Systems and methods for generating stereoscopic, augmented, and virtual reality images

Abstract

A ride system includes eyewear configured to be worn by a user. The eyewear includes a display having a stereoscopic feature configured to permit viewing of externally projected stereoscopically displayed images. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the eyewear, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the eyewear, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the eyewear, and project stereoscopic images into the real world environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 332,299, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING STEREOSCOPIC, AUGMENTED, AND VIRTUAL REALITY IMAGES” and filed May 5, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]The subject matter disclosed herein relates to amusement park attractions, and more specifically, to providing enhanced thrill factors and components of interest in amusement park attractions.[0003]Amusement parks and / or theme parks may include various entertainment attractions, restaurants, and rides useful in providing enjoyment to patrons (e.g., families and / or people of all ages) of the amusement park. For example, the attractions may include traditional rides for kids such as carousels, as well as traditional rides for thrill seekers such as rollercoasters. It is now recognized that adding components of interest and thrill factors to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In a third embodiment, a method includes receiving or accessing environmental image data via a computer graphics generation system, generating a virtualization of a real world environment of the amusement park based on the environmental image data; overlaying an augmented reality (AR) image or a virtual reality (VR) image onto the virtualization of the real world environment; transmitting the overlaid AR image or the VR image along with the virtualization of the real world environment to the eyewear during the cycle of the amusement park ride; transmitting a signal to the eyewear to permit viewing through displays of the eyewear; projecting stereoscopic images onto a surface of the real-world environment after transmitting the signal; and causing the stereoscopic images to be reflected through filters in the eyewear into a left and right eye of a user to generate an illusion of a 3D image.

Problems solved by technology

It is now recognized that adding components of interest and thrill factors to such attractions can be difficult and limiting.

Traditionally, for example, outside of providing an increasingly complex system of steep, twisting, and winding rollercoaster tracks, the thrill factor of such rollercoasters and / or other similar thrill rides may be limited to the existing course or physical nature of the thrill ride itself.

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