Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment used in conjunction with amusement park rides.

This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the 0various aspects of the present disclosure.

Since the early twentieth century, amusement parks (or theme parks) have substantially grown in popularity. Certain amusement park rides have been created to provide riders with unique motion and visual experiences. For example, amusement park rides can include ride vehicles that travel along a path or that utilize a motion base. However, some of these ride vehicles may limit the degree of freedom of the rider to move and, thus, the ability of the rider to interact with the ride environment. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a ride vehicle that provides the rider with a greater degree of freedom to interact with the ride environment.

<CIT> discloses an example of a ride vehicle where the riders enter the seats from behind the seats.

The invention provides a ride vehicle according to claim <NUM> and a method of loading a ride vehicle according to claim <NUM>.

Present embodiments of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for providing passengers on a ride vehicle (e.g., dark ride vehicle) more degrees of freedom to interact with the ride (e.g., dark ride). For example, the disclosed systems and methods include a ride vehicle that includes a platform with multiple rows of seats disposed on it, where each seat is oriented in a same direction (e.g., towards a front portion of the platform or the ride vehicle). Each passenger enters the ride vehicle from the rear before loading a seat. Each seat includes a pad (e.g., front restraint) that engages a front of a seated passenger. Each seat also includes a back restraint that remains in a lowered position (e.g., adjacent the platform) while the passenger loads the seat and then raises against the passenger's back once the passenger is seated. The pad and the back restraint enable a seated passenger freedom of movement with their arms and upper torso to interact with the ride (e.g., virtually or physically). The ride vehicle may include a transport system (e.g., motion base or reaction deck) that enables movements of the ride vehicle in six degrees of freedom. The ride vehicle may travel along a track or trackless ride environment. The unique seating of the ride vehicle provides the passenger more mobility and, thus, a greater degree of freedom to interact with the ride environment.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., dark ride vehicle) having rear-entry style seats or seat modules <NUM> (e.g., bike style seats). One or more of the ride vehicles <NUM> may be utilized as part of a motion-based attraction in a dark environment. The ride vehicle <NUM> includes a platform <NUM> coupled to a transport system <NUM>. The platform <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. Front and rear are defined relative to how a passenger or rider is oriented when seated in one of the seats <NUM>. For example, a seated passenger faces toward the front portion <NUM> with their back facing the rear portion <NUM>. As depicted, a first row <NUM> of the seats <NUM> is disposed on the platform <NUM> adjacent the front portion <NUM> and a second row <NUM> of the seats <NUM> is disposed on the platform <NUM> adjacent the rear portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform <NUM> includes multiple levels or decks varying in height. For example, the first row <NUM> and the second row <NUM> of the seats <NUM> are disposed on decks <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Deck <NUM> is disposed lower than (e.g., beneath) deck <NUM> to enable passengers seated within the second row <NUM> to have an unhindered view. Passengers descend steps from the deck <NUM> to the deck <NUM> to get to the first row <NUM> of the seats <NUM>. The numbers of rows of seats <NUM> and the number of decks may vary (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). The number of seats <NUM> per row may also vary (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). In certain embodiments, the number of seats <NUM> within each row may vary between rows. For example, as depicted, the number of seats <NUM> in the first row <NUM> and the second row <NUM> are <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In certain embodiments, each row of seats <NUM> may include a same name number of seats <NUM>. As depicted, the seats <NUM> at the end of the rows <NUM>, <NUM> are flanked by panels <NUM>, <NUM>. The platform <NUM> is open in front of the first row <NUM> and behind the second row <NUM>. The openness in front of the first row <NUM> enables a presentation to be viewed by all of the passengers in the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, a presentation (providing loading and/or ride instructions and/or providing content related to the theme of the ride) may be presented while the passengers load the ride vehicle <NUM>. The openness behind the second row <NUM> enables each passenger to load the ride vehicle <NUM> from the rear (i.e., rear portion <NUM>). Thus, each passenger prior to loading the ride vehicle <NUM> will be located behind all of the seats <NUM>.

Each seat <NUM> includes a front restraint <NUM>, a rear restraint <NUM>, and a seat portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In certain embodiments, each seat <NUM> may include other features (e.g., handle bars, monitors, etc.). The seat portion <NUM> supports the passenger upon loading the seat <NUM> (e.g., sitting on the seat portion <NUM>). The front restraint <NUM> (e.g., a padded bar or structure) extends around a front portion of the seated passenger to provide stability. As depicted, the front restraint <NUM> has a U-like shape. The shape of the front restraint <NUM> may vary from this. The front restraint <NUM> may be part of or disposed on a frame <NUM> defining the area of the seat <NUM>. The rear restraint <NUM> (e.g., back restraint) contacts and supports the back of the seated passenger to provide seated support. A portion of the rear restraint <NUM> (i.e., the portion contacting the passenger's back) may include a padded structure (e.g., padding disposed over metal). During loading of the vehicle <NUM>, the rear restraint <NUM> is in a lowered position adjacent the platform <NUM> (e.g., loading configuration). In certain embodiments, the rear restraint <NUM> may contact the platform <NUM> in the lowered position. While the rear restraints <NUM> are in the lowered position, the passengers enter the ride vehicle <NUM> from the rear portion <NUM> (e.g., via a loading platform). Once at their respective seat <NUM>, the passenger straddles the seat portion <NUM> from the rear to sit. The seat portion <NUM> may be shaped (e.g., as an elongate narrow shape) for this purpose, with dimensions that allow for passenger straddling. Once the passengers are seated, the rear restraints <NUM> are raised until they contact the passengers' backs (e.g., seating configuration) to facilitate seated support. Together, the front restraint <NUM> and the rear restraint <NUM> provide the passenger (while seated in an upright position) the stability to enable freedom of movement with their arms and upper torso to interact with the ride (e.g., as depicted in <FIG> with passengers <NUM> seated on the ride vehicle <NUM>). For example, passengers may interact with different elements of the ride virtually (e.g., via augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR)) or physically (e.g., soft robotics or something similar). In certain embodiments, each seat <NUM> may include a foot rest <NUM> on each side of the seating portion <NUM> for placing a foot within or on. In some embodiments, the each seat <NUM> may include a cup on each side of the seating portion <NUM> for placing a knee within. Each seat <NUM> may also include ride-themed elements <NUM> (e.g., wheels as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>) to enhance the ride environment.

In certain embodiments, each seat <NUM> may include various transducers disposed within various components of the seat <NUM> (e.g., handle bars, front restraint <NUM>, rear restraint <NUM>, seating portion <NUM>, etc.). For example, an audible output may be provided to a passenger via a speaker. The seat <NUM> may include tactile transducers that provide stimuli to different parts of the passenger (e.g., face, hands, back, etc.). For example, air or water may be directed at the passenger. Also, a scent may be released. Also, haptic stimuli may be provided by an object pushing against or contacting a portion of the passenger. Also, a temperature of a portion of the seat <NUM> may be adjusted to provide a stimulus.

In certain embodiments, each passenger may be provided an AR or VR headset that the passenger wears on their head during the ride that enables the passenger to interact with an AR or VR environment related to the theme of the ride. The AR or VR headset for each seat <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically, electronically, communicatively, etc.) to the seat <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, each seat <NUM> may include a gesture tracking system (e.g., within an equipment box incorporated within the seat <NUM>). The gesture tracking system may be coupled to a controller of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., located on or remotely from the ride vehicle <NUM>) and track the gestures of the seated passenger. In response to the detected gestures of the passenger, a movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> may be altered. For example, the ride vehicle <NUM> may spin, turn, alter a path, or change orientation. The ride vehicle <NUM> may alter movement based on the gestures of one passenger or multiple passengers. In certain embodiments, the detected gestures may alter what the passenger sees within their respective AR or VR headset. Similar responses may be performed based on or in conjunction with other movements of the one or multiple passengers detected by other aspects of the ride vehicle <NUM>, such as detectors in the seat <NUM> that track weight shifts of the one or multiple passengers.

The transport system <NUM> enables movements of the ride vehicle <NUM> in at least three degrees of freedom (e.g., directions in alignment with the ride vehicle <NUM> and parallel to direction <NUM>, direction <NUM>, and direction <NUM>). In certain embodiments, the transport system <NUM> enables movements of the ride vehicle <NUM> in six degrees of freedom. For example, movements of the ride vehicle <NUM> may occur in parallel with the direction <NUM>, the direction <NUM>, the direction <NUM>, roll <NUM>, pitch <NUM>, and yaw <NUM>. The transport system <NUM> and the platform <NUM> may interact to form a motion base or reaction deck. For example, the transport system <NUM> may include wheels, linkages (e.g., between the transport system <NUM> and the platform <NUM>), and other devices to enable the different movements of the ride vehicle <NUM>. The transport system <NUM> may act as an automated guide vehicle (AGV) in moving the ride vehicle <NUM> along its path through the ride environment (e.g., trackless dark ride environment). As an AGV, the ride vehicle <NUM> may travel along a substantially smooth ride path, for example via the assistance of optics, markers, magnets, sensors, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the transport system <NUM> may be coupled to a track to enable movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the track in the ride environment (e.g., dark ride environment).

<FIG> is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> for loading the ride vehicle <NUM>. The method <NUM> includes orientating the ride vehicle <NUM> so that each passenger <NUM> enters the ride vehicle <NUM> from the rear <NUM> (e.g., behind each seat <NUM> on the ride vehicle <NUM>) (block <NUM>) and over the downturned rear restraint <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the ride vehicle <NUM> is oriented so that the rear portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> abuts a load platform <NUM> where the passengers <NUM> are awaiting loading. Prior to loading the ride vehicle <NUM>, passengers <NUM> already on the ride vehicle <NUM> may have to exit the ride vehicle <NUM> before reloading the ride vehicle <NUM>. Disembarking may occur at the load platform <NUM> or at another location prior to orientating the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the load platform <NUM>. The method <NUM> also includes maintaining the rear restraints <NUM> in a lowered position (e.g., loading configuration) adjacent the platform <NUM> during the loading of the passengers <NUM> (block <NUM>). The rear restraints <NUM> may be lowered or translated from a seating configuration (e.g., contacting the passengers' backs) to a loading configuration (e.g., adjacent or contacting the floor of the ride vehicle <NUM>) during the disembarkation of the previous passengers. The lowered position of the rear restraints <NUM> enables the passengers <NUM> to enter the ride vehicle <NUM> from the rear portion <NUM> (e.g., via the loading platform <NUM>). A passenger <NUM>, upon proceeding to their respective seat <NUM>, passes over a lowered rear restraint <NUM> and straddles the seat portion <NUM> from the rear as depicted in <FIG>. Once the passengers <NUM> are seated, the rear restraints <NUM> are raised until they contact the passengers' backs (e.g., in a seating configuration) (block <NUM>) as depicted in <FIG>. Together, the front restraint <NUM> and the rear restraint <NUM> provide the passenger (while seated in an upright position) the stability to enable a freedom of movement with their arms and upper torso to interact with the ride while in the seating configuration. During loading and/or prior to leaving the load platform <NUM>, a presentation (providing loading and/or ride instructions and/or providing content related to the theme of the ride) may be presented to the passengers <NUM> (e.g., before the open front portion <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>) on a display (e.g., a flat screen television, computer monitor, projection surface) integral with or in front of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of a ride system <NUM> (e.g., dark ride system) in a ride environment <NUM> (e.g., dark ride environment) with the ride vehicles <NUM> (e.g., dark ride vehicles) utilizing a track system <NUM>. The ride vehicles <NUM> are as described in <FIG>. As depicted, multiple ride vehicles <NUM> are moving along a track <NUM> (e.g., path) of the track system <NUM> through themed elements <NUM>. In certain embodiments (as depicted), multiple ride vehicles <NUM> may be coupled via a linkage <NUM> as they move along the track <NUM>. In other embodiments, multiple ride vehicles <NUM> may move along the track <NUM> independent of each other (i.e., not physically linked). As described above, each ride vehicle <NUM> may be capable of at least three degrees of freedom in movements. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle <NUM> may be capable of at least six degrees of freedom in movements. These degrees of freedom provide a motion-based attraction (e.g., in a dark ride environment). Some of the movements of the ride vehicles <NUM> may be determined by gestures of one or more passengers <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of a ride system <NUM> (e.g., dark ride system) in a ride environment <NUM> (e.g., dark ride environment) with the ride vehicles <NUM> (e.g., dark ride vehicles) being or using AGVs. The ride vehicles <NUM> are as described in <FIG>. As depicted, multiple ride vehicles <NUM> are moving along a smooth trackless surface <NUM> along a path <NUM> through themed elements <NUM>. The path <NUM> may be predetermined or partially predetermined based on sensors <NUM> on the ride vehicles <NUM> detecting markers <NUM> disposed throughout the ride environment <NUM> (e.g., on or near the themed elements <NUM>) to guide the vehicles <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> and markers <NUM> may be swapped so that the markers <NUM> are disposed on the ride vehicles <NUM> and the sensors <NUM> are disposed throughout the ride environment. Further, in some embodiments, the markers <NUM> and/or the sensors <NUM> may be utilized in both ways. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the path <NUM> or movements of the ride vehicles <NUM> may be determined (at least partially) by one or more of the passengers <NUM>. As described above, each ride vehicle <NUM> may be capable of at least three degrees of freedom in movements. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle <NUM> may be capable of at least six degrees of freedom in movements. These degrees of freedom provide a motion-based attraction (e.g., in a dark ride environment). Some of the movements of the ride vehicles <NUM> may be determined by gestures of one or more passengers <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of the components of a ride vehicle system <NUM> (e.g., dark ride vehicle system) of an amusement attraction (e.g., motion-based dark ride). The ride vehicle <NUM> includes the platform <NUM> and transport system <NUM> as described in <FIG> and <FIG>. Also, the ride vehicle <NUM> includes the plurality of seat modules <NUM> as described in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, each seat module <NUM> includes the front restraint <NUM>, the rear restraint <NUM>, and the seat or seat portion <NUM> as described above.

Each seat module <NUM> may include one or more transducers <NUM>. The transducers <NUM> may be disposed within various components of the seat <NUM> (e.g., handle bars, front restraint <NUM>, rear restraint <NUM>, seating portion <NUM>, etc.). For example, an audible output may be provided to a passenger via a speaker. The seat module <NUM> may include tactile transducers that provide stimuli to different parts of the passenger (e.g., face, hands, back, etc.). For example, air or water may be directed at the passenger. Also, a scent may be released. Also, haptic stimuli may be provided by an object pushing against or contacting a portion of the passenger. Also, a temperature of a portion of the seat module <NUM> may be adjusted to provide a stimulus.

Each seat module <NUM> may also include a gesture tracking system <NUM> (e.g., within an equipment box incorporated within the seat module <NUM>). The gesture tracking system <NUM> may be coupled to a controller <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., located on or remotely from the ride vehicle <NUM>) and track the gestures of the seated passenger. In response to the detected gestures of the passenger, a movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> may be altered. For example, the ride vehicle <NUM> may spin, turn, alter a path, or change orientation. The ride vehicle <NUM> may alter movement based on the gestures of one passenger or multiple passengers. In certain embodiments, the detected gestures may alter what the passenger sees within their respective AR or VR headset <NUM>. The gesture tracking system <NUM> may also represent a system that operates to track movement of the passenger (e.g., leaning in the seat module <NUM>) and control based on such movement in conjunction with or separately from other forms of gesturing.

The ride vehicle <NUM> may also include AR or VR headsets <NUM> for each passenger to wear on their head during the ride that enables the passenger to interact with an AR or VR environment related to the theme of the ride. The AR or VR headset <NUM> for each seat <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically, electronically, communicatively, etc.) to the respective seat <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle <NUM>. Each AR or VR headset <NUM> may be coupled to the ride controller <NUM>.

The ride controller <NUM> may be disposed within the ride system <NUM> (e.g., in each ride vehicle <NUM> (as depicted), or somewhere throughout the ride environment), or may be disposed outside of the ride system <NUM> (e.g., to operate the ride system <NUM> remotely). The controller <NUM> may include a memory <NUM> with stored instructions for controlling components in the ride system <NUM> (e.g., AR or VR headsets <NUM>, transducers <NUM>, gesture tracking system <NUM>, rear restraint <NUM>, transport system <NUM>, etc.). In addition, the controller <NUM> may include a processor <NUM> configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor <NUM> may include 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. Additionally, 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, or solid-state drives.

In certain embodiments, the ride system <NUM> includes a track system <NUM> (e.g., similar to track system <NUM> in <FIG>) for transport of the ride vehicles <NUM>. In other embodiments, the ride system <NUM> includes a trackless system <NUM> (as described in <FIG>) for transport of the ride vehicles <NUM> (e.g., utilizing AGVs).

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical.

Claim 1:
A ride vehicle (<NUM>), comprising:
a platform (<NUM>) comprising a front portion (<NUM>) and a rear portion (<NUM>); and a row (<NUM>, <NUM>) of seats (<NUM>) disposed on the platform (<NUM>), wherein each seat (<NUM>) of the row (<NUM>, <NUM>) of seats (<NUM>) is configured so that a passenger (<NUM>) loads said seat (<NUM>) from the rear of said seat (<NUM>) and once seated the passenger (<NUM>) faces the front portion (<NUM>), and the ride vehicle (<NUM>) is configured so that each passenger (<NUM>) enters the ride vehicle (<NUM>) via the rear portion (<NUM>) of said platform (<NUM>); and
wherein each seat (<NUM>) of the row (<NUM>, <NUM>) of seats (<NUM>) comprises a gesture tracking system (<NUM>) coupled to a controller (<NUM>) of the ride vehicle (<NUM>), wherein the gesture tracking system (<NUM>) is configured to detect gestures of the passenger (<NUM>) and to cause the controller (<NUM>) to alter movement of the ride vehicle (<NUM>) based on the detected gestures of the passenger (<NUM>).