SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING MODULAR OMNIDIRECTIONAL ACTUATED FLOORS IN AN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE

Abstract

A system for moving passengers is disclosed. The system includes an auxiliary mobility platform including a plurality of tiles, the plurality of tiles includes a first plurality of tiles defining a loading region and a second plurality of tiles defining an intermediate region. The system also includes a carriage positioned on the auxiliary mobility platform and defining a passenger compartment, the carriage movable by the auxiliary mobility platform, and a carrier vehicle to support the carriage and movable along a predefined ride pathway.

Description

FIELD

The present application relates to systems and methods of moving or positioning objects, such as moving or positioning people or carriages for an amusement or theme park ride.

BACKGROUND

Various amusement parks, theme parks, and other entertainment venues often provide rides or immersive experiences to guests. These rides or experiences may include vehicles or other devices to carry passengers, e.g., along a track or other predetermined path. At some point these rides require the passengers to board and deboard the vehicles.

Boarding or deboarding the vehicle may require the vehicle to slow or stop to a speed sufficient for a person to easily exit the vehicle. However, for passengers with disabilities, mobility impairments, or young children, the ride vehicle may need to move slower and/or stop longer to allow those passengers to deboard. For some of these passengers the time to board or deboard may be difficult, stressful, or prohibitive and may prevent some people from attempting the ride. Further, the arrangement of the boarding or deboarding areas may be difficult for passengers with disabilities to maneuver.

To accommodate the increased time to board or deboard the ride vehicles, the ride vehicles must be spaced sufficiently along the ride pathway for other vehicles to board or deboard, or the other ride vehicles must also stop for boarding and deboarding of passengers. However, the spacing of the ride vehicles or stopping ride vehicles may reduce the total capacity of passengers that may experience the ride. The wait times caused by the reduced capacity may also deter some passengers from attempting to experience the ride.

Accordingly, there is a need for a ride providing adequate time for all passengers to board or deboard. There is also a need for a ride providing efficient boarding or deboarding times to increase the capacity of the ride. There is also a need for a more entertaining waiting or boarding and deboarding experience.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one example, a system for moving passengers is disclosed. The system includes an auxiliary mobility platform including a plurality of tiles, the plurality of tiles includes a first plurality of tiles defining a loading region and a second plurality of tiles defining an intermediate region. The system also includes a carriage positioned on the auxiliary mobility platform and defining a passenger compartment, the carriage movable by the auxiliary mobility platform, and a carrier vehicle to support the carriage and movable along a predefined ride pathway.

In some examples, each tile of the plurality of tiles generates motion of the carriage independent of others of the plurality of tiles.

In some examples, the second plurality of tiles moves the carriage at a different velocity or direction from the first plurality of tiles.

In some examples, the first plurality of tiles have a first width dimension and the second plurality of tiles have a second width dimension greater than the first width dimension.

In some examples, the first plurality of tiles move relative to the carriage to assist a passenger in boarding the carriage.

In some examples, the loading region is a first ride including a first carrier vehicle to support the carriage and movable along a first ride pathway and a second ride includes the first carrier vehicle.

In some examples, the carrier vehicle includes a receiving platform including a third plurality of tiles to arrange the carriage relative to the first ride pathway.

In some examples, the carriage is movable by the auxiliary mobility platform in a direction separate from a direction of the ride pathway.

In some examples, the ride pathway is defined as one or more of a track, a conveyor system, or a road.

In some examples, the ride pathway extends adjacent to a portion of the intermediate region.

In some examples, a movement of the carriage by the auxiliary mobility platform corresponds to audio or an image generated by the system.

In some examples, carriage includes an input device for receiving an input from the passenger, and the carriage is movable by the auxiliary mobility platform corresponding to the input.

In one example, a ride system for moving passengers includes a modular floor including a plurality of tiles providing independent movement, the modular floor including a first region, and a second region, the second region causing movement at a velocity or in a direction different from the first region. The system also includes a carriage positioned on the modular floor and defining a passenger compartment, the carriage movable by the modular floor and a carrier vehicle to support the carriage and movable along a track positioned adjacent the modular floor.

In some examples, the carriage is a first carriage of a plurality of carriages, and the plurality of carriages are arranged by the plurality of tiles for loading onto the carrier vehicle.

In some examples, the system also includes a plurality of track vehicles, the plurality of track vehicles coupled to the carrier vehicle and the track.

In some examples, the modular floor is positioned between the track and a second track, the second track spaced from the track.

In some examples, the first region of the modular floor is a first device configured to move a passenger to the carriage, and the second region includes the plurality of tiles.

In one example, a method for a system transporting passengers to a carrier vehicle of a ride using an auxiliary mobility platform includes positioning a carriage at a loading region, the loading region including a first set of active tiles, moving the carriage from the loading region to an intermediate region including a second set of active tiles, the second set of active tiles moving the carriage at a different velocity from the first set of active tiles, and moving the carriage from the intermediate region to carrier vehicle.

In some examples, the method further includes, while moving the carriage from the loading region to the intermediate region, moving the carriage in a predetermined pattern corresponding to a projected image or audio generated by the system.

In some examples, the method further includes arranging the carriage on the carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle including a third set of active tiles.

In some examples, the method further includes moving the carrier platform along a ride path, wherein the carrier platform is connected to the ride path.

In some examples, the method further includes positioning a second carriage on the intermediate region and moving the carriage in response to a movement of the second carriage.

In some examples, the method further includes maintaining the carriage in a stationary position on the loading region, and moving the carriage along the first set of active tiles after loading a passenger on the carriage.

In some examples, the method further includes moving the passenger to the carriage by the first set of active tiles while the carriage is in the stationary position.

In one example, a ride system for passengers includes a main ride including a plurality of vehicles including a carrier vehicle, and a ride pathway including a start area, where the plurality of vehicles navigate the ride pathway, a modular floor positioned adjacent the start area, a carriage configured to receive passengers and positioned on the modular floor, and wherein the carriage is movable by the modular floor to the start area in alignment with the main ride.

In some examples, the carrier vehicle receives the carriage at the start area.

In some examples, the modular floor includes an active mobility elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example motion system including a modular floor including plurality of active tiles.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example disk assembly for use in a motion system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the disk assembly of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various orientations of a tilted contact disk of the disk assembly of FIG. 2 that define respective directions a supported object is moved by the disk assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of an active tile including an array of disk assemblies.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example computing system for implementing various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an amusement park ride utilizing a modular floor.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an amusement park ride utilizing a modular floor including active tiles to assist multiple passengers in boarding a ride.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an amusement park ride utilizing a modular floor including active tiles in a boarding area and on a ride vehicle.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an amusement park ride utilizing a modular floor including active tiles to assist in boarding, deboarding, or transferring between rides.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example flow chart depicting an example use of the systems described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

The following disclosure relates generally to systems and methods of moving or positioning objects by an auxiliary ride or mobility platform to a main ride, and specifically to moving or positioning people or carriages for an amusement or theme park ride. In some examples of the theme park ride system the mobility element may be a modular floor, conveyor belt, or similar devices. For example, a modular floor or floors may include movement inducing or active tiles capable of moving an intermediate carriage holding passengers and/or carry or move the passengers themselves. The carriage may be carried by the modular floor to the main ride. The main ride may include a track, ride pathway, or guide system positioned in or extending through an environment for passengers to experience an amusement or thematic ride. A carrier vehicle of the predefined ride may navigate or carry guests or passengers through the ride pathway. It should be noted that although the term pathway is used, the various concepts described herein may be utilized with free-moving vehicles as well, e.g., the concepts may be used to assist passengers in boarding/debarking a vehicle, but once boarded the passengers may have full control or substantially full control in steering the vehicle.

In embodiments where the mobile platform includes a modular floor, the floor may include multiple tiles that can move objects independently from one another to generate, or act against, motion of an object.

Carriages or passive passenger transports may be positioned on the modular floor for passengers to board. During boarding, the modular floor may assist passengers in boarding or deboarding the carriage. For example, the modular floor may position the carriages or passengers for boarding. The modular floor may move a carriage to a passenger waiting to board. In some examples, the modular floor may move a passenger to a carriage for boarding. Accordingly, passengers with mobility limitations may be assisted by reducing the degree or distance they need to move to board, or by positioning the carriage in a manner that makes it easier to transfer into the carriage. The movement of the passengers or the carriage may assist in quicker boarding times for passengers generally, increasing a total ride capacity.

To assist passengers in boarding and deboarding the predefined ride, the modular floor may be positioned adjacent the ride area, e.g., ride start or along a pathway of the ride. After the passenger has boarded the carriage, the carriage may be transported across the modular floor to the ride pathway. The modular floor may then position the carriage on the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle may be a carrier vehicle for navigation along the ride platform. In some examples, the carrier vehicle may include active tiles to assist in loading, unloading, or orienting the carriage.

In some examples, multiple passengers and multiple carriages may be positioned on the modular floor. The modular floor may independently position each of the respective carriages and the passengers for boarding. Accordingly, the system may allow multiple passengers to board the multiple carriages. The system may then navigate each carriage to the ride pathway once the passengers are secured on the carriage. The modular floor may organize the various carriages to provide faster boarding of the carriages on the carrier vehicles. For example, if a first passenger at a first carriage requires more time to board, a second carriage may be navigated to the ride pathway before the first carriage. As a result, by utilizing the modular floor, a passenger requiring more time to board may board the carriage at a pace that works for them. Further, because carriages may be navigated or loaded independent to the ride pathway, the ride may operate at an increased capacity while also providing options for passengers with mobility restrictions.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example motion system 100 including a modular floor 102 formed with a plurality of active tiles 104. The tiles 104 may include the same or similar shape, such that multiple tiles 104 may be connected together to form the modular floor 102. For example, the tiles 104 may include a polygonal shape that allows multiple tiles 104 to be connected together to form an integrated surface of the modular floor 102. The polygonal shape may be any closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments, such as three line segments defining a triangular shape, four line segments defining a quadrilateral shape, or more than four line segments defining another polygonal shape (e.g., six line segments defining a hexagonal shape, among other suitable shapes). In such examples, any number of tiles 104 may be connected together to define the modular floor 102 of a desired size and shape. The various tiles 104 may be coupled together (e.g., via interlocking or coupling features) or the tiles 104 may be positioned adjacent one another to define the modular floor 102. In some examples, the active tiles 104 may be held in place, and in one example close proximity, by an underlying alignment frame 134.

As described herein, the motion system 100 may provide or facilitate motion of one or more objects 110 on the modular floor 102. For instance, the motion system 100 may move one or more objects 110 across the modular floor 102, such as from a first location to a second location on the modular floor 102. Additionally, or alternatively, the motion system 100 may allow one or more user participants 114 to move across the modular floor 102 or walk/run on the modular floor 102. Such examples are non-limiting, and the modular floor 102 may provide or facilitate motion of any object positioned at least partially on the modular floor 102. For example, in some embodiments, the modular floor 102 may provide or facilitate motion of ride vehicles, gaming objects, containers, or any other object placed or positioned on the modular floor 102.

In one example, the modular floor 102 may be operated to allow a user participant 114 to walk or run under the user's own power. In such examples, a set of tiles 104 (or at least components of the set of tiles 104) associated with the present location and a predicted travel path 120 of the user participant 114 may be operated concurrently and in a like manner to move in another direction 122, such as opposite the current or predicted travel path 120. In this manner, the motion system 100 may control a position of the user participant 114 on the modular floor 102 (e.g., maintained at a specific location), even while the user participant 114 is walking or running, such as to limit the user participant 114 from walking off the modular floor 102 and/or to avoid a collision with another object 110 or user participant 114 on the modular floor 102. The motion 122 imparted to the user participant 114 may slow the movement of the user participant 114 relative to the modular floor 102 (e.g., the user participant 114 moves at a rate that is slower than the user's walking/running pace), halt the relative motion (e.g., the user participant 114 effectively walks/runs in place), or increase the relative motion (e.g., the user participant 114 moves at a rate that is faster than the user's walking/running pace). These abilities to control the flow of persons or passengers across the modular floor 102 may allow better control of crowds of potential passengers of differing mobility capacities.

In one example, the motion system 100 may be used to support independent movement of multiple (e.g., two or more) user participants 114. For instance, as shown, the motion system 100 may support a first user participant 114A moving (e.g., walking, running, etc.) along a first travel path 120A, and a second user participant 114B moving (e.g., walking, running, etc.) along a second travel path 120B that differs from the first travel path 120A. In such examples, the motion system 100 may impart respective motions 122A, 122B on the first and second user participants 114A, 114B, such as in a manner as described above. The motions 122A, 122B imparted to the user participants 114A, 114B may be independent and concurrent, even while different in the example illustrated. In some examples, the modular floor 102 may be configured to move or facilitate movement of an object 110 or user participant 114 in any direction (e.g., any lateral direction across the modular floor 102), such that the modular floor 102 may be considered an omnidirectional actuated floor.

The motion control described herein may be provided by one or more disk assemblies 130 of the motion system 100. As shown, the tiles 104 may include one or more disk assemblies 130, such as a plurality of disk assemblies 130. In such examples, the disk assemblies 130 may support the one or more objects 110 or user participants 114 on the modular floor 102. The disk assemblies 130 may be operated to move the objects 110/user participants 114 on the modular floor 102, such as in a manner as described herein. For example, the disk assemblies 130 may engage the objects 110/user participants 114 so as to move the objects 110/user participants 114 as the disk assemblies 130 are operated, as described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example disk assembly 130 for use in a system of the present description (e.g., motion system 100, described above), such as with a plurality of other disk assemblies 130 in an active tile 104. FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the disk assembly 130. The disk assembly 130 may include a contact disk 202. The contact disk 202 may be at a first end 204 (e.g., an outer or exposed end) of the disk assembly 130 and includes an upper surface 206. In one example, the upper surface 206 may be used in the modular floor 102 described herein, such as with a plurality of other surfaces to support and move an object 110. The contact disk 202 may be positioned and/or supported in the disk assembly 130 so as to place the upper surface 206 at a tilt angle θ, such as relative to the plane 208 of the active tile 104. In one example, the upper surface 206 may include a contact surface 210 defined by a raised segment or edge relative to the rest of the upper surface 206. In such examples, the contact surface 210 (along with similar segments/portions of other contact disks in an active tile 104) may contact and support an object placed on the disk assembly 130. The tilt angle θ may be an angle of 5 to 60 degrees, with about 8 to 15 degrees being useful in some examples, and about 10 degrees (e.g., 9.5 to 10.5 degrees) being useful in one implementation.

During use, the contact disk 202 may be rotated about a rotation axis 218, such as shown by arrows 220. As shown, the rotation axis 218 extends at a non-orthogonal angle to the plane of the upper surface 206. In this manner, the contact surface 210 of the contact disk 202 may be positioned at a predefined location relative to the rotation axis 218 during operation of the disk assembly 130, such as to move a supported object in a desired direction, as described herein. For example, the disk assembly 130 may include a swashplate 226 provided with an angled or tilted surface 228 to support the contact disk 202 at the tilt angle θ. The swashplate 226 may be drivable to selectively change where the contact surface 210 is located relative to the rotation axis 218. For instance, the swashplate 226 may be drivable via outer teeth 230 as shown in FIG. 2, be belt driven, or the like. In such examples, selective positioning of the contact surface 210 via rotation of the swashplate 226 may control which direction a supported object is moved. In one example, the swashplate 226 may remain stationary or fixed in place relative to the rotation axis 218 during the rotation 220 of the contact disk 202.

The disk assembly 130 may include various drive components and bearings to support or facilitate rotation of the contact disk 202 under load. For example, the disk assembly 130 may include a gear 240 for rotating the contact disk 202 about the rotation axis 218, as detailed herein. A first thrust bearing 242 may be positioned between the contact disc and the swashplate 226, such as to reduce friction between the contact disc and the swashplate 226. A second thrust bearing 244 may be positioned between the swashplate 226 and the gear 240, such as to reduce friction between the swashplate 226 and the gear 240. The first and second thrust bearings 242, 244 may be configured to transfer a load on the contact disk 202 downward into the disk assembly 130 (e.g., into the stack of components of the disk assembly 130). For instance, the first thrust bearing 242 may transfer a downward load from the contact disk 202 onto the swashplate 226, and the second thrust bearing 244 may transfer the downward load from the swashplate 226 onto the gear 240. In some examples, the disk assembly 130 may include a top bearing 250 and a bottom bearing 252, such as for the purposes described below. A fastener 256 may secure the components of the disk assembly 130 together as an operable unit.

Referring to FIG. 3, the disk assembly 130 may include a drive shaft 310. The drive shaft 310 may be coupled to the contact disk 202 and driven by the gear 240. For instance, the disk assembly 130 may include a U-joint 312 pivotally coupled to both an end 318 of the drive shaft 310 and an underside 320 of the contact disk 202. The U-joint 312 may allow the contact disk 202 to be rotated while the high-point or contact surface 210 of the contact disk 202 is turned or redirected via the swashplate 226 to change the tilt direction or disk orientation of the contact disk 202 (e.g., to change the location of the contact surface 210 relative to the rotation axis 218). The drive shaft 310 may be coupled to the gear 240 (e.g., via a keyed engagement 324) such that rotation of the gear 240 rotates the drive shaft 310. In such examples, rotation of the gear 240 causes the drive shaft 310 to rotate, which, in turn, causes the contact disk 202 to rotate about the rotation axis 218. With continued reference to FIG. 3, the top and bottom bearings 250, 252 may rotationally support the drive shaft 310, such as centering the drive shaft 310 within the disk assembly 130.

According to various examples described herein, the contact disk 202 is supported at the tilt angle θ by the tilted surface 228 of the swashplate 226 and then selectively rotated 220 about the rotation axis 218 while the swashplate 226 remains stationary, such as to move an object supported upon the contact surface 210 of the upper surface 206. Rotation 220 may be provided through a disk rotation mechanism (which includes at least the gear 240) in the disk assembly 130 that works in combination with a drive system (not shown in FIGS. 2-3) (e.g., one or more motors driving belts, screw drives, gears, or the like to impart motion on one or more components of the disk rotation mechanism such as upon the outer teeth 230 of the gear 240).

The upper surface 206 is circular in shape in the illustrated embodiment, with the contact surface 210 being an outer ring-shaped surface or lip configured to engage surfaces of a supported object. The contact disk 202 is positioned or supported at the disk or tilt angle θ (e.g., an angle in the range of 5 to 60 degrees or the like as measured between a horizontal plane and the upper surface 206 of the contact disk 202). Such configurations cause a raised edge or portion of the contact surface 210 to contact and move an object (e.g., a person, a ride vehicle, a container, or any other object) supported upon the contact disk 202. The raised edge/segment may be a fraction of the contact surface 210, such as in the range of 1/10 to ⅖ of the available surface, depending on the magnitude of the tilt angle θ.

The disk assemblies 130 may be adapted to allow the contact disk 202 to be oriented as desired to set the location of the contact surface 210 relative to the rotation axis 218. For instance, the contact disk 202 may be rotated relative to the rotation axis 218, such as by rotation of the swashplate 226 about the rotation axis 218, to orient the contact disk 202 relative to the rotation axis 218, as described above. In such examples, the orientation of the contact surface 210 relative to the rotation axis 218 may define the direction a supported object is moved by the disk assembly 130.

For example, FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various orientations of the contact disk 202 that define respective directions a supported object is moved by the disk assembly 130. Referring to FIG. 4A, the tilt direction or disk orientation of the contact disk 202 may be set with the contact surface 210 at the “top” of the contact disk 202 (when looking at the page containing FIG. 4A). If the contact disk 202 is rotated clockwise about the rotation axis 218, a supported object may be moved in a positive X direction or to the right when looking at the page containing FIG. 4A. Conversely, if the contact disk 202 is rotated counterclockwise about the rotation axis 218, the supported object may be moved in a negative X direction or the left when looking at the page containing FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the tilt direction or disk orientation of the contact disk 202 may be set with the contact surface 210 at the “right” of the contact disk 202 (when looking at the page containing FIG. 4B). If the contact disk 202 is rotated clockwise about the rotation axis 218, a supported object may be moved in a negative Y direction or downwards when looking at the page containing FIG. 4B. Conversely, if the contact disk 202 is rotated counterclockwise about the rotation axis 218, the supported object may be moved in a positive Y direction or upwards when looking at the page containing FIG. 4B.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the tilt direction or disk orientation of the contact disk 202 may be set with the contact surface 210 at the “bottom” of the contact disk 202 (when looking at the page containing FIG. 4C). If the contact disk 202 is rotated clockwise about the rotation axis 218, a supported object may be moved in a negative X direction or to the left when looking at the page containing FIG. 4C. Conversely, if the contact disk 202 is rotated counterclockwise about the rotation axis 218, the supported object may be moved in a positive X direction or the right when looking at the page containing FIG. 4C.

Referring to FIG. 4D, the tilt direction or disk orientation of the contact disk 202 may be set with the contact surface 210 at the “left” of the contact disk 202 (when looking at the page containing FIG. 4D). If the contact disk 202 is rotated clockwise about the rotation axis 218, a supported object may be moved in a positive Y direction or upwards when looking at the page containing FIG. 4D. Conversely, if the contact disk 202 is rotated counterclockwise about the rotation axis 218, the supported object may be moved in a negative Y direction or downwards when looking at the page containing FIG. 4D.

During any particular operation period used to move an object in a particular direction, the components of the disk assembly 130 may be configured to allow the contact disk 202 to be oriented in any of the four orientations or disk directions illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D (or to any intermediate position between these four orientations) and to concurrently allow the contact disk 202 to be rotated at a desired rate or speed about the rotation axis 218, while remaining at the tilt angle θ at the particular disk face orientation/direction. As a result, the disk assemblies 130 may move an object 113 or user participant 114 along (or allow a user participant 114 to walk/run in) any direction across the modular floor 102. In this manner, the disk assemblies 130 may define an omnidirectional actuated floor.

Arrays or pluralities of the disk assemblies 130 may be combined into a single tile 104, and multiple tiles 104 may be combined to provide the modular floor 102 described herein, or can be used in combination to provide a large floor or platform to move supported objects 110. In such embodiments, the drive assemblies may be driven independently; however, it may be useful in some embodiments to concurrently drive an array or subset of the disk assemblies 130 used to make up a support floor/platform, such as by orienting and driving/rotating the contact disks 202 in an active tile 104 similarly (e.g., drive the drive assemblies in an active tile 104 concurrently and similarly to move an object on the tile 104 in a particular direction and at a particular speed).

Accordingly, FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of an active tile 104 including an array or plurality of disk assemblies 130. Referring to FIG. 5, an array or plurality of disk assemblies 130 may be arranged in a pattern. For example, multiple disk assemblies 130 may be arranged in a rectangular pattern of parallel rows and columns, although other configurations are contemplated. In some examples, the plurality of disk assemblies 130 may be arranged in a thematic configuration, such as a logo. The disk assemblies 130 may include parallel rotation axes 218 with the upper surfaces 206 facing a single direction. For example, the contact disks 202 may be oriented to have the same disk direction or to have its tilt angle oriented in the same way. The disk assemblies 130 may be driven together as a set or concurrently to rotate at the same rate and in the same direction about their rotation axes 218. In this manner, the plurality of disk assemblies 130 (or a subset of the disk assemblies 130) may move an object supported thereon in the same direction and at the same rate.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, first lead screws 504 are positioned to contact the outer teeth 230 of the swashplate 226, and second lead screws 506 are positioned to contact the geared/toothed outer surface of the gear 240. One or more drive motors 510 may be selectively controlled to rotate 512 the first lead screws 504 as needed/desired to set the tilt direction or disk orientation of the contact disks 202 (e.g., to orient the contact disks 202 by rotating the swashplates 226 about their respective rotation axis 218), such as to position raised edges of the contact disks 202 concurrently in a desired location. Stated differently, rotation of the first lead screws 504 by the drive motors may cause the swashplates 226 to rotate about their respective rotation axes 218, which, in turn, causes the supported contact disks 202 to likewise rotate to position the contact surfaces 210 at a new location.

Concurrently or at a different time, one or more spin motors 520 may be selectively controlled to rotate the second lead screws 506, thereby driving the gears 240 to rotate (e.g., at the same rate). Rotation of the gears 240 may cause the contact disks 202 to rotate, with the direction of rotation of the contact disks 202 set by a direction of rotation 522 of the second lead screws 506. Similarly, the rate of rotation of the contact disks 202 may be set by the rate of rotation 522 of the second lead screws 506.

Such examples are illustrative only, and the modular floor 102 may be operated using other systems and configurations. For instance, the contact disks 202 may be rotated via intermeshing gears, among other examples. In some examples, one or more (e.g., each) contact disks 202 may be rotated via a gear train including multiple gears. In such examples, one or more motors (e.g., spin motors 510 and/or 520) may be selectively controlled to rotate the gears, thereby causing the contact disks 202 to rotate.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are non-limiting examples for providing a motion system including a modular floor formed with a plurality of active tiles, the active tiles having one or more disk assemblies with a rotatable, angled disk and with mechanisms for rotating/spinning the disk and for orienting the disk to have its raised edge/portion in a desired location to direct a supported object in a desired direction during disk rotation. Thus, the motion system 100, modular floor 102, active tiles 104, and disk assemblies 130, described above, are illustrative only, and other configurations are contemplated. In one example, the systems and elements described herein (e.g., the tiles 104 and disk assemblies 130) may be similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/790,124, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,416,754 B2, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/135,952, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,732,197 B2, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example computing system 600 for implementing various examples described herein. For example, in various embodiments, components of the motion system 100 or other systems described herein may be implemented by one or several computing systems 600. This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of computing systems 600. For example, the computing system 600 may be a server, a desktop computing system, a mainframe, a mesh of computing systems, a laptop or notebook computing system, a tablet computing system, an embedded computer system, a system-on-chip, a single-board computing system, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, the computing system 600 may include one or more computing systems; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; span multiple data centers; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks.

Computing system 600 includes a bus 610 (e.g., an address bus and a data bus) or other communication mechanism for communicating information, which interconnects subsystems and devices, such as processor 608, memory 602 (e.g., RAM), static storage 604 (e.g., ROM), dynamic storage 606 (e.g., magnetic or optical), communications interface 616 (e.g., modem, Ethernet card, a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network, a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI network), input/output (I/O) interface 620 (e.g., keyboard, keypad, mouse, microphone). In particular embodiments, the computing system 600 may include one or more of any such components.

In particular embodiments, processor 608 includes hardware for executing instructions, such as those making up a computer program. For example, a processor 608 may execute instructions for various components of the motion system 100 or other systems described herein. The processor 608 circuitry includes circuitry for performing various processing functions, such as executing specific software to perform specific calculations or tasks. In particular embodiments, I/O interface 620 includes hardware, software, or both, providing one or more interfaces for communication between computing system 600 and one or more I/O devices. Computing system 600 may include one or more of these I/O devices, where appropriate. One or more of these I/O devices may enable communication between a person and computing system 600.

In particular embodiments, the communications interface 616 includes hardware, software, or both providing one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between computing system 600 and one or more other computer systems or one or more networks. One or more memory buses (which may each include an address bus and a data bus) may couple processor 608 to memory 602. Bus 610 may include one or more memory buses, as described below. In particular embodiments, one or more memory management units (MMUs) reside between processor 608 and memory 602 and facilitate accesses to memory 602 requested by processor 608. In particular embodiments, bus 610 includes hardware, software, or both to couple components of the computing system 600.

According to particular embodiments, computing system 600 performs specific operations by processor 608 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in memory 602. For example, instructions for the motion system 100 or other systems described herein may be contained in memory 602 and may be executed by the processor 608. Such instructions may be read into memory 602 from another computer readable/usable medium, such as static storage 604 or dynamic storage 606. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus, particular embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and/or software. In various embodiments, the term “logic” means any combination of software or hardware that is used to implement all or part of particular embodiments disclosed herein.

The term “computer readable medium” or “computer usable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 608 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, nonvolatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as static storage 604 or dynamic storage 606. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as memory 602.

Computing system 600 may transmit and receive messages, data, and instructions, including program, e.g., application code, through communications link 618 and communications interface 616. Received program code may be executed by processor 608 as it is received, and/or stored in static storage 604 or dynamic storage 606, or other storage for later execution. A database 614 may be used to store data accessible by the computing system 600 by way of data interface 612. In various examples, communications link 618 may communicate with the motion system 100 or other systems described herein.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in any one of FIGS. 1-6 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 1-6.

Turning to FIG. 7, an example amusement or thematic ride system 700 incorporating an auxiliary ride or mobility platform, such as a modular floor 720 is disclosed. The modular floor 720 may be similar to or the same as floor 102, providing movement in at least one direction, and in many instances in a plurality of directions. The ride system 700 may include carriages 750 movable by the modular floor 720. In some examples, the ride system 700 may move or orient passengers 701 by the modular floor 720. The carriages 750 may carry passengers 701. The modular floor 720 may assist passengers 701 in boarding the carriages 750. The carriages 750 may be advanced to a predefined or main ride system 765 following a predefined path 786 for passengers 701 to experience an amusement or thematic ride. The main ride system 765 may include one or more carrier vehicles 770 to transport passengers 701 or carriages 750 along the predefined path 786.

The auxiliary ride or mobility platform 719 may include mobility elements such as the modular floor 720. The modular floor 720 may include similar or the same features of the modular floor 102 discussed above. For example, modular floor 720 may include a plurality of active tiles 722, which may be similar to or the same as the plurality of active tiles 104 described above. The active tiles 722 may similarly include disk assemblies 130. The disk assemblies 130 may allow each tile 722 to move an object in a variety of directions (e.g. omnidirectional). As discussed above, the disk assemblies 130 of an active tile 722 may be driven independently of another disk assembly 130 of an active tile 722 or together in a similar or same direction. For example, the disk assemblies 130 may move in a similar direction or orientation thereby defining a direction of movement for the tile 722 as a whole. In some examples, the mobility platform 719 includes additional or alternative mobility elements. The additional or alternative mobility elements may provide movement in a single direction or two directions. The additional or alternative mobility elements may be positioned between or adjacent the active tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130. For example, the alternative mobility elements may be positioned between groupings or sections of the tiles 722. The modular floor 720 may include various active mobility elements, such as a conveyor belt. The active mobility elements may be positioned adjacent tiles 722. The active mobility elements may provide translational movement or movement in one or two directions. For example, the activity mobility elements may provide movement between tiles 722 or sections of the modular floor 720. In some examples, the active tiles 722 may be a type of active mobility element. In some examples, the modular floor 720 may include passive mobility elements, such as bearings or roller wheels. The passive mobility elements may be positioned between the tiles 722 to assist in transitioning objects between tiles 722 or from the modular floor 720 to another platform.

The tiles 722 may be arranged in various shapes or sizes. In some examples, the tiles 722 may include the same or similar shape, such that multiple tiles 722 may be connected or positioned together to form the modular floor 720. For example, each tile 722 may include a polygonal shape that allows multiple tiles 722 to be connected together to form an integrated surface of the modular floor 720. In one example, the tiles 722 are arranged in a hexagonal shape. In other examples, the tiles 722 may be rectangular, triangular, or arranged into a thematic pattern.

The tiles 722 may be positioned adjacent another tile 722. An object may be placed on the modular floor 720 and rotated by causing at least each of two adjacent tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 to move in transverse directions. An object on the modular floor 720 may be caused to rotate and translate by causing three adjacent tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 to cause movement in differing directions. The various shapes or sizes of the tiles 722 may assist in orienting objects on the modular floor 720. For example, the plurality of active tiles 722 may be hexagonal and include a first tile 724, a second tile 725, and a third tile 726 meeting at a common intersection 712. By moving the first tile 724 in a first direction 714, the second tile 725 in a second direction 715, and the third tile 726 in a third direction 716 an object may be rotated about the intersection 712. Further, by utilizing hexagonal shapes or another arrangement providing three or more tiles 722 intersecting at a common point, the floor 720 may provide at least three degrees of freedom and, and accordingly, movement in any direction on the modular floor 720. While the foregoing explanation is given with respect to active tiles 722 the same features may apply to two, or three, or more disk assemblies 130 arranged adjacent to each other.

The spacing between the tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 may be varied. In some examples, the tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 may be positioned closely or tightly together. For example, the tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 may be positioned adjacent one another to allow objects or passenger's feet to span a distance between the tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130. The tighter spacing may prevent or reduce the risk of a passenger's 701 foot or mobility accessory 703 from unintentionally placing between tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130. The tighter spacing may also allow a user to place their feet on two or more tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 at any time and therefore to be moved over the floor 720 by the active tiles 722. In other examples, disk assemblies 130 or tiles 722 may be spread apart sufficiently for an employee or passenger 701 to walk or roll between the disk assemblies 130 or tiles 722, such as on a walkway. In some examples, the active tiles 722 or the disk assemblies 130 themselves may be more widely spaced where it is expected that only carriages 750 will traverse or be moved by the modular floor 720. The carriages 750 may be able to span the wider spaces and reduce the number of tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 required.

The modular floor 720 may include sets or arrangements of the plurality of active tiles 722. For example, the modular floor 720 may include a first plurality of tiles defining a loading region of tiles 735. The modular floor may include a second plurality of tiles defining an intermediate region of tiles 738. Additional groupings of active tiles 722 are contemplated and discussed below with respect to FIGS. 8-10.

In some examples, the tiles 722 or the disk assemblies 130 of the loading region 735 may have a smaller size or be placed in relatively close proximity. The loading region tiles 735 may have a first or loading width 748A. The loading width dimension 748A may be relatively smaller compared to the intermediate region 738 discussed below. The smaller loading width 748A may position multiple tiles 735 relatively closer together to provide increased maneuverability of objects at the loading region 738. For example, two objects may be placed in relatively close proximity without using the same tile 735 for both of the two objects. Accordingly, the objects may be moved or rotated independently of the other by the tiles 735. In some examples, the loading tiles 735 may have a smaller width 748A, but spaced apart to define walkways or otherwise stationary surfaces between the tiles 735.

The modular floor 720 may include an intermediate region of tiles 738 positioned adjacent the loading region 735. The tiles of the intermediate region 738 may have an intermediate width 748B or intermediate spacing between tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130. The intermediate width 748B may be greater than the loading width 748A. The width dimension 748B of the intermediate tiles 738 may be arranged to prioritize movement or orientation of a single object over the tiles 738. For example, the width 748B may increase the contact area or surface of the tiles 738. The increased surface area may increase control of the object by the tiles 738 and faster movement of an object over the tiles 738. In some examples, the intermediate tiles 738 and the loading tiles 735 may be sized or arranged similarly or the same. In some examples, as discussed above, the intermediate tiles 738 may have a greater spacing than the loading region 735. The greater spacing may be configured for the movement of carriages 750 and reduce the total number of active tiles 722 or disk assemblies 130 required for the modular floor 720.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the ride system 700 may include a carriage 750 configured to carry passengers 701. The carriage 750 may include a passenger compartment 752 configured to carry or receive the passengers 701. The carriage 750 may be shaped or arranged for movement by the modular floor 720. For example, the carriage 750 may have a bottom surface 756 configured to engage with modular floor 720. In one example, the bottom surface 756 may be flat or featureless to increase the surface area in contact with the floor. The increase in surface area may improve the ability and/or responsiveness of the active tiles 722 to move the carriage 750. In other examples, the bottom surface 756 may be shaped in a variety of other configurations or include multiple contact points with the modular floor 720. The passenger compartment 752 or carriage 750 may include an input device 754 to receive an input from a passenger 701. For example, passengers 701 onboard the carriage 750 may have an ability to request a movement or action from the carriage 750 or ride system 700. In one example, the input device 754 may resemble a steering mechanism (e.g. steering wheel, controller, or joystick) and the inputs may correspond to an orientation of the carriage 750 or movement of the carriage 750 by the modular floor 720.

The ride system 700 may include a predefined or main ride 765. The main ride 765 may have a start or end at boarding or deboarding locations. The main ride 765 may include ride pathway 786 extending between those locations. The ride pathway 786 may be a predefined or set route through a ride environment. For example, the ride pathway 786 may be a road, track, course, or freeform. It should be noted that although the term pathway is used, the various concepts described herein may be utilized with free-moving vehicles (e.g. steerable or independent) as well. The ride pathway 786 may correspond to thematic elements of the ride system 700 or positioned in an environment providing thematic elements.

The main ride 765 may include a transporter or carrier vehicle 770. The carrier vehicle 770 may include a reception area or platform 772. The platform 772 may be a flat or top surface of the carriage 750. The platform 772 may include various coupling devices or features to couple to or limit movement of an object relative to the carrier vehicle 770. In some examples, as described in greater detail below, the platform 772 may be or include a portion of the modular floor 720 and include active tiles 722. In some examples, the carrier vehicle 770 may be fixed to the ride pathway 786. In other examples, the carrier vehicle 770 may navigate the pathway 786 independently, such as by wheels, floatation, or other systems.

The main ride 765 may include a plurality of cars 790 navigating the ride pathway 786. In some examples, the cars 790 may be fixed to the ride pathway 786 or otherwise limited to navigating only the ride pathway 786. The plurality of cars 790 may be coupled together by links 792. In some examples, the plurality of cars 790 are coupled to the carrier vehicle 770 by the links 792. For example, the carrier vehicle 770 may be positioned between, to the front, or to the rear of one or more of the plurality of cars 790. In some examples, the plurality of cars 790 or the carrier vehicle 770 may navigate the ride pathway 786 separately from the other cars 790 (e.g. unconnected or one at a time).

The ride system 700 may include one or more sensors 805 for determining positions or movement of the various components of the system 700. For example, the sensors 805 may determine positions, movement, or the availability of the cars 790, carrier vehicles 770, or carriages 750. In one example, the sensors 805 may be a Light Detection and Ranging system (LiDAR) system, one or more cameras, or other systems detecting light or distances to determine a position of an object. The sensors 805 may include pressure sensors, accelerometers, or other devices capable of detecting weight or changes in movement. The sensors 805 may be positioned in various locations or groupings throughout the system 700. For example, while the sensors 805 are shown as being positioned above the modular floor 720, the sensors 805 may be positioned throughout the ride system 700, or onboard or within any of the components, such as the carriage 750 or within the modular floor 720.

The ride system 700 may include various atmospheric or thematic systems to provide audio or visual content to increase the immersive experience of the ride 700. For example, the ride system 700 may include one or more immersive elements such (e.g. projectors 810, animatronics, or other effects). The projectors 810 may generate one or more images 812. The images 812 may correspond to one or more thematic elements of the ride 700. In one example, the image 812 may be displayed on the modular floor 720, carriages 750, or the main ride 765. In other examples, various sound producing devices, such as speakers, or alternative displays, such as screens or headsets, may be used.

The computing system 600, described with respect to FIG. 6, may be in communication with, utilized by, or included in the various components of the system 700 described herein. For example, the sensors 805 or the various projectors 810 may be in communication with the computing system 600. In some examples, inputs from passengers 701 at the input device 754 of the carriage 750 may be received by the computing system 600.

Turning to the system as a whole, the mobility platform 719 may be positioned adjacent the main ride 765. For example, the modular floor 720 may be positioned at or adjacent the main ride 765. The ride pathway 786 may extend along a length of the modular floor 720. Passengers 701 may board the carriage 750 and be navigated by the modular floor 720 to the ride pathway 786. The carriages 750 may be placed by the modular floor 720 on carrier vehicles 770.

The passengers 701 may board the carriages at the loading region 735. The loading region 735 may be positioned adjacent a waiting area or a queue for the ride system 700. The loading region 735 may be arranged to carry passengers 701 to carriages 750, carriages 750 to passengers 701, or a combination thereof. For example, the loading tiles 735 may rotate a passenger 701 or their mobility device 703 to assist in positioning the passenger 701 for boarding. The smaller sizes of the loading tiles 735, defined by the width 748A, may assist in multiple passengers 701 boarding while reducing the likelihood that the same tile 722 will be needed to orient multiple passengers 701 or carriages 750. For example, the smaller size providing by the loading width 748A may allow the carriage 750 and the passenger 701 to be oriented adjacent to one another by the active tiles 722. In some examples, the loading tiles 735 may have a smaller width 748A, but may be spaced apart to define walkways for passengers 701 to walk on the modular floor 720. For example, the passengers 701 may walk or roll to the carriage 750. The walkways may allow others to assist persons with disabilities while boarding a carriage 750, or a stable and even surface to navigate. In some examples, the conveyance devices discussed above may be positioned adjacent the loading tiles 735 to assist in moving passengers 701 to the loading tiles 735.

The intermediate region 738 may be positioned adjacent the main ride 765. The intermediate region 738 may extend from the loading region 735 to the main ride 765. The intermediate region 738 may move the carriages 750 between the loading region 735 and the main ride 765.

The intermediate tiles 738 and the loading region tiles 735 may move in different directions or at different velocities. For example, a carriage 750 may move in an initial direction 706 from the loading region 735 to the intermediate tiles 738. The intermediate tiles 738 may then move the carriage 750 in a second direction 709 towards a carrier vehicle 770. The independent movement of the tiles 722 may allow multiple carriages 750 to move across the modular floor 720 separately or position the carriages 750 in differing orientations to receive a passenger 701 for boarding. Additionally, the sizes of the tiles 735 and 738 may provide different benefits. The smaller size of the loading tiles 738 may increase maneuverability of multiple objects in relatively close proximity. The larger size may provide increased control of a single object. For example, the wider tiles 738 having the width 748B may define a larger surface area to control the carriage and provide faster movement or orientation of the carriage 750.

The modular floor 720 may move and orient the carriage 750 relative to the main ride 765. For example, the modular floor 720 may position the carriage 750 in alignment with the main ride 765. The carrier vehicle 770 may receive or support the carriage 750. The platform 772 may be positioned in alignment with the modular floor 720. For example, the platform 772 may be positioned at a height at or below the modular floor 720. The position of the platform 772 may arrange the carrier vehicle 770 to receive the carriage 750 with the movement provided by the modular floor 720. The platform 772 may have a width 776 sufficient to support a carriage 750. In some examples, the platform 772 may have a width sufficient to receive two or more carriages 750. The platform 772 may be include various coupling devices or features to couple to or limit movement of the carriage 750 relative to the carrier vehicle 770. After positioning the carriage 750 on the platform 772, the carrier vehicle 770 may navigate the predefined pathway 786.

After navigating the pathway 786, the carriage 750 may be removed from the carrier vehicle 770. The carriage 750 may navigate from the predefined pathway 786 to the loading region 735 for deboarding. At the loading region 735, the active tiles 722 may be stopped or slowed to provide time for passengers 701 to disembark from the carriage 750. Meanwhile, the main ride 765 or the other carriages 750 may continue to move independently.

The sensors 805 may assist in positioning or tracking the various components of the system 700. For example, the sensors 805 determine the position or orientation of the carriages 750 on the modular floor 720. The sensors 805 may detect or determine when a passenger 701 is ready to board a carriage 750 or when a carriage 750 is ready to receive a passenger. The sensors 805 may determine when an open carrier vehicle 770 is ready to receive a carriage 750 or when a carrier vehicle 770 is occupied. The sensors 805 may also determine the various orientations of the components or whether changes in orientations are required. In some examples, the sensors 805 may determine which tiles 722 a given carriage 750 or passenger 701 are positioned on. Accordingly, the sensors 805 may be in communication with the modular floor 720 to arrange carriages 750 or passengers 701. In some examples, the sensors 805 may determine when a passenger 701 is utilizing a mobility assistance device 703 and prioritize orienting the carriage 750 over the passenger 701, or determine movements of the carriage 750 or passenger 701 relative to one another.

In some examples, the carriages 750 may move in a variety of ways across the modular floor 720. For example, the images 812 generated by the projector 810 may simulate an environment (e.g. streams, roads, mountains) for the carriage 750 to traverse. The movement of the carriage 750 may correspond to the image 812, such as oscillating and navigating the image 812 like a boat in a river. In some examples, the image 812 or audio may correspond to dance choreography and the carriage 750 may mimic the choreography corresponding to the audio or image 812. Various other images or movements may be utilized to increase the immersive experience of the system 700.

The input devices 754 may also receive inputs from the passengers 701 to request or determine various orientations or movements of the carriages 750 on the modular floor 720. For example, the input device 754 may be shaped like a steering wheel and receive inputs corresponding to a simulated movement of the carriages 750 to mimic movements of a vehicle. The input devices 754 may be in communication with the other components such as the modular floor 720, sensors 805, or projector 810. Accordingly, the various components of the system 700 may provide an action in response to an input at the input device 754. The various input devices 754 may also assist in creating an immersive experience for passengers 701 by providing unique experiences during use of the system 700.

For example, in one implementation, one or more passengers 701 may be waiting to experience the ride system 700. The passengers 701 may need additional time or assistance to board the ride system 700 and are positioned on or adjacent the mobility platform 719 including a modular floor 720, such as at the loading area 735. To assist the passenger 701 in boarding, the modular floor 720 navigates the passenger 701 to the carriage 750 for boarding or the carriage 750 to the passenger 701. Accordingly, the time or effort for the passenger 701 to board the system 700 may be reduced and/or not impact other passengers who do not require additional boarding time, allowing the ride to not have to slow down or otherwise be impacted in performance.

Continuing with this example, after the passenger 701 boards the carriage 750, the carriage 750 may be moved towards the main ride 765. For example, the modular floor 720 navigates the carriage 750 from the loading area 735 to the intermediate region 738. At the intermediate region 738 the carriage 750 is delivered to the main ride 765 or arranged in a queue of carriages 750 ready to board the main ride 765. While on the modular floor 720, the passenger 701 optionally may be able to direct movements of their carriage 750 or other carriages 750 by inputs to the system 700. When a carrier vehicle 770 of the main ride 765 becomes available, the modular floor 720 may deliver the carriage 750 onto the carrier vehicle 770. The carriage 750 and passenger 701 may then proceed along the ride pathway 786.

Turning to FIG. 8, another example of the ride system 700 is depicted. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the ride system 700 may include two or more carriages 750. For example, a first carriage 750 may carry a first passenger 701A and a second carriage 758 may carry a second group of passengers 701B and 701C. The auxiliary ride including the modular floor 720 and carriages 750 may be arranged to organize and move the first carriage 750 and second carriage 758 independently. The example shown in FIG. 8 also illustrates an example of the main ride 765 including a third region or grouping of active tiles 741. For example, the third set of tiles 741 may be positioned on the carrier vehicles 770.

During boarding of the carriages 750 and 758, the passenger's 701A-701C may require varying or different times to board. For example, passenger 701A may be a passenger requiring assistance or having mobility limitations. Accordingly, the sensor 805 may detect the passenger 701A requires more time to board and maintain the tiles 722 at the first boarding vehicle 750 in a stationary configuration or assist in positioning the carriage 750 and passenger 701A adjacent to one other. In contrast, passengers 701B or 701C may be able to quickly board into the second carriage 758. Accordingly, the sensor 805 may detect the second carriage 758 is ready to move to the ride pathway 786 prior to the first carriage 750 and begin to move the second carriage 758 across the modular floor 720. By allowing independent loading and movement of a plurality of carriages 750, loading of the carriages 750 may have an increased efficiency allowing passengers to load more quickly. Further, the system 700 may also allow passengers, such as passenger 701A, to take the time they need to safely and calmly board, without having to worry about pressure from other passengers.

The main ride 765 may include two or more carrier vehicles, 770A and 770B, to receive the two or more carriages 758 and 750, respectively. The carrier vehicles 770A and 770B may be positioned adjacent to one another or located at various locations along the ride pathway 786. The carrier vehicles 770A and 770B may be connected to the plurality of cars 790 on the ride pathway 786, such as by links 792, or located independently on the ride pathway 786.

In some examples of the ride system 700, the carrier vehicles 770, such as carrier vehicles 770A or 770B, may include a third group of tiles or carrier tiles 741 of the plurality of active tiles 722. The carrier tiles 741 may be located on the platform 772 of the carrier vehicle 770. The carrier tiles 741 may have a third width 748C. The third width dimension 748C may be less than the intermediate width 748B. During loading or unloading of a carriage 750, the carrier tiles 741 may assist in moving the carriage 750. For example, the carrier vehicle 770B and carrier tiles 741 may be positioned adjacent the pathway 786, with the tiles 722 adjacent the ride pathway 786. The carrier tiles 741 and the plurality of tiles 722 may together move a carriage, such as the first carriage 750 or the second carriage 758.

Further, the smaller width 748C of the carrier tiles 741 may assist in orienting the carriage 750 on the carrier vehicle 770B. For example, when the carriage 750 is positioned on the platform 772 of the carrier vehicle 770B, the carrier tiles 741 may change a position of the carriage 750 relative to the carrier vehicle 770B. The orientation may be changed to assist in securing the carriage 750. In some examples, the carrier tiles 741 may move the carriage 750 during traversal of the ride pathway 786 to provide a differing experience, increase the immersive experience, or otherwise provide entertainment to the passenger 701.

In some examples, the system 700 may utilize the projector 810 or audio devices to increase the immersive experience or entertainment for the passengers 701. The image 812 generated by the projector 810 may, in part, turn the queue of passengers 701 and carriages 750 waiting to board a carrier vehicle 770 into an immersive experience of its own. For example, the image 812 may be a river and the carriage 750 may follow the other down the river. In other examples, a cha-cha line of carriages 750 may be formed.

In some examples, the carriages, 750 or 758, may include an input device 754. The input device 754 may provide the passengers 701 with the option to interact with their own carriage or another's carriage. For example, the carriages 750 may be able to play tag, bumper cars, or various other games or actions.

Turning to FIG. 9, another example of the system 700 is depicted. The system 700 shown in FIG. 9 may include a predefined or main ride 765 including a carrier vehicle 780 designed to receive a plurality of carriages 760. For example, a plurality of carriages 760 may navigate the ride pathway 786 together on the same carrier vehicle 780.

Similar to the examples shown above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, the system 700 may include a modular floor 720 and including a plurality of active tiles 722. The active tiles 722 may include a first or loading region of tiles 735 and an intermediate region of tiles 738 extending from the loading region 735 to the ride pathway 786. Passengers 701 may board a first carriage 750 and a second carriage 758 of the plurality of carriages 760. The modular floor 720 may navigate the carriages 750 and 758 to the predefined pathway 786.

The carrier vehicle 780 may be similar to the carrier vehicle 770 previously described. For example, the carrier vehicle 780 may include a platform 782 similarly arranged or positioned as the platform 772. In some examples the carrier vehicle 780 may be longer or wider than the carrier vehicle 770 described above. For example, the carrier vehicle 780 may receive two or more carriages 750 or a plurality of carriages 760. The platform 782 may receive the carriages 760. The platform 782 may similarly be longer or wider than platform 772. For example, the platform 782 may have a platform width dimension 784, which may be greater than the platform width 776 of the platform 772 described above. In some examples, the platform 782 length dimension may be greater than the length dimension of the platform 772. The platform's 782 length or width 784 may be sufficient to arrange two or more carriages 760 the platform 782.

The platform 782 may include the third set or carrier tiles 741. As discussed above, the carrier tiles 741 may have a width smaller than that of the intermediate tiles 738. The carrier tiles 741 may orient or organize the plurality of carriages 760 on the moving platform 782. Accordingly, a density of carriages 750 or passengers 701 may be increased on the main ride 765.

By placing a plurality of carriages 760 on a single carrier vehicle 780, the various passengers 701 may interact during the main ride 765. For example, the carriages 760 may be moved together by the carrier tiles 741. Placing a plurality of carriages 760 on a single carrier vehicle 780, along with carrier tiles 741, may also decrease boarding times or increase the capacity of the ride 765. The carrier tiles 741 may also be programmed to shuffle the carriages 760 during the ride 765 to position passenger 701 to have a different view point, or to add an extra element of entertainment.

Turning to FIG. 10, an example of the system 700 including two or more predefined or main rides 765 is shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the predefined ride 765 may be a second predefined ride 765. A first predefined ride 794 may be positioned on a first side of the modular floor 720. The second predefined ride 765 may be positioned on a second side of the modular floor 720, spaced from the first predefined ride 765. Accordingly, the example of the system 700 shown in FIG. 10 may utilize a modular floor 720 for passengers 701 to experience multiple main rides 765 or eliminate boarding and deboarding between rides 765 for passengers 701 requiring mobility assistance.

The second predefined ride 765 may include a carrier vehicle 770 as previously described. The carrier vehicle 770 may follow the first ride pathway 786.

The first predefined ride 794 may include and follow a first predefined pathway 796. The first predefined ride 794 may include a first carrier vehicle 798. The first carrier vehicle 798 may be similar to the carrier vehicle 770 previously described. For example, the first carrier vehicle 798 may include a first platform 799. The first platform 799 may include a plurality of the active tiles 722. For example, the first platform 799 may define a fourth set of tiles 744.

The fourth set of tiles 744 may assist in moving a carriage 750 from the first platform 799 to the modular floor 720. For example, the fourth set of tiles 744 may move the carriage 750 to the modular floor 720. After the carriage 750 is unloaded from the first predefined ride 794, the modular floor 720 may navigate the carriage 750 to the second predefined ride 765.

By transferring a passenger 701 between a first ride 794 and a second ride 765, the entertainment value of the system 700 may be increased. Further, the transfer may assist passengers 701 having difficulty boarding or deboarding a carriage 750 to stay in the carriage 750 to transfer between separate predefined rides 765 or 794 or separate ride system 700. In some examples, the first ride 794 and the second ride 765 may be different segments of the same predefined ride. In such examples, the modular floor 720 may provide passengers 701 with the option to skip sections that may be too spooky or thrilling for their taste, or the option for passengers 701 to create their own combinations of experiences.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in any one of FIGS. 7-10 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 7-10.

Turning to FIG. 11, an example method 900 using the system 700 described above is disclosed. The method 900 may be a process for transporting passengers 701 to a carrier vehicle 770 of a predefined or main ride 765 using the modular floor 720 as described above.

The method 900 may begin with step 910. At step 910 the system may position a carriage 750 at a loading region, the loading region including a first set of the omnidirectional tiles 735. The first set of tiles 735 may be a portion of the omnidirectional tiles 722 of the omnidirectional floor 720. The omnidirectional tiles 722 may move the carriage 750 to the loading region. The first set of tiles 735 may orient the carriage 750 to receive a passenger 701. In some examples, the passenger 701 may be moved by the first set of tiles 735 to the carriage 750. During boarding, the first set of tiles 735 may maintain the carriage 750 in a stationary position to make it easier for the passenger 701 to board.

To orient the carriage 750 or passengers 701, a sensor 805 may be used to track or determine positions of the various components. For example, the sensor 805 may determine the relative orientations of the passenger 701 or the carriage 750. The sensor 805 may communicate with the various components of the system 700. The sensor 805 may be in operative communication with the omnidirectional floor 720 and the computing system 600 to determine patterns of movement by the floor 720.

The method 900 may proceed to step 920. At step 920, the system 700 may move the carriage 750 from the loading region 735 to an intermediate region including a second set of omnidirectional tiles 738, the second set of omnidirectional tiles 738 moving at a different velocity than the first set of omnidirectional tiles 735. As discussed above, each tile 722 or set of tiles may be capable of independent movement with respect to another tile 722. Further, in some examples, the second set of tiles 738 may be arranged to prioritize movement of the carriage 750 over movement of a passengers 701. Accordingly, the second set of tiles 738 may operate at a higher velocity or more consistently in a state of motion than the first set of tiles 735.

While the carriage 750 is on the intermediate set of tiles 738, the system 700 may move the carriage 750 in a predetermined pattern correspond to a projected image 812 or audio generated by the system 700. For example, the system 700 may generate music and the carriage 750 may move in a corresponding pattern or rhythm to the music.

In some examples, a second carriage 758 may be positioned on the intermediate tiles 738. The first 750 or second carriage 758 may be moved by the tiles 722 in response to a movement of the other. For example, the carriages 750, 758 may avoid, follow, or mimic another carriage. The input devices 754 may receive inputs from the passengers 701 requesting the various actions or movements of the carriages 750, 758.

The operation may proceed to step 930. At step 930, the system 700 may move the carriage 750 from the intermediate region to a carrier vehicle 770. As described above, the carrier vehicle may include a platform 772 to receive the carriage 750. In some examples, the carrier vehicle 770 includes a third set of omnidirectional tiles 741 to assist in positioning or arranging the carriage 750 on the carrier vehicle 770. After loading the carriage 750 on the carrier vehicle 770, the carrier vehicle 770 and carriage 750 may navigate along the ride pathway 786.

The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an” are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.

Finally, the above discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for moving passengers comprising: an auxiliary mobility platform comprising: a plurality of tiles, the plurality of tiles including: a first plurality of tiles defining a loading region, anda second plurality of tiles defining an intermediate region;a carriage positioned on the auxiliary mobility platform and defining a passenger compartment, the carriage movable by the auxiliary mobility platform; anda carrier vehicle to support the carriage and movable along a predefined ride pathway.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each tile of the plurality of tiles generates motion of the carriage independent of others of the plurality of tiles.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the second plurality of tiles moves the carriage at a different velocity or direction from the first plurality of tiles.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first plurality of tiles have a first width dimension; andthe second plurality of tiles have a second width dimension greater than the first width dimension.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first plurality of tiles move relative to the carriage to assist a passenger in boarding the carriage.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein: the loading region is a first ride including a first carrier vehicle to support the carriage and movable along a first ride pathway; anda second ride includes the first carrier vehicle.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the carrier vehicle comprises: a receiving platform including a third plurality of tiles to arrange the carriage relative to the first ride pathway.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the carriage is movable by the auxiliary mobility platform in a direction separate from a direction of the ride pathway.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the ride pathway is defined as one or more of a track, a conveyor system, or a road.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the ride pathway extends adjacent to a portion of the intermediate region.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein a movement of the carriage by the auxiliary mobility platform corresponds to audio or an image generated by the system.

12. The system of claim 1, the carriage further comprising: an input device for receiving an input from the passenger, andwherein the carriage is movable by the auxiliary mobility platform corresponding to the input.

13. A ride system for moving passengers comprising: a modular floor including a plurality of tiles providing independent movement, the modular floor including: a first region, anda second region, the second region causing movement at a velocity or in a direction different from the first region;a carriage positioned on the modular floor and defining a passenger compartment, the carriage movable by the modular floor; anda carrier vehicle to support the carriage and movable along a track positioned adjacent the modular floor.

14. The ride system of claim 13, wherein: the carriage is a first carriage of a plurality of carriages; andthe plurality of carriages are arranged by the plurality of tiles for loading onto the carrier vehicle.

15. The ride system of claim 13, further comprising: a plurality of track vehicles, the plurality of track vehicles coupled to the carrier vehicle and the track.

16. The ride system of claim 13, wherein: the modular floor is positioned between the track and a second track, the second track spaced from the track.

17. The ride system of claim 13, wherein: the first region of the modular floor is a first device configured to move a passenger to the carriage; andthe second region includes the plurality of tiles.

18. A method for a system transporting passengers to a carrier vehicle of a ride using an auxiliary mobility platform comprising: positioning a carriage at a loading region, the loading region including a first set of active tiles;moving the carriage from the loading region to an intermediate region including a second set of active tiles, the second set of active tiles moving the carriage at a different velocity from the first set of active tiles; andmoving the carriage from the intermediate region to carrier vehicle.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: while moving the carriage from the loading region to the intermediate region, moving the carriage in a predetermined pattern corresponding to a projected image or audio generated by the system.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: arranging the carriage on the carrier vehicle, the carrier vehicle including a third set of active tiles.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: moving the carrier platform along a ride path, wherein the carrier platform is connected to the ride path.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising: positioning a second carriage on the intermediate region moving the carriage in response to a movement of the second carriage

23. The method of claim 18, further comprising: maintaining the carriage in a stationary position on the loading region; andmoving the carriage along the first set of active tiles after loading a passenger on the carriage.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: moving the passenger to the carriage by the first set of active tiles while the carriage is in the stationary position.

25. A ride system for passengers comprising: a main ride including: a plurality of vehicles including a carrier vehicle, anda ride pathway including a start area,wherein the plurality of vehicles navigate the ride pathway;a modular floor positioned adjacent the start area;a carriage configured to receive passengers and positioned on the modular floor; andwherein the carriage is movable by the modular floor to the start area in alignment with the main ride.

26. The ride system of claim 25, wherein the carrier vehicle receives the carriage at the start area.

27. The ride system of claim 25, wherein the modular floor includes an active mobility elements.