Interactive device for attraction system

Abstract

A wearable device for the attraction system 50 includes a display 94, a projector 130 oriented at a first oblique angle relative to the display 94 and configured to project an image onto the display 94, and a microphone 98 oriented at a second oblique angle relative to the display 94. The microphone 98 is configured to receive acoustic waves deflected from the display 94.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues may use special effects to help immerse guests in the experience of a ride or attraction. An immersive environment may include three-dimensional (3D) props and scenery, robotic or mechanical elements, and / or a display surface presenting media. For example, an immersive environment may be provided through components that operate based on actions performed by the guest. Thus, the attraction may provide an interactive experience to the guest. However, identifying or detecting actions performed by the guest and thus determining the appropriate operation of the corresponding components may be complex or difficult. Thus, it is desirable to improve attractions to provide a more suitable or desirable interactive experience.

[0003] The following summarizes certain embodiments common in scope to the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather to outline possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, a wearable device for an attraction system includes a display, a projector oriented at a first oblique angle relative to the display and configured to project an image onto the display, and a microphone oriented at a second oblique angle relative to the display, the microphone configured to receive acoustic waves deflected from the display.

[0005] In one embodiment, a wearable device for an attraction system includes a wearable component and an interaction assembly configured to couple to the wearable component. The interaction assembly includes a projector configured to project an image, a microphone, and a display. The projector is oriented at a first oblique angle relative to the display such that an image projected by the projector is presented on the display, and the microphone is oriented at a second oblique angle relative to the display to focus on receiving acoustic waves deflected from the display.

[0006] In one embodiment, an attraction system includes an interactive device having a display, a projector, and a microphone. The projector and microphone are angled obliquely relative to the display such that the projector is configured to project an image onto the display and the microphone is configured to receive acoustic waves deflected from the display. The attraction system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the microphone and projector of the interactive device. The controller is configured to receive audio data via the microphone and to send image data to the projector based on the audio data to cause the projector to project an image.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated with like reference characters throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an interactive device of an attraction system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an interactive device of an attraction system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an interaction assembly of an interactive device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating an interactive device of an attraction system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It should also be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the described features.

[0014] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to describe these embodiments concisely, not all features of the implementations may be described herein. It will be understood that the development of any such implementation, such as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's defined objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will be further understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are nevertheless a routine design, fabrication and manufacturing endeavor for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to an interactive attraction system, such as an amusement park or theme park. The attraction system can operate based on actions performed by guests of the attraction system. For example, it can present a particular element or feedback (e.g., sound effects, visual images) based on an audio input (e.g., speech) provided by one of the guests. In fact, different elements can be presented to different guests based on the particular audio input provided by the guest. Thus, the attraction system can provide a unique interactive experience for each guest. The attraction system can refer to or include interactive devices, each operable to receive an input (e.g., audio input via a microphone) and provide an output (e.g., visual output via a display).

[0016] In an embodiment, each guest may be equipped with an interactive device, such as a headset configured to receive audio input. The attraction system (e.g., a set of interactive devices or an individual interactive device) may operate (e.g., provide output) based on the audio input received from the interactive device. For example, if multiple guests are participating in an experience, each guest may speak a command into a microphone in a headset (interactive device) worn by the respective guest, and the headset may respond to the command by outputting a particular media (e.g., sound, image, graphic, video) in response to the command. As a specific example, if a user speaks the command "paint the wall red," augmented reality (AR) may be utilized to make the wall appear red as observed through the AR goggles of the headset. However, one of the interactive devices may receive multiple audio inputs. For example, the interactive device may receive a first audio input received from a first guest (e.g., a guest equipped with the interactive device), a second audio input from a second guest (e.g., an adjacent guest not equipped with the interactive device equipped by the first guest), and / or a third audio input from a show effect of the attraction system. These different audio inputs may interfere with each other and cause undesired operation of the attraction system based on the unintentionally received audio inputs, i.e., the attraction system may not operate based on the first input and / or may be undesirably adjusted based on the second and / or third audio inputs. As a specific example, a command spoken by a first guest may be picked up by a microphone in a headset of a second guest, resulting in the command being executed for the second guest, even though no command was issued by the second guest.

[0017] Accordingly, it is now recognized that operation of an attraction system can be facilitated by operating an interactive device to limit undesired audio input and focus on desired audio input. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an interactive device that can block receipt of certain audio input. Specifically, the interactive device can be designed to focus on audio input from guests equipped with the interactive device and exclude audio input from other sources that may be nearby (e.g., other guests not equipped with the interactive device, show effects, environmental features).

[0018] When a guest is equipped with an interactive device, the guest may be referred to as being associated with the interactive device, or as an "associated guest." The interactive device may include a display configured to present visual images to the guest equipped with the interactive device. The display may include a panel positioned (e.g., angled, positioned relative to the face of the associated guest) to allow the associated guest to comfortably view such visual images (e.g., augmented reality, virtual reality, or mixed reality images). As an example, the display may be positioned to form a space between the associated guest and the display. The interactive device may also include a microphone configured to receive audio input provided by the associated guest. The microphone may be positioned (e.g., angled relative to the display) to receive audio input provided by the associated guest that is deflected from the display panel. For example, the microphone may extend into a space formed between the associated guest and the display. Such positioning of the microphone may also allow the display to block certain audio inputs that are not provided by the associated guest. As an example, the display and / or another component of the interactive device may block audio input from entering the space between the associated guest and the display and / or may block audio input from being deflected away from the display and toward the microphone. This microphone placement may thus block audio input provided by an associated guest from being interfered with by other audio input. In this manner, the interactive device may more desirably operate the attraction system based on audio input provided by an associated guest.

[0019] In light of the above, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 for an amusement park. For example, the attraction system 50 can include roller coasters, motion simulators, water rides, walk-through attractions (e.g., mazes), and the like. The attraction system 50 can include guest areas 52 in which various guests can be located. In some embodiments, the guest areas 52 can include ride vehicles that can move (e.g., translate, rotate, pivot) around a motion base of the attraction system 50 and / or along a track, and / or remain stationary within the attraction system 50. In further or alternative embodiments, the guest areas 52 can include spaces such as walkable areas (e.g., queues or queues). The attraction system 50 can also include show effects 54 that can operate to enhance the guest experience provided by the attraction system 50. For example, the show effects 54 can include lighting, movable objects (e.g., robots), smoke effects, sound effects, and the like. Although in the illustrated attraction system 50 the show effects 54 are located outside the guest area 52, in further or alternative attraction systems 50 the show effects 54 may be located at least partially within the guest area 52.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, a first guest 56 and a second guest 58 are located within the guest area 52. Each of the guests 56, 58 may be equipped (e.g., worn or associated with) a respective interactive or wearable device. Thus, the first guest 56 may be equipped with a first interactive device 60 (e.g., a first wearable device) and the second guest 58 may be equipped with a second interactive device 62 (e.g., a second wearable device). As described herein, each of the interactive devices 60, 62 may include a wearable headset configured to be placed around the head of the respective corresponding guest 56, 58. However, the guests 56, 58 may wear or be otherwise equipped with additional or different interactive devices 60, 62 in a different manner (e.g., by holding the interactive devices 60, 62).

[0021] Each of the interactive devices 60, 62 can be configured to receive input from the respective guest 56, 58 based on the interaction between the guest 56, 58 and the interactive device 60, 62. Such input can include speech (e.g., spoken words), gestural actions, physical contact, facial expressions, and the like. Such input can be captured via sensors (e.g., motion detectors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, microphones, image sensors, cameras) of the interactive devices 60, 62. Also, the attraction system 50 (e.g., output of the interactive devices 60, 62, operation of ride vehicles, operation of show effects) can be operated based on the input received by the interactive devices 60, 62. To this end, the attraction system 50 can include a control system 64 (e.g., an automated controller or a programmable controller). The control system 64 can include a memory 66 and a processing circuit 68. The memory 66 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that contains instructions to operate the attraction system 50. The processing circuitry 68 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processing circuitry 68 may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof.

[0022] In one embodiment, a control system 64 may be communicatively coupled to each of the interactive devices 60, 62 and configured to operate the interactive devices 60, 62. As an example, the control system 64 may be configured to instruct the interactive devices 60, 62 to present various outputs to entertain the guests 56, 58. For example, the control system 64 may instruct the interactive devices 60, 62 to display visual images and / or output audio effects (e.g., sounds) to the guests 56, 58. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 64 may be configured to control the show effects 54. In practice, the control system 64 may be configured to control the operation of the interactive devices 60, 62 and / or the show effects 54 to provide a particular experience to the guests 56, 58, such as providing virtual elements for an immersive experience.

[0023] The control system 64 can also provide an interactive experience to the guests 56, 58 by controlling the operation of the interactive devices 60, 62 based on input provided by the guests 56, 58 (e.g., interactions between the guests 56, 58 and the interactive devices 60, 62). That is, the control system 64 can operate the interactive devices 60, 62 (e.g., command the interactive devices 60, 62 to display a particular visual image and / or output a particular sound effect) and / or operate the show effects 54 (e.g., activate a particular one of the show effects 54) based on the input provided by the guests 56, 58. As an example, the control system 64 can operate the attraction system 50 based on the audio input provided by the guests 56, 58, such as by identifying a keyword spoken by the guest 56, 58 and operating the attraction system 50 based on the keyword. In this manner, each of the guests 56, 58 can experience a more personalized or unique experience based on their particular interactions with the interactive devices 60, 62.

[0024] In further embodiments, the control system 64 can associate each of the guests 56, 58 with a particular user profile and operate the attraction system 50 based on the user profile to provide a personalized experience to the guests 56, 58. For example, each user profile can include various types of information, such as user preferences and / or previous operation of the attraction system 50, that the control system 64 uses to operate the attraction system 50. In one example, the control system 64 can associate each audio input (e.g., an audio input having particular characteristics, such as a particular pitch, tone, inflection, etc.) with a different user profile. The control system 64 can receive an audio input provided by one of the guests 56, 58, identify a user profile associated with the received audio input, and operate the attraction system 50 (e.g., interactive devices 60, 62) based on the user profile. In another example, the control system 64 can receive other information indicative of a user profile, such as a user input indicative of a selected user profile, to operate the attraction system 50.

[0025] Additionally, the interactive devices 60, 62 can block interference between audio inputs. In fact, each of the interactive devices 60, 62 can be configured to receive audio input provided by a guest 56, 58 equipped with the corresponding interactive device 60, 62, while blocking audio input provided by other sources (e.g., show effects 54, guests not equipped with the corresponding interactive device 60, 62). For example, a first interactive device 60 can be configured to receive audio input provided by a first guest 56 while the first guest 56 is equipped with the first interactive device 60, and a second interactive device 62 can be configured to receive audio input provided by a second guest 58 while the second guest 58 is equipped with the second interactive device 62. On the other hand, the first interactive device 60 can block audio input provided by the second guest 58 while the first guest 56 is equipped with the first interactive device 60, and the second interactive device 62 can be configured to block audio input provided by the first guest 56 while the second guest 58 is equipped with the second interactive device 62.

[0026] The control system 64 may also prevent undesired operation of the attraction system 50 based on audio inputs not provided by guests 56, 58 equipped with the corresponding interactive devices 60, 62. In some embodiments, the control system 64 may filter audio inputs received by the interactive devices 60, 62, such as by blocking certain detected audio inputs (e.g., audio inputs provided by guests not equipped with the show effects 54 and / or interactive devices 60, 62). As an example, the control system 64 may determine that the interactive devices 60, 62 are receiving multiple audio inputs, block the interactive devices 60, 62 from processing the audio inputs having the weakest signals or strengths (e.g., the quietest sounds) and allow the interactive devices 60, 62 to process the audio inputs having the strongest signals or strengths (e.g., the loudest sounds that the guests 56, 58 equipped with the interactive devices 60, 62 can provide). As another example, the control system 64 may monitor the audio input being received by each of the interactive devices 60, 62, determine that one of the interactive devices 60, 62 should receive and process a particular audio input, and prevent the other interactive device from processing the particular audio input. For example, the control system 64 may determine that the first interactive device 60 should process the audio input provided by the first guest 56 (e.g., based on the received audio input having a strength or intensity above a threshold level), and in response, prevent the second interactive device 62 from processing the audio input provided by the first guest 56 (e.g., by filtering the received audio input that includes characteristics or patterns similar to those of the audio input that the first interactive device 60 should process).In practice, the control system 64 can determine the location (e.g., relative to the other interactive device 60, 62) of the interactive device 60, 62 receiving the audio input, predict that the other interactive device 60, 62 is also likely to receive the same audio input (e.g., based on the distance between the interactive devices 60, 62 being less than a threshold), and block the other interactive device 60, 62 from processing the audio input. As a specific example of the above, the first interactive device 60 can detect that the first guest 56 has issued the verbal command "start". The second interactive device 62 can then block or filter audio input related to this command (which can be predicted early in command detection based on detection of the sound "sta") to avoid confusion between the commands. By detecting and / or predicting the nature of the audio input (e.g., a discernible verbal command) for processing, undesirable audio input can be more specifically filtered or blocked.

[0027] 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the interactive devices 60, 62. The interactive devices 60, 62 may include a memory 90 and a processing circuitry 92. In some embodiments, the memory 90 and the processing circuitry 92 may be separate from the memory 66 and the processing circuitry 68 of the control system 64. In such embodiments, the processing circuitry 92 of the interactive devices 60, 62 may be configured to perform operations separate from those performed by the processing circuitry 68 of the control system 64.

[0028] The interactive device 60, 62 may also include a display 94 that may be configured to present visual images (e.g., based on instructions received from the processing circuit 68 and / or the processing circuit 92). The interactive device 60, 62 may further include a wearable component 96 that facilitates the guest 56, 58 wearing the interactive device 60, 62. As an example, the wearable component 96 may include a headset having a strap configured to be secured around the head of the guest 56, 58. In practice, the wearable component 96 may be adjustable to accommodate a size of a body part to better secure to the guest 56, 58. In an embodiment, the wearable component 96 and the display 94 may be positioned relative to one another (e.g., coupled to one another) to position the display 94 in a desired manner relative to the guest 56, 58 while the wearable component 96 is worn. As an example, while the guest 56, 58 is equipped with the interactive device 60, 62 via the wearable component 96, the display 94 may be offset a particular distance from the eyes of the guest 56, 58 and / or oriented at a particular angle relative to the head of the guest 56, 58 such that the visual image presented by the display 94 can be easily viewed.

[0029] The interactive devices 60, 62 may further include a microphone 98 that may be configured to receive audio input (e.g., audio input provided by a guest 56, 58). The microphone 98 may be positioned relative to the display 94 such that it may receive audio input that is deflected from the display 94 (e.g., audio input provided by a guest 56, 58 equipped with an interactive device 60, 62). Such placement of the microphone 98 may also block receipt of other audio input, such as audio input provided by a guest not equipped with an interactive device 60, 62 and / or audio input provided by a show effect 54. For example, the display 94 may block certain audio input from being directed toward the microphone 98 (e.g., deflecting away from the display 94 toward the microphone 98). In some embodiments, the microphone 98 may include a directional microphone (e.g., a unidirectional microphone, a cardioid microphone) configured to receive audio input at a particular location or audio input that moves in a particular direction relative to the microphone 98 (e.g., deflecting at a particular angle from the display 94 toward the microphone 98). Thus, the relative positioning of the microphone 98 and display 94 can further block or filter the receipt of certain audio inputs (e.g., audio inputs that are not deflected from the display 94 towards the microphone 98 or that have limited detectability due to the positioning of the microphone 98 and display 94).

[0030] In some embodiments, the interactive devices 60, 62 may include a sensor 100 configured to detect another operating parameter. As an example, the sensor 100 may be configured to detect image data (e.g., the physical appearance of the guest 56, 58, gestures or facial expressions made by the guest), biometric data of the guest 56, 58, the location of the interactive devices 60, 62 (e.g., within the attraction system 50), the battery life of the interactive devices 60, 62, the time of day, another suitable operating parameter, or any combination thereof. The sensor 100 may output data indicative of the detected operating parameter to the processing circuit 68 and / or the processing circuit 92 for operating the attraction system 50 as appropriate. In the illustrated embodiment, the interactive devices 60, 62 also include a speaker 102 that may be configured to output sound. For example, the interactive devices 60, 62 may output sound effects based on instructions sent by the processing circuit 68 and / or the processing circuit 92 to provide a unique experience to the guest 56, 58 in conjunction with visual images provided by the display 94. Additionally or alternatively, the interactive devices 60, 62 may include any other suitable components that can enhance the experience provided to the guests 56, 58, such as components configured to provide haptic feedback, light sources, and actuatable components.

[0031] 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an interactive device 120, which can be an embodiment of one of the interactive devices 60, 62. The illustrated interactive device 120 is worn by a user or guest 122 (e.g., of the attraction system 50). For example, the interactive device 120 can include a wearable component 96, which can be a headset configured to be worn on the head of the user 122. In further or alternative embodiments, the wearable component 96 can also include other components configured to be held by the user and worn by the user 122 in other ways, such as worn on the shoulder of the user 122.

[0032] The interactive device 120 may also include an interaction assembly 124 configured to couple to the wearable component 96. As an example, the interaction assembly 124 may include a base 126 configured to attach to the wearable component 96. In an embodiment, the wearable component 96 and the interaction assembly 124 may be separate components (e.g., the interactive device 120 may be modular), and the base 126 may be configured to couple to the wearable component 96 via fasteners, mechanical attachments (e.g., interference fit), straps, hooks, punch-through, and the like. In practice, the coupling between the interaction assembly 124 and the wearable component 96 may allow the interaction assembly 124 to be easily removed from the wearable component 96 for purposes such as maintenance. In further or alternative embodiments, the wearable component 96 and the interaction assembly 124 may be integral to one another. For example, the base 126 may be attached to the wearable component 96 via welding and / or molding. The interaction assembly 124 may enable the interactive device 120 to provide a unique experience to the user 122 based on an interaction between the user 122 and the interaction assembly 124, etc.

[0033] The interaction assembly 124 may include a display 94 extending from a first end 128 of the base 126, a projector 130 coupled to an inner section or portion 132 of the base 126, and a microphone 98 coupled to the inner section 132 of the base 126. The projector 130 may be configured to project an image onto the display 94 to present the image to the user 122. For example, the projector 130 may be oriented at an angle relative to the display 94 to deflect an image projected by the projector 130 from the display 94 in a first direction 134 relative to the user 122 (e.g., toward the eyes of the user 122). To this end, the display 94 may include a reflective lens that allows the user 122 to see the projected image more clearly. In an embodiment, the interaction assembly 124 may provide the user 122 with a virtual reality, augmented reality, and / or mixed reality experience, where the image projected by the projector 130 may include virtual or computer-generated elements that complement and / or replace real-world (e.g., physical) objects. Thus, the display 94 can include an opacity that is selected to allow or prevent viewing of the real-world environment through the display 94 while the projector 130 is projecting an image onto the display 94.

[0034] The microphone 98 may also be oriented at an angle relative to the display 94 so that it can receive audio waves deflected from the display 94. In practice, each of the projector 130 and the microphone 98 may be oriented at an oblique angle 136 (e.g., substantially the same oblique angle, different oblique angles), such as an acute or obtuse angle. The microphone 98 may be positioned so that it can receive audio waves (e.g., speech) output by the user 122 and deflected in a second direction 138 from the display 94 to the microphone 98. The position of the microphone 98 relative to the display 94 may also enable the display 94 to block the microphone 98 from receiving and processing other audio waves, such as audio waves not output by the user 122 (e.g., audio waves output by other users, audio waves output by show effects 54). In fact, when the user 122 is equipped with the interactive device 120, the user 122 (e.g., the head of the user 122) and the display 94 can cooperate to surround the microphone 98 to prevent the microphone 98 from receiving undesired acoustic waves. In an embodiment, the microphone 98 can include a directional microphone configured to capture and process acoustic waves in a particular area or approaching from a particular direction relative to the microphone 98. In fact, the microphone 98 can not process acoustic waves emitted in other directions relative to the microphone 98, such as acoustic waves that are not deflected from the display 94. Thus, the microphone 98 can further enable processing of acoustic waves output by the user 122 equipped with the interactive device 120. The display 94 can have a geometry (e.g., an overall shape or surface) that is curved, chamfered, and / or angled to receive acoustic waves from the mouth of the user 122 and direct the acoustic waves towards the microphone 98 via deflection. The shape of the display 94 can have a complementary action that deflects external sounds (eg, sounds not from the user 122) away from the microphone 98.In addition to being protected by the display 94, the microphone 98 may also be surrounded, partially surrounded, or otherwise protected from reception of audio from other directions by a physical barrier defined by the features of the interactive device 120 (e.g., a raised plastic wall).

[0035] The control system 64 can be configured to control the operation of the interactive device 120. For example, the control system 64 can be communicatively coupled to the projector 130 and the microphone 98. In an embodiment, the control system 64 can be configured to receive audio data from the microphone 98. The audio data can be based on or include acoustic waves received by the microphone. The control system 64 can be configured to control the projector 130 to present an image based on the audio data received from the microphone 98. As an example, the control system 64 can be configured to identify keywords and / or phrases from the audio data via natural language processing and identify corresponding image data (e.g., image data stored in the memory 66) based on the keywords, phrases and / or other context associated with the audio data via command recognition. The control system 64 can then transmit the image data to the projector 130 to cause the projector 130 to present an image based on the image data. In this manner, the control system 64 can cause the projector 130 to present images based on actions performed by the user 122 (e.g., words spoken by the user 122), providing a more interactive experience for the user 122.

[0036] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may also be configured to operate to filter potentially undesirable audio signals in order to more desirably process the received audio data (e.g., to control the operation of the projector 130). As an example, the control system 64 may be configured to filter out acoustic waves having certain characteristics (e.g., threshold frequency, threshold amplitude, threshold wavelength, threshold duration, threshold velocity). For example, acoustic waves generated by a particular sound effect, such as sounds generated by the show effects 54, may have expected characteristics, and the control system 64 may filter out such acoustic waves based on the expected characteristics. Thus, the control system 64 may better process the received audio data, such as words spoken by the user 122. In further or alternative embodiments, the control system 64 may be configured to determine that acoustic waves output by multiple users have been received, associate each acoustic wave with a different user, and select the acoustic wave associated with the particular user to operate the interactive device 120. As an example, the control system 64 can receive a first acoustic wave having a first characteristic, such as a first intensity (e.g., a first amplitude), and a second acoustic wave having a second characteristic, such as a second intensity (e.g., a second amplitude). For example, the first acoustic wave can be output by a user 122 equipped with the interactive device 120, and the second acoustic wave can be output by another user located adjacent to the user 122. Thus, the control system 64 can operate the interactive device 120 based on the first acoustic wave, but not the second acoustic wave. In a further embodiment, the control system 64 can determine that a particular acoustic wave received by the interactive device 120 has already been received to operate another interactive device, such as based on some acoustic waves received by the interactive device 120 having characteristics that match characteristics of acoustic waves received by the other interactive device.Thus, the control system 64 can prevent the interactive device 120 from operating based on acoustic waves that have already been processed to operate another interactive device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the interactive device 120 may include multiple microphones 98 positioned at different positions and / or orientations. Thus, each of the microphones 98 may be configured to receive different acoustic waves. For example, a first subset of the microphones 98 may receive acoustic waves primarily output by the user 122, while a second subset of the microphones 98 may receive acoustic waves primarily generated by a different source, such as the show effects 54. The control system 64 may collectively process the acoustic waves received by each microphone 98 to determine how to control the interactive device 120. As an example, the control system 64 may determine an interaction between the user 122 and the interactive device 120 based on the acoustic waves received via the first subset of the microphones 98, and may determine a context associated with the interactive device 120 based on the acoustic waves received via the second subset of the microphones 98. As a result, the control system 64 may operate the interactive device 120, such as by transmitting image data to the projector 130, based on both the interaction and the context. In some embodiments, sounds detected by one microphone (or a subset of microphones) may be deducted from sounds detected by a second microphone (or a subset of microphones) to facilitate identification of particular sounds.

[0038] The control system 64 can also selectively operate the microphones 98. In an embodiment, the control system 64 can be configured to operate the microphones 98 independently of one another. Thus, the control system 64 can selectively enable or suspend operation of each microphone 98 based on the operation mode of the attraction system 50 (e.g., type of ride cycle), etc. As an example, the control system 64 can block reception of acoustic waves from a subset of the microphones 98. In a further or alternative embodiment, the control system 64 can receive acoustic waves from each of the microphones 98, determine the respective microphone 98 associated with each of the received acoustic waves, select a subset of the microphones 98, and operate the interactive device 120 based on the acoustic waves received from the subset of the microphones 98. For example, the control system 64 can receive or operate based on acoustic waves captured by a first subset of the microphones 98 rather than acoustic waves captured by a second set of microphones 98 to operate the interactive device 120 primarily based on acoustic waves emitted by the user 122.

[0039] 4 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the interaction assembly 124. The interaction assembly 124 includes a base 126 that can be molded to form a housing or enclosure 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 126 includes a base section 152 located at an inner section 132 of the base 126 and an outer section 154 (e.g., both outer ends of the base section 152) that extends from the base section 152 to form a U-shaped profile that defines the housing 150. At least a portion of the projector 130 and / or microphone 98 can be disposed within the housing 150, and the housing 150 can shield the projector 130 and / or microphone 98. For example, the sections 152, 154 can protect the projector 130 and / or microphone 98 from contact with external elements, such as dust and debris, to improve operation of the projector 130 and / or microphone 98. In some embodiments, the base 126 can include additional sections and / or the interaction assembly 124 can include additional components (e.g., panels) that can be coupled to the sections 152, 154 to further enclose the projector 130 and / or microphone 98 within the housing 150.

[0040] In the assembled configuration of the interactive device 120, the outer section 154 can be configured to couple to the wearable component 96, such as to couple the wearable component 96 to a second end 155 of the base 126 opposite the first end 128. For example, the outer section 154 can include a connector (e.g., a hook, a hole, a punch-through, a mount) to which the wearable component 96 (e.g., a corresponding connector of the wearable component 96) can be coupled. The base section 152 can also include an opening 156 formed through the base section 152 and one or more screens 158 spanning the opening 156. The projector 130 disposed within the housing 150 can be configured to project an image through the screen 158 to be deflected from the display 94. For example, the screen 158 can cause an image projected by the projector 130 to appear on the display 94 in a desired manner, such as by approaching the display 94 at a particular angle and directing the image to be deflected from the display 94 for viewing by the user 122. To this end, projector 130 and / or display screen 158 may be oriented at a first oblique angle 162 relative to display 94. In some embodiments, display 94 may include a concave profile to facilitate the presentation of images to user 122. For example, the concave profile may cause images received from projector 130 to appear clearer to user 122, such as by adjusting the focus of the image relative to the eyes of user 122.

[0041] The opening 156 may also be divided into separate spaces by extending segments 160 across the opening 156. In an embodiment, separate screens 158 may span across each space of the opening 156. That is, the screens 158 may be offset from one another along a horizontal axis 163 of the interactive device 120. Separate projectors 130 may be configured to project images onto the display screen 94 through their respective screens 158. As an example, the control system 64 may be configured to control each of the projectors 130 independently of one another to project different images onto the display 94 for improved control of the visualization presented to the user 122. For example, one projector 130 may project a first image that is primarily visible to one eye of the user 122, and the other projector 130 may project a second image that is primarily visible to the other eye of the user 122. In an embodiment, user 122 may visually combine the first and second images projected by projector 130 to perceive a collective image having three-dimensional depth (e.g., via stereoscopic vision). Thus, the image projected by projector 130 may provide a more realistic visualization to user 122.

[0042] The microphone 98 can be configured to couple to the segment 160. For example, an aperture 164 can be formed through the segment 160 and the microphone 98 can be inserted into the aperture 164. The microphone 98 can thus be positioned between the screens 158 and / or between the projectors 130. The microphone 98 can be oriented at a second oblique angle 165 with respect to the display 94 such that the microphone 98 can be focused to receive or capture acoustic waves deflected from the display 94. In embodiments in which the display 94 includes a concave profile, the concave profile can facilitate directing the acoustic waves towards the microphone 98. For example, the concave profile can direct the deflected acoustic waves to the microphone 98 from any suitable position on the display 94 by focusing or collecting the acoustic waves deflected from the display 94 at a focal point on the display 94 and directing such acoustic waves from the focal point to the microphone 98.

[0043] The microphone 98 can extend into a gap 166 that spans between the base section 152 and the display 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 166 can be exposed to the external environment to simplify manufacturing of the interactive device 120 by reducing the amount of material and / or number of parts in the interaction assembly 124. In further or alternative embodiments, the interaction assembly 124 can more completely surround the microphone 98. As an example, the display 94 (e.g., an outer edge of the display 94) can extend toward the outer section 154 of the base 126 and / or additional parts can be used that extend between the outer section 154 and the display 94. Thus, the interaction assembly 124 can block the microphone 98 from receiving acoustic waves directed from the external environment and improve reception of acoustic waves deflected from the display 94.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method or process 190 for operating an interactive device (e.g., any of the interactive devices 60, 62, 120). The method 190 may be performed by any suitable device (e.g., the processing circuitry 68 of the control system 64, the processing circuitry 92 of the interactive devices 60, 62). In one embodiment, the method 190 may be performed by executing instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., the memory 66 of the control system 64, the memory 90 of the interactive devices 60, 62). For example, the method 190 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components, one or more software applications, and the like. Although the method 190 is described using a particular order of steps, additional steps may be performed, the described steps may be performed in a different order than that shown, and / or certain described steps may be skipped or not performed entirely.

[0045] In block 192, first audio data may be received. The first audio data may be received from (e.g., output by) a first user. For example, the first user may be equipped with an interactive device, and the first audio data may include or be based on acoustic waves output by the first user, deflected from a display of the interactive device, and directed from the display to a microphone of the interactive device. In practice, the microphone may be oriented to facilitate reception and capture of acoustic waves deflected from the display. Thus, the acoustic waves of the first audio data may include a first (e.g., higher) intensity.

[0046] In block 194, second audio data may be received from a second user (e.g., located adjacent to the first user). The second audio data may include or be based on acoustic waves output by the second user. For example, each of the first audio data and the second audio data may include speech. Thus, the second audio data may include certain characteristics (e.g., pitch, tone) similar to the first audio data received from the first user. However, the second user may not be equipped with an interactive device, and thus the display may block a significant amount of the acoustic waves output by the second user from being directed to the microphone. In practice, the microphone may not capture as much of the acoustic waves output by the second user as compared to the acoustic waves output by the first user. As a result, the acoustic waves of the second audio data may include a second (e.g., lower) intensity.

[0047] In block 196, third audio data may be received from a show effect of the attraction system (e.g., the third audio data may include or be based on acoustic waves generated by the show effect). For example, the show effect may include various sound effects such as weather elements, animal sounds, and mechanical sounds. Such sound effects may be different from speech or spoken words. Thus, characteristics associated with the third audio data may be substantially different from characteristics associated with the first audio data and the second audio data. Additionally, the display may block a significant amount of the acoustic waves output by the show effect from being directed toward the microphone.

[0048] In block 198, it may be determined that the first audio data should be used to operate the interactive device. In practice, the first audio data, the second audio data, and the third audio data may be distinguishable from one another (e.g., based on respective characteristics associated with the audio data). As an example, the characteristics associated with the first audio data, the second audio data, and the third audio data may be analyzed and compared to one another. For example, the interactive device may be operated based on audio data indicative of acoustic waves output by a user equipped with the interactive device. Thus, based on a determination that the third audio data does not include characteristics indicative of acoustic waves output by the user, it may be determined that the third audio data should not be used to operate the interactive device. In one example, the characteristics associated with the third audio data may not match expected characteristics indicative of acoustic waves output by a user. In another example, the characteristics associated with the third audio data may indicate that the third audio data includes or is based on acoustic waves output by a show effect of an attraction system. For example, acoustic waves output by a show effect may have other expected characteristics and the determined characteristics associated with the third audio data may match the other expected characteristics, and accordingly the third audio data may be identified as including or based on acoustic waves output by a show effect rather than a user.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, the second audio data may include certain characteristics that may be similar to the first audio data. However, the intensity of the second audio data may be substantially lower than the intensity of the first audio data. Thus, based on the intensity associated with the second audio data being less than the threshold intensity, it may be determined that the second audio data should not be used to operate the interactive device. Additionally or alternatively, it may be determined that the second audio data is being used to operate another interactive device. For example, the characteristics associated with the second audio data may match characteristics associated with fourth audio data received by another interactive device, used to operate another interactive device, etc. As a result, it may be determined that the second audio data should not be used to operate the interactive device.

[0050] In block 200, the projector can be instructed to project an image based on the first audio data. As an example, based on the identified keywords and / or phrases included in the first audio data, corresponding image data can be identified and sent to the projector. The projector can then present an image based on the image data. In this manner, the interactive device can operate based on the acoustic waves output by a user equipped with the interactive device, such as by adjusting the visualization provided to the user. Thus, the interactive device can operate to provide a more interactive and personal experience to the user, and can prevent undesired operation of the interactive device based on interference from acoustic waves output by another user and / or show effects, etc.

[0051] While only certain features of the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0052] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A wearable device for an attraction system, comprising: The display and a projector oriented at a first oblique angle relative to the display and configured to project an image onto the display; a microphone oriented at a second oblique angle relative to the display and configured to receive acoustic waves deflected from the display; a bass including a bass section; Equipped with the display extends from a first end of the base to form a gap between the base section and the display; the microphone is coupled to the base section and extends from the base section through the gap toward the display; Wearable devices.

2. The microphone is a directional microphone. The wearable device of claim 1 .

3. the wearable device comprises a wearable component configured to allow a user to wear the wearable device; The wearable device of claim 1 .

4. a first screen and a second screen, the projector projects the image onto the display screen through the first screen and the second screen, the first screen and the second screen being offset from each other along a horizontal axis of the wearable device, and the microphone being positioned between the first screen and the second screen; The wearable device of claim 1 .

5. the display includes a lens having a concave profile; The wearable device of claim 1 .

6. The microphone and the projector are receiving audio data from the microphone based on the acoustic waves deflected from the display; analyzing characteristics of the audio data; filtering the subset of audio data from the audio data received from the microphone based on characteristics of the audio data; communicatively coupled to a control system configured to perform operations including The wearable device of claim 1 .

7. an enclosure, the projector and the microphone being at least partially disposed within the enclosure; The wearable device of claim 1 .

8. A wearable device for an attraction system, comprising: Wearable components; an interaction assembly configured to couple to the wearable component; Equipped with The interacting assembly comprises: a projector configured to project an image; a microphone configured to receive audio input from a user of the wearable device; a display, wherein the projector is oriented at a first oblique angle relative to the display such that the image projected by the projector is presented on the display, and the microphone is oriented at a second oblique angle relative to the display such that the microphone is focused to receive acoustic waves deflected from the display; a bass including a bass section; Including, the display extends from a first end of the base to form a gap between the base section and the display; the microphone is coupled to the base section and extends from the base section through the gap toward the display; Wearable devices.

9. the wearable component includes a headset; The wearable device of claim 8 .

10. the base is configured to couple the interaction assembly to the wearable component. The wearable device of claim 8 .

11. the base defines a housing, and at least a portion of the projector is disposed within the housing. The wearable device of claim 10.

12. the base defines a portion of the housing, the base section includes an opening formed therethrough, the base includes a screen spanning the opening, and the projector is configured to project an image through the screen onto the display. The wearable device of claim 11 .

13. the interaction assembly includes a segment extending across the opening, the microphone being coupled to the segment; The wearable device of claim 12.

14. the segment includes an aperture formed therethrough, the microphone being inserted into the aperture; The wearable device of claim 13.

15. the base includes an outer section extending from the base section, the outer section configured to couple to the wearable component. The wearable device of claim 12.

16. An attraction system, an interactive device including a display, a projector, a microphone, and a base including a base section, wherein the projector is configured to project an image onto the display, the display extends from a first end of the base to form a gap between the base section and the display, the microphone is coupled to the base section and extends from the base section toward the display within the gap, and the projector and microphone are angled obliquely relative to the display such that the microphone is configured to receive acoustic waves deflected from the display; a controller communicatively coupled to the microphone and the projector of the interactive device, receiving audio data via the microphone; transmitting image data to the projector based on the audio data to cause the projector to project the image; a controller configured to perform operations including: An attraction system comprising:

17. The audio data received via the microphone includes the acoustic waves deflected from the display, and the controller: analyzing a characteristic of the acoustic wave; identifying a subset of the audio data based on the characteristics; filtering the subset of audio data from the audio data received from the microphone; configured to perform operations including:

17. The attraction system of claim 16.

18. the characteristic includes an intensity of the acoustic wave, and the controller is configured to filter the subset of the audio data in response to determining that the intensity associated with the subset of the audio data is less than a threshold intensity.

18. The attraction system according to claim 17.

19. the interactive device includes a headset and an interaction assembly coupled to the headset, the interaction assembly including the display, the projector, and the microphone; 17. The attraction system of claim 16.

20. The base section includes an opening formed through the base section, the wearable device includes a segment extending across the opening, and the microphone is coupled to the segment. The wearable device of claim 1 .

21. A wearable device for an attraction system, comprising: The display and a projector oriented at a first oblique angle relative to the display and configured to project an image onto the display; a microphone oriented at a second oblique angle relative to the display and configured to receive acoustic waves deflected from the display; a first screen and a second screen through which the projector projects the image onto the display screen, the first screen and the second screen being offset from one another along a horizontal axis of the wearable device, and the microphone being positioned between the first screen and the second screen; A wearable device comprising:

Images