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Ride vehicle tracking and control system using passive tracking elements

  • US 9,433,870 B2
  • Filed: 05/20/2015
  • Issued: 09/06/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An amusement park ride system, comprising:

  • a ride vehicle positioned on a ride path and configured to move along the ride path;

    a plurality of retro-reflective markers positioned on the ride vehicle, along the ride path, or both;

    an emission subsystem configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the plurality of retro-reflective markers;

    a detection subsystem configured to detect a pattern of retro-reflection of the electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of retro-reflective markers while filtering electromagnetic radiation that is not retro-reflected; and

    a control system communicatively coupled to the detection subsystem and comprising processing circuitry configured to;

    monitor the pattern of retro-reflection of the electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of retro-reflective markers for changes; and

    track movement of the ride vehicle in space and time based on changes in the pattern of retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by the detection subsystem.

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