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

<CIT> describes a motor amusement car, in particular a water battle bumper car. Based on the prior art, the car is additionally provided with a water gun, a launching sensor to the water gun and a target with a receiving sensor to the car body, so that the water battle has an interactive effect, enhancing the fun of play and letting people who are obsessed with online games experience the real battlefield without being wet by the water.

The present invention is directed to an attraction system according to claim <NUM>. Subsidiary aspects of the invention are provided in the dependent claims.

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

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

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

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

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

With the preceding in mind, <FIG> is a block diagram of an attraction system <NUM> of an amusement park, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The attraction system <NUM> may be any suitable part of the amusement park that provides features to entertain guests, such as a particular ride (e.g., a roller coaster, a drop tower), another attraction (e.g., a performance show), a designated area of the amusement park, and the like. The illustrated attraction system <NUM> includes a first fluid source <NUM> and a second fluid source <NUM> to entertain the guests, but the attraction system <NUM> may include any suitable number of fluid sources in an additional or alternative embodiment. As an example, the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM> may include a water gun, a fountain, a water cannon, a hose, another suitable type of fluid source, or any combination thereof. Each fluid source <NUM>, <NUM> may emit a respective fluid stream. That is, the first fluid source <NUM> may emit a first fluid stream <NUM>, and the second fluid source <NUM> may emit a second fluid stream <NUM>. As an example, the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM> may be located on a ride vehicle of the attraction system <NUM>, equipped by guests of the attraction system <NUM>, implemented on a prop of the attraction system <NUM>, and so forth. The illustrated attraction system <NUM> further includes a first target <NUM> and a second target <NUM>. Each of the targets <NUM>, <NUM> may receive any of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM> from the respective fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated, the first fluid stream <NUM> emitted by the first fluid source <NUM> is directed to the second target <NUM>, and the second fluid stream <NUM> emitted by the second fluid source <NUM> is directed to the first target <NUM>, but additionally or alternatively, the first fluid stream <NUM> may be directed to the first target <NUM> and/or the second fluid stream <NUM> may be directed to the second target <NUM>. Indeed, the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM> may also be directed at the same target <NUM>, <NUM>.

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

For these reasons, each of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM> may output a signal that is encoded into the respective fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the first fluid stream <NUM> emitted by the first fluid source <NUM> includes a first signal, which may be uniquely associated with (e.g., include a unique identifier of) the first fluid source <NUM>. Moreover, the second fluid stream <NUM> emitted by the second fluid source <NUM> includes a second signal, which may be uniquely associated with (e.g., include a unique identifier of) the second fluid source <NUM>. To this end, the first fluid source <NUM> may include a first transmitter <NUM> that may output the first signal into the first fluid stream <NUM>, and the second fluid source <NUM> may include a second transmitter <NUM> that may output the second signal into the second fluid stream <NUM>. As the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM> are directed along a fluid flow path (e.g., to the targets <NUM>, <NUM>), the respective signals may remain contained within the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the signals travel along the respective flow paths of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, each of the targets <NUM>, <NUM> may receive the respective signals of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the first target <NUM> may include a first sensor <NUM> that may detect a received signal, and the second target <NUM> may include a second sensor <NUM> that may detect a received signal. That is, upon receipt of one of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may determine the presence of the signal encoded in the fluid stream <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, the presence of a detected signal indicates that the target <NUM>, <NUM> is receiving one of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the attraction system <NUM> may include a control system <NUM> that may operate the attraction system <NUM> based on the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>. The control system <NUM> includes a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM>, such as a microprocessor. The memory <NUM> may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disc drives, solid-state drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions to operate the attraction system <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may execute the instructions stored on the memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include any suitable processing circuitry, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. The control system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to each of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> such that the control system <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may receive data from the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, each of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may transmit data (e.g., sensor data) to the control system <NUM> to indicate whether or not a signal is detected. As a result, the control system <NUM> may determine whether or not the targets <NUM>, <NUM> are receiving one of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM> based on the data received from the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may also operate the attraction system <NUM> accordingly based on the data. By way of example, if the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are not receiving signals such that the control system <NUM> is not receiving appropriate data from the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may adjust a position and/or an orientation of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM> and/or of the targets <NUM>, <NUM> so as to enable the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> of the targets <NUM>, <NUM> to receive signals of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>.

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

For instance, the control system <NUM> may determine that the data transmitted by the first sensor <NUM> has a parameter associated with the second fluid source <NUM>, thus indicating that the first target <NUM> is receiving the second fluid stream <NUM> from the second fluid source <NUM>. Moreover, the control system <NUM> may determine that the data transmitted by the second sensor <NUM> has a parameter associated with the first fluid source <NUM>, thus indicating that the second target <NUM> is receiving the first fluid stream <NUM> from the first fluid source <NUM>. In this manner, the control system <NUM> may determine which fluid stream <NUM>, <NUM> is received by the targets <NUM>, <NUM> without, for example, having to determine a status (e.g., a position, orientation) of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the parameters of the respective signals encoded into the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM> are based on the output by the transmitters <NUM>, <NUM>, and not on a status or a condition of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM>, of the targets <NUM>, <NUM>, or of any other part of the attraction system <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> may determine that the first target <NUM> is receiving the second fluid stream <NUM> from the second fluid source <NUM>, even though the first fluid source <NUM> may be positioned closer to the first target <NUM> and/or even though the first fluid stream <NUM> of the first fluid source <NUM> may be directed at or near the first target <NUM> (e.g., but the first fluid stream <NUM> is not received by the first target <NUM>).

In a further embodiment, the parameters of the signals encoded in the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM> may indicate other information, such as a status of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM>. As an example, the parameters may indicate a respective position of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM>, a respective condition (e.g., operating mode) of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM>, a time of the day, and so forth. In this way, the control system <NUM> may also operate the attraction system <NUM> based on the additional information, such as to adjust the operating mode of the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM>.

Moreover, the encoding and the determination of the signals of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM> may be unidirectionally or bi-directionally performed for a single one of the fluid streams <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, the control system <NUM> may cause the targets <NUM>, <NUM> to transmit encoded signals, and/or the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM> may include sensors that facilitate determining parameters of a received signal. To this end, the first target <NUM> may include a third transmitter <NUM>, the second target <NUM> may include a fourth transmitter <NUM>, the first fluid source <NUM> may include a third sensor <NUM>, and/or the second fluid source <NUM> may include a fourth sensor <NUM>. In this way, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM> may transmit data to the control system <NUM>, and the control system <NUM> may analyze the data received from the fluid sources <NUM>, <NUM> to determine information regarding the attraction system <NUM>. In one embodiment, when a stream of fluid strikes a target <NUM>, <NUM>, data is transmitted back through the consistent stream via the signal emitted from the respective target <NUM>, <NUM> and no data is transmitted from the fluid source <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a target-based fluid emission system <NUM> (fluid system <NUM>) that may be implemented in the attraction system <NUM> of <FIG>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated fluid system <NUM>, the first fluid source <NUM> emits the first fluid stream <NUM> toward the first target <NUM>. Moreover, the first fluid stream <NUM> includes a signal <NUM> (e.g., a visible light signal) encoded by the control system <NUM> and output by the first transmitter <NUM>. The first fluid stream <NUM> may enclose the signal <NUM> in the first fluid stream <NUM> via internal reflection (e.g., total internal reflection). As used herein, internal reflection refers to a condition in which the signal <NUM> is substantially enclosed within a medium, such as the first fluid stream <NUM>, and does not substantially extend out of the first fluid stream <NUM>. For example, internal reflection may be achieved by transmitting the signal <NUM> to deflect off an edge of the first fluid stream <NUM> at a particular angle (e.g., greater than a critical angle of the first fluid stream <NUM>). As a result, the signal <NUM> continues to deflect off the edges of the first fluid stream <NUM> instead of passing through the first fluid stream <NUM>. Therefore, the signal <NUM> moves along a flow path of the first fluid stream <NUM>. To achieve desired levels of internal reflection, signals (e.g., light beams) may be emitted at a certain angle relative to the first fluid source <NUM> (e.g., a nozzle of the first fluid source <NUM>). The first fluid source <NUM> may be controlled to provide a stream geometry that facilitates internal reflection.

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

In an embodiment, the first fluid source <NUM> includes the first transmitter <NUM>, and the first target <NUM> includes the first sensor <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may cause the first transmitter <NUM> to output the encoded signal <NUM> into the first fluid stream <NUM>. For instance, when the first fluid source <NUM> emits the first fluid stream <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may activate the first transmitter <NUM> to output the encoded signal <NUM> into the first fluid stream <NUM>. In some cases, the control system <NUM> may operate both the first fluid source <NUM> and the first transmitter <NUM> and, as such, causes the first fluid source <NUM> to emit the first fluid stream <NUM> while causing the first transmitter <NUM> to output the encoded signal <NUM> into the first fluid stream <NUM>. As such, the first transmitter <NUM> may remain active while the first fluid source <NUM> emits the first fluid stream <NUM>. Moreover, the control system <NUM> may operate the first sensor <NUM> to remain active during operation of the fluid system <NUM> such that the first sensor <NUM> may readily receive the signal <NUM> at any time. In this way, the first sensor <NUM> may transmit data to the control system <NUM> in real-time to determine the status of the first fluid stream <NUM>. For example, if the target <NUM> does not receive the first fluid stream <NUM>, the first sensor <NUM> may not transmit data indicative of the receipt of the signal <NUM>, and/or the first sensor <NUM> may transmit data indicative that the sensor <NUM> is not receiving the signal <NUM>. If the target <NUM> does receive the first fluid stream <NUM>, the first sensor <NUM> may then transmit data associated with the signal <NUM> to the control system <NUM>.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the first target <NUM> includes the third transmitter <NUM>, which may output the encoded signal <NUM> into the first fluid stream <NUM> emitted by the first fluid source <NUM>, and the first fluid source <NUM> includes the third sensor <NUM>, which may receive the signal <NUM>. As an example, the control system <NUM> may operate the third transmitter <NUM> such that the signal <NUM> is constantly transmitting regardless of whether the first target <NUM> receives the first fluid stream <NUM>. However, the third sensor <NUM> of the first fluid source <NUM> may receive the signal <NUM> only when the first target <NUM> receives the first fluid stream <NUM>. That is, if the first fluid stream <NUM> does not extend from the first fluid source <NUM> to the first target <NUM>, the transmitter <NUM> is not able to transmit the signal <NUM> through the first fluid stream <NUM>. As such, the third sensor <NUM> does not receive the signal <NUM> and does not transmit data indicative of receipt of the signal <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. However, if the first fluid stream <NUM> does extend from the first fluid source <NUM> to the first target <NUM>, the signal <NUM> transmitted by the third transmitter <NUM> may travel through the first fluid stream <NUM> to be received by the third sensor <NUM>. As a result, the third sensor <NUM> may transmit data associated with the signal <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. Indeed, either the first fluid source <NUM> or the first target <NUM> may transmit the signal <NUM> and the other of the first fluid source <NUM> or the first target <NUM> may transmit data associated with the signal <NUM> to the control system <NUM>.

Further, in an embodiment, multiple signals may be simultaneously encoded into the first fluid stream <NUM>. For instance, the first fluid source <NUM> and/or the first target <NUM> may each include multiple transmitters, and each of the transmitters may output a respective encoded signal into the first fluid stream <NUM> at the same time. As an example, one of the signals may include visible light (e.g., to provide a decorative coloration effect of the first fluid stream <NUM>), and another of the signals may include infrared light (e.g., to transmit data with which the control system <NUM> uses to operate the fluid system <NUM>). As another example, each signal may include respective data that is used by the control system <NUM> to perform an operation. In other words, the control system <NUM> may receive multiple data via the first fluid stream <NUM> to operate the fluid system <NUM>.

Although the illustrated fluid system <NUM> includes the first fluid source <NUM> that may direct the first fluid stream <NUM> to the first target <NUM>, an additional or alternative fluid system <NUM> may include the first fluid source <NUM> as directing the first fluid stream <NUM> to another fluid source instead of a target. In other words, one fluid source may also be able to receive fluid streams and signals from another fluid source, and the fluid source receiving the signal may transmit data to the control system <NUM> to indicate that the fluid source has received the signal. In this way, each fluid source may also act as a target.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may adjust the operation of the transmitters <NUM>, <NUM> to specify the parameters of the signal <NUM>. By way of example, the control system <NUM> may cause the first transmitter <NUM> to output the signal <NUM> having a particular parameter (e.g., having a certain value) detectable by the first sensor <NUM>. Upon receipt of the signal <NUM>, the first sensor <NUM> of the first target <NUM> may then transmit data to the control system <NUM> to indicate the particular parameter. As a result, the control system <NUM> may then determine that the first target <NUM> specifically received the first fluid stream <NUM> emitted by the first fluid source <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may also be communicatively coupled to a database <NUM> (e.g., a physical server, a cloud computing device), which may store certain information relevant to the operation of the fluid system <NUM> and/or of the attraction system <NUM>. In an example, the database <NUM> may store data (e.g., a database table) associating the parameters of the signal <NUM> with various information, and the control system <NUM> may access the database <NUM> to operate the transmitters <NUM>, <NUM> accordingly to transmit the signal <NUM>. In another example, the database <NUM> may store information that is updated based on the detection of the signal <NUM> by the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the first fluid source <NUM> may be associated with and operated by a particular guest, and the database <NUM> may store information regarding the guest, such as a guest or user profile and/or a number of points assigned to the guest. The guest may operate the first fluid source <NUM> to direct the first fluid stream <NUM> toward the first target <NUM>, and the control system <NUM> may update the number of points assigned to the guest based on whether the first target <NUM> receives the first fluid stream <NUM>. In one embodiment, the control system <NUM> may assign more points based on time (e.g., the longer the guest is able to hit the first target <NUM> with the first fluid stream <NUM>). In an additional or alternative embodiment, the control system <NUM> may assign more points based on frequency (e.g., the more times the guest is able to hit the first target <NUM> with the first fluid stream <NUM>). Indeed, if multiple fluid sources associated with different, respective guests are implemented, the control system <NUM> may determine the particular fluid stream received by the first target <NUM> (e.g., based on determining the parameter of the signal <NUM> correlates with a signal encoded by the transmitter of the particular fluid source and received by the first sensor <NUM> of the first target <NUM>), and update the points assigned to the corresponding guest accordingly. Further, if multiple targets are implemented, each target may be associated with a distinct point value, and the control system <NUM> may determine the particular target receiving the fluid stream of the first fluid source <NUM> (e.g., based on determining the signal encoded by the transmitter of the target and received by the third sensor <NUM> of the first fluid source <NUM>), and update the points stored in the database <NUM> in accordance to the specific target.

The control system <NUM> may further perform another action in response to the receipt of the signal <NUM> and/or based on the determined parameters of the signal <NUM>. As an example, the first fluid source <NUM> and the first target <NUM> may each include a respective actuator <NUM>, and the control system <NUM> may activate either of the actuators <NUM> to move the first fluid source <NUM>, the first target <NUM>, and/or another component of the attraction system <NUM>. As another example, the control system <NUM> may output a notification, such as to present a visual display (e.g., a light), present an audio output (e.g., a sound effect), transmit information to a mobile device, and the like, to indicate a successful target strike based on the parameter of the signal <NUM>. As a further example, the control system <NUM> may change an operation of the attraction system <NUM>, such as a manner (e.g., a flow direction, a flow rate) in which the first fluid source <NUM> emits the first fluid stream <NUM>. Indeed, the control system <NUM> may perform any suitable action based on the signal <NUM> being received by one of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate respective methods for operating an attraction system, such as the attraction system <NUM> of <FIG>, using the fluid system <NUM> of <FIG>. Although <FIG> and <FIG> primarily discuss that the steps of each method are performed by the control system <NUM>, it should be noted that the steps of each method may be performed by any suitable system, such as multiple controllers. It should also be noted that the steps of each method may be performed differently in another embodiment, such as for a different embodiment of the attraction system. For example, additional steps may be performed, and/or certain steps of each method may be modified, removed, and/or performed in a different order.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claim 1:
An attraction system, comprising:
a fluid source (<NUM>) configured to emit a fluid stream (<NUM>) with a geometry that facilitates internal reflection;
a transmitter (<NUM>) configured to transmit a signal (<NUM>) through the fluid stream (<NUM>) such that the signal (<NUM>) is enclosed in the fluid stream (<NUM>) via the internal reflection, wherein the signal (<NUM>) comprises a parameter;
a sensor (<NUM>) configured to receive the signal (<NUM>) via the fluid stream (<NUM>) and provide data indicative of the parameter; and
a control system (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the sensor (<NUM>), wherein the control system (<NUM>) comprises a processor (<NUM>) and a memory (<NUM>), wherein the memory (<NUM>) comprises instructions that cause the processor (<NUM>) to:
receive the data indicative of the parameter from the sensor (<NUM>);
and operate the attraction system (<NUM>) based on the parameter.