Apparatus, system and method for detecting images or videos of a user on a running moving system, preferably for amusement parks, for the management of the illumination light of the shooting area

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for detecting images or videos of a user on a running moving system (100), preferably for amusement parks, comprising at least one mobile electronic device (10), preferably a smartphone, mounted on said moving system (100) and an on-board electronic unit (4), in use mounted on said moving system (100), and connected to the recording camera (2) for receiving said recording signal (3). The apparatus (1) further comprises a lighting module (26), preferably an LED, mounted on said moving system (100) at or near said mobile electronic device (10) and configured to illuminate the user framed by the recording camera (2). The on-board electronic unit (4) is further configured to analyse said recording signal (3) in real time to determine if the lighting of the user in the photos / video is correct according to predefined comparison parameters, and to adjust said lighting module (26) to vary the light emitted as a function of said analysis.

Description

[0001] "Apparatus, system and method for detecting images or videos of a user on a running train, preferably for amusement parks, for the management of the illumination light of the shooting area" *******

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting images or videos of a user on a running train or the like, preferably but not exclusively for amusement parks.

[0004] In particular, the present invention finds application in the field of amusement parks (indoor or outdoor) on "trains" or the like, where the term "train" means a roller coaster, or anything else not expressly indicated herein. Generally, the present invention can be applied to any moving system in which it is desired to film the user during such movement (also defined as "on ride"). For example, the present invention can also be applied on a Zipline or on an aircraft or on a racing car or anything else not expressly indicated herein.

[0005] In fact, the apparatus is used to capture moving images or videos of users who are having an experience on the attraction. For the sake of simplicity, in the continuation of the present description reference will mainly be made to the application to an attraction comprising a train, but without thereby limiting the present invention to exclusive use in such a field.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Currently, solutions are known for making on-ride photos or videos which involve the use of a camera mounted on board the trains at each user station so as to record them frontally.

[0008] However, since nowadays amusement parks are also open in the evening or at night, or in seasons in which sunlight is reduced, it is necessary to provide such cameras with a lighting system which can illuminate users so as to be able to make quality photos / videos. Another aspect to consider is that such lighting must be adjusted based on the ambient light present at that time of day and in that position of the train.

[0009] Furthermore, it often happens that these lighting systems do not function properly for various reasons, for example because they are subject to continuous stresses due to the fast movement of the train. Therefore, it can often happen that a video or a photo is not made correctly and therefore cannot be used because, for example, the framed user's face cannot clearly be seen. Obviously, the operator often does not notice this malfunction in time and therefore it may happen that the train makes many trips before the problem is repaired.

[0010] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In this situation, the object of the present invention is to make an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting images or videos of a user on a train which obviates the above-cited drawbacks.

[0012] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to make an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting images or videos of a user on a train, which allows to obtain more efficient lighting.

[0013] It is further an object of the present invention to make an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting images or videos of a user on a train, which allows to obtain lighting suited to the light present at the shooting area.

[0014] It is lastly an object of the present invention to make an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting images or videos of a user on a train, which allows to efficiently control the operation of the lighting.

[0015] The indicated objects are substantially achieved by an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting images or videos of a user on a train according to what is described in the appended claims.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Further features and advantages of the present invention will more greatly emerge from the detailed description which follows of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of an apparatus, a system and a method for detecting images or videos of a user on a train illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0017] - Figure 1 shows, in top view, a diagram of a path along which a train comprising the apparatus according to the present invention is movable;

[0018] - Figure 2 shows, in top view, a more detailed enlargement of the train of Figure 1 ;

[0019] - Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d show, according to respective front, rear, exploded perspective views, a more detailed enlargement of Figure 1 of a part of the apparatus according to the present invention; and

[0020] - Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the system according to the present invention.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0022] In Figure 1 , an attraction 200 for amusement parks is shown comprising a train 100 (there could be several trains present on the same circuit) having a plurality of stations 101 for users.

[0023] The train 100 is mounted on a circuit 102 along which it can be moved for performing at least one ride for users.

[0024] Next to the train 100, which in Figure 1 is in the stop position, there is a fixed base station 103 (arrival departure) at which the unloading and loading of users occurs.

[0025] The circuit 102 can have a train storage station 104 in which one or more trains can remain stopped.

[0026] In accordance with the present invention, the attraction 200 comprises a system 50 for detecting and transmitting images or videos involving an apparatus 1 mounted on the train 100 and a base station 103 in which the images or videos are collected. The aforementioned apparatus 1 comprises the set of devices mounted on board the train 100 and, in particular, includes at least one recording camera 2 having a field of vision configured to frame the user and to generate a recording signal 3 containing a video or images of the user.

[0027] Preferably, the present invention relates to the shooting of "on ride" videos of users, but could also be used to take individual images or photos.

[0028] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 comprises an on-board electronic unit 4, in use mounted on said train 100, and connected to the recording camera 2 for receiving said recording signal 3.

[0029] The apparatus 1 also comprises a first data transmission antenna 5 connected to said on-board electronic unit 4 and configured to send a transmission signal 6 comprising the contents of said recording signal 3.

[0030] In accordance with the present invention, at least said recording camera 2, said on-board electronic unit 4 and said first transmission antenna 5 are made and integrated in a mobile electronic device 10, preferably a smartphone, provided with a graphic display screen 11 .

[0031] The term "mobile electronic device 10" means any device 10 such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop,...

[0032] That is, the mobile electronic device 10 integrates the recording camera 2.

[0033] It should be noted that the smartphone is configured to process the contents of said recording signal 3 to generate, preferably, a pre- processed recording signal 3.

[0034] Therefore, the first transmission antenna 5 is configured to send said transmission signal 6 comprising the contents of said processed recording signal 3 (Figure 4).

[0035] By way of example, such processing includes superimposing one or more graphic elements 12 (for example: frame, logos,...) on the video or images taken.

[0036] Advantageously, such processing is directly performed by the mobile electronic device 10 and, preferably, during the shooting of the video or images. Thereby, the post-processing steps of the file following the shooting are reduced so as to speed up the transmission thereof towards the base station 103.

[0037] Preferably, a "rugged"-type smartphone more resistant to external stresses is used.

[0038] As can be seen in Figures 3a-3b, the apparatus 1 comprises a specific support 20 for said mobile electronic device 10.

[0039] Such a support 20 comprises a support foot 21 , a support frame 22 and a protective shell 23.

[0040] The support foot 21 (which could also not be present) extends between a coupling base 21a for coupling to the train 100 and a connection end 21b to the support frame 22.

[0041] The support frame 22 substantially comprises two parts: a first rear portion 22a connected to the connection end of the support foot 21 and a second intermediate portion 22b connected to the device 10 for supporting it. Preferably, such a second intermediate portion 22b is in a plate-like shape and extends substantially parallel to the device 10 at a rear face of the latter opposite the screen 11 .

[0042] It should be understood that the support frame 22 is shaped to receive a specific mobile device used. The depictions of Figures 3a-3b are only nonexclusive examples of a frame embodiment.

[0043] As can be seen from Figure 2, the support is connected to a carriage 105 of the train 100 placed in front relative to a consecutive carriage 105, according to a direction of advancement of the train 100, so as to be able to record one or more users seated on the consecutive carriage 105.

[0044] Furthermore, said on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to receive a running start signal 8 of the train 100 and to command the recording camera 2 to start recording.

[0045] Similarly, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to receive a running end signal 9 of the train 100 and to command the recording camera 2 to end the recording.

[0046] It should be noted that the running start and end signals of the train 100 come from the circuit 102 of the train 100, by means of special sensors, or from the train 100 itself, by means of motion sensors, or from the base station 103 (in particular from the respective base electronic unit 51 described below).

[0047] The running start signal 8 is used to command the camera 2 to start shooting the video.

[0048] It should be noted that such start 8 and end 9 running signals of the train 100 are automatically generated by specific hardware (for example comprised in the on-board electronics or base electronics) which sets a start and duration timeline of the video, also including any delay times for starting the video recording.

[0049] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of mobile electronic devices 10 arranged at the stations 101 of the train 100 and each configured to record one or more users. In such a case, each device 10 is configured to send respective transmission signals 6 in parallel and independently. That is, the transmission signals 6 are sent by each device

[0050] 10 towards the same station.

[0051] Furthermore, the on-board electronic unit 4 of each device 10 can be configured to display predefined contents on said graphic display screen

[0052] 11 (e.g., safety information, advertising,...). Preferably, said on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to make the contents of said live recording signal 3 visible on said display screen 11 so that a user can see images of himself / herself while running. Alternatively, said on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to make the contents of said recording signal 3 visible on said display screen 11 towards the end of running and before the train 100 definitively returns to the station.

[0053] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 comprises a lighting module 26 (called "LED MODULE") operatively connected with the on-board electronic unit 4 and distinct relative to said mobile electronic device.

[0054] Such a lighting module 26, preferably an LED, is mounted on said moving system 100 at or near said mobile electronic device 10 and is configured to illuminate the user framed by the recording camera.

[0055] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 3a and 3b, the lighting module 26 is arranged above said mobile electronic device 10 and is physically separated therefrom.

[0056] The on-board electronic unit 4 is connected to the mobile electronic device 10 and to the lighting module 26 to command said lighting module 26 to turn on or off in synchrony with the recording performed by the camera 2 so that the user is illuminated for the recording.

[0057] Therefore, when the recording by the camera 2 begins, the lighting module is operational.

[0058] In accordance with the present invention, the on-board electronic unit 4 is further configured to analyse the contents of the recording signal 3 in real time and to determine if the lighting of the user in the photos / video is correct according to predefined comparison parameters.

[0059] Following such a comparison, the on-board electronic unit is configured to adjust said lighting module 26, varying the light emitted as a function of said analysis.

[0060] In practice, the apparatus 1 is capable of determining whether the images / videos are correctly illuminated and adjusting the light emitted by the lighting module 26 accordingly.

[0061] Therefore, the lighting module 26 is adjusted as a function of the analysis performed with particular reference to the images / videos analysed in real time.

[0062] Preferably, such real-time analysis of the recording signal 3 is performed using artificial intelligence algorithms according to comparison parameters defined by comparison images pre-loaded on said on-board electronic unit 4 and on which the latter has been trained.

[0063] For example, the artificial intelligence algorithm is trained to recognise images with poor or incorrect brightness and is capable of recognising such situations.

[0064] Furthermore, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to adjust said lighting module 26 gradually and inside predefined lighting ranges. In detail, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to generate an adjustment signal 15 which is received by said lighting module 26, to adjust it.

[0065] Such adjustment can comprise various modes which are, for example:

[0066] - Raising or lowering the light intensity;

[0067] - Changing the colour of the light (e.g., warm light, cold light, coloured light,...);

[0068] - Turn on only a part of the lighting LEDs comprised in said lighting module 26.

[0069] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 also comprises an energy storage unit 25 mounted on said moving system 100 and connected to: said mobile electronic device 10, said on-board electronic unit 4 and said lighting module 26 for powering them.

[0070] The attached figures show a schematic representation of an energy storage unit 25 ("power box") forming part of the apparatus 1 and connected to at least one mobile electronic device 10 to maintain the charge thereof. In particular, such an energy storage unit 25 is mounted on the train 100, preferably centrally on a carriage 105, for example, between two stations 101 (Figure 2). Such an energy storage unit 25 can be charged by means of a connection to a fixed current network when the train 100 is stopped (for example when it is in the storage station 104).

[0071] It should be noted that such an energy storage unit 25 is configured to manage and control the storage and delivery of energy through dedicated electronics so as to maintain, control and monitor the charge.

[0072] The on-board electronic unit 4 is further configured to receive data from said storage unit 25 related only to the consumption of electricity deriving from the use of the lighting module 26.

[0073] Furthermore, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to: compare the electricity consumption detected for the use of said lighting module 26 with a predefined consumption value; adjust said lighting module 26 if said electricity consumption is greater or less than said predefined consumption value; and / or generate an alarm signal 16 if said electricity consumption is greater than said predefined consumption value.

[0074] In practice, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to monitor the electricity consumption of the lighting module 26 so as to understand whether there are abnormal consumptions which could lead to a malfunction of the lighting module 26.

[0075] Such information can advantageously also be made available outside the apparatus 1 by means of a signal transmission described below.

[0076] In particular, the apparatus 1 comprises a first data transmission antenna 5 connected to said on-board electronic unit 4 and configured to send a transmission signal 6 towards a base station 103 comprising the contents of said recording signal (3).

[0077] In detail, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to include the contents of said detected electricity consumption detected by the lighting module 26 and / or said alarm signal 16 in said transmission signal 6.

[0078] In particular, a further object of the present invention is a system 50 for detecting and transmitting images or videos comprising:

[0079] - at least one previously described apparatus 1 ;

[0080] - a base electronic unit 51 , fixed in position relative to the on-board electronic unit 4 and, in use mounted on a base station 103 stationary in position;

[0081] - a second data transmission antenna 52 connected to said base electronic unit 51 and configured to receive said transmission signal 6 sent through the first transmission antenna 5.

[0082] In detail, the base electronic unit 51 is configured to receive the data of said detected electricity consumption and / or said alarm signal 16 by means of said transmission signal 6 and to make them available to an external user, preferably at said base station 103.

[0083] Furthermore, the base electronic unit 51 is configured to send a brightness adjustment signal 15 by means of a command signal 7 sent through the second antenna 52 which communicates with said first antenna 5 and which is received by said on-board electronic unit 4.

[0084] It is thereby possible to perform a brightness adjustment remotely, in particular from the base station 103.

[0085] It should further be noted that the base electronic unit 51 is configured to send the contents of the recording signal 3 to the user by means of an output signal 64. The base electronic unit 51 preferably comprises an online electronic platform 53 on which the contents of said recording signal 3 are loaded. Therefore, the base electronic unit 51 is configured to forward the output signal 64 by means of said on-line electronic platform 53 to the user who requests it.

[0086] Thereby, once the user has purchased the video / photo, he / she can download the video or images directly on their device 10, accessing the cloud server 53 by means of said download address (for example by means of a specific application).

[0087] In addition or alternatively, the base station 103 comprises a means for releasing the contents of said output signal 64 on digital media (e.g., a flash drive or CD) or on paper (e.g., a printed photo).

[0088] A further object of the present invention is a method for detecting and transmitting images or videos of a user on a running train 100, preferably for amusement parks.

[0089] The method is directly derived from what is described above in relation to the apparatus 1 , the system 50 and the attraction 200 to which full reference is made below.

[0090] In general, the method therefore envisages: mounting on the train 100 one or more mobile electronic devices 10, preferably smartphones, provided with a graphic display screen 11 and a recording camera 2.

[0091] The method envisages arranging an on-board electronic unit 4, in use mounted on said moving system 100, and connected to the recording camera (2) for receiving said recording signal (3). The electronic unit 4 is separate 10 from the mobile electronic device.

[0092] Furthermore, the method envisages mounting a lighting module 26, preferably an LED, on said moving system 100 at or near said mobile electronic device 10 and configured to illuminate the user framed by the recording camera 2.

[0093] In addition, the method envisages commanding said lighting module 26 to turn on in synchrony with the recording performed by the camera 2 so that the user is illuminated for the recording. In accordance with the present invention, the method envisages analysing the recording signal 3 in real time to determine if the lighting of the user in the photos / video is correct according to predefined comparison parameters, and to adjust said lighting module 26 to vary the light emitted as a function of said analysis.

[0094] The present invention achieves the predefined objects.

[0095] In particular, the present invention allows to perform a real-time analysis of the images / frames to understand whether the lighting is effective (e.g., simply, LED on, or not).

[0096] Furthermore, the present invention allows to adjust the brightness based on what is detected as a function of the external light present at the attraction.

[0097] In addition, the analysis of the data contained in the battery management system advantageously allows detecting any abnormal consumption of energy destined for the LED and / or loss of efficiency and / or a malfunction so as to carry out a possible predictive management of maintenance.

[0098] Finally, thanks to the analysis of the data related to the management of the batteries and the lighting module, it is possible to carry out predictive maintenance of such components.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1 ) for detecting images or videos of a user on a running moving system (100), preferably for amusement parks, comprising: at least one mobile electronic device (10), preferably a smartphone, mounted on said moving system (100) and comprising a graphic display screen (11) and a recording camera (2) configured to frame the user and to generate a recording signal (3) containing a video or images of the user; an on-board electronic unit (4) in use mounted on said moving system (100), and connected to the recording camera (2) for receiving said recording signal (3); said electronic unit (4) being separate from said mobile electronic device (10); a lighting module (26), preferably an LED, mounted on said moving system (100) at or near said mobile electronic device (10) and configured to illuminate the user framed by the recording camera (2); said lighting module (26) being distinct from and outside said mobile electronic device; said on-board electronic unit (4) being connected to a mobile electronic device (10) and said lighting module (26) to command said lighting module (26) to turn on in synchrony with the recording performed by the camera (2) so that the user is illuminated for the recording thereof; characterised in that said on-board electronic unit (4) is further configured to: analyse said recording signal (3) in real time to determine if the lighting of the user in the photos / video is correct according to predefined comparison parameters; adjust said lighting module (26) to vary the light emitted as a function of said analysis.

2. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said onboard electronic unit (4) is further configured to analyse said recording signal (3) in real time using artificial intelligence algorithms according tocomparison parameters defined by comparison images pre-loaded on said on-board electronic unit (4) and on which the latter has been trained.

3. The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said on-board electronic unit (4) is configured to adjust said lighting module (26) gradually and inside predefined lighting ranges.4 . The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an energy storage unit (25) mountable on said moving system (100) and connected to: said mobile electronic device (10), said on-board electronic unit (4) and said lighting module (26) for powering them; said on-board electronic unit (4) being further configured to receive data from said storage unit (25) related to the consumption of electricity deriving from the use of the lighting module (26).

5. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 4, characterised in that said onboard electronic unit (4) is further configured to: compare the electricity consumption detected for the use of said lighting module (26) with a predefined consumption value; adjust said lighting module (26) if said electricity consumption is greater than said predefined consumption value; and / or generate an alarm signal (16) if said electricity consumption is greater than said predefined consumption value.

6. The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a first data transmission antenna (5) connected to said on-board electronic unit (4) and configured to send a transmission signal (6) comprising the contents of said recording signal (3) to a base station (103).

7. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 6, characterised in that said onboard electronic unit (4) is configured to include the contents of said detected electricity consumption and / or said alarm signal (16) in said transmission signal (6).

8. A system (50) for detecting and transmitting images or videos of auser on a running moving system (100), preferably for amusement parks, comprising:- at least one apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims;- a base electronic unit (51 ), fixed with respect to the on-board electronic unit (4) and, in use mounted on a base station (103) stationary in position;- a second data transmission antenna (52) connected to said base electronic unit (51 ) and configured to receive said transmission signal (6) sent through the first transmission antenna (5).

9. The system (50) according to claim 8, wherein said base electronic unit (51 ) is configured to receive the data of said detected electricity consumption and / or said alarm signal (16)10. by means of said transmission signal (6) and to make them available to a user.

11. The system (50) according to claim 9, wherein said base electronic unit (51 ) is configured to send a brightness adjustment signal (15) by means of a command signal (7) sent through the second antenna (52) which communicates with said first antenna (5) and which is received by said on-board electronic unit (4).

12. An attraction (200) for amusement parks comprising:- at least one moving system (100) having a plurality of stations (101 ) for the users- a circuit (102) on which said moving system (100) is mounted and along which it can be moved for performing at least one ride;- a plurality of apparatuses (1 ) in which each mobile electronic device(10) is mounted frontally to each station (101 ) for the users.

13. A method for detecting images or videos of a user on a running moving system (100), preferably for amusement parks, comprising the following operating steps: arranging at least one mobile electronic device (10), preferably asmartphone, mounted on said moving system (100) and comprising a graphic display screen (11 ) and a recording camera (2) configured to frame the user and to generate a recording signal (3) containing a video or images of the user; arranging an on-board electronic unit (4), in use mounted on said moving system (100), and connected to the recording camera (2) for receiving said recording signal (3); said electronic unit (4) being separate from said mobile electronic device (10); mounting a lighting module (26), preferably an LED, on said moving system (100) at or near said mobile electronic device (10) and configured to illuminate the user framed by the recording camera (2); commanding said lighting module (26) to turn on in synchrony with the recording performed by the camera (2) so that the user is illuminated for the recording thereof; analysing said recording signal (3) in real time to determine if the lighting of the user in the photos / video is correct according to predefined comparison parameters; adjusting said lighting module (26) to vary the light emitted as a function of said analysis.

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