Patent Description:
Many amusement parks include rides in which a ride vehicle carries one or more passengers along a ride path. The ride vehicle may change speed and/or direction as the ride vehicle travels along the ride path. The ride path may include a number of features, such as tunnels, turns, loops, and so forth. Various show effects on the ride vehicle and/or in an environment surrounding the ride vehicle may be provided to enhance the experience for the one or more passengers. For instance <CIT> describes a roller coaster seat which may be provided with a virtual reality headset. The headset may be secured to the roller coaster seat by means of a tether cable with a locking element. The locking element has a locked configuration in which detachment of the tether cable from the headset is prevented and an unlocked configuration in which the tether cable may be released or detached from the headset.

In accordance with one embodiment, a ride system includes a personal electronic device (PED) holding system for a ride vehicle. The PED holding system includes a lock that is configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle. The PED holding system also includes a charging system that is configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED during the ride cycle. The PED holding system is further configured to enable features of a software application on the PED in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the lock.

In accordance with one embodiment, a PED holding system for a ride vehicle includes a container that is configured to contain a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle during a ride cycle. The container enables the passenger to access a camera function of the PED during the ride cycle. The PED holding system also includes a charging system that is configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED while the PED is contained within the container during the ride cycle, and a lock that is configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock the PED within the container. The PED holding system is further configured to enable features of a software application in response to the PED being locked within the container via the lock.

In accordance with one embodiment, a method of operating a PED holding system includes moving a lock of the PED holding system from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle; charging an energy storage component of a PED during the ride cycle using a charging system of the PED holding system, wherein the PED holding system is configured to enable features of a software application on the PED in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via a lock.

The systems and methods disclosed herein relate generally to a personal electronic device (PED) holding system for a ride system within an amusement park. The ride system may include any type of attraction or experience that is designed to entertain a passenger, such as an attraction that includes a ride vehicle that travels along a path, an attraction that includes a ride vehicle that moves without traveling along a path, an attraction that includes a room or theatre with stationary or moving seats for passengers to sit in while the passengers watch a video, or the like. The PED holding system may include features that hold (e.g., contain, secure) a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle during a ride cycle (e.g., during at least a portion of the ride cycle; between loading and unloading). The PED holding system may also include features that charge an energy storage component (e.g., battery) of the PED during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the PED holding system may include features that enable the passenger to access certain features, such as a camera, of the PED during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the PED holding system may facilitate communication between the PED and other components of the ride system. In some such cases, the passenger may be able to use the PED to control show effects, such as light effects on the ride vehicle or in an environment surrounding the ride vehicle during the ride cycle, for example. Thus, present embodiments advantageously hold the PED during the ride cycle (e.g., block the PED from falling off of the ride vehicle) and may also enable the passenger to charge the PED during the ride cycle and/or to use the PED to customize their experience on the ride vehicle.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a ride system <NUM> that may be used in an amusement park. The ride system <NUM> may include a ride vehicle <NUM>, which may travel along a ride path <NUM> (e.g., track). The ride vehicle <NUM> may pass one or more show effects <NUM> (e.g., show elements, such as lights or animated figures) as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM>. The ride vehicle <NUM> may include one or more seats <NUM> and/or one or more passenger restraints <NUM> (e.g., lap bars, seat belts) that are arranged to hold one or more passengers on the ride vehicle <NUM>.

The ride vehicle <NUM> may also include one or more PED holding devices <NUM> (e.g., containers, compartments, enclosures, recesses, cables, ties) that may be part of a PED holding system <NUM>. For example, as shown, one PED holding device <NUM> may be provided for each seat <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the PED holding devices <NUM> for the seats <NUM> in a front row of the seats <NUM> are positioned in or on a front dashboard of the ride vehicle <NUM>, while the PED holding devices <NUM> for the seats <NUM> in other rows of the seats <NUM> are positioned in or on the seats <NUM> (e.g., a rear surface of the seats <NUM>) in an adjacent row of the seats <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that the PED holding devices <NUM> may be positioned at any suitable location on the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., in or on the seats <NUM>, in or on the passenger restraints <NUM>, in or on a bottom surface or floor of the ride vehicle <NUM>, in or on a side surface of the ride vehicle <NUM>, in or on an interior-facing surface or an exterior-facing surface of the ride vehicle <NUM>).

It should also be appreciated that more than one ride vehicle <NUM> may travel along the ride path <NUM>. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the ride vehicle <NUM> may not travel along the ride path <NUM>, but instead, the ride vehicle <NUM> may be stationary or may move (e.g., tip, spin, raise, lower) without traversing the ride path <NUM> (e.g., without moving forward or rearward along the ride path <NUM>). Furthermore, the ride vehicle <NUM> may have any suitable number of seats <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more seats) arranged in any suitable configuration.

The PED holding device <NUM> may have any of a variety of forms that enable the PED holding device <NUM> to hold the PED of the passenger. <FIG> depict various embodiments of the PED holding device <NUM> to facilitate discussion; however, these embodiments are not intended to be limiting and features of the illustrated embodiments may be combined in any of a variety of ways. With this in mind, <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the PED holding device <NUM> that is part of the PED holding system <NUM>. As shown, the PED holding device <NUM> includes a container <NUM> defined by a plurality of walls <NUM>. The container <NUM> may be coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., to a frame or surface <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> via one or more fasteners <NUM>, such as bolts or welds) or the container <NUM> may be integrally formed with the surface <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., one-piece construction). The container <NUM> may extend outwardly from the surface <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>, as shown, or the container <NUM> may be recessed so that the container <NUM> is partially or fully recessed relative to the surface <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the container <NUM> may merely be a recess or opening formed in the surface <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> that is sized to receive a PED <NUM> from the passenger.

The PED <NUM> may be a device that is carried with the passenger onto the ride vehicle <NUM> and off of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some cases, the PED <NUM> is a device that the passenger brings into the amusement park, carries about the amusement park to different ride attractions, and/or takes home from the amusement park. The PED <NUM> may be owned by the passenger or otherwise under the control (e.g., rented or borrowed for a period of time) of the passenger. The PED <NUM> may be a mobile phone, a tablet, a watch, a camera, a laptop computer, an e-reader, an MP3 player, a toy, a rechargeable battery, or any other portable electronic and/or chargeable device.

The container <NUM> may be associated with at least one charging system, such as a wired charging system <NUM> and/or a wireless charging system <NUM>, which is configured to charge the PED <NUM> while the PED <NUM> is within the container <NUM>. For example, in operation, the passenger may place the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM> and then manually move a cable <NUM> of the wired charging system <NUM> to couple a connector (e.g., male connector) at one end of the cable <NUM> to a corresponding connector (e.g., female connector) of the PED <NUM> to enable the wired charging system <NUM> to charge an energy storage component (e.g., battery) of the PED <NUM> (e.g., using power from a power source <NUM>). It should be appreciated that instead of the cable <NUM>, the wired charging system <NUM> may include a docking station with a connector that is in a fixed position relative to the container <NUM>. In such cases, the passenger may place the PED <NUM> relative to the docking station to couple the connector to the corresponding connector of the PED <NUM> to enable the wired charging system <NUM> to charge the energy storage component of the PED <NUM>. The cable <NUM> may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, although the wired charging system <NUM> may include any other suitable type of cable or connector that is configured to charge the PED <NUM> upon physical connection to or engagement with the corresponding connector of the PED <NUM>. In embodiments having the wireless charging system <NUM>, the wireless charging system <NUM> may include a transmitter that is positioned proximate to or within the container <NUM>, and the transmitter may interact with a receiver of the PED <NUM> to charge the PED <NUM> via any suitable wireless charging technique, such as an inductive charging technique and/or a radio-frequency charging technique.

In some embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> may be stationary, move slowly in place, or slowly traverse the ride path <NUM>. In some such cases, the configuration of the container <NUM> and/or the connection between the PED <NUM> and the cable <NUM> may be sufficient to maintain the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM> and to hold the PED <NUM> on the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle. In some such cases, the PED <NUM> may remain generally stationary within the container <NUM> or otherwise remain in a position within the container <NUM> that enables the wireless charging system <NUM> to charge the PED <NUM> during the ride cycle.

However, it may be desirable to further secure the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM>. For example, a cover <NUM> (e.g., lid, brace, net, strap) may be positioned over the PED <NUM> during the ride cycle. The cover <NUM> may have any of a variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover <NUM> includes a hinged lid that pivots relative to a base <NUM> of the container <NUM> from an open configuration (e.g., open position; open condition) to a closed configuration (e.g., closed position; closed condition), as shown by arrow <NUM>, to enclose the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be adjusted to the closed configuration manually by the passenger and/or by an operator, or the cover <NUM> may be adjusted to the closed configuration via an actuator that is electronically controlled by an electronic controller (e.g., prior to the ride cycle). The cover <NUM> may include a rigid element <NUM> (e.g., hard plastic or metal) and/or a compressible element <NUM> (e.g., foam). The rigid element <NUM> may protect the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM> and provide support to the compressible element <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is in the closed configuration, the compressible element <NUM> may contact and compress against the PED <NUM> to block movement of the PED <NUM>, thereby facilitating charging of the PED <NUM> and/or blocking relative movement between the PED <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle. Thus, the container <NUM> may protect the PED <NUM>, such as by blocking relative movement between the PED <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or by surrounding the PED <NUM> with the plurality of walls <NUM> (e.g., by isolating the PED <NUM> from the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>). In some embodiments, the container <NUM> may be waterproof (e.g., the container <NUM> may block entry of water into an interior of the container <NUM>). The container <NUM> may accommodate different size PEDs <NUM> and/or may be adjustable to accommodate different size PEDs <NUM> (e.g., the walls <NUM> may be adjustable).

In some embodiments, the PED holding device <NUM> may include a lock <NUM>. The lock <NUM> may have any of a variety of configurations and generally move between an unlocked configuration (e.g., unlocked position; unlocked condition) to enable access to the PED <NUM> held by the PED holding device <NUM> and a locked configuration (e.g., locked position; locked condition) to block access to the PED <NUM> held by the PED holding device <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below, the lock <NUM> may be in the locked configuration during the ride cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock <NUM> is configured to lock the cover <NUM> to the base <NUM> of the container <NUM>, and the lock <NUM> includes two locking elements <NUM>, <NUM> that engage one another to hold the cover <NUM> in the closed configuration. The locking elements <NUM>, <NUM> may be any suitable type of locking mechanism (e.g., magnetic lock; mechanical fastener, such as a latch; electronically-activated lock).

In some embodiments, the lock <NUM> may be manually adjusted by the passenger and/or the operator at any time before, during, and after the ride cycle to enable access to the PED <NUM> at any time, including during the ride cycle. However, in other embodiments, the lock <NUM> may be an electronically-activated lock that is maintained in the locked configuration during the ride cycle, thereby blocking the passenger from accessing the PED <NUM> held by the container <NUM> during the ride cycle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration, the passenger cannot open the container <NUM> and cannot remove the PED <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

If the lock <NUM> is electronically-activated, the lock <NUM> may be part of a lock system <NUM> (e.g., radio-frequency identification [RFID] lock system) that includes a receiver <NUM> that receives an activation signal and a deactivation signal from a transceiver (e.g., on the ride vehicle <NUM> or in an environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>). In operation, upon receipt of the activation signal at the receiver <NUM> (e.g., prior to the ride cycle), the lock <NUM> may transition from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The lock <NUM> may be held or maintained in the locked configuration until receipt of the deactivation signal at the receiver. Then, upon receipt of the deactivation signal at the receiver <NUM> (e.g., after the ride cycle), the lock <NUM> may transition from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

In some embodiments, the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> and the lock system <NUM> may work together to incentivize the passenger to lock the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM>, thereby reducing incidents in which the PED <NUM> falls off of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> may only charge the energy storage device of the PED <NUM> while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration. In such cases, the locking system <NUM> may provide feedback indicative of the configuration of the lock <NUM> (e.g., via a sensor <NUM> that detects whether the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration) to an electronic controller (e.g., having a processor and a memory) associated with the PED holding system <NUM>. Upon receipt of feedback that indicates that the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration, the electronic controller may instruct delivery of power from the power source <NUM> through the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> to charge the energy storage component of the PED <NUM>. Other variations of this technique are envisioned. For example, in embodiments that are devoid of the lock <NUM>, the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> may only charge the energy storage device of the PED <NUM> while the cover <NUM> is in the closed configuration (e.g., as detected by a sensor) and/or while the PED <NUM> is detected (e.g., as detected by a sensor) as being positioned fully and/or properly within the container <NUM>. Thus, a passenger who connects the PED <NUM> to the cable <NUM> of the wired charging system <NUM>, but who continues to hold and/or manipulate the PED <NUM> in an unintended manner during the ride cycle, will not enjoy the benefit of having their PED <NUM> charged during the ride cycle. As discussed in more detail below, additionally or alternatively, the access to and/or functionality of various other features (e.g., camera and/or audio features of the PED <NUM>; camera and/or audio features in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>) may be based on the configuration of the cover <NUM> and/or the position of the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM>. Thus, the PED holding system <NUM> may incentivize the passenger to lock the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM> in any of a variety of ways.

<FIG> is a front view of an embodiment of the PED holding system <NUM> that may be used in the ride vehicle <NUM>. As shown, the PED holding system <NUM> includes the PED holding device <NUM> having a tie assembly <NUM> (e.g., strap, net, tether) configured to couple the PED <NUM> to the cable <NUM> of the wired charging system <NUM>. As noted above, in some cases, the configuration of the container <NUM> and/or the connection between the PED <NUM> and the cable <NUM> may be sufficient to hold the PED <NUM> on the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle. However, it may be desirable to have another connection between the PED <NUM> and the cable <NUM> via the tie assembly <NUM> (e.g., in addition to the connection between the connector of the cable <NUM> and the corresponding connector of the PED <NUM>) to facilitate charging and/or to further secure the PED <NUM> to the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tie assembly <NUM> includes a cable portion <NUM> that is coupled to and contacts the cable <NUM> (and/or the connector at the end of the cable <NUM>), and two PED portions <NUM> that extend from the cable portion <NUM> to wrap around the PED <NUM>. The cable portion <NUM> may be relatively rigid, while the PED portions <NUM> may be relatively flexible (e.g., compared to the cable portion <NUM>). The PED portions <NUM> may each include a first end coupled to the cable portion <NUM> and a second end coupled to the cable portion <NUM> (or to the first end of the respective PED portion <NUM>). For example, the first end may be fixed or rigidly secured to the cable portion <NUM>, while the second end may be removably coupled to the cable portion <NUM> via a fastener <NUM> (e.g., a snap, a buckle, a hook-and-loop interface). In operation, the passenger may manually move the cable <NUM> to connect the connector of the cable <NUM> to the corresponding connector of the PED <NUM>. The passenger may then wrap the PED portions <NUM> around the PED <NUM> and couple the respective second end of each of the PED portions <NUM> to the cable portion <NUM>. The passenger may adjust (e.g., tighten) the PED portions <NUM> so that the cable portion <NUM> and the PED portions <NUM> generally drive the cable <NUM> and the PED <NUM> toward one another to facilitate charging the PED <NUM> during the ride cycle and/or to secure the PED <NUM> to the ride vehicle <NUM>, even during portions of the ride cycle in which the ride vehicle <NUM> moves quickly, turns, flips, or the like. The PED portions <NUM> may therefore also accommodate different size PEDs <NUM> (e.g., one passenger may use the tie assembly <NUM> to hold their PED <NUM> having a first size, and another passenger may use the tie assembly <NUM> to hold their PED <NUM> having a second size that is different than the first size). In some embodiments, the fasteners <NUM> may be and/or may operate as the locks <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus, may be electronically-activated to block separation of the PED <NUM> from the cable <NUM> and from the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle. In such cases, the wired charging system <NUM> and the locks <NUM> may work together so that the wired charging system <NUM> only charges the energy storage device of the PED <NUM> while the locks <NUM> are in the locked configuration. Furthermore, the tie assembly <NUM> may be positioned relative to the PED <NUM> to enable the passenger to view at least some portion of the PED <NUM> (e.g., a display screen) and/or to access at least some features of the PED <NUM> (e.g., camera features and/or audio features of the PED <NUM>) during the ride cycle.

The tie assembly <NUM> may have any of a variety of configurations, but may generally be coupled to and contact both the cable <NUM> and the PED <NUM>. For example, the tie assembly <NUM> may include any number of cable portions <NUM> and PED portions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tie assembly <NUM> may be a net that extends from the cable <NUM> to wrap around the PED <NUM> to block movement of the cable <NUM> relative to the PED <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the tie assembly <NUM> may also include elastic portions (e.g., the PED portions <NUM>) that may be stretched to wrap around the PED <NUM> to block relative movement between the cable <NUM> and the PED <NUM>. It should also be appreciated that the tie assembly <NUM> may be used in conjunction with a container, such as the container <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the container <NUM> may hold the PED <NUM>, and the tie assembly <NUM> may be used to enhance the connection between the cable <NUM> and the PED <NUM>. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the tie assembly <NUM> may be configured to couple a component of the wireless charging system <NUM> (<FIG>) to the PED <NUM>, such as by wrapping around the component and the PED <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the PED holding system <NUM> that may be used in the ride vehicle <NUM>. As shown, the PED holding device <NUM> includes the container <NUM>, which includes an opening <NUM> that enables the passenger to view at least a portion of the PED <NUM> (e.g., a display screen) and/or to access at least some features of the PED <NUM> (e.g., camera features and/or audio features of the PED <NUM>). In some embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be an open space between the walls <NUM> of the container <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> may enable the passenger to touch the PED <NUM> while the PED <NUM> is within the container <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be a window (e.g., transparent component), which may be positioned between the walls <NUM> (e.g. opaque walls) of the container <NUM> to overlay the PED <NUM> while the PED <NUM> is within the container <NUM>. In such cases, the passenger may not be able to touch the PED <NUM> while the PED <NUM> is within the container <NUM>, but the passenger may still be able to view at least a portion of the PED <NUM> and/or access at least some features of the PED <NUM> via the opening <NUM> (e.g., a lens of a camera of the PED <NUM> may be able to obtain images through the opening <NUM>). It should also be appreciated that the opening <NUM> may have any of a variety of configurations, including any of a variety of sizes and locations.

The walls <NUM> of the container <NUM> may extend outwardly from the surface <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., toward the passenger) and/or may bend inwardly (e.g., toward one another). Accordingly, the PED <NUM> may be blocked from moving laterally (e.g., side-to-side) relative to the container <NUM> and longitudinally (e.g., forward-and-back) relative to the container <NUM> by the walls <NUM>. The PED <NUM> may also be supported by and rest on one of the walls <NUM> that forms a bottom of the container <NUM>, as shown. In some embodiments, the container <NUM> may be associated with at least one charging system, such as the wired charging system <NUM> and/or the wireless charging system <NUM> (<FIG>), that is configured to charge the PED <NUM> while the PED <NUM> is within the container <NUM>. The container <NUM> may accommodate different size PEDs <NUM> and/or may be adjustable to accommodate different size PEDs <NUM> (e.g., the walls <NUM> may be adjustable).

However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to further secure the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM> using the cover <NUM>, for example. Similar to the cover <NUM> of <FIG>, the cover <NUM> of <FIG> includes a hinged lid that pivots relative to the base <NUM> of the container <NUM> from the open configuration to the closed configuration, as shown by the arrow <NUM>, to enclose the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be adjusted to the closed configuration manually by the passenger and/or by the operator, or the cover <NUM> may be adjusted to the closed configuration via the actuator that is electronically controlled by the electronic controller (e.g., prior to the ride cycle). The cover <NUM> may include the rigid element <NUM> and/or the compressible element <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is in the closed configuration, the compressible element <NUM> may contact and compress against the PED <NUM> to block vertical movement (e.g., up-and-down) of the PED <NUM> relative to the container <NUM>, thereby facilitating charging of the PED <NUM> and/or further securing the PED <NUM> to the ride vehicle <NUM>. Blocking movement of the PED <NUM> relative to the container <NUM> (and therefore, relative to the ride vehicle <NUM>) may also facilitate viewing images (including streaming video) on the screen of the PED <NUM> and/or use of certain features of the PED <NUM> (e.g., the camera of the PED <NUM>).

It should be appreciated that the container <NUM> may include additional compressible elements that contact and compress against other surfaces of the PED <NUM> to assist in blocking vertical, lateral, and/or longitudinal movement of the PED <NUM> relative to the container <NUM>. The container <NUM> may also include the lock <NUM> of <FIG>, and the lock <NUM> may be electronically-activated to block separation of the cover <NUM> from the base <NUM> and to block separation of the PED <NUM> from the cable <NUM> and from the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle. In such cases, the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> and the lock <NUM> may work together so that the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> only charge the energy storage device of the PED <NUM> while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration.

In operation, the passenger may position the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM>, such as by lowering the PED <NUM> into the container <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM>. The passenger (or the operator) may manually couple the connector of the cable <NUM> to the corresponding connector of the PED <NUM> or may otherwise couple the PED <NUM> to the wired charging system <NUM> or the wireless charging system <NUM> (<FIG>). The passenger (or the operator) may close the cover <NUM> and may lock the cover <NUM> to the base <NUM> of the container <NUM> via the lock <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be adjusted to the closed configuration and/or the lock <NUM> may be adjusted to the locked configuration via instructions from the electronic controller. The cover <NUM> and the lock <NUM> may remain in these configurations during the ride cycle.

Even while the PED <NUM> is held and/or locked within the container <NUM>, the passenger may view at least a portion of the PED <NUM> and/or may access at least some features of the PED <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. For example, the passenger may view the screen of the PED <NUM> so that the passenger can view pop-up notifications (e.g., text messages or social media messages), view images displayed on the display screen (e.g., images obtained by the camera of the PED <NUM>), view information related to an audio track that is currently playing (e.g., via speakers of the PED <NUM>), and/or any other information that might be desirable to display on the screen of the PED <NUM>. The passenger may be able to touch the PED <NUM> to interact with the PED <NUM>, such as to type and send text messages, to operate the camera of the PED <NUM>, to select an audio track to play during the ride cycle, and/or to carry out any of a variety of other operations using the PED <NUM>. For example, the passenger may operate the camera of the PED <NUM> to take photos and/or to record video of themselves as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM>. The photos and/or the video may be stored locally on the PED <NUM> and/or the video may be streamed (e.g., livestreamed) via a network (e.g., cellular or other wireless network), for example.

In some embodiments, certain features of the PED <NUM> and/or uses of the PED <NUM> (e.g., camera features and/or audio features) may only be available to the passenger while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration. For example, the passenger may be incentivized to run a software application on the PED <NUM> during the ride cycle (e.g., due to various features of the software application, such as features that enable the passenger to play a game during the ride cycle or to view otherwise unavailable information or media on the screen of the PED <NUM> during the ride cycle), and the application may only enable use of the camera of the PED <NUM> and/or access to audio tracks while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration. In some cases, the software application may only make certain of its features (e.g., game features, media) available on the PED <NUM> while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration. The features of the PED <NUM> (e.g., camera features and/or audio features) may activate automatically while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration (e.g., without passenger input). For example, the software application on the PED <NUM> may enable the PED <NUM> to take photos and/or record video automatically (e.g., during the ride cycle and/or at certain parts of the ride cycle) while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration.

It may be desirable for the PED holding device <NUM> to be adjustable to enable multiple different viewing directions for the camera function of the PED <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> is a front view of an embodiment of the PED holding system <NUM> that may be used in the ride system of <FIG>, wherein the PED holding device <NUM> is adjustable to enable the multiple different viewing directions for the camera function of the PED <NUM>. The PED holding device <NUM> may have any of a variety of configurations, but may include the container <NUM> similar to the container <NUM> of <FIG> and that is mounted on an adjustable arm <NUM> (e.g., rotatable arm, flexible arm, telescoping arm). The container <NUM> may accommodate different size PEDs <NUM> and/or may be adjustable to accommodate different size PEDs <NUM>. The adjustable arm <NUM> may be mounted to or supported on the surface <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. The adjustable arm <NUM> may have any number of degrees of freedom to change the camera position and/or angle relative to the ride vehicle <NUM>, but in some embodiments, the adjustable arm <NUM> may at least rotate, as shown by arrows <NUM>. The adjustable arm <NUM> may additionally or alternatively move vertically, as shown by arrows <NUM>. The adjustable arm <NUM> may additionally or alternatively move longitudinally (e.g., front-to-back; toward and away from the passenger) and/or laterally (e.g., side-to-side). Such movements may enable the camera of the PED <NUM> to capture images of the passenger, adjacent passengers, and/or the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the passenger may desire to orient the PED <NUM> to capture images (e.g., video images) forward of the ride vehicle <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> climbs up a hill of the ride path <NUM>, and the passenger may desire to orient the PED <NUM> to capture images of the passenger as the ride vehicle <NUM> drops down the hill of the ride path <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the passenger may manually adjust the adjustable arm <NUM> by contacting and exerting a force on the adjustable arm <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the passenger may adjust the adjustable arm <NUM> using an input device <NUM> (e.g., touchscreen, control pad, joystick) of the ride vehicle <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below, the PED <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or the ride system <NUM> (e.g., via the wired charging system <NUM>, the wireless charging system <NUM>, or some other suitable wired or wireless communication system). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the passenger may adjust the adjustable arm <NUM> using the PED <NUM>. For example, the passenger may view a virtual control pad <NUM> on the screen of the PED <NUM>, and touching the virtual control pad <NUM> may cause movement of the adjustable arm <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the movement of the adjustable arm <NUM> may be pre-programmed prior to the ride cycle. For example, the adjustable arm <NUM> may be configured to move between a first position to orient the PED <NUM> (e.g., at a first camera position and/or angle) to capture images forward of the ride vehicle <NUM> during some portions of the ride cycle and to orient the PED <NUM> (e.g., a second camera position and/or angle) to capture images of the passenger during other portions of the ride cycle. In this way, the PED holding system <NUM> facilitates generation of more interesting and entertaining images without any input from the passenger during the ride cycle (e.g., without the passenger touching the PED <NUM> during the ride cycle). Thus, the images may also be of better quality, as the images may not show the passenger moving their hands to touch the PED <NUM> or to adjust the adjustable arm <NUM>. The movement of the adjustable arm <NUM> may be pre-programmed, such that the adjustable arm <NUM> moves in the same way during each ride cycle, or multiple different sequences of movement may be pre-programmed such that the adjustable arm <NUM> moves in different ways during different ride cycles. Thus, the passenger may obtain different images each time the passenger experiences the ride. In some embodiments, the passenger may be able to select one of multiple different sequences of movement or otherwise provide inputs related to preferences for the movement of the adjustable arm <NUM> prior to the ride (e.g., via the PED <NUM> at any time prior to the ride), at a kiosk prior to or in the queue for the ride, and/or via the input device <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the passenger may provide an input to limit movement of the adjustable arm <NUM> so that the camera of the PED <NUM> does not obtain images of seats to one side of the passenger (e.g., other passengers who are not traveling with the passenger) and/or to cause movement of the adjustable arm <NUM> so that the camera of the PED <NUM> obtains images of seats to the other side of the passenger (e.g., other passengers who are traveling with the passenger).

It should be appreciated that the container <NUM> of <FIG> may be used with the cover <NUM> and/or the lock <NUM>. In some such cases, the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> and the lock <NUM> may work together so that the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> only charges the energy storage device of the PED <NUM> while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration. Furthermore, certain features of the PED <NUM> and/or uses of the PED <NUM> may only be available to the passenger while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustable arm <NUM> may only be movable while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration.

The PED holding device <NUM> may also enable the passenger to access the PED <NUM> to select and/or to play an audio track during the ride cycle. The audio track may be played via a speaker of the PED <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below, the PED <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or the ride system <NUM> (e.g., via the wired charging system <NUM>, the wireless charging system <NUM>, or some other suitable wired or wireless communication system). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the audio track selected by the passenger using the PED <NUM> may be played via a speaker <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or via a speaker in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>. Furthermore, the audio track may be selected from audio tracks stored in a storage device of the PED <NUM>, from audio tracks stored in a remote storage device and that can be streamed via a wireless network, and/or from audio tracks stored in a ride storage device of the ride system <NUM> (e.g., on the ride vehicle <NUM>). Due to the communication between the PED <NUM> and the ride system <NUM>, the audio tracks stored in the ride storage device may be displayed on the screen of the PED <NUM>. In this way, the passenger may customize their experience during the ride on the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, certain audio features (e.g., the ability to view audio tracks stored in a ride storage device of the ride system <NUM> and/or the ability to play audio tracks selected via the PED <NUM> on the speaker <NUM> of the ride vehicle and/or a speaker in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>) may only be available to the passenger while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration.

As noted above, the PED <NUM> may communicate with the ride system <NUM>. In some cases, the PED holding system <NUM> may facilitate these communications between the PED <NUM> and the ride system <NUM> (e.g., via the wired charging system <NUM> or the wireless charging system <NUM>) and/or may position the PED <NUM> to facilitate use of the PED <NUM> by the passenger during the ride cycle. With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> is a schematic diagram of the ride system <NUM> having a ride control system <NUM> that enables communication between the PED <NUM> of the passenger and other components of the ride system <NUM>.

As shown, the PED holding device <NUM> holds the PED <NUM> on the ride vehicle <NUM>. The PED <NUM> may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via the wired charging system <NUM>, the wireless charging system <NUM>, or via some other wired or wireless communication system) to a ride vehicle controller <NUM> (e.g., electronic controller) that is located on the ride vehicle <NUM>. The ride vehicle <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include the input device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, and/or a display screen <NUM> (e.g., touchscreen). In some embodiments, some or all of these components on the ride vehicle <NUM> may mirror the PED <NUM> or effectively replace/act as components of the PED <NUM> during the ride cycle. For example, the display screen <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to or on the container <NUM> (e.g., on the cover <NUM> of the container <NUM>). In response to the lock <NUM> being in the locked configuration or at some other time, the display screen <NUM> may mirror the screen of the PED <NUM> so that the display screen <NUM> appears to be the screen of the PED <NUM>. Alternatively, icons, images (e.g., stored on the PED <NUM>), audio tracks (e.g., stored on the PED <NUM>), and the like that might otherwise be displayed on the screen of the PED <NUM> may be displayed on the display screen <NUM>. The passenger may then interact with the display screen <NUM> during the ride cycle, such as to select audio tracks to be played via the speaker <NUM> or to carry out any of the other techniques disclosed herein, for example. Advantageously, this may make the passenger feel like he or she is interacting with their own PED <NUM> and may provide an interface that is comfortable or familiar to the passenger.

It should be appreciated that the ride vehicle controller <NUM> may carry out the various disclosed operations that are based on the configuration of the lock <NUM> (e.g., upon receipt of the feedback from the sensor <NUM> [<FIG>], the ride vehicle controller <NUM> may instruct delivery of power from the power source <NUM> [<FIG>] to charge the energy storage component of the PED <NUM>). The ride vehicle controller <NUM> may also communicate (e.g., via a wireless network <NUM>) with a ride environment controller <NUM> (e.g., electronic controller) that is configured to control various show effects <NUM> (e.g., show elements, such as lighting or animated figures; the one or more show effects <NUM> of <FIG>) in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM> as the ride vehicle travels along the ride path <NUM>. The ride environment controller <NUM> may also be configured to instruct display of information (e.g., images) on a ride display screen <NUM> and/or playback of audio via a ride speaker <NUM>. The ride display screen <NUM> and/or the ride speaker <NUM> may be located in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the ride display screen <NUM> may be located near an end of the ride path <NUM> or at an exit of the attraction (e.g., by the exit door) or in an operations room designated for use by the operator of the ride. As another example, the ride speaker <NUM> may be located in one section of the ride <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>.

In operation, the PED <NUM> may work together with the components of the ride system <NUM> to enhance the passenger's experience. For example, the PED holding system <NUM> may enable the passenger to operate the camera of the PED <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM> or may enable the camera of the PED <NUM> to otherwise capture images as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM>. The passenger may view the images obtained by the camera of the PED <NUM> on the screen of the PED <NUM>, on the display screen <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>, on the ride display screen <NUM>, and/or on any other screens that are communicatively coupled to the ride system <NUM>. For example, the PED <NUM> may capture an image of the passenger as the ride vehicle <NUM> drops down a hill of the ride path <NUM>, and the image may be displayed on the display screen <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or on the ride display screen <NUM> at the exit of the ride to enable the passenger to view the image on a larger display screen (e.g., the ride display screen <NUM> versus the screen of the PED <NUM>). In some embodiments, the PED <NUM> may capture an image of one of the show effects <NUM>, and the image may be displayed on the ride display screen <NUM> in the operations room to enable the operator to see the show effect <NUM> (e.g., to see whether the show effect <NUM> is working properly or improperly).

In some embodiments, the PED holding system <NUM> may enable the passenger to interact with the PED <NUM> to select audio tracks for playback as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM>. The audio track may be played via the speaker of the PED <NUM>, the speaker <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>, and/or via the ride speaker <NUM>. Furthermore, the audio track may be selected from audio tracks stored in a storage device of the PED <NUM>, from audio tracks stored in a remote storage device off of the ride vehicle <NUM> and that can be streamed via a wireless network (e.g., the network <NUM>), and/or from audio tracks stored in a ride storage device on the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, due to the communication between the PED <NUM> and the ride system <NUM>, the audio tracks stored in the ride storage device may be displayed on the screen of the PED <NUM> for selection by the passenger.

Various other functions may be enabled via the communication between the PED <NUM> and the ride system <NUM>. For example, the PED holding system <NUM> may include the adjustable arm <NUM>, and in such cases, the passenger may control the movement of the adjustable arm <NUM> via inputs at the PED <NUM>, the input device <NUM>, and/or the display screen <NUM>, for example. Furthermore, the PED <NUM> may be used to display any information that is typically displayed on the display screen <NUM>. Thus, in some cases, the PED <NUM> may function as the display screen <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., instead of the display screen <NUM>) or may function as a duplicate display screen so that the passenger can view the information on both the screen of the PED <NUM> and the display screen <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. The various displays and screens can be configured based on the user's preferences and/or available devices. For example, one passenger may not have a PED <NUM> and may view the information on the display screen <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>, another passenger may view the information on the display screen <NUM> that mirrors the screen of the PED <NUM>, another passenger may view the information only on the screen of the PED <NUM>, while another passenger may view the information on both the screen of the PED <NUM> and the display screen <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

The PED holding system <NUM> may also enable the passenger to interact with other features of the ride system <NUM> and/or to control the show effects <NUM> during the ride cycle (e.g., as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM>). For example, a software application on the PED <NUM> may enable the passenger to play a game (e.g., answer trivia questions) relevant to the ride system <NUM> during the ride cycle to enhance the experience. As another example, upon initiation of communication between the PED <NUM> and the ride environment controller <NUM> (e.g., via the ride vehicle controller <NUM> and/or via the network <NUM>), a software application on the PED <NUM> may enable the passenger to provide inputs via the PED <NUM> to control the show effects <NUM>. The passenger may provide an input to illuminate lights along the ride path <NUM>, to activate an animated figure, or to otherwise alter the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle (e.g., water effects, smoke effects, move walls). It should be appreciated that the ride system <NUM> may also enable the passenger to control effects on the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., lights on the ride vehicle <NUM>), to control movements of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., steering, speed), and/or to otherwise affect other aspects of the ride experience via inputs at the PED <NUM>.

Due to communication between the PED <NUM> and the ride system <NUM>, the ride system <NUM> may gather information about the passenger that may enable the ride system <NUM> to enhance the experience for the passenger. For example, the ride system <NUM> may obtain information about the passenger's preferred language from the PED <NUM> (e.g., from the settings on the PED <NUM>), and the ride system <NUM> may then provide communication (e.g., text on the screen of the PED <NUM>, the display screen <NUM>, or the ride display screen <NUM>) in the passenger's preferred language. It should be appreciated that the communication between the PED <NUM> and the ride system <NUM> and/or the associated functionality (e.g., selection of an audio track on the PED <NUM> to be played via the ride speaker <NUM>, control of the show effects <NUM> using the PED <NUM>), may only be available while the lock <NUM> is in the locked configuration.

As shown, the ride vehicle controller <NUM> may include a memory device <NUM> and a processor <NUM> that enable the ride vehicle controller <NUM> to control (e.g., via control signals) components of the ride vehicle <NUM>, including the adjustable arm <NUM> of the PED holding system <NUM>. The ride environment controller <NUM> may include a memory device <NUM> and a processor <NUM> that enable the ride environment controller <NUM> to control (e.g., via control signals) the show effects <NUM> and other components of the ride system <NUM>. The ride vehicle controller <NUM> may include a communication component <NUM> and the ride environment controller <NUM> may also include a communication component <NUM>. The communication components <NUM>, <NUM> enable communication between the ride vehicle controller <NUM> and the ride environment controller <NUM> via the network <NUM>. The communication components <NUM>, <NUM> may additionally or alternatively enable communication with the PED <NUM> via the network <NUM> (e.g., the PED <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with the ride vehicle controller <NUM> and/or the ride environment controller <NUM>). For example, the passenger may provide an input to instruct activation of one of the show effects <NUM> via the PED <NUM>, and the input may be communicated wirelessly from the PED <NUM> to the ride environment controller <NUM> via the network <NUM>.

One or more ride vehicle cameras <NUM> may be provided on the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., travel with the ride vehicle <NUM>) and/or one or more ride cameras <NUM> may be provided in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM>. Images obtained by the ride vehicle cameras <NUM> and/or the ride cameras <NUM> may be communicated to the PED <NUM> (e.g. via the wired charging system <NUM>, the wireless charging system <NUM>, or some other suitable wired or wireless communication system) and may be displayed on the screen of the PED <NUM>. In some cases, certain functions associated the ride vehicle cameras <NUM> and/or the ride cameras <NUM> may be made available to the passenger in response to the PED <NUM> being locked within the container <NUM>. For example, the ride vehicle cameras <NUM> and/or the ride cameras <NUM> may only obtain images of the passenger as the passenger experiences the ride while the PED <NUM> is locked within the container <NUM> and/or any images obtained by the ride vehicle cameras <NUM> and/or the ride cameras <NUM> may only be provided to the passenger (e.g., provided to the PED <NUM> for display on the PED <NUM>) while the PED <NUM> is locked within the container <NUM>. Other similar techniques to incentivize the passenger to lock the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM> are envisioned. For example, the passenger may be able to purchase or download any images obtained by the ride vehicle cameras <NUM> and/or the ride cameras <NUM> at a discount if the PED <NUM> was locked within the container <NUM> during the ride cycle.

The memory devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media that store instructions executable by the processors <NUM>, <NUM> and/or data (e.g., thresholds) to be processed by the processors <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the memory devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives, optical discs, and/or the like. Additionally, the processors <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Further, the memory devices <NUM>, <NUM> may store instructions executable by the processors <NUM>, <NUM> to perform the methods and control actions described herein for the ride system <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the ride control system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is merely exemplary and that various other configurations may be utilized to carry out the techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the various functions described herein may be divided between the ride vehicle controller <NUM>, the ride environment controller <NUM>, and/or one or more other processing devices (e.g., a processor of the PED <NUM>) in any suitable manner. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the various features and elements shown and described with reference to <FIG> may be combined or exchanged with one another.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of a method <NUM> of using the PED holding system <NUM> in the ride system <NUM>. The method <NUM> disclosed herein includes various steps represented by blocks. It should be noted that at least some steps of the method <NUM> may be performed as an automated procedure by a system, such as the ride system <NUM>. Although the flow chart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any suitable order and certain steps may be carried out simultaneously, where appropriate. Additionally, steps may be added to or omitted from the method <NUM>. Further, certain steps or portions of the method <NUM> may be performed by separate devices. For example, a first portion of a method <NUM> may be performed by the processor <NUM> of the ride vehicle controller <NUM>, while a second portion of the method <NUM> may be performed by the processor <NUM> of the ride environment controller <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the method <NUM> may begin with the PED holding system <NUM> receiving or mating with the PED <NUM>. For example, the passenger may place the PED <NUM> within the container <NUM> and/or may couple the PED <NUM> to the wired charging system <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the lock <NUM> of the PED holding system <NUM> may be adjusted from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration to block access to the PED <NUM> and/or to block the PED <NUM> from separating from the ride vehicle <NUM> during the ride cycle. In step <NUM>, the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> of the PED holding system <NUM> may charge an energy storage component of the PED <NUM>. In some embodiments, the charging system(s) <NUM>, <NUM> may charge the energy storage component of the PED <NUM> in response to the lock <NUM> being in the locked configuration.

In step <NUM>, the camera of the PED <NUM> may be used to obtain images during the ride cycle. In some embodiments, the camera may be accessible to the passenger and/or operable in response to the lock <NUM> being in the locked configuration. In step <NUM>, the PED <NUM> may be used to select and/or play an audio track during the ride cycle. In some embodiments, the selection and/or play functionality may be made available in response to the lock <NUM> being in the locked configuration. In step <NUM>, the PED <NUM> may be used to control features of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., the adjustable arm <NUM>, movement of the ride vehicle <NUM>) and/or features in the environment surrounding the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., the show effects <NUM>). In some embodiments, the PED <NUM> may be made operable to control such features in response to the lock <NUM> being in the locked configuration.

Claim 1:
A ride system, comprising:
a personal electronic device (PED) holding system (<NUM>) for a ride vehicle (<NUM>), wherein the PED holding system comprises:
a lock (<NUM>) that is configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED (<NUM>) of a passenger of the ride vehicle (<NUM>) to the ride vehicle (<NUM>) during a ride cycle; and
a charging system (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED (<NUM>) during the ride cycle, wherein the PED holding system is configured to enable features of a software application on the PED (<NUM>) in response to the PED (<NUM>) being locked to the ride vehicle (<NUM>) via the lock (<NUM>).