阅读说明：本技术 旋转平台滑行器 (Rotary platform glider ) 是由 G·S·霍尔 K·M·麦维恩 于 2020-03-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于游乐园的设备,其包括沿乘坐路径移动的转向架系统、耦联到转向架系统的平台以及耦联到平台的表面的多个座椅。平台可以相对于转向架系统关于导引轴线旋转,并且多个座椅可以与平台一起关于导引轴线旋转。(An apparatus for an amusement park includes a bogie system that moves along a ride path, a platform coupled to the bogie system, and a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform. The platform may be rotatable about a guide axis relative to the bogie system, and the plurality of seats may be rotatable with the platform about the guide axis.)

1. An apparatus for an amusement park, comprising:

a bogie system configured to move along a ride path;

a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; and

a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a channel, and wherein a seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move relative to the platform along the channel.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a seat of the plurality of seats is rotatably coupled to the platform.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, comprising a controller and a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a position of the seat relative to the platform, and wherein the controller is configured to receive feedback from the sensor indicative of the position of the seat.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform about the guide axis based on the feedback from the sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a controller and a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a position of the platform relative to the ride path, and wherein the controller is configured to receive feedback from the sensor indicative of the position of the platform.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform about the guide axis based on the feedback from the sensor.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a seat of the plurality of seats is coupled to the platform via a gimbal system.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the gimbal system is configured to maintain a position of the seat of the plurality of seats relative to the seating path.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

an interactive component configured to be manipulated by a guest positioned in a seat of the plurality of seats;

a target positioned along the ride path and configured to be activated by the interaction component; and

a controller configured to receive feedback from the interactive component, the target, or both upon activation of the interactive component, and wherein the controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform about the guide axis based on the feedback.

11. A system, comprising:

a bogie system configured to guide motion along a ride path;

a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis;

a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis;

a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about the guide axis; and

a second actuator configured to rotate the platform about a tilt axis, wherein the tilt axis is oriented crosswise to the guide axis.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first actuator comprises a gear assembly driven by a motor.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the second actuator comprises a pivot assembly having a pivot structure and a plurality of telescoping actuators coupled to the pivot structure.

14. The system of claim 11, comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second actuators, wherein the controller is configured to control the first and second actuators based on a position of the platform relative to the ride path.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein a seat of the plurality of seats is rotatably coupled to the platform.

16. The system of claim 15, comprising a sensor configured to determine a position of the seat of the plurality of seats relative to the platform.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to control the first actuator, the second actuator, or both based on feedback received from the sensor.

18. A system, comprising:

a track defining a ride path;

a bogie system coupled to the track, wherein the bogie system is configured to guide motion along the ride path;

a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis;

a first seat coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; and

a second seat coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis, wherein rotation of the platform adjusts a first position of the first seat and a second position of the second seat relative to each other along the seating path.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the track includes a terminal end, and wherein the bogie system is configured to move in a first direction toward the terminal end and move in a second direction opposite the first direction away from the terminal end.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the platform is configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees relative to the bogie system upon reaching the terminal.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing an amusement park experience.

Background

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present technology that are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Amusement parks typically include attractions that incorporate simulated competition scenarios among attraction participants. For example, attractions may have cars or trains in which guests compete with each other along a path (e.g., duel gliders, cartoons). Incorporating a competition scenario may provide additional entertainment value to guests and add diversity to guests who use the attraction multiple times. However, some systems may include multiple track segments to create a simulated race scenario, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of the attraction. It is now recognized that it would be desirable to provide improved systems and methods for simulated play attractions that provide enhanced excitement to guests.

Disclosure of Invention

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are discussed below. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

According to one embodiment, an apparatus for an amusement park comprises: a bogie system configured to move along a ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; and a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis.

According to another embodiment, a system comprises: a bogie system configured to guide motion along a ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about a guide axis; a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about the guide axis; and a second actuator configured to rotate the platform about a tilt axis, wherein the tilt axis is oriented crosswise to the guide axis.

According to another embodiment, a system comprises: a track defining a ride path; a bogie system coupled to the track, wherein the bogie system is configured to guide motion along the ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a first seat coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about a guide axis; and a second seat coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis, wherein rotation of the platform adjusts a first position of the first seat and a second position of the second seat relative to each other along the seating path.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotary platform ride vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system of a rotary platform ride vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system of a rotary platform ride vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle in a first position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle in a second position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle at the end of a track according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle at the end of a track according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle with a gimbal system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

Attractions at an amusement park that include a racing context (e.g., a race between riders) may be limited by the physical constraints of the attraction's footprint and by the amount of control over the ride experience. For example, ride vehicles (e.g., cartoons) on multi-channel tracks may interact with each other, but their interaction is typically based on individual riders, and thus the nature of the experience will be limited (e.g., vehicles are typically configured to run relatively slow compared to other amusement park rides). These separate track sections (e.g., roll glider tracks) may have respective ride vehicles for riders to engage during attractions. Unfortunately, due to the multiple and separate track sections, the cost of building and operating the attractions may be increased. In addition, the complexity of the control system associated with forming a racing environment may increase due to the increased amount of variables associated with the multiple spaced-apart tracks (each track having a respective ride vehicle). Furthermore, having the ride vehicles on separate track segments may make it difficult to simulate certain interactions (e.g., one ride vehicle passing over or sharing a channel with another ride vehicle) because the track segments would need to merge or cross over each other.

The present embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to facilitating simulated competition attractions in a manner that gives guests the ability and/or illusion of controlling the outcome of a competition (e.g., a game or sporting event). As used herein, a simulated race may involve guiding a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) along a track at a variable speed and enabling the positions of seats (e.g., sub-vehicles) securing guests within the ride vehicle to move relative to one another. The ride vehicle may include a plurality of seats (e.g., pods, vehicles, or other features consistent with the theme of a simulated competitive attraction) that may be positioned on a platform configured to rotate relative to a track or ride path along which the ride vehicle moves. In some embodiments, guests may skew or otherwise adjust their position to cause the platform to rotate. Thus, guests may perceive the movement of a particular guest to cause that guest to be positioned ahead of other guests with respect to the ride path. In other embodiments, the rotation of the platform may be caused by guest interaction with various features positioned along the ride path (e.g., track). For example, a guest may use an interactive device carried by a ride vehicle and point the device at a target located along the ride path, which may allow the guest to collect points when the device is properly positioned and/or activated. The guest collecting the points may then interact with features (e.g., buttons, gas, pedals) on the ride vehicle to cause rotation of the platform. In still further embodiments, the rotation of the platform may be independent of guest interaction and may occur at various points along the ride path.

Further, in some embodiments, the ride path (e.g., track) may include a terminal (dead end) that is presented to the guest as a break in the ride path, which may provide the guest with enhanced excitement. A ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) may approach the terminal in a first direction of movement and rotate to redirect guests to face a second direction of movement opposite the first direction of movement. The ride vehicle may then begin moving from the terminal along the ride path in the second direction of movement. Additionally or alternatively, the terminals in the ride path may simulate the boundaries of a sports field or other suitable environment consistent with the simulated competitive attraction. As a non-limiting example, the ride path may be configured to move guests proximate to a target positioned at an outer boundary of a sports field. The guest may then attempt to score by acting, using a physical component (e.g., a ball), and/or interacting with a simulated component (e.g., a hologram or image) when positioned proximate to the target.

Still further, in some embodiments, a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) may be configured to move along a ride path (e.g., a track), rotate about an axis that substantially intersects movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path, and/or tilt or move about an axis that defines movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path. Thus, the ride vehicle may be configured to have multiple degrees of mobility to further enhance the guest experience. In some embodiments, the seating of the ride vehicle may include a gimbal system that may maintain a position (e.g., a point of view or a point of view) of a guest relative to movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path (e.g., the guest is continuously facing in the direction of movement of the ride vehicle). For example, an actuator controlling the loop of the gimbal system may maintain the guest's perspective or viewpoint in the direction of movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path. In other embodiments, the gimbal system may be used to create additional degrees of mobility by moving individual seats relative to the platform during simulated competitive attractions.

With the above in mind, fig. 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 10. The ride vehicle 10 includes a seat 12 coupled to a platform 14, the platform 14 configured to move along a ride path 16 (e.g., track) in an operating direction 18. While the illustrated embodiment of fig. 1 shows a substantially straight ride path 16, in other embodiments, the ride path 16 may be an arc, a circle, a polygon, or any other shape that may simulate a road or travel path (e.g., a river). For example, the ride path 16 may include S-turns and hairpin turns to enhance the excitement provided to the occupant during operation. In certain embodiments, the platform 14 may be coupled to the ride path 16 via trucks or rollers (e.g., wheels) configured to be coupled to structures 20 (e.g., rails, tracks, or another suitable component) of the ride path 16 to allow movement along the ride path 16 in the operating direction 18. In still further embodiments, the structure 20 of the ride path 16 may be disposed in a groove or recess below a ground surface 22 (e.g., a manufactured playing surface) such that the structure 20 of the ride path 16 is substantially hidden from view by guests. In other words, the structure 20 may be blocked from the viewing perspective of a guest in the seat 12 by the ground surface 22.

In the illustrated embodiment of fig. 1, the platform 14, and thus the seat 12, is configured to rotate about the guide axis 24 in a first rotational direction 26 (e.g., clockwise with respect to fig. 1) and a second rotational direction 28 (e.g., counterclockwise with respect to fig. 1). As will be described in detail below, rotation of the seat 12 and platform 14 about the guide axis 24 may effect adjustment of the position of the seats 12 relative to each other, thereby creating the illusion that one seat 12 is moving in front of the other seat 12 in a race or other competition scenario. Further, rotation of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 may shift the viewing perspective of the guest relative to the ride path 16. It will be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment includes four seats 12 positioned on the platform 14, in other embodiments there may be 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 seats 12.

Further, in some embodiments, the seat 12 may be configured to move relative to the platform 14 along a channel 29 formed within the platform 14. For example, the seat 12 may be coupled to gears, belts, wheels, and/or another suitable device that may enable movement of the seat 12 relative to the platform 14 along the channel 29. The seat 12 can thus move along the channel 29 to provide another degree of movement. Thus, the seats 12 may be guided along the channels 29 to change the position of the seats 12 relative to each other and to the seating path 16. For example, the first seat 30 may be positioned generally forward of the second seat 32. However, the first seat 30 may be movable in a direction 34 opposite the operating direction 18, and the second seat 32 may be movable in the operating direction 18 relative to the platform 14 to move the second seat 32 relative to the seating path 16 before the first seat 30. Thus, the position of any one of the seats 12 may be adjusted to simulate movement of a given seat 12 in front of or behind other seats 12 relative to the seating path 16 and/or the operating direction 18. While the illustrated embodiment of fig. 1 shows the groove 29 as linear, in other embodiments, the groove 29 may be curved, serrated, or include other features that move the seat 12 relative to the platform 14.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the motion system 40, the motion system 40 configured to drive movement and/or rotation of the ride vehicle 10. The motion system 40 is movably coupled to the structure 20 (e.g., a pair of rails) of the ride path 16 via a bogie 42. In certain embodiments, the bogie 42 may include or be coupled to a motor (e.g., an electric motor) that drives rotational movement of the wheels 44 of the bogie 42 and propels the ride vehicle 10 along the travel path 16 in the operating direction 18 (and/or the opposite direction 34). Thus, the seat 12 and platform 14 may travel along the ride path 16 to simulate a race or other competition environment (e.g., a sporting event). In other embodiments, the trucks 42 may move along the structure 20 of the ride path 16 via gravity and/or any other suitable technique for driving the ride vehicle 10 along the ride path 16. In addition, the main body 46 of the bogie 42 is coupled to the wheels 44 and supports the wheels 44. As will be appreciated, the body 46 of the bogie 42 may be formed of metal (e.g., steel), composite materials (e.g., including carbon fiber), and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 46 is coupled to an actuator 48, which actuator 48 enables the platform 14 to rotate about the guide axis 24 to adjust the circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide axis 24.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 2, the actuator 48 includes a gear assembly 50 and a motor 52, the motor 52 configured to drive rotational movement of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24. For example, the gear assembly 50 may be a yaw (yaw) drive that transfers rotational movement between interlocking gears. In some embodiments, platform 14 may be coupled to guide 54 via gear assembly 50 and one or more supports 56. The guide 54 is coupled to the bogie 42 and, thus, is configured to move in the operating direction 18 along the ride path 16. A gap 58 may be formed between the guide 54 and the platform 14 that may reduce friction between the platform 14 and the guide 54 as the platform 14 rotates relative to the guide 54. Additionally, in other embodiments, actuator 48 may be a rotary actuator configured to drive rotation of platform 14 upon receiving a signal from control system 60. Rotation of the platform 14 may adjust the position of the seats 12 relative to one another, thereby providing the illusion that one seat 12 passes over another during a game or other competition environment (e.g., a sporting event).

In certain embodiments, the platform 14 includes a sensor 62 configured to detect a circumferential position of the platform 14 relative to the guide 54. Thus, the sensor 62 may also be used to determine the circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide 54. For example, the sensors 62 may include hall effect sensors, capacitive displacement sensors, optical proximity sensors, inductive sensors, chordal potentiometers, electromagnetic sensors, or any other suitable sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensors 62 are configured to send signals to the control system 60 (e.g., local and/or remote) indicative of the position of the platform 14 and/or the seat 12. Thus, feedback from the sensor 62 may be used by the control system 60 to adjust the position of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 (e.g., when rotation of the platform 14 is actuatable).

As mentioned above, motion system 40 may include a control system 60 configured to control movement and/or rotation of platform 14. The control system 60 includes a controller 64 having a memory 66 and one or more processors 68. For example, the controller 64 may be an automated controller, which may include a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The memory 66 is a non-transitory (not merely a signal), tangible, computer-readable medium that may include executable instructions that may be executed by the processor 68. That is, the memory 66 is an article of manufacture configured to interface with the processor 68.

The controller 64 receives feedback from the sensors 62 and/or other sensors that detect the relative position of the motion system 40 along the ride path 16. For example, the controller 64 may receive feedback from the sensor 62 indicating the position of the platform 14, and thus the seat 12, relative to the guide 54. Based on this feedback, the controller 64 may adjust the operation of the ride vehicle 10 to simulate a race or other competition. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 64 is communicatively coupled to the motor 52 of the actuator 48. Based on feedback from sensor 62, controller 64 may instruct motor 52 to drive rotation of gear assembly 50, which may rotate platform 14 and change the position of seats 12 relative to each other.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a pivotal motion system 70 that may be used to couple the platform 14 to the structure 20 of the ride path 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 14 and the guide 54 are coupled to a pivot structure 72. The platform 14 may be driven to rotate about the ride path axis 74 via an actuator 76 of the pivotal motion system 70. As a result, guests within seat 12 of platform 14 may be positioned at different locations relative to an axis 78 that substantially intersects seating path axis 74. In some embodiments, the pivotal motion system 70 may enable the platform 14 and/or guide 54 to rotate about the ride path axis 74 as the ride vehicle 10 approaches a turn or curve of the ride path 16, simulating steering of the vehicle into the curve.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 3, the pivotal movement system 70 includes a pivot structure 72 that allows the platform 14 and the guide 54 to move in a first vertical direction 82 and/or a second vertical direction 84 via the actuator 76. For example, the actuator 76 may include a telescoping arm controlled by a motor 85 that extends and retracts in the first and second vertical directions 82 and 84, respectively. Thus, the actuator 76 may adjust the vertical position platform 14 and/or the guide 54. In some embodiments, some of the actuators 76 may extend in the first vertical direction 82 while the positions of other actuators 76 are substantially maintained. Accordingly, the platform 14 and/or the guide 54 may be positioned at an angle 86 relative to the pivot structure 72 and/or the ground 22. The angle 86 may allow the platform 14 to tilt to simulate steering of the ride vehicle 10 into a bend or other feature of the ride path 16. Although the illustrated embodiment of fig. 3 shows the pivotal motion system 70 having three actuators 76, in other embodiments, the pivotal motion system 70 can include any suitable number of actuators 76 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 actuators 76).

In some embodiments, the actuators 76 may be coupled to the controller 64, which may activate and/or deactivate one or more of the actuators 76 to move the platform 14 and/or the guide 54 in the first and second vertical directions 82, 84. The controller 64 may receive feedback from the sensors 87 to determine the position of the platform 14 and/or guide 54 relative to the pivot structure 72 and send one or more signals to the actuator 76 to adjust the position of the platform 14 and/or guide 54 to a desired position.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 3, the ride vehicle 10 includes seats 12 for guests. The seat 12 may include restraints 88 (e.g., shoulder restraints, knee bars, seat belts) that secure the guest in the seat 12 as the ride vehicle 10 moves, rotates, and/or is otherwise manipulated during the entire operation of the ride. In some embodiments, the seats 12 may be coupled to the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10 via respective bases 90 and respective joints 92. The joint 92 may allow rotation of the seat 12 relative to the platform 14 and/or the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10. For example, an actuator 94 (e.g., a motor) may be coupled to each joint 92 to adjust the position of the respective seat 12. In some embodiments, seat 12 may be configured to maintain the position of the guest relative to structure 20 of ride path 16 (or ground 22) as platform 14 moves and/or rotates throughout the ride. Additionally or alternatively, the seat 12 may rotate independently of the position of the platform 14. Still further, the seats 12 may be linearly actuated from the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10. For example, each base 90 may include a telescoping section 96 that is coupled to the actuator 94 and, thus, allows the seat 12 to move toward and away from the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10.

In still further embodiments, the joint 92 between the base 90 and the seat 12 may be rotated via interaction by a guest. For example, the guest may shift their weight to rotate the seat 12 relative to the base 90. In some embodiments, guests shifting their weight may also cause platform 14 to rotate and simulate changes in the location of the guest (e.g., changes in the guest's presentation before the remaining guests). The movement of the guest may physically cause the platform 14 to rotate about the guide axis 24. Additionally or alternatively, rotation of one or more of the seats 12 may be detected by a sensor 98, which may cause the controller 64 to actuate the actuator 48 (e.g., the gear assembly 50 and the motor 52) to rotate the platform 14. Thus, the interaction by the guest may ultimately cause rotation of the platform 14.

Fig. 4 and 5 are schematic views of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 10 illustrating rotation of the platform 14 as a result of interaction by guests. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 4, first guest 120, second guest 122, third guest 124, and fourth guest 126 are shown in a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position, respectively, with respect to operation direction 18. As an example of the illustrated manner of operation of the ride vehicle 10, the fourth guest 126 may recline the seat 12 by shifting weight forward in the operating direction 18. The seat 12 may then be tilted toward the operating direction 18, which may be detected by one of the sensors 98. Controller 64 receives feedback from sensor 98 and may actuate rotation of platform 14 in first rotational direction 26 and/or second rotational direction 28 in response to the feedback.

Additionally or alternatively, fourth guest 126 may direct component 128 (e.g., a hand-held component, a component integrated with seat 12, and/or another suitable device) toward an object 130 positioned along ride path 16 to actuate rotation of platform 14. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 4, fourth guest 126 may point or otherwise direct member 128 toward target 130. Additionally or alternatively, fourth guest 126 may activate a feature (e.g., a light emitting diode) of component 128 to interact with target 130. Fourth guest 126 may collect a score based on the position of component 128 relative to target 130. For example, when directing component 128 (e.g., a light beam emitted from component 128) toward a midpoint of object 130, fourth guest 126 may receive more points than when directing component 128 (e.g., a light beam emitted from component 128) toward a periphery of object 130. Controller 64 may be communicatively coupled to component 128, target 130, and/or an intermediate device coupled to component 128 and/or target 130. Controller 64 may then actuate the rotation of platform 14 to place first guest 120, second guest 122, third guest 124, and fourth guest 126 into positions corresponding to the number of points collected by the respective guests. Still further, the guests 120, 122, 124, 126 may interact with an activator (e.g., a button, pedal, or gas pedal) when a target amount of points is collected, which may then actuate a rotation of the platform 14 to place the guest interacting with the activator into the first position.

As shown in fig. 5, the fourth guest 126 may be moved into the first position as a result of interaction with the seat 12 and/or the target 130. Thus, the platform 14 rotates approximately (e.g., within 10%, within 5%, within 1%) 180 degrees in the first rotational direction 26 or the second rotational direction 28 as compared to the position of the platform 14 illustrated in fig. 4. While the above discussion generally focuses on guest interaction that causes the platform 14 to rotate, in other embodiments, the rotation of the platform 14 may be based on the position of the platform 14 along the ride path 16. For example, the controller 64 may be configured to receive feedback from sensors 134 positioned along the ride path 16 to determine the position of the platform 14. The controller 64 may then actuate rotation of the platform 14 based on the position of the platform 14 relative to the ride path 16 (e.g., based on the detection of the sensor 134). In still further embodiments, the rotation of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 may be a result of guest interaction, a position of the platform 14 along the ride path, a time between recent rotations of the platform 14, any parameter (e.g., random rotation), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the operational direction 18 of the platform 14 may change along the ride path 16. For example, the ride path 16 may include terminals 150 (e.g., ends or breaks in the structure 20) that the platform 14 may reach while traveling along the ride path 16. Fig. 6 is a plan view of such an embodiment of the platform 14 positioned at the terminal 150 in the first position 152. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 6, the platform 14 is positioned proximate to a distal end 154 of the structure 20 (e.g., rail or track) of the ride path 16. Upon reaching the terminal 150, the movement of the ride vehicle 10 and platform 14 may stop such that the ride vehicle 10 and platform 14 are substantially stationary and facing the operational direction 18. In other words, when the ride vehicle 10 and platform 14 reach a position proximate to the terminal 150, the ride vehicle 10 and platform 14 stop moving along the ride path 16 in the operational direction 18.

When stopped at the terminal end 150, the platform 14 may be rotated about the guide axis 24 in either the first rotational direction 26 or the second rotational direction 28 to cause the platform 14 and the seat 12 to move toward the second position 156 facing the direction 34. For example, fig. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 10, platform 14, and seat 12 facing in direction 34. Thus, the platform 14 in the second position 156 is approximately (e.g., within 10%, within 5%, or within 1%) 180 degrees from the first position 152 illustrated in fig. 6. Platform 14 may thus be rotated at terminal 150 to reorient seat 12 and enable the guest to face direction 34. Thus, the ride vehicle 10 may then move along the structure 20 of the ride path 16 in the direction 34 to move away from the terminal 150 and along the ride path 16. In other embodiments, platform 14 may not rotate to reorient seat 12 and enable the guest to face direction 34. Thus, when the ride vehicle 10 is moving in the direction 34, the guest may face in the direction 18, which may provide the guest with enhanced excitement because the guest may not be able to view the route of the ride vehicle 10.

The ride vehicle 10 may be guided along the ride path 16 in the operational direction 18 toward the terminal 150 and then redirected from the terminal 150 along the ride path 16 in the direction 34 opposite the operational direction 18. In some embodiments, the ride path 16 may include junctions and/or transitions that enable the ride vehicle 10 to be guided along different structures 20 of the ride path 16 in a direction 34 as compared to movement in the operating direction 18. For example, upon reaching the terminal 150, the ride vehicle 10 may rotate and begin to move in the direction 34 toward the junction in the ride path 16. The ride vehicle 10 may transition to a different portion of the structure 20 of the ride path 16 than the portion of the ride path 16 in which the ride vehicle 10 travels to reach the terminal end 150. Thus, the route of the ride vehicle 10 may be different when traveling toward and away from the terminal 150.

As described above, the seat 12 may be mounted to the platform 14 via a gimbal system to provide additional degrees of mobility and/or to maintain a guest's perspective during at least a portion of the ride path 16. For example, fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the seats 12 mounted to the platform 14 via a gimbal system 170. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 8, the gimbal system 170 includes an inner ring 172, an intermediate ring 174, and an outer ring 176, each of which may be configured to rotate about various axes. For ease of discussion, the gimbal system 170 may be described with respect to a vertical axis 178, a lateral axis 180, and a longitudinal axis 182. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is configured to rotate about a vertical axis, the intermediate ring 174 is configured to rotate about a lateral axis 180, and the outer ring is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis 182. In other embodiments, the inner ring 172, the intermediate ring 174, and the outer ring 176 may be configured to rotate about any suitable axis.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of fig. 8, the seats 12 are coupled to the inner ring 172 via support beams 184, and thus, the seats are configured to move with the inner ring 172. In addition, outer ring 176 is coupled to a support 186, and support 186 is coupled to platform 14. The outer ring 176 may be coupled to a support 186 via a rotatable joint 188, the joint 188 facilitating rotation of the outer ring 176 about the longitudinal axis 182. Furthermore, the intermediate ring 174 is coupled to the outer ring 176 via a rotatable joint 190, which enables the intermediate ring 174 to rotate about the transverse axis 180. Still further, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the intermediate ring 174 via a rotatable joint 192 to enable rotation of the inner ring 172 about a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the support beam 184 via a stationary joint 194 (which disables movement of the support beam 184 and the inner ring 172 relative to each other).

In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 may include one or more actuators 196 (e.g., motors) that control rotation of the inner ring 172, the intermediate ring 174, and/or the outer ring 176. Thus, the controller 64 may be configured to actuate movement of the rings 172, 174, 176 as the ride vehicle 10 moves along the ride path 16. In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to maintain the position of the seat 12 relative to the ride path 16 and/or the direction of travel of the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., the operational direction 18 and/or the direction 34). In other embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to move the seat 12 in any suitable direction or orientation to enhance the guest's experience. Thus, the controller 64 may control the actuator 196 to adjust the position of the seat 12 to provide an additional degree of movement to the ride vehicle 10.

While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.