Electromagnetic coupling system and method for a visualization device

Abstract

An augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system 10 includes an interface device 14 configured to be worn by a user. The interface device 14 includes a frame 50 that supports a reactive material 74. The AR / VR system 10 also includes a visualization device 12 configured to display virtual features 24 for visualization by the user. The visualization device 12 includes electromagnets 116, 120 configured to magnetically couple to the reactive material 74. The AR / VR system 10 further includes a controller 130 electrically coupled to the electromagnets 116, 120 and configured to adjust operation of the electromagnets 116, 120 to modulate a magnetic coupling force between the electromagnets 116, 120 and the reactive material 74.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 056225, filed July 24, 2020, entitled “Electromagnetic Coupling System and Method for Visualization Device,” which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may relate to the present technology, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is intended to provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this context, rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks can include a variety of entertainment attractions that are useful in providing fun for customers. The attractions within an amusement park can have different themes specifically targeting certain audiences. For example, some attractions may include themes that are traditionally of interest to children, while others may include themes that are traditionally of interest to more mature audiences. It is recognized that it can be ideal to enhance the immersive experience for customers within the entertainment attraction, such as by utilizing virtual features to expand the themes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following section outlines certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are merely presented to provide the reader with a brief summary of these embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may include a wide variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes an interface device configured for wear by a user. The interface device includes a frame supporting a reaction material. The AR / VR system also includes a visualization device configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user. The visualization device includes an electromagnet configured to be magnetically coupled to the reaction material. The AR / VR system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet and configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to modulate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reaction material.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of operating an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes generating feedback via sensors indicating parameters of a visualization device configured to engage with an interface device, wherein the interface device is configured to be worn by a user. The method further includes: monitoring the feedback via a controller; and adjusting the operation of an electromagnet of the visualization device via the controller based on the feedback to modulate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and a reaction material of the interface device.

[0007] In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes a vehicle configured to travel along a path. The AR / VR system also includes a visualization device coupled to the vehicle via a tether and configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user of the visualization device, wherein the visualization device includes an electromagnet. The AR / VR system includes an interface device configured to be worn by a user and engage with the visualization device, wherein the interface device includes a frame supporting a reaction material. The AR / VR system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet. The electromagnet is configured to be magnetically coupled to the reaction material, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to modulate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reaction material.

[0008] Various minor modifications to the features noted above can be implemented with respect to various aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, additional features can be incorporated into these various aspects. These minor modifications and additional features can exist individually or in any combination. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same characters denote the same parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a visualization device and interface device of an augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality system (AR / VR system) in an interlocking configuration according to the present embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 It is in a disassembled configuration according to the current embodiment. Figure 1 A perspective view of the visualization device and interface device;

[0012] Figure 3 According to the current embodiments Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the interface device;

[0013] Figure 4 According to the current embodiments Figure 1 Rear view of the visualization device;

[0014] Figure 5 It is in a disassembled configuration according to the current embodiment. Figure 1 A perspective view of the visualization device and the helmet-style interface device;

[0015] Figure 6 This is based on the current embodiment of the use Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the scenic spot using AR / VR systems;

[0016] Figure 7 It is based on the current embodiment for use based on Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the process of operating an AR / VR system based on the location of transportation to tourist attractions;

[0017] Figure 8 It is based on the current embodiment for monitoring in Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the process of applying force to the visualization device during the ride cycle at the attraction; and

[0018] Figure 9 It is a storage container according to the current embodiment and a storage configuration within the storage container. Figure 1 A perspective view of a visualization device. Detailed Implementation

[0019] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. For the purpose of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in this specification. It should be appreciated that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, which may vary depending on the implementation, such as compliance with system-related constraints and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, such development efforts will be nothing more than routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0020] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist besides those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0021] Amusement parks may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and / or mixed reality (a combination of AR and VR) systems (AR / VR systems) configured to enhance the customer experience at amusement park attractions by providing customers with AR / VR experiences (e.g., AR experiences, VR experiences, or both). In practice, a combination of certain hardware configurations, software configurations (e.g., algorithmic structures and / or modeled responses), and certain attraction features can be used to provide customers with customizable, personalized, and / or interactive AR / VR experiences.

[0022] AR / VR systems may include visualization devices, such as head-mounted displays (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, glasses), that can be configured to allow customers to view virtual features. For example, an AR / VR system may include a customer interface device configured to be removably coupled to a customer's head, also referred to herein as an interface device. The interface device facilitates coupling the visualization device to the customer, allowing the customer to wear the visualization device on their head. Visualization devices can be used to enhance the customer experience by overlaying virtual features onto the real-world environment of an amusement park attraction, by providing adjustable virtual features to offer different virtual environments as the customer is in the attraction, etc. Unfortunately, in the absence of the disclosed embodiments, quickly and securely attaching the visualization device to the interface device (e.g., between rides in an amusement park attraction) can be difficult and / or time-consuming.

[0023] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure relate to an electromagnetic coupling system that enables a visualization device to be quickly and controllably fixed to an interface device. Specifically, the electromagnetic coupling system disclosed herein facilitates controllably coupling the visualization device to and from the interface device. Furthermore, the electromagnetic coupling system disclosed herein facilitates holding the visualization device in an engaged configuration (e.g., a coupling configuration, a locking configuration) with the interface device during certain time periods (e.g., during a ride cycle at an amusement park attraction).

[0024] For example, an electromagnetic coupling system may include one or more electromagnets integrated with a visualization device, an interface device, or both (e.g., coupled to a visualization device, an interface device, or both). The electromagnets are configured to selectively engage (e.g., magnetically couple to a corresponding reaction material) with a corresponding reaction material that can be integrated with (e.g., coupled to a visualization device, an interface device, or both). The reaction material may include one or more metal strips, permanent magnets, other electromagnets, and / or any other suitable magnetically attractive material. As an example, in an embodiment, the electromagnet may be integrated with the visualization device, and the reaction material may be integrated with the interface device. Accordingly, the electromagnets may be selectively energized, de-energized, or have reversed magnetic polarity to facilitate switching between an engagement configuration in which the electromagnet attracts the reaction material and a disengagement configuration (e.g., a decoupling configuration or a disconnection configuration) in which the electromagnet does not attract and / or repels the reaction material. Furthermore, as discussed below, the current supplied to the electromagnet can be adjustable (e.g., via a controller) to modulate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reaction material, and thus instantaneously adjust the coupling strength between the visualization device and the interface device.

[0025] In embodiments, the electromagnet may be electrically coupled to a controller of the AR / VR system and / or to a controller of an amusement park attraction equipped with an AR / VR system. The controller may selectively switch the electromagnet between an activated and deactivated state, adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet, and / or adjust the magnetic polarity of the electromagnet to facilitate switching between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration of the visualization device and the interface device. As an example, when a customer uses the visualization device throughout the duration of a ride cycle at the amusement park attraction, the controller may switch the electromagnet to an activated state or a high-energy state (e.g., a state where the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet is relatively high) and hold the electromagnet in the activated or high-energy state. In this way, the controller can ensure that the visualization device remains engaged with or locked together with the interface device (e.g., coupled to the interface device) during the ride cycle. When a customer unloads from a ride at an amusement park attraction, the controller can switch the electromagnet to a de-excited state or a low-energy state (e.g., a state where the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet is relatively low), so that the customer who deboards the ride can remove the visualization device from their corresponding interface device (e.g., decouple it) and leave the visualization device in the ride's storage container for subsequent use by subsequent customers (e.g., on the corresponding interface device of a subsequent customer who rides the ride).

[0026] In embodiments, the controller can adjust the operation of the electromagnet in coordination with events of the ride cycle (e.g., based on ride data). For example, the controller can adjust the operation of the electromagnet throughout the ride cycle at various time periods and / or between ride cycles at amusement park attractions to vary the magnetic coupling force (e.g., attraction force) generated by the electromagnet (e.g., between the electromagnet and the reaction material). As discussed in detail herein, in this way, for example, when a customer boards and disembarks from a ride between ride cycles at an amusement park attraction, the controller can enable the electromagnet to help the customer couple the visualization device to the interface device and / or help the customer decouple the visualization device from the interface device. Additionally or alternatively, the controller can vary the coupling force provided by the electromagnet based on sensor feedback acquired by one or more sensors (e.g., one or more sensors on the visualization device and / or one or more sensors at the amusement park attraction) to ensure that the visualization device remains consistently coupled to the customer's interface device throughout the duration of the ride cycle. These and other features will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Considering the preceding text, Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an AR / VR system 10 (e.g., a wearable visualization system), configured to enable users (e.g., customers, amusement park employees, passengers on transportation) to experience AR / VR scenes (e.g., view AR / VR scenes, interact with AR / VR scenes). The AR / VR system 10 includes a visualization device 12 (e.g., a head-mounted display, a wearable visualization device) and an interface device 14, which are removably coupled to each other to facilitate the use of the AR / VR system 10.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the visualization device 12 includes electronic glasses 16 (e.g., AR / VR glasses, goggles) coupled to the housing 18 of the visualization device 12. The electronic glasses 16 may include one or more displays 20 (e.g., transparent, translucent, opaque). In an embodiment, the displays 20 enable a user to view a real-world environment 22 (e.g., physical structures within a scenic spot) through the displays 20, wherein certain virtual features 24 (e.g., AR features) are overlaid on the displays 20, causing the user to perceive the virtual features 24 as integrated into the real-world environment 22. That is, the electronic glasses 16 can at least partially control the user's field of vision by overlaying the virtual features 24 onto the user's line of sight. For this purpose, the visualization device 12 enables a user to visualize and perceive a surreal environment 26 (e.g., a game environment) having certain virtual features 24 overlaid on the real-world environment 22 that can be viewed by the user through the displays 20. By way of non-limiting example, display 20 may include a transparent (e.g., see-through) light-emitting diode (LED) display or a transparent (e.g., see-through) organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0029] In an embodiment, the visualization device 12 can have complete control over the user's field of vision (e.g., using an opaque viewing surface). That is, the display 20 can include an opaque or non-opaque display configured to display virtual features 24 (e.g., VR features) to the user. Accordingly, the surreal environment 26 that can be viewed by the user can be, for example, a real-world image of a physical, real-world environment 22 electronically merged with one or more virtual features 24. Thus, when wearing the visualization device 12, the user can feel completely surrounded by the surreal environment 26 and can perceive the surreal environment 26 as a real-world environment 22 including certain virtual features 24. In an embodiment, the visualization device 12 can include features such as light projection features configured to project light into one or both of the user's eyes, such that certain virtual features 24 are superimposed on real-world objects that can be viewed by the user. Such a visualization device 12 can be considered to include a retinal display.

[0030] Accordingly, it should be understood that the surreal environment 26 may include AR experiences, VR experiences, mixed reality experiences, computer-mediated reality experiences, combinations thereof, or other similar surreal environments. Furthermore, it should be understood that the visualization device 12 may be used alone or in combination with other features to create the surreal environment 26. In practice, as discussed below, a user may wear the visualization device 12 throughout the duration of a ride on an amusement park ride or at another time (e.g., during gameplay), throughout a specific area or attraction of the amusement park, while traveling to a hotel associated with the amusement park, or at the hotel, etc. In embodiments, when implemented in an amusement park setting, the visualization device 12 may be physically coupled (e.g., tethered via cable 28 or a tether) to a structure (e.g., the ride vehicle 30 of the amusement park ride) to prevent the visualization device 12 from detaching from the structure, and / or may be electronically coupled (e.g., via cable 28) to a computing system (e.g., a computing system integrated with the ride vehicle 30) to facilitate the operation of the visualization device 12 (e.g., the display of virtual features 24).

[0031] As discussed in detail below, the visualization device 12 can be removably coupled to the interface device 14 via the electromagnetic coupling system 34 (e.g., toolless coupling; coupling without tools; coupling without threaded fasteners (such as bolts); disassembly without tools and without disconnecting components of the visualization device 12 or the interface device 14). The electromagnetic coupling system 34 can be integrated with both the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14. The electromagnetic coupling system 34 enables the visualization device 12 to quickly switch between the engagement configuration 36 and the disassembly configuration 38 (see, for example...). Figure 2 The visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14 in the engagement configuration 36, and decoupled from the interface device 14 in the disengagement configuration 38.

[0032] The interface device 14 is configured to affix to the user's head, thus enabling the user to comfortably wear the visualization device 12 while traversing various attractions or certain amusement park environments. For example, the interface device 14 may include a headband assembly 40 configured to wrap around the circumference of the user's head and to be tightened (e.g., retracted) on the user's head. In this way, the headband assembly 40 facilitates the attachment of the interface device 14 to the user's head, allowing the interface device 14 to be used in conjunction with the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to hold the visualization device 12 to the user (e.g., when the visualization device 12 is in engagement configuration 36). It should be understood that the visualization device 12 may have a size and weight that allows the visualization device 12 to be comfortably worn (e.g., supported) by the user.

[0033] To better illustrate interface device 14, and to facilitate the following discussion, Figure 3 This is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the interface device 14. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the interface device 14 includes an interface frame 50 and a visor 52 that can be coupled to the interface frame 50. The headband assembly 40 may include an adjustment assembly 54 for adjusting the inner circumference of the headband assembly 40 to accommodate a variety of user head parameters (e.g., head size, head shape, hairstyle) to facilitate coupling of the interface device 14 to the user's corresponding head. In an embodiment, the headband assembly 40 includes a face shield 56 configured to contact the forehead of the user's head to facilitate alignment and / or fixation of the interface device 14 to the user's head. The headband assembly 40 includes one or more first attachment features 58 configured to engage with corresponding second attachment features 60 of the interface frame 50. The engagement of the first attachment features 58 and the second attachment features 60 enables the headband assembly 40 to be coupled to the interface frame 50.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the interface frame 50 includes a body portion 62 having a first peripheral end 64 (e.g., an end portion; a lateral portion), a second peripheral end 66 (e.g., an end portion; a lateral portion) opposite the first peripheral end 64, and a lip 68 extending between the first peripheral end 64 and the second peripheral end 66. The body portion 62 may include peripheral cavities 70 or pockets formed within the first and second peripheral ends 64 and / or one or more cavities 72 or pockets formed within the lip 68. In the embodiment, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 includes one or more reaction plates 74 (e.g., one or more reaction materials) that can be configured to be disposed within the respective cavities 70, 72. As discussed in detail below, the reaction plates 74 are configured to be magnetically coupled to a corresponding electromagnet included in the visualization device 12 to facilitate removable coupling of the interface device 14 to the visualization device 12. The reaction plates 74 may include any suitable one or more ferrous materials (e.g., one or more iron plates, one or more metal plates). Alternatively or concurrently, the reaction plate 74 may include an electromagnet or a permanent magnet (e.g., a neodymium magnet).

[0035] In an embodiment, a corresponding cover 80 may be disposed on the reaction plate 74 to encapsulate the reaction plate 74 within the corresponding cavities 70, 72. Specifically, the cover 80 may be coupled to the interface frame 50 via, for example, a suitable adhesive or ultrasonic welding process. In this way, in the installed configuration, the cover 80 can hermetically seal the reaction plate 74 within the corresponding cavities 70, 72 to substantially prevent contaminants (e.g., water) from entering and / or accumulating within the cavities 70, 72. It should be appreciated that the cavities 70, 72 may be formed within any suitable portion of the interface device 14, and / or the reaction plate 74 may be coupled to and / or integrated with any suitable portion of the interface device 14.

[0036] In one embodiment, the main body portion 62 includes a plurality of support ribs 94 projecting from the outer surface 96 of the main body portion 62. Specifically, the main body portion 62 may include a first support rib 98 extending from a first outer peripheral end 64 and a second support rib extending from a second outer peripheral end 66. As discussed in detail below, the support ribs 94 are configured to correspond to support grooves 100 formed within the housing 18 of the visualization device 12 (see, for example...). Figure 4 The interface frame 50 is engaged to facilitate coupling of the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14. Therefore, the support rib 94 and support groove 100 may also form part of the electromagnetic coupling system 34. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 may not include the support rib 94 and support groove 100.

[0037] Figure 4This is a rear view of an embodiment of the visualization device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 includes a panel 110 extending between a first peripheral portion 112 (e.g., an end portion; a lateral portion) and a second peripheral portion 114 (e.g., an end portion; a lateral portion) of the housing 18. The electromagnetic coupling system 34 may include one or more first electromagnets 116 positioned near the surface 118 of the panel 110 and / or one or more second electromagnets 120 positioned near corresponding surfaces 122 of the first peripheral portion 112 and the second peripheral portion 114. For example, in one embodiment, the first electromagnet 116 may be hermetically sealed within a corresponding cavity formed in the surface 118, and the second electromagnet 120 may be hermetically sealed within a corresponding cavity formed in the surface 122. In other embodiments, the first electromagnet 116 and the second electromagnet 120 (collectively referred to herein as electromagnet 124) may be positioned within the interior of the housing 18 and arranged adjacent to the surfaces 118 and 122, respectively. In any case, as discussed in detail below, the electromagnet 124 is configured to selectively attract the corresponding reaction plate 74 of the interface device 14 to facilitate the magnetic coupling of the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14. In embodiments, some of the electromagnets 124 may be replaced with permanent magnets or suitable reaction materials (e.g., metal plates).

[0038] Electromagnetic element 124 may be electrically coupled (e.g., via cable 28) to power source 128, which is configured to provide electrical power (e.g., current) to electromagnetic element 124. In one embodiment, power source 128 may be coupled to and configured to travel with vehicle 30 (e.g., along a track at a scenic spot). In other embodiments, power source 128 may include a battery or other device integrated with visualization device 12 and configured to provide electromagnetic element 124 with electrical power suitable for enabling operation of electromagnetic element 124.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the visualization device 12 includes a controller 130 electrically coupled to a power supply 128. The controller 130 is configured to operate the electromagnetic coupling system 34 according to the techniques discussed herein. The controller 130 includes a processor 132 and a memory device 134. The processor 132 may include a microprocessor capable of executing software that controls the visualization device 12, the electromagnetic coupling system 34, and / or any other suitable components of the AR / VR system 10 and / or components having views of the AR / VR system 10. The processor 132 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more application-specific microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 132 may include one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processors. The memory device 134 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device 134 may store information such as control software, lookup tables, configuration data, communication protocols, etc.

[0040] For example, memory device 134 may store processor-executable instructions, including firmware or software executable by processor 132, such as instructions for controlling components of electromagnetic coupling system 34, visualization device 12, AR / VR system 10, and / or any suitable components having points of interest in AR / VR system 10. In embodiments, memory device 134 is a tangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium that can store machine-readable instructions executable by processor 132. Memory device 134 may include ROM, flash memory, hard disk drive, any other suitable optical storage medium, magnetic storage medium, or solid-state storage medium, or combinations thereof.

[0041] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a support groove 100 formed within the outer peripheral portions 112, 114 of the housing 18 extends along at least a portion of the lateral surface 136 of the housing 18. For example, the support groove 100 may extend substantially toward the electronic glasses 16 from the surface 122 (e.g., the distal end of the housing 18). As discussed below, the support groove 100 may be configured to engage with a corresponding support rib 94 in the support rib 94 to facilitate removable coupling of the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14. It should be noted that... Figure 5 Explain the different structures used for interface device 14 (e.g., helmet style, and...). Figure 1-3Compared to the faceplate style shown, various different structures are envisioned for the interface device 14. To couple the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14, the user (e.g., while holding the interface device 14 in their hand, and when the interface device 14 is separated from the user's head; and when wearing the interface device 14 on the user's head) can translate the visualization device 12 along direction 140 toward the interface device 14 so that the support rib 94 of the interface device 14 can engage with the corresponding support groove 100 of the visualization device 12. The user can translate the visualization device 12 along the support rib 94 (e.g., along direction 140) until the surface 122 of the housing 18 abuts the corresponding receiving surfaces 142 of the first outer peripheral end 64 and the second outer peripheral end 66 of the interface frame 50. Accordingly, the second electromagnet 120 can be aligned with and positioned adjacent to the corresponding reaction plate 74 of the interface frame 50. Alternatively, at least a portion of the panel 110 of the visualization device 12 may be configured to translate under and along the lip 68 of the interface frame 50, so that the first electromagnet 116 of the visualization device 12 can be aligned with the corresponding reaction plate 74. The controller 130 may selectively supply electrical power (e.g., via power supply 128) to the electromagnet 124 to excite it, causing it to magnetically couple to the reaction plate 74. In this way, the controller 130 can facilitate the transition of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 to an engagement configuration 36.

[0043] For example, in one embodiment, the controller 130 may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 148 (e.g., proximity sensor 150, inertial measurement unit [IMU] 152), which are integrated with the visualization device 12 and configured to provide the controller 130 with feedback indicating the position and / or orientation of the visualization device 12 relative to the interface device 14. Specifically, the sensors 148 may provide the controller 130 with feedback indicating the position and / or orientation of the visualization device 12 relative to a surface of the interface device 14 (e.g., one of the receiving surfaces 142). Alternatively or additionally, the sensors 148 may provide the controller 130 with feedback indicating the position and / or orientation of the visualization device 12 relative to a reference structure 154 (e.g., a metal chip, an RFID tag), which may be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the interface device 14.

[0044] In any case, controller 130 can be configured to excite, de-excite, adjust the magnetic polarity of, or otherwise adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by electromagnet 124 based on feedback provided by sensor 148 (e.g., increase or decrease the magnetic coupling force generated by electromagnet 124). For clarity, it should be understood that controller 130 can adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by electromagnet 124 by adjusting the current supplied to electromagnet 124 via power supply 128. That is, in embodiments, controller 130 can increase the magnetic coupling force generated by electromagnet 124 by increasing the magnitude of the current supplied to electromagnet 124, and decrease the magnetic coupling force generated by electromagnet 124 by decreasing the magnitude of the current supplied to electromagnet 124.

[0045] In an embodiment, the controller 130 may be configured to continuously or intermittently monitor (e.g., based on feedback from the sensor 148) the position and / or orientation of the visualization device 12 (e.g., relative to the interface device 14). The controller 130 may actuate the electromagnet 124 when it is determined that the visualization device 12 is within a threshold distance of the interface device 14 and / or when it is determined that the visualization device 12 is oriented within a threshold orientation range relative to the interface device 14. As an example, the controller 130 may actuate the electromagnet 124 when it is determined that the support groove 100 is substantially adjacent to the corresponding support rib 94 (e.g., positioned within a threshold distance of the corresponding support rib 94) and / or the support groove 100 is substantially aligned with the support rib 94 (e.g., oriented within a threshold angle relative to the support rib 94, such as within 5 degrees relative to the support rib 94). In this manner, when the visualization device 12 is properly aligned and positioned relative to the interface device 14, the electromagnet 124 can attract the reaction plate 74 to pull the visualization device 12 toward the interface device 14 and engage the support groove 100 with the support rib 94. Accordingly, the controller 130 can operate the electromagnet 124 to facilitate rapid and proper engagement of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 (e.g., to pull the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 together). In an embodiment, by maintaining the electromagnet 124 in a de-energized or low-power state (e.g., a state where the magnetic field strength output by the electromagnet is relatively low) when the visualization device 12 is separated from the interface device 14 (e.g., separated from the interface device 14 by a threshold distance) and / or misaligned with the interface device 14 (e.g., not oriented within a threshold angle), the controller 130 can ensure that the electromagnet 124 does not attract or magnetically couple to the interface device 14 in an inappropriate manner and / or does not attract or magnetically couple to foreign objects, such as jewelry or other metallic objects that can be worn by a customer using the AR / VR system 10. In an embodiment, the controller 130 can be configured to selectively energize, de-energize, and / or change the polarity of certain electromagnets 124 to help the user transition the visualization device 12 to the engagement configuration 36 on the interface device 14.

[0046] Controller 130 may be configured to determine (e.g., based on feedback from sensor 148) whether visualization device 12 is misaligned relative to interface device 14 during a user's attempt to couple visualization device 12 to interface device 14. Upon determining that visualization device 12 is misaligned relative to interface device 14, controller 130 may excite, de-excite, and / or change the polarity of some of the electromagnets 124 (e.g., a subset, only some electromagnets 124) to facilitate proper alignment. For example, controller 130 may excite one or more of the electromagnets 124 and de-excite one or more of the electromagnets 124. Specifically, the controller 130 can energize one or more electromagnets 124 located near the first lateral end 160 of the visualization device 12 to a first polarity, and can deenergize one or more electromagnets 124 located near the second lateral end 162 of the visualization device 12, or can energize one or more electromagnets 124 near the second lateral end 162 to a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The electromagnets 124 can thus interact with the reaction plate 74 of the interface device 14 to impart torque 164 about the longitudinal axis 166 of the visualization device 12. Torque 164 can cause the visualization device 12 to twist or pivot about axis 166 (e.g., when a user holds the visualization device 12) to align the visualization device 12 with the interface device 14 (e.g., to align the support groove 100 with the support rib 94). Once the visualization device 12 is aligned with the interface device 14 (e.g., once the support groove 100 is aligned with the support rib 94), the controller 130 can activate the electromagnet 124 to attract the corresponding reaction plate 74, thereby transforming the visualization device 12 into the engagement configuration 36 on the interface device 14. In this way, the controller 130 can assist the user in coupling the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14.

[0047] It should be understood that, particularly when a user attempts to couple the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14, the controller 130 can adjust the operation of any of the electromagnets 124 to facilitate proper alignment of the visualization device 12 with the interface device 14. That is, the controller 130 can adjust the operation of the electromagnets 124 to cause axial displacement (e.g., along axis 166) and / or lateral displacement (e.g., perpendicular to axis 166) of the visualization device 12 relative to the interface device 14. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 130 can adjust the operation of the electromagnets 124 to cause pivoting movement of the visualization device 12 relative to the interface device 14 (e.g., about axis 166 and / or about another suitable axis). Such movement or displacement can be based on and responsive to feedback from the sensor 148.

[0048] As discussed above, in embodiments, the visualization device 12 may include one or more permanent magnets 168 (e.g., neodymium magnets). When the user moves the visualization device 12 from disengagement configuration 38 to engagement configuration 36, or even when the electromagnet 124 is initially deactivated, the permanent magnets 168 may be configured to engage with the corresponding reaction plate 74 of the interface device 14. Upon determining that the visualization device 12 is engaged with the interface device 14 (e.g., via feedback from the sensor 148), the controller 130 may be configured to activate the electromagnet 124 to further enhance the coupling strength between the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 (e.g., via a combination of the permanent magnets 168 and the electromagnet 124).

[0049] To remove the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14, the user can translate the visualization device 12 away from the interface device 14 in a direction 170 generally opposite to direction 140, thereby magnetically decoupling the electromagnet 124 from the reaction plate 74 of the visualization device 12. The user can continue to translate the visualization device 12 relative to the interface device 14 in direction 170 to remove (e.g., decouple) the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. In an embodiment, the controller 130 can be configured to determine when the user is attempting to remove the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14, and, upon making such a determination, the controller 130 can adjust the operation of the electromagnet 124 to facilitate decoupling between the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14. For example, when the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14, the controller 130 can be configured to monitor the load applied to the visualization device 12 (e.g., in direction 170) based on the current drawn by the electromagnet 124 and / or the voltage supplied to the electromagnet 124. As an example, when a user attempts to magnetically decouple the electromagnet 124 from the reaction plate 74 while the electromagnet 124 is energized, the current drawn by the electromagnet 124 can increase or decrease. When the load exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds, 1 second), the controller 130 can determine that the user is attempting to decouple the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. Upon determining that the user is attempting to decouple the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14, the controller 130 can switch the electromagnet 124 to a de-energized state (e.g., reduce the current supplied to the electromagnet 124) to substantially reduce or eliminate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 130 can reverse the polarity of some of the electromagnets 124 to cause these electromagnets 124 to repel the reaction plate 74 (e.g., permanent magnets) of the interface device 14. For this purpose, the controller 130 can assist the user in removing and / or decoupling the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14.

[0050] It should be appreciated that, in embodiments, the support groove 100 and support rib 94 may be omitted from the AR / VR system 10. In such embodiments, when the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14, the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 may be sufficient to support the entire weight of the visualization device 12, and / or other structural features may be provided to share the support of the weight of the visualization device 12 when it is coupled to the interface device 14.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a scenic spot 172 utilizing the AR / VR system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, scenic spot 172 includes a plurality of ride vehicles 174, which include ride vehicles 30. It should be appreciated that each of the ride vehicles 174 may include some or all of the features of ride vehicles 30 discussed herein. Ride vehicles 174 are configured to travel along a track or path 176 of scenic spot 172; however, the AR / VR system 10 may be used in conjunction with ride vehicles that do not travel along a track or path or in a variety of other types of scenic spots. As shown, path 176 may include loading sections 178 extending along stations or platforms 180 of scenic spot 172. In particular, loading sections 178 may extend along platforms 180 from entrance point 182 to exit point 184. Platforms 180 may facilitate the loading of users (e.g., riders) into and / or unloading from ride vehicles 174.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, attraction 172 includes a ride controller 186 having a processor 188, a memory 190, and a communication component 192. The ride controller 186 can monitor and / or control certain aspects of attraction 172, such as the corresponding position of ride vehicle 174 along path 176. The ride controller 186 can be communicatively coupled (e.g., via communication component 192) to a corresponding communication component 194 of ride vehicle 174 to enable the transmission of sensor feedback and / or control signals between the ride controller 186 and various components of ride vehicle 174. For example, each ride vehicle 174 may include one or more visualization devices 196 having a corresponding controller 198 communicatively coupled to the ride controller 186 (e.g., via communication component 194 to receive ride data). Therefore, in addition to or in place of controller 198, ride controller 186 may be used to adjust the operation of visualization device 196 and / or corresponding electromagnetic coupling system 34 according to the techniques discussed herein.

[0053] Throughout the following discussion, controller 130 and ride controller 186 can be collectively referred to as control system 200. Therefore, it should be understood that the operations discussed herein, performed by control system 200, can refer to operations performed by controller 198, ride controller 186, or one or more of both. For clarity, as used herein, control system 200 can therefore refer to controller 130, ride controller 186, or both. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the technology can be distributed in any suitable manner among one or more controllers 198, ride controller 186, and / or one or more other processing devices.

[0054] Processor 188 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general purpose" microprocessors, one or more application-specific microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, processor 188 may include one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processors. Memory device 190 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM). In embodiments, memory device 190 is a tangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium that can store machine-readable instructions that processor 188 executes to control aspects of point 172.

[0055] In an embodiment, the control system 200 may be configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnetic coupling system 34 based on ride data (including the position of the vehicle 30 along path 176). The control system 200 may determine the position of the vehicle 30 based on feedback from one or more sensors 148 from the visualization device 12, from one or more sensors 202 integrated with the vehicle 30 (e.g., a Global Positioning System [GPS] sensor), from one or more sensors located along path 176 (e.g., proximity sensors), and / or via other suitable techniques (e.g., ride data may include timing signals indicating the time when the vehicle 30 will arrive at certain points along path 176 during a ride cycle between leaving loading section 178 and arriving at unloading section, which may be loading section 178 or at another location along path 176).

[0056] Figure 7This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process 210 for operating the electromagnetic coupling system 34 in a manner coordinated with the passenger cycle and / or based on the position of the passenger vehicle 30 along path 176 (e.g., based on passenger data). Process 210 may be performed by control system 200. Process 210 may include, as indicated by block 212, receiving an indication of the position of the passenger vehicle 30 along path 176 and determining the position of the passenger vehicle 30 along path 176. In particular, process 210 may include determining whether the passenger vehicle 30 is positioned along loading section 178 of path 176.

[0057] When determining the location of the vehicle 30 along the loading section 178 (e.g., during the loading / unloading of a user onto / from the vehicle 30), the control system 200 may operate the electromagnetic coupling system 34 according to the techniques discussed herein to facilitate coupling of the visualization device 12 to and decoupling of the visualization device 12 from the corresponding user's interface device 14. Specifically, during the loading phase, as indicated by box 214, the control system 200 may operate the electromagnet 124 to selectively engage (e.g., magnetically engage) the reaction plate 74 to facilitate a change in the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to a locked configuration, thereby changing the visualization device 12 to an engaged configuration 36 with the interface device 14.

[0058] That is, when it is determined that the vehicle 30 is in the loading section 178 and within the loading phase or part of a ride cycle (e.g., a previous ride cycle has been completed, a previous user has removed and stored their corresponding visualization device 12, a previous user has disembarked, and a subsequent user has boarded), the control system 200 can operate the electromagnet 124 to selectively engage the reaction plate 74 to facilitate a change in the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to a locked configuration. The control system 200 can operate the electromagnet 124 to selectively engage the reaction plate 74 in response to feedback from one or more sensors 148 (e.g., feedback indicating that the user has positioned the visualization device 12 near the interface device 14) to facilitate a change in the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to a locked configuration.

[0059] In an embodiment, as indicated by box 216, during the riding phase of attraction 172 (e.g., throughout the period in which the vehicle 30 travels along ride section 218), control system 200 can maintain or increase the magnetic coupling force generated by electromagnet 124 to maintain electromagnetic coupling system 34 in a locked configuration and thereby maintain visualization device 12 in an engaged configuration 36. For example, control system 200 can energize electromagnet 124 to generate a target magnetic coupling force (e.g., riding magnetic coupling force) with reaction plate 74 of interface device 14. In an embodiment, the target magnetic coupling force can be greater than the magnetic coupling force applied at the initial coupling of visualization device 12 and interface device 14 and / or greater than the magnetic coupling force when vehicle 30 is in loading section 178. The magnetic coupling force applied during the initial coupling of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14, and / or the magnetic coupling force when the vehicle 30 is in the loading section 178, can be considered as the baseline magnetic coupling force, which is sufficient to facilitate coupling and / or maintain the engagement configuration 36 when the vehicle 30 is stationary. In this way, the control system 200 can ensure that the visualization device 12 is not detached from the interface device 14 when the vehicle 30 travels along the ride section 218 during a ride cycle of attraction 172. That is, under the locking configuration of the electromagnetic coupling system 34, such as when the visualization device 12 is removed from the engagement configuration 36 (e.g., as... Figure 1 (as shown) transition to disassembly configuration 38 (e.g., as shown) Figure 2 When (as shown), the force involved in magnetically decoupling the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 can be greater than, for example, the force acting on the visualization device 12 due to gravity, due to the shaking or turning of the customer's head, due to unintentional contact with the visualization device 12 and / or due to the acceleration force acting on the visualization device 12 as the vehicle 30 travels along the path 176.

[0060] In an embodiment, when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration, the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 prevents the user from detaching the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. Therefore, in order for the user to remove the visualization device 12 from their head while traveling along the play area 218 of path 176 in the vehicle 30, the user can remove both the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 as components (e.g., when the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 are in the engaged configuration 36). In this way, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 ensures that both the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 remain physically (e.g., mechanically) coupled to the vehicle 30 throughout the duration of the ride (e.g., via the cable 28 tethered to the visualization device 12).

[0061] In an embodiment, as indicated by block 220, the control system 200 may be configured to momentarily adjust the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 as the vehicle 30 travels along path 176 (e.g., along a ride section 218 of path 176) based on sensor feedback and / or ride data from the ride controller 186. For example, in an embodiment, one or more sensors 148, 202 may provide the control system 200 with feedback indicating the movement of the visualization device 12 and / or the force (e.g., acceleration) applied to the visualization device 12 as the vehicle 30 travels along path 176. The control system 200 may be configured to modulate the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 based on the movement (e.g., speed) of the visualization device 12 during a ride cycle and / or the force applied to the visualization device 12 (e.g., the magnitude of the measured acceleration). Specifically, the control system 200 can be configured to proportionally increase the magnitude of the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 (e.g., increase to a first magnetic coupling force greater than the baseline magnetic coupling force) in response to an increase in the aspect of the movement of the visualization device 12 and / or the acceleration force applied to the visualization device 12 (e.g., as measured by one or more sensors 148) during the ride cycle. Conversely, the control system 200 can be configured to proportionally decrease the magnitude of the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 (e.g., decrease to a second magnetic coupling force less than the first magnetic coupling force and / or the baseline magnetic coupling force) in response to a decrease in the aspect of the movement of the visualization device 12 and / or the acceleration force applied to the visualization device 12 (e.g., as measured by one or more sensors 148) during the ride cycle. In this way, for example, the first magnetic coupling force can be applied when the vehicle 30 is traveling rapidly along a steep descent in the path 176, and the second magnetic coupling force can be applied when the vehicle 30 is traveling slowly along a horizontal portion of the path 176.

[0062] In an embodiment, when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration, the control system 200 can adjust the magnetic coupling force (e.g., the amplitude of the magnetic coupling force) generated by the electromagnet 124 based on the location 172 where the AR / VR system 10 is implemented. For example, when the AR / VR system 10 is implemented in a relatively high-speed location, the control system 200 can control the electromagnet 124 such that the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration) is relatively high. Conversely, when the AR / VR system 10 is implemented in a relatively low-speed location, the control system 200 can control the electromagnet 124 such that the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration) is relatively low. Therefore, the operation of the electromagnetic coupling system 34 can be customized based on the location 172 where the AR / VR system 10 is to be implemented.

[0063] During the unloading phase, as indicated by box 222, the control system 200 may operate the electromagnet 124 to selectively disengage the reaction plate 74 to facilitate the transition of the electromagnetic coupling system to an unlocked configuration, thereby enabling the user to switch the visualization device 12 to a disengagement configuration 38 with the interface device 14. That is, upon determining that the vehicle 30 has returned to the loading section 178 (or in a separate unloading section) during the unloading phase of the ride cycle (e.g., the ride cycle is complete and / or the user has pulled or attempted to remove their respective visualization device 12), the control system 200 may switch the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to an unlocked configuration (e.g., where the electromagnet 124 is de-energized, switched to a low-power state, or operated to repel the reaction plate 74). For example, the control system 200 may reduce the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74, may reverse the polarity of the electromagnet 124 to cause the electromagnet 124 to repel the reaction plate 74, or may instruct the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to perform another suitable action during the unloading phase to facilitate the decoupling of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 as disclosed herein.

[0064] In one embodiment, the control system 200 may determine whether a user attempts to decouple the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 during a ride cycle of the attraction 172 based on the force applied to the visualization device 12. Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process 230 for controlling an electromagnetic coupling system 34 based on a measured force applied to a visualization device 12. As indicated by box 232, process 230 includes monitoring, via one or more sensors 148, the actual force (e.g., acceleration force) applied to the visualization device 12 as the vehicle 30 travels along path 176. The expected force (e.g., acceleration force) applied to the visualization device 12 as the vehicle 30 travels along various sections of path 176 may be known or empirically determined (e.g., via experimental testing).

[0065] As indicated by box 234, the control system 200 can determine the deviation between the actual force applied to the visualization device 12 as the vehicle 30 travels along a specific segment of path 176 and the expected force that the visualization device 12 is expected to experience as the vehicle 30 travels along the same segment of path 176. As indicated by box 236, the control system 200 determines whether the deviation between the actual force and the expected force exceeds a threshold value. If the deviation between the actual force applied to the visualization device 12 and the expected force to be applied to the visualization device 12 exceeds the threshold value, the control system 200 can determine that the user is attempting to forcibly decouple the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. Upon such a determination, as indicated by box 238, the controller 130 can initiate a correction action. For example, in an embodiment, initiating a correction action may include disabling AR / VR content displayed on the electronic glasses 16, so that the user may no longer be presented with or able to view any virtual features 24 on the display 20. Alternatively or concurrently, initiating the correction action may include switching the electromagnet 124 to a de-energized state or otherwise reducing the magnetic coupling force, allowing the user to decouple the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 (e.g., or more easily). In embodiments, the visualization device 12 may include a button 240 (e.g., see...). Figure 4 (or other contact sensors): When pressed or touched by the user, a calibration action is initiated. Alternatively, initiating the calibration action may include increasing the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74, so that the user does not need to decouple the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 (e.g., or requires a greater force to decouple).

[0066] The following discussion continues for reference. Figure 6 In an embodiment, the control system 200 may be configured to adjust the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration) based on one or more characteristics (e.g., parameters) and / or preferences of the user currently utilizing the visualization device 12. For example, in an embodiment, when a user is identified as an adult user, the control system 200 may instruct the electromagnet 124 to generate a first threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively high magnetic coupling force), and when a customer is identified as a child user, the control system 200 may instruct the electromagnet 124 to generate a second threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively low magnetic coupling force). Accordingly, the control system 200 may adjust the force that may involve magnetically decoupling the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 based on the characteristics of the user utilizing the AR / VR system 10.

[0067] In an embodiment, the control system 200 can identify the characteristics of a user (e.g., adult, child) using a visualization device based on feedback received from a weight sensor 242 (e.g., a load cell) that can be coupled to a seat 244 of the vehicle 30. For example, when a user boards the vehicle 30 and is seated in the seat 244 (e.g., when the vehicle 30 is in the loading section 178), the control system 200 can evaluate the feedback received by the weight sensor 242. If the feedback received by the control system 200 indicates that the user's weight is higher than a first threshold value, the control system 200 can identify the user as an adult user and control the electromagnet 124 to generate a first threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively high coupling force) when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration. If the feedback received by the control system 200 indicates that the user's weight is lower than a threshold value, the control system 200 can identify the user as a child user and control the electromagnet 124 to generate a second threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively low coupling force) when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration. Other variations in the magnetic coupling force at various times are also envisioned based on user characteristics. For example, during the unloading phase, the magnetic coupling force in the unlocked configuration could be greater for adults than for children, thereby making it easier for children to separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. Furthermore, the magnetic coupling force used to pull the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 together during the loading phase could be smaller for adults than for children, thereby providing greater assistance to children in connecting the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14.

[0068] In embodiments, in addition to or instead of weight sensor 242, control system 200 may utilize feedback from other sensors from attraction 172 and / or visualization device 12 to identify characteristics of customers using visualization device 12. As a non-limiting example, attraction 172 may include machine vision system 246 having a camera 247 configured to acquire images of users. Machine vision system 246 may be communicatively coupled to control system 200 and may analyze image data acquired by camera 247 to derive biometric data of a specific user using visualization device 12 to classify the user as an adult or child. Machine vision system 246 may be coupled to vehicle 30 or may be positioned appropriately along platform 180. In embodiments, machine vision system 246 may include one or more cameras 248 (see, for example...) Figure 3The one or more cameras 248 are integrated with the visualization device 12 and configured to acquire image data of the user's face when the visualization device 12 is positioned on the interface device 14 and / or near the user's head. According to the techniques discussed above, the machine vision system 246 can use the image data acquired by the cameras 248 to classify the user as, for example, an adult user or a child user. It should be appreciated that the control system 200 can receive characteristics and / or preferences related to magnetic coupling force via input from the user, the operator of the point of view 172, an RFID device carried by the user and readable by a reader communicatively coupled to the control system 200, and / or any other suitable technology.

[0069] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the visualization device 12 and a container 250 (e.g., a storage container) configured to receive the visualization device 12. In this embodiment, the visualization device 12 may be stored in the container 250 when it is not mounted on an interface device 14 of a customer (e.g., a passenger riding in vehicle 30). By way of example, the container 250 may include cavities or other storage areas formed within the knee bar 252 or other restraints of the vehicle 30. In this embodiment, the control system 200 may be configured to use feedback from one or more sensors (such as from proximity sensor 150 and / or IMU 152 (e.g., orientation sensor)) to determine whether the visualization device 12 is in storage configuration 254 within the container 250.

[0070] For example, IMU 152 may include an on-chip nine-degree-of-freedom system equipped with an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and / or a processor for performing sensor fusion algorithms. Control system 200 may utilize feedback received from IMU 152 to determine the orientation of visualization device 12 along various axes (e.g., relative to the direction of gravity). In embodiments, when visualization device 12 is positioned in container 250, the orientation of visualization device 12 (referred to herein as storage orientation) may be known and stored, for example, in memory 134 and / or memory 190.

[0071] Upon receiving feedback from IMU 152 that the visualization device 12 is in a storage orientation, and / or upon receiving feedback from proximity sensor 256 (e.g., proximity sensor 150) that the lens assembly 258 of the visualization device 12 is at a threshold distance from or in contact with the mating surface 260 of the container 250, the control system 200 may determine that the visualization device 12 is in a storage configuration 254. In embodiments, events or actions may occur in response to the visualization device 12 being in the storage configuration 254. For example, knee bar 252 or other restraints may move (e.g., release) in response to the visualization device 12 being in the storage configuration 254. It should be appreciated that the container 250 may be positioned in any suitable part of a vehicle (e.g., dashboard, armrest, wall).

[0072] In one embodiment, the visualization device 12 includes a plurality of front electromagnets 266 (e.g., a subset of electromagnets 124, additional electromagnets) positioned along the lens assembly 258. When the visualization device 12 is in storage configuration 254, the front electromagnets 266 can be configured to magnetically couple the visualization device 12 to a reaction surface 268 (e.g., a metal plate, one or more permanent magnets, mating surface 260). For example, upon determining that the user has switched the visualization device 12 to storage configuration 254, the control system 200 can switch the front electromagnets 266 to an energized state to secure the visualization device 12 in the container 250.

[0073] In an embodiment, the control system 200 can operate the front electromagnet 266 to vary the magnetic coupling force between the front electromagnet 266 and the reaction surface 268 at various parts or stages of the riding cycle. For example, the magnetic coupling force may be relatively low when the riding vehicle 30 is positioned along the loading section 178 of path 176 during the loading phase (e.g., when a user enters the riding vehicle 30). Accordingly, a user of the riding vehicle 30 can grasp the visualization device 12 in container 250, applying sufficient force to the visualization device 12 to magnetically decouple the front electromagnet 266 from the reaction surface 268 and couple the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14 according to the techniques discussed above. When the vehicle 30 is positioned along the loading section 178 of path 176 during the unloading phase, the magnetic coupling force can be relatively high (e.g., such that after the user decouples the visualization device 12 from the user's interface device 14 and places the visualization device 12 in the container 250, the front electromagnet 266 can firmly engage the reaction surface 268).

[0074] In an embodiment, if the control system 200 determines that the visualization device 12 is not being used by a user during a specific ride cycle or a specific portion of the ride cycle at attraction 172 (e.g., due to an empty seat), the control system 200 may adjust the operation of the front electromagnet 266 to generate a magnetic coupling force between the front electromagnet 266 and the reaction surface 268. In this way, the control system 200 can ensure that the visualization device 12 remains positioned within the container 250 during the execution of the ride cycle at attraction 172 and does not become dislodged from the container 250 due to acceleration forces that may be applied to the visualization device 12 throughout the ride cycle.

[0075] For example, when receiving feedback from proximity sensor 256 indicating that visualization device 12 is still inside container 250 at the end of a designated ride time on vehicle 30, or that visualization device 12 is still inside container 250 when vehicle 30 leaves loading section 178, control system 200 can determine that visualization device 12 is not being used by a user during a specific ride cycle of attraction 172. Alternatively, for example, when receiving feedback from weight sensor 242 and / or machine vision system 246 indicating that seat 244 corresponding to visualization device 12 is not occupied, control system 200 can determine that visualization device 12 is not being used by a user during a specific ride cycle of attraction 172.

[0076] It should be understood that, in addition to or as an alternative to the front electromagnet 266, the electromagnet 124 used to couple the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14 can be used to hold the visualization device 12 within the container 250. Furthermore, the interface device 14 and / or the container 250 may include electromagnets, and the visualization device 12 may include a reaction material. Additionally, it should be understood that, with reference to... Figure 1-9 Any of the features discussed can be combined in any suitable way.

[0077] As explained above, embodiments of this disclosure can provide one or more technical effects useful for facilitating quick and comfortable attachment of a visualization device to a user's interface device. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure facilitate selective attachment of the visualization device to an interface device in an engaged configuration (e.g., a coupled configuration, a locked configuration) during certain time periods (e.g., during a ride cycle at an amusement park attraction). It should be understood that the technical effects and problems described in this specification are exemplary and not limiting. In fact, it should be noted that the embodiments described in this specification can have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

[0078] While the embodiments set forth in this disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. This disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

[0079] The techniques proposed and claimed herein are referenced and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of practical nature that can arguably improve the technical field and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [implementing]…[function]” or “step for [implementing]…[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 U.SC §112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other way, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 U.SC §112(f).

Claims

1. An augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, comprising: An interface device configured to be worn by a user and including a frame supporting reaction material; A visualization device configured to display virtual features for visualization by the user, wherein the visualization device includes an electromagnet configured to be magnetically coupled to the reaction material; as well as A controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet and configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to modulate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reaction material.

2. The AR / VR system of claim 1, comprising a sensor coupled to the housing of the visualization device, wherein, The sensor is configured to provide the controller with feedback indicating the position of the visualization device relative to the interface device, the orientation of the visualization device relative to the interface device, or both, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the feedback.

3. The AR / VR system according to claim 2, wherein, When the visualization device is within a threshold distance of the interface device, the controller is configured to excite the electromagnet, and wherein when the visualization device is outside the threshold distance of the interface device, the controller is configured to de-excite the electromagnet.

4. The AR / VR system according to claim 2, wherein, When the visualization device is within a threshold orientation range relative to the interface device, the controller is configured to excite the electromagnet, and wherein when the visualization device is outside the threshold orientation range of the interface device, the controller is configured to de-excite the electromagnet.

5. The AR / VR system according to claim 1, wherein, The electromagnet is one of a plurality of electromagnets, and the reaction material is one of a plurality of reaction materials, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the plurality of electromagnets to magnetically engage with the plurality of reaction materials to impart rotational torque to the visualization device about the axis of the visualization device to facilitate alignment between the visualization device and the interface device.

6. The AR / VR system of claim 1, comprising a vehicle configured to travel along a path, wherein, The visualization device is attached to the vehicle being used.

7. The AR / VR system according to claim 6, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet in coordination with the riding cycle of the vehicle.

8. The AR / VR system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to provide feedback to the controller indicating the location of a vehicle along a path, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the feedback.

9. The AR / VR system of claim 1, comprising a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to provide feedback to the controller indicating forces applied to the visualization device as the vehicle travels along a path, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the feedback, and the visualization device is coupled to the vehicle.

10. The AR / VR system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to provide feedback to the controller on parameters indicative of the user, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the feedback.

11. The AR / VR system according to claim 1, wherein, The reaction material includes a metal plate or a permanent magnet.

12. The AR / VR system according to claim 1, comprising: An additional electromagnet is coupled to the housing of the visualization device and electrically coupled to the controller; as well as A restraint for a vehicle, wherein the restraint includes a container and a reaction surface, wherein the container is configured to receive the visualization device, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the additional electromagnet to modulate the additional magnetic coupling force between the additional electromagnet and the reaction surface in coordination with the riding cycle of the vehicle.

13. A method for operating an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, the method comprising: Feedback is generated via sensors indicating parameters of a visualization device configured to engage with an interface device, wherein the interface device is configured to be worn by a user. The feedback is monitored via the controller; and Based on the feedback, the controller adjusts the operation of the electromagnet of the visualization device to modulate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reaction material of the interface device.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The parameters include the position of the visualization device relative to the interface device, and the method includes the operation of adjusting the electromagnet in response to determining that the visualization device is within a threshold distance of the interface device.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The parameters include the orientation of the visualization device relative to the interface device, and the method includes the operation of adjusting the electromagnet in response to determining that the visualization device is within a threshold orientation range relative to the interface device.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The parameters include the position of the visualization device relative to the path traveled by the vehicle.

17. An augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, comprising: Traveling by means of transportation, configured to travel along a path; A visualization device coupled to the vehicle via a tether and configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user of the visualization device, wherein the visualization device includes an electromagnet; An interface device configured to be worn by the user and engage with the visualization device, wherein the interface device includes a frame supporting a reaction material; and A controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet is configured to be magnetically coupled to the reaction material, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to modulate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reaction material.

18. The AR / VR system according to claim 17, wherein, The vehicle is configured to perform multiple phases of a riding cycle, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on one of the phases performed by the vehicle.

19. The AR / VR system of claim 17, comprising a sensor coupled to the vehicle or the visualization device and configured to provide feedback indicating the position of the vehicle along the path, a force applied to the visualization device as the vehicle travels along the path, or both, wherein The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the feedback.

20. The AR / VR system according to claim 17, wherein, The vehicle includes a restraint, the restraint comprising a container and a reaction surface, wherein the container is configured to receive the visualization device, wherein the visualization device includes an additional electromagnet electrically coupled to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the additional electromagnet to modulate an additional magnetic coupling force between the additional electromagnet and the reaction surface in coordination with the riding cycle of the vehicle.

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