U.S. patent application number 16/827336 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-02 for systems and methods for detecting data corresponding to fluid stream.
The applicant listed for this patent is Universal City Studios LLC. Invention is credited to Elam Kevin Hertzler, Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Victor Alexander Lugo, Andrew Brian Raij.
Application Number | 20210268392 16/827336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005779784 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210268392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jeromin; Aaron Chandler ; et
al. |
September 2, 2021 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING DATA CORRESPONDING TO FLUID
STREAM
Abstract
An attraction system includes a fluid source configured to emit
a fluid stream with a geometry that facilitates internal
reflection, a transmitter configured to transmit a signal through
the fluid stream such that the signal is enclosed in the fluid
stream via internal reflection and the signal comprises a
parameter, a sensor configured to receive the signal via the fluid
stream and provide data indicative of the parameter, and a control
system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system
includes a processor and a memory, and the memory includes
instructions that cause the processor to receive the data
indicative of the parameter from the sensor, and operate the
attraction system based on the parameter.
Inventors: |
Jeromin; Aaron Chandler;
(Winter Garden, FL) ; Krauthamer; Akiva Meir;
(Orlando, FL) ; Hertzler; Elam Kevin; (Winter
Garden, FL) ; Raij; Andrew Brian; (Winter Park,
FL) ; Lugo; Victor Alexander; (Belle Isle,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Universal City Studios LLC |
Universal City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005779784 |
Appl. No.: |
16/827336 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62983998 |
Mar 2, 2020 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 31/007 20130101;
G08B 5/36 20130101; G06F 16/9035 20190101 |
International
Class: |
A63G 31/00 20060101
A63G031/00; G06F 16/9035 20060101 G06F016/9035; G08B 5/36 20060101
G08B005/36 |
Claims
1. An attraction system, comprising: a fluid source configured to
emit a fluid stream with a geometry that facilitates internal
reflection; a transmitter configured to transmit a signal through
the fluid stream such that the signal is enclosed in the fluid
stream via the internal reflection, wherein the signal comprises a
parameter; a sensor configured to receive the signal via the fluid
stream and provide data indicative of the parameter; and a control
system communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the control
system comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory
comprises instructions that cause the processor to: receive the
data indicative of the parameter from the sensor; and operate the
attraction system based on the parameter.
2. The attraction system of claim 1, comprising a target configured
to receive the fluid stream emitted by the fluid source, wherein
the target comprises the sensor.
3. The attraction system of claim 2, wherein the fluid source
comprises the transmitter.
4. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the control system is
communicatively coupled to a database of the attraction system, and
the control system is configured to update the database based on
the parameter.
5. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the parameter
comprises a unique identifier associated with the fluid source.
6. The attraction system of claim 5, wherein the memory comprises
instructions that cause the processor to determine the unique
identifier by decoding the data indicative of the parameter.
7. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the control system is
configured to operate the attraction system based on not receiving
appropriate data from the sensor.
8. The attraction system of claim 7, wherein the fluid source
comprises an actuator, and the control system is configured to
activate the actuator to move the fluid source in response to not
receiving the appropriate data from the sensor.
9. A fluid system, comprising: a fluid source configured to emit a
fluid stream having a geometry that facilitates internal
reflection; a target configured to receive the fluid stream emitted
by the fluid source; a transmitter configured to transmit a signal
into the fluid stream such that the signal travels through the
fluid stream via the internal reflection, wherein the signal
comprises a parameter; a sensor configured to receive the signal
via the fluid stream, wherein the sensor is configured to transmit
data based on the signal; and a control system communicatively
coupled to the sensor, wherein the control system comprises a
processor and a memory, wherein the memory comprises instructions
that cause the processor to: receive the transmitted data from the
sensor; determine the parameter based on the transmitted data; and
operate the fluid system based on the parameter.
10. The fluid system of claim 9, wherein the target comprises the
transmitter, and the fluid source comprises the sensor.
11. The fluid system of claim 10, comprising an additional target
configured to receive the fluid stream emitted by the fluid source,
wherein the additional target comprises an additional transmitter
configured to transmit an additional signal through the fluid
stream via the internal reflection, wherein the additional signal
comprises an additional parameter, wherein the sensor is configured
to receive the additional signal via the fluid stream, and wherein
the control system is configured to: receive the additional signal
from the sensor; determine the additional parameter from the
additional signal; and operate the fluid system based on the
additional parameter of the additional signal.
12. The fluid system of claim 11, comprising a database accessible
by the control system, wherein the database is configured to store
a user profile associated with the fluid source, and the control
system is configured to: update the user profile based on the
parameter in response to receiving the transmitted data from the
sensor; update the user profile based on the additional parameter
in response to receiving the additional signal from the sensor; or
both.
13. The fluid system of claim 9, wherein the memory comprises
instructions that cause the processor to identify the fluid source
from a plurality of fluid sources based on the parameter.
14. The fluid system of claim 9, wherein the fluid source and the
target each comprise a respective actuator, and the control system
is configured to activate the actuator of the fluid source to move
the fluid source, activate the actuator of the target to move the
target, or both, based on the parameter.
15. An attraction system, comprising: a first fluid source
configured to emit a first fluid stream capable of internal
reflection; a first transmitter configured to transmit a first
signal having a first parameter through the first fluid stream via
the internal reflection; a second fluid source configured to emit a
second fluid stream capable of internal reflection; a second
transmitter configured to transmit a second signal having a second
parameter through the second fluid stream via the internal
reflection; a target comprising a first sensor configured to
receive signals including the first signal through the first fluid
stream and the second signal through the second fluid stream; and a
control system communicatively coupled to the first sensor, wherein
the control system comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the
memory comprises instructions that cause the processor to: receive
data from the first sensor, wherein the data is indicative of a
received parameter of a received signal; identify the first fluid
source when the received parameter correlates to the first
parameter; and identify the second fluid source when the received
parameter correlates to the second parameter.
16. The attraction system of claim 15, wherein the control system
is configured to provide an indication of a successful target
strike based on the received parameter correlating to the first
parameter or the second parameter.
17. The attraction system of claim 15, comprising a database
accessible by the control system, wherein the database is
configured to store a plurality of user profiles, wherein each user
profile of the plurality of user profiles is associated with a
fluid source of a plurality of fluid sources, and wherein the
control system is configured to: identify and update a first user
profile associated with the first fluid source in response to
identifying the first fluid source when the received parameter
correlates to the first parameter; and identify and update a second
user profile associated with the second fluid source in response to
identifying the second fluid source when the received parameter
correlates to the second parameter.
18. The attraction system of claim 17, wherein the target comprises
a third transmitter configured to transmit a third signal through
the first fluid stream and/or the second fluid stream, wherein the
third signal is indicative of a third parameter, wherein the first
fluid source comprises a second sensor configured to receive the
third signal through the first fluid stream, and the second fluid
source comprises a third sensor configured to receive the third
signal through the second fluid stream.
19. The attraction system of claim 18, wherein the control system
is configured to: receive additional data from the first sensor
and/or the second sensor, wherein the additional data is indicative
of the third parameter of the third signal; update the first user
profile based on the third parameter in response to identifying the
first fluid source when the received parameter correlates to the
first parameter; and update the second user profile based on the
third parameter in response to identifying the second fluid source
when the received parameter correlates to the second parameter.
20. The attraction system of claim 15, wherein the first parameter
includes a first visible light wavelength, and the second parameter
includes a second visible light wavelength.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/983,998, entitled "SYSTEMS
AND METHODS FOR DETECTING DATA CORRESPONDING TO FLUID STREAM" and
filed Mar. 2, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various
aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the
present disclosure. This discussion is believed to be helpful in
providing the reader with background information to facilitate a
better understanding of the various aspects of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these statements
are to be read in this light and not as admissions of prior
art.
[0003] Amusement or theme parks include various features that each
provides a unique experience for guests of the amusement park. For
example, the amusement park may include different attractions, such
as a roller coaster, a motion simulator, a drop tower, a
performance show, a log flume, and so forth. The amusement park may
also have various features, such as show effects, interactive
activities, and the like, to enhance the unique experience provided
to the guests. Such features may be included in the attractions
and/or throughout the amusement park to entertain the guests. With
the increasing sophistication and complexity of amusement park
features, there is an increased expectation of entertainment
quality among amusement park patrons and guests. Therefore,
improved and creative amusement park features are desirable. For
example, it is now recognized that there is a need for improved
operation of features that use liquid or fluid, such as attractions
that utilize water cannons.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set
forth below. It should be noted that these aspects are presented
merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain
embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the
scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a
variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
[0005] In an embodiment, an attraction system includes a fluid
source configured to emit a fluid stream with a geometry that
facilitates internal reflection, a transmitter configured to
transmit a signal through the fluid stream such that the signal is
enclosed in the fluid stream via the internal reflection and the
signal comprises a parameter, a sensor configured to receive the
signal via the fluid stream and provide data indicative of the
parameter, and a control system communicatively coupled to the
sensor. The control system includes a processor and a memory, and
the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to
receive the data indicative of the parameter from the sensor, and
operate the attraction system based on the parameter.
[0006] In an embodiment, a fluid system includes a fluid source
configured to emit a fluid stream having a geometry that
facilitates the internal reflection, a target configured to receive
the fluid stream emitted by the fluid source, a transmitter
configured to transmit a signal into the fluid stream such that the
signal travels through the fluid stream via internal reflection and
the signal comprises a parameter, a sensor configured to receive
the signal via the fluid stream and to transmit data based on the
signal, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor.
The control system includes a processor and a memory, and the
memory includes instructions that cause the processor to receive
the transmitted data from the sensor, determine the parameter based
on the transmitted data, and operate the fluid system based on the
parameter.
[0007] In an embodiment, an attraction system includes a first
fluid source configured to emit a first fluid stream capable of
internal reflection, a first transmitter configured to transmit a
first signal having a first parameter through the first fluid
stream via the internal reflection, a second fluid source
configured to emit a second fluid stream capable of internal
reflection, a second transmitter configured to transmit a second
signal having a second parameter through the second fluid stream
via the internal reflection, a target comprising a first sensor
configured to receive signals including the first signal through
the first fluid stream and the second signal through the second
fluid stream, and a control system communicatively coupled to the
first sensor. The control system includes a processor and a memory,
and the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to
receive data from the first sensor, in which the data is indicative
of a received parameter of a received signal, identify the first
fluid source when the received parameter correlates to the first
parameter, and identify the second fluid source when the received
parameter correlates to the second parameter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an attraction system having
various fluid sources that may each emit a fluid stream, in
accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid system that may be
implemented in the attraction system of FIG. 1, in accordance with
an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for operating the
attraction system of FIG. 1 based on data encoded in a signal
received via a fluid stream, in accordance with an aspect of the
present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for operating the
attraction system of FIG. 1 based on whether a signal is received
via a fluid stream, in accordance with an aspect of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In
an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments,
not all features of an actual implementation are described in the
specification. It should be noted that in the development of any
such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design
project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to
achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be noted
that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming,
but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design,
fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the
benefit of this disclosure.
[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the
present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements. One or more specific embodiments of the
present embodiments described herein will be described below. In an
effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all
features of an actual implementation may not be described in the
specification. It should be noted that in the development of any
such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design
project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to
achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be noted
that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming,
but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design,
fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the
benefit of this disclosure.
[0015] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for
transmitting data via a fluid stream or flow. As used herein, the
fluid includes a liquid, such as water, oil, and the like. The
fluid stream may be provided in an entertainment venue, such as an
amusement or theme park. Indeed, the fluid stream may be used for a
show effect by an attraction, show, or activity to entertain guests
of the entertainment venue. Specifically, the fluid stream may be
used in a target-based attraction in which the fluid source (e.g.,
a water cannon) operates to emit the fluid stream, such as toward a
target. The emission of the fluid stream may be initiated via
manual controls, such as by a trigger actuated by one of the
guests, or automatically, such as by a pre-programmed controller.
In any case, it may be desirable for the fluid source to emit the
fluid stream in a particular manner, such as toward a specific
target among a set of targets.
[0016] It is now recognized that, in conventional approaches to
such target-based features that employ fluid sources, it may be
difficult to determine whether the target is receiving a particular
fluid stream. For example, multiple fluid sources may emit
respective fluid streams at or near a same target, and it may be
difficult to determine which of the fluid streams successfully hits
the target. Specifically, for example, multiple users may have
assigned water cannons and each water cannon may be employed to try
to strike one or more targets with a water stream. Where multiple
streams of fluid are being emitted from multiple sources, it can be
difficult to ascertain which source provided a successful strike on
a target. As a result, actions specific to the fluid source that
successfully hits the target (e.g., awarding points to the fluid
source) may not be performed with sufficient accuracy.
[0017] Accordingly, providing each fluid stream with unique
characteristics may enable the fluid streams to be distinguishable
from one another. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure
are directed to systems and methods for transmitting a signal
through a fluid stream and receiving the signal via the fluid
stream. In one embodiment, the signal includes a parameter
associated with a fluid source, and a sensor may receive the signal
via the fluid stream to determine the parameter and thus the fluid
source. For example, multiple fluid streams may be associated with
respective signals having unique parameters, and the sensor may
receive any of the signals via the multiple fluid streams. The
sensor may further determine the parameter of a received signal to
determine the particular fluid source associated with the fluid
stream received by the sensor. In this way, in addition to
determining that the sensor receives the fluid stream, information
regarding the specifically received fluid stream and/or its fluid
source may also be determined. As a result, further actions may be
performed based on the received fluid stream.
[0018] With the preceding in mind, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an
attraction system 50 of an amusement park, according to embodiments
of the present disclosure. The attraction system 50 may be any
suitable part of the amusement park that provides features to
entertain guests, such as a particular ride (e.g., a roller
coaster, a drop tower), another attraction (e.g., a performance
show), a designated area of the amusement park, and the like. The
illustrated attraction system 50 includes a first fluid source 52
and a second fluid source 54 to entertain the guests, but the
attraction system 50 may include any suitable number of fluid
sources in an additional or alternative embodiment. As an example,
the fluid sources 52, 54 may include a water gun, a fountain, a
water cannon, a hose, another suitable type of fluid source, or any
combination thereof. Each fluid source 52, 54 may emit a respective
fluid stream. That is, the first fluid source 52 may emit a first
fluid stream 56, and the second fluid source 54 may emit a second
fluid stream 58. As an example, the fluid sources 52, 54 may be
located on a ride vehicle of the attraction system 50, equipped by
guests of the attraction system 50, implemented on a prop of the
attraction system 50, and so forth. The illustrated attraction
system 50 further includes a first target 60 and a second target
62. Each of the targets 60, 62 may receive any of the fluid streams
56, 58 from the respective fluid sources 52, 54. As illustrated,
the first fluid stream 56 emitted by the first fluid source 52 is
directed to the second target 62, and the second fluid stream 58
emitted by the second fluid source 54 is directed to the first
target 60, but additionally or alternatively, the first fluid
stream 56 may be directed to the first target 60 and/or the second
fluid stream 58 may be directed to the second target 62. Indeed,
the fluid streams 56, 58 may also be directed at the same target
60, 62.
[0019] In some cases, it is desirable to determine whether the
targets 60, 62 are receiving any of the fluid streams 56, 58. In an
example, the attraction system 50 is a decorative prop, such as a
fountain, in which the fluid sources 52, 54 are setup (e.g.,
positioned, oriented) with the intention of directing the
respective fluid streams 56, 58 for receipt by the targets 60, 62.
Thus, it is desirable to determine that the targets 60, 62 are
receiving the corresponding fluid streams 56, 58 to determine that
the fluid sources 52, 54 are setup accurately (e.g., for aesthetic
purposes). In another example, the attraction system 50 is an
interactive attraction in which guests may control the fluid
sources 52, 54 and are trying to direct the fluid streams 56, 58 to
hit the targets 60, 62. For instance, the targets 60, 62 may be
located on an interactive prop (e.g., an entertainment figure), a
ride vehicle, and/or other guests. In this case, it may also be
desirable to determine which of the fluid streams 56, 58 are being
received by the targets 60, 62 to store further information, such
as information associated with the respective fluid sources 52, 54
(e.g., to award points to guests).
[0020] For these reasons, each of the fluid sources 52, 54 may
output a signal that is encoded into the respective fluid streams
56, 58. Accordingly, the first fluid stream 56 emitted by the first
fluid source 52 includes a first signal, which may be uniquely
associated with (e.g., include a unique identifier of) the first
fluid source 52. Moreover, the second fluid stream 58 emitted by
the second fluid source 54 includes a second signal, which may be
uniquely associated with (e.g., include a unique identifier of) the
second fluid source 54. To this end, the first fluid source 52 may
include a first transmitter 64 that may output the first signal
into the first fluid stream 56, and the second fluid source 54 may
include a second transmitter 66 that may output the second signal
into the second fluid stream 58. As the fluid streams 56, 58 are
directed along a fluid flow path (e.g., to the targets 60, 62), the
respective signals may remain contained within the fluid streams
56, 58. In other words, the signals travel along the respective
flow paths of the fluid streams 56, 58. In addition, each of the
targets 60, 62 may receive the respective signals of the fluid
streams 56, 58. For example, the first target 60 may include a
first sensor 68 that may detect a received signal, and the second
target 62 may include a second sensor 70 that may detect a received
signal. That is, upon receipt of one of the fluid streams 56, 58,
the sensors 68, 70 may determine the presence of the signal encoded
in the fluid stream 56, 58. In this way, the presence of a detected
signal indicates that the target 60, 62 is receiving one of the
fluid streams 56, 58.
[0021] In an embodiment, the attraction system 50 may include a
control system 72 that may operate the attraction system 50 based
on the fluid streams 56, 58. The control system 72 includes a
memory 74 and a processor 76, such as a microprocessor. The memory
74 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM),
and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical
drives, hard disc drives, solid-state drives, or any other
non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions
to operate the attraction system 50. The processor 76 may execute
the instructions stored on the memory 74. The processor 76 may
include any suitable processing circuitry, such as one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose
processors, or any combination thereof. The control system 72 may
be communicatively coupled to each of the sensors 68, 70 such that
the control system 72 (e.g., the processor 76) may receive data
from the sensors 68, 70. For example, each of the sensors 68, 70
may transmit data (e.g., sensor data) to the control system 72 to
indicate whether or not a signal is detected. As a result, the
control system 72 may determine whether or not the targets 60, 62
are receiving one of the fluid streams 56, 58 based on the data
received from the sensors 68, 70. The control system 72 may also
operate the attraction system 50 accordingly based on the data. By
way of example, if the sensors 68, 70 are not receiving signals
such that the control system 72 is not receiving appropriate data
from the sensors 68, 70, the control system 72 may adjust a
position and/or an orientation of the fluid sources 52, 54 and/or
of the targets 60, 62 so as to enable the sensors 68, 70 of the
targets 60, 62 to receive signals of the fluid streams 56, 58.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the control system 72 may
determine the specific fluid stream 56, 58 received by the targets
60, 62. To this end, the control system 72 and/or the sensors 68,
70 may determine parameters of the signals encoded in the fluid
streams 56, 58. As an example, the sensors 68, 70 may receive the
signals and the control system 72 may determine a frequency
modulation, a pulse width modulation, a light color frequency, a
light color wavelength, an intensity, a polarization, another
suitable parameter, or any combination thereof, of the signals. The
sensors 68, 70 may include infrared light data receivers,
ultraviolet light data receivers, visible light data receivers,
another suitable sensor type, or any combination thereof, that may
determine the parameters of the signals. Additionally or
alternatively, if the respective signals are visible (e.g., contain
a unique visible light), the sensors 68, 70 may include an optical
sensor, such as a camera, that may identify and track the signals
based the visible parameter of the signals. In this way, the
transmitters 64, 66 may output encoded signals having specific
parameters such that the signals may be distinguishable from one
another (e.g., using frequency modulation, pulse width modulation,
light color frequency, light color wavelength, intensity,
polarization, and/or another suitable encoding scheme). As such,
the fluid streams 56, 58 containing the particular signals may also
be distinguishable from one another. Therefore, the data
transmitted by the sensors 68, 70 may indicate the parameters of
the detected signals, and the control system 72 may decode the
signals and analyze the parameters to determine which fluid stream
56, 58 is received by the targets 60, 62.
[0023] For instance, the control system 72 may determine that the
data transmitted by the first sensor 68 has a parameter associated
with the second fluid source 54, thus indicating that the first
target 60 is receiving the second fluid stream 58 from the second
fluid source 54. Moreover, the control system 72 may determine that
the data transmitted by the second sensor 70 has a parameter
associated with the first fluid source 52, thus indicating that the
second target 62 is receiving the first fluid stream 56 from the
first fluid source 52. In this manner, the control system 72 may
determine which fluid stream 56, 58 is received by the targets 60,
62 without, for example, having to determine a status (e.g., a
position, orientation) of the fluid sources 52, 54. In other words,
the parameters of the respective signals encoded into the fluid
streams 56, 58 are based on the output by the transmitters 64, 66,
and not on a status or a condition of the fluid sources 52, 54, of
the targets 60, 62, or of any other part of the attraction system
50. For example, the control system 72 may determine that the first
target 60 is receiving the second fluid stream 58 from the second
fluid source 54, even though the first fluid source 52 may be
positioned closer to the first target 60 and/or even though the
first fluid stream 56 of the first fluid source 52 may be directed
at or near the first target 60 (e.g., but the first fluid stream 56
is not received by the first target 60).
[0024] In a further embodiment, the parameters of the signals
encoded in the fluid streams 56, 58 may indicate other information,
such as a status of the fluid sources 52, 54. As an example, the
parameters may indicate a respective position of the fluid sources
52, 54, a respective condition (e.g., operating mode) of the fluid
sources 52, 54, a time of the day, and so forth. In this way, the
control system 72 may also operate the attraction system 50 based
on the additional information, such as to adjust the operating mode
of the fluid sources 52, 54.
[0025] Moreover, the encoding and the determination of the signals
of the fluid streams 56, 58 may be unidirectionally or
bi-directionally performed for a single one of the fluid streams
56, 58. That is, the control system 72 may cause the targets 60, 62
to transmit encoded signals, and/or the fluid sources 52, 54 may
include sensors that facilitate determining parameters of a
received signal. To this end, the first target 60 may include a
third transmitter 78, the second target 62 may include a fourth
transmitter 80, the first fluid source 52 may include a third
sensor 82, and/or the second fluid source 54 may include a fourth
sensor 84. In this way, the sensors 82, 84 of the respective fluid
sources 52, 54 may transmit data to the control system 72, and the
control system 72 may analyze the data received from the fluid
sources 52, 54 to determine information regarding the attraction
system 50. In one embodiment, when a stream of fluid strikes a
target 60, 62, data is transmitted back through the consistent
stream via the signal emitted from the respective target 60, 62 and
no data is transmitted from the fluid source 52, 54.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a target-based fluid
emission system 110 (fluid system 110) that may be implemented in
the attraction system 50 of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the
present disclosure. In the illustrated fluid system 110, the first
fluid source 52 emits the first fluid stream 56 toward the first
target 60. Moreover, the first fluid stream 56 includes a signal
112 (e.g., a visible light signal) encoded by the control system 72
and output by the first transmitter 64. The first fluid stream 56
may enclose the signal 112 in the first fluid stream 56 via
internal reflection (e.g., total internal reflection). As used
herein, internal reflection refers to a condition in which the
signal 112 is substantially enclosed within a medium, such as the
first fluid stream 56, and does not substantially extend out of the
first fluid stream 56. For example, internal reflection may be
achieved by transmitting the signal 112 to deflect off an edge of
the first fluid stream 56 at a particular angle (e.g., greater than
a critical angle of the first fluid stream 56). As a result, the
signal 112 continues to deflect off the edges of the first fluid
stream 56 instead of passing through the first fluid stream 56.
Therefore, the signal 112 moves along a flow path of the first
fluid stream 56. To achieve desired levels of internal reflection,
signals (e.g., light beams) may be emitted at a certain angle
relative to the first fluid source 52 (e.g., a nozzle of the first
fluid source 52). The first fluid source 52 may be controlled to
provide a stream geometry that facilitates internal reflection.
[0027] In an embodiment, the internal reflection may be total
internal reflection such that substantially an entirety of the
signal 112 may move through the first fluid stream 56, and the
parameters of the signal 112 are substantially unchanged as the
signal 112 travels through the first fluid stream 56. Even when
slight variations occur to the first fluid stream 56 over time,
signals will continue to pass through the first fluid stream 56
during phases of proper alignment of stream geometry and signal
emissions. In this way, regardless of the flow path of the first
fluid stream 56 (e.g., a straight path, a curved path), the
parameters of the signal 112 remain substantially the same at any
section of the first fluid stream 56. To enable the first fluid
stream 56 to effectively enclose the signal 112 via total internal
reflection, the first fluid source 52 may emit the first fluid
stream 56 in a substantially laminar flow. Further, the first fluid
stream 56 may be controlled (e.g., based on a modeling algorithm or
table) to provide a geometry or flow path conducive for signal
transmission. As such, the flow of the first fluid stream 56 may
generally be a smooth and unbroken fluid flow with an appropriate
arc, rather than a turbulent fluid flow with a geometry that
prevents an appropriate level of internal reflection. Indeed, an
interference of the conducive flow of the first fluid stream 56 may
affect the signal 112, such as by changing the parameters of the
signal 112 and/or terminating the signal 112. Such interference may
include another fluid stream intersecting with the first fluid
stream 56, an object (e.g., air) that breaks the flow of the first
fluid stream 56, and/or a transition of the first fluid stream 56
from a laminar flow to a turbulent flow. In an additional or
alternative embodiment, the internal reflection may not be total
internal reflection, and a portion of the transmitted signal may
pass through the first fluid stream 56 instead of reflecting within
the first fluid stream 56. For example, the first fluid stream 56
may not be completely laminar and/or the signal 112 may not be
transmitted at a particular angle to enable total internal
reflection. For this reason, a parameter of the signal 112 may
change along the path of the first fluid stream 56. However, enough
of the signal 112 may transmit through the first fluid stream 56 to
be received by one of the sensors 68, 70 such that a desirable
amount of internal reflection is achieved.
[0028] In an embodiment, the first fluid source 52 includes the
first transmitter 64, and the first target 60 includes the first
sensor 68. The control system 72 may cause the first transmitter 64
to output the encoded signal 112 into the first fluid stream 56.
For instance, when the first fluid source 52 emits the first fluid
stream 56, the control system 72 may activate the first transmitter
64 to output the encoded signal 112 into the first fluid stream 56.
In some cases, the control system 72 may operate both the first
fluid source 52 and the first transmitter 64 and, as such, causes
the first fluid source 52 to emit the first fluid stream 56 while
causing the first transmitter 64 to output the encoded signal 112
into the first fluid stream 56. As such, the first transmitter 64
may remain active while the first fluid source 52 emits the first
fluid stream 56. Moreover, the control system 72 may operate the
first sensor 68 to remain active during operation of the fluid
system 110 such that the first sensor 68 may readily receive the
signal 112 at any time. In this way, the first sensor 68 may
transmit data to the control system 72 in real-time to determine
the status of the first fluid stream 56. For example, if the target
60 does not receive the first fluid stream 56, the first sensor 68
may not transmit data indicative of the receipt of the signal 112,
and/or the first sensor 68 may transmit data indicative that the
sensor 68 is not receiving the signal 112. If the target 60 does
receive the first fluid stream 56, the first sensor 68 may then
transmit data associated with the signal 112 to the control system
72.
[0029] In an additional or alternative embodiment, the first target
60 includes the third transmitter 78, which may output the encoded
signal 112 into the first fluid stream 56 emitted by the first
fluid source 52, and the first fluid source 52 includes the third
sensor 82, which may receive the signal 112. As an example, the
control system 72 may operate the third transmitter 78 such that
the signal 112 is constantly transmitting regardless of whether the
first target 60 receives the first fluid stream 56. However, the
third sensor 82 of the first fluid source 52 may receive the signal
112 only when the first target 60 receives the first fluid stream
56. That is, if the first fluid stream 56 does not extend from the
first fluid source 52 to the first target 60, the transmitter 78 is
not able to transmit the signal 112 through the first fluid stream
56. As such, the third sensor 82 does not receive the signal 112
and does not transmit data indicative of receipt of the signal 112
to the control system 72. However, if the first fluid stream 56
does extend from the first fluid source 52 to the first target 60,
the signal 112 transmitted by the third transmitter 78 may travel
through the first fluid stream 56 to be received by the third
sensor 82. As a result, the third sensor 82 may transmit data
associated with the signal 112 to the control system 72. Indeed,
either the first fluid source 52 or the first target 60 may
transmit the signal 112 and the other of the first fluid source 52
or the first target 60 may transmit data associated with the signal
112 to the control system 72.
[0030] Further, in an embodiment, multiple signals may be
simultaneously encoded into the first fluid stream 56. For
instance, the first fluid source 52 and/or the first target 60 may
each include multiple transmitters, and each of the transmitters
may output a respective encoded signal into the first fluid stream
56 at the same time. As an example, one of the signals may include
visible light (e.g., to provide a decorative coloration effect of
the first fluid stream 56), and another of the signals may include
infrared light (e.g., to transmit data with which the control
system 72 uses to operate the fluid system 110). As another
example, each signal may include respective data that is used by
the control system 72 to perform an operation. In other words, the
control system 72 may receive multiple data via the first fluid
stream 56 to operate the fluid system 110.
[0031] Although the illustrated fluid system 110 includes the first
fluid source 52 that may direct the first fluid stream 56 to the
first target 60, an additional or alternative fluid system 110 may
include the first fluid source 52 as directing the first fluid
stream 56 to another fluid source instead of a target. In other
words, one fluid source may also be able to receive fluid streams
and signals from another fluid source, and the fluid source
receiving the signal may transmit data to the control system 72 to
indicate that the fluid source has received the signal. In this
way, each fluid source may also act as a target.
[0032] In an embodiment, the control system 72 may adjust the
operation of the transmitters 64, 78 to specify the parameters of
the signal 112. By way of example, the control system 72 may cause
the first transmitter 64 to output the signal 112 having a
particular parameter (e.g., having a certain value) detectable by
the first sensor 68. Upon receipt of the signal 112, the first
sensor 68 of the first target 60 may then transmit data to the
control system 72 to indicate the particular parameter. As a
result, the control system 72 may then determine that the first
target 60 specifically received the first fluid stream 56 emitted
by the first fluid source 52.
[0033] The control system 72 may also be communicatively coupled to
a database 114 (e.g., a physical server, a cloud computing device),
which may store certain information relevant to the operation of
the fluid system 110 and/or of the attraction system 50. In an
example, the database 114 may store data (e.g., a database table)
associating the parameters of the signal 112 with various
information, and the control system 72 may access the database 114
to operate the transmitters 64, 66 accordingly to transmit the
signal 112. In another example, the database 114 may store
information that is updated based on the detection of the signal
112 by the sensors 68, 82. For instance, the first fluid source 52
may be associated with and operated by a particular guest, and the
database 114 may store information regarding the guest, such as a
guest or user profile and/or a number of points assigned to the
guest. The guest may operate the first fluid source 52 to direct
the first fluid stream 56 toward the first target 60, and the
control system 72 may update the number of points assigned to the
guest based on whether the first target 60 receives the first fluid
stream 56. In one embodiment, the control system 72 may assign more
points based on time (e.g., the longer the guest is able to hit the
first target 60 with the first fluid stream 56). In an additional
or alternative embodiment, the control system 72 may assign more
points based on frequency (e.g., the more times the guest is able
to hit the first target 60 with the first fluid stream 56). Indeed,
if multiple fluid sources associated with different, respective
guests are implemented, the control system 72 may determine the
particular fluid stream received by the first target 60 (e.g.,
based on determining the parameter of the signal 112 correlates
with a signal encoded by the transmitter of the particular fluid
source and received by the first sensor 68 of the first target 60),
and update the points assigned to the corresponding guest
accordingly. Further, if multiple targets are implemented, each
target may be associated with a distinct point value, and the
control system 72 may determine the particular target receiving the
fluid stream of the first fluid source 52 (e.g., based on
determining the signal encoded by the transmitter of the target and
received by the third sensor 82 of the first fluid source 52), and
update the points stored in the database 114 in accordance to the
specific target.
[0034] The control system 72 may further perform another action in
response to the receipt of the signal 112 and/or based on the
determined parameters of the signal 112. As an example, the first
fluid source 52 and the first target 60 may each include a
respective actuator 116, and the control system 72 may activate
either of the actuators 116 to move the first fluid source 52, the
first target 60, and/or another component of the attraction system
50. As another example, the control system 72 may output a
notification, such as to present a visual display (e.g., a light),
present an audio output (e.g., a sound effect), transmit
information to a mobile device, and the like, to indicate a
successful target strike based on the parameter of the signal 112.
As a further example, the control system 72 may change an operation
of the attraction system 50, such as a manner (e.g., a flow
direction, a flow rate) in which the first fluid source 52 emits
the first fluid stream 56. Indeed, the control system 72 may
perform any suitable action based on the signal 112 being received
by one of the sensors 68, 82.
[0035] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate respective methods for operating an
attraction system, such as the attraction system 50 of FIG. 1,
using the fluid system 110 of FIG. 2. Although FIGS. 3 and 4
primarily discuss that the steps of each method are performed by
the control system 72, it should be noted that the steps of each
method may be performed by any suitable system, such as multiple
controllers. It should also be noted that the steps of each method
may be performed differently in another embodiment, such as for a
different embodiment of the attraction system. For example,
additional steps may be performed, and/or certain steps of each
method may be modified, removed, and/or performed in a different
order.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 140 for operating the
attraction system 50 of FIG. 1 based on data received via a signal,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure. At block 142,
the control system receives a signal via a fluid stream. For
example, a sensor communicatively coupled to the control system may
receive the signal (e.g., an infrared or visible light signal)
encoded into the fluid stream and internally reflected within the
fluid stream until receipt by the sensor. Upon receiving the
signal, the sensor may transmit the signal to the control system.
In an embodiment, a fluid source transmits the encoded signal into
the fluid stream emitted by the fluid source, and a sensor of a
target may receive the signal. For instance, a physical target
receives a fluid stream from a particular user water cannon from a
collection of user water cannons. The sensor of the target may
receive the signal via the fluid stream to transmit data indicative
of the particular water cannon as discerned from the collection of
user water cannons. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the
target transmits the encoded signal into the fluid stream upon
receipt of the fluid stream, and a sensor of the fluid source may
receive the signal from the target. By way of example, a particular
physical target of a collection of physical targets receives the
fluid stream from the user water cannon. The sensor of the user
water cannon may receive the signal to transmit data indicative
that the particular physical target of the collection of physical
targets has been struck by fluid stream of the user water
cannon.
[0037] At block 144, the control system determines parameters
(e.g., a color, a wavelength, a pulse value) associated with the
signal. For example, the data received from the sensor indicates
the parameters of the signal. As a result, upon receipt of the
data, the control system is able to determine such parameters
accordingly. As discussed above, the parameters may facilitate
identifying the fluid source emitting the fluid stream. At block
146, the control system performs an action based on the parameters
of the signal. Such actions may be based on the particular
implementation of the attraction system and the fluid system.
[0038] In one example, the attraction system may be a shooting
range-like setting having targets positioned at various locations
(e.g., on various props). Further, guests may operate respective
fluid sources and may be attempting to direct respective fluid
streams to hit the targets. Certain targets may be more difficult
to hit, and such targets may therefore be associated with greater
point values. Moreover, the database may store points associated
with each guest (e.g., associated with their respective fluid
sources). As each guest manages to hit targets with their
respective fluid sources, the control system may update the
database to add points to the corresponding guests based on the
target that has been hit. For instance, based on data indicative
that a first target has received a first fluid stream from a first
fluid source of a first guest, the control system may update the
database to add points to a first user profile associated with the
first guest. Further, based on data indicative that a second target
has received a second fluid stream from a second fluid source of a
second guest, the control system may accordingly update the
database to add points to a second user profile associated with the
second guest. In this embodiment, the signal may also include
parameters that indicate an operating mode of the attraction
system, such as a game mode of the shooting attraction (e.g., to
accumulate the most points in a timed setting, to hit specifically
designated targets). Each game mode may include a specific manner
in which the control system may update the database to add points
to user profiles. For this reason, the control system may select
the manner to update the database based on the parameter of the
signal.
[0039] In an additional example, the attraction system may be a
laser tag-like activity in which each guest may operate a
respective fluid source and may include a respective target (e.g.,
attached to a clothing item of each guest). The control system may
update the database based on data indicative of a target associated
with one guest is receiving a fluid stream of a fluid source
associated with another guest. For example, based on data
indicative that a first target of a first guest has received a
first fluid stream from a second fluid source of a second guest,
the control system may update the database to reduce points from a
first user profile associated with the first guest and also to add
points to a second user profile associated with the second guest.
In this example embodiment, further parameters of the signal may be
encoded. For instance, each guest may be associated with a
particular team, and the fluid source of the guest may encode a
signal that causes the fluid stream to be a particular color based
on the team associated with the guest. That is, a subset of fluid
sources within the same team may encode respective signals having
the same visible light wavelength parameter. In this way, the fluid
sources of each team may emit a particularly colored fluid stream.
By way of example, fluid sources associated with a first team may
emit fluid streams having a first visible light wavelength (e.g., a
first color), and fluid sources associated with a second team may
emit fluid streams having a second visible light wavelength (e.g.,
a second color) that is different from the first visible light
wavelength. Moreover, each signal may indicate additional
information regarding each guest and their associated user profile,
such as an amount of health points (e.g., which may be displayed to
the guest), a type of fluid source equipped (e.g., having a fluid
stream associated with a particular point adjustment when received
by a target), and the like, and such information may also affect
the manner in which the control system may update the database
based on received data.
[0040] In a further example, the attraction system may include a
drink machine (e.g., the first fluid source 52 of FIG. 2) that
contains various drinks, and the control system (e.g., the control
system 72 of FIG. 2) may perform an action associated with
providing a particular drink to a guest. For instance, the guest
may have a container (e.g., the first target 60 of FIG. 2), such as
a cup, which may include a transmitter (e.g., the third transmitter
78) that transmits an encoded signal (e.g., the signal 112 of FIG.
2) having parameters based on a desirable drink indicated by the
guest. The guest may provide the container to the drink machine,
and the drink machine may initially emit a fluid stream (e.g., the
first fluid stream 56 of FIG. 2) to the container in a laminar flow
such that the signal transmits through the fluid stream and is
received by a sensor (e.g., the third sensor 82) of the drink
machine. The sensor may transmit data indicative of parameters of
the signal to the control system, the control system may select a
specific drink based on the parameters of the signal, and the
control system may cause the drink machine to provide the specific
drink to the container of the guest.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 170 for
operating the attraction system based on whether a signal is
received, rather than based on a specific parameter of the signal,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure. At block 172,
the control system operates a fluid source of the attraction
system. By way of example, the control system automatically
operates the fluid source to emit the fluid stream, such as toward
a target, without a user input.
[0042] At block 174, the control system determines whether the
target receives a signal that is encoded in the fluid emitted by
the fluid source. In an embodiment, the fluid source transmits the
encoded signal into the fluid, and a sensor of the target may
receive the signal. The sensor may then transmit data to the
control system to indicate that the target is receiving the fluid
stream. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the target
transmits the signal, and a sensor of the fluid source may receive
the signal. Thus, upon receipt of the fluid, the signal transmitted
by the target may transmit through the fluid to be received by the
sensor of the fluid source. The sensor of the fluid source may then
transmit data to the control system to indicate that the target is
receiving the fluid stream. If the data indicates that the target
is receiving the signal, the control system may continue to operate
the attraction system (e.g., without changing the operation of the
attraction system).
[0043] However, if the control system determines that the target is
not receiving the signal, the control system may perform a
different action, as indicated at block 176. As an example, the
control system may adjust an operation of the attraction system,
such as to change a position of the fluid source and/or of the
target such that the target may receive the fluid. As another
example, the control system may present a notification to inform a
user, such as an operator of the attraction system, that the target
is not receiving the fluid. In this way, the user may adjust the
attraction system accordingly, such as by manually moving the fluid
source and/or the target such that the target may receive the
fluid.
[0044] By way of example, the attraction system may include a
fountain in which it is desirable for the fountain to emit a fluid
stream to a particular location. As such, the particular location
may include the target that may determine whether the fountain
emits the fluid stream as desired. If the target receives the
fluid, the target may transmit data to the control system to
indicate that the target is receiving the fluid, and the control
system may therefore continue to operate the attraction system to
cause the fountain to emit the fluid to the target. If the target
does not receive the fluid, the target may not transmit data to the
control system, thereby indicating that the target is not receiving
the fluid, and the control system may therefore perform an action
that may cause the operation of the attraction system to change
such that the fountain emits the fluid to the target. Additionally
or alternatively, if the target does not receive the fluid, the
target may transmit data to the control system to indicate that the
target is not receiving the fluid, and if the target does receive
the fluid, the target may transmit data to the control system to
indicate that the target is receiving the fluid.
[0045] Further, although FIG. 4 illustrates that the control system
may perform an action based on the determination that the target is
not receiving the signal, the control system may alternatively
perform an action based on the determination that the target is
receiving the signal. That is, it may not be desirable for the
target to receive the fluid and therefore, the control system may
perform an action upon determining that the target is receiving the
fluid. In any case, the control system may operate the attraction
system based on whether or not the target is receiving the signal,
rather than based on the particular parameters associated with the
signal.
[0046] Moreover, the steps of the method 140 and of the method 170
may be combined. For instance, multiple fountains may be emitting
respective fluid streams near the target, and it may be desirable
for the target to receive a specific fluid stream. Thus, each fluid
stream may have a respective, unique signal. The control system may
therefore determine whether the target is receiving a fluid stream
based on receipt of a signal and further, the control system may
determine whether the target is receiving the specific fluid stream
based on a parameter of the signal. The control system may then
operate the attraction system, such as by moving the target and/or
the fountain, based on such determination.
[0047] 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. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the
disclosure.
[0048] 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, if any claims appended to the end of this
specification contain one or more elements designated as "means for
[perform]ing [a function] . . . " or "step for [perform]ing [a
function] . . . ", it is intended that such elements are to be
interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims
containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended
that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.
112(f).
* * * * *