Retro-Reflective Marker Tracking for Amusement Park Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional tracking systems face challenges in accurately tracking multiple objects or people in dynamic environments with high noise levels, such as amusement parks, due to interference from moving objects, guests, and varying electromagnetic emissions, which can reduce accuracy and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic signal-to-noise ratio tracking system using retro-reflective markers that emit and detect electromagnetic radiation, filtering out non-reflected signals to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for reliable tracking of people and machines in complex environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional tracking systems use electromagnetic emitters and detectors in dynamic environments, then tracking capability is provided, but noise interference from moving objects and varying electromagnetic emissions reduces measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Retro-reflective markers are introduced as intermediary elements attached to tracked objects. These markers reflect electromagnetic radiation back toward the detector, creating a dedicated signal path that distinguishes tracked objects from background noise. The markers act as mediators between the emitter and detector, ensuring that only radiation from marked objects is detected, thereby eliminating interference from unmarked moving objects and varying environmental emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes specific electromagnetic radiation wavelengths and retro-reflective marker characteristics to create distinguishable signal signatures. By selecting particular wavelength ranges and using retro-reflective materials with specific optical properties, the system creates unique signal characteristics for tracked objects that differ from background emissions, enabling precise filtering and noise rejection through spectral discrimination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If traditional tracking systems operate in crowded amusement park environments, then general tracking is possible, but reliability decreases due to high noise levels and multiple interfering objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Retro-reflective markers serve as reliable intermediary elements that ensure consistent signal return from tracked objects. In crowded amusement park environments, these markers guarantee that the detector receives strong, predictable signals from marked objects regardless of background complexity. The markers' retro-reflective property ensures signal reliability by directing reflected radiation back toward the emitter/detector location, maintaining consistent detection even when surrounded by numerous interfering objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation and uses this feedback to maintain reliable tracking. The detection subsystem constantly receives feedback signals from retro-reflective markers on tracked objects, allowing the control system to adjust and maintain tracking accuracy despite changing environmental conditions. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation in dynamic amusement park settings by constantly adapting to signal variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides reliable and efficient tracking of multiple objects and people in amusement parks and other dynamic settings, improving operational efficiency by reducing noise interference and maintaining accuracy even in outdoor or crowded conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of retro-reflective markers positioned within a guest attraction area; an emission subsystem configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the plurality of retro-reflective markers; a detection subsystem configured to detect retro-reflection of the electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of retro-reflective markers while filtering electromagnetic radiation that is not retro-reflected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRetro-reflection: Retroreflector

Data Source

PatentEP3146473B1Enhanced interactivity in an amusement park environment using passive tracking elements
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
  • EP3146473B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3146473B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3146473B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system 10 enables detection and tracking of machines 26, 170 and people 70 within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system 10 may include an emitter 14 configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area 30, a detector 16 configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from within the area, and a control unit 18 configured to evaluate signals from the detector 16 and control the machines 26, 170 or other equipment 12 as a result of this evaluation.