NL2037039B1

NL2037039B1 - Method for operating an amusement system.

Info

Publication number: NL2037039B1
Application number: NL2037039A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Henricus Josephus Van Oosterhout Petrus
Original assignee: Vekoma Rides Eng B V
Priority date: 2024-02-16
Filing date: 2024-02-16
Publication date: 2025-08-25

Abstract

An amusement system 100 comprising a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV’s, and a plurality of carriers 2, wherein a UGV is releasable connectable to any of the carriers. In the method for operating the amusement system, the UGV has a shuttle function. The same UGV travels between several positions and displaces different carriers 2 from an initial position to a target position. At the target position, the carrier 2 may be parked for a predetermined time period. During that parking time of the carrier, the UGV is released and the UGV may carry out displacements of other carriers 2. Thus, the same UGV is used for displacing several carriers. In particular, each UGV is appointed to travel in an own travel zone for transferring a carrier from an initial position in a first zone Z1 to a target position in a second zone 22. Fig. 2

Description

P36555NL0O0/KHO

Title: Method for operating an amusement system.

The invention relates to a method for operating an amusement system comprising a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV’s, a plurality of carriers, in particular a plurality of passenger carriers which includes at least one passenger assembly for receiving a passenger, and a navigation system for navigating each of the plurality of UGV’s along a travel path.

An UGV is a driverless vehicle. No vehicle driver in person is needed, but the vehicle can be controlled remotely or can control itself. Unmanned ground vehicles UGV’'s encompass automated guided vehicles, so called AGV’s and autonomous mobile robots, so called AMR's.

The defining characteristic of AGV's is that AGV's travel on a predefined path using automation software for instructions. But, AGV’s cannot make real-time corrections to their course. Like

AGVs, AMRs are a type of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). What makes AMR's different from

AGVs is that AMRs are not limited to a specific route. Instead, they can make navigational decisions in real-time without the need for human intervention or a removal of an obstacle. All the while, the AMR may be continuously updated with information about its surroundings and even inventory changes. It may use this information to calculate each of its subsequent tasks - along with the shortest route to get to each.

Wikipedia provides a short description on automated guided vehicles (AGVs) which differ from autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). An AGV is a portable robot that follows along marked long lines or wires on the floor, or uses radio waves, vision cameras, magnets or lasers for navigation. In contrast, AMRs are autonomous and do not rely in their navigation and extra infrastructure, like magnetic strips or visual markers, in the environment.

Wikipedia discloses further that in recent years, the theme park industry has begun using AGVs for rides. One of the earliest AGV ride systems was for Epcot's Universe of Energy, opened in 1982. The ride used wired navigation to drive the Traveling Theatre’ through the ride. Many rides use wired navigation, especially when employees must frequently walk over the ride path such as at (the now-closed attraction) The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Another ride at Hollywood Studios that uses wired navigation is The Twilight Zone Tower of

Terror, a combined drop tower/dark ride. The elevator cars are AGVs that lock into place inside separate vertical motion cabs to move vertically. When it reaches a floor requiring horizontal movement, the AGV unlocks from the vertical cab and drives itself out of the elevator.

A recent trend in theme parks is a so-called trackless ride system, AGV rides that use LPS, Wi-

Fi, or RFID to move around. The advantage of this system is that the ride can execute seemingly random movements, giving a different ride experience each time.

The first Disney-created trackless ride system for an entire attraction was devised for Pooh's

Hunny Hut, which deputed in Tokyo Disneyland in September of 2000. As with all trackless rides, the honeypot-shaped vehicles used in the Pooh attraction are free from restraining guide rails and don't travel on stationary tracks. As such, they are able to move along a seemingly random course, with the ability to rotate, go in reverse and move from side-to-side. To achieve this complex ride system on the Pooh ride, sensors were embedded along the vehicles pass, with a local positioning system (LPS) used to manage the sensors. The vehicle is in constant contact with a master computer, which relates pertinent information to guide each honeypot through a variety of experiences in Hundred Acre Woods.

US9.084.941 and WO2023/244467 disclose an amusement park ride that combines the features of multiple park rides into one. The amusement park ride has a car being configured to seat one or more passengers and a transition vehicle. The car is configured to ride on the rails of a standard rollercoaster track. The transition vehicle is configured to secure the car and send the car from one ride to another. A rider may get into the car and be taken through a rollercoaster ride. On completion of the rollercoaster ride, the car rolls onto the transition vehicle. The transition vehicle can then take the rider through a dark ride. Upon completion of the dark ride, the transition vehicle may stop in a simulator room having a projection screen.

The transition vehicle comprises a pod to receive the car and a base to provide motion for the car. The pod has a track segment mounted on the pod and a braking system associated with the track segment. The base is configured to move along a surface for translational movement as well as rotational movement. The base comprises a foundation, a lift mechanism mounted on the foundation and connected to the pod, and a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom side of the foundation. The base wheels allow the base to move from location to location, thereby allowing the car to move from one place to another. For example, the car can move from arollercoaster ride to a motion simulator station. In some embodiments, patrons can arrive at an amusement park, secure themselves inside of a car and be taken through the entire park, being taken from ride to ride by the transition vehicle.

EP2.969.084 discloses an amusement facility encompassing both amusement rides that are track-free and wire-in-ground free and entire amusement parks that include multiple amusement rides with streets and paths between the rides. A system including a vehicle and environment control system including a ride control system subsystem and a navigation subsystem is provided. The system includes a plurality of automated trackless vehicles comprising a plurality of propulsion platforms and a plurality of payload platforms. A payload platform may include a passenger cabin, a show scenery, animated figures, and/or animated representations of equipment or any combination thereof. In addition, anyone or more of the payload platforms can be coupled to its corresponding propulsion platform via a “motion base”.

The motion base can be used to move the payload platform with respect to the propulsion platform by for example a yaw, roll, pitch and heave. The propulsion platforms themselves may be capable of changing their orientation and consequently the orientation of the coupled payload platform with respect to the surface the propulsion platform is travelling on in one or any combination of yaw, sway or surge. Together, the propulsion platform and the motion base allow payload platform (e.g., a patron within a passenger cabin) to experience six degrees of motion freedom (6DOF) in addition to propulsion. For commonality and to reduce down-time for maintenance, each propulsion platform may have at least one attachment point to which one payload platform or a motion base could be fixedly or removably attached. A propulsion platform can be configured to permanently or interchangeably receive and support. a passenger cabin (open or closed) including a plurality of seats, a stage for a live action performer (for example for using a parade), a fixed scenery sat, a mechanically dynamic scenery set, animated figures, show action equipment etc.

WO2023244467A1 discloses another attraction system which includes a ride vehicle motion system that includes a ride vehicle coupled to a motion base via a track element. The ride vehicle motion system is capable of motion along a first track or surface of a first ride type using a transport base coupled to the motion base and capable of generating motion effects using the motion base while in motion along the track or surface. The ride vehicle motion system is also capable of moving to align the track element with a second track of a second ride type to permit the ride vehicle to separate from the ride vehicle motion system and traverse the second track.

A drawback of these known system of the amusement facility is its complexity which increases an initial investment needed for building the amusement facility, but subsequently may also increase costs in exploitation. In addition, costs related to servicing may be significant. For that reason, amusement park owners remain often reluctant in investing in such an amusement facility including UGV’s.

Regarding the above-mentioned prior art, it is remarked that any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like included in the present specification is for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention, and is not to be taken as an admission that any such matters form part of the prior art or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention before the priority date of each claim of this application.

The general object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above mentioned drawback and/or to provide a usable alternative. More specific, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for operating an amusement system which may reduce initial park investments and exploitation costs.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for operating an amusement system according to claim 1. The amusement system includes a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV's, and a plurality of carriers, wherein a UGV is releasable connectable to any of the carriers.

The method is provided to operate an amusement system which is provided with a navigation system for navigating each of the plurality of UGV’s along a travel path. The navigation system of the amusement system comprises a controller at a remote location. On board of each UGV, the navigation system comprises a wireless communicating receiving device for receiving positional data from the controller.

Each UGV comprises a drive-unit. The drive-unit has a chassis which is provided with a wheelset. The chassis holds a control unit, a power source and a motor for driving the wheelset.

The receiving device of the navigation system is operatively connected to the control unit for controlling the drive-unit. In particular, the power source is a battery or a capacitor for storing and providing power to the drive-unit.

Beneficially, the UGV is connectable and releasable to any of the present carriers. The possibility to connect and release an UGV to a carrier allows a beneficial operation of the amusement ride.

The method for operating the amusement system comprises the steps of: - sending positional data regarding a first carrier to an UGV; - moving and coupling the UGV to the first carrier; - moving the UGV together with the first carrier according to the received positional data from an initial position to a target position; - releasing the UGV from the first carrier at the target position; - sending positional data regarding a second carrier to the UGV; - moving and coupling the UGV to the second carrier;

- moving the UGV together with the second carrier according to the positional data from an initial position to a target position; - releasing the UGV from the second carrier at the target position.

Inthe method for operating the amusement system, the UGV has a shuttle function. The same

UGV travels between several positions and displaces different carriers from an initial position to a target position. At the target position, the carrier may be parked for a predetermined time period. During that parking time of the carrier, the UGV is released and the UGV may carry out displacements of other carriers. Thus, the same UGV is used for displacing several carriers.

Implementing the shuttle function in the method for operating the amusement system is beneficial in that the amusement system can be operated with a smaller amount of UGV’s than carriers. The amusement system may comprise less UGV'’s than carriers. In other words, the shuttle function is beneficial, because it may allow to increase a capacity of an amusement system by increasing the amount of carriers, while maintaining the same amount of UGV’s for operating the amusement system. A passenger capacity of an amusement ride may be increased by adding more passenger carriers while maintaining a same amount of UGV’s.

Herewith, an initial investment and a subsequent exploitation of the amusement system may be more profitable.

Another advantage is that the carrier may be configured as a non-operating unit, a so called passive unit. The carrier may be configured without an own driving which allows the carrier to have a relative simple configuration without all kind of movable components on board of the carrier.

In an embodiment, the amusement system may be configured as a restaurant amusement system in which a carrier is arranged as a passenger carrier in which the passenger carrier is displaceable by a UGV. In operation of the restaurant amusement system, the UGV is controlled to transfer the passenger carrier from an initial position to a target position.

Beneficially, the passenger carrier is displaceable through the restaurant and a restaurant guest is allowed to enjoy an experience in different settings in the restaurant. The guest can be brought to different scenes in the restaurant by the passenger carrier. The passenger carrier can be left at a target position at a particular scene and in the meantime the UGV can be operated to displace another passenger carrier.

In an embodiment, the amusement system may be arranged to provide an amusement show to an audience, like a haunted house or a mad house. The audience may be located in front of a stage in which the stage is arranged to provide the amusement show. The amusement system may be a madhouse or a haunted house in which during operation, at least one UGV transfers several carriers to different positions to present the amusement show to the audience.

Beneficially, a dynamic amusement show may be provided with only a single or a few UGV's.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier is a passenger carrier.

The passenger carrier includes at least one passenger assembly, in particular a passenger seat, for receiving a passenger. Particularly, the passenger assembly comprises a restraint for restraining a passenger. The restraint may be arranged to restrain a passenger in a sitting or standing position. Preferably, the passenger seat includes a restraint for restraining a passenger to the seat. Alternatively, the passenger assembly may include a stand support including a restraint to hold a passenger in a stand-up position.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, each UGV is appointed to travel in an own travel zone along an UGV travel path for transferring a carrier from an initial position to a target position. A carrier travel path extends along several travel zones. The amusement system may have a carrier travel path which extends along multiple UGV travel zones. A first

UGV may shuttle in a first zone and a second UGV may shuttle in a second zone. Neighbouring zones may include an area of overlap to allow a transfer of a carrier through the zones by different UGV's. A first target position in the first zone may then function as a second initial position in the second neighbouring zone and so on. The first UGV may transfer a carrier to the first target position in the first zone and the second UGV may pick up the carrier at the first target position which then serves as the second initial position to travel the carrier to the second target position.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the amusement system is an amusement ride which further comprises a transfer body. The transfer body is arranged to couple a carrier to a ride element of the amusement ride. The ride element may for example be a ride vehicle, which may be shaped like a boat or starship, for riding the carrier along a scenery. The ride element may be for example be shaped as an elevator platform for moving the carrier up and down after establishing the coupling.

The transfer body includes a carrier transfer member which is connected to the carrier. The transfer body includes a ride transfer member which is connected to the ride element. The carrier transfer member comprises a coupling for coupling the carrier to the ride transfer member of the ride element. In the embodiment of the method for operating the amusement ride, the method comprises a step of coupling the carrier by the coupling of the carrier transfer member to the ride transfer member. Beneficially, the transfer body may allow a secure and robust coupling and release of a carrier to a ride element. After coupling the carrier to the ride element, the UGV may be released from the carrier to travel to another carrier to bring that carrier to its target position.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the transfer body is arranged to only provide a mechanical coupling of the carrier to the ride element. In particular, the carrier transfer member has no other coupling to the ride element than a mechanical coupling. An electrical coupling between the carrier and the element ride may be absent which may reduce a complexity of the amusement ride. By placing the carrier on the ride element, a passenger at a carrier may be positioned in a framework of the ride element which framework is provided with electrical components, like light and audio elements. Beneficially, the carrier may be mechanically coupled to the ride element and thereby featured by sounds and lights without a need to also provide an electrical coupling between the carrier and the ride element.

Further, the invention relates to an amusement system which comprises a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV's, a plurality of carriers and a navigation system.

Each UGV comprises a drive-unit having a chassis which is provided with a wheelset. The chassis supports a control unit, a power source and a motor for driving the wheelset. The UGV is formed by the drive-unit and the carrier is a separate item. The navigation system is configured to navigate each of the plurality of UGV's along a travel path. The navigation system comprises a controller at a remote location. On board of each UGV, the navigation system comprises a wireless communicating receiving device which is connected to the control unit for controlling the drive-unit. Beneficially, the drive-unit is releasable connectable to one of the carriers.

In an embodiment, the amusement system is a restaurant amusement system in which during operation a restaurant guest is sitting at a guest carrier and transferred along different positions by an UGV. The restaurant guest may be guided along and parked at different sceneries.

During a parking time, the UGV is operated to release from the guest carrier to carry out another transfer.

In another embodiment, the amusement system is an amusement show system, like a haunted house, in which during operation a show element is positioned on a load carrier which is displaced from a first position to a second position by an UGV. The show element may be an ornament for decoration or may be a person being a storyteller. After parking the show element at a predetermined position, the UGV is operated to release from the load carrier and carry out another transfer.

In particular, the invention relates to an amusement ride. Preferably, the amusement ride is a trackless ride system. In particular, each carrier includes at least one passenger assembly, more in particular a passenger seat, for receiving a passenger.

Advantageously, the amusement ride comprises a transfer body which is arranged for coupling a carrier to a ride element. The transfer body includes a carrier transfer member being connected to the carrier and a ride transfer member being connected to the ride element. In operation, the UGV may drive a carrier on board of the ride element. The carrier couples and may lock to the ride transfer member, whereafter the UGV releases and drives away. The ride element may have all kind of configurations. The ride element may be a ride vehicle, in particular a rollercoaster vehicle, a sky shuttle seat base, an elevator platform, a boat ride element, a madhouse element, a storytelling device etc.

The carrier transfer member comprises a coupling for coupling the carrier to the ride transfer member of the ride element. Preferably, the ride transfer member has a universal interface for receiving a carrier. By mounting the ride transfer member with universal interface to an existed ride element, the ride element may then be adapted to receive a carrier in a same universal manner as other ride elements of the amusement ride do. The carrier may then fit on several ride elements of the amusement system. A carrier may successively be coupled to different ride elements. By providing the universal interface to ride elements, specifically configured ride elements may be retrofitted to operate with more universal carriers to allow the carriers to be coupled to other ride elements too. Herewith, an existing amusement ride may be adapted to co-operate and become part of a larger amusement attraction in which carriers are transferred to and from the amusement ride.

In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the ride transfer member is a transfer plate being mountable to the ride element. In particular, the transfer plate is a universal transfer plate, a so-called UTP, which includes a universal interface to couple the ride transfer member to the carrier transfer member. Particularly, the universal interface is providedt a top surface of the transfer plate to allow a carrier to be positioned above and then lowered onto the transfer plate.

In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the carrier transfer member is incorporated in the carrier. Preferably, the carrier transfer member is integral with the carrier.

In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the coupling between the transfer body and the drive-unit consist of a mechanical coupling. No electrical coupling is present between the transfer body and the drive-unit. Advantageously, due to the sole mechanical coupling, the coupling may have a simple configuration. The carrier may be free of electrical components. The drive-unit is solely needed to transfer and not for example for charging electrical components of the carrier. No electrical coupling is to be made between the drive-unit and the carrier which is beneficial in reducing a complexity of a total system.

In an embodiment of the amusement system according to the invention, the navigation system comprises a vision system on board of the drive-unit. The vision system includes a camera for observing a ground surface to obtain positional data. Preferably, the drive-unit is an underride drive-unit which is arranged to be driven underneath a carrier and to lift the carrier from the ground surface to subsequently travel the carrier to a target position. Alternatively, the drive- unit may be a tractor drive-unit which is arranged to tow a carrier to the target position.

In an embodiment of the amusement system according to the invention, the carrier is an unpowered cart, in particular a wheeled unpowered cart. The cart may be towed by the UGV.

The cart may be configured to be supported by the UGV. The UGV may be driven underneath the cart and then lift the cart from the ground surface to subsequently travel the cart to a target position. The cart may have a set of wheels including at least one caster wheel to allow the cart to turnin any direction.

In an embodiment of the amusement system according to the invention, the carrier comprises an upper carrier positioned on a lower carrier. In particular, the lower carrier is a wheeled cart.

The upper carrier is movable, in particular rotatable, relative to the lower carrier. The transfer body is mounted to the lower carrier. In a particular embodiment, the upper carrier may be movable in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the lower carrier. The upper carrier may pitch, roll and/or yaw relative to the lower carrier. In a horizontal direction, the upper carrier may translate, so called surge and sway, relative to the lower carrier. In a vertical direction, the upper carrier may translate relative to the lower carrier which is also called a heave motion.

Embodiments described by clauses:

1. Method for operating an amusement system (100) comprising: a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV’s; a plurality of carriers (2), in particular a plurality of passenger carriers which each includes at least one passenger assembly (20), in particular a passenger seat, for receiving a passenger; and a navigation system (NS) for navigating each of the plurality of UGV’s along a travel path, wherein the navigation system comprises a controller (C) at a remote location; and on board of each UGV, a wireless communicating receiving device (RD) for receiving positional data from the controller, wherein each unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) comprises a drive-unit (1) having a chassis (10) which is provided with a wheel set (11) and in which the chassis holds a control unit (12), a motor (13) for driving the wheelset and a power source (14), wherein the receiving device (RD) of the navigation system (NS) is connected to the control unit (12) for controlling the drive-unit (1) and wherein the UGV is releasable connectable to any of the carriers (2), wherein the method comprises the steps of: - sending positional data regarding a first carrier (21) to an UGV; - moving and coupling the UGV to the first carrier (21); - moving the UGV together with the first carrier (21) according to the received positional data from an initial position IP to a target position TP; - releasing the UGV from the first carrier (21) at the target position; - sending positional data regarding a second carrier (22) to the UGV; - moving and coupling the UGV to the second carrier (22); - moving the UGV together with the second carrier (22) according to the positional data from an initial position to a target position; - releasing the UGV from the second carrier (22) at the target position. 2. Method according to clause 1, wherein a carrier travel path extends along several travel zones, wherein each UGV has its own travel zone (Z) for transferring a carrier (2) from an initial position to a target position within the travel zone (2). 3. Method according to clause 2, wherein neighbouring zones (Z1, Z2) include an area of overlap to allow a transfer of the carrier through the zones.

4. Method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the amusement system is an amusement ride (100) which further comprises a transfer body TB including a carrier transfer member (25) which is connected to the carrier (2) and a ride transfer member (35), which is connected to a ride element (3), and wherein the carrier transfer member (25) comprises a coupling (251) for coupling the carrier (2) to the ride transfer member (35) of the ride element, wherein the method comprises a step of: - coupling the carrier (2) by the coupling (251) of the carrier transfer member (25) to the ride transfer member (35). 5. Method according to clause 4, wherein the carrier transfer member (25) has no other coupling than a mechanical coupling for coupling the carrier (2) to the ride element. 6. Amusement system (100) comprising - a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV’s, wherein each unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) comprises a drive-unit (1) having a chassis (10) which is provided with a wheelset (11) in which the chassis (10) holds a control unit (12), a power source (14) and a motor (13) for driving the wheelset; - a plurality of carriers (2); and - a navigation system (NS) for navigating each of the plurality of UGV's along a travel path, wherein the navigation system (NS) comprises a controller (C) at a remote location and a wireless communicating receiving device (RD) being positioned on board of each

UGV, wherein the receiving device (RD) of the navigation system (NS) is connected to the control unit (12) for controlling the drive-unit and wherein the drive unit (1) is connectable and releasable to a selective one of the carriers (2), wherein the control unit (12) is programmed to carry out the method according to any of the preceding clauses. 7. Amusement system (100) according to clause 6, wherein the amusement system is selected from the group: - arestaurant amusement system in which a carrier is arranged as a guest carrier being displaceable through a restaurant area by an UGV; - an amusement show system, in particular a haunted house or madhouse, in which a carrier is a load carrier to support a show element, e.g. a narrator or a decorative ornament, to be presented to an audience member in which the load platform is displaceable by the UGV; - an amusement ride in which a carrier is arranged as a passenger carrier which is displaceable by an UGV, wherein in particular the amusement ride is a trackless ride system; and

- an amusement ride in which a carrier is arranged as a passenger carrier which is displaceable by an UGV, wherein in particular the amusement ride is a tower ride. 8. Amusement system according to clause 7 in which the amusement system is an amusement ride (100) in which in particular each carrier (2) includes at least one passenger assembly, in particular a passenger seat, for receiving a passenger, wherein the amusement ride (100) further comprises a transfer body including a carrier transfer member (25) which is connected to the carrier (2) and a ride transfer member (35), which is connected to a ride element (3), and wherein the carrier transfer member (25) comprises a coupling (251) for coupling the carrier (2) to the ride transfer member (35) of the ride element, wherein in particular the ride transfer member (35) provides a universal interface for coupling several types of carriers (2) to the ride element (3). 9. Amusement system according to clause 8, wherein the ride transfer member (35) is a transfer plate, which is mountable to the ride element (3). 10. Amusement system according to clause 9, wherein the transfer plate is a universal transfer plate (UTP) which includes a universal interface to couple the ride transfer member (35) to the carrier transfer member (25).

11. Amusement system according to any of the clauses 8-10, wherein the carrier transfer member (25) is incorporated with the carrier (2). 12. Amusement system according to any of the clauses 8-11, wherein the coupling (251) between the carrier transfer member (25) and the ride transfer member (35) consist of a mechanical coupling. 13. Amusement system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein navigation system (NS) comprises a vision system on board of the drive-unit (1), which vision system includes a camera for observing a ground surface to obtain positional reference data. 14. Amusement system according to any of the clauses 6-13, wherein the carrier (2) is an unpowered cart, in particular a wheeled unpowered cart. 15. Amusement system according to any of the clauses 6-13, wherein the carrier (2) comprises an upper carrier positioned on a lower carrier in which the upper carrier is movable relative to the lower carrier and wherein in particular the transfer body (TB) is mounted to the lower carrier.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. The drawings show a practical embodiment according to the invention, which may not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an amusement system according to the invention including an UGV, a carrier which is coupable to a ride element;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a floor area of an amusement system in which the floor area is subdivided into several travel zones, wherein each UGV has its own travel zone; and

Fig. 3 shows an amusement system configured as a tower ride in which several UGV’s operate on different stage floors for transferring carriers to and froh ride elements.

In Figs. 1-3, an amusement system in an embodiment according to the invention is denoted overall by reference numeral 100. Identical reference signs are used in the drawings to indicate identical or functionally similar components.

Fig. 1 schematically shows the amusement system which is here an amusement ride 100 which has three main components. The amusement ride 100 comprises a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV’s, a plurality of carriers 2 and here also a ride element 3 which is provided with a ride transfer member 35 of a transfer body TB. The carrier 2 is movable by the UGV and connectable by the ride transfer member 35 to the ride element 3 to provide a ride to a passenger.

Each UGV has a drive-unit 1 which is configured to drive along a travel path. The drive-unit 1 has a chassis 10 which is provided with a wheelset 11. The chassis 10 supports a control unit 12, a power source 14 and a motor 13 for driving the wheelset. Here, the power source 14 is a battery. Alternatively, the power source 14 may be a capacitor. The control unit 12 is configured to navigate the UGV. The drive-unit 1 may further comprise a vision system including at least one camera for absorbing a ground surface to obtain positional reference data for navigating the UGV.

A wireless communicating receiving device RD is positioned on board of the drive-unit 1. The receiving device RD is part of a navigation system NS. The navigation system NS is configured to navigate each UGV along the travel path. The navigation system NS comprises a controller

C at a remote location. Travel instructions are transmitted from the controller C to each receiving device RD of each UGV, such that each UGV is provided with positional data for operating the amusement ride 100.

As shown in fig. 2, the amusement ride 100 may include a floor area which is subdivided into several travel zones Z. Here, three travel zones Z1, Z2, Z3 are illustrated in which neighbouring travel zones are overlapping. An area of overlap allows a transfer of a carrier 2 through the zones across the floor area. Each UGV may have its own travel zone for transferring a carrier 2 from an initial position IP to a target position TP. The target position TP is situated in the area of overlap. After a first carrier 21 is transferred by a first UGV from an initial position IP in the travel zone Z1 to a target position TP in the area of overlap, a second UGV which operates in the second travel zone Z2 may pick up the first carrier 21 at the area of overlap and transfer the first carrier 21 to a next target position. In this manner, the carriers 2 may travel across the floor area of the amusement ride.

In operating of the amusement ride 100, positional data regarding a positioning of a carrier is in at least one step transmitted to an UGV. In a step, the UGV is moved and coupled to the first carrier 21. The UGV is moved together with the first carrier 21 according to the received positional data along a travel path from an initial position IP to a target position TP.

At the target position, the UGV is released from the first carrier 21. Now, the released UGV is available to carry out another task. In operation of the amusement ride 100, the UGV is moved and coupled to a second carrier 22. The UGV is then moved together with the second carrier 22 according to received positional data from an initial position IP to a target position TP. At the target position TP, the UGV is released from the second carrier 22. So, the UGV which is releasable connectable to any of the carriers 21, 22 is usable for travelling several carriers. One of the carriers can be parked at a target position TP, while the UGV is used in the meantime to travel another carrier. The UGV shuttles between several positions to transfer several carriers.

Advantageously, the amusement ride 100 may have a large passenger capacity being provided by a large amount of carriers which amusement ride is achievable by a reasonable initial investment and exploitation costs which is a result of an efficient use of the UGV’s which carry out multiple tasks.

The UGV may be an automated guided vehicle, a so called AGV which is guided by physical elements. The UGV may be an autonomous mobile robot, a so-called AMR, which may be programmed to determine its own travel path to reach the target position TP. In case, an obstacle is met, the AMR may change direction to circumvent the obstacle.

The carrier 2 may be embodied in different manners. The carrier 2 may be an unpowered cart.

Alternatively, the carrier 2 may comprise an upper carrier positioned on a lower carrier in which the upper carrier is movable relative to the lower carrier. The carrier 2 may comprise a load platform for supporting a person or an object. The carrier 2 may serve as a movable platform for a tour operator or storyteller. In another embodiment, the carrier 2 may serve as a platform for supporting a scenery object which has to be displaced during an amusement show.

Here in Fig. 1, in a schematically illustrated embodiment, the carrier 2 is a passenger carrier.

The passenger carrier 2 comprises a passenger assembly 20. The passenger assembly includes a passenger seat to allow a passenger to sit on the carrier. Alternatively, the passenger assembly may be arranged to hold a passenger in a standing position. The passenger assembly may include a passenger support for supporting a passenger in the standing position.

Fig. 3 shows in an embodiment an amusement ride 100 configured as a tower ride. The tower ride includes a first tower and a second tower T1, T2 which are each provided with a vertically movable ride element 3, a so-called elevator 3. The elevator 3 is arranged to move up and down along a guidance. A carrier 2 can be placed onto the elevator 3 by an UGV to allow the carrier 2 to be moved up and down to allow the passenger to enjoy the tower ride.

Here, the tower ride has a central building CB being positioned between the first and second tower T1, T2. The central building has several stages. Each stage of the central building may function as a boarding platform BP to allow passengers to enter or exit a passenger carrier 2.

A UGV is situated at each stage and arranged to move one of the passenger carriers to and fro one of the elevators 3. Each stage forms a travel zone for the UGV.

This The UGV is provided with positional data to transfer a first carrier 21 from a boarding position to one of the elevators 3. Conceivable, at the elevator 3 in the first tower T1, the carrier 21 is coupled, whereafter the UGV releases and moves away to transfer a second carrier 22.

The second carrier 22 may be parked at a boarding position on a parking support during the time that the first carrier 21 was transferred. The UGV may now pick up the second carrier 22 to transfer the second carrier 22 to the other elevator 3 in the second tower T2. After a ride on the elevator, each carrier is taken from the elevator 3 by the UGV to bring the passengers back to the boarding position. Herewith, in operation of the tower ride, the UGV remains at its stage and shuttles between positions to transfer several carriers between the boarding position and the elevators.

As also shown in Fig. 1, the amusement ride 100 includes a transfer body TB for coupling the carrier 2 to the ride element 3. The transfer body TB includes a first and second member which are connectable to and releasable from each other. The first member of the transfer body TB is a carrier transfer member 25 which is mounted to the carrier 2. The second member of the transfer body TB is a ride transfer member 35 which is mounted to the ride element 3. The ride transfer member 35 may be plate shaped. The carrier transfer member 25 comprises a coupling 251 for coupling the carrier 2 to the ride transfer member 35 of the elevator 3. The coupling 251 has a coupling member at the carrier transfer member 25 and a complementary coupling member at the ride transfer member 35. In particular, the coupling 251 is a universal coupling which allows a coupling of a carrier to different element rides of the amusement ride. The coupling 251 may be formed by a pin-hole coupling. In particular, at least one pin body is provided at the ride transfer member 35 which at least one pin body is to be received in a complimentary aperture of the carrier transfer member 25. Herewith, in operation of the tower ride, the carrier 2 is coupled by the coupling 251 of the carrier transfer member 25 to the ride transfer member 35.

In an embodiment of the transfer body TB, only a mechanical coupling is present between the first and second member. In a coupling, a carrier is only mechanically coupled to an element ride. The element ride may be provided with lights and audio for entertaining passengers after placement of the carrier on board of the element ride. Beneficially, only a mechanical coupling and a lack of an electrical coupling simplifies a necessary structure for assembling the carrier and the ride element. In another embodiment, besides a mechanical coupling between the carrier and ride transfer members 25, 35, an electrical coupling may be made. The electrical coupling may serve to operate audio, lights and motions on board of the carrier 2.

This Although the present invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. It is intended that all such changes and modifications be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure and claims.

Further, it is remarked that any feature of the system according to the invention which is described in the embodiments and/or mentioned in the dependent claims is in itself considered patentable without any dependency to another presented feature. In particular, any measure presented in a dependent claim is also considered patentable without dependency of the independent claim.

Thus, the invention provides an amusement system comprising a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so called UGV's, and a plurality of carriers, wherein a UGV is releasable connectable to any of the carriers. In the method for operating the amusement system, the UGV has a shuttle function. The same UGV travels between several positions and displaces different carriers from an initial position to a target position. At the target position, the carrier may be parked for a predetermined time period. During that parking time of the carrier, the UGV is released and the UGV may carry out displacements of other carriers. Thus, the same UGV is used for displacing several carriers. In particular, each UGV is appointed to travel in an own travel zone for transferring a carrier from an initial position in a first zone Z1 to a target position ina second zone Z2.

Reference signs list:

BP boarding platform 12 control unit

C controller 13 motor

CB central building 14 power source: battery / capacitor

IP initial position

NS navigation system 2 carrier

P passenger 20 passenger assembly, passenger seat

RD receiving device 21 first carrier

T tower ride 22 second carrier

TB transfer body 23 third carrier

TP target position

UGV unmanned ground vehicle 25 carrier transfer member

Z travel zone 251 universal coupling 3 ride element 100 amusement system 30 element body 1 drive unit 35 ride transfer member 10 chassis 351 universal coupling 11 wheel set

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

A method for operating an amusement system (100) comprising: a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so-called UGVs; a plurality of carriers (2), in particular a plurality of passenger carriers each comprising at least one passenger arrangement (20), in particular a passenger seat, for receiving a passenger; and a navigation system (NS) for navigating each of the plurality of UGVs along a route path, the navigation system comprising a controller (C) at an external location; and on board each UGV, a wirelessly communicating receiving device (RD) for receiving position data from the controller, each unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) comprising a drive unit (1) having a chassis (10) provided with a wheelset (11) and the chassis comprising a control unit (12), a motor (13) for driving the wheelset and a power source (14), the navigation system (NS) receiving device (RD) being connected to the control unit (12) for controlling the drive unit (1) and the UGV being detachable from each of the carriers (2), the method comprising the steps of: - transmitting position data relating to a first carrier (21) to a UGV; - moving and coupling the UGV to the first carrier (21); - moving the UGV together with the first carrier (21) according to the received position data from an initial position IP to a target position TP; - uncoupling the UGV at the target position from the first carrier (21); - transmitting position data relating to a second carrier (22) to the UGV; - moving to and coupling the UGV to the second carrier (22); - moving the UGV together with the second carrier (22) according to the position data from an initial position to a target position; - uncoupling the UGV at the target position from the second carrier (22).

Method according to claim 1, wherein a carrier route path extends over a plurality of displacement zones, each UGV having its own displacement zone (Z) for moving a carrier (2) from a start position to a target position within this displacement zone (2).

The method of claim 2, wherein adjacent zones (Z1, Z2) have an overlapping area to allow transfer of the carrier through the zones.

A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the amusement system is an amusement attraction (100) further comprising a transfer body TB comprising a carrier transfer member (25) connected to the carrier (2) and a ride transfer member (35) connected to an attraction element (3), and wherein the carrier transfer member (25) comprises a coupling (251) for coupling the carrier (2) to the ride transfer member (35) of the attraction element, the method comprising a step of: - coupling the carrier (2) by the coupling (251) of the carrier transfer member (25) to the ride transfer member (35).

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the carrier transfer member (25) has no other coupling than a mechanical coupling for coupling the carrier (2) to the attraction element.

6. An amusement system (100) comprising - a plurality of unmanned ground vehicles, so-called UGVs, each unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) comprising a drive unit (1) having a chassis (10) provided with a wheelset (11), the chassis (10) comprising a control unit (12), a power source (14) and an engine (13) for driving the wheelset; - a plurality of carriers (2); and - a navigation system (NS) for navigating each of the plurality of UGVs along a route path, the navigation system (NS) comprising a controller (C) at a remote location and a wirelessly communicating receiving device (RD) on board each UGV, the receiving device (RD) of the navigation system (NS) being connected to the control unit (12) for controlling the propulsion unit and the propulsion unit (1) being connectable to and disconnectable from one of the carriers (2), the control unit (12) being programmed to perform the method according to any of the preceding claims.

An amusement system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the amusement system is selected from the group: - an amusement system for restaurants, wherein a carrier is arranged as a guest carrier which can be moved through a restaurant area by a UGV; - an amusement system, in particular a haunted house or madhouse, wherein a carrier is a load carrier for supporting a show element, e.g. a narrator or a decorative ornament, which is presented to a spectator, wherein the load platform is movable by the UGV;

- an amusement attraction in which a carrier is designed as a passenger carrier that can be moved by a UGV, the amusement attraction in particular being a zip system that is free from fixed guides; and - an amusement attraction in which a carrier is designed as a passenger carrier that can be moved by a UGV, the amusement attraction in particular being a tower attraction.

An amusement system according to claim 7, wherein the amusement system is an amusement attraction (100), in particular each carrier (2) comprising at least one passenger assembly, in particular a passenger seat, for receiving a passenger, the amusement attraction (100) further comprising a transfer body (TB) including a carrier transfer member (25) connected to the carrier (2) and a ride transfer member (35) connected to an attraction element (3), and wherein the carrier transfer member (25) comprises a coupling (251) for coupling the carrier (2) to the ride transfer member (35) of the attraction element, in particular the ride transfer member (35) providing a universal interface for coupling different types of carriers (2) to the attraction element (3).

The amusement system of claim 8, wherein the ride transfer member (35) is a transfer plate attachable to the ride element (3).

The amusement system of claim 9, wherein the transfer plate is a universal transfer plate (UTP) comprising a universal interface for coupling the ride transfer member (35) to the carrier transfer member (25).

An amusement system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the carrier transfer member (25) is incorporated into the carrier (2).

An amusement system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the coupling (251) between the carrier transfer member (25) and the ride transfer member (35) comprises a mechanical coupling.

An amusement system according to any preceding claim, wherein the navigation system (NS) comprises a vision system on board the drive unit (1) comprising a camera for observing a ground surface to obtain position reference data.

An amusement system according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the carrier (2) is a non-drive cart, in particular a non-drive cart on wheels.

An amusement system according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the carrier (2) comprises an upper carrier placed on a lower carrier, the upper carrier being movable relative to the lower carrier and in particular the transfer body (25) being mounted on the lower carrier.