CLEARANCE ENVELOPE SCANNING SYSTEM

A clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement park attraction includes a detection system configured to couple to a ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction. The detection system includes an emitter configured to output a wave within an environment of the amusement park attraction and a receiver configured to detect the wave reflected off of an object within the environment. The clearance envelope scanning system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system, where the controller is configured to analyze properties of the wave detected by the receiver and to determine whether the object is within a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit U.S. Provisional Application No. 63,315,821, entitled “CLEARANCE ENVELOPE SCANNING SYSTEM,” filed Mar. 2, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

An amusement or theme park generally includes a variety of entertainment systems or attractions that each provides a unique experience for guests of the amusement park. For example, the amusement park may include different attraction systems, such as a roller coaster, a drop tower, a log flume, and so forth. Some attraction systems may include an environment that may have several different features, such as scenic elements, animated figures, and special effects, which help immerse guests in the experience of the attraction system. However, installation and configuration of the features may be difficult. For example, it may be challenging to determine whether the features are positioned at desirable locations within the environment (e.g., relative to a path of travel of a ride vehicle) to provide a desirable effect or experience for the guests. Furthermore, as attraction systems become increasingly complex, coordination between various features of the attraction system are of increased importance. Therefore, improved techniques to assess or evaluate the environment of an attraction system are desirable to determine whether features of the attraction system are desirably implemented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement park attraction includes a detection system configured to couple to a ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction. The detection system includes an emitter configured to output a wave within an environment of the amusement park attraction and a receiver configured to detect the wave reflected off of an object within the environment. The clearance envelope scanning system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system, where the controller is configured to analyze properties of the wave detected by the receiver and to determine whether the object is within a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle.

In another embodiment, a controller for a clearance envelope validation system of an amusement park attraction includes a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium having processor-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, are configured to cause processing circuitry to output a control signal to a detection system coupled to a ride vehicle to emit a wave within an environment of the amusement park attraction, receive an input from the detection system, where the input includes data representative of a reflected wave detected by the detection system within the environment, analyze properties of the reflected wave, and determine whether an object within the environment breaches a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on the properties of the reflected wave.

In a further embodiment, a clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement park attraction includes a detection system configured to removably mount to a ride vehicle configured to travel through an environment of the amusement park attraction along a ride vehicle path, where the detection system is configured to emit waves into the environment and outward relative to the ride vehicle and to detect the waves reflected off an object within the environment as the ride vehicle travels through the environment along the ride vehicle path. The clearance envelope scanning system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system, where the controller is configured to monitor a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on data representative of an expected configuration of the amusement park attraction and to determine whether the object extends within the clearance envelope of the ride vehicle based on properties of the waves reflected off the object and detected by the detection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be noted that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system and method for scanning a clearance envelope associated with an amusement park attraction system. For example, the attraction system may include any of various amusement rides, such as a roller coaster, a dark ride, a water ride, an augmented reality ride or experience, and the like. The attraction system may have various physical, environmental features, such as design props, set pieces, scenery elements, and so forth, for entertaining guests of the attraction system and providing a unique experience (e.g., an immersive environment) for the guests. Such features may be placed at target or predetermined locations within the environment of the attraction system. In some embodiments, the features may be at particular locations along a ride vehicle path to be viewed by the guests from a specific perspective as the guests travel along the ride vehicle path in a ride vehicle of the attraction system. In additional or alternative embodiments, the features may be positioned at certain locations to enable the features to interact with one another as intended. For example, a projector may be placed relative to a display screen to project an image onto the display screen.

It may be beneficial to scan the environment of the attraction system to identify the locations of the features (e.g., environmental features, physical features, physical objects) in order to verify that the features are properly positioned. For example, it is desirable to scan the environment of the attraction system to verify that the features are positioned at a proper location relative to a ride vehicle traveling along a ride vehicle path of the attraction system and confirm that the features do not breach a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle traveling along the ride vehicle path. The clearance envelope may be defined as a space or region surrounding or extending from the ride vehicle as the ride vehicle travels along the ride vehicle path. As discussed herein, scanning the environment includes determining whether physical objects of the environment extend into the defined clearance envelope of the ride vehicle traveling along the ride vehicle path. Thus, users (e.g., operators of the attraction system) may evaluate the environment and the attraction system to determine whether the physical features of the environment are placed at least a threshold distance away from the ride vehicle traveling through the environment. However, scanning the environment may be difficult or tedious. For instance, traditional systems utilized to detect objects extending into a clearance envelope of a ride vehicle system may be custom-built for a particular attraction system and/or ride vehicle and may be difficult or tedious to design, fabricate, operate, and/or store when not in use. Thus, verifying conformity with different clearance envelopes of multiple attraction systems may be cumbersome.

It is presently recognized that a system configured to scan an environment of an attraction system and verify compliance with a clearance envelope of a ride vehicle and/or ride vehicle path more readily may enable improved design, operation, and maintenance of attraction systems. In accordance with the techniques disclosed herein, a clearance envelope scanning system may include a controller and a detection system (e.g., sensing system) configured to define or establish a clearance envelope of a ride vehicle traveling along a ride vehicle path and to detect breaches of the clearance envelope as the ride vehicle travels along the ride vehicle path. Specifically, the clearance envelope scanning system is configured to detect physical objects (e.g., environmental features) that breach the established or defined clearance envelope of the ride vehicle as the ride vehicle travels along the ride vehicle path, such as during a maintenance, validation, inspection, or testing procedure. The detection system may include one or more emitters and/or receivers configured to establish (e.g., form, define, etc.) the clearance envelope and detect breaches of the clearance envelope by physical objects that may extend into the clearance envelope. For example, the emitters and/or receivers may include a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, an infrared 3D scanner, a structured light scanner, a laser transmitter and/or receiver, a digital photogrammetry scanner, a radio wave transmitter and/or receiver, another suitable transmission and detection system, another suitable device configured to emit and/or detect electromagnetic energy, or any combination thereof. The detection system may detect physical objects that extend into the clearance envelope, as well as qualities or characteristics of the physical objects, such as a position of the physical objects in the environment (e.g., relative to the ride vehicle), an amount (e.g., distance) by which the physical objects extend into the clearance envelope, a position of the physical objects along a ride vehicle path, or any other suitable characteristic of physical objects in the environment.

The controller of the clearance envelope scanning system may also be programmable to establish or define different clearance envelopes for multiple, different ride vehicle systems. For example, the controller may be programmed to generate or establish separate (e.g., unique) clearance envelopes for different ride vehicle systems, and the controller may operate the detection system according to a particular, selected clearance envelope. In some embodiments, the controller may generate or establish a clearance envelope based on a model or configuration of a particular ride vehicle system, attraction system, and/or environment, such as a computer aided design (CAD) drawing or model of an environment or attraction system. The controller may then generate a desired clearance envelope for the particular ride vehicle system, attraction system, and/or environment and detect breaches of the clearance envelope and/or verify compliance with the clearance envelope as the ride vehicle travels along the ride vehicle path through the environment. Indeed, in some embodiments, the clearance envelope scanning system may be a modular system that may be reprogrammed or reconfigured for different attraction systems having ride vehicle systems in different environments and may be separately used with each of the ride vehicle systems in the corresponding environment. For example, the modular clearance envelope scanning system may be removably mounted to different ride vehicle systems and may be operated to verify compliance with the individual or unique clearance envelope of each ride vehicle system as the ride vehicle travels through its corresponding environment. In this way, a single embodiment of the clearance envelope scanning system may be utilized with multiple different attraction systems and ride vehicle systems configured to operate in different environments instead of different, custom-built systems for each attraction system, ride vehicle system, and environment. Thus, present embodiments enable more efficient evaluation of clearance envelope compliance for multiple attraction systems.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1is a schematic of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system10having an environment12and ride vehicle system14positioned within the environment12. The ride vehicle system14includes a ride vehicle path16extending through the environment12and a ride vehicle18configured to travel through the environment12along the ride vehicle path16. For example, the ride vehicle18may be configured to accommodate one or more guests (e.g., passengers) and direct the guests through the environment12along the ride vehicle path16. As the guests travel in the ride vehicle18along the ride vehicle path16, the guests may pass through, observe, or otherwise experience the environment12of the attraction system10. For instance, in addition to the ride vehicle path16, the environment12may include an enclosure, a stage, a room, a queue line, an outdoor environment, any other suitable type of setting, or any combination thereof.

The environment12may include various environmental features20, such as props22(e.g., decorations, figures, scenic elements), show effects24(e.g., lighting, audio devices), display surfaces26(e.g., a projector screen for projection mapping), vegetation28(e.g., plants, trees), and/or other features (e.g., physical objects, structures, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more of the environmental features20may enhance an experience of the guests traveling within the ride vehicle18by, for example, inducing or generating sensory effects (e.g., sights, sounds, etc.) for the guests traveling through the environment12. For example, the environmental features20may create a particular atmosphere or setting associated with the attraction system10experience (e.g., a jungle, a haunted house, outer space, etc.). In some embodiments, the environmental features20may be other physical objects, such as structural components, that support the various systems or features of the amusement park attraction system10.

It is desirable to establish and maintain a clearance envelope30of the ride vehicle system14(e.g., the ride vehicle18) as the ride vehicle18travels through the environment12along the ride vehicle path16. The clearance envelope30may be a space, area, region, or zone surrounding and/or extending about the ride vehicle18that defines a desired clearance between the ride vehicle18and elements or objects in the environment12(e.g., environmental features20) as the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16. That is, the clearance envelope30defines a clearance zone extending from the ride vehicle18within which physical elements disposed in the environment12are not to extend or interfere. The clearance envelope30may be established based on various parameters, such data related to a size or dimension of ride vehicle18passengers, data related to a size of the ride vehicle18, data related to dimensions or configurations of the ride vehicle path16, data related to operation of the ride vehicle system14, and so forth. By establishing and maintaining the clearance envelope30, inadvertent or undesired contact or interaction between physical objects in the environment12(e.g., environmental features20) and the ride vehicle18and/or guests within the ride vehicle18may be avoided as the ride vehicle18travels through the environment12.

Occasionally, the location or position of physical objects (e.g., environmental features20) within the environment12may change. For example, vegetation28within the environment12may grow, which may alter a position or location of the vegetation28within the environment12, such as relative to the ride vehicle path16and/or the ride vehicle18traveling through the environment12. Accordingly, it is desirable to verify conformity with the clearance envelope30for the ride vehicle system14, such as during installation of the amusement park attraction system10, during periodic maintenance or inspection of the amusement park attraction system10, at a particular scheduled or determined time interval, or other suitable time (e.g., a time during which the ride vehicle system14may be operated without guests in the ride vehicle18). In other words, it is desirable to confirm that the clearance envelope30is maintained and that the clearance envelope30is not breached (e.g., by a physical object extending into the clearance envelope30). Indeed, it may be desirable to repeatedly (e.g., two or more times) verify compliance of the environment12(e.g., environmental features20) with the clearance envelope30.

Accordingly, present embodiments include a clearance envelope scanning system32(e.g., an amusement park attraction scanning system, a clearance envelope validation system, etc.) configured to establish or generate the clearance envelope30and to detect breaches of the clearance envelope30. More specifically, the clearance envelope scanning system32is configured to verify compliance with the clearance envelope30as the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16through the environment12. For example, the clearance envelope scanning system32may be configured to delineate the clearance envelope30of the ride vehicle system14and detect objects of the environment12that extend into (e.g., breach) the clearance envelope30as the ride vehicle18travels through the environment12along the ride vehicle path16, such as during an installation, inspection, or maintenance procedure. To this end, the clearance envelope scanning system32may include a detection system34configured to establish (e.g., plot, outline, mark, delineate, determine, define, etc.) the clearance envelope30and detect breaches of the clearance envelope30(e.g., detect physical objects that extend into the clearance envelope30). In some embodiments, the detection system34may be a modular system configured to removably couple to (e.g., removably mount to) the ride vehicle18. Indeed, the detection system34may be removably coupled to the ride vehicle18, such that the detection system34may be separately coupled to different ride vehicles18that operate in different environments12and/or with different ride vehicle paths16. In this way, the clearance envelope scanning system32may be configured and operated to verify conformity with a different clearance envelope30for each of multiple ride vehicle systems14operating in different environments12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system34includes an emitter36and a receiver38disposed within a housing40. As mentioned above, the housing40may be a modular component (e.g., enclosure) containing the emitter36and receiver38and may be coupled to the ride vehicle18during a clearance envelope scanning and validation procedure (e.g., during which the ride vehicle18is directed through the environment12along the ride vehicle path16). However, in some embodiments, the emitter36and/or the receiver38may be disposed external to the housing40. For example, the housing40, which may contain other components of the detection system34, may be coupled to a first portion of the ride vehicle18, and the emitter36and/or the receiver38may be disposed at another portion of the ride vehicle18. In other embodiments, the detection system34may be integrated with the ride vehicle18. As discussed below, the detection system34may additionally or alternatively include other components, such as a power supply, communications circuitry, processing circuitry, a memory, a user interface, and so forth.

The emitter36is configured to output a signal or wave (e.g., light wave, acoustic wave, electromagnetic wave, etc.) to establish and define the clearance envelope30. That is, the emitter36may output the signal or wave outwardly relative to the detection system34and/or relative to the ride vehicle18. For example, the emitter36may be a radio wave transmitter, a laser transmitter, an infrared wave transmitter, an ultraviolet wave transmitter, or other suitable transmitter configured to output a signal or wave (e.g., electromagnetic energy). As the ride vehicle18travels through the environment12, the signal or wave may reflect off physical objects within the environment12(e.g., environmental features20), and the receiver38may receive or detect the reflected signal or wave. Based on the reflected waves, the detection system34(e.g., the clearance envelope scanning system32) may determine whether any physical objects breach the clearance envelope30. In some embodiments, the detection system34may determine a location or position of physical objects within the environment12. For example, the receiver38(e.g., radio wave receiver, laser receiver, etc.) may receive reflected waves at various times, having various properties, and so forth, indicative of the position or location of the physical objects within the environment12and relative to the ride vehicle18and/or detection system34. The detection system34may analyze the detected parameters of each reflected wave to determine the location and/or position of the physical objects within the environment12. In some embodiments, the emitter36may continuously output transmitted signals or waves (e.g., with a pulsed laser light, a radio frequency transmitter, etc.), the receiver38may continuously receive reflected waves, and as a result, the detection system34may continuously evaluate compliance of the environment12(e.g., environmental features20) with the clearance envelope30established for the ride vehicle system14(e.g., as the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16through the environment12).

In some embodiments, the detection system34may also include a location sensor42, which may be disposed within the housing40. The location sensor42may be configured to collect and/or transmit data indicative of a position of the detection system34(e.g., a coordinate position or location) within the environment12and/or along the ride vehicle path16. Feedback indicative of the location of the detection system34, and thus the ride vehicle18, within the environment12may be utilized to further evaluate compliance with the clearance envelope30. For example, location feedback may be utilized to determine a location along the ride vehicle path16at which a breach or violation of the clearance envelope30is detected to determine which of various environmental features20violates the clearance envelope30. In some embodiments, the clearance envelope30established for the ride vehicle system14may be dynamic. In other words, a size, dimension, geometry, or other characteristic of the clearance envelope30may vary at different locations of the ride vehicle18along the ride vehicle path16, and location feedback may be utilized to adjust operation of the detection system34to establish the clearance envelope30with different properties at different locations along the ride vehicle path16. Additionally or alternatively, data received via the location sensor42may be utilized to evaluate or determine placement of the detection system34relative to the ride vehicle18(e.g., a mounting or installed position of the detection system34on the ride vehicle18). Further, while the illustrated embodiment depicts one emitter36, receiver38, and location sensor42for clarity purposes, it should be appreciated that the detection system34may include any suitable number of emitters36, receivers38, and/or location sensors42to enable generation and monitoring of the clearance envelope30. In some embodiments, the emitter36and receiver38may be a single, integrated, or combined component configured to output and receive waves or signals (e.g., a laser transmitter and receiver, a spinning transmitter and receiver, etc.).

The clearance envelope scanning system32also includes a controller44configured to be communicatively coupled to the detection system34. The controller44may be a dedicated controller of the clearance envelope scanning system32or may be another controller of the attraction system10, such as a controller configured to control operation of the ride vehicle18, one or more environmental features20, one or more additional components of the environment12and/or ride vehicle system14, or any other suitable controller configured to perform additional functions or operations. The controller44may include a memory46and processing circuitry48. The memory46may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disc drives, solid-state drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions stored thereon. The processing circuitry48may be configured to execute the instructions stored on the memory46. For example, the processing circuitry48may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. The detection system34may be configured to transmit (e.g., wirelessly and/or via a hardwired connection) sensor feedback or data to the controller44indicative of scanning data of the environment12received via the receiver38. In some embodiments, the controller44may evaluate the data to assess compliance with the clearance envelope30. That is, the controller44may be configured to determine whether any physical objects breach the clearance envelope30based on the data received from the detection system34.

In some embodiments, the controller44and/or the detection system34may be programmed (e.g., based on user input) to establish the clearance envelope30based on data associated with the ride vehicle system14, the environment12, and/or the attraction system10. For example, the controller44may include a user interface50configured to enable input of data associated with the ride vehicle system14, the environment12, and/or the attraction system10. The user interface50may include a touch screen, a button, a track pad, a switch, a monitor, a keyboard, a camera, another suitable component, or any combination thereof, which the user may utilize to perform a desired operation (e.g., configuration of the detection system34for use with a particular embodiment of the ride vehicle system14in a particular embodiment of the environment12). In some embodiments, a user may interact with the user interface50to load a profile associated with the ride vehicle system14, the environment12, and/or the attraction system10. For example, the profile may include a model file (e.g., computer aided design drawing file) associated with the ride vehicle system14, the environment12, and/or the attraction system10that defines or represents an expected configuration of the ride vehicle path16, expected locations or positions of environmental features20of the environment12, and/or the clearance envelope30established for the ride vehicle system14. Additionally or alternatively, the user may interact with the user interface50to adjust operation of the ride vehicle18(e.g., along the ride vehicle path16), to adjust operation of the detection system34, to adjust operation of one or more environmental features20in the environment12, and/or to adjust any other suitable operating parameter of the attraction system10and/or the clearance envelope scanning system32. For example, the user interface50may enable user adjustment of the operation of the emitter36(e.g., parameters of the signals or waves output by the emitter36), the receiver38(e.g., a sensitivity of the receiver38), or both. In some embodiments, the user interface50may also be configured to display or otherwise output a notification to provide feedback to a user of the clearance envelope scanning system32. For example, the user interface50may output (e.g., display) a notification indicative of whether a violation of the clearance envelope30is detected or not detected during and/or subsequent to a clearance envelope scanning procedure.

FIG.2is a plan view schematic of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system10, illustrating the ride vehicle system14within the environment12. As shown, the ride vehicle path16extends through the environment12, and the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16. The environment12includes various environmental features20disposed therein and arranged along or adjacent the vehicle ride path16. As mentioned above, the environmental features20may be designed to simulate a particular atmosphere and/or induce one or more sensory responses in guests traveling within the ride vehicle18.

In accordance with the present techniques, the ride vehicle18includes the detection system34of the clearance envelope scanning system32coupled to the ride vehicle18. For example, the detection system34, which may include or otherwise be communicatively coupled to the emitter36and the receiver38, may be mounted to a frame or body of the ride vehicle18. The detection system34may be mounted to the ride vehicle18via a strap, a magnet, an adhesive, a fastener, or any other suitable technique. As the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16(e.g., during a validation or testing procedure), the detection system34may establish and/or monitor the clearance envelope30, which defines a region60extending from (e.g., surrounding) the detection system34and thus the ride vehicle18. The detection system34is configured to detect physical objects that extend within the region60defined by the clearance envelope30by analyzing signals or waves output by the emitter36that are reflected off of the physical object and then detected by the receiver38. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the detection system34may detect portions62of the environmental features20that extend within the region60of the clearance envelope30as the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16. Based on the detection of the portions62, the environmental features20may then be adjusted or modified by a user or operator, as desired, to ensure that the environmental features20do not extend within the clearance envelope30during normal operation of the ride vehicle system14. Additional details of the clearance envelope scanning system32are discussed further below.

FIG.3is a perspective view of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system10, illustrating the ride vehicle system14extending through the environment12. The ride vehicle18is shown traveling along the ride vehicle path16within the environment12, which includes a variety of environmental features20disposed therein. For example, the environmental features20include a first environmental feature100(e.g., a tree, a prop, vegetation28, etc.), a second environmental feature102(e.g., a display, an animatronic, a puppet, etc.), a third environmental feature104(e.g., a show effect, a lighting system, a projector, etc.), a fourth environmental feature106(e.g., a display surface, a screen, etc.), and a fifth environmental feature108(e.g., a show effect, a lighting system, a projector, etc.). As shown, the environmental features20are positioned within the environment12along and/or adjacent the ride vehicle path16, such that the environmental features20may be visible or otherwise perceptible by a guest98traveling within the ride vehicle18.

As discussed above, it is desirable to verify that the environmental features20positioned within the environment12are sufficiently spaced (e.g., at least a threshold distance away) from the ride vehicle18and/or the ride vehicle path16as the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16. In other words, it is desirable to verify that the environmental features20or a portion thereof do not breach the clearance envelope30established for the ride vehicle18, the ride vehicle path16, and/or the ride vehicle system14. By verifying the inviolability of the clearance envelope30, undesired contact between the ride vehicle18and the environmental features20may be avoided, mitigated, and/or substantially prevented. Similarly, by identifying any environmental features20and/or other physical elements that breach the clearance envelope30, rectifying measures may be taken to ensure that such physical elements, objects, and/or features are adjusted, removed, modified, or otherwise addressed to ensure that the clearance envelope30is unviolated prior to operation of the ride vehicle system14(e.g., with guests98in the ride vehicle18during regular operation of the ride vehicle system14). Accordingly, present embodiments include the clearance envelope scanning system32including the detection system34configured to scan the environment12and identify physical objects (e.g., a portion of one of the environmental features20) extending into the clearance envelope30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system34is mounted to the ride vehicle18at a front portion110(e.g., a front surface, a top surface, a front end, etc.) of the ride vehicle18. As discussed above, the detection system34may include the housing40containing the emitter36configured to output signals or waves and the receiver38configured to receive the signals or waves reflected off physical objects within the environment12. The housing40may be coupled to the front portion110of the ride vehicle18to enable a generally unobstructed line of sight112from the detection system34to environmental features20adjacent to the ride vehicle18and/or otherwise within the environment12. Thus, waves or signals emitted from the emitter36may reflect off environmental features20within the environment12and/or adjacent to the ride vehicle18and may be transmitted back to the detection system34for detection by the receiver38. However, it should be appreciated that other embodiments of the detection system34and/or certain components of the detection system34(e.g., the emitter36, the receiver38) may be positioned at other portions of the ride vehicle18. For example, the detection system34and/or components of the detection system34may be positioned at a rear portion114of the ride vehicle18and/or on a side portion (e.g., lateral side)116of the ride vehicle18. Indeed, some embodiments of the clearance envelope scanning system32may incorporate multiple detection systems34or components (e.g., multiple housings40, multiple emitters36, and/or multiple receivers38) coupled the ride vehicle18(e.g., at different locations or positions) to verify conformity of the environment12with the clearance envelope30.

In operation, the detection system34generates and/or establishes (e.g., plots, outlines, marks, etc.) the clearance envelope30via the signals or waves emitted by the emitter36and monitors (e.g., verifies) the inviolability of the clearance envelope30based on evaluation of the waves or signals reflected off the environmental features20and received by the receiver38. For example, based on a quality, characteristic, or parameter (e.g., wavelength, frequency, amplitude, etc.) of a wave or signal received by the receiver38, the detection system34(e.g., clearance envelope scanning system32) may determine a distance of a physical object relative to the detection system34and thus the ride vehicle18. For example, based on a determination that a physical object is within a certain distance of the ride vehicle18, the detection system34may determine that the physical object (e.g., a branch of the first environmental feature100) is within the clearance envelope30associated with the ride vehicle18, the ride vehicle path16, and/or the ride vehicle system14generally. In other words, the clearance envelope30may be generally defined by one or more threshold distances118extending from the detection system34and/or the ride vehicle18. Accordingly, one or more emitters36and/or receivers38is configured to detect the presence of an object within one or more of the threshold distances118in order to detect a violation of the clearance envelope30. For example, based on a wave or signal emitted by the emitter36and detected by the receiver38(e.g., after reflecting off an object within one of the threshold distances118), the detection system34may determine that an object violates the clearance envelope30.

The threshold distances118defining the clearance envelope30may extend in any suitable direction relative to the ride vehicle18and/or the detection system34. For example, the threshold distances118may extend along a longitudinal axis120(e.g., a direction of travel of the ride vehicle18), a vertical axis122, a lateral axis124, or any combination thereof. Thus, the clearance envelope30may be defined to extend about and/or surround any suitable portion of the detection system34and/or the ride vehicle18. The one or more threshold distances118defining the clearance envelope30may be selected based on any suitable parameters, variables, or inputs (e.g., user input), such as a size of the ride vehicle18, an operating speed of the ride vehicle18, a configuration of the ride vehicle path16, a metric associated with passengers or guests98that may travel in the ride vehicle18, a type of the environmental features20, a position of the environmental features20, and so forth. In some embodiments, the one or more threshold distances118may be determined based on user input indicative of a percentile metric associated with sizes or dimensions of a population of the guests98and a margin (e.g., measurement margin) added to the percentile metric. For example, one or more threshold distances118may be determined based on a percentile metric and/or margin related to a reach (e.g., arm reach) of guests98that are seated in the ride vehicle18.

In some embodiments, dimensions of the clearance envelope30may vary along the ride vehicle path16. For example, the detection system34may be configured to establish and monitor the clearance envelope30defined by a first set of threshold distances118at a first location126along the ride vehicle path16and establish and monitor the clearance envelope30defined by a second set of threshold distances118at a second location128along the ride vehicle path16, where the first and second sets of threshold distances118differ from one another to establish different configurations or geometries of the clearance envelope30at different locations of the ride vehicle18along the ride vehicle path16. The detection system34may be configured to establish and monitor the clearance envelope30having the desired geometry or configuration associated with a particular portion of the ride vehicle path16based on data (e.g., location or position data) received via the location sensor42of the detection system34or received via another input (e.g., a position or tracking system of the ride vehicle system14). However, in other embodiments, the detection system34may establish the clearance envelope30with a uniform geometry or configuration (e.g., a set of constant or fixed threshold distances118for a portion of the ride vehicle system14or all of the ride vehicle system14).

As discussed above, parameters of the clearance envelope30may be based on any suitable input, such as a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing or model file of the ride vehicle system14, the environment12, and/or the attraction system10that may be programmed or uploaded into the clearance envelope scanning system32(e.g., the memory46). As such, the clearance envelope scanning system32(e.g., the detection system34) may be programmed and reprogrammed for use with multiple different ride vehicle systems14, environments12, and attraction systems10.

FIG.4is a schematic of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system10, illustrating the ride vehicle system14positioned within the environment12and the detection system34generating and monitoring the clearance envelope30to detect breaches of the clearance envelope30. As discussed above, the clearance envelope30may be defined by multiple threshold distances118extending from the detection system34and/or the ride vehicle18. The emitter36may output a wave or signal, and the receiver38may detect the wave or signal reflected off a physical object (e.g., one of the environmental features20) to determine whether the physical object is within one of the threshold distances118in accordance with the techniques described above. The multiple threshold distances118defining the clearance envelope30may vary in length or magnitude relative to one another. In some embodiments, the multiple threshold distances118may define the clearance envelope30having a substantially uniform shape or configuration (e.g., a substantially constant size or geometry of the region60) as the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16. In other embodiments, the detection system34may establish the clearance envelope30based on variable threshold distances118, such that the geometry, size, or configuration of the clearance envelope30varies as the ride vehicle18travels along the ride vehicle path16(e.g., based on a location of the ride vehicle18and the detection system34along the ride vehicle path16). In any case, the magnitude of each threshold distance118may be selected based on one or more parameters, such as a desired clearance distance from the ride vehicle18, an expected location of one of the environmental features20, a direction that the threshold distance118extends from the ride vehicle18, or other suitable factor. Based on a detection (e.g., via operation of the emitter36and receiver38) that one of the environmental features20is positioned within one or more of the threshold distances118, the clearance envelope scanning system32may determine that the clearance envelope30is breached.

The multiple threshold distances118generally define an outer perimeter150of the clearance envelope30. As will be appreciated, any suitable number of threshold distances118may be utilized to define the outer perimeter150of the clearance envelope30. That is, the detection system34(e.g., one or more emitters36) may output waves or signals in any suitable number of directions, and the detection system (e.g., one or more receivers38) may monitor and detect waves or signals that return to the detection system34, such as after the waves or signals reflect off an object within the environment12. Indeed, a wave or signal output by the emitter36may reflect off a physical object (e.g., one or more of the environmental features20) and be subsequently detected by the receiver38to indicate the presence and location of the physical object. Based on the detection of the reflected wave or signal, the detection system34may determine whether a physical object extends within or traverses one or more of the threshold distances118and into the region60of the clearance envelope30. For example, the detection system34may determine whether a physical object traverses one or more of the threshold distances118and extends into the clearance envelope30based on characteristics (e.g., wavelength, amplitude, frequency, etc.) of the wave or signal detected by the receiver38.

The embodiment ofFIG.4shows the detection system34establishing the clearance envelope30at a particular location along the ride vehicle path16within the environment12having two environmental features20(e.g., the first environmental feature100and the second environmental feature102) in the vicinity. In the manner described above, the detection system34may determine whether any of the environmental features20violates the clearance envelope30. The one or more emitters36of the detection system34output waves or signals152(e.g., outward relative to the detection system34and the ride vehicle18). One or more of the waves or signals152(e.g., output waves, first waves, etc.) may reflect off one of the environmental features20and travel back toward the detection system34(e.g., as a reflected wave or signal154). The one or more receivers38may detect the reflected waves or signals154(e.g., return waves, second waves, etc.) that are reflected back to the detection system34. In some embodiments, the detection system34may analyze characteristics of the reflected waves or signals154to determine a position of the environmental feature20and determine whether the environmental feature20extends within the clearance envelope30.

For example, a first output wave156output by the detection system34may contact and reflect off the first environmental feature100. As a result, a first reflected wave158(e.g., a first return wave) may travel back toward the detection system34and may be detected by the receiver38. In some embodiments, data indicative of the first reflected wave158may be transmitted to the controller44of the clearance envelope scanning system32, and the controller44may analyze that representative of the first reflected wave158to determine a location of a portion160of the first environmental feature100that reflected the first output wave156to send the first reflected wave158back to the detection system34. For example, the controller44may analyze properties of the first reflected wave158and determine that the portion160of the first environmental feature100extends within the region60and violates the clearance envelope30. Similarly, a second output wave162output by the detection system34may contact and reflect off the second environmental feature102to send a second reflected wave164back to the detection system34, and the controller44may determine that a portion166of the second environmental feature102violates the clearance envelope30. Based on analysis of the first and second reflected waves158and164, the controller44may also determine an amount by which the portions160and166of the environmental features20extend into the clearance envelope30(e.g., a distance that the portions160and166extend within the outer perimeter150). As mentioned above, based on feedback from the location sensor42, the controller44may also determine a location along the ride vehicle path16at which the clearance envelope30violation was detected to facilitate identification (e.g., visual identification) of the portions160and166of the environmental features20that violate the clearance envelope30.

The present techniques may also be utilized to verify that portions of the environmental features20do not violate the clearance envelope30. For example, output waves152output by the detection system34may contact and reflect off of portions168of the first environmental feature100and/or second environmental feature102, and properties of corresponding reflected waves154detected by the detection system34may be analyzed to determine that the portions168of the first environmental feature100and/or second environmental feature102do not violate the clearance envelope30.

FIG.5is a schematic of an embodiment of the amusement park attraction system10, illustrating the ride vehicle system14positioned within the environment12and the detection system34generating and monitoring the clearance envelope30to detect breaches of the clearance envelope30. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system34establishes the clearance envelope30having a non-uniform configuration or shape. That is, the clearance envelope30is defined by multiple threshold distances118that differ in magnitude and define the region60of the clearance envelope30having an irregular shape. In accordance with the techniques described above, the detection system34ofFIG.5may determine that the first environmental feature100and the third environmental feature104do not violate the clearance envelope30(e.g., do not extend into the region60) and that the second environmental feature102violates the clearance envelope30and extends into the region60.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system34also includes emitters36and receivers38disposed external to the housing40of the detection system34. As mentioned above, emitters36and/or receivers38may be coupled to the ride vehicle18instead of disposed within the housing40. Such emitters36and/or receivers38may be communicatively coupled to components of the detection system34disposed within the housing40to enable operation of the detection system34in the manner described above. For example, emitters36and/or receivers38external to the housing40may be coupled to the front portion110, the rear portion114, and/or the side portion116of the ride vehicle18. In this way, the line of sight112may be established between the emitters36and/or receivers38and physical objects (e.g., environmental features20) disposed within the environment12in multiple directions around the ride vehicle18.

The detection system34also includes additional features, which may be disposed within the housing40or external to the housing40. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection system34includes a memory170and processing circuitry172, which may be similar to the memory46and processing circuitry48discussed above. For example, the memory170and the processing circuitry172may be configured to perform similar functions as the memory46and processing circuitry48of the controller44, such as operating the emitters36to output the output waves or signals152to establish the clearance envelope30and/or analyzing the reflected waves or signals154to determine whether the clearance envelope30is violated (e.g., by a physical object extending into the region60of the clearance envelope30). The clearance envelope scanning system32may include the memory170and the processing circuitry172of the detection system34instead of or in addition to the memory46and the processing circuitry48of the controller44. Thus, the detection system34may include a separate or integrated controller (e.g., memory170and processing circuitry172) configured to evaluate the reflected waves or signals154detected by the receiver38(e.g., scanning data) to assess compliance with the clearance envelope30and/or the detection system34may transmit the scanning data to the controller44for evaluation of clearance envelope30compliance.

The detection system34may also include a power supply174, which may be disposed within the housing40or external to the housing40. The power supply174may be configured to provide power to components of the detection system34, such as the emitters36, receivers38, memory170, processing circuitry172, communications circuitry (e.g., communicatively coupled to the controller44), and/or other components of the detection system34. The power supply174may be a battery, a capacitor, a hardwired connection (e.g., coupled to another power supply or utility power source), an electrical generator, another suitable power source, or any combination thereof.

In addition to controlling operation of the emitters36and receivers38, the memory170and the processing circuitry172of the detection system34and/or the memory46and the processing circuitry48of the controller44may be configured to perform additional functions. Indeed, the detection system34and the controller44may be configured to perform any of the functions disclosed herein. As discussed above, the clearance envelope scanning system32(e.g., the detection system34and/or the controller44) may be programmed to establish the clearance envelope30for one or more different embodiments of the environment12and/or the ride vehicle system14. For example, a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing, model, or other data representative of an expected configuration of the attraction system10, the environment12, the ride vehicle system14, and/or objects within the environment12, such as the environmental features20, may be programmed or stored in the detection system34(e.g., memory170) and/or the controller44. Based on the model, drawing, or data, the clearance envelope scanning system32may establish the clearance envelope30having a desired shape or configuration to determine that the environment12and the objects therein comply with the desired clearance envelope30.

The detection system34and/or the controller44may also be configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the clearance envelope scanning system32, such as operating parameters of the emitters36, the receivers38, and so forth. For example, in some embodiments, the detection system34and/or the controller44may be configured to adjust a sensitivity of the clearance envelope scanning system32(e.g., via adjusting analysis of the reflected waves154). The detection system34and/or the controller44may also be configured to enable calibration of the clearance envelope scanning system32, such as for use with a particular embodiment of the attraction system10, the environment12, and/or the ride vehicle system14. For example, the detection system34and/or the controller44may enable calibration of the detection system34to establish the clearance envelope30based on a position of the detection system34and/or components of the detection system34(e.g., emitters36and/or receivers38) relative to the ride vehicle18(e.g., in a mounted configuration). In this way, the clearance envelope scanning system32may be configured and reconfigured for use with multiple different embodiments of the attraction system10, the environment12, and the ride vehicle system14, thereby facilitating, simplifying, and improving clearance envelope validation procedures associated with amusement park attraction systems10.

Accordingly, the techniques disclosed herein are directed to a system and method for scanning a clearance envelope of an environment of an amusement park attraction system. In particular, present embodiments are configured to scan the environment of the amusement park attraction to verify that features within the environment are positioned at a proper location relative to a ride vehicle traveling along a ride vehicle path of the amusement park attraction system and confirm that the features do not breach a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle traveling along the ride vehicle path. A clearance envelope scanning system may include a detection system configured to output waves or signals and to receive reflected waves or signals that reflect off objects within the environment. Based on analysis of the reflected waves (e.g., properties of the reflected waves), the clearance envelope scanning system may determine whether objects within the environment violate or comply with the clearance envelope established for the particular amusement park attraction system. As described herein, the clearance envelope scanning system may be a modular and programmable system that may be utilized with different amusement park attraction systems having different clearance envelopes. In this way, the present techniques enable more efficient evaluation of clearance envelope compliance for multiple amusement park attraction systems.

While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, such as temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth, without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode, or those unrelated to enablement. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.