Wearable visualization device systems and methods

Abstract

To facilitate manufacture and assembly of a wearable visualization device.SOLUTION: A wearable visualization device configured to provide a user with an augmented reality, a virtual reality and / or a mixed reality experience includes a housing and a lens portion that extends from the housing. The wearable visualization device includes a first display screen and a second display screen that are coupled to the housing and configured to project light onto the lens portion, where the lens portion is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light into eyes of the user. The wearable visualization device includes a camera positioned between the first display screen and the second display screen and configured to acquire image data of the lens portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] <CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS> This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 791,735, entitled “Augmented Reality (AR) Headset for High Throughput Attractions,” filed on January 11, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present technology that are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information 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.

[0003] Amusement and / or theme parks may include a variety of entertainment attractions, restaurants, and rides that serve to provide enjoyment for guests. Areas of an amusement park may have various themes that are specifically targeted to particular audiences. For example, certain areas may include themes that traditionally interest children, while other areas may include themes that traditionally interest more mature individuals. Generally, such themed areas may be referred to as attractions or themed attractions. It is recognized that it may be desirable to enhance a guest's immersive experience of such attractions, such as by augmenting the theme with virtual features. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a wearable visualization device configured to provide an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality experience to a user includes a housing and a lens portion extending from the housing. The wearable visualization device includes a first display screen and a second display screen coupled to the housing and configured to project light onto the lens portion, the lens portion configured to reflect at least a portion of the light to a user's eye. The wearable visualization device also includes a camera disposed between the first display screen and the second display screen and configured to capture image data of the lens portion.

[0006] In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes a wearable visualization device. The wearable visualization device includes a housing, a lens portion extending from the housing, and a display assembly having a frame removably coupled to the housing. A first display screen, a second display screen, and a camera are coupled to the frame, and the camera is disposed between the first display screen and the second display screen.

[0007] In one embodiment, a wearable visualization device configured to provide an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality experience to a user includes a lens portion and a display screen configured to project a virtual feature onto a first location on the lens portion. The wearable visualization device includes a camera configured to acquire image data indicative of a reflection viewable on the lens portion, the reflection comprising a first reflection in a first eye of a user and a second reflection in a second eye of the user. The wearable visualization device includes a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the display screen, the processor configured to adjust the projection of the virtual feature from the first location to the second location on the lens portion based on the image data.

[0008] Various refinements of the features described above may be made in relation to the various aspects of the disclosure. Additional features may be incorporated into the various aspects. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wearable visualization device and interface device of an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality system (AR / VR system) in an engaged configuration according to an embodiment.

[0011] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wearable visualization device and interface device of FIG. 1 in a detached configuration according to an embodiment.

[0012] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0013] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a display system that can be used in the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0014] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a display system that can be used in the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of a portion of a housing of the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of an electronics board and display assembly that may be used in the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the electronics board and display assembly of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a depiction of an image that may be captured by the camera of the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of a light assembly that may be used in the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a portion of the housing of the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an interface device and a wearable visualization device of an AR / VR system in a detached configuration according to an embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a storage receptacle and the wearable visualization device of FIG. 1 in a storage configuration according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described herein. It should be understood that the development of such an actual implementation, as with any engineering or design project, will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. It should be further understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0026] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Further, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0027] Amusement parks may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and / or mixed reality (combined AR and VR) systems (AR / VR systems) configured to enhance guest experiences by providing guests with AR / VR experiences (e.g., AR experiences, VR experiences, or both). Indeed, combinations of particular hardware configurations, software configurations (e.g., algorithmic structures and / or modeled responses) as well as particular attraction features may be utilized to provide guests with customized, personalized, and / or interactive AR / VR experiences.

[0028] For example, an AR / VR system may include a wearable visualization device, such as a head-mounted display (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, glasses) that may be worn by a guest and configured to enable the guest to view the AR / VR scene. In particular, the wearable visualization device may be utilized to enhance the guest's experience by virtually overlaying features in the real-world environment of the amusement park, providing an adjustable virtual environment to provide different experiences on an amusement park ride, etc. Unfortunately, without the disclosed embodiments, the manufacture and assembly of the wearable visualization device may be costly and / or time-consuming. Moreover, without the disclosed embodiments, it may be difficult to effectively integrate the wearable visualization device into an amusement park ride.

[0029] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wearable visualization device having a multi-piece housing that facilitates manufacturing and assembly of the wearable visualization device. In particular, the housing may include one or more removable panels, such as a chassis, a lid, and a lens mount, that may form the housing in an assembled configuration. Certain panels may include component mating features (e.g., machined or molded features formed on a surface of the panel) configured to receive and / or couple various subcomponents (e.g., electronic components, optical components) of the wearable visualization device. The component mating features may allow the subcomponents to be coupled to the panel prior to assembling the housing, while various portions of the panel may be more easily accessible to an operator (e.g., human technician, assembly robot). After attaching the subcomponents to one or more panels, the panels may be assembled to form the housing. In the assembled configuration, the housing may substantially isolate at least some of the subcomponents from the surrounding environment.

[0030] Embodiments of the wearable visualization device disclosed herein may also include various integration features that facilitate integration of the wearable visualization device with an attraction (e.g., an amusement park ride). For example, the integration features may include a camera coupled to a housing of the wearable visualization device and configured to capture biometric information (e.g., interpupillary distance) of a guest wearing the wearable visualization device. In particular, the camera may capture such biometric information when a guest first places the wearable visualization device on their head (e.g., when the guest first boards a ride vehicle of the attraction). A processing system of the wearable visualization device may be configured to calibrate certain components of the wearable visualization device (e.g., one or more display screens) based on the captured biometric information of the guest, such that the wearable visualization device may more effectively provide an AR / VR experience to the guest. In some embodiments, the processing system may further utilize image data captured by the camera to determine whether the wearable visualization device is properly attached to the guest's head. As an example, the processing system may utilize the acquired image data to determine whether one or more lenses or displays of the wearable visualization device are properly aligned with the guest's eyes (e.g., in a manner that facilitates effective presentation of AR / VR content to the guest). If the processing system determines that the wearable visualization device is misaligned on the guest's head (e.g., relative to the guest's eyes), the processing system may generate an alert that instructs the guest and / or a ride technician operating the attraction to take corrective action. These and other features are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an AR / VR system 10 configured to enable a user (e.g., a guest, an amusement park employee, a ride vehicle occupant) to experience (e.g., view, interact with) an AR / VR scene. The AR / VR system 10 includes a wearable visualization system 11 having a wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., a head-mounted display) and a guest interface device 14 that are removably coupleable to one another to facilitate use of the AR / VR system 10, as discussed in detail below.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable visualization device 12 includes a lens portion 16 (e.g., AR / VR glasses, goggles) coupled to a housing 18 of the wearable visualization device 12. The lens portion 16 includes one or more lenses 20 or displays (e.g., transparent, semi-transparent, opaque) on which certain virtual features 24 (e.g., AR features) may be overlaid. In some embodiments, the lenses 20 allow the user to view the real-world environment 22 (e.g., physical structures in an attraction) through the lenses 20 with the certain virtual features 24 overlaid on them such that the user perceives the virtual features 24 integrated into the real-world environment 22. That is, the lens portion 16 may at least partially control the user's field of view by overlaying the virtual features 24 on the user's line of sight. To this end, the wearable visualization device 12 may enable the user to imagine and perceive a hyper-realistic environment 26 (e.g., a gaming environment) having certain virtual features 24 overlaid on the physical real-world environment 22 that the user can see through the lenses.

[0033] As a non-limiting example, the lens 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. In some embodiments, the lens portion 16 may be formed from a single-piece structure that spans a particular distance to display an image to both eyes of a user. That is, in such embodiments, the lens 20 (e.g., first lens 28, second lens 30) may be formed from a single continuous piece of material, with the first lens 28 aligned with the user's first eye (e.g., left eye) and the second lens 30 aligned with the user's second eye (e.g., right eye). In other embodiments, the lens portion 16 may be a multi-piece structure formed from two or more separate lenses 20.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may have full control over the user's view (e.g., using an opaque viewing surface). That is, the lenses 20 may include an opaque or non-transparent display configured to display the virtual features 24 (e.g., VR features) to the user. Thus, the hyperrealistic environment 26 viewable by the user may be, for example, a real-time video including real-world images of the physical real-world environment 22 electronically merged with one or more virtual features 24. Thus, when wearing the wearable visualization device 12, the user may feel fully surrounded by the hyperrealistic environment 26 and may perceive the hyperrealistic environment 26 as the real-world environment 22 including the particular virtual features 24. In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may include features, such as light projection features configured to project light into one or both of the user's eyes such that the particular virtual features 24 are superimposed on real-world objects viewable by the user. Such a wearable visualization device 12 may be considered to include a retinal display.

[0035] As such, it should be understood that the hyper-realistic environment 26 may include an AR experience, a VR experience, a mixed reality experience, a computer-mediated reality experience, a combination thereof, or other like hyper-realistic environments. Additionally, it should be understood that the wearable visualization device 12 may be used alone or in combination with other features to create the hyper-realistic environment 26. Indeed, as discussed below, a user may wear the wearable visualization device 12 during the duration of a ride on an amusement park ride, or during other times, such as during a game, throughout a particular area or attraction of an amusement park, during a ride to or at a hotel associated with an amusement park, etc. In some embodiments, when implemented in an amusement park setting, the wearable visualization device 12 may be physically coupled (e.g., tethered via cable 32) to a structure (e.g., a ride vehicle of an amusement park ride) to prevent separation of the wearable visualization device 12 from the structure, and / or electronically coupled (e.g., via cable 32) to a computing system (e.g., a computer graphics generation system) to facilitate operation of the wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., display of virtual features 24).

[0036] The wearable visualization device 12 is removably coupleable (e.g., tool-less coupleable, coupleable without the use of tools, coupleable without threaded fasteners such as bolts, detachable without the use of tools and without destroying components of the wearable visualization device 12 or the guest interface device 14) to the guest interface device 14 to allow the wearable visualization device 12 to quickly transition between an engaged configuration 34 in which the wearable visualization device 12 is coupled to the guest interface device 14 and a disengaged or disengaged configuration 36 in which the wearable visualization device 12 is disengaged from the guest interface device 14 (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ), as discussed below. The guest interface device 14 is configured to be affixed to the user's head, thus allowing the user to comfortably wear the wearable visualization device 12 while traversing various attractions or a particular amusement park environment. For example, the guest interface device 14 may include a head strap assembly 37 configured to straddle the circumference of the user's head and configured to tighten (e.g., contract) on the user's head. In this manner, the head strap assembly 37 facilitates attachment of the guest interface device 14 to the user's head such that the guest interface device 14 can be utilized to hold the wearable visualization device 12 on the user (e.g., when the wearable visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 34). The guest interface device 14 allows the user to couple and detach the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14 (e.g., without removing the guest interface device 14 from the user's head).

[0037] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the AR / VR system 10, showing the wearable visualization device 12 and the guest interface device 14 in a breakaway configuration 36. As briefly discussed above, the housing 18 of the wearable visualization device 12 may be a multi-component assembly configured to facilitate assembly and / or maintenance of the wearable visualization device 12. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 18 may be assembled from multiple panels 40 (e.g., housing portions, molded and / or machined panels), such as a lid 42, a chassis 44, and a lens mount 46 (e.g., a panel configured to support the lens portion 16), which may collectively form the housing 18. As discussed below, some or all of the panels 40 may include component mating features (e.g., machined and / or molded features on the surfaces of the panels 40) configured to receive and / or couple various subcomponents 48 (e.g., electronic components, optical components) of the wearable visualization device 12. In this manner, subcomponents 48 may be coupled, for example, to the lid 42, chassis 44, and / or lens portion 16 prior to assembly of the housing 18, while the component mating features of these panels 40 are readily accessible to an operator (e.g., as compared to when the housing 18 is in an assembled or partially assembled configuration).

[0038] As discussed below, after placement of the subcomponents 48 on one or more panels 40, the panels 40 may be assembled (e.g., bonded together by fasteners, adhesives, and / or other techniques) to form the housing 18. The housing 18 may thus encapsulate the subcomponents 48 such that at least a portion of the subcomponents 48 within the housing 18 are substantially sealed (e.g., air-tight sealed) to protect those subcomponents 48 from direct exposure to the ambient environmental elements (e.g., moisture) surrounding the wearable visualization device 12. It is understood that in other embodiments, the housing 18 may be assembled from additional or fewer panels than the lid 42, chassis 44, and lens mount 46. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the housing 18 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more than six individual panels 40 that collectively form the housing 18 in an assembled configuration.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 includes a front end 50 (e.g., a first end) proximal to the lens 20 and a rear end 52 (e.g., a second end) distal to the lens 20. In particular, the rear end 52 includes a first periphery 54 (e.g., a first distal end) and a second periphery 56 (e.g., a second distal end) that facilitate removable coupling of the wearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14 as discussed below. The chassis 44 includes a first outer surface 58 that may define a first side end 60 of the housing 18 and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface 58 that may define a first side end 62 of the housing 19. The lid 42 includes an upper surface 64 that may define a top 66 of the housing 18. The chassis includes a lower surface 68 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ) that may define a lower side 70 of the housing 19 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ). For clarity, relative terms such as, for example, front, rear, side, top, and bottom are used throughout the following description to describe the relative positions of various components or regions of the wearable visualization device 12 with respect to other components or regions of the wearable visualization device 12, and are not intended to indicate a particular direction or spatial orientation. As such, it should be understood that such relative terms are intended for ease of discussion and are dependent upon the orientation of the viewer relative to the wearable visualization device 12.

[0040] 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device 12, showing an underside 70 of the housing 18. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lens portion 16 may extend generally along a first direction 71 from a bottom surface 68 of the chassis 44. In some embodiments, the lens mount 46 may removably couple the lens portion 16 to the chassis 44. As such, the lens mount 46 may allow the lens portion 16 to be replaced with another lens portion (e.g., if the lens portion 16 is worn).

[0041] The chassis 44 may include a recess 72 that extends generally in a second direction 73 opposite the first direction 71 and that slopes from the rear end 52 of the housing 18 toward the front end 50 of the housing 18. The wearable visualization device 12 may include a first screen 74 (e.g., a first display screen) and a second screen 76 (e.g., a second display screen), collectively referred to herein as screens 78, that may be coupled to the housing 18 and disposed within the recess 72. In particular, as discussed below, the first screen 74 may be disposed within a first opening 80 (e.g., see FIG. 7 ) of the chassis 44 and the second screen 76 may be disposed within a second opening 83 (e.g., see FIG. 7 ) of the chassis 44 such that the screens 78 are tilted toward the lens 20 (e.g., see FIG. 4 ). As discussed below, in this manner, screen 78 projects light (eg, virtual features) onto lens portion 16, which may then reflect at least a portion of the projected light to the user's eye.

[0042] In some embodiments, the camera 84 may be disposed within the recess 72 and between the first and second screens 74, 76 (e.g., along a lateral axis of the wearable visualization device 12). In particular, the camera 84 may be provided within a camera opening 86 (e.g., see FIG. 7 ) of the chassis 44 and may be aligned with a centerline 88 of the wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., a line extending parallel and equidistant between the screens 78). In particular, the lens of the camera 84 may be oriented substantially coplanar with respect to the respective display surfaces of the first and second screens 74, 76. As discussed in detail below, in this manner, the camera 84 may acquire image data indicative of a reflection visible on an inner surface of the lens portion 16 (e.g., the surface facing the screen 78). In particular, the camera 84 may acquire image data indicative of a reflection of light projected by the screen 78 onto the lens portion 16 (e.g., when the wearable visualization device 12 is attached to the user's head) and / or a reflection of the user's eyes visible at the lens portion 16.

[0043] The screen 78 may include any suitable display configured to project virtual features onto the lens 20. As a non-limiting example, the screen 78 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, an OLED display, or other suitable display. In either case, the first screen 74 may project the AR / VR content onto the first lens 28, and the second screen 76 may project the AR / VR content onto the second lens 30. In this manner, the screen 78 may facilitate the generation of the hyper-realistic environment 26 in accordance with the techniques discussed above. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the screen 78 may include a first section or segment and a second section or segment of a single screen, instead of two separate screens. That is, the first screen 74 may include a first section or segment of a particular screen, and the second screen 76 may include a second section or segment of a particular screen.

[0044] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second lenses 28, 30 may each include a concave curvature extending from a midline 90 of the lens portion 16. The midline 90 may be substantially aligned (e.g., parallel) with the centerline 88. The concave curvature of the first and second lenses 28, 30 may facilitate reflection of some or substantially all of the light projected by the screen 78 onto the lens 20 back to the user's eye. For example, the concave curvature of the first lens 28 may enable the first lens 28 to reflect light (e.g., AR / VR content projected onto the first lens 28 by the first screen 74) to the user's first eye 92 and the second lens 30 to reflect light (e.g., AR / VR content projected onto the second lens 30 by the second screen 76) to the user's second eye 94. As such, the user may view AR / VR content that may be projected onto the lenses 20 (e.g., by the screen 78) and thus perceive the hyper-realistic environment 26. Throughout the following description, the lenses 20 and the screen 78 may be collectively referred to as the display system 96 of the wearable visualization device 12.

[0045] 4 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a display system 96. In some embodiments, the lens portion 16 may include a substantially transparent (e.g., see-through) piece of material coated with one or more reflective layers that enhance the reflective properties of the lens portion 16. For example, in some embodiments, the inner surface 97 of the lens portion 16 facing the first and second eyes 92, 94 (collectively, eyes 98) may be coated with a reflective layer 100 that may reflect about 20 percent to about 80 percent, about 50 percent to about 70 percent, or about 62.5 percent of the light projected onto the lens portion 16 (e.g., by the screen 78) back to the user's eye 98, while the remaining portion of the light projected onto the lens portion 16 (e.g., by the screen 78) passes through the lens portion 16 and is dispersed into the surrounding environment 102. In other embodiments, the reflective layer 100 may reflect any suitable portion of the light projected onto the inner surface 97 of the lens portion 16 (e.g., by the screen 78) back to the user's eye 98. The reflective layer 100 may include a single coating or layer of material applied to the inner surface 97 of the lens portion 16 or multiple coatings or layers of material applied to the inner surface 97 .

[0046] In some embodiments, the outer surface 104 of the lens portion 16 (e.g., facing away from the user's eyes 98) may be coated with one or more layers of an anti-reflective coating 106. The anti-reflective coating 106 may allow ambient light (e.g., sunlight) to pass through the lens portion 16 (e.g., from the outer surface 104 to the inner surface 97) without substantially creating reflections at the lens portion 16 (e.g., reflections that may degrade the quality of virtual features projected onto the lens portion 16 by the screen 78). Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface 104 may be coated with one or more layers of a scratch-resistant coating 108 that may protect the lens portion 16 from acquiring scratches or other surface defects during repeated use of the wearable visualization device 12. In some embodiments, one or more layers of a scratch-resistant coating 108 may also be applied to the inner surface 97 of the lens portion 16.

[0047] 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a display system 96. In general, the central vision (e.g., central field of vision) of a user may be located near a central region 120 of the lens portion 16. In particular, the central vision of the user's first eye 92 may encompass the first section 122 of the first lens 28, while the central vision of the user's second eye 94 may encompass the first section 124 of the second lens 30. The second section 128 of the second lens 30 may correspond to a region of peripheral vision of the first eye 92, while the second section 128 of the second lens 30 may correspond to a region of peripheral vision of the second eye 94.

[0048] The screen 78 may be configured to raster light (e.g., virtual features, AR / VR content) for projection onto the lens 20 in a delineation direction 129 that generally extends outwardly across from the midline 90. For example, the first screen 74 may periodically raster and update the AR / VR content in a first direction 132 (e.g., along a raster line indicated by line 130) from a proximal portion 134 (e.g., a laterally inner portion) of the first screen 74 (e.g., closer to the midline 90) toward a distal portion 136 (e.g., a laterally outer portion) of the first screen 74. The second screen 76 may periodically raster and update the AR / VR content in a second direction 139 (e.g., along an additional raster line indicated by line 138) from a proximal portion 131 (e.g., a laterally inner portion) of the second screen 76 toward a distal portion 143 (e.g., a laterally outer portion) of the second screen 76.

[0049] In this manner, the central region 120 of the lens portion 16, which may encompass the user's central vision, may have lower latency than regions of the lens portion 16 (e.g., second sections 126, 128) that correspond to regions of the user's peripheral vision. Indeed, the screen 78 may raster updates to the AR / VR content projected on the first section 122, 124 of the lens 20, which may define the user's central vision, before rastering the AR / VR content along the second section 126, 128 of the lens 20, which defines the user's peripheral vision. To this end, the user may experience substantially zero or imperceptible latency between, for example, a virtual feature viewable on the lens portion 16 and a feature in the real-world environment (e.g., an animatronic figure) that may be coordinated with the presentation of the virtual feature. As a non-limiting example, the period involved in rastering and / or updating the AR / VR content displayed across the central region 120 of the lens portion 16 using the screen 78 may be about 4 milliseconds, about 3 milliseconds, or less than 3 milliseconds.

[0050] 6 is a top view of some embodiments of the wearable visualization device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 42 has been removed from the housing 18 to better show subcomponents 48 that may be disposed within the housing 18. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the wearable visualization device 12 includes a display assembly 140 and an electronics board 142 that may be coupled to the chassis 44 via fasteners, adhesives, and / or other suitable techniques. The display assembly 140 may include a screen 78 and a display driver board 144. The display driver board 144 may be communicatively coupled to the screen 78 and the electronics board 142 (e.g., via a connection 146).

[0051] The electronics board 142 may include one or more sensors 150 that facilitate operation of the wearable visualization device 12. As non-limiting examples, the sensors 150 may include orientation and / or position sensors, such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, global positioning systems (GPS), motion tracking sensors, electromagnetic and solid-state motion tracking sensors, one or more inertial measurement units 153 (IMUs), presence sensors, Hall effect sensors, temperature sensors, voltmeters, and / or other sensors. In some embodiments, the electronics board 142 may include a communication interface 154 (e.g., including a wired or wireless transceiver) that may transmit real-time data captured via the sensors 150 to a computer graphics generation system 156 that may be located remotely (e.g., on a vehicle vehicle) of the wearable visualization device 12 or integrated with the wearable visualization device 12 (included in the electronics board 142). In some embodiments, the electronics board 142 may be communicatively coupled to the computer graphics generation system 156 via the cable 32.

[0052] The electronics board 142 may include memory 158 that may store individual data of the wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., self-test results, error logs, operating hours, serial number) and / or instructions that facilitate communication to peripheral subassemblies and functions of the wearable visualization device 12, including, for example, a light assembly 160 (e.g., a light emitting diode [LED] assembly), the camera 84, and / or the IMU 152. As discussed below, the light assembly 160 may brighten to provide various lighting effects in response to user inputs and / or the occurrence of events. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the light assembly 160 may indicate (e.g., via the display of a particular color or hue of light), for example, what type (e.g., version) of software is currently running on the electronics board 142.

[0053] The display driver board 144 may be configured to decode video signals (e.g., may be received from the computer graphics generation system 156) and write lines of information to the screen 78. As an example, the display driver board 144 may generate raster lines (e.g., lines 130, 138) to update the AR / VR content projected by the screen 78. The display driver board 144 may also optimize the resolution and frequency of the video information for display by the screen 78. The display driver board 144 may decode High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) signals to the Display Serial Interface (DSI) specification of the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) Alliance. As such, it should be understood that the electronics board 142, the display driver board 144, and / or the computer graphics generation system 156 may cooperatively control the screen 78 to provide an AR / VR experience to a user via the techniques described above.

[0054] In some embodiments, the electronics board 142 may include an expansion port 164 (e.g., an administration port) that may be communicatively coupled to a processor 166 of the electronics board 142, or another suitable processing system (e.g., the computer graphics generation system 156). The processor 166 may be a general-purpose processor, a system-on-a-chip (SOC) device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or some other similar processor configuration. The expansion port 164 may be coupled to a plug 170 disposed on an exterior surface of the housing 18. The expansion port 164 may allow auxiliary devices, such as a keyboard and / or a mouse, to be communicatively coupled to the electronics board 142. As such, the auxiliary devices may provide additional functionality to a user (e.g., an administrator) as well as allow the user to control features of the wearable visualization device 12 using the auxiliary devices. As another non-limiting example, the expansion port 164 may enable integration of Bluetooth® functionality, expansion memory, one or more microphones, one or more audio speakers, or any other suitable auxiliary device or devices with the wearable visualization device 12.

[0055] To facilitate maintenance of the wearable visualization device 12, the electronics board 142, the display driver board 144, and / or the screen 78 may each be individually replaceable. For example, to facilitate the following discussion, FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the chassis 44. FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the display assembly 140 and the electronics board 142. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the display assembly 140 and the electronics board 142. FIGs. 7, 8, and 9 are discussed together below.

[0056] The display assembly 140 may include a frame 190 configured to support the screen 78, the camera 84, and the display driver board 144. The screen 78, the camera 84, and the display driver board 144 may be coupled to the frame 190 using fasteners, adhesives, and / or other suitable techniques. In some embodiments, the frame 190 may align the camera 84 with respect to the screen 78. That is, the frame 190 may ensure that the camera 84 is disposed substantially equidistant between the first and second screens 74, 76. The frame 190 may include one or more mounting tabs 192 (e.g., component mating features) configured to engage with respective mounting prongs 194 (e.g., component mating features) of the chassis 44. To this end, connectors such as fasteners, adhesives, or other connectors may be used to couple the frame 190 to the chassis 44. The mounting tabs 192 and mounting prongs 194 can be positioned such that when the frame 190 is in an engagement configuration with the chassis 44, the first screen 74 is aligned with the first opening 80, the second screen 76 is aligned with the second opening 82, and the camera 84 is aligned with the camera opening 86.

[0057] The chassis 44 may include one or more attachment prongs 198 (e.g., additional component mating features) that may facilitate coupling the electronic board 142 to the chassis 44 via a suitable connector (e.g., fasteners) or adhesive in some embodiments. For example, the electronic board 142 may include one or more apertures 199 (e.g., component mating features) formed therein to align with the additional attachment prongs 198 (e.g., in an installed configuration of the electronic board 142 within the chassis 44). As such, suitable fasteners and / or adhesives may be used to couple the electronic board 142 to the additional attachment prongs 198. The electronic board 142, the display driver board 144, and / or the screen 78 may be communicatively coupled to one another via connections 146 (e.g., one or more wired and / or optical connections).

[0058] The following discussion continues with reference to FIG. 3. As briefly discussed above, the camera 84 may be disposed within the recess 72 and configured to capture image data indicative of reflections visible on the lens portion 16 (e.g., on the inner surface 97 of the lens portion 16). For example, in some embodiments, the camera 84 may be oriented toward the midline 90 such that the camera 84 may capture image data of a portion of the first lens 28 and a portion of the second lens 30. That is, one camera 84 may capture image data of both the first and second lenses 28, 30. In particular, in one embodiment, the camera 84 may capture image data of the first section 122 of the first lens 28 and the first section 124 of the second lens 30. In other embodiments, the camera 84 may capture image data indicative of light reflecting off substantially all of the lens portion 16.

[0059] It is therefore important to note that by disposing the camera 84 between the first and second screens 74, 76, one camera 84 may be used to acquire image data indicative of light (e.g., virtual features) projected by both the first and second screens 74 and 76 onto the first and second lenses 28, 30, respectively. For example, the camera 84 may observe light projected by the first screen 74 onto the first lens 28 (e.g., via the reflective layer 100 of the first lens 28) and reflected back towards the camera 84. Similarly, the camera 84 may observe light projected by the second screen 76 onto the second lens 30 (e.g., via the reflective layer 100 of the second lens 30) and reflected back towards the camera 84.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, the camera 84 may acquire image data of the user's eyes 98 by observing the reflection of the user's eyes 98 in the lens portion 16 (e.g., when the wearable visualization system 11 having the wearable visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 is attached to the user's head). In some embodiments, the processor 166 (or another suitable component of the electronic board 142) may receive the image data acquired by the camera 84 and utilize the acquired image data to determine biometric information of the user. For example, as discussed below, the processor 166 may utilize the acquired image data of the user's eyes 98 to determine the user's interpupillary distance (e.g., the distance between the pupils of each of the user's eyes 98). The processor 166 may utilize the derived biometric information to adjust the projection of the AR / VR images by the screen 78 in a manner that improves the performance (e.g., the perceived user experience) of the wearable visualization device 12.

[0061] For example, for ease of discussion, FIG. 10 is an embodiment of an image 200 that may be acquired by camera 84 (e.g., when wearable visualization system 11 is mounted on a user's head). For clarity, as noted above, image 200 may correspond to a reflection off of inner surface 97 of lens portion 16 that is observable by camera 84 (e.g., when wearable visualization system 11 is mounted on a user's head). It should be understood, therefore, that the positions of first eye 92 and second eye 94, as seen in image 200, are mirrored relative to the illustrated positions of first eye 92 and second eye 94 in FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0062] As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10 , image 200 may include at least a portion of a reflection of a first eye 92 of a user (e.g., the user's left eye, which may be reflected in first lens 28) and a second eye 94 of a user (e.g., the user's right eye, which may be reflected in second lens 30). Image 200 may include a non-optical region 202 illustrating midline 90 of lens portion 16 that, in some embodiments, does not include any reflected features. In certain embodiments, to facilitate capture of image 200, one or both of screens 78 may be configured to temporarily illuminate (e.g., provide a camera flash) to enhance the reflection of the user's eye in lens portion 16.

[0063] The camera 84 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 166 and may be configured to provide feedback indicative of the image 200 to the processor 166. The processor 166 may be configured to analyze the image 200 to detect an edge 204 of each of the pupils 206 of the user's eyes 98. Based on the location of the edges 204 in the image 200, the processor 166 may estimate a first pupil perimeter 208 of the user's first eye 92 and a second pupil perimeter 209 of the user's second eye 94. The processor 166 may determine a first centroid of the first pupil perimeter 208 and may determine a second centroid of the second pupil perimeter 209. As such, the first centroid may be indicative of an estimated centroid of the first pupil of the first eye 92 and the second centroid may be indicative of an estimated centroid of the second pupil of the second eye 94.

[0064] Based on the estimated centroids of the pupils 206, the processor 166 may determine the user's interpupillary distance 210 (see, e.g., FIG. 5 ), which may indicate the distance between the centroids of each of the user's pupils 206. In some embodiments, the processor 166 may be configured to quantify the user's interpupillary distance 210. In other embodiments, the processor 166 may be configured to classify the measured interpupillary distance 210 into one of a plurality of range sets (e.g., small interpupillary distance, medium interpupillary distance, large interpupillary distance).

[0065] The following discussion continues with reference to both Figures 5 and 10. The processor 166 may be configured to transmit instructions (e.g., to the electronics board 142, the display driver board 144) to adjust the presentation of the virtual features projected by the screen 78 based on the interpupillary distance 210 of a particular user currently utilizing the wearable visualization device 12. For example, if the processor 166 determines that the user's interpupillary distance 210 is relatively small (e.g., equal to or less than a first threshold), the processor 166 transmits instructions to cause the screen 78 to project the virtual features closer to the midline 90 of the lens portion 16, such that a central region of the virtual features is substantially aligned with (within) the user's pupil 206. Conversely, if the processor 166 determines that the user's interpupillary distance 210 is relatively large (e.g., exceeds a first threshold, exceeds a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold), the processor 166 sends instructions to project the virtual feature onto the screen 78 closer to the peripheral edge 205 of the lens portion 16 so that the virtual feature is again substantially aligned with the user's pupil 206 (within its central vision).

[0066] In some embodiments, the processor 166 may be configured to evaluate whether the wearable visualization system 11 is properly oriented and / or positioned on the user's head based on the image 200. For example, with reference to FIG. 5 , when the wearable visualization system 11 is properly attached to the user's head (e.g., not misaligned, offset, or tilted on the user's head), a first distance 220 between a first vertex 222 of the first lens 28 and a center of a first pupil 224 of the user's first eye 92 may be substantially equal to a second distance 226 between a second vertex 228 of the second lens 30 and a center of a second pupil 230 of the user's second eye 94. As such, when the wearable visualization system 11 is properly attached to the user's head, a line extending between the first vertex 222 of the first lens 28 and the second vertex 228 of the second lens 30, referred to herein as the reference axis 234 (e.g., a known or predetermined axis associated with the wearable visualization device 12), may extend substantially parallel to the interpupillary axis 236 of the interpupillary distance 210 (e.g., an axis extending between the centers of each of the pupils 206).

[0067] 10 , the processor 166 may determine an angle 240 between the reference axis 234 and the interpupillary axis 236. If the processor 166 determines that the magnitude of the angle 240 between the reference axis 234 and the interpupillary axis 236 is greater than a tolerance value (e.g., 5 degrees) but less than or equal to a first threshold angle value (e.g., 15 degrees), the processor 166 may send instructions (e.g., to the electronics board 142 and / or the display driver board 144) to adjust the presentation of the virtual features projected by the screen 78 based on the angle 240.

[0068] For example, if the processor 166 determines (e.g., based on the angle 240) that the first pupil 224 of the first eye 92 is disposed below the second pupil 230 of the second eye 94 (e.g., relative to the reference axis 234), the processor 166 may transmit instructions to the first screen 74 to adjust the projection of the virtual features closer to the bottom 250 of the first screen 74 such that the projected virtual features of the first screen 74 are overlaid closer toward the bottom 252 of the first lens 28. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 166 may transmit instructions to the second screen 76 to adjust the projection of the virtual features closer to the top 254 of the second screen 76 such that the projected virtual features of the second screen 76 are overlaid closer toward the top 256 of the second lens 30. In this manner, the processor 166 enables the projected virtual features displayed on the first and second lenses 28, 30 to be substantially aligned with the pupils 206 of the user's first and second eyes 92, 94, respectively, even when the wearable visualization system 11 is slightly offset (e.g., tilted) on the user's head.

[0069] Conversely, if the processor 166 determines (e.g., based on the angle 240) that the first pupil 224 of the first eye 92 is disposed above the second pupil 230 of the second eye 94 (e.g., relative to the reference axis 234), the processor 166 may transmit instructions to the first screen 74 to adjust the projection of the virtual features closer to the upper portion 260 of the first screen 74 such that the projected virtual features of the first screen 74 are overlaid closer toward the upper portion 262 of the first lens 28. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 166 may transmit instructions to the second screen 76 to adjust the projection of the virtual features closer to the lower portion 264 of the second screen 76 such that the projected virtual features of the second screen 76 are overlaid closer toward the lower portion 266 of the second lens 30. Thus, similar to that discussed above, the processor 166 may ensure that the projected virtual features displayed on the first and second lenses 28 may be substantially aligned with the pupils 206 of the user's first and second eyes 92, 94, respectively, even if the wearable visualization system 11 is slightly offset (e.g., tilted) on the user's head. In other words, the processor 166 may execute software corrections to correct for misalignment of the wearable visualization system 11 on the user's head.

[0070] In some embodiments, if the processor 166 determines that the magnitude of the angle 240 is greater than the first threshold angle value, the processor 166 may generate an alert instructing the user to manually perform corrective action (e.g., to reposition the wearable visualization device 12 on the user's head). For example, the processor 166 may instruct the screen 78 to project a message onto the lenses 20 instructing the user to tilt the wearable visualization system 11 in a particular direction (e.g., left, right) of the user's head such that the interpupillary axis 236 is adjusted substantially parallel to the reference axis 234. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 166 may generate an auditory alert (e.g., via an audio speaker) that provides a recorded message instructing the user to appropriately reposition the wearable visualization system 11. To this end, the processor 166 may instruct the user to perform a hardware correction to correct the misalignment of the AR / VR system 10 on the user's head.

[0071] It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the camera 84 may be located at or near the lens portion 16 and configured to directly capture image data of the user's eye. That is, in such embodiments, the camera 84 may be pointed toward the eye 98 to capture an image of the eye 98, instead of capturing an image of the reflection of the eye 98 visible on the inner surface 97 of the lens portion 16 (e.g., image 200). Further, in certain embodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may include a first camera configured to capture image data of the reflection visible on the lens portion 16, and an additional camera pointed toward the user's eye and configured to directly capture image data of the user's eye. In some embodiments, the camera 84 may be used to determine the user's gaze direction or other suitable usage information of the user.

[0072] As noted above, in some embodiments, the AR / VR system 10 may be utilized in combination with an attraction (e.g., a passenger ride system). In such embodiments, the processor 166 may be configured to perform the steps described above (e.g., determining the interpupillary distance 210, determining the angle 240) when the user first dons the wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., when the user attaches the wearable visualization device 12 onto the guest interface device 14 mounted on the user's head during the ride of the attraction). By way of example, in such embodiments, the processor 166 may be configured to send an alert to a central control system of the attraction when it determines that the magnitude of the angle 240 is greater than, for example, a first threshold angle value. As such, the central control system may provide an alert to an operator (e.g., a ride technician monitoring the operation of the attraction) so that the operator may assist the user in properly positioning the wearable visualization system 11 on the user's head prior to the start of the ride cycle of the attraction.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the processor 166 may direct the light assembly 160 to illuminate a particular color based on the magnitude of the angle 240. For example, if the magnitude of the angle 240 is less than or equal to a first threshold angle value, the processor 166 may direct the light assembly 160 to illuminate with a green color or hue, thereby signaling to the user and / or ride operator that the wearable visualization system 11 is properly attached (e.g., aligned) on the user's head. As noted above, in such a case, the processor 166 may compensate for slight misalignment of the wearable visualization system 11 on the user's head by performing a software correction (e.g., by adjusting the presentation of the virtual features by the screen 78). If the magnitude of the angle 240 is greater than the first threshold angle value, the processor 166 may direct the light assembly 160 to illuminate with, for example, a red color or hue, thereby signaling to the user and / or ride operator that repositioning of the wearable visualization system 11 on the user's head is desired.

[0074] 11 is a top view of an embodiment of the light assembly 160. FIGS. 3 and 11 are discussed together below. The light assembly 160 may include one or more LEDs 270 or other lighting elements that may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the electronics board 142 via a tether 272 (e.g., a wired connection). In some embodiments, the light assembly 160 may be coupled to the chassis 44 and disposed near an inner surface 274 of the chassis 44. In such embodiments, the LEDs 270 may be disposed within respective lighting openings formed in the chassis 44 such that the LEDs 270 may project light through the lighting openings toward (e.g., inwardly), away from (e.g., outwardly), toward the user, toward the lens portion 16, or in any suitable direction.

[0075] In certain embodiments, one or more LEDs 270 may be coupled to respective light pipes 276 (e.g., optical fibers, acrylic rods) configured to transmit light emitted by the LEDs 270 from respective first ends coupled to the LEDs 270 to respective distal ends 278. The light pipes 276 may thus enable the LEDs 270 to be disposed within, for example, a central region 279 (see, for example, FIG. 6 ) of the housing 18 and operable to project light through an illumination aperture in the chassis 44. For example, the light pipes 276 may extend between the LEDs 270 and an illumination aperture formed in an exterior surface of the chassis 44 such that light emitted by the LEDs 270 may be transmitted from the LEDs 270 (which may be disposed within the central region 279) toward and emitted from the illumination aperture. It should thus be understood that the light pipes 276 may enable the LEDs 270 to be disposed in any suitable location within the housing 18.

[0076] The following discussion continues with reference to FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may include one or more primary magnets 280 that may be coupled to the chassis 44 near first and second perimeters 282, 284 of the chassis 44. As discussed in detail below, the primary magnets 280 may facilitate removably coupling the wearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14. In some embodiments, the primary magnets 280 may be removably coupled to the chassis 44 via a retaining clip 286. As such, removal of the retaining clip 286 from the chassis 44 may enable replacement of the primary magnet 280, such as when the primary magnet 280 becomes worn (e.g., when the magnetic strength of the primary magnet 280 falls below a threshold). For example, to remove the primary magnet 280 from the chassis 44, an operator (e.g., a service technician) may first remove the lid 42 from the chassis 44, remove the retaining clip 286 from the chassis 44, and then remove the primary magnet 280 from the chassis 44. To reinstall a new magnet in place of primary magnet 280, an operator may insert the replacement magnet into the appropriate location on chassis 44 and perform the steps described above in reverse order.

[0077] 12 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the lid 42. In some embodiments, the lid 42 may include one or more secondary magnets 290 coupled (e.g., via fasteners, via a suitable adhesive) to an inner surface 292 of the lid 42. As discussed below, the secondary magnets 290 may be used in addition to or in place of the primary magnets 280 to facilitate removably coupling the wearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14. Although three secondary magnets 290 are shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12, it should be understood that in other embodiments, any suitable quantity of secondary magnets 290 may be coupled to the lid 42.

[0078] Figure 13 is a rear view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device 12. Figure 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device 12 and the guest interface device 14. Figures 13 and 14 are discussed together below. Additionally, it should be noted that Figure 14 illustrates a variety of different configurations for the guest interface device 14 (e.g., a helmet compared to a visor in Figure 14) as a variety of different configurations for the guest interface device 14 are envisioned.

[0079] The wearable visualization device 12 may include a plurality of support grooves 300 configured to engage respective support ribs 302 of the guest interface device 14. In some embodiments, the support grooves 300 are formed in the first and second perimeters 54, 56 of the housing 18 and extend along at least a portion of a surface 304 of the housing 18. For example, the support grooves 300 may extend generally along a direction 308 from a distal end face 306 of the housing 18.

[0080] The guest interface device 14 includes an interface frame 310 having a first peripheral edge 312, a second peripheral edge opposite the first peripheral edge 312, and a lip 314 extending between the first peripheral edge 312 and the second peripheral edge. The interface frame 310 includes a plurality of support ribs 302 projecting from an outer surface 318 of the interface frame 310. In particular, the interface frame 310 may include a first support rib 320 extending from the first peripheral edge 312 and a second support rib extending from the second peripheral edge. As discussed below, the support ribs 302 are configured to engage corresponding ones of the support grooves 300 to support the wearable visualization device 12 on the interface frame 310 and to facilitate coupling of the wearable visualization device 12 to the interface frame 310.

[0081] The interface frame 310 may include one or more tertiary magnets 324 coupled to and / or integrated with (e.g., sealed within) the interface frame 310 (e.g., within the rim 314). Additionally, the interface frame 310 may include one or more quaternary magnets 326 coupled to and / or integrated with (e.g., sealed within) the first peripheral edge 312 and / or the second peripheral edge of the interface frame 310.

[0082] To couple the wearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14, the user may translate the wearable visualization device 12 in direction 340, generally opposite direction 308, toward the guest interface device 14 to allow support ribs 302 of the guest interface device 14 to engage with corresponding support grooves 300 of the wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., in direction 340) until a distal end surface 306 of the housing 18 is adjacent a corresponding receiving surface 342 of the guest interface device 14. Thus, the primary magnet 280 of the wearable visualization device may align with and magnetically couple with the quaternary magnet 326 of the guest interface device 14.

[0083] At least a portion of the lid 42 of the wearable visualization device 12 may be configured to translate under and along the edge 314 of the guest interface device 14 to allow the secondary magnet 290 of the wearable visualization device 12 to engage and magnetically couple with the tertiary magnet 324 of the guest interface device 14. To this end, the mechanical engagement between the support ribs 302 and the support grooves 300 may support substantially all of the weight of the wearable visualization device 12 (e.g., when coupled to the guest interface device 14), while the magnetic engagement between the primary and quaternary magnets 280, 326 and / or the secondary and tertiary magnets 290, 324 prevents the wearable visualization device 12 from becoming detached (e.g., sliding off) from the guest interface device 14. Indeed, it should be appreciated that the forces utilized to magnetically separate the primary and quaternary magnets 280, 326 and / or to magnetically separate the secondary and tertiary magnets 290, 324, such as when transitioning the wearable visualization device 12 from the engaged configuration 34 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ) to the disengaged configuration 36, are greater than the forces acting on the wearable visualization device 12 due to, for example, gravity, due to a shaking or turning of the user's head, or due to other inadvertent contact with the wearable visualization device 12. Thus, the magnets 280, 290, 324, and 326, in conjunction with the support ribs 302 and support grooves 300, may be configured to hold the wearable visualization device 12 in the engaged configuration 34 on the guest interface device 14 until the user manually removes the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14.

[0084] To remove the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14, the user may translate the wearable visualization device 12 away from the guest interface device 14 in a direction 308 generally opposite direction 340 to allow the primary magnet 280 of the wearable visualization device 12 to magnetically decouple from the quaternary magnet 326 of the guest interface device 14 and / or allow the secondary magnet 290 of the wearable visualization device 12 to magnetically decouple from the tertiary magnet 324 of the wearable visualization device 12. The user may continue to translate the wearable visualization device 12 in direction 308 relative to the guest interface device 14 to remove (e.g., separate) the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14.

[0085] It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the primary magnet 280 or the quaternary magnet 326, and / or the secondary magnet 290 or the tertiary magnet 324 may be replaced with a suitable reactive material (e.g., a metal plate). As such, the magnets 280, 290, 324, and / or 326 may be configured to attract a corresponding reactive material instead of another magnet. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, any of the magnets 280, 290, 324, and / or 326 may be replaced with a suitable electromagnet that is powered via a wired or wireless power source (e.g., a battery). In such a case, the electromagnet may be deactivated to allow separation of the wearable visualization device 12 from the guest interface device 14 at certain times, such as during an unloading process when a user unloads a ride vehicle of an amusement park ride. Similarly, the electromagnets may be activated to facilitate securing of the wearable visualization device 12 to the guest interface device 14 at specific times, such as during a loading process when a user loads a ride vehicle of an amusement park ride. Deactivation and activation may be performed automatically by the AR / VR system 10 based on the position of the wearable visualization device 12.

[0086] For ease of discussion, it should be noted that magnets 280, 290, 324, and / or 326 are described herein as primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary magnets, respectively. However, other terms may be used to refer to magnets 280, 290, 324, 326 (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth magnets, respectively). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, primary magnet 280 or quaternary magnet 324, and / or secondary magnet 290 or tertiary magnet 324 may be omitted from AR / VR system 10.

[0087] In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may include a proximity sensor 350 (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) coupled to the housing 18 and disposed, for example, near the first perimeter 54 of the housing 18. In particular, the proximity sensor 350 may be disposed near the distal end face 306 of the housing 18. The proximity sensor 350 may be communicatively coupled to the electronics board 142 and configured to provide feedback to the processor 166 (or another suitable processing component) indicating whether the wearable visualization device 12 is in an engaged configuration 34 (e.g., mated with the guest interface device 14) or in a disengaged configuration 36 (e.g., separated from the guest interface device 14). In particular, the proximity sensor 350 may be triggered (e.g., generate a signal) when the wearable visualization device 12 is within a threshold distance of the guest interface device 14 and thus may be used to determine when the wearable visualization device 12 is disposed in the engaged configuration 34. As an example, the proximity sensor 350 may be triggered when the distal end surface 306 of the first peripheral portion 54 of the wearable visualization device 12 is within a threshold distance or in contact with the receiving surface 342 of the first peripheral end 312 of the interface frame 310.

[0088] In some embodiments, the processor 166 may periodically or continuously monitor the feedback received from the proximity sensor 350. Upon receiving feedback from the proximity sensor 350 indicating that the wearable visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 34, the processor 166 may provide an indication to the user confirming that the wearable visualization device 12 has been successfully mated with the guest interface device 14. By way of example, upon receiving feedback indicating that the wearable visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 34, the processor 166 may direct the light assembly 160 to project a particular hue or color of light (e.g., green), control one or more audio speakers of the wearable visualization device 12 to provide an audible message to the user, control the screen 78 to display a message to the user on the lens 20, and / or provide feedback to the user and / or operator via another suitable medium.

[0089] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may include multiple proximity sensors disposed along any suitable portion of the wearable visualization device 12. For example, the wearable visualization device 12 may include a first proximity sensor disposed within a first perimeter 54 of the housing 18 and a second proximity sensor disposed within a second perimeter 56 of the housing 18. In such an embodiment, the processor 166 may determine that the wearable visualization device 12 is coupled to the guest interface device 14 upon receiving feedback that both the first and second proximity sensors are triggered. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the processor 166 may determine that the wearable visualization device 12 is coupled to the guest interface device 14 upon receiving feedback that any one particular proximity sensor is triggered or a threshold number of proximity sensors included in the wearable visualization device 12 are triggered.

[0090] 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wearable visualization device 12 and a receptacle 370 configured to receive the wearable visualization device 12. In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device 12 may be stored in the receptacle 370 when the wearable visualization device 12 is not attached to the user's guest interface device 14. By way of example, the receptacle 370 may include a cavity or other storage area formed in a lap bar 372 of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the processor 166 may be configured to utilize feedback from the proximity sensor 350 and / or the IMU 152 (e.g., an orientation sensor) to determine whether the wearable visualization device 12 is in a stored configuration 374 within the receptacle 370.

[0091] For example, the IMU 152 may include a nine-degree-of-freedom system-on-chip with an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and / or a processor for executing sensor fusion algorithms. The processor 166 may utilize the feedback received from the IMU 152 to determine the orientation of the wearable visualization device 12 along various axes (e.g., relative to the direction of gravity). In some embodiments, the orientation of the wearable visualization device 12 when it is placed in the receptacle 370, referred to herein as the stored orientation, may be known and stored, for example, in the memory 158.

[0092] The processor 166 may determine that the wearable visualization device 12 is in the stored configuration 374 when it receives feedback from the IMU 152 that the wearable visualization device 12 is in a stored orientation and when it receives feedback from a proximity sensor 380 (e.g., a proximity sensor disposed adjacent the lens mount 46, such as the proximity sensor 350) that, for example, the lens mount 46 is a threshold distance away from or in contact with a mating surface 382 of the receptacle 370. The processor 166 will not inadvertently determine that the wearable visualization device 12 is in the stored configuration 374 when a user temporarily points the wearable visualization device 12 in a stored orientation (e.g., during the process of aligning the wearable visualization device 12 with the guest interface device 14). Alternatively, the processor 166 may determine that the wearable visualization device 12 is disposed in the stored configuration 374 when it receives feedback from both the IMU 152 and the proximity sensor 350 indicating that the wearable visualization device 12 is disposed in the receptacle 370 at a particular angle and engaged (physically contacted) with the mating surface 382. In accordance with the techniques described above, the processor 116 may be configured to provide an audible and / or visual alert or confirmation when it is determined that the wearable visualization device 12 is transitioned to the stored configuration 374. As an example, upon determining that the wearable visualization device 12 has transitioned to the stored configuration 374, the processor 166 may direct the light assembly 160 to emit light of a blue or other hue.

[0093] In some embodiments, the lap bar 372 may move (e.g., release) in response to the wearable visualization device 12 being in a storage configuration 374. It should be understood that the receptacle 370 may be located in any portion of the ride vehicle (e.g., dashboard, armrest, wall, etc.). The receptacle 370 may be used in other types of attractions (e.g., without a ride vehicle) and the receptacle 370 may be located in a wall or structure such as a seat or an exit of the attraction.

[0094] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for reducing the overall manufacturing cost and / or manufacturing complexity of a wearable visualization device, facilitating the performance of maintenance activities for the wearable visualization device, and facilitating the integration of the wearable visualization device in an amusement park environment. It should be understood that the technical effects and technical problems in the specification are examples and are not limiting. Indeed, it should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

[0095] While the embodiments described in this disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. The disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

[0096] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve upon the state of the art, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, where any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [function]..." or "steps for [performing] [function]...," it is intended that such elements be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. 1. A wearable visualization device configured to provide an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality experience to a user, comprising: Housing and a lens portion extending from the housing; a first display screen and a second display screen coupled to the housing and configured to project light onto the lens portion, the lens portion configured to reflect at least a portion of the light to an eye of the user; a camera disposed between the first display screen and the second display screen and configured to capture image data of the lens portion; A wearable visualization device comprising:

2. the image data comprises a reflection of a portion of the light visible on the lens portion and an eye of the user. The wearable visualization device of claim 1 .

3. a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and configured to receive the image data and determine a biometric indicator of the user based on the eye reflections; The wearable visualization device of claim 2 .

4. The biometric information includes an interpupillary distance of the user. The wearable visualization device of claim 3 .

5. the processor is configured to control the first display screen and the second display screen to adjust the projection of the light onto the lens portion based on the biometric information. The wearable visualization device of claim 3 .

6. the first display screen and the second display screen are substantially equally spaced from a centerline of the wearable visualization device; the first display screen is configured to raster virtual features onto the lenticular portion in a first direction extending outwardly from and across the centerline, and the second display screen is configured to raster additional virtual features onto the lenticular portion in a second direction extending outwardly from and across the centerline. The wearable visualization device of claim 1 .

7. the lens portion having an inner surface facing the first display screen and the second display screen; the inner surface being coated with a reflective layer configured to reflect between 50 and 70 percent of the light projected onto the lens portion toward the user's eye; The wearable visualization device of claim 1 .

8. The lens portion has an outer surface facing the inner surface, The outer surface is coated with an anti-reflective layer, a scratch-resistant coating, or both; The wearable visualization device of claim 7.

9. 1. An augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, comprising: a wearable visualization device comprising: a display assembly having a housing, a lens portion extending from the housing, and a frame removably coupled to the housing, wherein a first display screen, a second display screen, and a camera are coupled to the frame, the camera being disposed between the first display screen and the second display screen; AR / VR system.

10. the housing comprises a chassis having a first screen opening, a second screen opening, and a camera opening; the frame is configured to removably couple to the chassis and configured to align the first display screen, the second display screen, and the camera with the first screen opening, the second screen opening, and the camera opening, respectively, in an engaged configuration with the chassis; 10. The AR / VR system of claim 9.

11. a light emitting diode (LED) disposed within the housing; and a light pipe extending between the LED and an exterior surface of the housing.

10. The AR / VR system of claim 9.

12. an interface device adapted to couple to a user's head; the wearable visualization device is configured to removably couple to the interface device; 10. The AR / VR system of claim 9.

13. a proximity sensor coupled to the housing and configured to provide feedback indicative of a proximity of the housing to a surface of the interface device; a processor communicatively coupled to the proximity sensor, the processor configured to determine whether the wearable visualization device is coupled to the interface device based on the feedback; and The AR / VR system of claim 12 .

14. the processor is configured to illuminate an illumination element of the wearable visualization device when the wearable visualization device is determined to be coupled to the interface device.

14. The AR / VR system of claim 13.

15. 1. A wearable visualization device configured to provide an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality experience to a user, comprising: A lens portion; a display screen configured to project a virtual feature onto a first location on the lens; a camera configured to acquire image data indicative of a reflection visible on the lens portion, the reflection comprising a first reflection on a first eye of the user and a second reflection on a second eye of the user; a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the display screen, the processor configured to adjust the projection of the virtual feature from the first location to a second location on the lens portion based on the image data; and A wearable visualization device comprising:

16. Based on the image data, the processor is configured to determine an interpupillary axis extending between a first pupil of the first eye of the user and a second pupil of the second eye of the user, and to determine an angle between the interpupillary axis and a reference axis extending along the lens portion, the angle being indicative of an orientation of the wearable visualization device relative to the user's head.

16. The wearable visualization device of claim 15.

17. the processor is configured to instruct the display screen to project the virtual feature onto the second location of the lens when the angle is determined to be greater than a tolerance value.

17. The wearable visualization device of claim 16.

18. the processor is configured to generate an alert indicating that the wearable visualization device is misaligned on the user's head when the angle is determined to exceed a threshold greater than the tolerance.

20. The wearable visualization device of claim 17.

19. a proximity sensor configured to monitor the proximity of the wearable visualization device to a surface; an orientation sensor configured to monitor an orientation of the wearable visualization device relative to gravity; Equipped with the processor is configured to determine that the wearable visualization device is in a stored configuration when it receives feedback from the proximity sensor indicating that the wearable visualization device is within a threshold distance of the surface and when it receives additional feedback from the orientation sensor indicating that the wearable visualization device is in a stored orientation.

16. The wearable visualization device of claim 15.

20. one or more lighting elements communicatively coupled to the processor; the processor is configured to instruct the one or more lighting elements to illuminate when the wearable visualization device is determined to be in the stored configuration.

20. The wearable visualization device of claim 19.

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