Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for managing guest traffic within an attraction of an amusement park. Recently, there has been a growing interest in increasing the efficiency of loading passengers into ride vehicles of attractions of amusement parks. For example, some attractions may include loading systems that have ride vehicles continuously moving along a loading zone, such as a rotating loading platform, as passengers unload from a ride vehicle and as new passengers load into the ride vehicle. Continuous movement of the ride vehicles along the loading zone, such as along a rotating loading platform configured to accommodate future and former ride vehicle passengers, presents challenges. For example, it may be difficult to regulate or manage loading and unloading of the guests into the ride vehicles. More particularly, as the ride vehicles and the rotating loading platform may both be in motion, it may be difficult to ensure that the guests enter and exit the ride vehicle from the loading zone at an appropriate time. Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods configured to manage guest traffic in such amusement park attractions.

<CIT> discloses a ride vehicle loading interface system to allow guests in wheelchairs to access a ride vehicle and enjoy a ride attraction. The loading interface system includes a plurality of associated ride vehicles moving on a track. At least one ride vehicle including a tray extendable from and retractable into the ride vehicle through an opening, the tray for receiving a wheelchair and for allowing the wheelchair to be positioned in the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle loading interface system includes a loading platform moving at about the same rate as the ride vehicle during loading and unloading.

In an embodiment, a gate system for an amusement park attraction includes a loading platform configured to rotate about a central vertical axis of the loading platform, a gate positioned on the loading platform, wherein the gate is configured to transition between a closed position and an open position, and a gate actuation system coupled to the loading platform, wherein the gate actuation system is configured to actuate the gate between the closed position and the open position based on feedback indicative of a position of a ride vehicle relative to the gate, to enable a guest to enter or exit the ride vehicle.

In an embodiment, a method for controlling passenger traffic during loading or unloading of a ride vehicle of an amusement park attraction includes guiding the ride vehicle along a loading path extending about a rotating loading platform, detecting a position of the ride vehicle relative to a shotgun gate positioned on the rotating loading platform with a gate actuation system positioned on the rotating loading platform, and automatically transitioning the shotgun gate from a closed position to an open position based on the position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate.

In an example not part of the invention defined in the appended claims, a gate system for controlling passenger traffic in a loading zone of an amusement ride includes a rotating loading platform configured to rotate about a rotational axis, wherein the rotating loading platform comprises a shotgun gate disposed thereon, a ride vehicle configured to travel along a loading path extending about the rotating loading platform, wherein the ride vehicle comprises a gate activation system configured to provide feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate, and a gate actuation system configured to receive the feedback indicative of the position of the ride vehicle relative to the shotgun gate and to transition the gate between an open position and a closed position based on the feedback.

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a gate system configured to manage guest traffic in a loading system of an amusement park ride or attraction. In particular, the disclosed techniques relate to a gate system configured to selectively enable and block passengers from entering and/or exiting ride vehicles and block passengers from fall hazards on a loading platform of the loading system. A portion of the loading platform may be configured to rotate as passengers load into and unload from the ride vehicles. For example, the loading platform may include a continuously rotating turntable that rotates in concert with movement of adjacent ride vehicles traveling along a loading zone track portion of a track along which the ride vehicles travel. The travel speed of the ride vehicles may substantially match the rotational speed of the loading platform such that relative movement between the ride vehicles and the loading platform is negligible, thereby facilitating passenger loading and unloading from the ride vehicles. In other words, in a loading/unloading configuration, an edge of the loading platform may be stationary relative to an edge of the ride vehicle to create a static physical interface or virtual engagement between the ride vehicle and the loading platform.

In order to manage guest traffic during the ride vehicle loading or unloading process, disclosed embodiments of the loading system include a gate system that selectively enables and blocks passengers from entering and/or exiting ride vehicles from the loading platform based on a position of the ride vehicles relative to the turntable or loading platform. The gate system includes a plurality of gates, such as swinging gates or "shotgun gates," positioned on the loading platform that are configured to align with a corresponding ride vehicle (e.g., a passenger seat location of the ride vehicle) during ride vehicle loading and unloading. In some embodiments of the gate system, stationary or fixed rails, such as "shotgun rails," may extend between each of the plurality of gates to prevent guests from exiting the loading platform toward a ride vehicle except through an open gate of the gate system.

Each of the gates is configured to open and close based on a position of a corresponding ride vehicle relative to the loading platform and therefore relative to the gate. More specifically, when a ride vehicle (e.g., a passenger seat location of the ride vehicle) is not proximate to or not radially aligned with one of the gates or gate passages (relative to a rotational axis of the loading platform), the gate will remain in a closed position to prevent guests from exiting the loading platform at an improper time. When a ride vehicle is proximate to and radially aligned with the gate or gate passage, the gate system will open the gate to enable a guest to enter or exit the ride vehicle. As discussed in detail below, the gate system includes a gate actuation system configured to control actuation of the gates between open and closed positions. The gate actuation system may include detectors, sensors, actuators, mechanical linkages, cams, or any other suitable components to enable actuation of the gates based on feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle may include a gate activation system of the gate system. The gate activation system is configured to provide the feedback to the gate actuation system. For example, the gate activation system of the ride vehicle may include identifiers, markers, emitters, engagement features, or any other suitable components configured to provide feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle to the gate actuation system. These and other features of the disclosed embodiments will be discussed in detail below.

Throughout the following discussion, it should be understood that "radial alignment" between a ride vehicle and a gate refers to radial alignment (relative to a rotational axis of the loading platform) of the ride vehicle and a space or section of the loading platform occupied by the corresponding gate when the gate is in a closed configuration. For example, a ride vehicle and a corresponding gate may become initially radially aligned once the ride vehicle reaches the gate along the loading platform. As a result, the gate system may transition the gate from a closed position to an open position, and in the open position the gate may no longer be radially aligned with the ride vehicle. Instead, a gate passage created by the gate in the open configuration is radially aligned with the ride vehicle as a passenger enters or exits the ride vehicle. Additionally, "radial alignment" may refer to substantial alignment of the ride vehicle and the gate or gate passage within an acceptable degree of tolerance (e.g., within <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more degrees of the circumference of the loading platform, within <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more centimeters, and so forth).

Turning now to the figures, <FIG> is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a loading zone <NUM> of a loading system <NUM>. As shown, the loading zone <NUM> may be a portion of an overall ride system <NUM> (e.g., an amusement ride or attraction). For example, passengers may load into ride vehicles <NUM> in the loading zone <NUM>, may travel along an attraction path <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>, and may arrive back at the loading zone <NUM> to unload from the ride vehicles <NUM>. While traveling along the attraction path <NUM>, passengers may be exposed to a variety of experiences, such as virtual reality, alternate reality, environment interactions, multiple ride paths, water features, special effects, and so forth. It should be noted that portions of the ride system <NUM>, such as the attraction path <NUM>, have been intentionally simplified in order to focus on aspects of the loading system <NUM>.

The loading system <NUM> includes a loading platform <NUM>, an entrance <NUM>, and a loading path <NUM> of the ride vehicles <NUM>. The entrance <NUM> may include a ramp <NUM>, a staircase, an elevator, or other path leading from an area beneath, above or adjacent the loading platform <NUM> to a stationary portion <NUM> of the loading platform <NUM>. As shown, the loading platform <NUM> may extend circumferentially about a central vertical axis <NUM> to form a substantially planar surface in a plane orthogonal to the central vertical axis <NUM>. In addition to the stationary portion <NUM>, the loading platform <NUM> includes a rotational portion <NUM> (e.g., a rotational platform). The stationary portion <NUM> and the rotational portion <NUM> each extend about the central vertical axis <NUM> (e.g., a rotational axis), and the rotational portion <NUM> extends circumferentially around and radially outward from the stationary portion <NUM> relative to the central vertical axis <NUM>. As shown, the stationary portion <NUM> may be substantially circular, with a center of the stationary portion <NUM> coaxial with the central vertical axis <NUM> and concentric with the rotational portion <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the stationary portion <NUM> and the rotational portion <NUM> may have other configurations (e.g., non-circular) and/or the loading system <NUM> or loading zone <NUM> may have additional stationary platforms, rotational platforms, and so forth. For example, the loading zone <NUM> may include a stationary platform on a side of the loading path <NUM> opposite the loading platform <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the loading zone <NUM> also includes a gate system <NUM> configured to manage guest traffic in the loading zone <NUM> and, more particularly, to selectively enable and block passengers or guests from traveling between the loading platform <NUM> and the ride vehicles <NUM>. The ride vehicles <NUM> enter the loading zone <NUM> from the attraction path <NUM>. For example, the ride vehicles <NUM> may travel from the attraction path <NUM> to a first side <NUM> of the loading zone <NUM> and may travel clockwise <NUM> along the loading path <NUM> toward a second side <NUM> of the loading zone <NUM>. As shown, the loading path <NUM> may be disposed at least partially about a perimeter (e.g., a circumference) of the loading platform <NUM>. The loading path <NUM> may include a track or a conveyor along which the ride vehicles <NUM> travel. While the ride vehicle <NUM> is moving along the loading path <NUM>, passengers may load and unload the ride vehicles <NUM>, as permitted by the gate system <NUM>.

The gate system <NUM> includes a plurality of gates <NUM> disposed on the loading platform <NUM> (e.g., the rotational portion <NUM>) that are configured to remain in a normally closed position, thereby blocking guest travel between the loading platform <NUM> and the ride vehicles <NUM>, until one of the ride vehicles <NUM> is proximate to and radially aligned (relative to the central vertical axis <NUM>) with one of the gates <NUM> and remains radially aligned with the corresponding gate <NUM>. For example, each gate <NUM> may remain in a closed position until a passenger seat location of one of the ride vehicles <NUM> becomes and remains radially aligned with the gate <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the loading path <NUM> is a path along which the ride vehicles <NUM> travel while moving in conjunction with (e.g., together with or at the same speed as) the rotational portion <NUM> of the loading platform <NUM>. While traveling along the loading path <NUM>, the ride vehicles <NUM> may travel at substantially the same rotational speed as the rotational portion <NUM> of the loading platform <NUM>. In this manner, a position and orientation of each ride vehicle <NUM> along the perimeter of the loading platform <NUM> may remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle <NUM> may maintain a temporarily fixed position relative to a circumference of the loading platform <NUM> while traveling through the loading path <NUM> and as the loading platform <NUM> rotates about the central vertical axis <NUM>, such that the orientation of the loading platform <NUM> relative to the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., with seats facing towards a center or alongside an edge of the loading platform <NUM>) is substantially maintained.

With the ride vehicle <NUM> and the gate <NUM> radially aligned and traveling at a substantially similar rotational speed, the gate system <NUM> is configured to open the gate <NUM> to enable a passenger to enter or exit the ride vehicle <NUM> via the loading platform <NUM>. Once a passenger has entered the ride vehicle <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM> reaches the end of the loading path <NUM> on the second side <NUM> of the loading zone <NUM>, the ride vehicle <NUM> re-enters the attraction path <NUM>. When the ride vehicle <NUM> leaves the loading path <NUM> to re-enter the attraction path <NUM>, the ride vehicle <NUM> is no longer proximate to and radially aligned with the corresponding gate <NUM>. In response, the gate system <NUM> is configured to close the gate <NUM> to block passengers from leaving the loading platform <NUM>. The operation of the gate system <NUM> is based on feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicles <NUM> relative to the gates <NUM> and will be discussed in further detail below.

As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, existing passengers in the ride vehicles <NUM> may exit the ride vehicles <NUM> via the loading platform <NUM> on the first side <NUM> of the loading zone <NUM>, and new passengers may enter the ride vehicles <NUM> via the loading platform <NUM> on the second side <NUM> of the loading zone <NUM>. In other embodiments, one loading platform <NUM> may be used for loading passengers into the ride vehicles <NUM>, and another loading platform <NUM> may be used for unloading passengers from the ride vehicles <NUM>. It should be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with loading zones <NUM> and/or loading platforms <NUM> having any of a variety of configurations and/or utilities.

<FIG> is a partial schematic top view of an embodiment of the loading zone <NUM> and the loading system <NUM>, illustrating operation of the gate system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate system <NUM> includes several gates <NUM> (e.g., shotgun gates) with stationary rails <NUM> extending between each of the gates <NUM>. The gate system <NUM> also includes divider rails <NUM> associated with each gate <NUM> to facilitate formation of lines of passengers waiting to load into one of the ride vehicles <NUM>. The stationary rails <NUM> and divider rails <NUM> are fixed to the loading platform <NUM> and remain stationary in relation to the loading platform <NUM> throughout operation of the gate system <NUM>.

As discussed above, the loading path <NUM> extends at least partially about a circumference of the loading platform <NUM>, which is configured to rotate as passengers enter and exit the ride vehicles <NUM>. The gate system <NUM> includes gates <NUM> that are configured to remain in a closed position until one of the ride vehicles <NUM> radially aligns with one of the gates <NUM> and travels with the gate <NUM> at a substantially common rotational speed. When one of the ride vehicles <NUM> radially aligns and travels with one of the gates <NUM>, the gate system <NUM> opens the gate <NUM> (e.g., after a time delay) to enable a passenger to enter or exit the ride vehicle <NUM> via the loading platform <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first ride vehicle <NUM> has radially aligned (e.g., as indicated by dashed line <NUM>) and is traveling with a first gate <NUM> (e.g., a gate passage of the first gate <NUM>) of the gate system <NUM>. Accordingly, the gate system <NUM> has actuated the first gate <NUM> to be in an open configuration to enable a passenger to enter or exit the first ride vehicle <NUM>. A second ride vehicle <NUM> and a second gate <NUM> (e.g., gate passage) are also radially aligned (e.g., as indicated by dashed line <NUM>). Thus, the second gate <NUM> is also in an open configuration.

When the ride vehicle leaves the loading path <NUM> and re-enters the attraction path <NUM>, the ride vehicle <NUM> will no longer be radially aligned with the gate <NUM> or associated gate passage, and the ride vehicle <NUM> may travel at a different (e.g., faster) speed than the rotational speed of the loading platform <NUM>. Once the gate system <NUM> detects that the ride vehicle <NUM> is no longer aligned with and traveling with the gate <NUM>, the gate system <NUM> closes the gate <NUM> to block passengers from exiting the loading platform <NUM> via the gate <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a third ride vehicle <NUM> is leaving the loading path <NUM> and is entering the attraction path <NUM>. As shown, the third ride vehicle <NUM> is not radially aligned with a third gate <NUM> or associated gate passage with which the third ride vehicle <NUM> was previously aligned. Accordingly, the third gate <NUM> is illustrated as transitioning between an open configuration to a closed configuration (e.g., similar to the closed configuration of a fourth gate <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>) via operation of the gate system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial side view schematic of the loading zone <NUM>, illustrating one of the ride vehicles <NUM> approaching one of the gates <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>. The illustrated embodiment also includes elements of the gate system <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM> that enable opening and closing of the gate <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> radially aligns with the gate <NUM>. More specifically, the ride vehicle <NUM> includes a gate activation system <NUM>, and the gate system <NUM> includes a gate actuation system <NUM>. More specifically, the gate actuation system <NUM> is associated with one of the gates <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>. The gate activation system <NUM> and the gate actuation system <NUM> cooperatively function to open and close the gate <NUM> based on a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the gate <NUM>. To this end, the gate activation system <NUM> includes features configured to provide feedback indicative of the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> to the gate actuation system <NUM>. The gate actuation system <NUM> receives the feedback and controls operation of the gate <NUM> based on the feedback. When the gate actuation system <NUM> detects feedback from the gate activation system <NUM> indicative of radial alignment between the gate <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM>, the gate actuation system <NUM> may actuate the gate <NUM> to transition from a closed position to an open position. Similarly, when the gate actuation system <NUM> detects that the ride vehicle <NUM> is no longer radially aligned with the gate <NUM>, the gate actuation system <NUM> may actuate the gate <NUM> to transition from the open position to the closed position.

As will be discussed in detail below, the gate activation system <NUM> and the gate actuation system <NUM> may have any of a variety of configurations and components. For example, the gate activation system <NUM> and the gate actuation system <NUM> may be configured to activate and actuate the gate <NUM> utilizing electrical systems and components (e.g., sensors, motors, controllers, etc.). In another embodiment, the gate activation system <NUM> and the gate actuation system <NUM> may include mechanical components (e.g., linkages, gears, cams, etc.) configured to activate and actuate the gate <NUM> without electrical power. Other embodiments may utilize a combination of electrical and mechanical components to provide the functionality described herein.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the loading zone <NUM>, illustrating the ride vehicle <NUM>, the loading system <NUM>, and various components of each. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the ride vehicle <NUM> and the loading system <NUM> may include additional components that are not shown and/or may omit certain components that are illustrated in the present embodiment.

The ride vehicle <NUM> includes a drive system <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and the gate activation system <NUM>. The drive system <NUM> may include components configured to drive movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the loading path <NUM> and/or along the attraction path <NUM>. For example, the drive system <NUM> may include rollers, motors, transmissions, gears, chains, any combination thereof, or any other suitable components configured to drive movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the loading path <NUM> and/or the attraction path <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drive system <NUM> may be a component or system of the loading path <NUM> or the loading system <NUM> and may engage with the ride vehicle <NUM> to translate the ride vehicle <NUM> along the loading path <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the gate activation system <NUM> includes one or more components configured to provide feedback to the gate actuation system <NUM> of the gate system <NUM> indicative of a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the gate actuation system <NUM> and/or the gate <NUM>). For example, the gate activation system <NUM> may include identifiers <NUM>, emitters <NUM>, and/or engagement features <NUM>. The identifiers <NUM> may include retroreflective markers (e.g., paint, tape, panels, fabric, etc.), bar codes (e.g., linear bar codes, matrix bar codes, etc.), or other images, objects, symbols, etc. that may be detected, sensed, or scanned. The emitters <NUM> may be configured to output light, acoustic waves, electrical signals, radio frequency signals, magnetic fields, or another form of energy or matter for detection by the gate actuation system <NUM>. The engagement features <NUM> may be configured to provide physical or virtual engagement between the ride vehicle <NUM> and the loading system <NUM> (e.g., the gate actuation system <NUM>). For example, the engagement features <NUM> may include a boss or other protruding feature, magnets, hooks, gears, eyelets, shafts, or other components that may physically or virtually engage with the gate actuation system <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> is configured to regulate operation of one or more components of the ride vehicle <NUM>, such as the drive system <NUM> and the gate activation system <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may regulate operation of the drive system <NUM> to regulate a speed of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the loading path <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may control operation of the drive system <NUM> to cause the ride vehicle <NUM> to travel along the loading path <NUM> (e.g., at a speed greater than a rotational speed of the loading platform <NUM>) to cause the ride vehicle <NUM> to approach and ultimately radially align with one of the gates <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>. Similarly, the controller <NUM> may operate the drive system <NUM> to slow down if a speed of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the loading path <NUM> is greater than the rotational speed of the loading platform <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may further regulate operation of the drive system <NUM> to cause the ride vehicle <NUM> to maintain radial alignment with one of the gates <NUM> (e.g., based on feedback and/or communication between the gate activation system <NUM> and the gate actuation system <NUM>).

The loading system <NUM> includes the loading platform <NUM>, a motor <NUM> configured to drive rotation of the rotational portion <NUM> of the loading platform <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, the gate <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>, and the gate actuation system <NUM> for the gate <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to control operation of the motor <NUM> to regulate a rotational speed of the loading platform <NUM>. Operation of the motor <NUM> may be controlled based on feedback from any of the ride vehicles <NUM>, feedback from the gate system <NUM>, feedback from the loading system <NUM>, and/or feedback from any other part of the amusement park ride or attraction, such as an operator interface.

As mentioned above, the gate actuation system <NUM> may include any of a variety of components configured to actuate the gate <NUM> between open and closed positions based on feedback and/or input from the gate activation system <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the gate actuation system <NUM> may include an electrical system <NUM> (e.g., electrical actuation system) and/or a mechanical system <NUM> (e.g., mechanical actuation system). The electrical system <NUM> includes components that generally utilize electrical power, such as sensors or detectors <NUM>, actuators <NUM>, and/or a controller <NUM> to cooperatively actuate the gate <NUM> based on feedback from the gate activation system <NUM>. For example, detectors <NUM> may detect a particular presence of one of the identifiers <NUM> and/or a particular output from one of the emitters <NUM> of the gate activation system <NUM>. Based on the detection, the controller <NUM> may control the actuator <NUM> to open or close the gate <NUM>. That is, when the detectors <NUM> detect a presence of the identifiers <NUM> and/or output of the emitters <NUM> indicative of the ride vehicle <NUM> being radially aligned with the gate <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may operate the actuator <NUM> to transition the gate <NUM> to the open position. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may operate the actuator <NUM> to transition the gate <NUM> to the open position after executing a time delay that begins once an indication of radial alignment between the ride vehicle <NUM> and the gate <NUM> is detected. Thereafter, when the detectors <NUM> detect feedback from the identifiers <NUM> and/or emitters <NUM> indicative of the ride vehicle <NUM> not being radially aligned with the gate <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may operate the actuator <NUM> to transition the gate <NUM> to the closed position. Operation of an embodiment of the electrical system <NUM> is discussed in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The mechanical system <NUM> of the gate actuation system <NUM> may be included instead of or in addition to the electrical system <NUM>. The mechanical system <NUM> includes components that may not utilize electrical power to actuate the gate <NUM> based on the presence and/or location of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the mechanical system <NUM> may include cams <NUM>, gears <NUM>, linkages <NUM> (e.g., levers, bars, etc.), and/or other physical components, such as springs, bearings, shafts, hooks, chains, belts, switches, and so forth. In operation, the engagement features <NUM> of the gate activation system <NUM> may be configured to engage with the mechanical system <NUM> of the gate actuation system <NUM> to actuate the gate <NUM> between open and closed positions. More particularly, the engagement features <NUM> and the components of the mechanical system <NUM> may be configured and arranged such that the engagement features <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> physically contact and engage with the mechanical system <NUM> to transition the gate <NUM> from the closed position to the open position as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the loading path <NUM> to become radially aligned with the gate <NUM>. Operation of an embodiment of the mechanical system <NUM> is discussed in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the loading system <NUM> having the gate actuation system <NUM> with the electrical system <NUM>. The gate activation system <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> includes identifiers <NUM> and emitters <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include only identifiers <NUM> or only emitters <NUM>. As discussed above, the identifiers <NUM> and emitters <NUM> are configured to provide feedback indicative of a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> to the electrical system <NUM> of the gate actuation system <NUM>, which is located on or adjacent the loading platform <NUM>. Specifically, sensors or detectors <NUM> of the electrical system <NUM> are positioned adjacent one of the gates <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate <NUM> is a double swing shotgun gate having a first leaf <NUM> and a second leaf <NUM> that are each configured to transition between a closed position, as shown in <FIG>, and an open position.

The detectors <NUM> are configured to detect a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> based on detection of a presence of one or more identifiers <NUM> and/or an output of one or more emitters <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle <NUM> includes a first identifier <NUM> positioned at a front or leading edge <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> and includes a second identifier <NUM> positioned at a back or trailing edge <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. The electrical system <NUM> of the gate actuation system <NUM> includes a first detector <NUM> positioned at a first end <NUM> of the gate <NUM> and a second detector <NUM> positioned at a second end <NUM> of the gate <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the detectors <NUM> and identifiers <NUM> may be positioned in any other suitable locations in other embodiments.

The first and second detectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be optical sensors, cameras, or other detectors or sensors configured to detect the first and second identifiers <NUM> and <NUM>. When the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the loading path <NUM> and approaches the gate <NUM>, the first identifier <NUM> may become aligned (e.g., radially aligned) with the first detector <NUM>, as indicated by dashed line <NUM>, and the second identifier <NUM> may become aligned (e.g., radially aligned) with the second detector <NUM>, as indicated by dashed line <NUM>. The first and second detectors <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to detect the alignment with the first and second identifiers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, to verify that the ride vehicle <NUM> is radially aligned with the gate <NUM>. To this end, the first and second identifiers <NUM> and <NUM> may be unique and/or different from one another, such that, for example, the second detector <NUM> does not mistake detection of the first identifier <NUM> for detection of the second identifier <NUM>. Once the respective alignments of the identifiers <NUM> and detectors <NUM> is detected and maintained (e.g., for a time delay period), the controller <NUM> of the gate actuation system <NUM> may operate the actuators <NUM> to open the gate <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first leaf <NUM> and the second leaf <NUM> of the gate <NUM> each have a separate actuator <NUM> to adjust the respective leaf between open and closed configurations.

A third detector <NUM> of the gate actuation system <NUM> is configured to detect an output of the emitter <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. As mentioned above, the emitter <NUM> is configured to output light, sound, a magnetic field, radio waves, or any other suitable form of energy. The third detector <NUM> may be any suitable sensor configured to detect the output of the emitter <NUM>. Based on the detection of the third detector <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine a position of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to determine that the ride vehicle <NUM> is radially aligned with the gate <NUM> based on an intensity, a profile, a magnitude, a degree, or other measurement or quality of the output detected by the third detector <NUM>. While the third detector <NUM> and the emitter <NUM> are positioned at an approximate center or midpoint of the gate <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM>, respectively, in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments the third detector <NUM> and the emitter <NUM> may be placed at any suitable location.

The detections of the detectors <NUM> are transmitted to the controller <NUM>, which is configured to operate the actuators <NUM> based on the detections. The controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, such as a microprocessor, which may execute software for controlling the components of the gate actuation system <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. The controller <NUM> also includes a memory device <NUM> that may store information such as control software, look up tables, configuration data, etc. The memory device <NUM> may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device <NUM> may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device <NUM> may store processor-executable instructions including firmware or software for the processor <NUM> to execute, such as instructions for controlling the actuators <NUM> based on various detections of the detectors <NUM>. In some embodiments, the memory device <NUM> is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable-medium that may store machine-readable instructions for the processor <NUM> to execute. The memory device <NUM> may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The memory device <NUM> may store data, instructions, and any other suitable data.

As mentioned above, additional control of the loading system <NUM> may be based on the detections of the detectors <NUM>. In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> of the loading system <NUM> may be configured to control the motor <NUM> to drive rotation of the loading platform <NUM>. For example, if the detectors <NUM> detect feedback from the identifiers <NUM> and/or emitters <NUM> indicative of the ride vehicle <NUM> and loading platform <NUM> moving at different speeds after being previously radially aligned (e.g., if the ride vehicle <NUM> speeds up or slows down relative to the rotation of the loading platform <NUM>), the controller <NUM> may adjust operation of the motor <NUM> to compensate. In other words, the controller <NUM> may control the motor <NUM> to speed up or slow down (e.g., temporarily) the rotation of the loading platform <NUM> such that the gate <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM> become radially aligned again. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> may be configured to operate the drive system <NUM> to similarly compensate for uneven speeds of the ride vehicle <NUM> and the loading platform <NUM>. To this end, the controller <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>, the controller <NUM> of the loading system <NUM>, and/or the controller <NUM> of the gate actuation system <NUM> may be configured to communicate with one another. The controller <NUM> also includes a processor <NUM> and a memory device <NUM>, which may be similar to the processor <NUM> and memory device <NUM> of the controller <NUM> discussed above.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the loading system <NUM> and the gate system <NUM>, illustrating an embodiment of the mechanical system <NUM>. The illustrated embodiment includes three gates <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>, each gate <NUM> illustrating a different configuration based on engagement or disengagement of the gate <NUM> with respective engagement features <NUM> of ride vehicles <NUM>. For example, a first gate <NUM> of the gate system <NUM> is not engaged with any engagement feature <NUM> of any ride vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, the first gate <NUM> is in the closed position to block passage of any guests on the loading platform <NUM>. Each gate <NUM> may include springs, counterweights, or any other suitable feature to bias the gate <NUM> in the closed position when the mechanical system <NUM> of the gate is not engaged with any engagement features <NUM> of any ride vehicles <NUM>.

A second gate <NUM> of the gate system <NUM> is shown as engaged with the engagement feature <NUM> of a first ride vehicle <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment. The engagement feature <NUM> is a protrusion or boss <NUM> that is configured to physically engage with the mechanical systems <NUM> of the gates <NUM>. As the first ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the loading path <NUM> to approach the loading platform <NUM>, the boss <NUM> contacts a lever <NUM> of the mechanical system <NUM> of the second gate <NUM>. Specifically, the boss <NUM> contacts an angled surface <NUM> (e.g., a cam surface) of the lever <NUM>, which enables the boss <NUM> to maintain contact with the lever <NUM> as the first ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the circumference of the loading platform <NUM> on the loading path <NUM>. In other embodiments, the lever <NUM> may have a cam surface with a different (e.g., non-angled) configuration that is configured to engage with the boss <NUM>.

As the first ride vehicle <NUM> approaches the loading platform <NUM> along the loading path <NUM>, the boss <NUM> applies a force onto the lever <NUM>, which causes the lever to move in a direction <NUM> (e.g., radially inward toward the central axis <NUM> of the loading platform <NUM>). At an end <NUM> of the lever <NUM> opposite the angled surface <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is pivotably coupled to a bar <NUM>. The bar <NUM> is also pivotably coupled to a first end <NUM> of the gate <NUM> (e.g., the second gate <NUM>) via a hinge or other pivotable connection, cam slots, plates, and/or other coupling features. A second end <NUM> of the gate <NUM> is coupled to the loading platform <NUM> at a pivot point <NUM>. Thus, while the second end <NUM> of the gate <NUM> may rotate about the pivot point <NUM>, the second end <NUM> of the gate <NUM> remains coupled to the loading platform <NUM> at the pivot point <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the gate <NUM>, on the other hand, is not restricted to a single pivot point coupled to the loading platform <NUM> and may move along the loading platform <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gate <NUM> may be rotated about the pivot point <NUM> without the first end <NUM> of the gate <NUM> coupled to the bar <NUM>.

As discussed above, the gate <NUM> is configured to be in an open position once the ride vehicle <NUM> is radially aligned with the gate <NUM> and/or a gate passage of the gate <NUM>. More specifically, the gate actuation system <NUM> may be configured to open the gate <NUM> when a passenger seat of the ride vehicle <NUM> is radially aligned with the gate <NUM> or a gate passage of the gate <NUM>. For example, a passenger seat <NUM> of a second ride vehicle <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment is radially aligned with a gate passage <NUM> of a third gate <NUM> of the gate system <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the third gate <NUM> may occupy the space of the gate passage <NUM> when the third gate <NUM> is in the closed position. However, when the third gate <NUM> is in the open position, as shown, the gate passage <NUM> is unobstructed to enable a guest or passenger to enter or exit the third ride vehicle <NUM>.

As the ride vehicles <NUM> continue to travel along the loading path <NUM>, the boss <NUM> of each ride vehicle <NUM> may slide along the angled surface <NUM> of the lever <NUM> until the boss <NUM> is no longer in contact with the lever <NUM>. Once the boss <NUM> is no longer applying a force to the lever <NUM>, the gate <NUM> may automatically return to the closed position, as represented by the first gate <NUM> in <FIG>. The gate <NUM> may automatically return to the closed position due to a biasing force from an element of the gate actuation system <NUM>, such as a spring. As will be appreciated, the biasing force of the spring or other element may be selected such that the biasing force may be overcome by the force of the boss <NUM> on the lever <NUM> to transition the gate <NUM> from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the loading system <NUM> may include fixed elements (e.g., bosses, protrusions, etc.) positioned at the beginning and end of the loading path <NUM> that do not rotate with the loading platform <NUM>. The fixed elements may be configured to unlock and lock the levers <NUM> of the gate system <NUM> to allow and block movement of the levers <NUM>, respectively.

The mechanical system <NUM> may include additional features to increase the functionality of the gate actuation system <NUM>. For example, <FIG> are top detail views of the mechanical system <NUM>, taken within line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, illustrating the pivot point <NUM> at which the gate <NUM> is coupled to the loading platform <NUM>. <FIG> are discussed concurrently below.

The pivot point <NUM> includes a ratchet <NUM> having teeth <NUM> extending about a circumference of the ratchet <NUM>. The ratchet <NUM> may be rotationally fixed with the gate <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical system <NUM> also includes a pawl <NUM>, which may be coupled to the loading platform <NUM> or other component of the loading system <NUM> via a pin <NUM>. The pawl <NUM> is configured to engage with the teeth <NUM> of the ratchet <NUM> when the gate <NUM> is in the closed position. For example, the mechanical system <NUM> may include springs or other biasing element configured to maintain engagement between the pawl <NUM> and the teeth <NUM> when the gate <NUM> is closed. Engagement between the pawl <NUM> and the teeth <NUM> blocks the ratchet <NUM>, and therefore the gate <NUM>, from rotating (e.g., in a direction <NUM>) and inadvertently transitioning from the closed position to the open position. Indeed, the engagement between the pawl <NUM> and the teeth <NUM> may block rotational movement of the gate <NUM> towards the open position even if a force is applied to the gate <NUM> in an attempt to push the gate <NUM> from the closed position to the open position.

To enable rotation of the gate <NUM> from the closed position to the open position upon application of a force to the lever <NUM> (e.g., via the boss <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>), the mechanical system <NUM> includes a bar <NUM> pivotably coupled to the pawl <NUM> via a pin <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of the bar <NUM>. A second, opposite end of the bar may be pivotably coupled to the lever <NUM>, similar to the connection between the bar <NUM> and the lever <NUM> discussed above. When a force is applied to the lever <NUM>, such as via the boss <NUM>, movement of the lever <NUM> (e.g., in the direction <NUM> shown in <FIG>) may cause the bar <NUM> to also move (e.g., in a direction <NUM>). Consequently, the bar <NUM> may disengage the pawl <NUM> from the teeth <NUM> of the ratchet <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, thereby enabling the gate <NUM> to rotationally transition from the closed position to the open position. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the mechanical system <NUM> may include additional and/or alternative elements (e.g., cams, switches, gears, etc.) configured to enable actuation of the gate <NUM> based on a position the ride vehicle <NUM> without electrical power.

Thus, presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a gate system configured to selectively enable individual actuation of gates, such as shotgun gates, between open and closed positions based on a position of a corresponding ride vehicle of an amusement ride or attraction. When a ride vehicle approaches a loading zone, such as a loading platform of the amusement ride, a position of the ride vehicle may be detected (e.g., electronically and/or mechanically), and the gate system is configured to open a gate corresponding to the ride vehicle when a particular position of the ride vehicle is detected by the gate system. For example, the gate system may open the corresponding gate when a seat location of the ride vehicle is aligned with the gate. When the seat location is no longer aligned with the gate, the gate system is configured to transition the gate from the open position to the closed position, thereby regulating ride passenger traffic (e.g., loading and unloading of the ride vehicles) at the loading zone.

Claim 1:
A gate system (<NUM>) for an amusement park attraction, comprising:
a loading platform (<NUM>) configured to rotate about a central vertical axis (<NUM>) of the loading platform (<NUM>);
a gate (<NUM>) positioned on the loading platform (<NUM>), wherein the gate (<NUM>) is configured to transition between a closed position and an open position;
a gate actuation system (<NUM>) coupled to the loading platform (<NUM>), wherein the gate actuation system (<NUM>) is configured to actuate the gate (<NUM>) between the closed position and the open position, based on feedback indicative of a position of a ride vehicle (<NUM>) relative to the gate (<NUM>), to enable a guest to enter or exit the ride vehicle (<NUM>).