Patent Description:
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these statements are to be read in this light and not as admissions of prior art.

Amusement parks typically include various attractions that provide unique experiences for guests. For example, an amusement park may include various rides and show performances. As technology has continued to improve, such attractions have increased in sophistication and complexity. There is a corresponding increase in expectations regarding entertainment quality of attractions. As a result, improved and more creative attractions are needed.

Document <CIT> describes a system for providing interactivity to a guest of an experiential venue, based on sensor measurement of the guest.

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.

In an embodiment, an attraction system for entertaining guests includes a millimeter wave (mmWave) sensor configured to transmit a signal within the attraction system and to receive a reflection of the signal and a control system communicatively coupled to the mmWave sensor. The mmWave sensor is configured to transmit data to the control system based on the reflection of the signal, and the control system is configured to perform operations that include determining a target operation of the attraction system based on the data received from the mmWave sensor and operating the attraction system based on the target operation.

In an embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, are configured to cause the processing circuitry to perform operations for an attraction system. The operations include receiving data from a millimeter wave (mmWave) sensor, in which the data is indicative of a parameter associated with the attraction system, determining a target operation of the attraction system based on the data received from the mmWave sensor, and operating the attraction system based on the target operation.

In an embodiment, an attraction system for entertaining a guest includes a first millimeter wave (mmWave) sensor configured to transmit a first signal within the attraction system and to receive a reflection of the first signal, a second mmWave sensor configured to transmit a second signal within the attraction system and to receive a reflection of the second signal, and a control system communicatively coupled to the first mmWave sensor and to the second mmWave sensor. The first mmWave sensor is configured to transmit first data to the control system based on the reflection of the first signal, the second mmWave sensor is configured to transmit second data based on the reflection of the second signal, and the control system is configured to perform operations the include determining a target operation of the attraction system based on the first data, the second data, or both, and operating the attraction system based on the target operation.

The present disclosure is related to an attraction system, such as an attraction system for an amusement park. The attraction system may include a control system configured to detect certain parameters associated with the attraction system and to operate the attraction system based on such parameters. As an example, the control system may adjust operations to provide a more unique or personalized experience for a guest of the amusement park. For instance, the attraction system may use a sensor configured to monitor data indicative of a reaction of a guest, a physical profile of a guest, an accessory of a guest, and the like. The control system may receive the data from the sensor and may adjust the operations of certain entertainment aspects based on the data, such as by changing an operation of visual effects, audio effects, and/or other features presented to the guest. Furthermore, the control system may associate certain operations and/or operational settings of the attraction system with a specific guest for use at a later time. For example, the control system may store a user profile associating a particular operation of the attraction system with stored data associated with a guest and, upon determination that detected data matches the stored data associated with the user profile (e.g., to indicate detection of the guest in the attraction system), the control system may reference the user profile to operate the attraction system in accordance with the corresponding operation associated with the user profile.

In particular, the attraction system may employ a millimeter wave (mmWave) sensor (e.g., a mmWave radar) to gather data. As used herein, a mmWave sensor continuously transmits a signal having a millimeter (mm) wavelength. The signals may reflect off an object to return to the mmWave sensor. The mmWave sensor then determines a characteristic, such as an amplitude, a return time, and so forth, of each signal returning to and received by the mmWave sensor. The mmWave sensor may determine a parameter of the object, such as a position of the object within the attraction system, a texture of the object, a size of the object, a speed of the object, and the like, based on the characteristic of the return signals, and the mmWave sensor may transmit data that includes the parameter to the control system. The control system may therefore adjust operation of the attraction system based on the parameter indicated by the data. The signal transmitted by the mmWave sensor may penetrate certain materials based on its wavelength and/or frequency. For this reason, the mmWave sensor may be embedded or hidden within an object, such as a prop of the attraction system, and may not be visible to the guest, thereby increasing an immersive experience provided to the guest. In one embodiment, the attraction system may implement a mmWave sensor configured to emit a signal having a specific wavelength and/or frequency to enable the signal to have a particular depth of penetration and enable the mmWave sensor to detect a parameter of a specific object (e.g., an exposed object, a hidden object). As an example, the mmWave sensor may emit a signal that may penetrate certain clothing material (e.g., fabric) so as to detect skin texture of a guest, additional accessories (e.g., a bracelet) worn by the a guest, and so forth. As another example, the mmWave sensor may emit a signal that does not penetrate clothing material so as to detect the particular clothing worn by the guest. Indeed, multiple mmWave sensors, each configured to transmit a respective signal having a different wavelength and/or frequency, may be employed to detect parameters of multiple different objects to facilitate adjusting operation of the attraction system via the control system.

With the preceding in mind, <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system <NUM>, which may be a part of an amusement park. For instance, the attraction system <NUM> may include a roller coaster, an interactive game, a theatric show, another suitable type of attraction system, or any combination thereof. The attraction system <NUM> may include an attraction control system <NUM> (e.g., an electronic controller) configured to control operations of certain features of the attraction system <NUM>. To this end, the attraction control system <NUM> may include a memory <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM>, such as a microprocessor. The memory <NUM> may include one or more of a 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 tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium that includes executable instructions to operate the attraction system <NUM>. The processing circuitry <NUM> may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof, configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory <NUM>.

For example, the attraction control system <NUM> may control operation of various entertainment effects <NUM> of the attraction system <NUM>. The entertainment effects <NUM> may include visual effects, such as lighting, projections, images, and so forth, presented to a guest <NUM>. The entertainment effects <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include audio effects <NUM>, such as sounds, presented to the guest <NUM>. The entertainment effects <NUM> may also include operation of certain props <NUM>. As an example, the attraction control system <NUM> may control movement of certain electromechanical figures (e.g., robots), positioning of certain objects, and the like. As another example, the prop <NUM> may include an interactive feature with which the guest <NUM> may interact. For instance, the prop <NUM> may include a microphone or an audio sensor, and the attraction control system <NUM> may adjust a functionality of the microphone or audio sensor based on the data (e.g., data associated with the voice of the guest <NUM>), such as by changing a volume of audio playback. In this manner, the attraction control system <NUM> may adjust an interactive experience of the guest <NUM>.

The attraction control system <NUM> may further control sending of certain notifications <NUM>. For instance, in an embodiment, the attraction system <NUM> may send notifications <NUM> to the guest <NUM> (e.g., to a mobile device of the guest <NUM>) to provide supplemental information associated with the attraction system <NUM>, such as to provide a narration that aligns with the operation of the attraction system <NUM>. The notifications <NUM> may provide the guest <NUM> with a method to interact with the attraction system <NUM> and/or to guide the guest <NUM> through the attraction system <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction control system <NUM> may send such notifications <NUM> to a different entity, such as an operator, a worker, and/or a technician of the attraction system <NUM>. By way of example, the notification <NUM> may urge someone to manually adjust one of the entertainment effects <NUM>, to change a show performance (e.g., to notify a performer to use a new script), or otherwise change the operation of the attraction system <NUM>. In any case, the attraction control system <NUM> may adjust operations to change the entertainment provided to the guest <NUM>, such as by changing a theme or story, a target level of excitement or other sentiment elicited or induced in the guest <NUM>, and/or another aspect of the attraction control system <NUM> in order to provide a more unique, personalized, or interactive experience to the guest <NUM>.

Although the present disclosure primarily discusses the attraction control system <NUM> operating to control the visual effects <NUM>, the audio effects <NUM>, the props <NUM>, and the notification <NUM> associated with the attraction system <NUM>, an additional or alternative attraction control system <NUM> may be configured to control another feature of the attraction system <NUM>. For example, the attraction system <NUM> may include a ride vehicle, and the attraction control system <NUM> may adjust a path of travel of the ride vehicle (e.g., along a track) based on detected parameters. Indeed, the attraction system <NUM> may adjust any suitable feature of the attraction system <NUM> to provide a desirable experience to the guest <NUM>.

The attraction control system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one or more mmWave sensors <NUM> and may operate based on data received from the mmWave sensor(s) <NUM>. The nmWave sensors <NUM> may both emit and detect signals. Thus, each nmWave sensor <NUM> represents at least one emitter and at least one detector. While the nmWave sensors <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> include integral emitters and detectors, in some embodiments, the emitters and detectors may be separate.

The illustrated embodiment includes a first mmWave sensor 70A and a second mmWave sensor 70B, each of which may send respective signals having different wavelengths and/or frequencies to penetrate different materials and to provide readings of various parameters (e.g., associated with the guest <NUM>). For instance, the first mmWave sensor 70A may be configured to transmit a first signal 71A (e.g., having a frequency that is between <NUM> and <NUM> gigahertz [GHz]) that does not penetrate through certain materials. By way of example, the first signal 71A may not penetrate through certain objects associated with the guest <NUM>, such as clothing <NUM> worn by the guest <NUM>, headwear <NUM> worn by the guest <NUM>, facial accessories (e.g., glasses) <NUM> associated with the guest <NUM>, an item <NUM> possessed (e.g., held) by the guest <NUM>, and so forth. In other words, the first signal 71A may reflect off such objects to return to the first mmWave sensor 70A for detection by the first mmWave sensor 70A. Further, the second mmWave sensor 70B may be configured to transmit a second signal 71B (e.g., having a frequency that is between <NUM> and <NUM>) that penetrates through objects through which the first signal 71A cannot penetrate. As an example, the second signal 71B may penetrate through the clothing <NUM> and may reflect off the body of the guest <NUM>, such as off the skin, a temporary tattoo, a sticker, marking, or any other feature that is on or including the skin of the guest <NUM>. The second signal 71B may additionally or alternatively reflect off a hidden object <NUM> (e.g., disposed within certain clothing <NUM> of the guest <NUM>, such as within a pocket of the guest <NUM>).

In any case, the mmWave sensors <NUM> may detect various parameters associated with the guest <NUM> based on the reflection of the respective signals <NUM>, and the mmWave sensors <NUM> may transmit data indicative of the parameters to the attraction control system <NUM>. Indeed, the attraction system <NUM> may include any suitable number of mmWave sensors <NUM>, such as a single mmWave sensor <NUM>, or multiple mmWave sensors <NUM>. For example, the attraction system <NUM> may use a matrix, a cascade, or an array of mmWave sensors <NUM> to provide multiple readings of objects at various depths and/or to provide multiple readings of objects at the same depth to facilitate increasing the accuracy of the determined parameters. That is, the matrix of mmWave sensors <NUM> is configured to detect multiple layers by emitting a cascading of signals. The matrix of mmWave sensors <NUM> may therefore provide data associated with the layers to the attraction control system <NUM>, and the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on data received from the matrix of mmWave sensors <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the attraction control system <NUM> may identify the particular clothing <NUM> and/or accessories associated with the guest <NUM> based on the data transmitted by the mmWave sensors <NUM> (e.g., from the first mmWave sensor 70A). As used herein, the clothing <NUM> and/or accessories associated with the guest <NUM> may collectively be referred to as costuming <NUM>. The attraction control system <NUM> may therefore operate the attraction system <NUM> to provide entertainment for the guest <NUM> based on the costuming <NUM> associated with the guest <NUM>. As an example, the attraction system <NUM> may include a collection of various costuming <NUM> from which the guest <NUM> may select, and the attraction control system <NUM> may be pre-programmed to operate the attraction system <NUM> based on identification of any of the costuming <NUM>. That is, the attraction control system <NUM> may identify the particular costuming <NUM> selected by the guest <NUM> based on the data received from the mmWave sensors <NUM>, and the attraction control system <NUM> may operate based on the identified costuming <NUM>, such as to provide a particularly themed narrative. For instance, in response to identifying the headwear <NUM> is a sailor's cap, the attraction control system <NUM> may control the entertainment effects <NUM> to provide a nautical narrative. In addition, in response to identifying the facial accessories <NUM> as including sunglasses, the attraction control system <NUM> may control the entertainment effects <NUM> to provide a tropical narrative. Further, in response to identifying the item <NUM> is a sword, the attraction control system <NUM> may control the entertainment effects <NUM> to provide a combat-related narrative. Indeed, the attraction control system <NUM> may control the entertainment effects <NUM> to operate the attraction system <NUM> based on any of various costuming <NUM> (e.g., top, pants, shorts, dress, scarf, facemask, eyepatch, headgear). In this manner, the attraction control system <NUM> may provide an experience based on a selection made by the guest <NUM>, thereby providing a more customized experience for the guest <NUM>.

The attraction control system <NUM> may additionally or alternatively provide or enable other aspects of the attraction system <NUM> based on the identified costuming <NUM>. By way of example, the facial accessory <NUM> may include a media viewer, such as <NUM>-dimensional glasses and/or an augmented reality headset that can be optionally selectable or wearable by the guest <NUM>. Thus, the attraction control system <NUM> may receive data indicative of the media viewer and to provide media corresponding to the media viewer. As an example, the attraction control system <NUM> may provide <NUM>-dimensional images (e.g., offset images that, when viewed through <NUM>-dimensional glasses, generally provide an appearance of depth) and/or augmented reality elements based on the facial accessory <NUM> worn by the guest <NUM>. For instance, in response to determining that the guest <NUM> is wearing <NUM>-dimensional glasses instead of an augmented reality device, the attraction control system <NUM> may present images viewable in <NUM>-dimensions via the <NUM>-dimensional glasses. In response to determining that the guest <NUM> is wearing an augmented reality device instead of <NUM>-dimensional glasses, the attraction control system <NUM> may present augmented reality elements (e.g., by sending a signal to the augmented reality device) instead of <NUM>-dimensional images. Further, in response to determining that the guest <NUM> is not wearing either the <NUM>-dimensional glasses or the augmented reality device, the attraction control system <NUM> may present <NUM>-dimensional images. Thus, the manner in which the attraction control system <NUM> presents certain entertainment effects <NUM> may be based on the type of costuming <NUM> associated with the guest <NUM>. Further, theming of the facial accessory <NUM> may be detected and used to guide content provision. For example, a space themed set of <NUM>-dimensional glasses may be detected and the attraction control system may provide <NUM>-dimentsional images associated with a space theme.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on data provided by the second mmWave sensor 70B. In an example, the data associated with the second mmWave sensor 70B may indicate a location and/or an orientation of the guest <NUM> within the attraction system <NUM>. Indeed, the attraction control system <NUM> may use data received from a single mmWave sensor <NUM>, cumulative data received from a matrix of mmWave sensors, and/or data received from another sensor (e.g., a location sensor) to perform an operation, such as to present the entertainment effects <NUM> in a manner that is directed toward the location of the guest <NUM> within the attraction system <NUM> (e.g., by activating features that are positioned proximate to the guest <NUM>). In another example, the data may be indicative of a physical profile of the guest <NUM>, such as a height of the guest <NUM>, a texture (e.g., of a feature on or including the guest's skin) associated with the guest <NUM>, a geometry of the guest <NUM>, a vocal cord vibration (e.g., a voice level, pitch) of the guest, a gait or movement of the guest <NUM>, another suitable parameter associated with the guest, or any combination thereof, and the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the entertainment effects <NUM> based on the physical profile. In a further example, the data may include biometric data, such as a respiratory rate, a heart rate, a perspiration amount, or other suitable data. Indeed, the data transmitted by the mmWave sensor <NUM> may indicate motion of a heart (e.g., to indicate a heartbeat), motion of blood vessels, motion of lungs, and/or motion of another body feature. In this way, the data may indicate movement of a feature of the guest <NUM>, and the attraction control system <NUM> may use such data to derive relevant biometric data. The attraction control system <NUM> may adjust operation of the attraction system <NUM> based on the biometric data so as to elicit a desirable response from the guest <NUM>. For instance, the attraction control system <NUM> may adjust an intensity and/or an excitement of the experience provided by the attraction system <NUM> based on the biometric data.

Further still, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on data indicative of the hidden object <NUM>. For example, the attraction control system <NUM> may adjust the narrative presented by the attraction system <NUM> (e.g., by controlling the entertainment effects <NUM>) based on the hidden object <NUM>. In another implementation, attraction control system <NUM> may send the notification <NUM> to a worker of the attraction system <NUM> based on the hidden object <NUM>. For example, the hidden object <NUM> may include one of the accessories improperly placed within the clothing <NUM> of the guest <NUM> (e.g., to indicate attempted theft committed by the guest <NUM>) and/or a unauthorized tool, and the attraction control system <NUM> may therefore send the notification <NUM> to inform a worker (e.g., security personnel) to confront the guest <NUM>.

The attraction control system <NUM> may additionally or alternatively operate the attraction system <NUM> based on a user input. To this end, the attraction control system <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM>, which may include a touch screen, a button, a switch, a trackpad, a dial, another suitable feature, or any combination thereof, with which a user (e.g., the guest <NUM>, an operator) may interact to control operation of the attraction system <NUM>. By way of example, the guest <NUM> may utilize the user interface <NUM> to transmit a user input indicative of a desirable operational setting and/or experience (e.g., an excitement level) to be provided by the attraction system <NUM>. The attraction control system <NUM> may therefore operate the attraction system <NUM> based on the user input received via the user interface <NUM>.

In one embodiment, some of the mmWave sensors <NUM> may be embedded or hidden within an enclosing prop <NUM>, which may, for example, be one of the props <NUM>. In this manner, the attraction control system <NUM> may move the enclosing prop <NUM> to adjust the positioning of the mmWave sensors <NUM> within the attraction system <NUM> (e.g., to facilitate capturing data associated with the guest <NUM>). Further, the enclosing prop <NUM> may hide the mmWave sensors <NUM> from view from the guest <NUM>, thereby creating a more immersive environment for the guest <NUM> within the attraction system <NUM>. To this end, the enclosing prop <NUM> may be made from a certain material, such as plastic, concrete, and/or any suitable non-attenuating material, to enable each of the signals <NUM> to penetrate through the enclosing prop <NUM> to reflect off objects within the attraction system <NUM> and without distorting characteristics of the signals <NUM>. Additionally, the portion of the enclosing prop <NUM> shielding or covering the mmWave sensors <NUM> may have a limited thickness, such as less than <NUM> or <NUM> inches, to enable the signals <NUM> to penetrate through the enclosing prop <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the attraction control system <NUM> may include and/or be communicatively coupled with a database <NUM> (e.g., cloud-based storage, physical storage). The database <NUM> may store certain information that may be retrieved by the attraction control system <NUM> to facilitate operation of the attraction system <NUM>. As an example, the database <NUM> may store subroutines <NUM> or certain operational parameters or settings (e.g., visual effects <NUM> to be presented, audio effects <NUM> to be presented, movement control of the props <NUM>, notifications <NUM> to be sent) in which the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM>. Each of the subroutines <NUM> may be associated with a particular parameter identifiable by the attraction control system <NUM>. Accordingly, in response to identifying a parameter (e.g., based on the data transmitted by the mmWave sensors <NUM>), the attraction control system <NUM> may select the associated subroutine from the stored subroutines <NUM> to operate the attraction system <NUM>. For instance, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on a first subroutine in response to identifying the headwear <NUM> as a first headwear, and the attraction control system <NUM> may operate a second subroutine in response to identifying the headwear <NUM> as a second headwear. The attraction control system <NUM> may also operate the attraction system <NUM> based on a third subroutine in response to identifying the guest <NUM> also possesses a particular item <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the guest <NUM> may utilize the user interface <NUM> to directly indicate a desired set of subroutines <NUM> to be effectuated by the attraction control system <NUM>. In any case, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on a combination of subroutines <NUM>, thereby operating the attraction system <NUM> in different manners to provide a diverse experience for the guest <NUM>.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the database <NUM> may store a user profile <NUM> associated with the guest <NUM>. The user profile <NUM> may be associated with certain operations, such as a specific set of subroutines <NUM>, to be effectuated by the attraction control system <NUM> (e.g., based on a previous experience undergone by the guest <NUM> in the attraction system <NUM>). The user profile <NUM> may further be associated with certain parameters detected by the mmWave sensors <NUM> and indicative of the specific guest <NUM>. For example, during a first operation of the attraction system <NUM>, the attraction control system <NUM> may receive data from the mmWave sensors <NUM> and/or a user input from the user interface <NUM> to cause the attraction control system <NUM> to operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with a first set of subroutines, and the attraction control system <NUM> may also store the user profile <NUM> associated with the guest <NUM>, including the data received from the mmWave sensors <NUM> (e.g., indicative of a physical profile of the guest <NUM>) and the first set of subroutines <NUM> associated with the guest <NUM>, within the database <NUM>.

During a second operation of the attraction system <NUM>, the attraction control system <NUM> may receive additional data from the mmWave sensors <NUM> and compare the additional data with the data associated with the user profile <NUM> stored in the database <NUM>. In response to determining the additional data received from the mmWave sensors <NUM> matches with the data associated with the user profile <NUM>, the attraction control system <NUM> may automatically operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with the first set of subroutines <NUM> associated with the user profile <NUM>, such as if the guest <NUM> appeared to be satisfied with the experience provided by the first operation of the attraction system <NUM>. As an example, the attraction control system <NUM> may prompt the guest <NUM> to indicate whether operation of the attraction system <NUM> in accordance to the first set of subroutines <NUM> again is desirable, and the guest <NUM> may confirm that the attraction control system <NUM> is to operate the attraction system in accordance with the first set of subroutines <NUM> during the second operation of the attraction system <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with a second set of subroutines <NUM> to provide a different experience for the guest <NUM>, such as based on a user input indicative that the guest <NUM> desires a different experience to be provided by the attraction system <NUM> during the second operation of the attraction system <NUM>. As such, the attraction control system <NUM> may provide a more personalized experience each time the guest <NUM> goes through the attraction system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the attraction system <NUM> in which there is a first guest 62A and a second guest 62B within the attraction system <NUM>. The attraction system <NUM> also includes the mmWave sensors <NUM>, which may send respective signals that reflect off the guests <NUM> to enable the attraction control system <NUM> to determine various parameters associated with the guests <NUM>. The mmWave sensors <NUM> may also transmit data indicative of such parameters to the attraction control system <NUM> to cause the attraction control system <NUM> to operate the attraction system <NUM> based on the parameters. As an example, the data transmitted by the mmWave sensors <NUM> may indicate that there are two guests <NUM>, and the attraction control system <NUM> may therefore operate the entertainment effects <NUM> accordingly, such as to present a narrative that is directed to two guests <NUM> instead of a narrative that is directed to a single guest <NUM> or to more than two guests <NUM>. For instance, the attraction control system <NUM> may select a subroutine from the database <NUM> based on the determination that there are two guests <NUM> in the attraction system <NUM>. The attraction control system <NUM> may coordinate with the mmWave sensors <NUM> to identify skeletal structures of the guests <NUM> to facilitate not only detection of a number of guests but also their physical movements within the attraction system <NUM>. By focusing the mmWave sensors <NUM> on body structure, interference from clothing (e.g., a long jacket or dress) can be limited to focus computing functions more efficiently on bodily movement, which may facilitate gameplay or other interactive aspects of the attraction system <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on respective parameters (e.g., physical profiles) uniquely associated with the guests <NUM>. For example, during a first operation of the attraction system <NUM> in which the first guest 62A is in the attraction system <NUM>, the mmWave sensors <NUM> may detect a first set of parameters associated with the first guest 62A, and the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with a first subroutine (e.g., based on the first set of parameters, based on a user input). The attraction control system <NUM> may also store a first user profile <NUM> that associates the first operational settings with the first set of parameters associated with the first guest 62A. During a second operation of the attraction system <NUM> in which the second guest 62B is in the attraction system <NUM>, the mmWave sensors <NUM> may detect a second set of parameters associated with the second guest 62B, and the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with a second subroutine (e.g., based on the second set of parameters, based on user input). The attraction control system <NUM> may also store a second user profile <NUM> that associates the second operational settings with the first set of parameters associated with the second guest 62B. During a third operation in which both the first guest 62A and the second guest 62B are in the attraction system <NUM>, the mmWave sensors <NUM> may detect both the first and second set of parameters, and the attraction control system <NUM> may therefore determine that both the first guest 62A and the second guest 62B are in the attraction system <NUM> based on the association between the first and second set of parameters with the first and second user profiles <NUM>, respectively. The attraction control system <NUM> may therefore operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with both the first and the second subroutines associated with the first and second user profiles <NUM>, respectively.

In a further embodiment, the attraction control system <NUM> may determine costuming <NUM> (e.g., regular or themed clothing and/or accessories) associated with each of the guests <NUM>. In the illustrated attraction system <NUM>, the first guest 62A is associated with (e.g., wearing) a first headwear 74A, and the second guest 62B is associated with (e.g., wearing) a second headwear 74B. Each headwear <NUM> may be associated with a respective subroutine. For example, the first headwear <NUM> may be associated with a nautical narrative, and the second headwear 74B may be associated with an aerial narrative. Thus, based on a determination that the guests <NUM> are respectively wearing the first headwear 74A and the second headwear 74B, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate each of the associated subroutines, such as both the nautical narrative and the aerial narrative. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate a single subroutine that is associated with a combination of the first headwear 74A and the second headwear 74B instead of operating two separate subroutines. In any case, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on respective parameters associated with multiple guests <NUM>. For example, instead of the headwear <NUM>, any of various other costuming <NUM> (e.g., an eyepatch, a toy sword) or physical attributes (e.g., facial features) may be detected and utilized to guide the attraction control system <NUM> to provide a particular narrative. Indeed, using a matrix of the mmWave sensors <NUM> or controlling one or more of the mmWave sensors <NUM> to operates across a range of signal types, layers of data can be obtained and used by the attraction control system <NUM> to provide entertainment (e.g., narrative changes). For example, multiple layers of costuming <NUM> and/or combinations of layers of costuming <NUM> (e.g., a coat, a shirt under the coat, and a necklace under the shirt) can be detected and utilized by the attraction control system <NUM> to make more granular decisions about the effects to provide. As a specific example, a particular jacket in combination with a particular piece of jewelry may be associated with a different effect than the same jacket with a different piece of jewelry.

It should be noted that the mmWave sensors <NUM> may be used in combination with another sensor <NUM> to facilitate determination of an identification of the guests <NUM>. For example, the sensor <NUM> may include an audio sensor and/or another visual sensor, such as an infrared sensor, a camera, or a light detection and ranging sensor. Indeed, the attraction control system <NUM> may receive multiple data from different sensors to identify guests <NUM>. That is, the combination of the mmWave sensors <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> may detect data that is uniquely associated with respective guests <NUM> to enable the attraction control system <NUM> to distinguish guests <NUM> from one another.

In one embodiment, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with identified guests <NUM> based on a confidence value indicative of an estimated accuracy in which the guests <NUM> have been accurately identified via data received from the mmWave sensors <NUM> and/or the sensor <NUM>, such as based on an association with a user profile <NUM>. For example, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with one or more subroutines associated with the user profile <NUM> in response to the confidence value being greater than a threshold confidence value. However, the attraction control system may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with one or more other (e.g., default) subroutines that are not specifically associated with the user profile <NUM> in response to the confidence value being less than the threshold confidence value.

In an embodiment, the attraction control system <NUM> may use machine learning (e.g., supervised machine learning, unsupervised machine learning) in order to identify a target operation more accurately. As used herein, machine learning refers to algorithms and statistical models that the attraction control system <NUM> may use to perform a specific task without using explicit instructions, relying instead on patterns and inference. In particular, machine learning generates a mathematical model based on data (e.g., sample or training data, historical data) in order to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed to perform the task. In this way, as subsequent operations are implemented (e.g., based on identified guests <NUM>, identified biometric data, identified costuming <NUM>), stored information that associates received data (e.g., from the mmWave sensors <NUM>, from the sensor <NUM>) with target operations may be updated to more accurately reflect the target operation of the attraction system <NUM>. That is, the attraction control system <NUM> may use machine learning for dynamically updating the information used to determine the target operation of the attraction system <NUM>, such as based on a machine learning model. As such, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> more accurately to provide the desired experience to the guests <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the attraction system <NUM> in which edge computing is used to enable the attraction control system <NUM> to operate the attraction system <NUM> based on data transmitted by the mmWave sensors <NUM>. Edge computing includes processing readings at local points (e.g., based on transmitted and reflected signals), such as via onboard equipment of the mmWave sensors <NUM>, rather than at centralized or offloaded points, such as via the attraction control system <NUM> or via an external server. For example, each of the mmWave sensors <NUM> may include a respective memory <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM>, such as a respective control system that includes the memory <NUM> and the processing circuitry <NUM>. The processing circuitry <NUM> of each mmWave sensor <NUM> may execute instructions stored in the corresponding memory <NUM> to process sensed readings <NUM>, such as to directly identify the guest <NUM>, to identify the costuming associated with the guest <NUM>, to identify biometric data associated with the guest <NUM>, to identify a target operation of the attraction system <NUM>, or any combination thereof. To this end, each mmWave sensor <NUM> may be pre-heated or pre-loaded with certain information that may be useful for processing sensed readings <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, each mmWave sensor <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to storage (e.g., the database <NUM>) and may reference information stored in the storage to process the sensed readings <NUM>. In any case, each mmWave sensor <NUM> may access and use information to directly process the sensed readings <NUM>.

After processing the sensed readings <NUM> to determine information <NUM> associated with the attraction system <NUM>, such as an identification of the guest <NUM>, costuming (e.g., clothing and/or an accessory) associated with the guest <NUM>, biometric data associated with the guest <NUM>, a target operation of the attraction system <NUM>, or any combination thereof, the mmWave sensors <NUM> may transmit the determined information <NUM> to the attraction control system <NUM>. As such, the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on the determined information <NUM> received from the mmWave sensors <NUM> without having to process the sensed readings <NUM>. That is, the attraction control system <NUM> may directly determine a target operation of the attraction system <NUM> without having to perform additional analysis of the sensed readings <NUM>. In this manner, edge computing may facilitate a more rapid response for operating the attraction system <NUM> based on the sensed readings <NUM>. Indeed, edge computing may be used in conjunction with machine learning, for example, in order to facilitate the target operation of the attraction system <NUM> to be quickly and accurately determined. For instance, in addition to accelerating data processing for general computations, thereby increasing the speed of adjusting the operation of the attraction control system <NUM>, edge computing may further increase the speed of machine learning to determine subsequent target operations of the attraction control system <NUM> by using dedicated deep learning processing hardware.

In an embodiment, the attraction control system <NUM> may compare determined information <NUM> received from different mmWave sensors <NUM> to determine the target operation of the attraction system <NUM>. For instance, the first sensor 70A may detect and process first sensed readings 126A to output first determined information 128A to the attraction control system <NUM>. The second sensor 70B may detect and process second sensed readings 126B to output second determined information 128B to the attraction control system <NUM>. The attraction control system <NUM> may compare the first determined information 128A with the second determined information 128B to operate the attraction system <NUM> accordingly. By way of example, in response to determining the first determined information 128A matches with the second determined information 128B (e.g., both mmWave sensors <NUM> identified the same guest <NUM>), the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with a first subroutine (e.g., a subroutine associated with the guest <NUM>). However, in response to determining the first determined information 128A (e.g., a first identity of the guest <NUM>) does not match with the second determined information 128B (e.g., a second identify of the guest <NUM>), the attraction control system <NUM> may operate the attraction system <NUM> in accordance with a second subroutine (e.g., a default subroutine that is not associated with the guest <NUM>). Indeed, edge computing may be used to facilitate the attraction control system <NUM> to operate the attraction system <NUM> based on any of the techniques described above.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process <NUM> for operating an attraction system based on data received from a mmWave sensor. As an example, the method <NUM> may be performed by one or more processors, such as the processing circuitry <NUM> of the attraction control system <NUM>, the processing circuitry <NUM> of the mmWave sensor <NUM>, or both. It should be noted that certain steps of the method <NUM> may be performed differently in different embodiments. For instance, additional steps may be performed, and/or certain steps may be removed, modified, and/or performed in a different order.

At block <NUM>, data indicative of a parameter associated with the attraction system, such as with a guest of the attraction system, is received. In an embodiment, the data may include readings taken by the mmWave sensor and other sensors (e.g., a facial recognition camera). In an additional or alternative embodiment, the data may include data processed by the mmWave sensor. In any case, the data may be indicative of an identification of a guest, clothing and/or accessories associated with the guest, biometric data associated with the guest, or any combination thereof.

At block <NUM>, a determination may be made regarding a target operation of the attraction system based on the data. That is, the target operation of the attraction system may be based on the parameter associated with the guest to provide a desirable experience for the guest. For example, the target operation may include a target operation of various entertainment effects provided during operation of the attraction system based on a layering of data detected by one or more mmWave sensors (e.g., a matrix of mmWave sensors or a single mmWave sensor operating across a spectrum of signal types) operating at different wavelengths to detect physical features associated with a guest at different physical layers (e.g., a coat, a shirt, a wristband). At block <NUM>, after a determination has been made regarding the target operation of the attraction system, a signal is output based on the determined target operation so as to adjust the operation of the attraction system toward the target operation.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may be used to adjust the operation of the attraction system to elicit or induce a particular response from the guest. For instance, it may be desirable to provide the guest with a particular excitement level. The excitement level may be associated with a target range of biometric data values, such as a target range of heart rates and/or a target range of respiratory rates, which may be determined based on experimental operations and/or calibrated data. Thus, if the biometric data is indicative that the attraction system is providing too much excitement (e.g., the biometric data exceeds the target range of heart rates, the biometric data exceeds the target range of respiratory rates), the signal may be output to adjust the operation of the attraction system to reduce an intensity of the experience provided to the guest to avoid over-exciting the guest. However, if the biometric data (e.g., a pulse rate detected by a mmWave sensor) is indicative that the attraction system is not providing enough excitement (e.g., the biometric data is below the target range of heart rates, the biometric data is below the target range of respiratory rates), the signal may be output to adjust the operation of the attraction system to increase the intensity of experience provided to the guest. In one embodiment, the excitement level, and therefore the target range of biometric data values, may be set based on a user input. By way of example, the guest may select a desirable excitement level to be provided by the attraction system. Therefore, the operation of the attraction system may be adjusted to align with the experience desired by the guest.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the data may be used to determine an identification of the guest, such as a user profile associated with the guest, and to operate the attraction system based on the identification of the guest. By way of example, the data may include a physical profile uniquely associated with the guest. The identification or user profile of the guest may also be associated with a target operation of the attraction system, such as a previous operation of the attraction system to entertain the guest, a preferred operation set by the guest (e.g., via a user input), and the like. Therefore, upon identification of the guest based on the data, the signal may be output to adjust the operation of the attraction system based on the target operation associated with the guest.

In a further embodiment, the data may be indicative of costuming (e.g., clothing and/or an accessory) associated with the guest, such as a clothing and/or an accessory selected from a collection of possible clothing and/or accessories. Indeed, each costuming may be associated with a target operation of the attraction system and/or a combination of costuming may be associated with a target operation of the attraction system. For instance, the experience provided by the attraction system may align with a theme associated with the costuming to provide a more immersive experience for the guest. In any case, upon identification of the costuming based on the data, the signal may be output to adjust the operation of the attraction system based on the target operation associated with the particular costuming.

In any case, it should be noted that the data may be used to adjust any suitable operation of the attraction system to control the entertainment provided to a guest in the attraction system. For instance, the signal may be output to control operation of entertainment effects, including visual effects, audio effects, props, and/or notifications. The operation of the entertainment effects may provide a desirable experience to the guest.

While only certain features of embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
An attraction system (<NUM>) for entertaining guests (<NUM>), the attraction system (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more millimeter wave (mmWave) sensors (<NUM>) configured to transmit signals within the attraction system (<NUM>) and to receive a reflection of the signals; and
a control system (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the one or more mmWave sensors (<NUM>), wherein the control system (<NUM>) is configured to control the one or more mmWave sensors (<NUM>) to obtain layers of data at different wavelengths with which to detect features associated with a guest (<NUM>) of the attraction system (<NUM>), wherein the one or more mmWave sensors (<NUM>) are configured to transmit the layers of data to the control system (<NUM>) based on the reflection of the signal, and the control system (<NUM>) is configured to perform operations comprising:
determining a target operation of the attraction system (<NUM>) based on the data received from the one or more mmWave sensors (<NUM>); and
operating the attraction system (<NUM>) based on the target operation.