3D Height Map Rider Counting for Arbitrary Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated person counting systems in amusement park rides are inaccurate due to arbitrary seating arrangements and vehicle configurations, leading to high labor costs for manual counting methods.
Innovation Solution
A system using a non-visible light beam and camera configuration to generate a 3D height map of vehicle occupants, allowing for accurate counting by detecting head and shoulder patterns, with optional machine-learning enhancements for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated image detection is used to count guests in vehicles, then labor costs are reduced, but counting accuracy deteriorates due to arbitrary seating arrangements and occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image analysis to 3D depth map analysis. By capturing depth information and generating 3D height maps of vehicles, the system can distinguish between occupants at different depths and heights, eliminating the occlusion problems that plague 2D image detection. The 3D representation allows the system to see through and around objects, accurately counting all occupants regardless of seating arrangement or body position.
2Measurement precision
If manual counting methods are used to ensure accurate guest counts, then counting accuracy is maintained, but labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated optical sensing system. A camera captures images of vehicles, and software automatically processes these images to generate 3D height maps and count occupants. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor while maintaining high counting accuracy, achieving both precision and operational efficiency simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If traditional 2D image analysis is used, then system complexity is low, but the ability to handle arbitrary seating arrangements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the depth dimension to traditional 2D image analysis, creating 3D height maps. This additional dimensional information enables the system to handle arbitrary seating arrangements, lap-sitting children, and various body positions that confuse 2D systems. The 3D representation naturally adapts to any seating configuration without requiring complex rule-based adjustments.
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
Provides accurate and cost-effective automated counting of riders with an error range of ±5%, enabling efficient data collection for optimizing ride capacity and traffic flow.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method for counting riders arbitrarily positioned in a vehicle uses a non-visible light beam and camera configuration to generate a 3D height map of vehicle occupants
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system and method for counting riders arbitrarily positioned in a vehicle. There is provided a method comprising receiving, from at least one camera filtered to capture non-visible light, video data corresponding to the vehicle passing through a light source filtered for non-visible light, converting the video data into a 3D height map, and analyzing the 3D height map to determine a number of riders in the vehicle. The camera and light source may be mounted in a permanent position using a gantry or another suitable system where the vehicle travels across the camera and light system in a determined manner, for example through a vehicle track. Multiple cameras may be used to increase detection accuracy. To detect persons in the 3D height map, the analysis may search for height patterns indicating heads and shoulders of persons, compare against height map templates, or use machine-learning methods.