenario. Furthermore, the rotation of the platform 14 around the guide axis 24 can also change the guest's viewpoint relative to the ride path 16. Although the illustrated embodiment includes four seats 12 arranged on the platform 14, it will be understood that in other embodiments there may be one, two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or eleven or more seats 12.

[0018] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the seats 12 can be configured to move relative to the platform 14 along a slot 29 formed within the platform 14. For example, the seats 12 can be coupled to gears, belts, wheels, and / or other suitable devices that can enable the movement of the seats 12 relative to the platform 14 along the slot 29. Thus, the seats 12 can move along the slot 29 to provide a different degree of mobility. Thus, the seats 12 can be guided along the slot 29 to change their positions relative to each other and relative to the vehicle path 16. For example, the first seat 30 can generally be positioned in front of the second seat 32. However, the first seat 30 can also be moved in the opposite direction 34 to the operating direction 18 relative to the platform 14, and the second seat 32 can be moved in the operating direction 18, so that the second seat 32 is in front of the first seat 30 relative to the vehicle path 16. Thus, the position of any of the seats 12 can be adjusted to simulate a given seat 12 moving forward or backward of the other seat 12 relative to the vehicle path 16 and / or the operating direction 18. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the slot 29 is shown as linear, but in other embodiments, the slot 29 may be curved, wavy, or include other features that move the seat 12 relative to the platform 14.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a motion system 40 configured to drive the movement and / or rotation of a vehicle 10. The motion system 40 is movably coupled to a structure 20 (e.g., a pair of tracks) of a vehicle path 16 via a bogie carriage 42. In some embodiments, the bogie carriage 42 includes or can be coupled to a motor (e.g., an electric motor) that drives the rotational movement of the wheels 44 of the bogie carriage 42 to propel the vehicle 10 in an operating direction 18 (and / or an opposite direction 34) along the vehicle path 16. Accordingly, the seat 12 and the platform 14 can move along the vehicle path 16 to simulate a racing environment or other competitive environment (e.g., a sports event). In other embodiments, the bogie carriage 42 can move along the structure 20 of the vehicle path 16 via gravity and / or any other suitable technique that drives the vehicle 10 along the vehicle path 16. Further, the body 46 of the bogie carriage 42 is coupled to the wheels 44 to support the wheels 44. As will be appreciated, the body 46 of the bogie carriage 42 can be formed from metal (e.g., steel) or a composite material (e.g., including carbon fiber). In the illustrated embodiment, the body 46 is coupled to an actuator 48 that adjusts the circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide shaft 24 by enabling rotation of the platform 14 about the guide shaft 24.

[0020] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the actuator 48 includes a gear assembly 50 and a motor 52 configured to drive the rotational motion of the platform 14 about a guide shaft 24. For example, the gear assembly 50 can be a yaw drive that transmits rotational motion between interlocking gears. In some embodiments, the platform 14 can be coupled to a guide 54 via the gear assembly 50 and one or more supports 56. The guide 54 is coupled to a bogie truck 42 and is therefore configured to move in the operating direction 18 along the vehicle path 16. A gap 58 can be formed between the guide 54 and the platform 14 to reduce friction between the platform 14 and the guide 54 when the platform 14 rotates relative to the guide 54. In other embodiments, the actuator 48 can also be a rotary actuator configured to drive the rotation of the platform 14 upon receiving a signal from a control system 60. The rotation of the platform 14 adjusts the relative positions of the seats 12, thereby creating the illusion that one seat 12 overtakes another during a race or other competitive environment (e.g., a sporting event).

[0021] In some embodiments, the platform 14 includes a sensor 62 configured to detect the circumferential position of the platform 14 relative to the guide 54. Thus, the sensor 62 can also be used to determine the circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide 54. For example, the sensor 62 may include a Hall effect sensor, a capacitive displacement sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an inductive sensor, a string potentiometer, an electromagnetic sensor, or any other suitable sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 62 is configured to transmit signals indicating the positions of the platform 14 and / or the seat 12 to a control system 60 (e.g., local and / or remote). Thus, the control system 60 can use the feedback from the sensor 62 to adjust the position of the platform 14 around the guide axis 24 (e.g., when rotation of the platform 14 is operable).

[0022] As described above, the motion system 40 can include a control system 60 configured to control the movement and / or rotation of the platform 14. The control system 60 includes a controller 64 having a memory 66 and one or more processors 68. For example, the controller 64 can be an automatic controller that can include a programmable logic controller (PLC). The memory 66 is a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium that can include executable instructions executable by the processor 68 (not just signals). That is, the memory 66 is an article of manufacture configured to cooperate with the processor 68.

[0023] The controller 64 receives feedback from a sensor 62 that detects the relative position of the motion system 40 along the vehicle path 16 and / or other sensors. For example, the controller 64 can receive feedback from the sensor 62 indicating the position of the platform 14, and thus the seat 12, relative to the guide 54. Based on this feedback, the controller 64 can adjust the operation of the vehicle 10 to simulate a race or other competition. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 64 is communicatively coupled to the motor 52 of the actuator 48. The controller 64 can command the motor 52 to drive the rotation of the gear assembly 50 based on feedback from the sensor 62, thereby rotating the platform 14 and changing the position of the seats 12 relative to each other.

[0024] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pivot motion system 70 that can be used to connect a platform 14 to a structure 20 of a vehicle path 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 14 and guide 54 are connected to a pivot structure 72. The platform 14 can be rotated around the vehicle path axis 74 via an actuator 76 of the pivot motion system 70. As a result, guests in the seats 12 of the platform 14 can be positioned at different locations with respect to an axis 78 substantially lateral to the vehicle path axis 74. In some embodiments, the pivot motion system 70 allows the platform 14 and / or guide 54 to rotate around the vehicle path axis 74 when the vehicle 10 approaches a turning or curved section of the vehicle path 16, thereby simulating the vehicle entering a curve.

[0025] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3, the pivot motion system 70 includes a pivot structure 72 that allows the platform 14 and guide 54 to move in a first vertical direction 82 and / or a second vertical direction 84 via actuators 76. For example, the actuator 76 may include a telescopic arm controlled by a motor 85 that extends and retracts in the first vertical direction 82 and the second vertical direction 84, respectively. Thus, the actuator 76 can adjust the vertical position of the platform 14 and / or guide 54. In some embodiments, a portion of the actuator 76 can be extended in the first vertical direction 82 while the position of the other actuators 76 is substantially maintained. Thus, the platform 14 and / or guide 54 can be positioned at an angle 86 with respect to the pivot structure 72 and / or the ground 22. The angle 86 allows the platform 14 to tilt, simulating how a vehicle 10 enters a curve or other feature of the vehicle path 16. While an exemplary embodiment in Figure 3 shows a pivot motion system 70 having three actuators 76, in other embodiments the pivot motion system 70 may include any preferred number of actuators 76 (e.g., one, two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or eleven or more actuators 76).

[0026] In some embodiments, the actuators 76 can be coupled to a controller 64 which can activate and / or deactivate one or more actuators 76 to move the platform 14 and / or guide 54 in first and second vertical directions 82, 84. The controller 64 can receive feedback from the sensor 87 to determine the position of the platform 14 and / or guide 54 relative to the pivot structure 72 and send one or more signals to the actuators 76 to adjust the position of the platform 14 and / or guide 54 to a desired position.

[0027] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3, the vehicle 10 includes seats 12 for guests. The seats 12 may include restraints 88 (e.g., shoulder restraints, lap bars, seat belts) that secure the guest to the seat 12 when the vehicle 10 moves, rotates and / or operates otherwise throughout the duration of the vehicle's operation. In some embodiments, the seats 12 may be coupled to the platform 14 of the vehicle 10 via their respective bases 90 and their respective joints 92. The joints 92 may allow the seat 12 to rotate to and / or relative to the platform 14 of the vehicle 10. For example, each joint 92 may be coupled to an actuator 94 (e.g., a motor) that adjusts the position of the respective seat 12. In some embodiments, the seats 12 may be configured to maintain the guest's position relative to the structure 20 (or ground 22) of the vehicle path 16 when the platform 14 moves and / or rotates throughout the duration of the vehicle's operation. In addition to or instead of this, the seats 12 may also rotate independently of the position of the platform 14. Furthermore, the seats 12 can also be operated linearly from the platform 14 of the vehicle 10. For example, each base 90 may include a telescopic segment 96 coupled to an actuator 94, thus allowing the seats 12 to move toward and away from the platform 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the joint 92 between the base 90 and the seat 12 can rotate through interaction by the guest. For example, the guest can rotate the seat 12 relative to the base 90 by shifting their weight. In some embodiments, the guest can also rotate the platform 14 by shifting their weight to simulate a change in the guest's position (e.g., a change in which one guest appears to be in front of the other guests). The guest's movement can physically rotate the platform 14 around the guide axis 24. In addition to or instead of this, the controller 64 can be prompted to activate actuators 48 (e.g., gear assembly 50 and motor 52) to rotate the platform 14 when the rotation of one or more seats 12 is detected by the sensor 98. Thus, interaction by the guest can ultimately cause the platform 14 to rotate.

[0029] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of embodiments of a vehicle 10 showing the rotation of platform 14 as a result of interaction by guests. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4, a first guest 120, a second guest 122, a third guest 124, and a fourth guest 126 are shown in the first, second, third, and fourth positions with respect to the operating direction 18, respectively. As an example of how the illustrated vehicle 10 operates, the fourth guest 126 can tilt the seat 12 by shifting their weight forward toward the operating direction 18. This allows the seat 12 to tilt toward the operating direction 18, which can be detected by one of the sensors 98. The controller 64 receives feedback from the sensor 98 and can respond to the feedback by activating the rotation of platform 14 toward the first rotation direction 26 and / or the second rotation direction 28.

[0030] In addition to or instead of this, the fourth guest 126 may also actuate the rotation of the platform 14 so that a component 128 (e.g., a handheld component, a component integrated with the seat 12, and / or another preferred device) is directed toward a target 130 positioned along the vehicle path 16. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4, the fourth guest 126 may orient the component 128 toward the target 130 or otherwise. In addition to or instead of this, the fourth guest 126 may also actuate a feature of the component 128 (e.g., a light-emitting diode) to interact with the target 130. The fourth guest 126 may collect points based on the position of the component 128 relative to the target 130. For example, when the fourth guest 126 directs the component 128 (e.g., a light beam emitted from the component 128) toward the center of the target 130, it may receive more points than when the component 128 (e.g., a light beam emitted from the component 128) is directed toward the outer periphery of the target 130. The controller 64 can be communicatively coupled to component 128, target 130, and / or intermediate devices coupled to component 128 and / or target 130. At this time, the controller 64 can activate the rotation of platform 14 to position the first guest 120, second guest 122, third guest 124, and fourth guest 126 in positions corresponding to the number of points each guest has collected. Furthermore, guests 120, 122, 124, and 126 can interact with an activator (e.g., a button, pedal, or throttle) when they have collected a target amount of points, which activates the rotation of platform 14 to position the guests who have interacted with the activator in the first position.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the fourth guest 126 can move to the first position as a result of interaction with the seat 12 and / or target 130. Thus, the platform 14 is rotated by approximately 180 degrees (e.g., within 10%, 5%, or 1%) in the first rotation direction 26 or the second rotation direction 28 compared to the position of the platform 14 shown in Figure 4. While the above description generally focuses on the rotation of the platform 14 being caused by guest interaction, in other embodiments, the rotation of the platform 14 may also be based on the position of the platform 14 along the vehicle path 16. For example, the controller 64 may be configured to determine the position of the platform 14 by receiving feedback from sensors 134 positioned along the vehicle path 16. In this case, the controller 64 can actuate the rotation of the platform 14 based on the position of the platform 14 relative to the vehicle path 16 (e.g., when the sensors 134 detect it). In yet another embodiment, the rotation of the platform 14 around the guide axis 24 can be actuated as a result of guest interaction, the position of the platform 14 along the vehicle path, the timing between the latest rotations of the platform 14, any parameter (e.g., random rotation), or a combination thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, the direction of movement 18 of the platform 14 can change along the vehicle path 16. For example, the vehicle path 16 may include a dead end 150 (e.g., the end or break of a structure 20) that the platform 14 can reach as it moves along the vehicle path 16. Figure 6 is a plan view of such an embodiment in which the platform 14 is located at a dead end 150 in a first position 152. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6, the platform 14 is located near the distal end 154 of the structure 20 (e.g., a rail or track) of the vehicle path 16. Upon reaching the dead end 150, the movement of the vehicle 10 and the platform 14 stops, and the vehicle 10 and the platform 14 can stand substantially still and face the direction of movement 18. In other words, when the vehicle 10 and the platform 14 reach a position near the dead end 150, they stop moving in the direction of movement 18 along the vehicle path 16.

[0033] When platform 14 stops at dead end 150, it can rotate around guide axis 24 in a first rotation direction 26 or a second rotation direction 28 to move platform 14 and seat 12 toward a second position 156 facing direction 34. For example, Figure 7 is a top view of an embodiment of a vehicle 10, platform 14 and seat 12 facing direction 34. Thus, platform 14 at the second position 156 is approximately 180 degrees (e.g., within 10%, 5%, and 1%) of the first position 152 shown in Figure 6. Thus, platform 14 can rotate at dead end 150 to reorient the seat 12, allowing guests to face direction 34. Thus, vehicle 10 can then move toward direction 34 along the structure 20 of the vehicle path 16, moving away from dead end 150 and along the vehicle path 16. In other embodiments, the platform 14 may not rotate to reorient the seats 12, so that guests cannot face direction 34. Thus, guests remain facing direction 18 as the ride vehicle 10 moves in direction 34, which can enhance guest excitement as the course of the ride vehicle 10 is not visible to the guests.

[0034] The vehicle 10 is guided in a direction of travel 18 toward a dead end 150 along the vehicle path 16, and can then turn around from the dead end 150 in a direction 34 opposite to the direction of travel 18 along the vehicle path 16. In some embodiments, the vehicle path 16 may include junctions and / or transitions that can guide the vehicle 10 in a direction 34 toward a different structure 20 of the vehicle path 16 compared to its movement toward the direction of travel 18. For example, the vehicle 10 may turn after reaching the dead end 150 and begin moving in a direction 34 toward a junction in the vehicle path 16. The vehicle 10 can transition to a different part of the structure 20 of the vehicle path 16 compared to the part of the vehicle path 16 it has traveled toward to reach the dead end 150. Thus, the route of the vehicle 10 may differ when moving toward the dead end 150 and when moving toward away from the dead end 150.

[0035] As described above, the seat 12 can be mounted to the platform 14 via a gimbal system to provide further mobility and / or maintain the guest's viewpoint during at least part of the ride path 16. For example, Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one seat 12 mounted to the platform 14 via a gimbal system 170. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 8, the gimbal system 170 includes an inner ring 172, an intermediate ring 174, and an outer ring 176, each of which can be configured to rotate around various axes. For ease of explanation, the gimbal system 170 can be described with respect to a longitudinal axis 178, a transverse axis 180, and a longitudinal axis 182. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis, the intermediate ring 174 is configured to rotate around the transverse axis 180, and the outer ring is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis 182. In other embodiments, the inner ring 172, the intermediate ring 174, and the outer ring 176 can be configured to rotate around any preferred axis.

[0036] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 8, the seat 12 is coupled to the inner ring 172 via a support beam 184 and is therefore configured to move together with the inner ring 172. Furthermore, the outer ring 176 is coupled to a support 186 which is coupled to the platform 14. The outer ring 176 can be coupled to the support 186 via a rotary joint 188 which facilitates the rotation of the outer ring 176 about the longitudinal axis 182. Furthermore, the intermediate ring 174 is coupled to the outer ring 176 via a rotary joint 190 which allows the intermediate ring 174 to rotate about the transverse axis 180. Furthermore, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the intermediate ring 174 via a rotary joint 192 which allows the rotation of the inner ring 172 about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the support beam 184 via static joints 194 which prevent movement of the support beam 184 and the inner ring 172 relative to each other.

[0037] In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 may include one or more actuators 196 (e.g., motors) that control the rotation of the inner ring 172, the intermediate ring 174, and / or the outer ring 176. Thus, the controller 64 can be configured to actuate the movement of the rings 172, 174, and 176 as the vehicle 10 moves along the vehicle path 16. In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to maintain the position of the seat 12 with respect to the direction of movement of the vehicle path 16 and / or the vehicle 10 (e.g., the operating direction 18 and / or direction 34). In other embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to move the seat 12 to any preferred direction or orientation that enhances the guest experience. Thus, the controller 64 can control the actuators 196 to adjust the position of the seat 12 to provide the vehicle 10 with further mobility.

[0038] While this specification illustrates and describes only a few features of the present disclosure, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as well as the actual spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 10 Vehicles 12 seats 14 Platforms 16 Transportation Routes 20 Structure 22 Ground 24 Guide axis 40 Motion Systems 42 Bogie truck 44 wheels 46 Bogie platform body 48 Actuators 50 Gear Assembly 52 Motors 54 Guide 56 Support 58 Gap 60 Control Systems 62 sensors 66 memory 68 processors 70 Pivot Motion System 72 Pivot structure 74 Vehicle Route Axis 76 Actuators 78 axes 82 First vertical direction 84 Second Vertical Direction 85 Motor 86 angle 87 Sensors 88 Restraints 90 base 92 joints 94 Actuators 96 Expandable Segments 98 Sensors

Claims

1. A ride system for amusement parks, The platform of the vehicle system, the platform configured to roll around a guide axis representing the direction of movement of the platform, A motion system configured to drive the movement of the aforementioned platform, One or more seats coupled to the platform and configured to move together with the platform and relative to the platform, At least one sensor coupled to the one or more seats and configured to detect the movement of the one or more seats relative to the platform and to provide data indicating the movement of the one or more seats, A controller configured to receive the data indicating the movement of the one or more seats, and to control the motion system to cause the platform to roll around the guide axis based on the data indicating the movement of the one or more seats, A vehicle system characterized by being equipped with [a certain feature].

2. The one or more seats include a plurality of seats, and the first seat among the plurality of seats is configured to translate along the platform to the second seat among the plurality of seats. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the one or more seats is coupled to the platform via a gimbal system. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

4. The system comprises an interaction component configured to be controlled by a guest located in at least one of the one or more seats, and a target located away from the platform within the vehicle system and configured to be actuated by the interaction component. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned controller, Based on the operation of the interaction component, feedback is received from the interaction component, the target, or both thereof. The motion system is controlled to reposition the platform based on the feedback. The vehicle system according to claim 4, configured as described above.

6. Of the one or more seats, at least one seat is associated with the guest, and the controller is configured to detect the activation of the target and to assign points or rewards to the guest based on the activation. The vehicle system according to claim 4.

7. The one or more seats include a plurality of seats, and the controller is configured to select the at least one seat associated with the guest and control the motion system. The vehicle system according to claim 6.

8. The platform is configured to roll about an additional axis that crosses the guide axis. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

9. The platform is configured to move along a vehicle path of the vehicle system on a bogie truck, the vehicle path includes a slewing section located adjacent to a pseudo-extension of the vehicle path, and the controller is configured to control the motion system to rotate the platform about the further axis when the bogie truck crosses the slewing section. The vehicle system according to claim 8.

10. The one or more seats include a plurality of seats, and each of the plurality of seats is configured to move along the platform relative to each of the remaining seats in the plurality of seats. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

11. It is a vehicle system, A platform configured to rotate around a first axis, tilt around a second axis, or both, A first actuator configured to rotate the platform around the first axis, A second actuator configured to tilt the platform around the second axis, A plurality of seats, coupled to the platform and configured to rotate together with the platform about a first axis, move in one direction relative to the platform, move upward or downward relative to the platform, rotate around a third axis relative to the platform, or perform any combination thereof, A sensor configured to detect the position of at least one of the multiple seats on the platform, A controller configured to control the first actuator to rotate the platform and the second actuator to tilt the platform based on the position of the at least one seat on the platform, A vehicle system characterized by being equipped with [a certain feature].

12. The controller is configured to select the at least one seat from the plurality of seats for position-based control of the first actuator and the second actuator, based on the performance of the interaction component associated with the at least one seat. The vehicle system according to claim 11.

13. Each of the aforementioned seats is configured to slidably engage with the platform and to slide relative to each of the remaining seats among the aforementioned seats. The vehicle system according to claim 11.

14. The first actuator includes a gear assembly driven by a motor. The vehicle system according to claim 11.

15. The second actuator includes a pivot assembly having a pivot structure and a plurality of telescopic actuators coupled to the pivot structure. The vehicle system according to claim 11.

16. The platform is configured to move along a vehicle path of the vehicle system on a bogie truck, the vehicle path includes a turning section located adjacent to a pseudo-extension of the vehicle path, and the controller is configured to control a first actuator to rotate the platform about a first axis when the bogie truck crosses the turning section. The vehicle system according to claim 11.

17. The controller is configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator based on the position of the platform within the vehicle system. The vehicle system according to claim 11.

18. It is a vehicle system, A platform configured to rotate around a guide axis, A first seat and a second seat coupled to the platform are configured to rotate together with the platform around the guide axis, move in one direction relative to the platform, move upward or downward relative to the platform, rotate around an axis that crosses the guide axis, or perform any combination thereof. A first sensor coupled to the first seat and configured to detect the first position of the first seat, A second sensor coupled to the second seat and configured to detect the second position of the second seat, A controller configured to control the rotation of the platform based on the first position of the first seat, the second position of the second seat, or both thereof, A vehicle system characterized by being equipped with [a certain feature].

19. The controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform based on the first position rather than the second position if a first performance value assigned to a first interaction component associated with the first seat exceeds a second performance value assigned to a second interaction component associated with the second seat. The vehicle system according to claim 18.

20. The controller is configured to move the first seat relative to the second seat along the platform based on the first position, the second position, or both thereof. The vehicle system according to claim 18.

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