US Patent 9433870 Ride vehicle tracking and control system using passive tracking elements

A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of ride vehicles within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control the ride vehicles or other equipment as a result of this evaluation.