Systems and methods for detecting data corresponding to fluid stream

An attraction system includes a fluid source configured to emit a fluid stream with a geometry that facilitates internal reflection, a transmitter configured to transmit a signal through the fluid stream such that the signal is enclosed in the fluid stream via internal reflection and the signal comprises a parameter, a sensor configured to receive the signal via the fluid stream and provide data indicative of the parameter, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system includes a processor and a memory, and the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to receive the data indicative of the parameter from the sensor, and operate the attraction system based on the parameter.

BACKGROUND

Amusement or theme parks include various features that each provides a unique experience for guests of the amusement park. For example, the amusement park may include different attractions, such as a roller coaster, a motion simulator, a drop tower, a performance show, a log flume, and so forth. The amusement park may also have various features, such as show effects, interactive activities, and the like, to enhance the unique experience provided to the guests. Such features may be included in the attractions and/or throughout the amusement park to entertain the guests. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of amusement park features, there is an increased expectation of entertainment quality among amusement park patrons and guests. Therefore, improved and creative amusement park features are desirable. For example, it is now recognized that there is a need for improved operation of features that use liquid or fluid, such as attractions that utilize water cannons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be noted that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

In an embodiment, an attraction system includes a fluid source configured to emit a fluid stream with a geometry that facilitates internal reflection, a transmitter configured to transmit a signal through the fluid stream such that the signal is enclosed in the fluid stream via the internal reflection and the signal comprises a parameter, a sensor configured to receive the signal via the fluid stream and provide data indicative of the parameter, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system includes a processor and a memory, and the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to receive the data indicative of the parameter from the sensor, and operate the attraction system based on the parameter.

In an embodiment, a fluid system includes a fluid source configured to emit a fluid stream having a geometry that facilitates the internal reflection, a target configured to receive the fluid stream emitted by the fluid source, a transmitter configured to transmit a signal into the fluid stream such that the signal travels through the fluid stream via internal reflection and the signal comprises a parameter, a sensor configured to receive the signal via the fluid stream and to transmit data based on the signal, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system includes a processor and a memory, and the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to receive the transmitted data from the sensor, determine the parameter based on the transmitted data, and operate the fluid system based on the parameter.

In an embodiment, an attraction system includes a first fluid source configured to emit a first fluid stream capable of internal reflection, a first transmitter configured to transmit a first signal having a first parameter through the first fluid stream via the internal reflection, a second fluid source configured to emit a second fluid stream capable of internal reflection, a second transmitter configured to transmit a second signal having a second parameter through the second fluid stream via the internal reflection, a target comprising a first sensor configured to receive signals including the first signal through the first fluid stream and the second signal through the second fluid stream, and a control system communicatively coupled to the first sensor. The control system includes a processor and a memory, and the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to receive data from the first sensor, in which the data is indicative of a received parameter of a received signal, identify the first fluid source when the received parameter correlates to the first parameter, and identify the second fluid source when the received parameter correlates to the second parameter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be noted that 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.

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. One or more specific embodiments of the present embodiments described herein will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be noted that 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.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for transmitting data via a fluid stream or flow. As used herein, the fluid includes a liquid, such as water, oil, and the like. The fluid stream may be provided in an entertainment venue, such as an amusement or theme park. Indeed, the fluid stream may be used for a show effect by an attraction, show, or activity to entertain guests of the entertainment venue. Specifically, the fluid stream may be used in a target-based attraction in which the fluid source (e.g., a water cannon) operates to emit the fluid stream, such as toward a target. The emission of the fluid stream may be initiated via manual controls, such as by a trigger actuated by one of the guests, or automatically, such as by a pre-programmed controller. In any case, it may be desirable for the fluid source to emit the fluid stream in a particular manner, such as toward a specific target among a set of targets.

It is now recognized that, in conventional approaches to such target-based features that employ fluid sources, it may be difficult to determine whether the target is receiving a particular fluid stream. For example, multiple fluid sources may emit respective fluid streams at or near a same target, and it may be difficult to determine which of the fluid streams successfully hits the target. Specifically, for example, multiple users may have assigned water cannons and each water cannon may be employed to try to strike one or more targets with a water stream. Where multiple streams of fluid are being emitted from multiple sources, it can be difficult to ascertain which source provided a successful strike on a target. As a result, actions specific to the fluid source that successfully hits the target (e.g., awarding points to the fluid source) may not be performed with sufficient accuracy.

Accordingly, providing each fluid stream with unique characteristics may enable the fluid streams to be distinguishable from one another. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for transmitting a signal through a fluid stream and receiving the signal via the fluid stream. In one embodiment, the signal includes a parameter associated with a fluid source, and a sensor may receive the signal via the fluid stream to determine the parameter and thus the fluid source. For example, multiple fluid streams may be associated with respective signals having unique parameters, and the sensor may receive any of the signals via the multiple fluid streams. The sensor may further determine the parameter of a received signal to determine the particular fluid source associated with the fluid stream received by the sensor. In this way, in addition to determining that the sensor receives the fluid stream, information regarding the specifically received fluid stream and/or its fluid source may also be determined. As a result, further actions may be performed based on the received fluid stream.

With the preceding in mind,FIG. 1is a block diagram of an attraction system50of an amusement park, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The attraction system50may be any suitable part of the amusement park that provides features to entertain guests, such as a particular ride (e.g., a roller coaster, a drop tower), another attraction (e.g., a performance show), a designated area of the amusement park, and the like. The illustrated attraction system50includes a first fluid source52and a second fluid source54to entertain the guests, but the attraction system50may include any suitable number of fluid sources in an additional or alternative embodiment. As an example, the fluid sources52,54may include a water gun, a fountain, a water cannon, a hose, another suitable type of fluid source, or any combination thereof. Each fluid source52,54may emit a respective fluid stream. That is, the first fluid source52may emit a first fluid stream56, and the second fluid source54may emit a second fluid stream58. As an example, the fluid sources52,54may be located on a ride vehicle of the attraction system50, equipped by guests of the attraction system50, implemented on a prop of the attraction system50, and so forth. The illustrated attraction system50further includes a first target60and a second target62. Each of the targets60,62may receive any of the fluid streams56,58from the respective fluid sources52,54. As illustrated, the first fluid stream56emitted by the first fluid source52is directed to the second target62, and the second fluid stream58emitted by the second fluid source54is directed to the first target60, but additionally or alternatively, the first fluid stream56may be directed to the first target60and/or the second fluid stream58may be directed to the second target62. Indeed, the fluid streams56,58may also be directed at the same target60,62.

In some cases, it is desirable to determine whether the targets60,62are receiving any of the fluid streams56,58. In an example, the attraction system50is a decorative prop, such as a fountain, in which the fluid sources52,54are setup (e.g., positioned, oriented) with the intention of directing the respective fluid streams56,58for receipt by the targets60,62. Thus, it is desirable to determine that the targets60,62are receiving the corresponding fluid streams56,58to determine that the fluid sources52,54are setup accurately (e.g., for aesthetic purposes). In another example, the attraction system50is an interactive attraction in which guests may control the fluid sources52,54and are trying to direct the fluid streams56,58to hit the targets60,62. For instance, the targets60,62may be located on an interactive prop (e.g., an entertainment figure), a ride vehicle, and/or other guests. In this case, it may also be desirable to determine which of the fluid streams56,58are being received by the targets60,62to store further information, such as information associated with the respective fluid sources52,54(e.g., to award points to guests).

For these reasons, each of the fluid sources52,54may output a signal that is encoded into the respective fluid streams56,58. Accordingly, the first fluid stream56emitted by the first fluid source52includes a first signal, which may be uniquely associated with (e.g., include a unique identifier of) the first fluid source52. Moreover, the second fluid stream58emitted by the second fluid source54includes a second signal, which may be uniquely associated with (e.g., include a unique identifier of) the second fluid source54. To this end, the first fluid source52may include a first transmitter64that may output the first signal into the first fluid stream56, and the second fluid source54may include a second transmitter66that may output the second signal into the second fluid stream58. As the fluid streams56,58are directed along a fluid flow path (e.g., to the targets60,62), the respective signals may remain contained within the fluid streams56,58. In other words, the signals travel along the respective flow paths of the fluid streams56,58. In addition, each of the targets60,62may receive the respective signals of the fluid streams56,58. For example, the first target60may include a first sensor68that may detect a received signal, and the second target62may include a second sensor70that may detect a received signal. That is, upon receipt of one of the fluid streams56,58, the sensors68,70may determine the presence of the signal encoded in the fluid stream56,58. In this way, the presence of a detected signal indicates that the target60,62is receiving one of the fluid streams56,58.

In an embodiment, the attraction system50may include a control system72that may operate the attraction system50based on the fluid streams56,58. The control system72includes a memory74and a processor76, such as a microprocessor. The memory74may 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 to operate the attraction system50. The processor76may execute the instructions stored on the memory74. The processor76may include any suitable processing circuitry, such as 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 control system72may be communicatively coupled to each of the sensors68,70such that the control system72(e.g., the processor76) may receive data from the sensors68,70. For example, each of the sensors68,70may transmit data (e.g., sensor data) to the control system72to indicate whether or not a signal is detected. As a result, the control system72may determine whether or not the targets60,62are receiving one of the fluid streams56,58based on the data received from the sensors68,70. The control system72may also operate the attraction system50accordingly based on the data. By way of example, if the sensors68,70are not receiving signals such that the control system72is not receiving appropriate data from the sensors68,70, the control system72may adjust a position and/or an orientation of the fluid sources52,54and/or of the targets60,62so as to enable the sensors68,70of the targets60,62to receive signals of the fluid streams56,58.

Additionally or alternatively, the control system72may determine the specific fluid stream56,58received by the targets60,62. To this end, the control system72and/or the sensors68,70may determine parameters of the signals encoded in the fluid streams56,58. As an example, the sensors68,70may receive the signals and the control system72may determine a frequency modulation, a pulse width modulation, a light color frequency, a light color wavelength, an intensity, a polarization, another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof, of the signals. The sensors68,70may include infrared light data receivers, ultraviolet light data receivers, visible light data receivers, another suitable sensor type, or any combination thereof, that may determine the parameters of the signals. Additionally or alternatively, if the respective signals are visible (e.g., contain a unique visible light), the sensors68,70may include an optical sensor, such as a camera, that may identify and track the signals based the visible parameter of the signals. In this way, the transmitters64,66may output encoded signals having specific parameters such that the signals may be distinguishable from one another (e.g., using frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, light color frequency, light color wavelength, intensity, polarization, and/or another suitable encoding scheme). As such, the fluid streams56,58containing the particular signals may also be distinguishable from one another. Therefore, the data transmitted by the sensors68,70may indicate the parameters of the detected signals, and the control system72may decode the signals and analyze the parameters to determine which fluid stream56,58is received by the targets60,62.

For instance, the control system72may determine that the data transmitted by the first sensor68has a parameter associated with the second fluid source54, thus indicating that the first target60is receiving the second fluid stream58from the second fluid source54. Moreover, the control system72may determine that the data transmitted by the second sensor70has a parameter associated with the first fluid source52, thus indicating that the second target62is receiving the first fluid stream56from the first fluid source52. In this manner, the control system72may determine which fluid stream56,58is received by the targets60,62without, for example, having to determine a status (e.g., a position, orientation) of the fluid sources52,54. In other words, the parameters of the respective signals encoded into the fluid streams56,58are based on the output by the transmitters64,66, and not on a status or a condition of the fluid sources52,54, of the targets60,62, or of any other part of the attraction system50. For example, the control system72may determine that the first target60is receiving the second fluid stream58from the second fluid source54, even though the first fluid source52may be positioned closer to the first target60and/or even though the first fluid stream56of the first fluid source52may be directed at or near the first target60(e.g., but the first fluid stream56is not received by the first target60).

In a further embodiment, the parameters of the signals encoded in the fluid streams56,58may indicate other information, such as a status of the fluid sources52,54. As an example, the parameters may indicate a respective position of the fluid sources52,54, a respective condition (e.g., operating mode) of the fluid sources52,54, a time of the day, and so forth. In this way, the control system72may also operate the attraction system50based on the additional information, such as to adjust the operating mode of the fluid sources52,54.

Moreover, the encoding and the determination of the signals of the fluid streams56,58may be unidirectionally or bi-directionally performed for a single one of the fluid streams56,58. That is, the control system72may cause the targets60,62to transmit encoded signals, and/or the fluid sources52,54may include sensors that facilitate determining parameters of a received signal. To this end, the first target60may include a third transmitter78, the second target62may include a fourth transmitter80, the first fluid source52may include a third sensor82, and/or the second fluid source54may include a fourth sensor84. In this way, the sensors82,84of the respective fluid sources52,54may transmit data to the control system72, and the control system72may analyze the data received from the fluid sources52,54to determine information regarding the attraction system50. In one embodiment, when a stream of fluid strikes a target60,62, data is transmitted back through the consistent stream via the signal emitted from the respective target60,62and no data is transmitted from the fluid source52,54.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of a target-based fluid emission system110(fluid system110) that may be implemented in the attraction system50ofFIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated fluid system110, the first fluid source52emits the first fluid stream56toward the first target60. Moreover, the first fluid stream56includes a signal112(e.g., a visible light signal) encoded by the control system72and output by the first transmitter64. The first fluid stream56may enclose the signal112in the first fluid stream56via internal reflection (e.g., total internal reflection). As used herein, internal reflection refers to a condition in which the signal112is substantially enclosed within a medium, such as the first fluid stream56, and does not substantially extend out of the first fluid stream56. For example, internal reflection may be achieved by transmitting the signal112to deflect off an edge of the first fluid stream56at a particular angle (e.g., greater than a critical angle of the first fluid stream56). As a result, the signal112continues to deflect off the edges of the first fluid stream56instead of passing through the first fluid stream56. Therefore, the signal112moves along a flow path of the first fluid stream56. To achieve desired levels of internal reflection, signals (e.g., light beams) may be emitted at a certain angle relative to the first fluid source52(e.g., a nozzle of the first fluid source52). The first fluid source52may be controlled to provide a stream geometry that facilitates internal reflection.

In an embodiment, the internal reflection may be total internal reflection such that substantially an entirety of the signal112may move through the first fluid stream56, and the parameters of the signal112are substantially unchanged as the signal112travels through the first fluid stream56. Even when slight variations occur to the first fluid stream56over time, signals will continue to pass through the first fluid stream56during phases of proper alignment of stream geometry and signal emissions. In this way, regardless of the flow path of the first fluid stream56(e.g., a straight path, a curved path), the parameters of the signal112remain substantially the same at any section of the first fluid stream56. To enable the first fluid stream56to effectively enclose the signal112via total internal reflection, the first fluid source52may emit the first fluid stream56in a substantially laminar flow. Further, the first fluid stream56may be controlled (e.g., based on a modeling algorithm or table) to provide a geometry or flow path conducive for signal transmission. As such, the flow of the first fluid stream56may generally be a smooth and unbroken fluid flow with an appropriate arc, rather than a turbulent fluid flow with a geometry that prevents an appropriate level of internal reflection. Indeed, an interference of the conducive flow of the first fluid stream56may affect the signal112, such as by changing the parameters of the signal112and/or terminating the signal112. Such interference may include another fluid stream intersecting with the first fluid stream56, an object (e.g., air) that breaks the flow of the first fluid stream56, and/or a transition of the first fluid stream56from a laminar flow to a turbulent flow. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the internal reflection may not be total internal reflection, and a portion of the transmitted signal may pass through the first fluid stream56instead of reflecting within the first fluid stream56. For example, the first fluid stream56may not be completely laminar and/or the signal112may not be transmitted at a particular angle to enable total internal reflection. For this reason, a parameter of the signal112may change along the path of the first fluid stream56. However, enough of the signal112may transmit through the first fluid stream56to be received by one of the sensors68,70such that a desirable amount of internal reflection is achieved.

In an embodiment, the first fluid source52includes the first transmitter64, and the first target60includes the first sensor68. The control system72may cause the first transmitter64to output the encoded signal112into the first fluid stream56. For instance, when the first fluid source52emits the first fluid stream56, the control system72may activate the first transmitter64to output the encoded signal112into the first fluid stream56. In some cases, the control system72may operate both the first fluid source52and the first transmitter64and, as such, causes the first fluid source52to emit the first fluid stream56while causing the first transmitter64to output the encoded signal112into the first fluid stream56. As such, the first transmitter64may remain active while the first fluid source52emits the first fluid stream56. Moreover, the control system72may operate the first sensor68to remain active during operation of the fluid system110such that the first sensor68may readily receive the signal112at any time. In this way, the first sensor68may transmit data to the control system72in real-time to determine the status of the first fluid stream56. For example, if the target60does not receive the first fluid stream56, the first sensor68may not transmit data indicative of the receipt of the signal112, and/or the first sensor68may transmit data indicative that the sensor68is not receiving the signal112. If the target60does receive the first fluid stream56, the first sensor68may then transmit data associated with the signal112to the control system72.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the first target60includes the third transmitter78, which may output the encoded signal112into the first fluid stream56emitted by the first fluid source52, and the first fluid source52includes the third sensor82, which may receive the signal112. As an example, the control system72may operate the third transmitter78such that the signal112is constantly transmitting regardless of whether the first target60receives the first fluid stream56. However, the third sensor82of the first fluid source52may receive the signal112only when the first target60receives the first fluid stream56. That is, if the first fluid stream56does not extend from the first fluid source52to the first target60, the transmitter78is not able to transmit the signal112through the first fluid stream56. As such, the third sensor82does not receive the signal112and does not transmit data indicative of receipt of the signal112to the control system72. However, if the first fluid stream56does extend from the first fluid source52to the first target60, the signal112transmitted by the third transmitter78may travel through the first fluid stream56to be received by the third sensor82. As a result, the third sensor82may transmit data associated with the signal112to the control system72. Indeed, either the first fluid source52or the first target60may transmit the signal112and the other of the first fluid source52or the first target60may transmit data associated with the signal112to the control system72.

Further, in an embodiment, multiple signals may be simultaneously encoded into the first fluid stream56. For instance, the first fluid source52and/or the first target60may each include multiple transmitters, and each of the transmitters may output a respective encoded signal into the first fluid stream56at the same time. As an example, one of the signals may include visible light (e.g., to provide a decorative coloration effect of the first fluid stream56), and another of the signals may include infrared light (e.g., to transmit data with which the control system72uses to operate the fluid system110). As another example, each signal may include respective data that is used by the control system72to perform an operation. In other words, the control system72may receive multiple data via the first fluid stream56to operate the fluid system110.

Although the illustrated fluid system110includes the first fluid source52that may direct the first fluid stream56to the first target60, an additional or alternative fluid system110may include the first fluid source52as directing the first fluid stream56to another fluid source instead of a target. In other words, one fluid source may also be able to receive fluid streams and signals from another fluid source, and the fluid source receiving the signal may transmit data to the control system72to indicate that the fluid source has received the signal. In this way, each fluid source may also act as a target.

In an embodiment, the control system72may adjust the operation of the transmitters64,78to specify the parameters of the signal112. By way of example, the control system72may cause the first transmitter64to output the signal112having a particular parameter (e.g., having a certain value) detectable by the first sensor68. Upon receipt of the signal112, the first sensor68of the first target60may then transmit data to the control system72to indicate the particular parameter. As a result, the control system72may then determine that the first target60specifically received the first fluid stream56emitted by the first fluid source52.

The control system72may also be communicatively coupled to a database114(e.g., a physical server, a cloud computing device), which may store certain information relevant to the operation of the fluid system110and/or of the attraction system50. In an example, the database114may store data (e.g., a database table) associating the parameters of the signal112with various information, and the control system72may access the database114to operate the transmitters64,66accordingly to transmit the signal112. In another example, the database114may store information that is updated based on the detection of the signal112by the sensors68,82. For instance, the first fluid source52may be associated with and operated by a particular guest, and the database114may store information regarding the guest, such as a guest or user profile and/or a number of points assigned to the guest. The guest may operate the first fluid source52to direct the first fluid stream56toward the first target60, and the control system72may update the number of points assigned to the guest based on whether the first target60receives the first fluid stream56. In one embodiment, the control system72may assign more points based on time (e.g., the longer the guest is able to hit the first target60with the first fluid stream56). In an additional or alternative embodiment, the control system72may assign more points based on frequency (e.g., the more times the guest is able to hit the first target60with the first fluid stream56). Indeed, if multiple fluid sources associated with different, respective guests are implemented, the control system72may determine the particular fluid stream received by the first target60(e.g., based on determining the parameter of the signal112correlates with a signal encoded by the transmitter of the particular fluid source and received by the first sensor68of the first target60), and update the points assigned to the corresponding guest accordingly. Further, if multiple targets are implemented, each target may be associated with a distinct point value, and the control system72may determine the particular target receiving the fluid stream of the first fluid source52(e.g., based on determining the signal encoded by the transmitter of the target and received by the third sensor82of the first fluid source52), and update the points stored in the database114in accordance to the specific target.

The control system72may further perform another action in response to the receipt of the signal112and/or based on the determined parameters of the signal112. As an example, the first fluid source52and the first target60may each include a respective actuator116, and the control system72may activate either of the actuators116to move the first fluid source52, the first target60, and/or another component of the attraction system50. As another example, the control system72may output a notification, such as to present a visual display (e.g., a light), present an audio output (e.g., a sound effect), transmit information to a mobile device, and the like, to indicate a successful target strike based on the parameter of the signal112. As a further example, the control system72may change an operation of the attraction system50, such as a manner (e.g., a flow direction, a flow rate) in which the first fluid source52emits the first fluid stream56. Indeed, the control system72may perform any suitable action based on the signal112being received by one of the sensors68,82.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate respective methods for operating an attraction system, such as the attraction system50ofFIG. 1, using the fluid system110ofFIG. 2. AlthoughFIGS. 3 and 4primarily discuss that the steps of each method are performed by the control system72, it should be noted that the steps of each method may be performed by any suitable system, such as multiple controllers. It should also be noted that the steps of each method may be performed differently in another embodiment, such as for a different embodiment of the attraction system. For example, additional steps may be performed, and/or certain steps of each method may be modified, removed, and/or performed in a different order.

FIG. 3is a flowchart of a method140for operating the attraction system50ofFIG. 1based on data received via a signal, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. At block142, the control system receives a signal via a fluid stream. For example, a sensor communicatively coupled to the control system may receive the signal (e.g., an infrared or visible light signal) encoded into the fluid stream and internally reflected within the fluid stream until receipt by the sensor. Upon receiving the signal, the sensor may transmit the signal to the control system. In an embodiment, a fluid source transmits the encoded signal into the fluid stream emitted by the fluid source, and a sensor of a target may receive the signal. For instance, a physical target receives a fluid stream from a particular user water cannon from a collection of user water cannons. The sensor of the target may receive the signal via the fluid stream to transmit data indicative of the particular water cannon as discerned from the collection of user water cannons. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the target transmits the encoded signal into the fluid stream upon receipt of the fluid stream, and a sensor of the fluid source may receive the signal from the target. By way of example, a particular physical target of a collection of physical targets receives the fluid stream from the user water cannon. The sensor of the user water cannon may receive the signal to transmit data indicative that the particular physical target of the collection of physical targets has been struck by fluid stream of the user water cannon.

At block144, the control system determines parameters (e.g., a color, a wavelength, a pulse value) associated with the signal. For example, the data received from the sensor indicates the parameters of the signal. As a result, upon receipt of the data, the control system is able to determine such parameters accordingly. As discussed above, the parameters may facilitate identifying the fluid source emitting the fluid stream. At block146, the control system performs an action based on the parameters of the signal. Such actions may be based on the particular implementation of the attraction system and the fluid system.

In one example, the attraction system may be a shooting range-like setting having targets positioned at various locations (e.g., on various props). Further, guests may operate respective fluid sources and may be attempting to direct respective fluid streams to hit the targets. Certain targets may be more difficult to hit, and such targets may therefore be associated with greater point values. Moreover, the database may store points associated with each guest (e.g., associated with their respective fluid sources). As each guest manages to hit targets with their respective fluid sources, the control system may update the database to add points to the corresponding guests based on the target that has been hit. For instance, based on data indicative that a first target has received a first fluid stream from a first fluid source of a first guest, the control system may update the database to add points to a first user profile associated with the first guest. Further, based on data indicative that a second target has received a second fluid stream from a second fluid source of a second guest, the control system may accordingly update the database to add points to a second user profile associated with the second guest. In this embodiment, the signal may also include parameters that indicate an operating mode of the attraction system, such as a game mode of the shooting attraction (e.g., to accumulate the most points in a timed setting, to hit specifically designated targets). Each game mode may include a specific manner in which the control system may update the database to add points to user profiles. For this reason, the control system may select the manner to update the database based on the parameter of the signal.

In an additional example, the attraction system may be a laser tag-like activity in which each guest may operate a respective fluid source and may include a respective target (e.g., attached to a clothing item of each guest). The control system may update the database based on data indicative of a target associated with one guest is receiving a fluid stream of a fluid source associated with another guest. For example, based on data indicative that a first target of a first guest has received a first fluid stream from a second fluid source of a second guest, the control system may update the database to reduce points from a first user profile associated with the first guest and also to add points to a second user profile associated with the second guest. In this example embodiment, further parameters of the signal may be encoded. For instance, each guest may be associated with a particular team, and the fluid source of the guest may encode a signal that causes the fluid stream to be a particular color based on the team associated with the guest. That is, a subset of fluid sources within the same team may encode respective signals having the same visible light wavelength parameter. In this way, the fluid sources of each team may emit a particularly colored fluid stream. By way of example, fluid sources associated with a first team may emit fluid streams having a first visible light wavelength (e.g., a first color), and fluid sources associated with a second team may emit fluid streams having a second visible light wavelength (e.g., a second color) that is different from the first visible light wavelength. Moreover, each signal may indicate additional information regarding each guest and their associated user profile, such as an amount of health points (e.g., which may be displayed to the guest), a type of fluid source equipped (e.g., having a fluid stream associated with a particular point adjustment when received by a target), and the like, and such information may also affect the manner in which the control system may update the database based on received data.

In a further example, the attraction system may include a drink machine (e.g., the first fluid source52ofFIG. 2) that contains various drinks, and the control system (e.g., the control system72ofFIG. 2) may perform an action associated with providing a particular drink to a guest. For instance, the guest may have a container (e.g., the first target60ofFIG. 2), such as a cup, which may include a transmitter (e.g., the third transmitter78) that transmits an encoded signal (e.g., the signal112ofFIG. 2) having parameters based on a desirable drink indicated by the guest. The guest may provide the container to the drink machine, and the drink machine may initially emit a fluid stream (e.g., the first fluid stream56ofFIG. 2) to the container in a laminar flow such that the signal transmits through the fluid stream and is received by a sensor (e.g., the third sensor82) of the drink machine. The sensor may transmit data indicative of parameters of the signal to the control system, the control system may select a specific drink based on the parameters of the signal, and the control system may cause the drink machine to provide the specific drink to the container of the guest.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method170for operating the attraction system based on whether a signal is received, rather than based on a specific parameter of the signal, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. At block172, the control system operates a fluid source of the attraction system. By way of example, the control system automatically operates the fluid source to emit the fluid stream, such as toward a target, without a user input.

At block174, the control system determines whether the target receives a signal that is encoded in the fluid emitted by the fluid source. In an embodiment, the fluid source transmits the encoded signal into the fluid, and a sensor of the target may receive the signal. The sensor may then transmit data to the control system to indicate that the target is receiving the fluid stream. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the target transmits the signal, and a sensor of the fluid source may receive the signal. Thus, upon receipt of the fluid, the signal transmitted by the target may transmit through the fluid to be received by the sensor of the fluid source. The sensor of the fluid source may then transmit data to the control system to indicate that the target is receiving the fluid stream. If the data indicates that the target is receiving the signal, the control system may continue to operate the attraction system (e.g., without changing the operation of the attraction system).

However, if the control system determines that the target is not receiving the signal, the control system may perform a different action, as indicated at block176. As an example, the control system may adjust an operation of the attraction system, such as to change a position of the fluid source and/or of the target such that the target may receive the fluid. As another example, the control system may present a notification to inform a user, such as an operator of the attraction system, that the target is not receiving the fluid. In this way, the user may adjust the attraction system accordingly, such as by manually moving the fluid source and/or the target such that the target may receive the fluid.

By way of example, the attraction system may include a fountain in which it is desirable for the fountain to emit a fluid stream to a particular location. As such, the particular location may include the target that may determine whether the fountain emits the fluid stream as desired. If the target receives the fluid, the target may transmit data to the control system to indicate that the target is receiving the fluid, and the control system may therefore continue to operate the attraction system to cause the fountain to emit the fluid to the target. If the target does not receive the fluid, the target may not transmit data to the control system, thereby indicating that the target is not receiving the fluid, and the control system may therefore perform an action that may cause the operation of the attraction system to change such that the fountain emits the fluid to the target. Additionally or alternatively, if the target does not receive the fluid, the target may transmit data to the control system to indicate that the target is not receiving the fluid, and if the target does receive the fluid, the target may transmit data to the control system to indicate that the target is receiving the fluid.

Further, althoughFIG. 4illustrates that the control system may perform an action based on the determination that the target is not receiving the signal, the control system may alternatively perform an action based on the determination that the target is receiving the signal. That is, it may not be desirable for the target to receive the fluid and therefore, the control system may perform an action upon determining that the target is receiving the fluid. In any case, the control system may operate the attraction system based on whether or not the target is receiving the signal, rather than based on the particular parameters associated with the signal.

Moreover, the steps of the method140and of the method170may be combined. For instance, multiple fountains may be emitting respective fluid streams near the target, and it may be desirable for the target to receive a specific fluid stream. Thus, each fluid stream may have a respective, unique signal. The control system may therefore determine whether the target is receiving a fluid stream based on receipt of a signal and further, the control system may determine whether the target is receiving the specific fluid stream based on a parameter of the signal. The control system may then operate the attraction system, such as by moving the target and/or the fountain, based on such determination.