Apparatus, system and method for the simultaneous detection of images and videos of a user on a running train, preferably for amusement parks

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for detecting images and videos of a user on a running moving system (100), preferably for amusement parks, comprising: at least one recording camera (2), in use mounted on said train (100), and having a field of vision configured to frame the user and to generate a recording signal (3); 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); wherein said recording camera (2) is configured to record a video and, simultaneously, to capture one or more photos of the same user during the ride.

Description

[0001] i

[0002] “Apparatus, system and method for the simultaneous detection of images and videos of a user on a running train, preferably for amusement parks”

[0003] *******

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for the simultaneous detection of images and videos of a user on a running train or the like, preferably but not exclusively for amusement parks.

[0006] 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 zip line or on an aircraft or on a racing car or anything else not expressly indicated herein.

[0007] In fact, the apparatus is used to record moving images and 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.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] Solutions are currently known for filming “on-ride” videos that provide for the use of apparatuses mounted on board the train and that take a film clip of the experience of the users during the train ride itself.

[0010] Such apparatuses comprise a camera, mounted on board the train and turned towards the user or the users to be filmed, and an electronic system for digital management of the video files and for transmission to the departure / arrival station of the train for release of the video.

[0011] However, this technology has proved to have certain shortcomings associated with the fact that the video, despite usually being of brief duration, does not allow the most entertaining and exciting moments of the adventure to be used immediately, as these are present in some part of the video that is not identified beforehand.

[0012] OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0013] In this situation, the object of the present invention is to obtain an apparatus and a system for the simultaneous detection of images and videos of a user on a train which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0014] A particular object of the present invention is to obtain an apparatus and a system for the simultaneous detection of images and videos of a user on a train which allows immediate use of the most entertaining and exciting moments of the adventure to be obtained.

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

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of several preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of an apparatus and a system for the simultaneous detection of images and videos of a user on a train illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0018] -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;

[0019] -Figure 2 shows, in side view, an enlargement of the diagram of Figure 1 according to the present invention.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 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.

[0021] The train 100 is mounted on a circuit 102 along which it can be moved for performing at least one ride for users.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The circuit 102 can have a train storage station 104 in which one or more trains can remain stopped.

[0024] According to an aspect of the present invention, the attraction 200 comprises a generic system 50 for the detection and transmission of 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] In accordance with the present invention, the recording camera 2 is configured to record a video and, simultaneously, to capture one or more photos of the same user during the ride.

[0027] In particular, the recording camera 2 is configured to include said video and said one or more photos in said recording signal 3, which is then transmitted to the base station 103

[0028] In other words, the recording camera 2 is configured to record a video and, simultaneously, to capture one or more photos of the same user using said camera, without using other cameras.

[0029] Advantageously, the recording camera 2 is configured to capture one or more photos in high definition, for example having, for print quality, at least 300 DPI.

[0030] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the recording camera 2 is synchronised with the position of the moving system 100 (train) along the ride or with the running time of the ride itself to capture said one or more photos at predefined positions or instants.

[0031] For example, the system 50 can include detection sensors for detecting the position of the train arranged along the ride and connected to the control unit of the camera 2 in order to take photos at those positions. As an alternative, the camera 2 can be configured to take photos at specific time instants following a ride start signal 8 of the moving system 100.

[0032] Preferably, the present invention is intended for simultaneous recording of “on ride” videos and photos of users.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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. According to a possible aspect of the present invention, 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, preferably a smartphone, provided with a graphic display screen.

[0035] The term "mobile electronic device" means any device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.

[0036] In other words, the recording camera 2, the on-board electronic unit 4 and the transmission antenna 5 are integrated into the mobile electronic device in a single body. In detail, the first data transmission antenna 5 is defined by a data transmission module of said mobile electronic device which, preferably, is a Wi-fi® data transmission module.

[0037] It should be noted that the on-board electronic unit 4 can be configured to process the contents of said recording signal 3 in order to generate, preferably, a processed recording signal 3.

[0038] Therefore, the first transmission antenna 5 is configured to send said transmission signal 6 comprising the contents of said processed recording signal 3.

[0039] By way of example, such processing includes superimposing one or more graphic elements (for example: frame, logos, etc.) onto the video or images recorded.

[0040] Furthermore, said on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to receive a ride start signal 8 of the train 100 and to command the recording camera 2 to start recording and to start taking one or more photos.

[0041] Similarly, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to receive a ride end signal 9 of the train 100 and to command the recording camera 2 to stop recording and acquiring photos.

[0042] It should be noted that the ride 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).

[0043] The ride start signal 8 is used to command the camera 2 to start recording the video and to start taking one or more photos.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of cameras 2 arranged at the stations 101 of the train 100 and each configured to record one or more users. In that case, each camera 2 is configured to generate respective recording signals 3 in parallel, which are sent to one or more on-board electronic units 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 can comprise a lighting module 26 (called “LED MODULE”) operatively connected with the on-board electronic unit 4 and / or directly with the camera 2 and configured to activate an additional lighting source towards the user to be recorded, in order to allow recording at night-time or in low light conditions as well.

[0047] Said lighting module 26 can comprise a brightness sensor for autonomously detecting when it is to be activated or not.

[0048] The lighting module 26 is configured to communicate with the on-board electronic unit 4 or base electronic unit 51 so as to activate said additional lighting in synchrony with the start and the end of recording by the camera 2 and to adjust the degree of brightness emitted (preferably with lighting slightly prior to the start of recording).

[0049] In detail, the lighting module 26 is configured to activate said additional lighting when the ride start signal 8 of the train 100 is received and to deactivate said additional lighting when the ride end signal 9 of the train is received.

[0050] As already stated, the system 50 comprises a plurality of apparatuses 1 mounted on board the train 100 respectively at each station 101 and further comprises a base electronic unit 51 , mounted on the base station 103 fixed in position.

[0051] In particular, the system 50 comprises a second data transmission antenna 52 connected to said base electronic unit 51 and configured to receive said recording signal 3 sent through the first transmission antenna 5. As already stated, the transmission preferably takes place through Wifi® protocol and antennas.

[0052] Preferably, the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to transmit said recording signal 3 in a time period comprised between a ride end signal 9 of the train 100 (the ride has ended, but the train 100 has not re-entered the station yet) and a definitive stop signal 11 of the train 100 (the train 100 has re-entered the station).

[0053] Advantageously, it is thus possible to start downloading the data flow slightly ahead of time, so as to save time.

[0054] Furthermore, the base electronic unit 51 is configured to upload the contents of the recording signal 3 onto a cloud server. Such base electronic control unit 51 is also configured to receive a request signal for some contents from an external user (client) and to allow the downloading of said contents by said external user directly from said cloud server through a network download address.

[0055] In other words, once the external user has purchased the video and the photos, he / she can download everything directly onto his / her own device, accessing the cloud server 53 by means of said download address (for example, by means of a specific application).

[0056] The system 50 can comprise a set of display screens for a preview of the video and the photos acquired, so that the user can visually select the video to be purchased.

[0057] Furthermore, the base electronic unit 51 comprises a backup memory for local storing of the videos recorded or photos taken over a pre-established recent time period.

[0058] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, said base electronic unit 51 and / or said on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to generate, as an output, a video file and a file containing one or more photos separately, so that the user can choose whether to purchase the video and / or the photos.

[0059] In particular, the on-board electronic unit 4 generates separate files for the photos and videos, which are then transmitted to the base electronic unit 51 of the base station. In detail, by way of example, while video compression (MPG) is progressive, the immediate image is used for capture of the photos (JPG). Advantageously, this guarantees a better quality of the photos.

[0060] In accordance with a preferable aspect of the present invention, the base electronic unit 51 and / or the on-board electronic unit 4 is configured to generate, as an output, said file containing a plurality of photos in an image “overlay” format.

[0061] A further object of the present invention is a method for detecting images and videos of a user on a running moving system 100, preferably for amusement parks. Such a method is directly derived from what is disclosed above in relation to the apparatus 1 and the system 50, to which full reference is made here below.

[0062] In particular, the method comprises the following operating steps: mounting at least one recording camera 2 on said moving system 100, wherein said camera has a field of vision configured to frame the user and to generate a recording signal 3; providing 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; recording, by means of said recording camera 2, a video and, simultaneously, capturing one or more photos of the same user during the ride by means of said recording camera 2.

[0063] Furthermore, the step of recording by means of the camera 2 provides for including said video and said one or more photos in said recording signal.

[0064] In particular, the step of recording by means of said recording camera 2 provides for recording a video and, simultaneously, capturing one or more photos of the same user without using other cameras.

[0065] The present invention achieves the predefined objects.

[0066] In particular, the present invention allows immediate use of the most entertaining and exciting moments of the adventure to be obtained, thanks to the fact that the camera also acquires the photos, during the video recording, of the most special and exhilarating moments of the ride. In this manner, the users can immediately relive the most entertaining moments they have just experienced. Preferably, the photos are automatically composed into a single overlay.

[0067] This technology also allows a single viewpoint of the subjects to be obtained, as the same image cannot be recorded simultaneously when they are living through the experience on board the train.

[0068] Lastly, the proposed technology allows the same apparatus to be used both for recording videos and for acquiring photos, in a manner that optimises the overall dimensions on board the train and minimises the impact on the hardware.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1 ) for detecting images and videos of a user on a running moving system (100), preferably for amusement parks, comprising: at least one recording camera (2), in use mounted on said moving system (100), and having a field of vision configured to frame the user and to generate a recording signal (3); 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); characterised in that said recording camera (2) is configured to record a video and, simultaneously, to capture one or more photos of the same user during the ride, by means of the same recording camera (2).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said recording camera (2) is configured to include said video and said one or more photos in said recording signal.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recording camera (2) is configured to record a video and, simultaneously, to capture one or more photos of the same user without using other cameras.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recording camera (2) is configured to capture said one or more photos in high definition.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recording camera (2) is synchronised with the position of the moving system (100) along the ride or with the running time of the ride itself to capture said one or more photos at predefined positions or instants.

6. The apparatus 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).

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said recording camera (2) and said on-board electronic unit (4) are at least in part defined by a mobile electronic device (10), preferably a smartphone, provided with a graphic display screen (11 ).

8. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 2, characterised in that said first data transmission antenna (5) is defined by a Wi-Fi® data transmission module of said mobile electronic device (10).

9. The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said on-board electronic unit (4) is configured to receive a ride start signal (8) of the moving system (100) and to command the recording camera (2) to start recording; said on-board electronic unit(4) being configured to receive a ride end signal (9) of the train (100) and to command the recording camera (2) to end recording.

10. The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of recording cameras (2), each configured to record different stations of the moving system (100) and to send respective transmission signals (6) in parallel and independently.

11. A system (50) for detecting and transmitting images or videos of a user 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).

12. The system (50) according to claim 11 , characterised in that said onboard electronic unit (4) is configured to transmit said recording signal (3)in a time period comprised between a ride end signal (9) of the moving system (100) and a definitive stop signal (11 ) of the train (100).

13. The system (50) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterised in that said base electronic unit (51 ) is configured to load the contents of the recording signal (3) onto a cloud server (53); said base electronic unit (51 ) further being configured to receive a request signal for some contents from an external user (54) and to allow the downloading of said contents from said cloud server (53) through a network download address.

14. The system (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that said on-board electronic unit (4) is configured to generate separately, as an output, a video file and a file containing said one or more photos.

15. The system (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that said base electronic unit (51 ) and / or said on-board electronic unit (4) is configured to generate, as an output, said file containing a plurality of photos in an image “overlay” format.

16. 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 system (50) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a plurality of apparatuses (1) in which each recording camera (2) is mounted frontally to each station (101 ) for users.

17. A method for detecting images and videos of a user on a running moving system (100), preferably for amusement parks, comprising the following operating steps: mounting at least one recording camera (2) on said moving system (100), wherein said camera has a field of vision configured to frame the user and to generate a recording signal (3); providing an on-board electronic unit (4) in use mounted on saidmoving system (100), and connected to the recording camera (2) for receiving said recording signal (3); characterised in that it comprises a step of recording, by means of said recording camera (2), a video and, simultaneously, capturing one or more photos of the same user during the ride by means of said recording camera (2).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said step of recording by means of the camera (2) provides for including said video and said one or more photos in said recording signal.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein said step of recording by means of said recording camera (2) provides for recording a video and, simultaneously, capturing one or more photos of the same user without using other cameras.

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