Staged vehicle systems and methods

Abstract

To provide ride vehicles.SOLUTION: A ride vehicle includes a riding assembly configured to carry a rider, a base configured to couple to the riding assembly, and a control system configured to control the coordination of movements of the ride vehicle with movements of separate ride vehicles. The base includes a surface movement system configured to move the ride vehicle along a surface, a vertical movement system configured to move the riding assembly vertically relative to the base, and a roll system configured to move the riding assembly angularly relative to the base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority and the benefit of the provisional application serial number 62 / 863,598, filed on June 19, 2019, entitled "CHOREOGRAPHED RIDE SYSTEMS AND METHODS", which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle vehicles. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to vehicle vehicles that can move around vehicle paths that cooperate relative to each other and along a plurality of directions.

[0003] Some vehicle vehicles are ridden by users for transportation and / or entertainment purposes. For example, some amusement rides such as merry - go - rounds and other structured ride systems include vehicle vehicles that move in a circular pattern along a fixed path on a surface. During operation, the movement of the vehicle vehicle is typically restricted to a fixed path along the vehicle surface. It is currently recognized that such movement of the vehicle vehicle may impair the user's experience while riding on the vehicle vehicle.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of technologies that may be relevant to various aspects of the present disclosure described below. The discussions here are thought to be useful in providing the reader with background information that facilitates a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that these descriptions are not an admission of prior art and should be read in light of this perspective.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following outlines some of the specific embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are presented solely to provide the reader with an overview of these specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may encompass a variety of forms not described below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a passenger assembly configured to carry passengers, a base configured to be coupled to the passenger assembly, and a control system configured to control the coordination between the movement of the vehicle and the movement of a separate vehicle. The base includes a surface movement system configured to move the vehicle along a surface, a vertical movement system configured to move the passenger assembly perpendicular to the base, and a roll system configured to move the passenger assembly angularly to the base.

[0007] In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a passenger assembly configured to carry passengers and a base configured to be coupled to the passenger assembly. The base includes a surface moving system configured to move the vehicle along a surface and a passenger assembly moving system configured to move the passenger assembly relative to the base. The vehicle also includes a vehicle control system configured to receive signals from sensors indicating the position of the vehicle, determine if the distance between the position of the vehicle and a corresponding position along the vehicle path exceeds a threshold distance, and output a signal to the surface moving system indicating a command to adjust the position of the vehicle in response to the determination that the distance exceeds the threshold distance.

[0008] In one embodiment, the vehicle system includes a plurality of trackless vehicles configured to travel across a surface, and a vehicle control system. The vehicle control system is configured to transmit one or more staged vehicle paths to the plurality of trackless vehicles, to detect the respective positions of the plurality of trackless vehicles relative to each other and to the one or more staged vehicle paths within a vehicle area, and to transmit a plurality of commands to the plurality of trackless vehicles to control the movement of the plurality of trackless vehicles based on the respective positions of the plurality of trackless vehicles relative to each other and to the one or more staged vehicle paths.

[0009] Various improvements to the feature elements described above may exist in relation to various aspects of this disclosure. Other feature elements may also be incorporated into these various aspects. These improvements and additional feature elements may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various feature elements discussed below in relation to one or more exemplary embodiments may be incorporated individually or in any combination into any of the above-described aspects of this disclosure. The summary presented above is intended to help the reader understand the specific aspects and content of this disclosure and is not limited to the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be further understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a side view of one embodiment of a vehicle system including a vehicle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle system shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle system of Figure 1, which includes a surface moving system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]This is a side block view of one embodiment of the vehicle system of Figure 1, which includes a vertical movement system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a side block view of one embodiment of the vehicle system of Figure 1, including a roll system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of one embodiment of a vehicle control system for the vehicle shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle system of Figure 1 having a plurality of vehicles, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of a method suitable for controlling the vehicle system shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle system of Figure 1 having a vehicle at each of the first positions, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle system of Figure 1 having a vehicle at each of the second positions, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle system of Figure 1 having a vehicle at each of the third positions, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of a method suitable for controlling the vehicle system shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of a method suitable for controlling the vehicle system shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following describes one or more specific embodiments. For the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, this specification will not describe all features of the actual embodiments. As with any technical or design project, it should be understood that in developing any such actual implementation, a number of implementation-specific decisions will need to be made to achieve the specific goals of the developers, which may differ from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, they are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0013] A particular vehicle system includes vehicle vehicles capable of carrying passengers (e.g., users) within a vehicle area of ​​the vehicle system. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward vehicle vehicles that can move around vehicle paths within a vehicle system and move relative to one another. For example, a vehicle system may include a plurality of vehicle vehicles capable of carrying, entertaining, and / or transporting passengers within a vehicle area. The movement of the vehicle vehicles can be performed along a vehicle path and / or relative to one another and to other parts of the vehicle system. Furthermore, while moving along a vehicle path, a vehicle vehicle may be able to move in a particular direction relative to the surface of the vehicle system and / or include a passenger assembly that can carry passengers and move relative to the surface of the vehicle system. For example, a vehicle vehicle may include mechanisms and parts (e.g., a passenger assembly) that can move vertically and / or horizontally in various directions (e.g., move in any plane, spin, and turn) and roll.

[0014] In certain embodiments, a vehicle and / or vehicle system may include a control system that controls the movement of the vehicle within a vehicle area. For example, based on the vehicle's position relative to a vehicle path (e.g., based on the vehicle's actual position relative to its intended position along the vehicle path), the control system may adjust the vehicle's trajectory or course. In some embodiments, as the vehicle travels within a vehicle area, certain factors may affect the vehicle's trajectory, such as obstacles within the vehicle area, the weight of passengers on the vehicle, the weight of other items placed on or on part of the vehicle, obstacles attached to the vehicle that may be dragged behind, in front of, or to the side of the vehicle, and / or passenger input (e.g., a passenger shifting their weight, a passenger turning the steering wheel or adjusting the vehicle's trajectory, a passenger adjusting the vehicle's speed, etc.). Thus, the control system may adjust the vehicle's trajectory or course to ensure it generally follows the vehicle path, taking such factors into account.

[0015] Furthermore, based on the position of the vehicle along the vehicle path (e.g., the movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path), the control system can control the horizontal movement, vertical movement, and roll of the vehicle or the vehicle's passenger assembly. Thus, the vehicle and vehicle system described herein can move in a variety of stylized ways for the transport and / or entertainment of passengers. In certain embodiments, the stylized movement of the vehicle can be seen by non-passengers, such as people waiting to board the vehicle and / or spectators. Thus, the stylized movement of the vehicle can provide an entertaining attraction for people watching the vehicle system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vehicle system can be an entertainment vehicle system that can provide entertainment to passengers riding on the entertainment vehicle system and people watching the entertainment vehicle system. The entertainment vehicle system can have a specific theme, and the vehicle path of the vehicle and / or the specific decorative appearance of the vehicle and the vehicle system generally match this theme.

[0017] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle 10 of a vehicle system 11. For ease of discussion, the vehicle 10 and specific components of the vehicle 10 can be described based on a vertical axis or vertical direction 12, a longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction 14, and a transverse axis or transverse direction 16. As shown, the vehicle 10 can include a base 18, a riding assembly 20 (e.g., a seat) coupled to the base 18, and a pole 22 extending generally along the vertical axis 12 from the base 18. The base 18 can move the vehicle 10 along a vehicle path and / or the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11, and the riding assembly 20 can carry passengers (e.g., users) of the vehicle 10. For example, passengers can ride on the vehicle 10 for entertainment and / or transportation purposes. As shown, the riding assembly 20 is coupled to a decorative feature 24 mimicking a lion. The decorative feature 24 is coupled to the base 18 via a support 26. The decorative feature 24 can provide passengers with an experience that simulates an interaction with the decorative feature 24, such as riding on a lion in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the decorative feature 24 can be other animals (e.g., tigers, elephants, birds, fish), characters (e.g., superheroes, characters from picture books, unicorns), structures, decorations, and / or objects. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the decorative feature 24 may be omitted from the vehicle 10, such that the riding assembly 20 is coupled to the base 18 via the support 26, or the riding assembly 20 may be integrated with the base 18.

[0018] The ride vehicle 10 may include a pole 22 to provide an experience similar to that of conventional ride vehicles, such as a carousel. For this purpose, the pole 22 can be a decorative feature that enhances the passenger experience while riding in the ride vehicle 10. Additionally, the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24 can be coupled to the pole 22. For example, the pole 22 can support the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24, couple the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24 to a base 18, and / or function as a moving mechanism configured to allow the ride assembly 20 and / or decorative feature 24 to move relative to the base 18 roughly along a vertical axis 12. In some embodiments, the pole 22 may be omitted from the ride vehicle 10.

[0019] During operation of the vehicle 10, passengers can sit on the seating assembly 20, and the vehicle 10 can travel across the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11 via the base 18. As will be described in more detail below, the vehicle 10 can move along an imaginary vehicle path within the vehicle system 11 (e.g., along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11), and / or the vehicle 10 and / or the seating assembly 20 can move vertically (e.g., generally along the vertical axis 12), horizontally (e.g., generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the transverse axis 16), and roll while moving along the vehicle path (e.g., rotate generally about the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the transverse axis 16). The movement of the vehicle 10 in various directions along the imaginary vehicle path and / or while moving along the vehicle path can provide entertainment and / or transportation to the passengers. For example, the presentation of the vehicle 10 and the corresponding presentation of adjacent vehicles can generally match the theme of the vehicle 10 and / or the vehicle system. In the illustrated embodiment, the theme can be related to a lion, and the presentation and movement of the vehicle 10 can simulate the movement of a lion. Further, the movement of the vehicle 10 can simulate the movement of a carousel vehicle (e.g., the seating assembly 20 can move in an elliptical pattern generally along the vertical axis 12 while moving along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11).

[0020] Furthermore, the vehicle system 11 can include additional features that generally match the theme of the vehicle system 11. For example, the vehicle system 11 can include audio effects, lighting effects, and other suitable effects within the environment of the vehicle system 11 that passengers can hear, see, feel, or otherwise perceive. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio effects and / or lighting effects can generally be related to a lion and / or a carousel vehicle system.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1, including a vehicle 10. The vehicle system 11 includes a vehicle control system 32 that communicates with a vehicle control system 34 of the vehicle 10. As shown, the vehicle control system 32 and the vehicle control system 34 are communicatively coupled via a wireless connection 36 (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). In some embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 and the vehicle control system 34 can be communicatively coupled via a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), CANbus, ISObus, etc.).

[0022] The vehicle 10 includes a surface moving system 40, a vertical moving system 42, and a roll system 44 that is communicatively coupled to a vehicle control system 34, so that the vehicle control system 34 can control the surface moving system 40, the vertical moving system 42, and the roll system 44. In some embodiments, the surface moving system 40, the vertical moving system 42, and / or the roll system 44 can be communicatively coupled to the vehicle control system 32, so that the vehicle control system 32 can control the surface moving system 40, the vertical moving system 42, and / or the roll system 44.

[0023] The surface movement system 40 can move the vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11, generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the transverse axis 16. For example, the surface movement system 40 can move the vehicle 10 in any planar direction (for example, along a plane parallel to the surface 23), can turn the vehicle 10, and can spin the vehicle 10. The vertical movement system 42 can move the passenger assembly 20 relative to the base 18 and / or the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11, generally along the vertical axis 12. The roll system 44 can roll or angle the passenger assembly 20 relative to the base 18 and / or the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11 (for example, can move the passenger assembly 20 at an angle and / or tilt the passenger assembly 20). In certain embodiments, the vertical movement system 42 and / or the roll system 44 may be included in a ride assembly movement system configured to move the ride assembly vertically and / or angularly relative to the base 18.

[0024] Thus, as the vehicle 10 moves within the vehicle system 11 and moves the passengers seated in the passenger assembly 20, the vehicle control system 34 can control the surface movement system 40, the vertical movement system 42, and the roll system 44. By moving the passengers as the vehicle 10 moves along the vehicle path within the vehicle system 11, the vehicle 10 can provide passengers with an entertainment experience that simulates the movement of a carousel ride system, animals, superheroes, and / or other entertainment systems or characters.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1, including a surface moving system 40 for the vehicle 10. As described above, the surface moving system 40 can move the vehicle 10 in either planar direction, generally along the longitudinal axis 14 and / or the transverse axis 16. The surface moving system 40 can also turn and / or spin the vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11. In some embodiments, the surface moving system 40 can turn the vehicle 10 in a first direction while spinning the vehicle 10 in a second direction. For example, the surface moving system 40 can turn the vehicle 10 to the left while spinning the vehicle 10 to the right (for example, spinning the vehicle 10 clockwise when viewed from a top view).

[0026] As illustrated, the surface moving system 40 includes a surface moving actuator 50, a surface moving mechanism 52, and a surface position sensor 54. The surface moving actuator 50 can be actuated by the surface moving mechanism 52 to move the vehicle 10. For example, the surface moving actuator 50 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, and so on, and can be coupled to each of the surface moving mechanisms 52. After actuated by the surface moving actuator 50, the surface moving mechanism 52 can rotate, turn, or perform other suitable movements so that the vehicle 10 moves along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11. For example, the surface moving mechanism 52 can be a wheel, a sphere (e.g., a steel ball or a rubber ball), another suitable moving mechanism, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include more or fewer surface moving mechanisms 52 (e.g., one surface moving mechanism 52, two surface moving mechanisms 52, five surface moving mechanisms 52, etc.).

[0027] The surface position sensor 54 can output a signal indicating the position of the vehicle 10 within the vehicle system 11. For example, the surface position sensor 54 can sense the position of the vehicle 10 along the longitudinal axis 14, along the transverse axis 16, relative to another vehicle, relative to a vehicle path, relative to other parts of the vehicle system 11, or along or similar surfaces 23, and output a signal indicating the position of the vehicle 10. The vehicle control system 34 can receive a signal indicating the position of the vehicle 10 from the surface position sensor 54. Based on the surface position of the vehicle 10, the vehicle control system 34 can adjust the trajectory (e.g., course) of the vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11. For example, the vehicle control system 34 can output a signal to the surface moving actuator 50 to activate the surface moving mechanism 52 and move the vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11. In some embodiments, the surface moving actuator 50 may be omitted or integrated with the surface moving mechanism 52, and the vehicle control system 34 can communicate directly with the surface moving mechanism 52 to move the vehicle 10 with the surface moving mechanism 52. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 32 can communicate directly with the surface moving system 40 or a part thereof to control the movement of the vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11.

[0028] Figure 4 is a side block view of one embodiment of the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1, including a vertical movement system 42 for the vehicle 10. As described above, the vertical movement system 42 can move the vehicle 10 generally along the vertical axis 12 (for example, the vehicle 10 moves generally up, down, and / or in an elliptical motion as it moves within the vehicle system 11). As shown, the vertical movement system 42 includes a vertical movement actuator 60, a vertical movement mechanism 62, and a vertical position sensor 64. The vertical movement actuator 60 is actuated so that the vertical movement mechanism 62 moves the passenger assembly 20 generally relative to the base 18 and / or the vehicle 10. For example, the vertical movement actuator 60 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or other suitable actuator or similar, and can be coupled to the vertical movement mechanism 62. After activation by the vertical movement actuator 60, the vertical movement mechanism 62 can perform rotation, turning, or other appropriate movement to move the ride assembly 20 substantially perpendicular to the base 18. For example, the vertical movement mechanism 62 may include gears, pulley systems, other appropriate movement mechanisms configured to move the ride assembly 20, or similar, that can move along the pole 22. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 10 may include additional vertical movement mechanisms 62 (e.g., two vertical movement mechanisms 62, three vertical movement mechanisms 62, five vertical movement mechanisms 62, etc.). The vertical movement of the ride assembly 20 can simulate the movement of a galloping animal, the movement of a carousel ride system, or other appropriate movement associated with the movement of the ride vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the vertical motion caused by the vertical movement system 42 can be combined with the surface motion caused by the surface movement system 40. For example, while the ride assembly 20 is moving upward or downward (e.g., vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system 42), the surface movement system 40 can cause the ride vehicle 10 to turn, spin, or otherwise move along the surface 23 of the ride system 11.

[0029] The vertical position sensor 64 can output a signal indicating the vertical position of the passenger assembly 20 relative to the base 18, or the vertical position of the vehicle 10. For example, the vertical position sensor 64 can sense the vertical position of the passenger assembly 20 along the vertical axis 12 and / or relative to the base 18, and output a signal indicating the vertical position of the passenger assembly 20. The vehicle control system 34 can receive a signal from the vertical position sensor 64 indicating the vertical position of the passenger assembly 20. Based on the vertical position of the passenger assembly 20, the vehicle control system 34 can adjust the vertical position of the passenger assembly 20 relative to the base 18. For example, the vehicle control system 34 can output a signal to the vertical movement actuator 60 to activate it, thereby allowing the vertical movement mechanism 62 to move the passenger assembly 20 roughly upward and / or downward. In some embodiments, the vertical movement actuator 60 may be omitted or integrated with the vertical movement mechanism 62, and the vehicle control system 34 can communicate directly with the vertical movement mechanism 62 to move the passenger assembly 20 to the vertical movement mechanism 62. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 32 can communicate directly with the vertical movement system 42 or a part thereof to control the movement of the passenger assembly 20. In certain embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 can control the vertical movement of the passenger assembly 20 of the vehicle 10 based on the respective vertical positions of other passenger assemblies 20 of other vehicle 10s. For example, based on the fact that another passenger assembly 20 of another separate vehicle 10 is in a first vertical position, the vehicle control system 32 can control the vertical movement / position of the passenger assembly 20 of the vehicle 10.

[0030] Figure 5 is a side block view of one embodiment of the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1, including the roll system 44 of the vehicle 10. As described above, the roll system 44 can move the passenger assembly 20 in an approximately angular direction relative to the base 18 and / or the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11. As shown, the roll system 44 includes a roll actuator 70, a roll mechanism 72, and a roll sensor 74. The roll actuator 70 is actuated so that the roll mechanism 72 moves the passenger assembly 20 in an approximately angular direction relative to the base 18 and / or the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11. For example, the roll actuator 70 can be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or other suitable actuator, or a combination thereof, and can be coupled to the roll mechanism 72. After actuated by the roll actuator 70, the roll mechanism 72 can rotate, turn, or perform other suitable actions to move the passenger assembly 20 in an approximately angular direction relative to the base 18. As illustrated, the ride assembly 20 is coupled to the pole 22, and the roll mechanism includes a lever configured to tilt the ride assembly 20 and the pole 22 relative to the base 18 (for example, to move the ride assembly 20 and the pole 22 roughly in an angular direction relative to the base 18). In some embodiments, the roll mechanism 72 may include any other suitable mechanism that can tilt the ride assembly 20 relative to the pole 22 and / or the base 18 and move the ride assembly 20 roughly in an angular direction. In certain embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include additional roll mechanisms 72 (for example, two roll mechanisms 72, three roll mechanisms 72, five roll mechanisms 72, etc.). The tilting motion of the ride assembly 20 can simulate the vehicle assembly tilting into a turn via the surface moving system 40 as the vehicle 10 travels across the surface 23, or it can simulate other motions associated with the movement of the vehicle 10.

[0031] The roll sensor 74 can output a signal indicating the angular position of the passenger assembly 20 relative to the base 18 and / or surface 23. For example, the roll sensor 74 can sense the angular position of the passenger assembly 20 around the horizontal axis 14 and / or vertical axis 16 and output a signal indicating the angular position of the passenger assembly 20. The vehicle control system 34 can receive a signal from the roll sensor 74 indicating the angular position of the passenger assembly 20. Based on the angular position of the passenger assembly 20, the vehicle control system 34 can adjust the angular position of the passenger assembly 20 relative to the base 18. For example, the vehicle control system can output a signal to the roll actuator 70 to activate it, thereby causing the roll mechanism 72 to move the passenger assembly 20 approximately in the angular direction (e.g., tilt / incline the passenger assembly 20). In some embodiments, the roll actuator 70 may be omitted or integrated with the roll mechanism 72, and the vehicle control system 34 communicates directly with the roll mechanism 72 to move the passenger assembly 20 onto the roll mechanism 72. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 32 can communicate directly with the roll system 44 or a part thereof to control the movement of the passenger assembly 20.

[0032] Furthermore, the roll movement caused by the roll system 44 can be combined with the surface movement caused by the surface movement system 40 and / or the vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system 42. For example, while the ride assembly 20 is tilted to the left or right (e.g., the roll movement caused by the roll system 44), the surface movement system 40 can turn, spin, or otherwise move the ride vehicle 10 along the surface 23 of the ride system 11, and / or the vertical movement system 42 can move the ride assembly 20 roughly vertically relative to the base 18.

[0033] Figure 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of exemplary components of the vehicle control system 34 of the vehicle 10 of Figure 1. For example, the vehicle control system 34 may include a communication component 80, a processor 82, memory 84, storage 86, input / output (I / O) ports 88, a display 90, and the like. The communication component 80 may be a wireless or wired communication component that facilitates communication between the vehicle control system 34 and the vehicle control system 32, the surface movement system 40, the vertical movement system 42, and the roll system 44. For example, the communication component 80 may provide the wireless connection 36 and / or wired connection shown in Figures 2-5.

[0034] Processor 82 can be any suitable type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer executable code. Processor 82 may also include multiple processors capable of performing the operations described below.

[0035] Memory 84 and storage 86 may be any suitable manufactured article that can function as a medium for storing processor executable code, data, or the like. These manufactured articles may represent a computer-readable medium (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) that can store processor executable code used by processor 82 to perform the currently disclosed technologies. Memory 84 and storage 86 may also be used to store data and various other software applications. Memory 84 and storage 86 may represent a non-temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) that can store processor executable code used by processor 82 to perform the various technologies described herein. Note that "non-temporary" simply means that the medium is tangible and not a signal.

[0036] The I / O port 88 can be an interface that can be coupled to input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), sensors, and other peripheral components such as input / output (I / O) modules. The display 90 can operate to display visualizations related to software or executable code being processed by the processor 82. In one embodiment, the display 90 can be a touch display that can receive input from passengers of the vehicle control system 34. The display 90 can be any suitable type of display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0037] It should be noted that the components described above for the vehicle control system 34 are illustrative components, and the vehicle control system 34 may include additional or fewer components than those shown. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 32 may include components similar to those shown for the vehicle control system 34, such as communication components, a processor, memory, storage, input / output (I / O) ports, and / or a display.

[0038] Figure 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a vehicle system 11 having vehicle vehicles 10A and 10B arranged generally adjacent to each other. Vehicle vehicle 10A can generally follow a vehicle path 100A extending along the surface 23 of the vehicle system. Vehicle vehicle 10B can generally follow a vehicle path 100B extending along the surface 23. As shown, vehicle paths 100A and 100B are substantially similar and extend in various directions along the surface 23. In some embodiments, vehicle paths 100A and 100B, or parts thereof, may not be substantially similar and / or may extend in directions relatively different from each other. In certain embodiments, vehicle vehicle 10 may be trackless so that vehicle vehicle 10 can move in any direction along the surface 23 and follow vehicle paths 100A and 100B. As described herein, the trackless vehicle 10 can move according to a common, pre-arranged routine of the vehicle system 11 (for example, along vehicle paths 100A and 100B, and other relevant movements within the vehicle system 11).

[0039] Each of the vehicle control systems 32 and / or vehicle control systems 34A and 34B can control the movement of vehicles 10A and 10B so that they generally follow vehicle paths 100A and 100B, respectively. For example, vehicle control system 34A can receive data from vehicle control system 32 indicating vehicle path 100A (e.g., part of a common performance routine). In some embodiments, the common performance routine may include moving vehicle 10A from a passenger boarding area (e.g., a ride queue) to vehicle path 100A. As vehicle 10A moves along surface 23, vehicle control system 34A can receive signals indicating the position of vehicle 10A, such as signals from surface position sensors 54. Vehicle control system 34A can compare the position of vehicle 10A to a corresponding position along vehicle path 100A to determine whether vehicle 10A is following vehicle path 100A. For example, the vehicle path 100A may include a number of positions (e.g., tens, hundreds, or thousands of positions) arranged along the surface 23. The vehicle control system 34A can determine whether the distance between the position of the vehicle 10A and the corresponding position along the vehicle path 100A exceeds a threshold vehicle path distance (e.g., 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, 10 centimeters, 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters). Based on the determination that the distance between the position of the vehicle 10A and the corresponding position along the vehicle path 100A exceeds the threshold vehicle path distance, the vehicle control system 34A can adjust the trajectory of the vehicle 10A to return the vehicle 10A roughly to the vehicle path 100A, or guide the vehicle 10A along the vehicle path 100A.

[0040] In some examples, as the vehicle 10 moves along the surface 23, certain factors may affect the trajectory of the vehicle 10, causing the vehicle 10 to deviate from its course (for example, the current vehicle path may differ from the intended vehicle path). Such factors may include obstacles on the surface 23, the weight of passengers on the vehicle 10, the weight of other items placed on or on part of the vehicle 10, obstacles attached to the vehicle 10 that may be dragged behind, in front of, or to the side of the vehicle 10, and / or passenger input (for example, a passenger shifting their weight, a passenger turning the steering wheel, or generally adjusting the trajectory of the vehicle 10, a passenger adjusting the speed of the vehicle 10, etc.).

[0041] As illustrated, the current vehicle path 102 of vehicle 10B is different from the intended vehicle path 100B. For example, vehicle 10B can switch from following the intended vehicle path 100B to following the current vehicle path 102 based on obstacles along the intended vehicle path 100B (e.g., obstacles detected by the vehicle 10B's sensors). The vehicle control system 34B can receive signals indicating the position of vehicle 10B along surface 23B. The vehicle control system 34B can determine whether the distance 104 between the position of vehicle 10B and the corresponding position along vehicle path 100B (e.g., the intended position of vehicle 10B indicated by the ghost vehicle 106) exceeds a threshold vehicle path distance. Based on the determination that the distance 104 between the position of the vehicle 10B and the corresponding position along the vehicle path 100B exceeds a threshold vehicle path distance, the vehicle control system 34B can adjust the trajectory of the vehicle 10B so as to return the vehicle 10B to the intended vehicle path 100B.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 can receive signals indicating the position of each vehicle 10 along the surface 23 and can control the trajectory (e.g., course) of one or more vehicles 10 based on their relative positions. For example, the vehicle control system 32 can receive signals indicating the positions of vehicles 10A and 10B and can determine whether the distance 108 between vehicles 10A and 10B is less than a threshold vehicle distance (e.g., 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, 10 centimeters, 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters). Based on the determination that the distance 108 is less than a threshold vehicle distance, the vehicle control system 32 can adjust the trajectory of vehicle 10A and / or vehicle 10B so that the vehicle control system 32 increases the distance 108 by approximately 108. In some embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 can continuously adjust the course of one or more vehicles 10 (for example, periodically every 1 / 10th of a second, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds) based on positioning feedback from at least a subset of other separate vehicles 10.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 and / or the vehicle control system 34 can determine a threshold vehicle path distance and / or threshold vehicle distance of the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle path 100, the weight of the vehicle 10, the type of vehicle 10, the size of the vehicle 10, the size of the surface 23, the weight of the passengers in the vehicle 10, obstacles in the vehicle area, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 and / or the vehicle control system 34 can determine whether the distance between the position of the vehicle 10 and the corresponding position along the vehicle path 100 exceeds the threshold vehicle path distance and / or whether the distance between the vehicle 10s is less than the threshold vehicle path distance at periodic intervals during the operation of the vehicle 10s along the surface 23. The periodic interval can be any of the following time periods: between 1 / 10th of a second and 1 second, between 1 second and 3 seconds, between 1 second and 10 seconds, between 5 seconds and 1 minute, or any other appropriate time period.

[0044] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method 120 suitable for controlling the vehicle 10 and vehicle system 11 of Figure 1. While the following description of method 120 is detailed assuming it is performed by the vehicle control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system can perform method 120 as described below. Furthermore, while method 120 is described below in a specific order, it should be noted that method 120 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0045] In block 122, the vehicle control system 32 can receive input indicating a vehicle path 100A of a vehicle 10A. For example, the vehicle control system 32 can receive passenger input indicating the selection of a specific vehicle path, the performed movement (e.g., steering) of multiple vehicle vehicles 10 including their respective vehicle paths 100, or any other appropriate input. In some embodiments, the passenger can be the operator of the vehicle system 11. Furthermore, the passenger can be in the vehicle vehicle 10 and provide input indicating a desired experience while in the vehicle vehicle 10. The desired experience may correspond to the level of movement of the vehicle vehicle 10, the intensity of the movement of the vehicle vehicle 10, and other experiences related to the vehicle system 11. The vehicle path 100 of each vehicle vehicle 10 includes movement along the surface 23 of the vehicle system 11, and movement of the vehicle vehicle 10 as it moves along the surface 23 (e.g., spin, vertical / elliptical motion, roll, and turn).

[0046] In block 124, the vehicle control system 32 can transmit a vehicle route 100A to the first vehicle 10A, for example, via a wireless connection 36. The vehicle control system 32 can also transmit a vehicle route 100B to vehicle 10B and other vehicle routes 100 to other respective vehicle 10s. In response, vehicle 10A can follow vehicle route 100A, and vehicle 10B can follow vehicle route 100B.

[0047] In block 126, the vehicle control system 32 can receive a signal indicating the position of the first vehicle 10A. The position of the first vehicle 10A can be a position along the surface 23 and vehicle path 100A within the vehicle system 11, as detected by the surface position sensor 54. In certain embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 and / or the vehicle control system 34 can also receive signals from the vertical position sensor 64 and the roll sensor 74, respectively, indicating the vertical position and / or angular position of the vehicle 10A.

[0048] To follow the vehicle path 100, the vehicle control system 32 and / or the vehicle control system 34 can output signals to the actuators of the vehicle 10. For example, based on a specific position along the vehicle path 100A, the vehicle control system 34 can determine that the vehicle 10A is in a surface position, a vertical position, a roll position, and / or is performing a specific movement (e.g., a spinning movement, a rolling movement, an elliptical movement, etc.). Based on the position of the vehicle 10A along the vehicle path 100A, the vehicle control system 34 can output signals to the surface movement actuator 50, the vertical movement actuator 60, and the roll actuator 70 to perform the appropriate surface movement, vertical movement, and roll movement, respectively.

[0049] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include sensors that can detect obstacles along the vehicle path 100 and output a signal indicating the presence of obstacles to the vehicle control system 32 and / or the vehicle control system 34. The vehicle control system 32 or the vehicle control system 34 can control the movement of the vehicle 10 to deviate from the vehicle path 100 and along the surface 23 based on the presence of obstacles.

[0050] In block 128, the vehicle control system 32 can detect and / or determine whether a first distance (similar to distance 104 in Figure 7) between the first vehicle 10A and a corresponding position along the vehicle path 100A exceeds a threshold vehicle path distance. As described above, the vehicle control system 32 can determine at periodic intervals during the operation of the vehicle system 11 whether the first distance exceeds the threshold vehicle path distance. Distance 104 can be caused by obstacles along the vehicle path 100A and the movement of the vehicle 10A to avoid the obstacles.

[0051] In block 130, the vehicle control system 32 receives a signal indicating the position of the second vehicle 10B. In some embodiments, the position of the second vehicle 10B can be relative to the position of the first vehicle 10A. In block 132, the vehicle control system 32 can detect and / or determine whether the second distance between the first vehicle 10A and the second vehicle 10B (e.g., distance 108 in Figure 7) is less than a threshold vehicle distance. As described above, the vehicle control system 32 can determine at periodic intervals during the operation of the vehicle system 11 whether the second distance is less than the threshold vehicle distance. In certain embodiments, input indicating a passenger's desired experience while riding in vehicle 10A allows the first vehicle 10A to move closer to the second vehicle 10B. Thus, passenger input can change the threshold vehicle distance based on the passenger's preference.

[0052] In block 134, the vehicle control system 32 can control the movement of the first vehicle 10A and / or the second vehicle 10B in response to determining that the first distance exceeds the threshold vehicle path distance and / or that the second distance is less than the threshold vehicle distance (for example, by outputting a signal indicating a command to adjust the movement of vehicle 10A or 10B). For example, as vehicles 10A and 10B move along the surface 23, the vehicle control system 32 periodically determines whether the first distance is greater than the threshold vehicle path distance and / or whether the second distance is less than the threshold vehicle distance, and based on that determination, can control the respective trajectories of vehicle 10A and / or vehicle 10B.

[0053] After outputting a signal indicating a command to adjust the movement of vehicle 10A or 10B, method 120 can return to block 126 and receive the next signal indicating the position of the first vehicle 10A relative to the vehicle path 100A. The vehicle control system 32 can repeatedly execute blocks 126 to 134 while the vehicle system 11 is in operation (for example, when vehicle 10 is moving within the vehicle system 11). In this way, the vehicle control system 32 can control the vehicle 10 to facilitate the vehicle 10 generally following the staged vehicle path 100 and to prevent the vehicle 10 from coming into contact with each other while the vehicle system 11 is in operation.

[0054] Figure 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1, having vehicle vehicles 10 positioned in a first position relative to each other and to each vehicle path 100 within the vehicle area 140 of the vehicle system 11 and along the surface 23. A vehicle control system 32 and / or vehicle control system 34 of each vehicle vehicle 10 can control the movement (e.g., steering) of each vehicle vehicle 10 within the vehicle area 140. For example, each vehicle vehicle 10 may have its own vehicle path 100, and the vehicle paths 100 can be arranged so that they generally follow each other smoothly, match each other, match the theme of the vehicle system 11, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle vehicle 10A may follow vehicle path 100A, and vehicle vehicle 10B may follow vehicle path 100B. Furthermore, as described above, each vehicle path 100 can be configured to include movement along the surface 23 using the surface movement mechanism 52, movement in a generally vertical direction using the vertical movement mechanism 62, and movement in a generally angular direction of the vehicle 10 and / or passenger assembly 20 using the roll mechanism 72 as the vehicle 10 moves along the vehicle path 100. The vehicle control system 32 and / or vehicle control system 34 of each vehicle 10 can control the vehicle 10 to generally follow the vehicle path 100 and perform various vertical, surface, and / or angular movements.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the ride system 11 may have a theme related to a horse and / or carousel ride system. Thus, the movement of the ride vehicle 10 along the staged ride path 100 can simulate the movement of a horse and / or carousel ride system. Such movement of the ride vehicle 10 can entertain passengers riding in the ride vehicle 10 and / or people watching the ride vehicle 10. Furthermore, the ride system 11 may include additional features that generally match the theme of the ride system 11. For example, the ride system 11 may include audio effects, lighting effects, and other appropriate effects that passengers can hear, see, feel, or otherwise perceive within the environment of the ride system 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio and / or lighting effects may generally be related to a horse and / or carousel ride system.

[0056] As illustrated, the ride system 11 includes 24 ride vehicles 10 arranged within the ride area 140 of the ride system 11. In some embodiments, the ride system 11 may include more or fewer ride vehicles 10 (e.g., 2 ride vehicles 10, 3 ride vehicles 10, 5 ride vehicles 10, 10 ride vehicles 10, 30 ride vehicles 10, etc.). Furthermore, as illustrated, each ride vehicle 10 is configured to carry 2 passengers. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle 10 may be configured to carry more or fewer passengers (e.g., 1 passenger, 3 passengers, 4 passengers, etc.). The illustrated embodiments may include each ride vehicle 10 at a first position along each ride path 100. As will be described in more detail below, Figures 10 and 11 show ride vehicles 10 at second and third positions along each ride path 100.

[0057] Figure 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1, having vehicle vehicles 10 in second positions relative to each other and relative to each vehicle path 100 along a surface 23 within the vehicle area 140 of the vehicle system 11. As shown, each of vehicle vehicles 10A and 10B moves along vehicle paths 100A and 100B, respectively, from the first position in Figure 9 to the second position in Figure 10. The other vehicle vehicle 10 also moves within the vehicle area 140 relative to the position in Figure 10.

[0058] Figure 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1, having vehicle vehicles 10 in third positions relative to each other and to each vehicle path 100 along a surface 23 within the vehicle area 140 of the vehicle system 11. As shown, each of the vehicle vehicles 10A and 10B moves along vehicle paths 100A and 100B, respectively, from a second position in Figure 10 to a third position in Figure 11.

[0059] As each vehicle 10 moves along its respective vehicle path 100, the vehicle control system 32 can control the movement of the vehicles 10 to facilitate matching the intended performance associated with the vehicle system 11. For example, the vehicle control system 32 can control the movement of vehicles 10A and 10B to facilitate roughly positioning them at the first, second, and third positions in Figures 9, 10, and 11, respectively. As described above, the vehicle control system can compare the positions of vehicles 10A and 10B with their corresponding positions along vehicle paths 100A and 100B. Based on the determination that the distance between the positions of vehicles 10A and 10B and their corresponding positions along vehicle paths 100A and 100B exceeds a threshold vehicle path distance, the vehicle control system 32 can control the movement of vehicles 10A and / or 10B (e.g., adjust their trajectories). Furthermore, the vehicle control system 32 can determine whether the distance 108 between the respective positions of the vehicles 10A and 10B is less than a threshold vehicle distance, and control the movement of the vehicles 10A and / or 10B based on that determination.

[0060] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a suitable method 160 for controlling the vehicle system 11 of Figure 1. While the following description of method 160 is detailed as being performed by the vehicle control system 32, it should be noted that any suitable computing system can perform method 160 as described below. Furthermore, while method 160 is described below in a specific order, it should be noted that method 160 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0061] In block 162, the vehicle control system 32 receives input indicating the arrangement of vehicle vehicles 10 (e.g., two or more vehicle vehicles 10) along each vehicle route 100. For example, the input may include, among other data, a program or other suitable file having the vehicle route 100 for each respective vehicle vehicle 10. The input may be provided by the operator of the vehicle system 11 and / or received from another system communicatively coupled to the vehicle control system 32. In some embodiments, the input may be stored in the vehicle control system 32 and retrieved after receiving instructions to operate the vehicle system 11. Furthermore, as described herein, the input may be received from a user (e.g., a passenger) who is in or about to board a vehicle vehicle 10 (e.g., a user in the queue for the vehicle system 11).

[0062] In block 164, the vehicle control system 32 transmits the vehicle route 100 to the vehicle 10. For example, each vehicle route 100 can be specific to a particular vehicle 10, and the vehicle control system 32 can output the vehicle route 100 to each of the vehicle 10s. The vehicle control system 34 can receive the vehicle route 100 and start the vehicle 10 to operate in a manner that roughly follows the vehicle route 100.

[0063] In block 166, the vehicle control system 32 receives signals indicating the respective positions of the vehicle 10 relative to each vehicle path 100 and / or relative to each other. For example, the vehicle control system 34 and / or the surface position sensor 54 can output signals to the vehicle control system 32.

[0064] In block 168, after receiving the position of the vehicle 10, the vehicle control system 32 can control the movement of the vehicle 10 based on these respective positions relative to and / or to the vehicle path 100. For example, the vehicle control system 32 can control the movement of a particular vehicle 10 (e.g., adjust its trajectory) based on the determination that the distance between the position of the vehicle 10 and a corresponding position along the vehicle path 100 exceeds a threshold vehicle path distance. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 32 can determine whether the distance 108 between each position of the vehicle 10 is less than a threshold vehicle distance and control the movement of the vehicle 10 based on that determination. In certain embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 can control the movement of the vehicle 10 by outputting a signal to the vehicle control system 34. For example, the vehicle control system 32 can output a signal to the vehicle control system 34 so that the movement of each vehicle 10 can be coordinated with the movement of other (e.g., separate) vehicles 10.

[0065] After controlling the movement of the vehicle 10 based on its respective position relative to the vehicle path 100, method 160 can return to block 166 and receive the following signals indicating the respective positions of the vehicle 10 relative to each vehicle path 100 and / or each other. The vehicle control system 32 can repeatedly execute blocks 166 and 168 while the vehicle system 11 is in operation (for example, when the vehicle 10 is moving within the vehicle system 11). In this way, the vehicle control system 32 can control the vehicle 10 to facilitate the vehicle 10 generally following the staged vehicle path 100 and to prevent the vehicle 10 from coming into contact with each other while the vehicle system 11 is in operation.

[0066] As described above, the vehicle control system 32 can determine the vehicle route 100 based on passenger inputs, such as inputs received from passengers who are in or about to board the vehicle 10 and / or from the operator of the vehicle system 11. Figure 13 is a flowchart of a method 180 suitable for determining the vehicle route 100 based on passenger inputs. The following description of method 180 is detailed as being performed by the vehicle control system 32, but it should be noted that any suitable computing system can perform method 180 as described below. Furthermore, although method 180 is described below in a specific order, it should be noted that method 180 may be performed in any suitable order.

[0067] In block 182, the vehicle control system 32 can receive input indicating a desired passenger experience. The passenger may be in a vehicle 10, about to board a vehicle 10, and / or in a queue of vehicle systems 11 waiting to board a vehicle 10. The input provided by the passenger may include a desired passenger experience, such as a desired intensity level of vehicle systems 11, a desired theme for vehicle systems 11, and other preferences of the passenger. The desired intensity level may indicate a degree of proximity to which the passenger may want to approach various obstacles (e.g., walls, other vehicle 10). That is, a first intensity level may correspond to enabling vehicle 10 to travel within 2 meters of each other (e.g., threshold vehicle distance), while a second, higher intensity level may correspond to enabling vehicle 10 to travel within 1 meter of each other to give the passenger the sensation that the vehicle 10 may collide. Furthermore, the desired intensity level may include the amount of vertical movement and / or roll of the passenger assembly 20. For example, a first intensity level may correspond to reducing the vertical movement and / or roll of the vehicle 10 compared to a second, higher intensity level. The desired theme may be related to movies, television shows, fictional characters, or pop culture, and may include specific vehicle routes and other variations of the vehicle system 11. For example, if a passenger selects a theme related to birds or airplanes, the vehicle route of the vehicle 10 may simulate the flight of a bird or airplane. Other preferences that can be provided via passenger input include language selection, character selection, passenger height and / or weight, and other similar preferences.

[0068] Furthermore, in block 184, the vehicle control system 32 receives additional passenger inputs. Additional passenger inputs can be received from different passengers than the inputs received in block 182. For example, additional inputs can be received from the operator of the vehicle system 11 and may include the performance of the vehicle 10, the theme of the vehicle system 11, a threshold vehicle path distance, a threshold vehicle distance, and other passenger inputs. The performance of the vehicle 10 and / or the theme of the vehicle system 11 may include vehicle paths 100 that simulate the movement of specific objects, such as carousel ride assemblies, animals (e.g., horses, dogs, dinosaurs), means of transport (e.g., airplanes, trains, ships, automobiles), and fictional characters (e.g., ghosts, superheroes). The threshold vehicle path distance can be the minimum distance between each vehicle path 100, and the threshold vehicle distance can be the minimum distance between each vehicle 10. In certain embodiments, the theme of the vehicle system 11 may include the staging of the vehicle 10, a threshold vehicle path distance, and a threshold vehicle distance. Thus, the operator can provide a single input (e.g., a theme) that enables the vehicle 10 to travel along each vehicle path 100 based on the threshold vehicle path distance and the threshold vehicle distance.

[0069] In block 186, the vehicle control system 32 determines the vehicle route 100 of the vehicle 10 based on passenger input received in blocks 182 and 184 (for example, passenger input received from passengers on the vehicle 10 and from the operator). For example, the vehicle control system 32 may determine the vehicle route 100 based on a desired intensity level of the vehicle system 11, a desired theme of the vehicle system 11, the performance of the vehicle 10 (for example, the vehicle route 100), a threshold vehicle route distance, a threshold vehicle distance, and other passenger input.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the vehicle control system 32 can adjust the initial vehicle path 100 and / or resolve conflicts between passenger inputs when determining the vehicle path. For example, if an operator provides an input indicating an initial vehicle path 100 corresponding to a first intensity level (e.g., block 184), and a passenger (e.g., a passenger in the vehicle 10) provides an input indicating a second intensity level which is generally higher than the first intensity level, the vehicle control system 32 can adjust the initial vehicle path 100 provided by the operator to a higher intensity vehicle path 100 corresponding to the second intensity level. The higher intensity vehicle path 100 may include more relative surface movement, vertical movement, and roll as the vehicle 10 travels along the vehicle path 100 compared to the vehicle path 100 provided for the first lower intensity level. Furthermore, a higher intensity vehicle path 100 can allow the vehicle vehicles 10 to move closer to each other (for example, the threshold vehicle distance can be relatively lower compared to the vehicle path 100 provided at a first lower intensity level). In this way, via method 180, the vehicle control system 32 can provide a customized passenger experience that allows passengers to at least partially determine / control the vehicle path 100 and the performance of the vehicle vehicles 10.

[0071] As described above, the ride system of this disclosure can provide one or more technical effects useful for improving the passenger experience while riding in the vehicle of the ride system. For example, the ride system may include a plurality of vehicle vehicles configured to carry passengers within a ride area for the purpose of entertaining and / or transporting passengers. The movement of the vehicle vehicles may be directed along a ride path and / or toward each other and toward other parts of the ride system and may be controlled by a ride control system and / or vehicle control system. The ride system may determine the ride path based on various passenger inputs, such as operator inputs and inputs indicating a desired passenger experience.

[0072] Furthermore, the vehicle may be able to move in a specific direction relative to the surface of the vehicle system while moving along a vehicle path, and / or may include a passenger assembly configured to move relative to the surface of the vehicle system carrying passengers. For example, the vehicle may include mechanisms and parts (e.g., a passenger assembly) that can move vertically and / or horizontally in various directions (e.g., move in any planar direction, spin, and turn), and roll. Thus, the vehicle and vehicle system described herein may move in a staged manner in various directions for the transport and / or entertainment of passengers. In certain embodiments, the staged movement of the vehicle may be visible to non-passengers, such as people waiting to board the vehicle. The staged movement of the vehicle may provide entertainment appeal to people watching the vehicle system.

[0073] While only specific features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of many variations and modifications. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to protect all such modifications and modifications that fall within the true technical spirit of this disclosure.

[0074] The methods presented and described in the claims herein are referenced to and applied to substantial purposes and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improves the art of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or truly theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for performing the function" or "steps for performing the function," such elements shall be construed in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. However, with respect to any claim containing elements designated in any other way, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10 Vehicles 11. Vehicle Systems 12. Vertical axis or vertical direction 14 Longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction 16. Lateral axis or lateral 18 Base 20. Ride-on assembly 22 poles 23 Surface

Claims

1. It is a vehicle, A passenger assembly configured to carry passengers, A base configured to be coupled to the aforementioned vehicle assembly, the base comprising: a surface moving system configured to move the vehicle along a surface; and a vehicle assembly moving system configured to move the vehicle assembly relative to the base; Vehicle control system, Equipped with, The aforementioned vehicle control system The sensor receives a signal indicating the position of the vehicle. A dataset is received that includes the weight of the vehicle and the size of the vehicle. It is determined that the distance between the position of the vehicle and the corresponding position along the vehicle's route exceeds a threshold distance. In response to the determination that the distance exceeds the threshold distance, one or more adjustments to the position of the vehicle are determined based on the position, the dataset, and the distance. In response to determining that the aforementioned distance exceeds the threshold distance, a signal indicating a command to adjust the position of the vehicle is output to the surface movement system. A vehicle configured in such a way.

2. The aforementioned vehicle control system is Receiving indicators of obstacles located along the aforementioned vehicle path, The surface moving system outputs additional signals to adjust the position of the vehicle based on the obstacles along the vehicle path. A vehicle according to claim 1, configured as described above.

3. The vehicle control system is configured to determine whether the distance between the position of the vehicle and a corresponding position along the vehicle path exceeds the threshold distance at periodic intervals during the operation of the vehicle, according to claim 1.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control system is configured to instruct the surface moving system and the passenger assembly moving system to cooperate in steering with a corresponding system on a separate vehicle, based on a pre-programmed routine.

5. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control system is configured to determine the threshold distance based on the vehicle route, the type of vehicle, the additional weight of the passengers, one or more passenger inputs indicating a desired experience, or a combination thereof.

6. The vehicle control system is configured to continuously control the adjustment of the position of the vehicle based on positioning feedback of at least one separate vehicle, according to claim 1.

7. The vehicle control system is configured to receive data indicating the vehicle route, the threshold distance, or both from the vehicle control system, according to claim 1.

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