Patent Description:
Some ride vehicles are ridden by users for transportation and/or entertainment purposes. For example, some amusement rides, such as carousels, and other structured ride systems include ride vehicles that move in circular patterns along fixed paths of a surface. During operation, the movement of the ride vehicles is typically restricted to the fixed paths along the ride surface. It is now recognized that such movement of the ride vehicles may detract from the users' experiences while riding the ride vehicles.

<CIT> describes a system to transport a payload platform along a predefined path in an amusement facility, including a system controller to generate and transmit a timing signal and a propulsion platform, coupled to and supporting the payload platform, to traverse the predefined path in synchronism with the timing signal received from the system controller. The propulsion platform having an address corresponding to at least one of a plurality of individually addressed timing signals. The system may further include a plurality of entertainment devices positioned along the predefined path in an amusement facility, that likewise operate in synchronism with the timing signal received from the system controller.

In an embodiment, a ride system includes a plurality of ride vehicles, wherein each ride vehicle comprises a riding assembly configured to move vertically and angularly relative to a base of the respective ride vehicle. The ride system also includes a ride control system configured to receive a respective position of each respective ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles within a ride area, determine that a respective distance between two respective positions of two ride vehicles of the plurality of ride vehicles is less than a threshold distance, and output a signal to at least one ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles indicative of instructions to adjust at least one position of the at least one ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles in response to determining that the respective distance between the two respective positions of the two ride vehicles of the plurality of ride vehicles is less than the threshold distance.

In an embodiment, a ride vehicle includes a base configured to traverse a ride area, a riding assembly configured to move vertically and angularly relative to the base, and a ride vehicle control system. The ride vehicle control system is configured to receive a signal indicative of a position of the ride vehicle relative to an additional position of an additional ride vehicle, determine that a distance between the position of the ride vehicle and the additional position of the additional ride vehicle is less than a threshold distance, and output a signal to the base indicative of instructions to adjust the position of the ride vehicle in response to determining that the distance between the position of the ride vehicle and the additional position of the additional ride vehicle is less than the threshold distance.

In an embodiment, a method for controlling ride vehicles in a ride system comprises receiving a respective position of each respective ride vehicle of a plurality of ride vehicles within a ride area, wherein each respective ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles comprises a riding assembly configured to move vertically and angularly relative to a base of the respective ride vehicle. The method additionally comprises determining that a distance between two respective positions of two ride vehicles of the plurality of ride vehicles is less than a threshold distance; and outputting a signal to at least one ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles indicative of instructions to adjust at least one position of the at least one ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles in response to determining that the distance between the two respective positions of the two ride vehicles of the plurality of ride vehicles is less than the threshold distance.

Various refinements of the features noted above may exist in relation to various aspects of the present disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure alone or in any combination. The brief summary presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of embodiments of the present disclosure without limitation to the claimed subject matter.

It should be appreciated that, in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another.

Certain ride systems include ride vehicles that may carry riders (e.g., users) within ride areas of the ride systems. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to ride vehicles that may move about ride paths within a ride system and move relative to one another. For example, a ride system may include multiple ride vehicles that may carry riders within the ride area to entertain and/or transport the riders. Movement of the ride vehicles may be choreographed along ride paths and/or with respect to one another and other portions of the ride system. Additionally, the ride vehicles may move in certain directions relative to a surface of the ride system while moving along the ride paths, and/or may include riding assemblies that may carry the riders and move relative to the surface of the ride system. For example, the ride vehicles may include mechanisms and portions (e.g., the riding assemblies) that may move vertically and/or horizontally in various directions (e.g., may move in any planar direction, may spin, and may turn) and that may roll.

In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle and/or the ride system may include a control system that controls movement of the ride vehicle within the ride area. For example, based on a position of the ride vehicle with respect to a ride path (e.g., based on an actual position of the ride vehicle relative to an intended position of the ride vehicle along the ride path), the control system may adjust a trajectory or traveled course of the ride vehicle. In some embodiments, as the ride vehicle travels within the ride area, certain factors may affect the trajectory of the ride vehicle, such as obstacles within the ride area, a weight of the rider on the ride vehicle, a weight of other items disposed on or part of the ride vehicle, obstructions attached to the ride vehicle that may be dragging behind, in front of, or the side of the ride vehicle, and/or rider inputs (e.g., a rider shifting their weight, a rider turning a steering wheel or adjusting the trajectory of the ride vehicle generally, a rider adjusting a speed of the ride vehicle, etc.). As such, the control system may adjust the trajectory or the traveled course of the ride vehicle to generally follow the ride path and to account for such factors.

Additionally, based on a position of the ride vehicle along the ride path (e.g., a progression of the ride vehicle along the ride path), the control system may control the horizontal movement, the vertical movement, and the roll of the ride vehicle or of the riding assembly of the ride vehicle. As such, the ride vehicles and ride systems described herein may move in various directions and in a choreographed manner for the transportation and/or entertainment of the riders. In certain embodiments, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicles may be viewed by people other than the riders, such as people waiting to ride the ride vehicles and/or an audience. As such, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicles may provide an entertaining attraction for the people viewing the ride system.

In some embodiments, the ride system may be an amusement ride system that may provide entertainment for the riders riding the amusement ride system and the people viewing the amusement ride system. The amusement ride system may have a particular theme, such that the ride paths of the ride vehicles and/or certain decorative aspects of the ride vehicles and the ride system generally match the theme.

Turning to the drawings, <FIG> is a side view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle <NUM> of a ride system <NUM>. To facilitate discussion, the ride vehicle <NUM> and certain components of the ride vehicle <NUM> may be described with reference to a vertical axis or direction <NUM>, a longitudinal axis or direction <NUM>, and a lateral axis or direction <NUM>. As illustrated, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include a base <NUM>, a riding assembly <NUM> (e.g., a seat) coupled to the base <NUM>, and a pole <NUM> extending from the base <NUM> generally along the vertical axis <NUM>. The base <NUM> may move the ride vehicle <NUM> along a ride path and/or along a surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>, and the riding assembly <NUM> may carry a rider (e.g., a user) of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the rider may ride the ride vehicle <NUM> for entertainment and/or transportation purposes. As illustrated, the riding assembly <NUM> is coupled to an ornamental feature <NUM> that resembles a lion. The ornamental feature <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM> via a support <NUM>. The ornamental feature <NUM> may provide the rider with an experience simulating an interaction with the ornamental feature <NUM>, such as riding the lion in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the ornamental feature <NUM> may be another animal (e.g., a tiger, an elephant, a bird, fish), a character (e.g., a superhero, a storybook character, a unicorn), a structure, decorations, and/or an object. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the ornamental feature <NUM> may be omitted from the ride vehicle <NUM> such that the riding assembly <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM> via the support <NUM>, or the riding assembly <NUM> may be integral to the base <NUM>.

The ride vehicle <NUM> may include the pole <NUM> to provide an experience similar to a traditional ride vehicle, such as a carousel ride vehicle. As such, the pole <NUM> may be an ornamental feature that enhances the rider's experience while riding the ride vehicle <NUM>. Additionally, the riding assembly <NUM> and/or the ornamental feature <NUM> may be coupled to the pole <NUM>. For example, the pole <NUM> may support the riding assembly <NUM> and/or the ornamental feature <NUM>, may couple the riding assembly <NUM> and/or the ornamental feature <NUM> to the base <NUM>, and/or may serve as a movement mechanism configured to enable the riding assembly <NUM> and/or the ornamental feature <NUM> to move generally along the vertical axis <NUM> and relative to the base <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pole <NUM> may be omitted from the ride vehicle <NUM>.

During operation of the ride vehicle <NUM>, the rider may sit on the riding assembly <NUM>, and the ride vehicle <NUM> may traverse the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> via the base <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the ride vehicle <NUM> may move along a choreographed ride path within the ride system <NUM> (e.g., along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>) and/or may include mechanisms that enable the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or the riding assembly <NUM> to move vertically (e.g., generally along the vertical axis <NUM>), to move horizontally (e.g., generally along the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or the lateral axis <NUM>), and to roll while moving along the ride path (e.g., to rotate generally about the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or the lateral axis <NUM>). The movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the choreographed ride path and/or in the various directions while moving along the ride path may provide entertainment and/or transportation for the rider. For example, the choreography of the ride vehicle <NUM> and a corresponding choreography of adjacent ride vehicles may generally match a theme of the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or the ride system. In the illustrated embodiment, the theme may be related to a lion, and the choreography and movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> may simulate the movement of a lion. Additionally, the movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> may simulate the movement of a carousel ride vehicle (e.g., the riding assembly <NUM> may move generally along the vertical axis <NUM> in an elliptical pattern while moving along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>).

Further, the ride system <NUM> may include additional features that generally match the theme of the ride system <NUM>. For example, the ride system <NUM> may include audio effects, lighting effects, and other suitable effects within an environment of the ride system <NUM> that riders may hear, see, feel, or otherwise sense. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio and/or lighting effects may generally be related to a lion and/or a carousel ride system.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> including the ride vehicle <NUM>. The ride system <NUM> includes a ride control system <NUM> in communication with a ride vehicle control system <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. As illustrated, the ride control system <NUM> and the ride vehicle control system <NUM> are communicatively coupled via a wireless connection <NUM> (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). In some embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> and the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled via a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet, universal serial bus (USB), CANbus, ISObus, etc.).

The ride vehicle <NUM> includes a surface movement system <NUM>, a vertical movement system <NUM>, and a roll system <NUM> communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle control system <NUM>, such that the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may control the surface movement system <NUM>, the vertical movement system <NUM>, and the roll system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the surface movement system <NUM>, the vertical movement system <NUM>, and/or the roll system <NUM> may be directly communicatively coupled to the ride control system <NUM>, such that the ride control system <NUM> may control the surface movement system <NUM>, the vertical movement system <NUM>, and/or the roll system <NUM>.

The surface movement system <NUM> may move the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> generally along the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or the lateral axis <NUM>. For example, the surface movement system <NUM> may move the ride vehicle <NUM> in any planar direction (e.g., along a plane parallel to the surface <NUM>), may turn the ride vehicle <NUM>, and may spin the ride vehicle <NUM>. The vertical movement system <NUM> may move the riding assembly <NUM> generally along the vertical axis <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> and/or relative to the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. The roll system <NUM> may roll or angle the riding assembly <NUM> (e.g., move the riding assembly <NUM> generally angularly and/or tilt the riding assembly <NUM>) relative to the base <NUM> and/or relative to the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the vertical movement system <NUM> and/or the roll system <NUM> may be included in a riding assembly movement system that is configured to move the riding assembly vertically and/or angularly with respect to the base <NUM>.

As such, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may control the surface movement system <NUM>, the vertical movement system <NUM>, and the roll system <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> moves within the ride system <NUM> to move the rider seated on the riding assembly <NUM>. By moving the rider as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path within the ride system <NUM>, the ride vehicle <NUM> may provide an entertaining experience for the rider that simulates movement of a carousel ride system, an animal, a superhero, and/or other entertaining systems or characters.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> including the surface movement system <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. As described above, the surface movement system <NUM> may move the ride vehicle <NUM> generally along the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or the lateral axis <NUM> and in any planar direction. The surface movement system <NUM> may also turn and/or spin the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the surface movement system <NUM> may turn the ride vehicle <NUM> in a first direction while spinning the ride vehicle <NUM> in a second direction. For example, the surface movement system <NUM> may turn the ride vehicle <NUM> toward the left while spinning the ride vehicle <NUM> to the right (e.g., while spinning the ride vehicle <NUM> clockwise if viewed from a top view).

As illustrated, the surface movement system <NUM> includes a surface movement actuator <NUM>, surface movement mechanisms <NUM>, and a surface position sensor <NUM>. The surface movement actuator <NUM> may actuate to cause the surface movement mechanisms <NUM> to move the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the surface movement actuator <NUM> may be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, and the like, and may be coupled to each of the surface movement mechanisms <NUM>. After actuation by the surface movement actuator <NUM>, the surface movement mechanisms <NUM> may rotate, turn, or perform any other suitable movement to cause the ride vehicle <NUM> to move along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. For example, the surface movement mechanisms <NUM> may be wheels, spheres (e.g., steel or rubber balls), another suitable movement mechanism, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include more or fewer surface movement mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., one surface movement mechanism <NUM>, two surface movement mechanisms <NUM>, five surface movement mechanisms <NUM>, etc.).

The surface position sensor <NUM> may output a signal indicative of a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> within the ride system <NUM>. For example, the surface position sensor <NUM> may sense a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>, along the lateral axis <NUM>, relative to another ride vehicle, relative to a ride path, relative to other portions of the ride system <NUM>, along the surface <NUM>, or the like, and output the signal indicative of the position of the ride vehicle <NUM>. The ride vehicle control system <NUM> may receive the signal indicative of the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> from the surface position sensor <NUM>. Based on the surface position of the ride vehicle <NUM>, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may adjust a trajectory (e.g., a course) of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. For example, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may output a signal to the surface movement actuator <NUM> to actuate and cause the surface movement mechanisms <NUM> to move the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the surface movement actuator <NUM> may be omitted or may be integral to the surface movement mechanisms <NUM>, such that the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may communicate directly with the surface movement mechanisms <NUM> to cause the surface movement mechanisms <NUM> to move the ride vehicle <NUM>. Additionally, the ride control system <NUM> may communicate directly with the surface movement system <NUM>, or portions thereof, to control the movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> including the vertical movement system <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. As described above, the vertical movement system <NUM> may move the ride vehicle <NUM> generally along the vertical axis <NUM> (e.g., generally up, down, and/or in an elliptical motion as the ride vehicle <NUM> moves within the ride system <NUM>). As illustrated, the vertical movement system <NUM> includes a vertical movement actuator <NUM>, a vertical movement mechanism <NUM>, and a vertical position sensor <NUM>. The vertical movement actuator <NUM> is configured to actuate, thereby causing the vertical movement mechanism <NUM> to move the riding assembly <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle <NUM> generally. For example, the vertical movement actuator <NUM> may be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, or the like, and may be coupled to the vertical movement mechanism <NUM>. After actuation by the vertical movement actuator <NUM>, the vertical movement mechanism <NUM> may rotate, turn, or perform any other suitable movement to cause the riding assembly <NUM> to move generally vertically relative to the base <NUM>. For example, the vertical movement mechanism <NUM> may include gears that may move along the pole <NUM>, a pulley system, another suitable movement mechanism configured to move the riding assembly <NUM>, or the like. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include additional vertical movement mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., two vertical movement mechanisms <NUM>, three vertical movement mechanisms <NUM>, five vertical movement mechanisms <NUM>, etc.). The vertical motion of the riding assembly <NUM> may simulate the motion of a galloping animal, the motion of a carousel ride system, or any other suitable motions associated with the movement of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vertical motion caused by the vertical movement system <NUM> may be combined with the surface movement caused by the surface movement system <NUM>. For example, while the riding assembly <NUM> moves up or down (e.g., the vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system <NUM>), the surface movement system <NUM> may turn, spin, or otherwise move the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>.

The vertical position sensor <NUM> may output a signal indicative of a vertical position of the riding assembly <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> or a vertical position of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the vertical position sensor <NUM> may sense a vertical position of the riding assembly <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM> and/or relative to the base <NUM> and output the signal indicative of the vertical position of the riding assembly <NUM>. The ride vehicle control system <NUM> may receive the signal indicative of the vertical position of the riding assembly <NUM> from the vertical position sensor <NUM>. Based on the vertical position of the riding assembly <NUM>, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may adjust the vertical position of the riding assembly <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. For example, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may output a signal to the vertical movement actuator <NUM> to actuate, thereby causing the vertical movement mechanism <NUM> to move the riding assembly <NUM> generally up and/or down. In some embodiments, the vertical movement actuator <NUM> may be omitted or may be integral to the vertical movement mechanism <NUM>, such that the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may communicate directly with the vertical movement mechanism <NUM> to cause the vertical movement mechanism <NUM> to move the riding assembly <NUM>. Additionally, the ride control system <NUM> may communicate directly with the vertical movement system <NUM>, or portions thereof, to control the movement of the riding assembly <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> may control vertical movement of the ride assembly <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> based on respective vertical positions of other riding assemblies <NUM> of other ride vehicles <NUM>. For example, based on another riding assembly <NUM> of another, separate ride vehicle <NUM> being at a first vertical position, the ride control system <NUM> may control the vertical movement/position of the riding assembly <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> including the roll system <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. As described above, the roll system <NUM> may move the riding assembly <NUM> generally angularly relative to the base <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. As illustrated, the roll system <NUM> includes a roll actuator <NUM>, a roll mechanism <NUM>, and a roll sensor <NUM>. The roll actuator <NUM> is configured to actuate, thereby causing the roll mechanism <NUM> to move the riding assembly <NUM> generally angularly relative to the base <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. For example, the roll actuator <NUM> may be a piston, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, another suitable actuator, or a combination thereof, and may be coupled to the roll mechanism <NUM>. After actuation by the roll actuator <NUM>, the roll mechanism <NUM> may rotate, turn, or perform any other suitable movement to cause the riding assembly <NUM> to move generally angularly relative to the base <NUM>. As illustrated, the riding assembly <NUM> is coupled to the pole <NUM>, and the roll mechanism includes a lever configured to tilt the riding assembly <NUM> and the pole <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> (e.g., move the riding assembly <NUM> and the pole <NUM> generally angularly relative to the base <NUM>). In some embodiments, the roll mechanism <NUM> may tilt the riding assembly <NUM> relative to the pole <NUM> and/or the base <NUM> and may include any other suitable mechanism that may move the riding assembly <NUM> generally angularly. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include additional roll mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., two roll mechanisms <NUM>, three roll mechanisms <NUM>, five roll mechanisms <NUM>, etc.). The tilting motion of the riding assembly <NUM> may simulate the riding assembly leaning into a turn as the ride vehicle <NUM> traverses the surface <NUM>, via the surface movement system <NUM>, or may simulate other movements associated with the movement of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

The roll sensor <NUM> may output a signal indicative of an angular position of the riding assembly <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> and/or the surface <NUM>. For example, the roll sensor <NUM> may sense an angular position of the riding assembly <NUM> about the lateral axis <NUM> and/or the longitudinal axis <NUM> and may output the signal indicative of the angular position of the riding assembly <NUM>. The ride vehicle control system <NUM> may receive the signal indicative of the angular position of the riding assembly <NUM> from the roll sensor <NUM>. Based on the angular position of the riding assembly <NUM>, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may adjust the angular position of the riding assembly <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. For example, the ride vehicle control system may output a signal to the roll actuator <NUM> to actuate, thereby causing the roll mechanism <NUM> to move the riding assembly <NUM> generally angularly (e.g., to tilt/lean the riding assembly <NUM>). In some embodiments, the roll actuator <NUM> may be omitted or may be integral to the roll mechanism <NUM> such that the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may communicate directly with the roll mechanism <NUM> to cause the roll mechanism <NUM> to move the riding assembly <NUM>. Additionally, the ride control system <NUM> may communicate directly with the roll system <NUM>, or portions thereof, to control the movement of the riding assembly <NUM>.

Further, the roll movement caused by the roll system <NUM> may be combined with the surface movement caused by the surface movement system <NUM> and/or the vertical movement caused by the vertical movement system <NUM>. For example, while the riding assembly <NUM> is leaning to the left or right (e.g., the roll movement caused by the roll system <NUM>), the surface movement system <NUM> may turn, spin, or otherwise move the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> and/or the vertical movement system <NUM> may move the riding assembly <NUM> generally vertically relative to the base <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an embodiment of example components of the ride vehicle control system <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may include a communication component <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, input/output (I/O) ports <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and the like. The communication component <NUM> may be a wireless or wired communication component that may facilitate communication between the ride vehicle control system <NUM> and the ride control system <NUM>, the surface movement system <NUM>, the vertical movement system <NUM>, and the roll system <NUM>. For example, the communication component <NUM> may provide for the wireless connection <NUM> of <FIG> and/or a wired connection.

The processor <NUM> may be any suitable type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. The processor <NUM> may also include multiple processors that may perform the operations described below.

The memory <NUM> and the storage <NUM> may be any suitable articles of manufacture that can serve as media to store processor-executable code, data, or the like. These articles of manufacture may represent computer-readable media (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) that may store the processor-executable code used by the processor <NUM> to perform the presently disclosed techniques. The memory <NUM> and the storage <NUM> may also be used to store the data and various other software applications. The memory <NUM> and the storage <NUM> may represent non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) that may store the processor-executable code used by the processor <NUM> to perform various techniques described herein. It should be noted that non-transitory merely indicates that the media is tangible and not a signal.

The I/O ports <NUM> may be interfaces that may couple to other peripheral components such as input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), sensors, and input/output (I/O) modules. The display <NUM> may operate to depict visualizations associated with software or executable code being processed by the processor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may be a touch display capable of receiving inputs from a rider of the ride vehicle control system <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be any suitable type of display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, for example.

It should be noted that the components described above with regard to the ride vehicle control system <NUM> are exemplary components, and the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may include additional or fewer components as shown. Additionally, the ride control system <NUM> may include components similar to those illustrated for the ride vehicle control system <NUM>, such as a communication component, a processor, a memory, a storage, input/output (I/O) ports, and/or a display.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> having ride vehicles 10A and 10B positioned generally adjacent to one another. The ride vehicle 10A may generally follow a ride path 100A that extends along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. The ride vehicle 10B may generally follow a ride path 100B that extends along the surface <NUM>. As illustrated, the ride paths 100A and 100B are generally similar and extend in various directions along the surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ride paths 100A and 100B, or portions thereof, may be generally dissimilar and/or may extend in different directions relative to one another. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicles <NUM> may be trackless such that the ride vehicles <NUM> may generally move in any direction along the surface <NUM> and to follow the ride paths 100A and 100B. As described herein, the trackless ride vehicles <NUM> may move according to the common choreographed routine (e.g., along the ride paths 100A and 100B and other associated movement within the ride system <NUM>) of the ride system <NUM>.

The ride control system <NUM> and/or each of the ride vehicle control systems 34A and 34B may control the movement of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B to generally follow the ride paths 100A and 100B, respectively. For example, the ride vehicle control system 34A may receive data representative of the ride path 100A (e.g., part of a common choreographed routine) from the ride control system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the common choreographed routine may include transitioning the ride vehicle 10A from a rider boarding area (e.g., a ride queue) to the ride path 100A. As the ride vehicle 10A travels along the surface <NUM>, the ride vehicle control system 34A may receive signals indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 10A, such as signals from the surface position sensor <NUM>. The ride vehicle control system 34A may compare the position of the ride vehicle 10A to a corresponding position along the ride path 100A to determine whether the ride vehicle 10A is following the ride path 100A. For example, the ride path 100A may include multiple positions (e.g., tens, hundreds, or thousands of positions) disposed along the surface <NUM>. The ride vehicle control system 34A may determine whether a distance between the position of the ride vehicle 10A and a corresponding position along the ride path 100A exceeds a threshold ride path distance (e.g., one centimeter, two centimeters, ten centimeters, one meter, two meters, five meters). Based on a determination that the distance between the position of the ride vehicle 10A and the corresponding position along the ride path 100A exceeds the threshold ride path distance, the ride vehicle control system 34A may adjust a trajectory of the ride vehicle 10A to generally return the ride vehicle 10A to the ride path 100A or direct the ride vehicle 10A along the ride path 100A.

In some instances, as the ride vehicles <NUM> travel along the surface <NUM>, certain factors may affect the trajectory of the ride vehicles <NUM>, such that the ride vehicles <NUM> may move off course (e.g., a current ride path may differ from an intended ride path). Such factors may include obstacles on the surface <NUM>, a weight of the rider on the ride vehicle <NUM>, a weight of other items disposed on or part of the ride vehicle <NUM>, obstructions attached to the ride vehicle <NUM> that may be dragging behind, in front of, or the side of the ride vehicle <NUM>, and/or rider inputs (e.g., a rider shifting their weight, a rider turning a steering wheel or adjusting the trajectory of the ride vehicle <NUM> generally, a rider adjusting a speed of the ride vehicle <NUM>, etc.).

As illustrated, a current ride path <NUM> of the ride vehicle 10B differs from the intended ride path 100B. For example, the ride vehicle 10B may move from following the intended ride path 100B to following the current ride path <NUM> based on an obstacle along the intended ride path 100B (e.g., an obstacle detected by sensors of the ride vehicle 10B). The ride vehicle control system 34B may receive a signal indicative of a position of the ride vehicle 10B along the surface 23B. The ride vehicle control system 34B may determine whether a distance <NUM> between the position of the ride vehicle 10B and the corresponding position along the ride path 100B (e.g., an intended position of the ride vehicle 10B as indicated by a ghost ride vehicle <NUM>) exceeds the threshold ride path distance. Based on a determination that the distance <NUM> between the position of the ride vehicle 10B and the corresponding position along the ride path 100B exceeds the threshold ride path distance, the ride vehicle control system 34B may adjust a trajectory of the ride vehicle 10B to generally return the ride vehicle 10B to the intended ride path 100B.

In certain embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> may receive the signals indicative of the positions of each ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM> and may control the trajectory (e.g., the course) of one or more ride vehicles <NUM> based on the positions relative to one another. For example, the ride control system <NUM> may receive the signals indicative of the positions of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B and may determine whether a distance <NUM> between the ride vehicles 10A and 10B is less than a threshold ride vehicle distance (e.g., one centimeter, two centimeters, ten centimeters, one meter, two meters, five meters). Based on a determination that the distance <NUM> is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance, the ride control system <NUM> may adjust the trajectory of the ride vehicle 10A and/or the ride vehicle 10B such that ride control system <NUM> causes the distance <NUM> to generally increase. In some embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> may continuously (e.g., periodically every tenth of a second, half of a second, one second, two seconds, five seconds, ten seconds) adjust the course of one or more ride vehicles <NUM> based on the positioning feedback of at least a subset of other, separate ride vehicles <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may determine the threshold ride path distance and/or the threshold ride vehicle distance for the ride vehicle <NUM> based on the ride path <NUM>, a weight of the ride vehicle <NUM>, a type of the ride vehicle <NUM>, a size of the ride vehicle <NUM>, a size of the surface <NUM>, a weight of a rider riding the ride vehicle <NUM>, obstacle(s) within the ride area, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may determine whether the distance between the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> and the corresponding position along the ride path <NUM> exceeds the threshold ride path distance, and/or whether the distance between the ride vehicles <NUM> is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the surface <NUM>. The period intervals may be any time period between one tenth of a second and one second, between one second and three seconds, between one second and ten seconds, between five seconds and one minute, or any other suitable time period.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> suitable for controlling the ride vehicle <NUM> and the ride system <NUM> of <FIG>. Although the following description of the method <NUM> is detailed as being performed by the ride control system <NUM>, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method <NUM> described below. Moreover, it should be noted that although the method <NUM> is described below in a particular order, the method <NUM> may be performed in any suitable order.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may receive an input indicative of the ride path 100A of the ride vehicle 10A. For example, the ride control system <NUM> may receive a rider input indicative of a selection of a particular ride path, a choreographed movement (e.g., maneuvers) of multiple ride vehicles <NUM> that includes a respective ride path <NUM> for each ride vehicle <NUM>, or any other suitable input. In some embodiments, the rider may be an operator of the ride system <NUM>. Additionally, the rider may be riding the ride vehicle <NUM> and may provide inputs indicative of a desired experience while riding the ride vehicle <NUM>. The desired experience may correspond to a level of movement of the ride vehicle <NUM>, an intensity the movement of the ride vehicle <NUM>, and other experiences associated with the ride system <NUM>. The ride path <NUM> for each ride vehicle <NUM> includes the movement along the surface <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> and the motion of the ride vehicle <NUM> as it moves along the surface <NUM> (e.g., the spin, vertical/elliptical motion, roll, and turning).

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may send the ride path 100A to the first ride vehicle 10A, such as via the wireless connection <NUM>. The ride control system <NUM> may also send the ride path 100B to the ride vehicle 10B and other ride paths <NUM> to other respective ride vehicles <NUM>. In response, the ride vehicle 10A may follow the ride path 100A, and the ride vehicle 10B may follow the ride path 100B.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may receive a signal indicative of a position of the first ride vehicle 10A. The position of the first ride vehicle 10A may be a position along the surface <NUM> and along the ride path 100A within the ride system <NUM> as detected by the surface position sensor <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may also receive signals indicative of the vertical position of the ride vehicle 10A and/or the angular position of the ride vehicle 10A from the vertical position sensor <NUM> and the roll sensor <NUM>, respectively.

To follow the ride paths <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may output signals to the actuators of the ride vehicles <NUM>. For example, based on a particular position along the ride path 100A, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may determine that the ride vehicle 10A should be at a surface position, a vertical position, a roll position, and/or should be performing a particular movement (e.g., a spin movement, a roll movement, an elliptical movement, etc.). Based on the position of the ride vehicle 10A along the ride path 100A, the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may output signals to the surface movement actuator <NUM>, the vertical movement actuator <NUM>, and the roll actuator <NUM> to perform the appropriate surface, vertical, and roll movement, respectively.

In some embodiments, the ride vehicles <NUM> may include sensors that may detect obstacles along the ride path <NUM> and output signals indicative of the presence of the obstacles to the ride control system <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle control system <NUM>. The ride control system <NUM> or the ride vehicle control system <NUM> may control the movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> to deviate from the ride path <NUM> and along the surface <NUM> based on the presence of the obstacles.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may detect and/or determine whether a first distance (e.g., similar to the distance <NUM> of <FIG>) between the first ride vehicle 10A and the corresponding position along the ride path 100A exceeds the threshold ride path distance. As described above, the ride control system <NUM> may determine whether the first distance exceeds the threshold ride path distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride system <NUM>. The distance <NUM> may be caused by the obstacles along the ride path 100A and the movement of the ride vehicle 10A to avoid of the obstacles.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> receives a signal indicative of a position of the second ride vehicle 10B. In some embodiments, the position of the second ride vehicle 10B may be relative to the position of the first ride vehicle 10A. At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may detect and/or determine whether a second distance (e.g., the distance <NUM> of <FIG>) between the first ride vehicle 10A and the second ride vehicle 10B is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance. As described above, the ride control system <NUM> may determine whether the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance at periodic intervals during operation of the ride system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the inputs indicative of the rider's desired experience while riding the ride vehicle 10A may allow the first ride vehicle 10A to move closer to the second ride vehicle 10B. As such, the rider inputs may cause threshold ride vehicle distance to vary based on the rider's preference.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may control the movement of the first ride vehicle 10A and/or the second ride vehicle 10B (e.g., by outputting a signal indicative of instructions to adjust the movement of the ride vehicle 10A or 10B) in response to determining that the first distance exceeds the threshold ride path distance and/or that the second distance is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance. For example, as the ride vehicle 10A and 10B move along the surface <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may periodically determine whether the first distance is greater than the threshold ride path distance and/or whether the second distance is less the threshold ride vehicle distance and may control the respective trajectories of the ride vehicle 10A and/or the ride vehicle 10B based on the determinations.

After outputting the signal indicative of instructions to adjust the movement of the ride vehicle 10A or 10B, the method <NUM> may return to block <NUM> and may receive the next signal indicative of the position of the first ride vehicle 10A relative to the ride path 100A. The ride control system <NUM> may iteratively perform blocks <NUM>-<NUM> during operation of the ride system <NUM> (e.g., as the ride vehicles <NUM> move within the ride system <NUM>). As such, the ride control system <NUM> may control the ride vehicles <NUM> to facilitate the ride vehicles <NUM> generally following the choreographed ride paths <NUM> and to prevent the ride vehicles <NUM> from contacting one another during operation of the ride system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> having the ride vehicles <NUM> disposed at first respective positions relative to one another and relative to their respective ride paths <NUM> within a ride area <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> and along the surface <NUM>. The ride control system <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle control system <NUM> of each respective ride vehicle <NUM> may control the movement (e.g., maneuvers) of each respective ride vehicle <NUM> within the ride area <NUM>. For example, each ride vehicle <NUM> may have a respective ride path <NUM>, and the ride paths <NUM> may be choreographed such that the ride paths <NUM> generally flow with one another, match one another, match a theme of the ride system <NUM>, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle 10A may follow the ride path 100A, and the ride vehicle 10B may follow the ride path 100B. Additionally, as described above, each ride path <NUM> may be choreographed to include movement along the surface <NUM> using the surface movement mechanisms <NUM>, generally vertical movement using the vertical movement mechanism <NUM>, and generally angular movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> and/or the riding assemblies <NUM> using the roll mechanism <NUM> as the ride vehicles <NUM> travel along the ride paths <NUM>. The ride control system <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle control system <NUM> of each respective ride vehicle <NUM> may control the ride vehicles <NUM> to generally follow the ride paths <NUM> and to perform the various vertical, surface, and/or angular movements.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ride system <NUM> may have a theme related to horses and/or a carousel ride system. As such, the movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> along the choreographed ride paths <NUM> may simulate the movement of horses and/or the carousel ride system. Such movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> may entertain the riders riding the ride vehicles <NUM> and/or the people viewing the ride vehicles <NUM>. Further, the ride system <NUM> may include additional features that generally match the theme of the ride system <NUM>. For example, the ride system <NUM> may include audio effects, lighting effects, and other suitable effects within an environment of the ride system <NUM> that riders may hear, see, feel, or otherwise sense. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio and/or lighting effects may generally be related to horses and/or a carousel ride system.

As illustrated, the ride system <NUM> includes twenty-four ride vehicles <NUM> disposed within the ride area <NUM> of the ride system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ride system <NUM> may include more or fewer ride vehicles <NUM> (e.g., two ride vehicles <NUM>, three ride vehicles <NUM>, five ride vehicles <NUM>, ten ride vehicles <NUM>, thirty ride vehicles <NUM>, etc.). Additionally, as illustrated, each ride vehicle <NUM> is configured to carry two riders. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle <NUM> may be configured to carry more or fewer riders (e.g., one rider, three riders, four riders, etc.). The illustrated embodiment may include each ride vehicle <NUM> at a first respective position along a respective ride path <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the ride vehicles <NUM> at second and third positions, respectively, along their ride paths <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> having the ride vehicles <NUM> at second respective positions relative to one another and relative to their respective ride paths <NUM> within the ride area <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> and along the surface <NUM>. As illustrated, each of the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B have moved from the first positions of <FIG> to the second positions of <FIG> and along the ride paths 100A and 100B, respectively. Other ride vehicles <NUM> have also moved within the ride area <NUM> relative to the positions of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> of <FIG> having the ride vehicles <NUM> at third respective positions relative to one another and relative to their respective ride paths <NUM> within the ride area <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> and along the surface <NUM>. As illustrated, each of the ride vehicle 10A and the ride vehicle 10B have moved from the second positions of <FIG> to the third positions of <FIG> and along the ride paths 100A and 100B, respectively.

As each ride vehicle <NUM> moves along a respective ride path <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may control the movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> to facilitate matching the intended choreography associated with the ride system <NUM>. For example, the ride control system <NUM> may control the movement of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B to facilitate placement of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B generally at the first, second, and third positions of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively. As described above, the ride control system may compare the positions of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B to corresponding positions along the ride paths 100A and 100B. The ride control system <NUM> may control the movement (e.g., adjust the trajectory) of the ride vehicles 10A and/or 10B based on a determination that the distance between the positions of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B and the corresponding positions along the ride paths 100A and 100B exceeds the threshold ride path distance. Additionally, the ride control system <NUM> may determine whether the distance <NUM> between the respective positions of the ride vehicles 10A and 10B is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance and control the movement of the ride vehicles 10A and/or 10B based on the determination.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> suitable for controlling the ride system <NUM> of <FIG>. Although the following description of the method <NUM> is detailed as being performed by the ride control system <NUM>, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method <NUM> described below. Moreover, it should be noted that although the method <NUM> is described below in a particular order, the method <NUM> may be performed in any suitable order.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> receives an input indicative of the choreography of the ride vehicles <NUM> (e.g., two or more ride vehicles <NUM>) along the respective ride paths <NUM>. For example, the input may include a program or other suitable file having the ride paths <NUM> for each respective ride vehicle <NUM>, among other data. The input may be provided by an operator of the ride system <NUM> and/or may be received from another system communicatively coupled to the ride control system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input may be stored in the ride control system <NUM> and may be retrieved after receiving instructions to operate the ride system <NUM>. Additionally, as described herein, the input may be received from a user (e.g., a rider) riding the ride vehicle <NUM> or that is about to ride the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., a user in a queue of the ride system <NUM>).

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> sends the ride paths <NUM> to the ride vehicles <NUM>. For example, each ride path <NUM> may be unique to a particular ride vehicle <NUM>, and the ride control system <NUM> may output the ride paths <NUM> to each of the respective ride vehicles <NUM>. The ride vehicle control system <NUM> may receive the ride paths <NUM> and may begin operating the ride vehicles <NUM> to generally follow the ride paths <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> receives signals indicative of respective positions of the ride vehicles <NUM> relative to their respective ride paths <NUM> and/or relative to one another. For example, the ride vehicle control systems <NUM> and/or the surface position sensors <NUM> may output the signals to the ride control system <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, after receiving the positions of the ride vehicles <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may control the movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> based on their respective positions relative to the ride paths <NUM> and/or relative to one another. For example, the ride control system <NUM> may control the movement (e.g., adjust the trajectory) of a particular ride vehicle <NUM> based on a determination that the distance between the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> and the corresponding position along the ride path <NUM> exceeds the threshold ride path distance. Additionally, the ride control system <NUM> may determine whether the distance <NUM> between the respective positions of the ride vehicles <NUM> is less than the threshold ride vehicle distance and control the movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> based on the determination. In certain embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> may control movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> by outputting signals to the ride vehicle control systems <NUM>. For example, the ride control system <NUM> may output signals to the ride vehicle control systems <NUM> such that the ride vehicle control systems <NUM> may coordinate movements of their respective ride vehicles <NUM> with movements of other (e.g., separate) ride vehicles <NUM>.

After controlling the movement of the ride vehicles <NUM> based on their respective positions relative to the ride paths <NUM>, the method <NUM> may return to block <NUM> and may receive the next signals indicative of respective positions of the ride vehicles <NUM> relative to their respective ride paths <NUM> and/or relative to one another. The ride control system <NUM> may iteratively perform blocks <NUM> and <NUM> during operation of the ride system <NUM> (e.g., as the ride vehicles <NUM> move within the ride system <NUM>). As such, the ride control system <NUM> may control the ride vehicles <NUM> to facilitate the ride vehicles <NUM> generally following the choreographed ride paths <NUM> and to prevent the ride vehicles <NUM> from contacting one another during operation of the ride system <NUM>.

As described above, the ride control system <NUM> may determine the ride path <NUM> based on rider inputs, such as inputs received from a rider riding the ride vehicle <NUM> or that is about to ride the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or an operator of the ride system <NUM>. <FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> suitable for determining the ride path <NUM> based on rider inputs. Although the following description of the method <NUM> is detailed as being performed by the ride control system <NUM>, it should be noted that any suitable computing system may perform the method <NUM> described below. Moreover, it should be noted that although the method <NUM> is described below in a particular order, the method <NUM> may be performed in any suitable order.

At block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may receive an input indicative of a desired rider experience. The rider may be riding the ride vehicle <NUM>, about to ride the ride vehicle <NUM>, and/or in a queue of the ride system <NUM> waiting to ride the ride vehicle <NUM>. The input provided by the rider may include a desired rider experience, such as a desired intensity level of the ride system <NUM>, a desired theme of the ride system <NUM>, and other preferences of the rider. The desired intensity level may indicate a proximity that the rider may wish to approach various obstacles (e.g., wall, other ride vehicles <NUM>). That is, a first intensity level may correspond to allowing ride vehicles <NUM> to travel to be within two meters of each other (e.g., the threshold ride vehicle distance), while a second, higher intensity level may correspond to allowing the ride vehicles <NUM> to travel within one meter of each other to create a sensation in a rider that the ride vehicles <NUM> may collide. Additionally, the desired intensity level may include the amount of vertical movement and/or roll of the riding assembly <NUM>. For example, the first intensity level may correspond to allowing the ride vehicles <NUM> to move less vertically and/or to roll less compared to the second, higher intensity level. The desired theme may be a theme related to a movie, a television show, a fictional character, pop culture references, and may include a particular ride path of the ride vehicle <NUM> and other variations of the ride system <NUM>. For example, if the rider selects a theme related to birds or aircraft, the ride path of the ride vehicle <NUM> may simulate the flight of a bird or aircraft. Other preferences that may be provided via the rider inputs include language selection, character selection, the rider's height and/or weight, and other similar preferences.

Additionally, at block <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> receives additional rider inputs. The additional rider inputs may be received from a different rider relative to the inputs received at block <NUM>. For example, the additional inputs may be received from an operator of the ride system <NUM> and may include the choreography of the ride vehicle <NUM>, the theme of the ride system <NUM>, the threshold ride path distance, the threshold ride vehicle distance, and other rider inputs. The choreography of the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or the theme of the ride system <NUM> may include ride paths <NUM> that simulate movement of certain objects, such as riding assemblies of a carousel, animals (e.g., horses, dogs, dinosaurs), vehicles (e.g., airplanes, trains, ships, automobiles), and fictional characters (e.g., ghosts, superheroes). The threshold ride path distance may be the minimum distance between each ride path <NUM>, and the threshold ride vehicle distance may be the minimum distance between each ride vehicle <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the theme of the ride system <NUM> may include the choreography of the ride vehicles <NUM>, the threshold ride path distance, and the threshold ride vehicle distance. As such, the operator may provide a single input (e.g., the theme) to allow the ride vehicles <NUM> to move along their respective ride paths <NUM> and based on the threshold ride path distance and the threshold ride vehicle distance.

At block <NUM>, based upon the rider inputs received at blocks <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the rider inputs received from the rider riding the ride vehicle <NUM> and from the operator), the ride control system <NUM> determines the ride path <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the ride control system <NUM> may determine the ride path <NUM> based upon the desired intensity level of the ride system <NUM>, the desired theme of the ride system <NUM>, the choreography of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., the ride paths <NUM>), the threshold ride path distance, the threshold ride vehicle distance, and other rider inputs.

In certain embodiments, the ride control system <NUM> may adjust an initial ride path <NUM> and/or may resolve conflicts between the rider inputs when determining the ride path <NUM>. For example, if the operator provides an input indicative of an initial ride path <NUM> that corresponds to a first intensity level (e.g., block <NUM>), and the rider (e.g., the rider riding the ride vehicle <NUM>) provides an input indicative of a second intensity level that is generally more intense than the first intensity level, the ride control system <NUM> may adjust the initial ride path <NUM> provided by the operator to be a higher intensity ride path <NUM> that corresponds to the second intensity level. The higher intensity ride path <NUM> may include more relative surface movement, vertical movement, and roll as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM> compared to the ride path <NUM> provided for the first, lower intensity level. Additionally, the higher intensity ride path <NUM> may allow the ride vehicles <NUM> to move closer to one another (e.g., the threshold ride vehicle distance may be relatively lower compared to the ride path <NUM> provided for the first, lower intensity level). As such, via the method <NUM>, the ride control system <NUM> may provide a customized rider experience that allows the rider to at least partially determine/control the ride path <NUM> and the choreography of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

As set forth above, the ride system of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful in enhancing a rider's experience while riding ride vehicles of the ride system. For example, the ride system may include multiple ride vehicles configured to carry riders within a ride area to entertain and/or transport the riders. Movement of the ride vehicles may be choreographed along ride paths and/or with respect to one another and other portions of the ride system and may be controlled by a ride control system and/or ride vehicle control systems. The ride system may determine the ride paths based on various rider inputs, such as operator inputs and inputs indicative of a desired rider experience.

Additionally, the ride vehicles may move in certain directions relative to a surface of the ride system while moving along the ride paths, and/or may include riding assemblies configured to carry the riders and move relative to the surface of the ride system. For example, the ride vehicles may include mechanisms and portions (e.g., the riding assemblies) that may move vertically and/or horizontally in various directions (e.g., may move in any planar direction, may spin, and may turn) and that may roll. As such, the ride vehicles and ride systems described herein may move in various directions and in a choreographed manner for the transportation and/or entertainment of the riders. In certain embodiments, the choreographed movement of the ride vehicles may be viewed by people other than the riders, such as people waiting to ride the ride vehicles. The choreographed movement of the ride vehicles may provide an entertaining attraction for the people viewing the ride system.

While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art.

Claim 1:
A ride system (<NUM>), comprising:
a plurality of ride vehicles (<NUM>), wherein each respective ride vehicle (<NUM>) of the plurality of ride vehicles (<NUM>) comprises a riding assembly (<NUM>) configured to move vertically and angularly relative to a base (<NUM>) of the respective ride vehicle (<NUM>);
a ride control system (<NUM>) configured to:
receive a respective position of each respective ride vehicle (<NUM>) of the plurality of ride vehicles (<NUM>) within a ride area (<NUM>);
determine that a respective distance between two respective positions of two ride vehicles (<NUM>) of the plurality of ride vehicles (<NUM>) is less than a threshold distance; and
output a signal to at least one ride vehicle (<NUM>) of the plurality of ride vehicles (<NUM>) indicative of instructions to adjust at least one position of the at least one ride vehicle (<NUM>) of the plurality of ride vehicles (<NUM>) in response to determining that the respective distance between the two respective positions of the two ride vehicles (<NUM>) of the plurality of ride vehicles (<NUM>) is less than the threshold distance.