Head-mounted device for displaying projected images

Abstract

To provide a projection system that displays project images to a user wearing a viewing device.SOLUTION: A system includes a projection device configured to project images onto a receiver surface of a viewing device. The viewing device includes a screen having the receiver surface and a viewing surface opposite the receiver surface. The screen is configured to permit transmission of the images through the screen, from the receiver surface, to the viewing surface such that the images are viewable on the viewing surface. The viewing device also includes a focusing lens configured to focus the images for a user when wearing the viewing device. Further, the system includes a tracking system configured to determine a location and orientation of the receiver surface of the viewing device. The projection device is configured to adjust image properties of the images based at least in part on the determined location and orientation of the receiver surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 930,873, filed November 5, 2019, and entitled "HEAD-MOUNTED DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING PROJECTED IMAGES," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a head-mounted device that displays projected images to a user wearing the head-mounted device. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, as described 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.

[0004] Theme park or amusement park attractions have become increasingly popular, resulting in the creation of a variety of amusement park attractions that offer unique immersive experiences to domestic and international guests. Some amusement park attractions incorporate virtual reality equipment to help provide guests with unique immersive experiences. Traditionally, providing guests with images (e.g., video feeds) for virtual reality experiences requires a head-mounted display (HMD) with built-in electronics that generate the images and power the HMD's display. However, these HMDs are generally expensive, power-hungry, and heavy, which can detract from the unique immersive experience. Some head-mounted displays also include built-in cameras for determining the position or orientation of the head-mounted display. The built-in cameras can further detract from the unique immersive experience by increasing the cost, power consumption, and weight of conventional HMDs. Therefore, it is now recognized that improvements to these head-mounted displays are desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0013] The following summarizes certain embodiments commensurate with the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather merely to provide a brief summary of some disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a system includes a projection device configured to project one or more images onto an image receiving surface. The system also includes a vision device configured to be worn by a user. The vision device has a frame holding a screen and a focusing lens. The screen of the vision device has an image receiving surface and a viewing surface opposite the image receiving surface. The screen is configured to allow transmission of one or more images through the screen from the image receiving surface to the viewing surface, such that the one or more images are visible on the viewing surface. The focusing lens of the vision device is configured to focus the one or more images viewable on the viewing surface on the user when the user is wearing the vision device. Furthermore, the system includes a tracking system configured to determine the position and orientation of the image receiving surface of the vision device. The projection device is configured to adjust image characteristics of the one or more projected images based at least in part on the determined position and orientation of the image receiving surface.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a system includes a control system configured to generate image projection instructions based at least in part on a position and orientation of an image receiving surface. The system also includes a plurality of projection devices. Each projection device of the plurality of projection devices is configured to project a unique image onto at least a portion of the image receiving surface based on the image projection instructions. The system also includes a viewing device configured to be worn by a user and having a frame holding a screen and a focusing lens. The viewing device includes a screen having an image receiving surface and a viewing surface. The screen is configured to allow transmission of the blended image from the image receiving surface through the screen to the viewing surface so that the blended image is visible on the viewing surface. The blended image is formed of unique images projected onto the image receiving surface from the plurality of projection devices. The viewing device also includes a focusing lens configured to focus the blended image on a user associated with the viewing device. The system further includes a tracking system configured to determine the position and orientation of the image receiving surface. The plurality of projection devices are configured to adjust image characteristics of each of the unique images based at least in part on the image projection instructions to form the blended image.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a method includes determining a position and orientation of a vision device via a tracking system. The vision device includes a frame configured to be worn by a user and to hold a screen and a focusing lens. The method further includes adjusting image characteristics of one or more images based at least in part on the position and orientation of the vision device. Additionally, the method includes projecting one or more images onto an image receiving surface of a screen of the vision device via one or more projection devices. The viewing surface of the screen is positioned opposite the image receiving surface, and the screen is configured to allow transmission of one or more images through the screen from the image receiving surface to the viewing surface, such that the one or more images are visible to a user on the viewing surface through the focusing lens.

[0009] 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 parts are designated by like numerals throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a projection system for displaying a projected image, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a projection system for displaying a projected image, according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system for a projection system that displays a projected image on a viewing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment having multiple projection devices simultaneously projecting images onto a viewing device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exterior of a visual device according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interior of a viewing device according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for viewing a projected image from a projection device using a viewing device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. In the interest of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of an implementation may be described herein. It will be appreciated that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present 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. Furthermore, 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 contain the recited features.

[0013] Provided herein are systems and methods for displaying images (e.g., video feeds) to a user without the hardware and processing circuitry of a traditional head-mounted display. The systems and methods include a separate projection device configured to project images onto a visual device (e.g., glasses) configured to be worn by a user. Specifically, the projection device projects an image onto an image receiving surface of a screen of the visual device. The screen includes an image receiving surface and a viewing surface and is configured to allow transmission of the image from the image receiving surface to the viewing surface. That is, the screen includes a rear projection material that allows the image to pass from the image receiving surface to the viewing surface. The visual device also includes a focusing lens that focuses the image on a user wearing the visual device so that the user can view the image on the viewing surface. Thus, computationally complex image generation and / or projection are offloaded to the projection device rather than being present on the visual device worn by the user. The systems and methods provide a low-cost, comfortable, and power-saving option for displaying images to a user because no built-in electronics are required to display the image.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a projection system 10 including a projection device 12 and a visual device 14 in an amusement park attraction 16. As described above, the projection device 12 can be configured to project images onto a visual device (e.g., glasses) spaced apart from the visual device 14 so that the user 18 can view the images (e.g., a video feed) on a viewing surface 20 of the visual device 14. In the illustrated embodiment, each user 18 in the amusement park attraction 16 has their own visual device 14 through which to view the images. The projection system can be configured to output the same image to each visual device 14 so that each user 18 sees a common video feed. However, in some embodiments, these images can be user- or device-specific so that each user 18 sees a unique image (e.g., a unique video feed) through their respective visual device 14. For example, each user can be assigned a specific role (e.g., captain, pilot, navigator, etc.) as part of the amusement park attraction 16. Each visual device 14 of each user 18 can receive a video feed specific to the particular role assigned to the user 18 so that the user 18 can experience the amusement park attraction 16 from the perspective of the assigned role. The projection system can have multiple projection devices 12 (e.g., dedicated projection devices) to output unique video feeds. The projection system can have a dedicated projection device 12 for each user 18 or each visual device 14 in the amusement park attraction 16. In some embodiments, a single projection device can output a common feed or unique video feeds to multiple visual devices 14.

[0015] In some embodiments, projection system 10 can be configured to output a combination of common and unique video feeds within amusement attraction 16. For example, during an introductory portion of amusement attraction 16, projection system 10 can output a common feed. During subsequent portions of amusement attraction 16, projection system 10 can cause some projection devices 12 to output video feeds specific to users 18 in particular roles. Users 18 with no roles, or users 18 in roles that do not have active tasks, can continue to receive the common feed. However, during some portions of amusement attraction 16, projection system 10 can output video feeds specific to each user 18 in amusement attraction 16.

[0016] As described above, the vision device 14 is configured to be worn by the user 18. The vision device 14 can be a head-mounted device (e.g., glasses). The vision device 14 includes a frame 22 (e.g., eyeglass frames). Components of the vision device 14 can be mounted to the frame 22. A screen 24 can be mounted to a portion of the frame 22 such that a viewing surface 20 of the screen 24 is visible to the user 18. The screen 24 includes at least the viewing surface 20 and an image receiving surface 26 positioned opposite the viewing surface 20. The viewing surface 20 can be located internal to the vision device 14. That is, the viewing surface 20 can be located on a portion of the screen 24 facing the user 18 such that the viewing surface 20 is visible to the user 18 while the user 18 is wearing the vision device 14. The image receiving surface 26 faces outward from the user 18. In some embodiments, the amusement park attraction 16 is configured to orient the user 18 so that the image receiving surface 26 is generally facing the projection device 12. For example, the amusement park attraction 16 may include a ride seat 28 for the user 18. The ride seat 28 may face the projection device 12 so that the user 18 and the viewing device 14 face toward the projection device 12.

[0017] Projection device 12 is configured to project an image (e.g., a video feed) onto an image receiving surface 26 of a screen 24 of a vision device 14. Screen 24 may include a rear projection material. The rear projection material is at least partially translucent, allowing transmission of the image (e.g., a video feed) through screen 24 from image receiving surface 26 to viewing surface 20 so that the image is visible to user 18 on viewing surface 20. A rear image of the image (e.g., video feed) visible to user 18 may also be visible on image receiving surface 26. In some embodiments, a park employee may visually inspect the rear image visible on each image receiving surface 26 of each vision device 14 to ensure that each user's vision device 14 is correctly displaying the image (e.g., video feed).

[0018] The vision device 14 may also include a focusing lens configured to focus an image (e.g., a video feed) viewed on the viewing surface so that the image is visible to the user 18 wearing the vision device 14. In some embodiments, the image includes a text-based message, an image, a video, or some combination thereof. For example, the amusement park attraction 16 may be a virtual reality type attraction, where the image includes a video image of a virtual reality environment. In another example, the image may include text-based instructions for the amusement park attraction 16. The text-based instructions may inform the user how to use the vision device 14 to avoid losing the image projected from the projection device 12.

[0019] As described above, the projection device 12 is configured to project an image onto the image receiving surface 26 of the vision device 14. However, because the vision device 14 is a head-mounted device, movement of the user 18's head causes the vision device 14 to move (e.g., change orientation) relative to the projection device 12. The user 18 can tilt or move their head in multiple directions to move the image receiving surface 26 relative to the projection device 12. Accordingly, the projection system 10 can include a tracking system 32 that detects movement of the image receiving surface 26 and determines the position and orientation of the image receiving surface 26. The projection system 10 can be configured to adjust the image (e.g., correct the image output to the image receiving surface) based on the detected movement of the image receiving surface 26. The projection system 10 can cause the projection device 12 to adjust the image so that the user 18 sees a consistent image despite their head movement. In some embodiments, the projection system 10 can be configured to move or rotate the projection device 12 to follow the image receiving surface 26 so that the user 18 sees a consistent image despite their head movement.

[0020] However, if user 18 moves their head in a direction that exceeds the image adjustment capabilities of projection device 12, the image may be lost and may not be visible on viewing surface 20. In some cases, if user 18 rotates their head (e.g., 90 degrees to the right), projection device 12 may not be able to accurately project the image onto viewing device 14.

[0021] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the projection system 10 includes a reflective surface 27 configured to expand the range of potential movement of a user of an amusement park attraction. The reflective surface 27 can be configured to reflect the image 29 projected from the projection device 12 onto the image receiving surface 26 of the screen 24 of the viewing device 14. The projection device 12 can be positioned generally behind the user 18, thereby enhancing the immersive experience of the embodiment. The threshold range of movement at which the projection device 12 projects an accurate image onto the viewing device can be from -50 degrees to +50 degrees. The reflective surface can be a concave mirror that allows the user to rotate within the dome surface of the mirror without losing the ability to receive the reflected image. The reflective surface 27 is configured to reflect the image toward the image receiving surface 26 of the viewing device 14 so that the user 18 can see an accurate image even when turned 90 degrees. In some embodiments, other systems can compensate for user movement in directions outside the threshold range of movement of the projection device 12. For example, the projection system 10 can be configured to use multiple projection devices for a single viewing device 14.

[0022] 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system 36 for a projection system 10 that displays a projected image on a viewing device 14 (e.g., a head-mounted device), according to aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, the projection device 12 is configured to project an image 34 (e.g., a video feed) toward the image receiving surface 26 of the screen 24 of the viewing device 14. The control system 36 is configured to generate image projection instructions 38 for the projection device to output the projected image. The image projection instructions 38 may cause the projection device 12 to project an introductory video for an amusement park attraction 16 onto the image receiving surface 26 of the viewing device 14. In another example, the projected image may include a specific message (e.g., a warning, enter coordinates now, or turn right).

[0023] The control system 36 can be configured to generate the image projection instructions 38 via the processor 40a and the memory 42a. The processor 40a can include one or more processing devices, and the memory can include one or more tangible, non-transitory machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to hold or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 40a or other processor-based device (e.g., a mobile device). In some embodiments, the memory 42a is configured to store controller instructions executable by the processor 40a to output various control system signals (e.g., the image projection instructions 38). For example, the processor 40a can execute the controller instructions to output the image projection instructions 38 and operate the projection device 12.

[0024] In some embodiments, the processor 40a can be configured to generate the image projection instructions 38 based at least in part on user input via a user interface 39. The user interface 39 can include an input / output device 41 (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch screen) configured to provide user input to the processor 40a. Additionally, the user interface 39 can include a display 44 (e.g., a computer monitor or personal device screen) configured to display user options for the control system 36.

[0025] Additionally, the control system 36 can be configured to output the image projection instructions 38 via communications circuitry 46a, which can include an antenna, wireless transceiver circuitry, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A / D converters, multiplexers, amplifiers), or combinations thereof, and can be configured to communicate over wireless communications paths via infrared (IR) wireless communications, satellite communications, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wifi, UHF, NFC, etc.

[0026] The projection device 12 is configured to receive image projection instructions 38 and output an image 34 (e.g., a video feed) based at least in part on the image projection instructions 38. In some embodiments, the control system 36 includes multiple projection devices (e.g., a first projection device 48 and a second projection device 50). Each projection device 12 can be configured to receive unique image projection instructions (e.g., first image projection instructions 52 and second image projection instructions 54) such that each projection device 12 outputs a unique image (e.g., a first image 56 and a second image 58). Accordingly, each projection device 12 can include communication circuitry 46b, 46c for receiving the respective unique image projection instructions. The communication circuitry 46b, 46c can be configured to output the respective received unique image projection instructions to the respective processors 40b, 40c and / or memory devices 42b, 42c. Each processor 40b, 40c can be configured to generate and output respective projector instructions based at least in part on the respective received image projection instructions. Each projector (eg, first projector 60 and second projector 62) can be configured to receive respective projector commands and output respective images 56, 58.

[0027] In some embodiments, the projection devices 48, 50 are configured to project respective images 56, 58 onto at least a portion of the image receiving surface 26 of the visual device 14. That is, multiple projection devices 12 can be configured to emit respective images onto a single visual device 14. In some embodiments, the projection devices 48, 50 are configured to output respective images 56, 58 onto corresponding visual devices, such that a first projection device outputs a first image 56 onto a first visual device and a second projection device outputs a second image 58 onto a second visual device. In some embodiments, a single projection device 12 is configured to output an image 34 onto multiple visual receiving devices. The image 34 can be configured to display a common feed on each of the multiple visual receiving devices. For example, the image 34 can span the width of a room in an amusement park attraction. The image 34 can include multiple common feeds within the image 34. Each common feed can be positioned within the image 34 based on the location and orientation of the visual devices within the room. That is, the projection device 12 may be configured to align each common feed in the image 34 with a visual device such that the common feed is projected onto each of a plurality of visual devices.

[0028] Furthermore, the projection device 12 can be any suitable projection device 12 configured to project the image 34. For example, the projection device 12 can include a digital light processing (DLP) projector, a light emitting diode (LED) projector, or a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector.

[0029] In some embodiments, the visual device 14 includes a head-mounted display. For example, the visual device 14 may include glasses configured to be worn by a user. As described above, the visual device 14 includes a screen 24. The screen 24 includes an image receiving surface 26 and a viewing surface 20 opposite the image receiving surface 26. The screen 24 is configured to allow transmission of an image 34 from the image receiving surface 26 through the screen 24 to the viewing surface 20, such that the image 34 is visible on the viewing surface 20. The visual device 14 also includes a focusing lens 30 configured to focus the image 34 visible on the viewing surface 20 onto a user associated with the visual device 14.

[0030] As described above, the control system 36 can be configured to generate the image projection instructions 38 based at least in part on pre-programmed controller instructions stored in the memory 42a or on user input. The control system 36 can also be configured to generate the image projection instructions 38 based at least in part on the position and orientation of the screen 24 of the vision device 14. The projection device 12 can be configured to modify the image 34 so that the image 34 (e.g., a video stream) is displayed correctly on the vision device 14 when the distance and relative angle of the vision device 14 changes with respect to the projection device 12. For example, a user may initially be positioned five feet away from the projection device 12. During a portion of the amusement park attraction 16, the user may move back away from the projection device 12 so that they are ten feet away from the projection device 12. If the projection device 12 does not modify the image 34, the image 34 will appear larger than the vision device 14, and only a portion of the image 34 will be visible on the vision device 14. Therefore, the projection device 12 can be configured to adjust the image characteristics (e.g., focus, distortion, offset, or scale) of the image 34 based on the position and orientation of the visual device 14 so that the image 34 is projected correctly onto the visual device 14.

[0031] The projection system 10 may include a tracking system 32 configured to determine the position and orientation of the image receiving surface of the vision device. The tracking system may include a processor 40d and a memory 42d. In some embodiments, the tracking system 32 is configured to detect tracking features 64 disposed on the vision device 14 to determine the position and / or orientation of the vision device 14. The tracking system 32 may include communication circuitry 46d configured to output the determined position and / or orientation of the vision device 14 to the control system 36. The vision device 14 may have a passive infrared tracking feature, such as an infrared ink pattern, an infrared LED illuminator, or another suitable passive tracking feature 64. The tracking system 32 may include a tracking device 66 (e.g., an infrared tracking device) configured to detect the passive infrared tracking feature and determine the position and / or orientation of the vision device 14 based at least in part on the detection of the passive infrared tracking feature. The tracking device 66 may be mounted to the projection device 12 or any suitable location that provides a line of sight to the tracking feature 64. For example, the tracking device 66 may be mounted to the top of a wall of an amusement park attraction.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tracking system 32 includes a camera configured to detect optically visible tracking features disposed on the vision device 14. The optically visible tracking features may include retroreflective dots, a QR code, an optically visible ink pattern, or any other suitable tracking features. The tracking system 32 may be configured to determine the position and / or orientation of the vision device 14 based at least in part on the detected optically visible tracking features. In some embodiments, the vision device 14 includes an infrared transceiver configured to output infrared position signals to the tracking system 32. The tracking system 32 may be configured to receive the infrared position signals 68 and determine the position and / or orientation of the vision device 14 based at least in part on the infrared position signals 68. In some embodiments, the vision device 14 includes a global positioning system (GPS) device configured to output GPS signals 70 to the tracking system 32. The tracking system 32 may be configured to determine the position of the vision device based at least in part on the GPS signals 70.

[0033] 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a projection system 10 within an amusement park attraction 16 having multiple projection devices simultaneously projecting images onto a viewing device 14, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the projection system 10 includes multiple projection devices (e.g., a first projection device 48 and a second projection device 50). As described above, the multiple projection devices can be configured to emit images onto a single viewing device 14. Specifically, each projection device 12 of the multiple projection devices can be configured to emit a respective unique image (e.g., a first image 56 and a second image 58) onto at least a portion of the image receiving surface 26 of the viewing device 14. The viewing device 14 (e.g., glasses) is configured to be worn by a user and includes a frame 22 that holds a screen 24 and a focusing lens.

[0034] The screen 24 includes an image receiving surface 26 and a viewing surface 20. The image receiving surface 26 is disposed on an opposite side of the screen 24 from the viewing surface 20. The screen 24 may be at least partially translucent. The screen 24 may include a rear projection material configured to allow the transmission of visible light through the screen 24. Specifically, the screen 24 is configured to allow the transmission of an image 34 from the image receiving surface 26 through the screen 24 to the viewing surface 20 such that the image 34 is visible on the viewing surface 20 of the screen 24. The viewing surface 20 is disposed on an interior portion of the viewing device 14. That is, a user can see the viewing surface 20 of the screen 24 when wearing the viewing device 14.

[0035] In some embodiments, the projection system 10 is configured to transmit an image (e.g., a video feed) via a blended image 72. The blended image 72 is formed by combining unique images 56, 58 projected onto the image receiving surface 26 from multiple projection devices 48, 50. As described above, the viewing device 14 can have a threshold range 74 of movement relative to the projection device 12 that allows the projection device 12 to project an accurate image onto the viewing device 14. In some embodiments, the threshold range 74 can be between -50 degrees and +50 degrees. As the viewing device 14 moves relative to the first projection device 48 (e.g., the user rotates their head), the viewing device 14 can rotate so that the second projection device 50 is within the threshold range 74. For example, the first projection device 48 can be located at the front 76 of the room, and the second projection device can be located on the right wall 78 of the room. Each of the first projection device 48 and the second projection device 50 can be configured to project a respective image (e.g., the first image 56 and the second image 58) toward the center of the room. When the user initially faces the front 76 of the room, the first projection device 48 will be within the threshold range 74 of the viewing device 14. However, if the user rotates their head outside the threshold range (e.g., 80 degrees to the right), the second projection device 50 will rotate into the threshold range 74 of the viewing device 14.

[0036] In some embodiments, a degradation zone 80 of the visual device 12 exists outside the threshold range 74. For example, the degradation zone 80 of the visual device 14 may be between -50 degrees and -70 degrees and between +50 degrees and +70 degrees. Within the degradation zone 80 of the visual device 14, the projection device 12 may project a degraded image. In some embodiments, the first projection device 48 and the second projection device 50 may project their respective images (e.g., the first image 56 and the second image 58) within the degradation zone to form the blended image 72. Each of the first projection device 48 and the second projection device 50 may be configured to emit a portion of the image 34 (e.g., a video feed) via their respective unique images (e.g., the first image 56 and the second image 58) to project an accurate image onto the visual device 14. The combination of these unique images (e.g., the first image 56 and the second image 58) forms the blended image. Screen 24 is configured to allow transmission of blended image 72 from image receiving surface 26 through screen 24 to viewing surface 20 such that blended image 72 is visible on viewing surface 20 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the projection system 10 includes a projection device actuator. The projection device actuator 82 can be configured to move the projection device 12 based at least in part on the position and orientation of the vision device 14. The projection device actuator 82 can be configured to rotate along multiple axes. Additionally, the projection device actuator 82 can be configured to move throughout the room of the amusement park attraction 16. For example, the projection device actuator 82 can be on a track system coupled to the ceiling such that the projection device 12 can move from the front of the room 76 to the rear of the room. The projection device actuator 82 can be configured to move based at least in part on an actuator signal received from a control system of the projection system 10.

[0038] 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exterior 84 of a visual device 14 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, the visual device 14 (e.g., eyeglasses) is configured to be worn by a user. The visual device 14 includes a frame 22 (e.g., eyeglass frames) to which components of the visual device 14 can be attached. For example, a screen 24 can be attached to a portion of the frame 22 via clips 85. The screen 24 can be an inexpensive, disposable part that can be replaced if damaged or worn and can be removed from the frame 22 as needed. The screen 24 includes an image receiving surface 26 and a viewing surface (not shown) opposite the image receiving surface 26. The image receiving surface 26 is the surface of the screen 24 that faces outward toward the user.

[0039] The projection device is configured to project an image 34 (e.g., a video feed) onto the image receiving surface 26 of the screen of the visual device. The screen may include a rear projection material. The rear projection material is at least partially translucent, allowing transmission of the image (e.g., a video feed) through the screen from the image receiving surface 26 to the viewing surface so that the image is visible to the user on the viewing surface. As described above, a rear image 86 of the image (e.g., a video feed) is visible on the image receiving surface 26. In some embodiments, a check can be performed by park staff to confirm that each user's visual device 14 is displaying an image (e.g., a video feed) by visually inspecting the rear image 86 visible on the image receiving surface 26 of the user's visual device 14.

[0040] In some embodiments, the vision device 14 may have a tracking feature 64 configured to communicate (e.g., passively or actively) with a control system to provide the position and / or orientation of the image receiving surface of the vision device 14. The tracking feature 64 may be located on a front portion 88 of the vision device 14. For example, the tracking feature 64 may be attached to the frame 22 at the front portion of the vision device 14, or may be located within or on the frame 22. In another example, the tracking feature 64 is coupled to the image receiving surface 26 of the screen 24. However, the tracking feature 64 may be coupled to any suitable portion of the vision device 14. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the projection system 10 may include an external tracking feature. For example, the external tracking feature may be located on a wearable device (e.g., a bracelet) corresponding to the user wearing the vision device 14. The external tracking feature may be configured to provide the user's location within an amusement park attraction.

[0041] The tracking feature 64 may be a passive infrared tracking feature, such as an infrared ink pattern, an infrared LED illuminator, or another suitable passive tracking feature. The tracking feature 64 may be configured to be detected by a tracking system to provide position and orientation information of the vision device 14 to a control system. The tracking feature 64 may be attached to a portion of the vision device 14 that allows the tracking system line of sight to the passive infrared tracking feature. For example, the tracking feature 64 may be attached to a front portion 88 of the vision device 14 such that it is within line of sight with a tracking system positioned proximate to a projection device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the tracking features 64 include optically visible tracking features, such as retroreflective markers, retroreflective dots, QR codes, optically visible ink patterns, or any other suitable tracking features. The optically visible tracking features may be located on a portion of the vision device 14 that is visible to a camera of a tracking system. As described above, the camera of the tracking system is configured to detect the optically visible tracking features located on the vision device 14 to determine the position and orientation of the vision device 14. In some embodiments, the vision device 14 includes an infrared transceiver configured to actively output infrared location signals to the tracking system. The tracking system may be configured to receive the infrared location signals and determine the position and orientation of the vision device 14 based at least in part on the infrared location signals.

[0043] The passive tracking features 64 on the vision device 14 allow the tracking features to be formed from relatively inexpensive materials so that the entire vision device 14 can generally be disposable or provided as a collectible item. This feature provides an advantage over more expensive head-mounted devices with integrated image generation and processing circuitry. While retrieving expensive devices at the end of an experience can be time-consuming, the disclosed projection system 10 allows for the rapid distribution of the vision device 14 without the need to retrieve the vision device 14 after the experience.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interior 90 of a visual device 14 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As described above, the visual device 14 can be a head-mounted device (e.g., glasses). The visual device 14 includes a frame 22 (e.g., eyeglass frames). Components of the visual device 14 can be mounted to the frame 22. A screen 24 can be mounted to a portion of the frame 22 such that a viewing surface 20 of the screen 24 is visible to the user. The screen 24 includes at least the viewing surface 20 and an image receiving surface (not shown) positioned opposite the viewing surface. The viewing surface 20 can be positioned within the interior 90 of the visual device 14. That is, the viewing surface 20 can be positioned in a portion of the screen facing the user such that the viewing surface 20 is visible to the user.

[0045] The projection device is configured to project an image 34 (e.g., a video feed) onto the receiving surface of a screen 24 of the viewing device. The screen 24 may include a rear projection material that is at least partially translucent and allows transmission of the image 34 (e.g., a video feed) from the receiving surface through the screen 24 to the viewing surface 20 so that the image 34 is visible to a user on the viewing surface 20.

[0046] Additionally, the vision device 14 may include a focusing lens 30 configured to focus the image 34 (e.g., a video feed) displayed on the viewing surface 20 so that the image 34 is visible to a user wearing the vision device 14. The focusing lens 30 may be positioned on the vision device 14 so as to be located between the user and the viewing surface 20. In some embodiments, the image 34 includes a text-based message, an image, a video, or some combination thereof. For example, an amusement park attraction may be a virtual reality type attraction, where the image 34 includes a video image of a virtual reality environment. In another example, the image 34 may include text-based instructions for the amusement park attraction. The text-based instructions may inform the user how to use the vision device 14 to avoid losing the image 34 projected from the projection device.

[0047] 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 92 for viewing a projected image from a projection device using a visual device according to aspects of the present disclosure. The method includes determining, via a tracking system (block 94), a position and orientation of a visual device (e.g., glasses) configured to be worn by a user and including a frame configured to hold a screen and a focusing lens.

[0048] The method further includes projecting an image onto a receiving surface of a screen of a visual device via one or more projection devices (block 96). A user may move their head during an amusement ride, thereby moving the visual device relative to the projected image output from the projection devices. Thus, the projected image may not be displayed accurately on the visual device after the user moves their head. Therefore, the method further includes adjusting image characteristics of the image based at least in part on the position and orientation of the visual device (block 98). For example, a user may move within their seat in the amusement ride, causing the visual device to move to a new position and / or orientation (e.g., to the right). The control system can determine the new orientation and position of the visual device and adjust the image characteristics (e.g., shift the image to the right) to enable accurate display of the projected image on the visual device. In some embodiments, the method can include adjusting image characteristics such as distortion, offset, scale, or any other suitable image characteristic.

[0049] The method further includes displaying the projected image on a viewing surface of a screen of the visual device, the viewing surface being positioned opposite the image receiving surface, the screen being configured to allow transmission of the image through the screen from the image receiving surface to the viewing surface such that the projected image is visible to a user on the viewing surface through at least one focusing lens (Block 100).

[0050] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0051] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, where 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). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 12 Projection device 14 Visual devices 27 Reflective surface 29 images

Claims

1. 1. A projection system for displaying a projected image, comprising: a projection device configured to project one or more images onto an image receiving surface; a viewing device configured to be worn by a user and including a frame holding a screen and a focusing lens; Equipped with the screen includes the image receiving surface and a viewing surface disposed opposite the image receiving surface, the screen being configured to allow transmission of the one or more projected images from the image receiving surface to the viewing surface through the screen so that the one or more images are visible on the viewing surface; the focusing lens is configured to focus the projected image(s) visible on the viewing surface onto the user when the user is wearing the viewing device, and the projection system comprises: a tracking system configured to determine the position and orientation of the image receiving surface of the vision device; the projection device is configured to adjust image characteristics of the projected one or more images based at least in part on the determined position and orientation of the image receiving surface.

1. A projection system comprising:

2. the image characteristics include distortion, offset, scale, or a combination thereof; 10. The projection system of claim 1.

3. the vision device includes an infrared transceiver configured to output infrared position signals to the tracking system, the tracking system configured to receive the infrared position signals and determine the position and orientation of the vision device based at least in part on the infrared position signals.

10. The projection system of claim 1.

4. the vision device includes a passive infrared tracking feature, the tracking system comprising an infrared device configured to detect the passive infrared tracking feature and determine the position and orientation of the vision device based at least in part on the detection of the passive infrared tracking feature; 10. The projection system of claim 1.

5. the passive infrared tracking feature includes an infrared ink pattern, an infrared LED illuminator, or both; 5. The projection system of claim 4.

6. the tracking system comprises a camera configured to detect optically visible tracking features disposed on the vision device, the tracking system being configured to determine the position and orientation of the vision device based at least in part on the detected optically visible tracking features.

10. The projection system of claim 1.

7. the optically visible tracking feature comprises a retroreflective marker, a QR code, an optically visible ink pattern, or a combination thereof; 7. The projection system of claim 6.

8. the vision device includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) device configured to output GPS signals to the tracking system, the tracking system configured to determine the position of the vision device based at least in part on the GPS signals.

10. The projection system of claim 1.

9. the projection device is configured to project the one or more images based on image projection commands received from a control system.

10. The projection system of claim 1.

10. the one or more images are configured to convey a text-based message, an image, a video, or a combination thereof; 10. The projection system of claim 1.

11. a reflective surface configured to reflect the projected image(s) onto the image receiving surface of the screen of the viewing device; 10. The projection system of claim 1.

12. a projection device actuator configured to move the projection device based at least in part on the position and orientation of the viewing device; 10. The projection system of claim 1.

13. 1. A projection system for displaying a projected image, comprising: a control system configured to generate image projection instructions based at least in part on the position and orientation of the image receiving surface; a plurality of projection devices, each configured to project a unique image onto at least a portion of the image receiving surface based on the image projection instructions; a viewing device configured to be worn by a user and including a frame holding a screen and a focusing lens; Equipped with the screen includes the image receiving surface and a viewing surface, the screen is configured to allow transmission of the blended image from the image receiving surface through the screen to the viewing surface so that the blended image is visible on the viewing surface, the blended image being formed by the unique images projected onto the image receiving surface from the multiple projection devices; the focusing lens is configured to focus the blended image on a user associated with the viewing device, and the projection system: a tracking system configured to determine the position and orientation of the image receiving surface; the plurality of projection devices are configured to adjust image characteristics of each of the unique images based at least in part on the image projection instructions to form the blended image.

1. A projection system comprising:

14. the screen includes a rear projection material, the rear projection material being at least partially translucent such that the screen allows transmission of the blended image from the image receiving surface through the screen to the viewing surface.

14. The projection system of claim 13.

15. the visual device includes glasses configured to be worn by a user; 14. The projection system of claim 13.

16. the screen is removably attached to the viewing device; 14. The projection system of claim 13.

17. the viewing surface includes a surface of the screen facing the user so that the blended image is visible to the user.

16. The projection system of claim 15.

18. each projection device of the plurality of projection devices configured to project the unique image onto the plurality of viewing devices; 14. The projection system of claim 13.

19. 1. A method for displaying a projected image, comprising: determining via a tracking system a position and orientation of a visual device configured to be worn by a user and including a frame configured to hold a screen and a focusing lens; adjusting image characteristics of one or more images via one or more projection devices based at least in part on the position and orientation of the viewing device; projecting the one or more images onto the image receiving surface of the screen of the viewing device via the one or more projection devices; a viewing surface of the screen disposed opposite the image receiving surface, the screen configured to allow transmission of the one or more images from the image receiving surface through the screen to the viewing surface such that the one or more images are visible to a user on the viewing surface through the focusing lens. A method characterized by:

20. the image characteristics include distortion, offset, scale, or any combination thereof; 20. The method of claim 19.

Images