Patent Description:
Theme park or amusement park ride attractions have become increasingly popular. Amusement park rides often include traveling rides, which include ride vehicles that travel along a path, fixed rides, which may include a motion base, or combinations thereof. The path of a traveling ride may be situated in different surroundings (e.g., on a mountain top, in a tunnel, under water). Along the path, there may be different types of show events, such as moving action figures (e.g., animatronics), video screen projections, sound effects, water effects, and so forth.

In certain traditional ride attractions, user experiences may be affected by limitations on adjustability of a rider perspective or experience. For example, in certain traditional embodiments, the ride experience may be the same or substantially similar during each ride. Further, in certain traditional embodiments, an impact of certain ride features, such as show elements situated on or around the track, may be limited by a substantially stagnant perspective or orientation of the rider. Thus, it is now recognized that improved ride systems and ride vehicles thereof are desired.

Document <CIT> discloses a method and system for assembling and controlling a combination of automobiles using a combination interface that includes electric suction cups (electromagnetic attraction) and/or mechanical locks for coupling the vehicles.

The present invention is directed to a amusement park ride system according to claim <NUM>. Subsidiary aspects of the invention are provided in the dependent claims.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a ride system includes a first ride vehicle having a first magnet exposed along a first exterior side of the first ride vehicle and a first additional magnet exposed along a first additional exterior side of the first ride vehicle. The ride system includes a second ride vehicle having a second magnet exposed along a second exterior side of the second ride vehicle and a second additional magnet exposed along a second additional exterior side of the second ride vehicle. The ride system includes a control system configured to control maneuvering of one or both of the first and second ride vehicles to: establish a coupling between the first magnet and the second magnet in a first configuration, establish a coupling between the first magnet and the second additional magnet in a second configuration, establish a coupling between the first additional magnet and the second magnet in a third configuration, establish a coupling between the first additional magnet and the second additional magnet in a fourth configuration.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a ride system includes a substantially smooth ride path surface. The ride system also includes a first automated guide vehicle (AGV) having a first magnet and having first wheel set configured to enable movement of the first AGV along the substantially smooth ride path surface. The ride system also includes a second AGV having a second magnet and having a second wheel set configured to enable movement of the second AGV along the substantially smooth ride path surface. The ride system also includes a third AGV having a third magnet and having a third wheel set configured to enable movement of the third AGV along the substantially smooth ride path surface. The ride system includes a control system configured to maneuver the first AGV, the second AGV, the third AGV, or any combination thereof to enable a coupling between the first magnet and the second magnet in a first configuration, between the first magnet and the third magnet in a second configuration, and between the second magnet and the third magnet in a third configuration.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a ride system includes a first ride vehicle having first magnets extending from first exterior sides of the first ride vehicle, a second ride vehicle having second magnets extending from second exterior sides of the second ride vehicle, and a control system. The control system is configured to maneuver the first ride vehicle, the second ride vehicle, or both to enable dynamic coupling and decoupling of certain of the first magnets with certain of the second magnets along a ride path of the ride system such that a ride vehicle configuration changes during the course of the ride path, where the ride vehicle configuration includes at least one of a vehicle order of travel relative to an end of the ride path, a vehicle direction of travel, or a vehicle orientation relative to the vehicle direction of travel.

Presently disclosed embodiments are directed toward ride vehicles having dynamic ride vehicle configurations. More particularly, present embodiments are directed toward modular ride vehicles which can be controlled to form various sized ride vehicle clusters throughout a ride path of a ride system, to change orientations of the ride vehicles throughout the ride path relative to a direction of travel, to change an order of ride vehicles traveling along the ride path relative to a beginning or end of the ride path, and to interact with various show elements disposed along the ride path, among other reconfigurations.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a ride system may include ride vehicles, for example automated guide vehicles (AGVs), which are joinable and separable to modulate ride configurations of the ride vehicles. An AGV may be a portable or robotic vehicle that has individual freedom of motion and travels along a substantially smooth ride path, for example via the assistance of markers, magnets, sensors, or a combination thereof. The ride vehicles (e.g., AGVs) of the disclosed ride system may be modular (e.g., substantially similar) to improve interchangeability of the ride vehicles to form different ride configurations. For example, each ride vehicle may be equipped with one or more magnets. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle may include a number of magnets disposed around a perimeter, or exterior surfaces, of the ride vehicle. The magnets may enable the ride vehicles (e.g., AGVs) to couple and to decouple with each other, and/or with show elements, to facilitate different ride configurations, such as different units or clusters of ride vehicles, different directions of travel of the ride vehicles, different orientations (i.e., roll, pitch, yaw) of the ride vehicles relative to each other and/or relative to a direction of travel, different orders of travel (e.g., relative to an end of the ride path or another stationary reference frame along the ride path) of the ride vehicles, different separation distances between ride vehicles, and others. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the magnets may include opposing polarities, either permanently or based on control of the magnets by a controller or control system, such that certain combinations cause magnetic repulsion of adjacent ride vehicles. For example, the control system may reverse an electric current through an electromagnet to reverse the polarity, or the control system may rotate a bar magnet to change a polarity of the portion of the magnet facing outwardly from the ride vehicle.

The modularity of the ride vehicles, in addition to the modularity of various regions of an individual ride vehicle (e.g., magnets disposed in similar locations along two or more similar sides of the individual ride vehicle) may enable enhanced configurations (e.g., improved amounts of configurations and improved types or categories of configurations) of the ride system compared to traditional embodiments. By enabling the enhanced configurations, a rider experience is improved over the course of a ride, and the rider experience may be different from one ride to the next. These and other features will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a ride system <NUM> having a number of ride vehicles <NUM>, such as automated guide vehicles (AGVs), and a control system <NUM> for controlling the ride vehicles <NUM>. The ride vehicles <NUM> may be configured to receive passengers, such as one or two passengers per ride vehicle <NUM>, although other embodiments may include a different number of passengers per ride vehicle <NUM>. The ride vehicles <NUM> include a first ride vehicle <NUM>, a second ride vehicle <NUM>, a third ride vehicle <NUM>, a fourth ride vehicle <NUM>, a fifth ride vehicle <NUM>, and a sixth ride vehicle <NUM>. However, any number of ride vehicles <NUM> may be included in the ride system <NUM>, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more ride vehicles <NUM>.

The illustrated ride vehicles <NUM> may travel along a ride path <NUM>, such as a substantially smooth ride path. That is, the ride path <NUM> may not include a track on which the ride vehicles <NUM> are disposed. Instead, the ride vehicles <NUM> may include wheel sets (not shown) which enable movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> along the substantially smooth ride vehicle path <NUM>. It should be noted that "substantially smooth" may refer to the ride path <NUM> not include a track or structural element along which the ride vehicles <NUM> are guided, although the substantially smooth ride path <NUM> may include curves such as hills along which the ride vehicles <NUM> travel. Movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> may be controlled at least in part by the control system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and communications circuitry <NUM> which enables communication (e.g., remote or wireless communication) between the control system <NUM> and the ride vehicles <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor <NUM>, cause the processor <NUM> to make determinations related to the ride vehicles <NUM>, and to communicate with the ride vehicles <NUM> via the communications circuitry <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each ride vehicle <NUM> may include a sensor <NUM>, such as a proximity sensor, that is capable of communicating sensor feedback to the control system <NUM>, such that the processor <NUM> may make determinations relating to the ride vehicles <NUM> based at least in part on the sensor feedback. For example, the sensors <NUM> may detect a proximity of the ride vehicles <NUM> to adjacent ride vehicles <NUM> and/or to other features of the ride system <NUM>, such as show elements <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the control system <NUM> may include a remote controller or remote control system as shown, and/or individual controllers installed on each of the ride vehicles <NUM>, whereby control features on the ride vehicles <NUM> and control features remotely situation are capable of communicating to facilitate maneuvering of the ride vehicles <NUM> in accordance with the description below.

The ride vehicles <NUM> may also include magnets <NUM> disposed or exposed along exteriors of the ride vehicles <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> may be electromagnets which are magnetized via an electric current controllable by, for example, the control system <NUM> (or an individual ride vehicle controller), or the magnets <NUM> may be permanent magnets. In some embodiments where the magnets <NUM> are electromagnets, the control system <NUM> may reverse an electric current within the one or more of the magnets <NUM> to reverse a polarity of the one or more magnets <NUM>, which may cause magnetic repulsion. In other embodiments, a bar magnet may be rotated to change the polarity of the bar magnet facing outwardly from the ride vehicle <NUM>. Magnetic repulsion can be utilized to magnetically decouple the magnets and/or to cause movement of one or more of the ride vehicles <NUM>.

As shown, each ride vehicle <NUM> includes a rectangular shape, although shapes of the ride vehicles <NUM> may differ in other embodiments. More particularly, each ride vehicle <NUM> may include a substantially rectangular bumper shape <NUM> formed by bumpers of the ride vehicle <NUM>, whereby the magnets <NUM> are disposed on each side of the substantially rectangular bumper shape. That is, one magnet <NUM> (or more) may be disposed on a front bumper, another magnet <NUM> (or more) may be disposed on a back bumper, another magnet <NUM> (or more) may be disposed on a side bumper, and another magnet <NUM> (or more) may be disposed on the opposing side bumper. The magnets <NUM> may enable coupling of the various bumpers of adjacent ride vehicles <NUM>, which will be described in detail with reference to later drawings. Reference to "front bumper," "back bumper," and "side bumper" may be relative terms indicative of a direction a passenger within the ride vehicle <NUM> faces. For example, as shown, the passengers in the ride vehicles <NUM> may be facing forward toward the show elements <NUM>, <NUM>, as indicated by orientation arrows <NUM>. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bumper segment of the regular bumper shape closest to the show elements <NUM>, <NUM> may be the "front bumper. " It should be noted that, while the ride vehicles <NUM> include four magnets, one on each bumper of the rectangular bumper shape <NUM>, in other embodiments, each side of the substantially rectangular bumper shape <NUM> may include two or more magnets separated from each other.

The vehicles <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment are separated from each other and disposed on the ride path <NUM>. As will be appreciated in view of later drawings and corresponding description, the magnets <NUM> of the vehicles <NUM> may be selectively coupled (e.g., by the control system <NUM>, and/or via the assistance of the sensor feedback relating to relative proximities of the ride vehicles <NUM>, which may be received by the control system <NUM>) and decoupled. The magnets <NUM> may facilitate improved coupling of traditional locking mechanisms because the magnets <NUM> require mere contact, whereas traditional locking mechanisms may require slowing or stopping of the ride vehicles <NUM> to lockingly engage.

The ride vehicles <NUM> may be maneuverable along the ride path <NUM> in (or opposing to) direction <NUM>, and in (or opposing to) direction <NUM>. Further, the ride vehicles <NUM> may be yawed in (or opposing to) circumferential direction <NUM>. Thus, while the orientation direction <NUM> of each of the ride vehicles <NUM> is substantially similar in the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicles <NUM> may be maneuvered to include different orientation directions <NUM> (e.g., relative to a beginning or end of the ride path <NUM>, the show elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>, or some other substantially stationary reference point). As previously described, the control system <NUM> may operate to control movement of the ride vehicles <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicles <NUM> may include individual controllers (e.g., disposed on the particular ride vehicle <NUM>) which either independently, or in conjunction with the control system <NUM>, operates to maneuver the rid vehicle <NUM>.

As shown, the ride vehicles <NUM> are modular, meaning that each ride vehicle <NUM> may be interchangeable with another ride vehicle <NUM>. In other words, the first ride vehicle <NUM> is substantially similar to the second ride vehicle <NUM>, the third ride vehicle <NUM>, the fourth ride vehicle <NUM>, the fifth ride vehicle <NUM>, and the sixth ride vehicle <NUM>. At least in part because the ride vehicles <NUM> are modular, include magnets <NUM> disposed along several exterior surfaces of each ride vehicle <NUM>, and are maneuverable in (or opposing to) the directions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, configurations of the ride vehicles <NUM> can be dynamically changed along the ride path <NUM>. For example, as previously described, directions of travel may be changed, orientations may be changed, groupings of ride vehicles <NUM> may be changed, order of travel (e.g., relative to a reference point along the ride path <NUM>, such as a beginning or end of the ride path <NUM>) may be changed, distances between individual ride vehicles <NUM> or groups (e.g., "clusters) of ride vehicles <NUM> may be changed, interactions with the show elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> may be initiated, etc. These and other features will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a front view of an embodiment of the first ride vehicle <NUM> of <FIG>. As previously described, the ride vehicles <NUM> of <FIG> may be modular, or include modular coupling features, meaning that the illustrated first ride vehicle <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially similar to, or include substantially similar coupling features as, the other ride vehicles <NUM> of <FIG>. This modularity enhances an amount of type of reconfigurations that are possible relative to traditional embodiments. The illustrated ride vehicle <NUM> will be referred to as an AGV below. The AGV <NUM> includes two passenger seats <NUM>, each configured to receive a passenger. Further, the AGV <NUM> includes two head rests <NUM> corresponding to the two passenger seats <NUM>, and two safety restraint bars <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the AGV <NUM> includes a first exterior side (e.g., a front bumper <NUM>), two second exterior sides (e.g., two side bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the first exterior side, and a fourth exterior side (e.g., back bumper [not shown]). The front bumper <NUM> includes two magnets <NUM>, and the opposing side bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> may each include two magnets <NUM>, although only one magnet <NUM> along the side bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> is shown due to the illustrated perspective.

The magnets <NUM> of the first AGV <NUM>, as previously described, may be coupled and decoupled to other magnets of other ride vehicles along various segments of the ride path <NUM>. The illustrated AGV <NUM> also includes a wheel set <NUM> which facilitates movement of the AGV along the ride path <NUM>. Further, the AGV <NUM> includes at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more) proximity sensors <NUM>, for example disposed along the exterior of the AGV <NUM>. The proximity sensors <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment are disposed adjacent edges between the front bumper <NUM> and the side bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>. The proximity sensors <NUM> may detect a proximity of adjacent ride vehicles, and may send proximity data to the control system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, which may couple and decouple the first AGV <NUM> to adjacent AGVs based at least in part on the sensor feedback. The proximity sensors <NUM> may be, for example, laser proximity sensors, infrared proximity sensors, Doppler Effect proximity sensors, magnetic proximity sensors, Hall Effect proximity sensors, or some other suitable proximity sensor.

<FIG> is a side view of the AGV <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the AGV <NUM> includes the front bumper <NUM>, two side bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> (only one shown due to the illustrated perspective), and a back bumper <NUM>. As shown, the proximity sensors <NUM> may be disposed between edges formed between the illustrated side bumper <NUM>, <NUM> and the front and back bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top-down view of the AGV <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the AGV <NUM> includes the substantially rectangular bumper shape <NUM>, formed by the front bumper <NUM>, the back bumper <NUM>, and the two side bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., four exterior sides). The proximity sensors <NUM> are disposed at four corners <NUM> of the substantially rectangular bumper shape <NUM>. As shown, two magnets <NUM> are disposed on each of the front bumper <NUM>, the first side bumper <NUM>, the second side bumper <NUM>, and the back bumper <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> on the front bumper <NUM> are spaced by a distance equal to a distance the magnets <NUM> are spaced on the back bumper <NUM>, equal to a distance the magnets <NUM> are spaced on the first side bumper <NUM>, and equal to a distance the magnets <NUM> are spaced on the second side bumper <NUM>. Thus, any of the four bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the illustrated first ride vehicle <NUM> may be coupled to any of the four bumpers of the other ride vehicles (e.g., the second <NUM>, the third ride vehicle <NUM>, the fourth ride vehicle <NUM>, the fifth ride vehicle <NUM>, and the sixth ride vehicle <NUM> of <FIG>).

For example, <FIG> is a top-down view of an embodiment of potential coupling maneuvers of a plurality of AGVs, for use in the ride system <NUM> of <FIG>. Five AGVs, including the first AGV <NUM>, the second AGV <NUM>, the third AGV <NUM>, the fourth AGV <NUM>, and the fifth AGV <NUM> are shown, although more or fewer AGVs may be included in another embodiment. As shown, the first AGV <NUM> is substantially surrounded by the second AGV <NUM>, the third AGV <NUM>, the fourth AGV <NUM>, and the fifth AGV <NUM>. The arrows illustrate how the front bumper <NUM> of the first AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the back bumper <NUM> of the second AGV <NUM>, how the side bumper <NUM> of the first AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the back bumper <NUM> of the third AGV <NUM>, how the back bumper <NUM> of the first AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the back bumper <NUM> of the fourth AGV <NUM>, and how the side bumper <NUM> of the first AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the front bumper <NUM> of the fifth AGV <NUM>. Likewise, the curved arrows show how the side bumper <NUM> of the second AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the side bumper <NUM> of the third AGV <NUM>, how the side bumper <NUM> of the third AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the side bumper <NUM> of the fourth AGV <NUM>, how the side bumper <NUM> of the fourth AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the side bumper <NUM> of the fifth AGV <NUM>, and how the side bumper <NUM> of the fifth AGV <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to the side bumper <NUM> of the second AGV <NUM>. Of course, the positions of the AGV <NUM> can also be changed, such that, for example, any one of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> could be disposed in the middle of the illustrated embodiment, or such that a different arrangement or cumulative shape of the coupled AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is possible. Further still, any number of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may or may not be coupled, forming differently sized vehicle clusters or groups. That is, the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be magnetically coupled to form different groups, different orders, and different orientations, among other configuration changes.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of a ride sequence in which ride vehicles are magnetically coupled and decoupled to form various configurations. For simplicity, the ride vehicles are referred to as AGVs below. Further, in an effort to simplify the drawings and corresponding description, many of the numbered aspects of the illustrated AGVs, in particular the magnets, are not numbered in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the first AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the second AGV <NUM> side-by-side, the third AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the fourth AGV <NUM> side-by-side, and the fifth AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the sixth AGV <NUM> side-by-side. Further, the sixth AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the fourth AGV <NUM> front-to-back, the fifth AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the third AGV <NUM> front-to-back, the fourth AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the second AGV <NUM> front-to-back, and the third AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the first AGV <NUM> front-to-back. Thus, the first AGV <NUM>, the second AGV <NUM>, the third AGV <NUM>, the fourth AGVC <NUM>, the fifth AGV <NUM>, and the sixth AGV <NUM> form a six-vehicle cluster having three rows and two columns. In <FIG>, the rows are magnetically decoupled from one another. For example, the first AGV <NUM> is magnetically decoupled from the third AGV <NUM>, the second AGV <NUM> is magnetically decoupled from the fourth AGV <NUM>, the third AGV <NUM> is magnetically decoupled from the fifth AGV <NUM>, and the fourth AGV <NUM> is magnetically decoupled from the sixth AGV <NUM>. That is, the AGVs are magnetically decoupled to form three two-vehicle clusters. The magnetic decoupling may involve, for example, controlling the magnets of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the magnets do not magnetically attract each other, and in some embodiments such that the magnets repel each other. As previously described, the magnets may be electromagnets controlled by a control system (e.g., the control system <NUM> of <FIG>), and a polarity of the one or more magnets may be changed by reversing an electric current through the magnets. Additionally or alternatively, bar magnets or similar magnets may be used and may be rotatable to enable an opposing polarity to face outwardly from the vehicle.

In <FIG>, the first AGV <NUM> is magnetically decoupled from the second AGV <NUM>, the third AGV <NUM> is magnetically decoupled from the fourth AGV <NUM>, and the fifth AGV <NUM> is magnetically decoupled from the sixth AGV <NUM>. Thus, in <FIG>, each of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is maneuvered independent from magnetic coupling.

<FIG> include perspective views of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being maneuvered independently while decoupled from each other. The AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be maneuvered by a control system (e.g., the control system <NUM> of <FIG>). As shown, in <FIG>, the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be maneuvered toward positions which enable further coupling thereof. <FIG> is a perspective view of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> magnetically coupled to form three two-vehicle clusters. That is, the first AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the fourth AGV <NUM> side-by-side, the second AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the fifth AGV <NUM> side-by-side, and the third AGV <NUM> is magnetically coupled to the sixth AGV <NUM> side-by-side. It should be noted that the pairings in <FIG> are different than those in <FIG>. Further, the illustrated pairs may be coupled front-to-back, similar to <FIG>, and the front-to-back pairings can also be different than the front-to-back pairings shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate one type of ride execution possible in accordance with disclosed embodiments, although other ride executions are also possible. For example, the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be magnetically coupled to face different directions (e.g., to change orientations thereof), as illustrated in <FIG>, and to form different numbers and sizes of vehicle clusters.

Another example of an embodiment of a possible ride execution of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of AGVs of the ride system of <FIG> coupled in an eight-vehicle cluster. In an effort to simplify the drawings and corresponding description, many of the numbered aspects of the illustrated AGVs, in particular the magnets, are not numbered in <FIG>.

The illustration in <FIG> includes the first AGV <NUM>, the second AGV <NUM>, the third AGV <NUM>, the fourth AGV <NUM>, the fifth AGV <NUM>, the sixth AGV <NUM>, a seventh AGV <NUM>, and an eighth AGV <NUM>. The AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled side-by-side and back-to-front to form an eight-vehicle cluster having four rows and two columns. The show elements <NUM>, <NUM> are also illustrated in <FIG>. The first show element <NUM> includes a first rectangular base <NUM> and the second show element <NUM> includes a second rectangular base <NUM>. The rectangular bases <NUM>, <NUM> of the show elements <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, may be magnetized or otherwise capable of coupling to AGV or ride vehicle magnets. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have been magnetically decoupled and are approaching the show elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and the first AGV <NUM> and the second AGV <NUM> are magnetically coupled to the rectangular bases <NUM>, <NUM> of the show elements <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, with the third AGV <NUM> and the fourth AGV <NUM> approaching magnetic coupling to the rectangular bases <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the ride system whereby all eight AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are magnetically coupled to the rectangular bases <NUM>, <NUM> of the show elements <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. As shown, the back bumpers of the first AGV <NUM>, the back bumper of the fourth AGV <NUM>, the back bumper of the fifth AGV <NUM>, and the back bumper of the eighth AGV <NUM> are magnetically coupled to the rectangular base <NUM> of the first show element <NUM>, whereas the front bumper of the second AGV <NUM>, the front bumper of the third AGV <NUM>, the front bumper of the sixth AGV <NUM>, and the front bumper of the seventh AGV <NUM> are magnetically coupled to the rectangular base <NUM> of the second show element <NUM>. Of course, different bumpers of the various AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to different ones of the bases <NUM>, <NUM> of the show elements <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, and in different orders. Further, in certain embodiments, only certain of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may couple to the show elements <NUM>, <NUM>. As previously described, the modular relation between the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the module nature of the sides and corresponding magnets of a particular one of the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, enables a number of dynamically adjustable ride configurations relating to a direction of travel, a grouping (e.g., size and matches), an orientation, a separation distance, etc. of the ride vehicles (e.g., the AGVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).

<FIG> is a process flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method <NUM> of operating the ride system of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the method <NUM> includes magnetically coupling (block <NUM>) ride vehicles to form a first ride configuration. As previously described, the ride vehicles may each include one or more magnets, for example several magnets disposed or exposed along exteriors of the ride vehicles. The ride vehicles may be coupled in various ways, such as shown above, and described with respect to, <FIG>. The ride vehicles may be magnetically coupled back-to-back, side-to-side, front-to-front, or front-to-back. The ride vehicles may be magnetically coupled in groups, or clusters, of any number of rid vehicles. The groups or clusters may travel in similar or distinct directions, and may be oriented or coupled different than each other. In some embodiments, proximity sensors may enable a control system to determine and/or facilitate appropriate couplings. For example, sensor feedback from the proximity sensors may enable the control system to determine which magnets of which ride vehicles are adjacent to each other, and to guide the magnets and corresponding ride vehicles together, into a magnetically coupled engagement. As previously described, the magnets may be coupled without an interlocking mechanism, thereby enabling the ride vehicles to magnetically couple together without having to stop or substantially slow down.

The method <NUM> also includes magnetically decoupling (block <NUM>) at least certain of the ride vehicles to form a second ride configuration different than the first ride configuration. For example, as previously described, the clusters of coupled ride vehicles may be decoupled, or partially decoupled, such that ride vehicles or smaller clusters of ride vehicles can maneuver independent from the previous larger cluster. In embodiments where the magnets are electromagnets, the decoupling may be initiated by precluding an electric current therethrough, and enabling the ride vehicles to maneuver away from each other in different directions (e.g., through the assistance of a control system). Further, in certain maneuvers, the electric current may be reversed to cause the electromagnets to change polarity, which may facilitate a magnetic repulsion between two magnets of adjacent ride vehicles. The magnetic repulsion may be utilized to decouple the ride vehicles and/or to cause movement of the ride vehicles. Magnetic repulsion may also be achieved by utilizing a rotatable bar magnet which, based on a control command by a control system, rotates to cause a change of a polarity of the portion of the magnet facing outwardly from the vehicle.

The method <NUM> also includes magnetically coupling (block <NUM>) at least certain other ride vehicles to form a third ride configuration different than the first ride and the second ride configuration. For example, as described above with respect to the ride sequences illustrated in <FIG>, the ride vehicles may be magnetically coupled in a first configuration relating to a vehicle order of travel, a vehicle cluster size or shape, vehicle matches, direction of travel, etc. at a first point in the ride, and may be magnetically coupled in a second configuration relating to the vehicle order of travel, the vehicle cluster size or shape, vehicle matches, direction of travel, etc. at second point in the ride, where the second configuration differs from the first configuration in at least one aspect.

The method <NUM> also includes magnetically coupling (block <NUM>) a show element to at least certain ride vehicles to form a fourth ride configuration different than the first, second, and third configurations. For example, as previously described with respect to the ride sequences illustrated in <FIG>, the ride vehicles may be controlled to maneuver toward, and magnetically couple to, various show elements situated along the ride path. The ride vehicles may also be controlled to magnetically decouple from the show element and to continue along the ride path.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the present ride system includes ride vehicles controllable to enable improved configurations of the ride system and ride vehicles thereof. At least in part because the ride vehicles may be modular, may include magnets disposed along several exterior surfaces of each ride vehicle, and may be maneuverable in various directions and do not require adherence to a physical track, the ride vehicle configurations can be dynamically changed along the ride path. For example, as previously described, directions of vehicle travel may be changed, vehicle orientations may be changed, groupings of ride vehicles may be changed, vehicle order of travel (e.g., relative to a reference point along the ride path, such as a beginning or end of the ride path) may be changed, distances between individual ride vehicles or groups (e.g., "clusters) of ride vehicles may be changed, interactions with the show elements of the ride system may be initiated, etc..

Claim 1:
An amusement park ride system (<NUM>), comprising:
a first ride vehicle (<NUM>) having a first magnet (<NUM>) exposed along a first exterior side of the first ride vehicle (<NUM>) and a first additional magnet (<NUM>) exposed along a first additional exterior side of the first ride vehicle (<NUM>);
a second ride vehicle (<NUM>) having a second magnet (<NUM>) exposed along a second exterior side of the second ride vehicle (<NUM>) and a second additional magnet (<NUM>) exposed along a second additional exterior side of the second ride vehicle (<NUM>); and
a control system (<NUM>) configured to control maneuvering of one or both of the first and second ride vehicles (<NUM>, <NUM>) to:
establish a coupling between the first magnet (<NUM>) and the second magnet (<NUM>) in a first configuration;
establish a coupling between the first magnet (<NUM>) and the second additional magnet (<NUM>) in a second configuration;
establish a coupling between the first additional magnet (<NUM>) and the second magnet (<NUM>) in a third configuration; and
establish a coupling between the first additional magnet (<NUM>) and the second additional magnet (<NUM>) in a fourth configuration.