Patent Description:
Amusement parks contain a variety of rides providing unique experiences to each park guest. The addition of large attractions, such as rides and shows, generally provides an amusement park with additional capacity to handle a larger number of guests. However, the addition of traditional rides without an added layer of intrigue may be insufficient to garner sufficient guest interest to address either guest traffic issues or provide an advantage over competitors. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of modern attractions, and the corresponding increase in expectations among amusement park and/or theme park guests, improved and more creative attractions are needed, including attractions that provide a unique guest experience. Further, in implementing these improved attractions, safety is a top priority. Mechanical safety mechanisms can sometime wear, requiring untimely repairs to the attraction.

<CIT> describes a water transportation system and method related to water amusement attractions and rides in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. The transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting at least two of the water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between at least two of the water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.

In one embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a sensor configured to detect projections on a surface, each projection comprising a light projected characteristic associated with a particular expected vehicle occupant experience, said vehicle occupant experience comprising a passage of the attraction or a thrill level of the attraction; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an input, based upon the input, determine the expected vehicle occupant experience selected by an occupant of the vehicle, select the light projection characteristic associated with the expected vehicle occupant experience, find, using the sensor, the light projected characteristic of the projection on the surface that matches the selected light projection characteristic and control the vehicle to follow the light projected characteristic of the projection.

In another embodiment, a system is provided. The system comprises the vehicle in accordance with the first embodiment. The system also includes the first projection comprising a first light projected characteristic, the first projection configured to provide a first expected vehicle occupant experience and a second projection comprising a second light projected characteristic different than the first light projection characteristic, the second projection configured to provide a second expected vehicle occupant experience.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling a vehicle in accordance with the first embodiment is provided. The method includes receiving an input via a controller and based upon the input, determining, via the controller, a particular expected vehicle occupant experience selected by an occupant of the vehicle, said vehicle occupant experience comprising a passage of the attraction or a thrill level of the attraction, The method also includes selecting, via the controller, a light projection characteristic associated with the expected vehicle occupant experience, finding, using a sensor on the vehicle, a light projected characteristic of a projection on a surface that matches the selected light projection characteristic, and controlling, via the controller, the vehicle to follow the light projected characteristic of the projection on the surface.

Amusement parks feature a wide variety of entertainment, such as amusement park rides, performance shows, and games. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a ride vehicle guidance system that uses infrared projections to perform automated vehicle guidance. While the current discussion will center around amusement park ride guidance, the current systems and techniques could be used in a variety of applications, from robot guidance to roadway or other vehicle guidance. The current discussion is not intended to limit the current vehicle guidance system to amusement ride guidance. A plurality of paths may be disposed on a surface. Each path is defined by infrared projections (e.g., infrared light forming particular path patterns, such as reoccurring or non-reoccurring patterns of particular shapes and/or objects (e.g., bar codes, QR codes, etc.)). In certain embodiments, each path generally includes different projection characteristics than other paths, making each path discernable from one another. Each ride vehicle may be equipped with an infrared camera or sensor configured to detect emitted infrared light making up the infrared projections. Due to the infrared light wavelengths, the infrared light projections may not be visible to the human eye and therefore may not be visible to passengers on the vehicles or the people standing by to ride the vehicles. The paths may intersect. In addition, multiple vehicles may move along the paths at the same time and pass each other. In some embodiments, the passenger may be able to change the path the vehicle is moving along via an input provided to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the characteristics of the infrared projections may vary along a path at different locations to alter the speed of the vehicle (e.g., accelerate, decelerate, stop, etc.) or cause the vehicle to perform an action (e.g., spin). Due to the invisibility of the paths, the amusement attraction may seem unpredictable to the passenger and enhance the ride experience of the passenger.

Turning to the figures, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a schematic of an embodiment of a ride vehicle guidance system <NUM> of an amusement attraction that uses infrared projections to determine guidance of the ride vehicle. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the system <NUM> may include a vehicle <NUM> (e.g., ride vehicle), a path projection system <NUM>, and a ride controller system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> may include a plurality of vehicles <NUM>. The system <NUM> may be configured to be utilized in conjunction with one or more infrared projections that are projected on a travel surface (from the path projection system <NUM>), where the infrared projections define one or more paths for the vehicle <NUM> to follow. The paths may be differentiated from one another based upon characteristics of infrared projections. In certain embodiments, each path may be defined by a different infrared projection than those defining the other paths. In certain embodiments, a particular path may include, at different locations along the path, triggering characteristics (e.g., modified projections), that trigger different actions to be performed by the vehicle <NUM>. These different actions may include changing speed (e.g., accelerating, decelerating, stopping, etc.) or other actions, such as spinning in place, activating a show feature, etc. In certain embodiments, a particular path may include a central portion having a first characteristic and one or more flanking portions that have different characteristics. These differing portion may be used to identify how far the vehicle <NUM> is deviating from the path (e.g., the central portion) and/or that vehicle <NUM> correct course to get back on the path. In certain embodiments, marks and/or patterns (e.g., dots, dashes, lines, tick marks, bar codes, QR codes, etc.) may be projected in or near or make up the infrared projection to provide certain information (e.g., distance travelled, path information, speed, etc.) to the vehicle <NUM> and/or ride controller system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, these marks may indicate the validity of the path. For example, when the marks are expected, but not found, this may indicate a rogue projection or a projection that should not be trusted for guidance.

The path projection system <NUM> may include, in some embodiments, a system of infrared laser diode affixed to the ceiling or walls, either around the track, or optionally placed quite far from the attraction as needed (since the laser light will remain collimated and reach quite far (i.e. drone navigation uses). The infrared laser emitters can be placed off axis to the sides of the track, or directly overhead to minimize potential occlusions that can occur from set, or other line of sight interferences.

These laser diodes may project a linear pattern of dots, dashes, lines, or some other identifiable marking onto the travel surface. These diodes may be infrared (IR) laser pointers, aimed at regular intervals along the track, to indicate the center of the travel path. In another variation, an optical modifier may be included, so that the laser spot is stretched into an infrared line segment. Multiple line segments can then be setup one after another along the travel path.

In another variation, an optical diffusion grating or waveguide may be placed in the light path in order to generate a specific projection pattern on the target surface (i.e. barcodes, multiple dots and dashes, QR codes). Fiber optics could also serve this purpose, and direct a single light source in multiple directions simultaneously, to allow for fewer required light and power sources.

In another variation, a scanning micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMs) or digital micromirror device (DMD) may be used to actively scan out the desired programmable infrared light pattern onto the ground or target surfaces. By projecting a known infrared pattern onto the travel surfaces or environment from one or more off-board fixed locations, the current techniques allow for a fixed patterning of the space, and removes the need for prior knowledge of or extensive processing of the data to derive location information, as in a depth or LIDAR based SLAM navigation system.

The vehicle <NUM> may include one or more camera/sensors <NUM> configured to detect the infrared projections. The one or more sensors <NUM> may be located along the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., bottom portion and/or front portion of the vehicle <NUM>) at a height sufficient to view the travel surface in front of, behind, and/or around the vehicle <NUM>.

The infrared pixel data from the camera/sensors <NUM> may be processed locally or remotely (depending on configuration, weight, power and criticality needs), and determine the required adjustments to the vehicle directly, or hand off the data to another computer or PLC for further action (i.e. Estop trigger, warning dispatch, automated course correction).

The vehicle <NUM> also may include a controller <NUM> that is configured to control the actions of the vehicle <NUM>. The controller may include a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM> configured to execute instructions stored on the memory <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the memory <NUM> may store a set of expected characteristics that should be observed via the sensors <NUM> in guiding the vehicle <NUM> along a particular path. In addition, the memory <NUM> may store additional characteristics that, when observed (or in some cases when not observed), cause various actions of the vehicle (e.g., accelerating, decelerating, stopping, spinning, animating a show effect, etc.). In certain embodiments, the memory <NUM> may store entire paths and any characteristics or changes in the infrared projections associated with particular paths. The controller <NUM> may be configured to compare the expected characteristics (e.g., from the memory <NUM> and/or the ride controller system <NUM>) with the infrared projection detected by the sensors <NUM> to identify guidance control of the vehicle <NUM> along a particular path. In certain embodiments, the comparison may cause the controller <NUM> to correct course back onto the path if the vehicle <NUM> deviates from the path or otherwise perform other activities.

The controller <NUM> may control the vehicle <NUM> via a steering system <NUM> coupled to wheels on the vehicle <NUM>. The controller also may be coupled to an input device <NUM> on the vehicle <NUM>. The input device <NUM> may include a touch screen, one or more buttons, levers, or any other device. The input device <NUM> may enable the passenger to provide an input that results in selecting and/or changing a path. For example, the input device <NUM> may provide the passenger different options or scenarios (e.g., passage thru a particular themed section, a difficulty level of the passage, etc.). Various inputs received via the input device <NUM> may be associated with particular expected/assigned projection characteristics utilized by the controller <NUM> in guiding the vehicle <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the passenger may be able to provide the input prior to the ride starting, which determines the initial path and/or subsequent path utilized by the vehicle <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the passenger may be able to provide the input during the ride to change the path of the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., when the vehicle <NUM> encounters an intersection where the current path crosses other paths). In certain embodiments, when the passenger does not provide input, the controller <NUM> may automatically determine the path (i.e., the expected/assigned characteristic to utilize) in guiding the vehicle <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> may follow one or more paths at the same time, which may induce both translational and rotational motion of the vehicle <NUM>. Indeed, the controller <NUM> may, in some embodiments, employ sensors <NUM> that are programmed to track different projected paths. For example, a sensor <NUM> programmed to track "Path <NUM>" may be located at a front of the vehicle <NUM> and a sensor <NUM> programmed to track "Path <NUM>" (e.g., a path having different characteristics than "Path <NUM>") may be located at a back portion of the vehicle <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control (e.g., via the steering system <NUM>) wheels of the vehicle <NUM> located near the front of the vehicle <NUM> and wheels of the vehicle <NUM> located near the back of the vehicle <NUM> to follow projected paths that correspond to the sensor <NUM> tracking path <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> tracking path <NUM>. In this way, the rotation of the vehicle <NUM> may be encoded into the layout of the projected paths.

These inputs may also cause a dynamic change to characteristics of an infrared projection. For example, if an input indicates a desire to increase the ride speed, characteristics of the infrared projection can be altered to trigger the ride controller system <NUM> to increase the ride speed. For example, if a current followed infrared projection includes dots, but a dashed projection indicates that the ride controller system <NUM> should increase speed, the dot projection may be dynamically altered to a dashed projection upon receiving the input, thus indicating to the ride controller system <NUM> to increase the speed.

In some implementations, a path integrity check system could be added, in order to determine whether the path has been occluded, is broken or shut off, or has changed from the expected configuration. An optional overhead camera set could be added, or the on vehicle camera/sensor <NUM> itself can scan the path ahead to determine whether the linear path appears as expected, or if it has unexpected breaks in it. Any abnormalities could be reported as a failure or a lower confidence value to the control system.

In a variation that uses projected barcodes or other symbols, the system could determine if any expected symbols are missing, out of order, or out of place/off axis due to drift, bumps, or misalignment. The pattern itself could also allow for this integrity determination. The repeating, or optionally non-repeating pattern could be read and the camera system itself could determine whether the expected pattern of, for instance, dots and dashes has been presented. If not, an error or warning can be thrown or action taken to correct the issue or Estop command issued at that time.

Another modification that can be made to protect the system from unintended infrared light sources interfering is to modulate the laser source in time with the camera frame rate, or modulate its phase so that the sensor filters out unmodulated light sources, such as the sun, or other set lighting.

It may be possible to achieve this with standard theatrical Goes Before Optics (gobo) lighting fixtures as well, instead projecting infrared light patterns through physical masks, focused appropriately on the target surface. Indeed, it should be noted that a gobo lighting fixture (e.g., gobo changer, slide projector type device) may be used to get a basic amount of real time control over the projected patterns. This could lower the cost and complexity potentially, while allowing for standard lighting installation, securing, aiming and mounting procedures to be followed.

The controller <NUM> also may be coupled to a transceiver <NUM> configured to communicate wirelessly with other vehicles that may be on the paths and/or the ride controller system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> may communicate, via the transceiver <NUM>, its chosen projection characteristics, location, speed, future change in projection characteristics, and/or other information to the other vehicles and/or the ride controller system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> may receive, via the transceiver <NUM>, the same information about other vehicles from the vehicles and/or the ride controller system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> may be autonomous from the ride controller system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, control of the vehicle <NUM> by the controller <NUM> may be overridden via the ride controller system <NUM>.

The ride controller system <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> that controls one or more of the vehicles <NUM> in the amusement attraction. In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> may communicate a particular path (e.g., via a particular one or more projection characteristics) for a particular vehicle <NUM> to utilize. In certain embodiments, the ride controller system <NUM> may provide an entire path and any characteristics or changes in characteristics associated with the particular path to the vehicle <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ride controller system <NUM> may provide information associated with other vehicles (e.g., expected projection characteristics, location, speed, future change in expected characteristics, and/or other information) to a particular vehicle <NUM>. Actions for the vehicle <NUM> associated with particular projection characteristics may be already stored on the vehicle <NUM> and/or provided to the vehicle <NUM> from the ride controller system <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be coupled to a transceiver <NUM> that enables wireless communication with the vehicles <NUM>.

The processors <NUM>, <NUM> may each include multiple processors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), or some combination thereof. For example, each processor <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processor, advanced RISC machine (ARM) processor, performance optimization with enhanced RISC (PowerPC) processor, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) integrated circuit, graphics processing unit (GPU), or any other suitable processing device.

Each memory device <NUM> and <NUM> may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any combination thereof. Each memory device <NUM> and <NUM> may store a variety of information that may be used for various purposes. For example, each memory device <NUM> and <NUM> may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the respective processors <NUM> and <NUM> to execute, such as instructions for controlling the vehicle <NUM>. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an environment of the amusement park utilizing the ride vehicle guidance system <NUM> of <FIG>. The vehicle <NUM> depicted is as described in <FIG>. The vehicle <NUM>, which is configured to hold one or more passengers, may include on a bottom portion <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> wheels <NUM> to enable the vehicle <NUM> to move along the paths <NUM> on surface <NUM>. The number of wheels <NUM> may vary. In certain embodiments, the means for moving the vehicle may vary (e.g., tracks, etc.). The wheels <NUM> may be coupled to the steering system described above. The vehicle <NUM> also may include, on the bottom portion <NUM> (or other portion), the sensor <NUM> as described above.

As depicted, a plurality of paths <NUM> may be projected on the surface <NUM>. The paths <NUM> may include straight and/or curved portions. Three paths <NUM> (solid line), <NUM> (dashed line), and <NUM> (dotted-dashed line) are illustrated. The number of paths <NUM> may vary. In certain embodiments, the paths <NUM> or portions of the paths <NUM> may be associated with a specific theme. In certain embodiments, the paths <NUM> or portions of the paths <NUM> may be associated with different thrill levels. For example, less thrilling paths may include a higher number of straighter portions, slower speeds, and/or gradual turns. More thrilling paths may include a higher number of curved portions, faster speeds, sharper turns, and/or spins. The paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> all three intersect at points <NUM> and <NUM>. Paths <NUM> and <NUM> also intersect at point <NUM>. Each path <NUM> may be primarily defined by a different projection characteristics, such as different projected pattern (e.g., dash, dash, dash, vs. dash, dot, dash), different projected shapes (e.g., a first barcode vs. a second barcode or circles vs. squares, etc.), different spacings between shapes, different projection thicknesses, etc. For example, the projection characteristics defining paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may emit a number of different projection characteristics, respectively. One benefit of utilizing infrared projections to define the paths <NUM>, is that the paths <NUM> may be easily altered on the surface <NUM> with little to no facility costs. For example, different infrared sources may be activated to create a completely different set of paths <NUM> or set of path <NUM> characteristics that alter control of the vehicle <NUM>. The ride may occur in the dark or in a lighted area.

At intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a combination of converging characteristics of the paths <NUM> may be emitted. The controller of the vehicle <NUM> may be programmed to recognize these as convergence points and identify characteristics beyond these points to find the assigned path <NUM> beyond the intersection to keep the vehicle <NUM> moving along the assigned path. In certain embodiments, at the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, either as programmed in the controller of the vehicle <NUM> or based on an input received from the passenger and/or stored expected characteristic changes to the controller of the vehicle <NUM>, the vehicle <NUM> may change paths. However, in certain embodiments, the illumination of projected paths at the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., path branching points) may be controlled such that the vehicle <NUM> may not necessarily need to decide which path to take upon arriving at or approaching the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the vehicle <NUM> and a path projection system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to each other such that the projection system <NUM> illuminates a portion of a path of the vehicle <NUM> in an immediate vicinity of the vehicle <NUM> based on the location of the vehicle <NUM> and deactivates a portion(s) of the path of the vehicle <NUM> that are away (e.g., relatively far) from an immediate vicinity of the vehicle <NUM>. The path projection system <NUM> may also deactivate an illumination of other paths based on the location (or other information) of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, a controller (e.g., the controller <NUM> of <FIG>) may utilize a location of the vehicle <NUM> to determine whether the path projection system <NUM> will illuminate and/or deactivate an illumination of one or more projected paths (or one or more portions of one or more projected paths) at the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This may cause the projected path programmed into the vehicle <NUM> to be the only projected path observed by the sensor <NUM> at or near the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, the control systems (e.g., the controller <NUM> of <FIG>) onboard the vehicle <NUM> may be simplified because the vehicle <NUM> may not need to pick between multiple paths at the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, by driving and/or deactivating the illumination of projected paths at the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, it may be ensured that two vehicles <NUM> are not in the same zone (e.g., "break zone") as each other.

Additionally, if the vehicle <NUM> incorporates input indicating preferences for the path or path characteristics from guests in determining a path to proceed upon at the intersections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, then the input may be transmitted to a ride controller system (e.g., the ride controller system <NUM> of <FIG>). In response to the ride controller system receiving the input, the ride controller system may cause the path projection system <NUM> to project a path based on the input (e.g., the guests' preferences) and rules of the attraction. In other words, the ride controller system may determine which paths should be activated (driven) and/or deactivated based on the guests' preferences and rules related to the attraction.

As depicted in <FIG>, multiple vehicles <NUM> may be moving along paths <NUM> on the surface <NUM> at the same time. The vehicle <NUM> and paths <NUM> are as described above. Three vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and three paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated. The number of vehicles <NUM> and paths <NUM> may vary. Each vehicle <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may move along their respective paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> based on the expected characteristics associated with a respective path. The vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be in communication with each other and/or the ride controller system. Thus, the vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and/or the ride controller system may be aware of the location of the other vehicles during the ride. In certain embodiments, the vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may change paths <NUM> (as predetermined or in response to passenger input). In certain embodiments, a change in path due to a passenger input may be overridden (e.g., by the passenger's vehicle and/or the ride controller system) due to the location of another vehicle <NUM>. In certain embodiments, certain selections for passenger inputs may not be presented to the passenger due to the location of other vehicles. In certain embodiments, a vehicle <NUM> may be sped up, slowed down, or stopped in response to the location of other vehicles, lack of expected characteristics in the infrared projection followed by the vehicle <NUM>, or both. In certain embodiments, more than one vehicle <NUM> may travel on the same path <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a portion of the path <NUM> having different projection characteristics making up the path <NUM>, as taken within line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. As depicted in <FIG>, the path <NUM> may include a central portion <NUM>. The central portion <NUM> , in the current embodiment, includes a first characteristic of a QR code pattern for guiding the vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM>. For added security, the expected QR code may be altered along the progression of the central portion <NUM>. This may help ensure that the pattern is not easily copied by unauthorized projections (e.g., from ride users, etc.).

Multiple flanking portions may flank the central portion <NUM>. For example, a first flanking portion <NUM> may flank the central portion <NUM> and a second flanking portion <NUM> may flank both the central portion <NUM> and the first flanking portion <NUM>. The number of flanking portions may vary. In certain embodiments, the first flanking portion <NUM> may have both the left and right portions defined by a second characteristic different from the central portion <NUM>, the second flanking portion <NUM>, and any other flanking portion. Here, the first flanking portion <NUM> includes a repeating circle pattern. The third flanking portion <NUM> may have both the left and right portions defined by a characteristic different from the central portion <NUM>, the first flanking portion <NUM>, and any other flanking portion. Here, the third flanking portion <NUM> includes a repeating dashed line pattern.

In certain embodiments, the characteristics of the flanking portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be associated within an indication of how much (e.g., distance, percentage, etc.) the vehicle <NUM> has strayed from the central portion <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the characteristics projected by the flanking portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be associated with instructing the vehicle <NUM> to correct towards the central portion <NUM> (e.g., correct left, correct right, etc.). In certain embodiments, the characteristics projected by one or more inner flanking portions may be associated with an indication of how much the vehicle <NUM> has strayed from the central portion <NUM>, while the characteristics projected by the outermost flanking portion may be associated with instructing the vehicle <NUM> to correct towards the central portion <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the characteristics projected by the outermost flanking portion may be associated with instructing the vehicle <NUM> to stop due to deviation from the path <NUM>. In certain embodiments, flanking portions may have different widths. For example, the central portion <NUM> may be wider in length than the first flanking section <NUM> and/or the second flanking portion <NUM>. Widened flanking portions may be utilized to reduce false positives in a section of a ride where there is nothing nearby that could be easily hit. Further, employing relatively wide flanking portions may be used in a vehicle that allows guests to have driving control (e.g., steering control) over the vehicle while still keeping the vehicle in a safe zone (e.g., a specific lane) as indicated by the flanking portions of the path.

It should be noted that the path projection systems <NUM> may project paths onto a ride floor of an attraction. The ride floor may be covered with projected paths <NUM> in patterns such as a concentric circles of different radii having different projection patterns that correspond to different limitations. The attraction may allow guests to drive freely on the ride floor, but it also may employ certain limitations (e.g., speed limits, time limits, boundary zones, etc.) based on characteristics of a specific concentric circle a vehicle on the ride floor occupies, for example. The different projection patterns may be utilized in determining a location of a vehicle on the ride floor (or other information).

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a portion of the path <NUM> having a symbol or marking <NUM> adjacent the path <NUM>, as taken within line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. As depicted in <FIG>, symbol or marking may be projected adjacent the path <NUM> for detection by the vehicle <NUM>. As depicted, the symbol or marking <NUM> may be a bar code. In certain embodiments, the symbol or marking may be a tick mark, shape, number, pattern, QR code, or any other kind of marking. The symbol or marking <NUM> may convey information (e.g., distance travelled, path information, speed, etc.) related to the path <NUM> to the vehicle <NUM> and/or the ride controller system.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a portion of the path <NUM> having different characteristics over the progression of the path <NUM>, as taken within line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. As depicted, most of the path <NUM> (e.g., regions <NUM>) may be defined by a first characteristic for guiding the vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM> (e.g., a diagonal line pattern as illustrated here). Other regions along the path <NUM> may include a different characteristics that may be associated with different control actions for the vehicle <NUM>. For example, region <NUM> may project a diagonal line pattern, while region <NUM> may project a double adjacent circle pattern. In certain embodiments, the characteristics projected by region <NUM> may cause the vehicle <NUM> to spin or some other action (e.g., bounce, tilt, etc.). In some instances a show animation may be triggered by the vehicle controller based upon the observance of this characteristic. In certain embodiments, other regions (e.g., regions <NUM>, <NUM>) may provide other control actions related to the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., accelerate, decelerate, stop, etc.). One or more regions, similar to regions <NUM>, <NUM>, may be spaced apart or may contact each other. These regions <NUM>, <NUM> may include projection characteristics different from region <NUM> and each other. Each region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may control certain characteristics of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, each region <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> be associated with a specific speed for the vehicle <NUM>. For example, region <NUM> may be associated with the normal speed for the vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM>, while region <NUM> may be associated with a faster speed and region <NUM> may be associated with an even faster speed. Alternatively, region <NUM> may be associated with a slower speed and region <NUM> may be associated with an even slower speed. In certain embodiments, the change in projected characteristics by the regions may have gradations. For example, regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may, in some embodiments, project different size magnitudes of a common shape or pattern, where the shape or pattern indicates a speed change (or other control type) and the magnitude indicates the magnitude of the speed change (or other control type). The path <NUM> may include a combination of regions for both acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> for guiding the vehicle <NUM> in an amusement attraction utilizing the ride vehicle guidance system <NUM> of <FIG>. One or more of the steps of the method <NUM> may be performed by the vehicle's controller <NUM> and/or the ride controller system <NUM>. One or more of the steps of the method <NUM> may be performed simultaneously and/or in a different order from that depicted. The method <NUM> may include obtaining infrared projection characteristics to guide the vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM> (block <NUM>). In certain embodiments, more than one characteristic may be obtained by the vehicle <NUM>. For example, a first portion of a ride may follow a first path with a first characteristic and a second portion of the ride may follow a different path with a different characteristic. Each vehicle <NUM> may be assigned a particular path (with a particular expected characteristic to find and follow). The assigned particular expected characteristic may be obtained from the respective memory of the vehicle's controller <NUM> and/or the ride controller system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, prior to the ride beginning, the passenger may provide an input based on presented selections (e.g., related to theme, thrill level, etc.) and the input may be associated with one or more particular expected characteristics associated with one or more paths <NUM>. In certain embodiments, when multiple vehicles are going to be utilized during the ride, each vehicle <NUM> may obtain a respective expected characteristic or set of expected characteristics to define their respective paths. In certain embodiments, with the multiple vehicles, prior to or during the ride, each vehicle <NUM> may obtain the expected characteristics and/or other information related to the other vehicles and their respective paths. Based upon the set of expected characteristics, some vehicles <NUM> may be instructed to ignore certain control characteristics, while others may be instructed to perform a control action when the same characteristics are detected. For example, one vehicle <NUM> might ignore a double adjacent circle pattern that typically instructs a vehicle <NUM> to spin around, while another vehicle <NUM> might spin around when such a characteristic is observed.

The method <NUM> also may include detecting, at the vehicle <NUM>, infrared projections on a travel surface (block <NUM>). The method <NUM> further may include detecting, via a sensor on the vehicle <NUM>, characteristics projected by the infrared projections (block <NUM>). For example, particular patterns of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, objects, etc. may be projected in the infrared projections.

The method <NUM> may include comparing the detected characteristics to the expected characteristics associated with the vehicle <NUM> (block <NUM>). When the detected characteristics are the same as the expected characteristics, the method <NUM> may include guiding or moving the vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM> and/or performing other control actions based upon the matched expected and detected characteristics (block <NUM>). For example, control features of the vehicle <NUM> may indicate that when a particular characteristic is observed, the vehicle <NUM> should speed up, tilt, spin, trigger a show feature, etc. Thus, when such a characteristic is observed, the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., via a vehicle controller) may initiate the action.

When the detected characteristic is different from the expected characteristic, the method <NUM> may include the vehicle <NUM> performing a mitigating action. For example, in some instances, observing such a difference may indicate that the vehicle is on an improper path <NUM>. The vehicle <NUM> may be stopped and/or may be directed back to the proper path (e.g., by activating an intermediate projection for the vehicle <NUM> to follow back to the proper path <NUM>).

In certain embodiments, the method <NUM> may include receiving, during the ride, input from the passenger (block <NUM>). The passenger may provide an input based on presented selections (e.g., related to theme, thrill level, etc.) and the input may be associated with one or more particular characteristics associated with one or more paths <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the input may be associated with the same characteristic and the vehicle <NUM> keeps the same path. In certain embodiments, the passenger input may be associated with a different characteristic that changes the expected characteristic and, thus, the path <NUM> for guiding the vehicle <NUM> (block <NUM>). In some embodiments, the input may change the projected characteristics along an already assigned path. For example, if a currently followed path is currently projecting dots, the projection can dynamically change to dashes.

Although the above embodiments relate to an amusement ride, the same techniques may be utilized in other applications. For example, the techniques may be applied to any automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The techniques may also be applied to moving elements in a ride/show environment that are not designed for human transportation. For example, an animated figure (e.g., a walking robot) may move on a path having light projections using the same projected light navigation systems as discussed above. Further, while the discussion has centered around infrared projections, other projections, such as visible light projections, could be used. The current discussion is not intended to limit embodiments to amusement rides or infrared projections.

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

Further features and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure may reside in the below clauses.

A system for guiding a vehicle in an aspect comprises a plurality of paths on a surface, wherein each path is defined by a light projection characteristic different than light projection characteristics of defining other of the plurality of paths, and a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a memory storing one or more expected light projection characteristics, each of the one or more expected light projection characteristics associated with a control action; a sensor configured to detect the light projection characteristic of a respective path of the plurality of paths; and a controller configured to control the vehicle along the respective path based on a control action associated with the light projection characteristic detected by the sensor.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the controller is configured to determine which path of the plurality of paths to guide the vehicle along based on an input, wherein the input is associated with a specific light projection characteristic. In such embodiments, the controller may be configured to receive the input during movement along the path of the plurality of paths, and may change which path of the plurality of paths to guide the vehicle along based on the input, by changing an expected light projection characteristic associated with movement of the vehicle.

In further embodiments, the detected light projection characteristic of the respective path changes to different detected light projection characteristics at different locations along the respective path. In such instances, the different detected light projection characteristics may represent different speeds for the vehicle along the respective path, and the controller may be configured to adjust a speed of the vehicle along the respective path based on different detected light projection characteristics.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the vehicle to spin based on a change to one or more of the different detected light projection characteristics.

In embodiments of this aspect, the system for guiding the vehicle further comprises a plurality of vehicles disposed on different paths of the plurality of paths, and respective controllers of the plurality of vehicles are configured to guide the plurality of vehicles on the plurality of paths concurrently.

In some embodiments, the respective path of the plurality of paths comprises a center portion comprising a first light projection characteristic and a first portion flanking the center portion comprising a second light projecting characteristic. In such instances, the controller may be configured to guide the vehicle back to the center portion of the respective path of the plurality of paths in response to detection of the second light projecting characteristic.

In another aspect, a system for guiding a vehicle comprises a plurality of paths on a surface, wherein each path is defined by light projected characteristics of corresponding light projections, and a plurality of vehicles. Each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles comprises a sensor configured to detect one or more light projected characteristic of a respective path of the plurality of paths; and a controller configured to control the vehicle along the respective path based on the one or more light projected characteristics detected by the sensor; wherein the light projected characteristics of each path of the plurality of paths is configured to differentiate each path from other paths of the plurality of paths.

In some embodiments of this aspect, each vehicle is configured to move along a different path, by assigning each vehicle a different light projection characteristic for each of the plurality of vehicles that are currently moving to follow.

In further embodiments, at least a subset of the plurality of vehicles is configured to move along the plurality of paths concurrently, by assigning a common light projection characteristic to the subset of the plurality of vehicles.

In embodiments of this aspect, the light projections are not visible to passengers in the plurality of vehicles. In such embodiments, the controller may be configured to change which path of the plurality of paths to guide the vehicle along based on an input during movement along the path of the plurality of paths, wherein the input may be associated with a specific light projected characteristic to follow.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the light projections are configured to project different light projected characteristics at different locations along the respective path of the plurality of paths. In such instances, at least a subset of the different light projected characteristics may represent different speeds for the vehicle along the respective path of the plurality of paths, and the controller may be configured to adjust a speed of the vehicle along the respective path of the plurality of paths based on detecting the at least the subset of the different light projected characteristics.

In further embodiments, at least a subset of the different light projected characteristics represent a control request to trigger an attraction feature outside of the vehicle along the respective path of the plurality of paths, and the controller is configured to trigger the attraction feature along the respective path of the plurality of paths based on detecting the at least the subset of the different light projected characteristics.

In another aspect, a method for guiding a vehicle comprises obtaining, at a controller of a vehicle, an expected light projection characteristic to guide the vehicle along a path, wherein the path is among a plurality of paths on a surface, and each path among the plurality of paths is defined by differing light projection characteristics of associated light projections; detecting, via a sensor on the vehicle, a light projection characteristic of a first path, wherein the light projection characteristic matches the expected light projection characteristic; and guiding, via the controller, the vehicle along the first path among the plurality of paths based on the light projection characteristic matching the expected light projection characteristic.

In embodiments of this aspect, the expected light projection characteristic comprises an expectation of a particular bar code, a particular QR code, a particular shape, a particular pattern of objects, or any combination thereof.

Claim 1:
A vehicle (<NUM>), comprising:
a sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect projections on a surface, each projection comprising a light projected characteristic associated with a particular expected vehicle occupant experience, said vehicle occupant experience comprising a passage of an attraction or a thrill level of the attraction; and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to:
receive an input;
based upon the input, determine the expected vehicle occupant experience selected by an occupant of the vehicle;
select the light projection characteristic associated with the expected vehicle occupant experience;
find, using the sensor (<NUM>), the light projected characteristic of the projection on the surface that matches the selected light projection characteristic; and
control the vehicle to follow the light projected characteristic of the projection.