Rollercoaster trigger system

Abstract

In a rollercoaster trigger system to output a data signal to a control unit for triggering and controlling an event at a predetermined track position, a beacon plate with a certain aperture pattern and a sensor set is provided to send a trigger signal and a data signal to the control unit. The sensor set includes a first and a second trigger sensor which provide together the trigger signal to readout the data of the beacon plate when together simultaneously detecting a first and second trigger aperture of the aperture pattern. A read sensor is provided for reading data from the aperture pattern by detecting a presence or absence of a read aperture. The data signal is obtained by the control unit when the trigger signal is generated.

Claims

1. A rollercoaster comprising: a track with a rail to provide a rollercoaster ride path; at least one passenger vehicle mounted to the rail to travel the passenger vehicle in a travel direction along the rollercoaster ride path, in which the passenger vehicle comprises at least one passenger seat mounted on a chassis; and a trigger system to output a data signal to a control unit to carry out an event, in which the trigger system comprises a beacon cooperating with at least one sensor, in which one of the beacon and the at least one sensor is positioned at a predetermined track position and the other is mounted to the passenger vehicle, wherein the beacon is formed by a beacon plate which includes an aperture pattern of present or absent apertures, the aperture pattern representing predetermined data to be read by the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor of the trigger system comprises a sensor set disposed in correspondence with the aperture pattern to allow sending a trigger signal and a data signal out of a variety of possible data signals to the control unit, wherein the sensor set comprises: a first and a second trigger sensor which are seen in the travel direction disposed behind each other, the trigger sensors providing together the trigger signal to readout the data from the aperture pattern when the first and second trigger sensor together simultaneously detect a first and second trigger aperture of the aperture pattern; and at least one read sensor for reading the data by detecting a presence or absence of at least one read aperture of the aperture pattern, and wherein the control unit is configured to obtain the data signal from the at least one read sensor when the first and second trigger sensor provide the trigger signal.

2. The rollercoaster according to claim 1, wherein the event to be carried out is on board of the passenger vehicle, wherein the beacon plate of the trigger system is positioned at the predetermined track position and the sensor set is mounted to the passenger vehicle, and wherein the sensor set is connected to an on-board control unit which is configured to output a control signal to carry out the event.

3. The rollercoaster according to claim 2, wherein the event to be carried out is a movement of the passenger seat relative to the chassis of the passenger vehicle, and wherein in particular the data signal contains information regarding a rotational movement more in particular regarding an angle of movement and/or an angular speed of movement.

4. The rollercoaster according to claim 3, wherein the at least one read aperture is positioned in between the first and second trigger aperture of the beacon plate.

5. The rollercoaster according to claim 3, wherein all trigger and read apertures of the aperture pattern are positioned in a single row.

6. The rollercoaster according to claim 3, wherein all the trigger and read apertures have a height of at least 2 cm.

7. The rollercoaster according to claim 2, wherein the at least one read aperture is positioned in between the first and second trigger aperture of the beacon plate.

8. The rollercoaster according to claim 2, wherein all trigger and read apertures of the aperture pattern are positioned in a single row.

9. The rollercoaster according to claim 2, wherein all the trigger and read apertures have a height of at least 2 cm.

10. The rollercoaster according to claim 1, wherein the at least one read aperture is positioned in between the first and second trigger aperture of the beacon plate.

11. The rollercoaster according to claim 10, wherein all trigger and read apertures of the aperture pattern are positioned in a single row.

12. The rollercoaster according to claim 10, wherein all the trigger and read apertures have a height of at least 2 cm.

13. The rollercoaster according to claim 1, wherein all trigger and read apertures of the aperture pattern are positioned in a single row.

14. The rollercoaster according to claim 1, wherein all the trigger and read apertures have a height of at least 2 cm.

15. The rollercoaster according to claim 1, wherein seen in the direction of travel, the at least one read aperture is sized larger than the trigger apertures.

16. The rollercoaster according to claim 1, wherein the aperture pattern comprises at least three, in particular at least four, read apertures and an equal amount of read sensors of the sensor set.

17. The rollercoaster according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is programmed to control the event only after first receiving an ‘awaiting trigger signal’ formed by a signal switch of the second trigger sensor and subsequently the trigger signal within a predetermined time interval starting from the awaiting trigger signal.

18. A rollercoaster trigger system to output a data signal to a control unit for triggering and controlling an event, wherein the trigger system comprises: a beacon cooperating with at least one sensor, in which one of the beacon and the at least one sensor is positionable at a predetermined track position and the other is mountable to a passenger vehicle of the rollercoaster, wherein the beacon is formed by a beacon plate which includes an aperture pattern of present or absent apertures, the aperture pattern representing predetermined data to be read by the at least one sensor; wherein the at least one sensor of the trigger system comprises a sensor set disposed in correspondence with the aperture pattern to allow sending a trigger signal and a data signal out of a variety of possible data signals to the control unit, wherein the sensor set comprises: a first and a second trigger sensor which are seen in the travel direction disposed behind each other, the trigger sensors providing together the trigger signal to readout the data from the aperture pattern when the first and second trigger sensor together simultaneously detect a first and second trigger aperture of the aperture pattern; and at least one read sensor for reading the data by detecting a presence or absence of at least one read aperture of the aperture pattern, and wherein the control unit is configured to obtain the data signal from the at least one read sensor when the first and second trigger sensor provide the trigger signal.

19. The rollercoaster trigger system according to claim 18, wherein the rollercoaster trigger system comprises a set of plate shaped beacons having each a distinguishing aperture pattern which each represents specific data.

20. A method for controlling an event at a predetermined track position of a rollercoaster, in which the event is in particular a movement of a passenger seat of a passenger vehicle during operation of a rollercoaster ride, comprising steps of: providing the rollercoaster trigger system according to claim 18; providing a trigger signal by a first and second trigger sensor of the trigger system for reading out data from a beacon at the predetermined track position; reading data from the beacon by at least one read sensor of the trigger system; and obtaining a data signal by the control unit of the rollercoaster at the moment of receiving the trigger signal for controlling the event.

Description

(1) 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:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a rollercoaster comprising a vehicle on a track which rollercoaster is provided with an on-board control unit with a trigger system having a sensor for sensing a beacon;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a side view of a rollercoaster with a rotatable passenger seat to be controlled by the trigger system;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a frontal view of a rollercoaster in a passenger seat is rotatable relative to a chassis of the vehicle;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the trigger system according to the invention, wherein a second trigger sensor meets a front edge of a beacon plate;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a beacon plate having an aperture pattern including one closed read aperture and three open read apertures;

(7) FIG. 6 shows the trigger system, wherein the trigger apertures are larger than the read apertures;

(8) FIG. 7 show the trigger system, wherein the trigger sensors switch before a switch of the the read sensors; and

(9) FIGS. 8 and 9 show a test-beacon plate of the trigger system; and

(10) FIG. 10 shows a table containing data values which are readable by the trigger system.

(11) Identical reference signs are used in the drawings to indicate identical or functionally similar components.

(12) FIG. 1-3 show a rollercoaster which is configured to provide a ride experience to its passengers. The rollercoaster comprises a track 110 with a rail 111 to support a passenger vehicle 120. Typically, a rollercoaster 100 would include a plurality of such vehicles 120 in which the vehicles are coupled to each other into a train of vehicles. The track 110 defines a direction of travel DOT, also called a travel direction, of the passenger vehicle 120. The track may comprise loops, screws or fall downs to increase the excitement of the ride in which the passenger vehicle travels in different orientations with respect to gravity.

(13) The passenger vehicle 120 has a chassis 121 and at least one passenger seat 122. The chassis 121 comprises a wheel assembly for mounting the chassis 121 to the rail 111 of the track 110.

(14) The passenger seat 122 is movable in rotation with respect to the chassis 121. The passenger seat 122 is rotatable about a pivot axis 123 to carry out a yaw movement 124 as shown by an arrow. The axis of rotation 123 may—when seen in a passenger entry/exit position—extend vertically through the centre of gravity of the passenger seat 122 or be the vehicles vertical axis.

(15) The passenger vehicle 120 has a control system 125 which includes a control unit 130. The control unit is mounted to the passenger vehicle 120, a so called on-board control unit 130. The control unit 130 is operable connected to a positioning system 126 for positioning the passenger seat 122 with respect to the chassis 121.

(16) For example, the control unit 130 may operate to implement a programmable yaw movement (or other motion profile) to place the passenger seat 122 from an initial or first position with the passenger seat 122 and its passengers facing forward along the direction of travel DOT defined by the track 110 to a second position with the passenger seat and its passengers facing a direction differing from the direction of travel DOT such as due to the yaw movement defined by the motion profile.

(17) For example, a yaw movement may be provided as shown with the arrow 124 about the axis of rotation 123 of the passenger seat 122 to orient the passenger seat 122 to the left of right of the travel direction DOT at an angle in the range of 15° to 90° or more such as to cause the passengers to view a visual display or the like along a particular section of the track 110. In an embodiment, the motion of the passenger seat 122 from the initial position may be along any of the X, Y and/or Z axis as shown in FIG. 1. The yaw movement 124 may be programmable such as via the use of a motion profile 134 which is to be run by the control system 125.

(18) For example, any movement may be provided along a degree of freedom other than the vehicles motion along the travel direction DOT. Herewith, during operations, the passenger seat 122 is positionable in one or more positions or orientations with respect to the chassis 121, such that the passenger seat 122 faces a direction that is at an angle to the travel direction DOT.

(19) The positioning system 126 comprises a seat motor 127 for moving the passenger seat 122 with respect to the chassis 121. Here, the seat motor 127 is an electrical drive which is mounted to the chassis 121. The drive is coupled by a gearbox and a linkage assembly to the passenger seat 122 to drive the passenger seat 122 in rotation.

(20) The control system 125 further comprises a number of chassis-mounted components to selectively power and operate the positioning system 126 of the passenger seat 122. The control unit 130 is mounted to the chassis 121. The control unit 130 is provided with a memory 132 for storing a motion profile 134. In operation, the control unit 130 generates a control signal 131 to the positioning system 126 to operate the passenger seat 122 and to provide the motion as programmed in the motion profile 134.

(21) To provide power to the control system 125, the rollercoaster 100 includes a power supply 140. The power supply 140 may comprise an on-board energy storage 142 which is mounted to the chassis 121 and/or a track-based power source 144. The control unit 130 can selectively use the energy storage 142 to power any operations on board of the passenger vehicle even when the passenger vehicle is spaced apart from any track-based power source 144. The track-based power source 144 is arranged to provide electrical power to the passenger vehicle. The track-based power source 144 may be used to charge the on-board energy storage 142. The track-based power source 144 may be provided in any form, such as with a capacitor charge plate, a bus bar charging strip or the like.

(22) The control unit 130 is operable connected to a trigger system 1. The trigger system is configured to output a data signal ‘ds’ to the control unit 130 to carry out an event at a predetermined track position. The data signal ‘ds’ may contain for example data defining in which direction, to what magnitude and at which angular speed a motion of the passenger seat 122 should be carried out. As shown in FIG. 1-3, the trigger system 1 outputs the data signal ‘ds’ to the control unit 130 to carry out a predetermined movement of the passenger seat 122 at the predetermined track position. In another embodiment, the trigger system 1 may be used to trigger another event, e.g. a start of a show element in a neighbourhood of the vehicle 120.

(23) The trigger system 1 comprises a beacon 2 which cooperates with at least one sensor 3. The beacon 2 is arranged to contain data which is readable by the at least one sensor 3. As shown in FIG. 1-3, the beacon 2 has a fixed position at the track 110. The beacon 2 is positioned at a predetermined track position. Preferably, the beacon is fixed to the track 110.

(24) The beacon 2 contains data D which is specific for the predetermined track position. The at least one sensor 3 comprises a sensor set 30 which is configured to obtain this predetermined data D from the beacon 2. The sensor set is mounted to the passenger vehicle 120. In a rollercoaster ride, the sensor set travels together with the passenger vehicle 120 and passes along at least one beacon 2. When the sensor set 30 meets the beacon 2, the data D is read out by the sensor set 30.

(25) The reading of the beacon 2 by the sensor set 30 is carried out by a particular method. In this method, a trigger signal ‘ts’ is awaited for capturing a data signal ‘ds’ by the control unit 130.

(26) The control unit 130 of the control system 125 is configured to receive the trigger signal ‘ts’ and the data signal ‘ds’ from the trigger system 1. The trigger signal ‘ts’ determines a moment for obtaining the data signal ‘ds’ by the control unit 130. The data signal ‘ds’ represents the data D related to the predetermined track position of the passenger vehicle 120.

(27) FIG. 4-9 show in schematic views successive steps of a method for reading out data from a beacon 2 by a plurality of sensors 3 forming the sensor set 30. The beacon 2 is mountable to a track 110 and the sensor set 30 is mountable to a vehicle 120. The arrow indicates a direction of travel DOT of the sensors set 30 travelling with the vehicle 120.

(28) The beacon 2 is formed by a beacon plate 20. The beacon plate 20 is a metal plate. The beacon plate 20 is elongated and has a rectangular shape. The beacon plate 20 may have a height of about 50 mm and a length of about 180 mm.

(29) The beacon plate 20 comprises an aperture pattern 21. The aperture pattern 21 contains linearly spaced apertures. The apertures are aligned. Preferably, the apertures are spaced at a regular interval. Seen in the direction of travel DOT, the apertures are positioned behind each other. The apertures are positioned in correspondence with a positioning of the sensors of the sensor set 30. The aperture pattern contains an array of open/closed apertures. Each aperture may be open or closed, which open or closed aperture of the pattern represents a particular piece of data to be read by the sensor set 30.

(30) FIG. 10 shows a table containing different values of data which can be read by the trigger system 1 when using four apertures ‘ra’ in the aperture pattern 21 and four read sensors 321,322,323,324. A specific combination of open and closed apertures represents the predetermined data D readable by the sensor set 30. Here in FIG. 10, the data D is formed by a combination of four open/closed apertures. Four read sensors xs2, xs3, xs4, xs5 are provided to read out this aperture pattern. When all apertures of the aperture pattern are closed, a value 0 is read out, and when all apertures of the aperture pattern are open, a value 15 is read out. Other values can be read out in combinations in which some of the apertures are open while other apertures are closed.

(31) FIG. 4 shows a plurality of sensors 3 which comprises a sensor set 30 which sensors are indicated with xs1, xs2, xs3, xs4, xs5, xs6. All sensors may be of the same type. Preferably, the sensors are optical sensors. Preferably, each sensor of the sensor set is a binary sensor. In operation, each sensor may switch between a flow and high sensor signal. The sensors are disposed in correspondence with the aperture pattern 21 of the beacon 2. Each sensor of the sensor set is positioned for reading out one of the open/closed aperture of the aperture pattern 21. Each sensor of the sensor set provides a sensor signal which may be a high or low signal which corresponds respectively with a closed and open aperture. Each sensor of the sensor set is configured to read out whether or not an aperture of the aperture pattern 21 is open/present or closed/absent.

(32) As said above, in use of the trigger system 1, a trigger signal ‘ts’ is awaited for capturing a data signal ‘ds’ by the control unit 130. The trigger signal ‘ts’ determines a moment of reading out the aperture pattern 21 by at least one read sensor 32. At the moment of the trigger signal ‘ts’, a combination of sensor signals ‘ss’ from the sensor set 30 corresponds with the predetermined data D represented by the aperture pattern 21 of the beacon 2.

(33) The shown sensor set 30 is arranged to send a trigger signal ‘ts’ and a data signal ‘ds’ out of the variety of possible data signals to the control unit 130 as illustrated in FIG. 10.

(34) The sensor set 30 comprises a trigger sensor subset 31. The sensor set 30 comprises a first and a second trigger sensor 311, 312; xs1, xs6 which are seen in the travel direction DOT disposed behind each other. The trigger sensors xs1,xs6 together provide the trigger signal ‘ts’ which represents a moment for reading out the data D of the beacon plate 20. The moment is determined when the first and second trigger sensor together simultaneously detecting a first and second trigger aperture ‘ta1, ta2’ of the beacon plate 20.

(35) Further, the sensor set 30 comprises a read sensor subset 32. The sensor set 30 comprises a plurality of read sensors 321,322,323,324; xs2, xs3, xs4, xs5 for reading data D from the beacon plate 20 by detecting a presence or absence of at least one read aperture ‘ra’ in accordance with FIG. 10. Here, the read sensors xs2-xs5 are positioned in between the first and second trigger sensor xs1 and xs6. The control unit 130 is configured to obtain the data signal ‘ds’ from the at least one read sensor xs2, xs3, xs4, xs5 when the first and second trigger sensor xs1, xs6 provide the trigger signal ‘ts’.

(36) FIG. 4 shows a situation in which the sensor set 30 formed by the array of sensors xs1-xs6 is moving along the aperture pattern 21 of the beacon 2. The array of sensors xs1-xs6 is overlapping the beacon plate 20. The first trigger sensor 311 has passed several apertures of the aperture pattern 21. The first trigger sensor 311 has switched several times from a high signal to a low signal when passing the apertures. The second trigger sensor 312 at the end of the array of sensors has just reached the beacon plate 20. The second trigger sensor 312 is positioned at a front edge of the beacon plate 20 and is sensing a presence of the plate. The second trigger sensor 312 switches for a first time from a high signal to a low signal.

(37) FIG. 5 shows the moment in which a trigger signal ‘ts’ is provided. The trigger signal ‘ts’ will be generated when both the first and second trigger sensors 311, 312 reach respectively a first trigger aperture ta1 and a second trigger aperture ta2. At this moment, both the first and second trigger sensor 311, 312 switch at the same time to a high signal. This moment is recognised as the trigger signal ‘ts’.

(38) The trigger system 1 is operatively connected to the control unit 130 to provide the data signal ‘ds’ at the moment of the trigger signal ‘ts’. The data signal ‘ds’ is formed by at least one sensor signal ‘ss’ provided by the read sensors 321, 322, 323, 324. In FIG. 5, the first read sensor 324 senses a closed (or absent) aperture, while the second, third and fourth read sensor 322, 323, 324 sense an open (or present) aperture of the aperture pattern 21. In comparison with the table of FIG. 10, this data signal here represents a value 8 to be interpreted by the control unit 130. Based on this received value 8, the control unit may operate the passenger seat 122 in a particular way, e.g. by rotating the seat about 30° in 5 seconds.

(39) FIG. 6 shows a preferred dimensioning of the apertures of the aperture pattern 21. As shown, the read apertures ‘ra’ are sized larger than the trigger apertures ‘ta1, ta2’. The width of the trigger apertures is smaller than the width of the read apertures. A centre line of each aperture is positioned in correspondence with a centre line of an accompanying sensor of the sensor set. The sensors of the sensor said are positioned at a pitch length in correspondence with a pitch length in between the apertures of the aperture pattern 21. Preferably, the read sensors 32 are spaced at a constant pitch length, and the accompanying read apertures are spaced at the same constant pitch length. Preferably, the trigger sensors 31 are spaced at a pitch length which equals a pitch length in between the trigger apertures 311, 312. Seen in the direction of travel DOT, the at least one read aperture ‘ra’ is sized larger than the trigger apertures ta1, ta2. As a consequence of this difference in size, the read sensors 32 will switch earlier than the trigger sensors 31. This is illustrated in FIG. 6, in which the trigger sensors 311, 312 are positioned at an edge of the trigger apertures, while the read sensors 32 have already moved somewhat away from an edge of the read apertures. Advantageously, a read-out of the predetermined data has become more reliable in that the read-out is not dependent on tolerances in the positioning of an edge of a read aperture.

(40) FIG. 7 shows the sensor set 30 running along the beacon plate, wherein the first and second trigger sensor 311, 312 switch when quitting the trigger apertures ta1, ta2. The first and second trigger sensor 311, 312 switch before a switch of the read sensors 32. Analogous to the situation as shown in FIG. 6, this separate switching contributes in a more reliable read-out of the predetermined data of the aperture pattern 21. A false reading may be prevented by first switching off the first and second trigger sensor 311, 312.

(41) FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show a test-beacon 2 in which the aperture pattern 21 is fully closed or provided with a mesh. All possible apertures of the aperture pattern 21 are at least partly closed. When the sensor set 30 runs along the test-beacon plate 20, all sensors 31, 32 will switch one time. Each sensor will provide a same pulse when running at a constant speed along the beacon plate 21. When running along the closed beacon plate of FIG. 8, all sensors will switch between a high and low signal, while running along the meshed beacon plate of FIG. 9, all sensors will switch between a high/low and intermediate signal. The control unit 130 may be programmed to receive such a signal from the sensor set in a test protocol to check whether or not all sensors 30 operate correctly. Herewith, the beacon plate 21 is suitable to be used to carry out a sensor test. If any sensor does not respond as expected, e.g. a signal difference is too small, the sensor may be identified by the control unit 134 for a cleaning operation.

(42) Numerous variants are possible in addition to the embodiment shown in the figures. In a variant of the illustrated embodiment of the rollercoaster, the trigger system may be used to control an event external the vehicle, e.g. to control a movement of a puppet. The control unit may be connected to the trigger system and positioned stationary aside the track. The trigger system may include a vehicle mounted beacon and a stationary sensor set.

(43) 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.

(44) Thus, the invention provides a rollercoaster, rollercoaster trigger system and method to output a data signal to a control unit for triggering and controlling an event at a predetermined track position. A beacon plate with a certain aperture pattern and a sensor set is provided to send a trigger signal and a data signal to the control unit. The sensor set comprises a first and a second trigger sensor which provide together the trigger signal to readout the data of the beacon plate when together simultaneously detecting a first and second trigger aperture of the aperture pattern. A read sensor is provided for reading data from the aperture pattern by detecting a presence or absence of a read aperture. The data signal is obtained by the control unit when the trigger signal is generated.

REFERENCE LIST

(45) 100 rollercoaster 110 track 111 rail 112 bus bar 120 passenger vehicle 121 chassis 129 wheel assembly 122 passenger seat 123 pivot axis; axis of rotation 124 yaw movement 125 control system 126 positioning system 127 seat motor 130 on-board control unit 131 initiate/control signal 132 memory 134 motion profile 140 power supply 142 on-board energy storage 144 power source DOT direction of travel; travel direction 1 trigger system 2 beacon; beacon plate 20 beacon plate 21 aperture pattern ds data signal ss sensor signal ta trigger aperture ta1 first trigger aperture ta2 second trigger aperture ra read aperture ts trigger signal 3 at least one sensor 30 sensor set ss sensor signal 31 trigger sensor subset 311 first trigger sensor 312 second trigger sensor 32 read sensor subset 321 first read sensor xs1 . . . xs6 array of sensors xs1 first trigger sensor xs6 second trigger sensor xs2 first read sensor xs3 second read sensor xs4 third read sensor xs5 fourth read sensor