Ride Restraint Tracking Using Retro-Reflective Marker Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems in amusement parks face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling the position and movement of riders and ride elements due to noise interference and inefficiencies, leading to potential safety hazards and increased wait times.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system utilizing retro-reflective markers and a dynamic signal-to-noise ratio detection method to monitor the position and movement of riders and ride elements, including retro-reflective markers on seats, restraints, and wearable items, with a controller to determine and actuate operational parameters based on detected patterns and light intensity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety checks (sensors, switches, interlocks) are used to detect restraint status, then the safety monitoring function is provided, but the system complexity increases and false readings may occur due to mechanical failure or tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety check systems (sensors, switches, interlocks) with an optical tracking system using retro-reflective markers and cameras. This substitution eliminates mechanical failure points and tampering risks while reducing system complexity, as the optical system simply tracks marker positions rather than requiring multiple mechanical safety components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses retro-reflective markers that create optical copies or representations of the restraint components' positions. By tracking these visual markers instead of directly monitoring mechanical states, the system achieves reliable status detection through image processing rather than complex mechanical sensing
2Reliability
If manual safety checks are performed to verify restraint status, then safety monitoring is achieved, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system operates automatically without requiring manual safety checks. The camera system continuously monitors marker positions and the controller automatically determines restraint status, eliminating the need for operators to manually verify each rider's safety equipment while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The optical tracking system provides continuous, real-time monitoring of restraint status throughout the ride loading and operation process. This continuous automated detection eliminates intermittent manual checks, ensuring safety is constantly verified without interrupting the ride flow or reducing throughput
3Ease of operation
If mechanical restraint systems are used without visual verification, then the restraint function is provided, but the actual status of restraint engagement cannot be reliably confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs retro-reflective markers that reflect light back to cameras, creating high-contrast visual indicators of restraint component positions. These optical markers provide precise visual verification of engagement status, allowing the system to accurately detect whether restraints are properly secured through image analysis rather than relying on mechanical feedback alone
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
Enhances safety by ensuring proper seating and restraint positioning, reduces wait times through accurate rider counting and monitoring, and facilitates efficient ride operation by providing real-time feedback and control actions.
Implementation Method 1
a first retro-reflective marker disposed on the first connector and a second retro-reflective marker disposed on the second connector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system comprising a ride seat disposed within an amusement park ride and having a support against which a rider can be restrained; a restraint associated with the ride seat and configured to restrain the rider within the ride seat, wherein the restraint comprises a first portion having a first connector, a second portion having a second connector, a first retro-reflective marker disposed on the first connector and a second retro-reflective marker disposed on the second connector, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to couple to one another to secure the restraint and thereby restrain the rider within the ride seat; and a tracking system configured to determine whether the restraint is secured based at least on identification and tracking of the first and second retro-reflective markers, wherein the tracking system comprises: an emitter configured to emit light toward the first and second retro-reflective markers; a detector configured to detect retro-reflected light from the first and second retro-reflective markers; and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to identify respective positions of the first and second retro-reflective markers based on detection of the retro-reflected light, wherein the controller is configured to determine a status of the restraint indicative of whether the first and second connectors are coupled based on relative positioning of the first and second retro-reflective markers, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust an operational parameter of the amusement park ride based on the status of the restraint.