US 6,982,929 B2
Height measurement method and apparatus
Scot A. Moss, Duarte, Calif. (US); John W. Waguespack, Redondo Beach, Calif. (US); Warren J. Wilson, Fullerton, Calif. (US); and Gary E. Krekemeyer, Newport Beach, Calif. (US)
Assigned to Disney Enterprises, Inc., Burbank, Calif. (US)
Filed on Dec. 04, 2002, as Appl. No. 10/310,561.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/336842, filed on Dec. 04, 2001.
Prior Publication US 2003/0159300 A1, Aug. 28, 2003
Int. Cl. G01S 15/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 367—99 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of managing entrance to rides and attractions at a theme park according to height requirements, the method comprising the steps of:
designating a plurality of height ranges;
associating one or more rides or attractions within the theme park with one or more acceptable height ranges chosen out of said plurality of height ranges;
measuring the height of a guest, wherein measuring comprises:
abutting a substantially flat and level reflective surface to the top of a head of the guest, the surface not being worn by the guest;
emitting a signal from a fixed point above the guest towards the guest and the reflective surface,
detecting with a detector the signal reflected from the reflective surface;
timing the return of the reflected signal; and
calculating the height of the guest based on the time of return of the signal to the detector;
associating the height of the guest with one or more of said plurality of height ranges;
issuing indicia to the guest indicating the associated height range; and
admitting the guest into a ride or attraction corresponding to the indicia issued to the guest.