Tether actuation system and method for a visualization device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tether actuation system that enables controllable positioning and / or securing of a visualization device within a ride vehicle.SOLUTION: An augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system (10) includes a wearable visualization assembly (44) configured to be worn by a user and to display virtual features for visualization by the user during a ride stage of an attraction (168). The wearable visualization assembly (44) includes a sensor (102) configured to provide feedback indicative of an attachment state of the wearable visualization assembly (44) on the user. The AR / VR system (10) also includes a retrieval assembly (198) coupled to the wearable visualization assembly (44) via the tether (28) and configured to retrieve the tether (28). The AR / VR system (10) further includes a controller (210) communicatively coupled to the retraction assembly (198) and the sensor (102).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 Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 067,154, filed August 18, 2020, entitled "TETHER ACTUATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VISUALIZATION DEVICE," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background 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 parks may include a variety of entertainment attractions useful in providing enjoyment to guests. Amusement park entertainment attractions may have different themes that specifically target particular audiences. For example, some entertainment attractions may include themes that traditionally appeal to children, while other entertainment attractions may include themes that traditionally appeal to more mature audiences. It has been recognized that these entertainment attractions may desire to enhance the immersive experience of guests, such as by augmenting the themes with virtual features. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following provides an overview of some embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are merely intended to provide the reader with a summary of some embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may include various aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes a wearable visualization assembly configured to be worn by a user and to display virtual features for visualization by the user during a ride phase of an attraction. The wearable visualization assembly includes a sensor configured to provide feedback indicating an attachment status of the wearable visualization assembly on the user. The AR / VR system also includes a storage assembly coupled to the wearable visualization assembly via a tether and configured to retrieve the tether. The AR / VR system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the storage assembly and the sensor. The controller is configured to actuate the storage assembly to retrieve the tether and transition the wearable visualization assembly to the stowed configuration in response to feedback indicating the wearable visualization assembly is in a detached configuration during the ride phase.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for operating an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes locking a visualization device to an interface device via a coupling system to provide a wearable visualization assembly configured to be worn by a user during a ride phase of an attraction. The method further includes generating feedback indicating an attachment status of the wearable visualization assembly on the user via a sensor of the wearable visualization assembly and monitoring the feedback via a controller. The method further includes actuating, via the controller, a storage assembly coupled to the wearable visualization assembly to transition the wearable visualization assembly to the stowed configuration in response to feedback indicating that the wearable visualization assembly has transitioned from an attached configuration to a detached configuration during the ride phase.

[0007] In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes an attraction ride vehicle and a visualization device coupled to the ride vehicle via a tether. The visualization device is configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user of the visualization device. The AR / VR system includes an interface device configured to be worn by the user and engage with the visualization device. The AR / VR system also includes a storage assembly coupled to the ride vehicle and the tether and configured to retrieve the tether and reduce an extended length of the tether. The AR / VR system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the storage assembly. The controller is configured to operate the storage assembly to retrieve the tether and transfer the visualization device and the interface device to a storage receptacle in the ride vehicle in response to receiving feedback from a sensor indicating that the visualization device has become separated from the user during a ride phase of the attraction.

[0008] Various refinements of the features described above may be made in relation to the various aspects of the present disclosure, and additional features may be incorporated into these various aspects, and these refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination.

[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 reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a visualization device and an interface device in an engaged configuration of an augmented, virtual and / or mixed reality system (AR / VR system) according to embodiments. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the visualization device and interface device of FIG. 1 in a separated configuration, according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 2 is a partially exploded view of the interface device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a rear view of the visualization device of FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the visualization device and interface device of FIG. 1 in a separated configuration, aligned with one another to facilitate coupling of the visualization device to the interface device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of an attraction that utilizes the AR / VR system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for operating the tether actuation system of the AR / VR system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the implementations are described herein. It will be understood 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 understood 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] 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 guests' experiences by providing them with an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) experience (e.g., an AR experience, a VR experience, or both). In practice, a combination of specific hardware configurations, software configurations (e.g., algorithmic structures and / or modeled responses), and specific attraction features may be utilized to provide guests with a customizable, personalized, and / or interactive AR / VR experience.

[0014] The AR / VR system includes a guest interface device, also referred to herein as an interface device, configured to removably couple to a guest's head. The AR / VR system also includes a visualization device, such as a head-mounted display (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, glasses), configured to couple to the interface device (e.g., while the interface device is positioned on the guest's head). The interface device thus allows the guest to wear the visualization device on their head. The visualization device may allow the guest to view certain virtual features. The visualization device may be utilized to enhance the guest experience, such as by superimposing virtual features on the actual environment of the amusement park attraction and by providing adjustable virtual features to provide different virtual environments while the guest is present within the amusement park attraction. For example, in some embodiments, the visualization device may be coupled to an attraction's ride vehicle and configured to move with the ride vehicle along the attraction's path. Thus, guests may utilize the visualization device to view AR, VR, and / or mixed reality scenes during the ride cycle of the attraction.

[0015]

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a tether actuation system that allows for controllable positioning and / or anchoring of a visualization device (and an interface device, if coupled to the visualization device) within a ride vehicle. In certain embodiments, the tether actuation system includes a tether (e.g., a cable) having a first end coupled to the visualization device and a second end coupled to a storage assembly. The storage assembly can be disposed within a restraint, such as a lap bar of the ride vehicle, and / or within another support structure of the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle can include a storage receptacle formed within the restraint and / or another support structure of the ride vehicle, configured to at least partially receive and engage the visualization device. The tether can extend from the storage assembly through the storage receptacle to the visualization device. The storage assembly includes an actuator (e.g., a drum, a spool, a linear actuator) configured to selectively retrieve (e.g., spool in, retract, retract) the tether to decrease the extended length of the tether and selectively allow dispensing (e.g., unspooling) the tether to increase the extended length of the tether. As used herein, the "extended length" of a tether can refer to the length of the tether that extends between the housing and the visualization device.

[0016] A controller of the tether actuation system (e.g., a ride vehicle controller, an attraction controller, or another controller) can be configured to operate the storage assembly to selectively retrieve and / or dispense a tether based on feedback (e.g., input), such as sensor feedback indicating the position of the visualization device relative to the guest's head and / or ride data indicating the portion of the ride cycle the ride vehicle is performing. For example, when the controller determines that the ride vehicle is performing a loading phase or operation of the ride cycle (e.g., a guest boarding the ride vehicle), the controller can instruct the storage assembly to enable dispense of the tether (e.g., when a guest grasps and pulls on a visualization device coupled to the tether). Thus, the controller enables a guest boarding the ride vehicle to grasp a visualization device disposed within the storage container and pull / pull the visualization device toward the guest's head (e.g., enabling dispense of the tether from the storage assembly, increasing the extended length of the tether) to couple (e.g., engage) the visualization device to an interface device worn by the guest (e.g., positioned on the guest's head).

[0017] The AR / VR system may include a coupling system (e.g., an electromagnetic coupling system) that facilitates holding the visualization device in an engaged configuration (e.g., a coupled configuration) with the interface device when the visualization device and the interface device are engaged. For example, the electromagnetic coupling system may include one or more electromagnets integrated with (e.g., coupled to) the visualization device, the interface device, or both. The electromagnets are configured to selectively engage with (e.g., magnetically couple to) correspondingly reactive materials (e.g., one or more pieces of metallic material, permanent magnets, other electromagnets) that may be integrated with the visualization device, the interface device, or both. In some embodiments, a controller may selectively energize the electromagnets to lock (e.g., hold) the visualization device and the interface device in the engaged configuration for a period of time. For example, the controller may lock the visualization device to the interface device (e.g., via activation of the electromagnets) and increase the coupling force to inhibit separation of the visualization device from the interface device, for example, during an entertainment phase of the ride cycle (e.g., a phase between the loading and unloading phases of the ride cycle). For clarity, the visualization device and interface device may be referred to herein as a "wearable visualization assembly" when in the engaged configuration, with the understanding that any of a variety of types of coupling systems may be used to hold the visualization device in the engaged configuration with the interface device.

[0018] In some instances, a guest may intentionally or unintentionally separate the visualization device from the interface device or the entire wearable visualization assembly from the guest's head during the entertainment phase or another phase of the ride cycle. Alternatively, in some instances, the visualization device may become dislodged (e.g., detached) from the interface device, or the entire wearable visualization assembly may become detached from the guest's head. The tether actuation system may include one or more sensors configured to detect when the visualization device has been detached or detached from the interface device and / or when the wearable visualization assembly has been detached from the guest's head. By way of example, in some embodiments, the sensor(s) may include a contact sensor (e.g., a pulse sensor) and / or a proximity sensor configured to provide feedback to the controller indicating whether the wearable visualization assembly is coupled to or detached from the guest's head. Removal of the visualization device or the entire wearable visualization assembly from the guest's head during an undesirable period, such as during the entertainment phase of the ride cycle, is referred to herein as a "removal event" of the wearable visualization assembly.

[0019] Upon detecting a removal event (e.g., based on received sensor feedback), the controller can command the storage assembly to retract (e.g., reel in, retract, or otherwise withdraw) the tether to reduce the extended length of the tether and pull the visualization device or wearable visualization assembly toward the storage container. The controller can control the retraction of the tether until the visualization device or wearable visualization assembly engages (e.g., contacts) the storage container and transitions to a stored position or configuration. In some embodiments, once the controller transitions the visualization device or wearable visualization assembly to the storage position, the controller can operate the storage system to apply a threshold tension to the tether that forces (e.g., compresses) the visualization device or wearable visualization assembly into contact with a surface or other engagement feature of the storage container. To this end, the controller can ensure that the visualization device or wearable visualization assembly remains securely engaged with the storage container throughout the remainder of the entertainment stage and does not move around the passenger compartment and / or seating area of ​​the ride vehicle. That is, the tether actuation system can be configured to transition the visualization device or wearable visualization assembly to a stowed position within the ride vehicle and to retain the visualization device or wearable visualization assembly in the stowed position upon detection of a removal event. While some embodiments herein, for ease of explanation, generally refer to the wearable visualization device being stowed by the tether actuation system (e.g., due to the visualization device engaging and / or locking to the interface device), it should be understood that the tether actuation system can also store and / or retain the visualization device in the storage container without the interface device (e.g., due to the visualization device becoming detached from the interface device during a ride cycle where a ride seat in the ride vehicle remains empty and the AR / VR system is not being utilized by a guest).

[0020] Additionally, in embodiments having an electromagnet, the controller can deactivate or otherwise control the electromagnet in coordination with the ride cycle to facilitate coupling of the interface device to the visualization device upon determining that the ride vehicle is in the loading phase of the ride cycle, lock the interface device to the visualization device during the entertainment phase of the ride cycle, and / or enable the interface device to decouple from the visualization device, for example, upon determining that the ride vehicle has completed the entertainment phase of the ride cycle and entered the unloading phase of the ride cycle. Thus, a guest can decouple the interface device from the visualization device before exiting the ride vehicle, regardless of whether the wearable device assembly was stored in the storage position during the entertainment phase of the ride cycle. If the visualization device is not returned to the storage position during the entertainment phase of the ride cycle, it can be stored in the storage position after the completion of the entertainment phase of the ride cycle and when the interface device is decoupled from the visualization device during disembarkation. Additionally, the controller can operate the storage assembly to again enable delivery of the tether so that another guest who enters (e.g., boards) the ride vehicle can pull the visualization device from the storage receptacle and equip the visualization device on their corresponding interface device according to the techniques described above. These and other features are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an AR / VR system 10 (e.g., a wearable visualization system) configured to enable a user (e.g., a guest, an amusement park employee, a ride vehicle passenger) to experience (e.g., view, interact with) an AR / VR scene. The AR / VR system 10 includes a visualization device 12 (e.g., a head-mounted display, a wearable visualization device) and an interface device 14 that are removably coupled to each other to facilitate use of the AR / VR system 10.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the visualization device 12 includes electronic glasses 16 (e.g., AR / VR glasses, goggles) coupled to a housing 18 of the visualization device 12. The electronic glasses 16 can include one or more displays 20 (e.g., transparent, translucent, opaque). In some embodiments, the display 20 can enable a user to view a real environment 22 (e.g., physical structures within an attraction) through the display 20 with several virtual features 24 (e.g., AR features) overlaid thereon, thereby allowing the user to perceive the virtual features 24 as being integrated into the real environment 22. That is, the electronic glasses 16 can at least partially control the user's field of view by superimposing the virtual features 24 on the user's line of sight. To this end, the visualization device 12 can enable a user to visualize and perceive a hyper-realistic environment 26 (e.g., a game environment) in which several virtual features 24 are superimposed on the real environment 22 visible to the user through the display 20. As a non-limiting example, the display 20 can 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.

[0023] In some embodiments, the visualization device 12 may have complete control over the user's field of view (e.g., using an opaque screen). That is, the display 20 may include an opaque or non-transparent display configured to display virtual features 24 (e.g., VR features) to the user. The hyper-realistic environment 26 visible to the user may thus be, for example, a real-time video including real-world images of the physical, actual environment 22 electronically fused with one or more virtual features 24. Thus, a user wearing the visualization device 12 may feel completely immersed in the hyper-realistic environment 26 and may perceive the hyper-realistic environment 26 as the actual environment 22 including the particular virtual features 24. In some embodiments, the visualization device 12 may include features such as a light projection feature configured to project light into one or both of the user's eyes so that the particular virtual features 24 are superimposed on real-world objects visible to the user. Such a visualization device 12 may be considered to include a retinal display.

[0024] Accordingly, it should be understood that the hyper-realistic environment 26 can include an AR experience, a VR experience, a mixed reality experience, a computer-mediated reality experience, a combination thereof, or other similar hyper-realistic environments. Furthermore, it should be understood that the visualization device 12 can be used alone or in combination with other features to create the hyper-realistic environment 26. Indeed, as described below, a user may wear the visualization device 12 throughout the entire ride of an amusement park ride, or at other times, such as during a game, throughout a particular area or attraction of the amusement park, or during the ride to and within a hotel associated with the amusement park. In some embodiments, when implemented in an amusement park environment, the visualization device 12 can be physically coupled (e.g., via a tether 28) to a structure (e.g., an amusement park ride vehicle 30) to prevent the visualization device 12 from becoming detached from the structure, and / or electronically coupled (e.g., via a tether 28) to a computer system (e.g., a computer system integrated with the ride vehicle 30) to facilitate operation of the visualization device 12 (e.g., displaying the virtual features 24).

[0025] As described in more detail below, the visualization device 12 may be removably coupled to the interface device 14 (e.g., coupled without tools, coupled without tools, coupled without threaded fasteners such as bolts, and detachable without tools and without destroying components of the visualization device 12 or the interface device 14) via a coupling system such as an electromagnetic coupling system 34. For example, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 may be integral with the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14. The electromagnetic coupling system 34 allows the visualization device 12 to quickly transition between an engaged configuration 36 (e.g., an attached configuration) in which the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14 and a detached configuration 38 (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ) in which the visualization device 12 is decoupled (e.g., separated) from the interface device 14.

[0026] The interface device 14 is configured to be attached to a user's head, thereby allowing the user to comfortably wear the visualization device 12 while navigating various attractions or a particular amusement park environment. For example, the interface device 14 may include a head strap assembly 40 configured to extend around the user's head and be fastened (e.g., restrained) onto the user's head. In this manner, the head strap assembly 40 facilitates attachment of the interface device 14 to the user's head such that the interface device 14 can be utilized in combination with the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to hold the visualization device 12 on the user (e.g., when the visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 36). It should be understood that the visualization device 12 may have a size and weight that allows the user to comfortably wear (e.g., support) the visualization device 12. As used herein, the visualization device 12 and interface device 14 may be collectively referred to as a "wearable visualization assembly 44" when transitioned to the engagement configuration 36 via the electromagnetic coupling system 34 or another suitable coupling system. Indeed, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 may be replaced by any other suitable coupling system (e.g., mechanical actuators, movable linkages) configured to facilitate transitioning the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 between the separated configuration 38 and the engaged configuration 36. Furthermore, it should be understood that in further embodiments, the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 may be integrated with one another (e.g., inseparable and carried together by a user throughout an amusement park, or both remaining on an attraction such as a ride vehicle for use by multiple guests over multiple ride cycles) to collectively form a wearable visualization assembly 44.

[0027] 1 , AR / VR system 10 includes tether actuation system 42 that couples tether 28 to ride vehicle 30 or another suitable structure (e.g., a wall of a room, a theater seat). As described in detail below, tether actuation system 42 can selectively allow slack and / or lengthening of tether 28, such as while a user is wearing wearable visualization assembly 44 during a particular ride phase of an attraction (e.g., an attraction having ride vehicle 30). In this manner, tether actuation system 42 can ensure that the extended length of tether 28 is sufficient to allow a user to look around (e.g., move their head) substantially without restriction from tether 28 while wearing wearable visualization assembly 44 during the ride phase. Upon receiving an indication from a user that the wearable visualization assembly 44 has been detached during the ride phase of the attraction, the tether actuation system 42 may selectively retrieve the tether 28 (e.g., reduce the extended length of the tether 28) to transition the wearable visualization assembly 44 to a stored configuration on or within the storage receptacle 46 of the ride vehicle 30. To this end, once the wearable visualization assembly 44 is detached from the user, the tether actuation system 42 may constrain the movement of the wearable visualization assembly 44 so that the wearable visualization assembly 44 does not move around the ride vehicle 30 (e.g., within the passenger compartment of the ride vehicle 30) during the remainder of the ride phase. For clarity, as used herein, the "extended length" of the tether 28 may refer to the length of the tether 28 extending between a component of the tether actuation system 42 and the portion of the tether 28 coupled to the visualization device 12.

[0028] To further illustrate the interface device 14 and facilitate the following discussion, FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the interface device 14. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the interface device 14 includes an interface frame 50 and a visor 52 that can be coupled to the interface frame 50. The head strap assembly 40 can include an adjustment assembly 54 for adjusting an inner circumference of the head strap assembly 40 to accommodate various user head parameters (e.g., head size, head shape, hairstyle) to facilitate coupling of the interface device 14 to each user's head. In one embodiment, the head strap assembly 40 includes a mask 56 configured to contact the forehead of the user's head to facilitate alignment and / or securement of the interface device 14 to the user's head. The head strap assembly 40 includes one or more first attachment features 58 configured to engage with respective second attachment features 60 of the interface frame 50. Thus, when the first and second attachment features 58, 60 are engaged, the head strap assembly 40 is coupled to the interface frame 50.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the interface frame 50 includes a body portion 62 having a first peripheral edge 64 (e.g., end, side), a second peripheral edge 66 (e.g., end, side) opposite the first peripheral edge 64, and a lip 68 extending between the first and second peripheral edges 64, 66. The body portion 62 may include a peripheral cavity 70 or pocket formed within the first and second peripheral edges 64, 66 and / or one or more cavities 72 or pockets formed within the lip 68. In certain embodiments, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 includes one or more reaction plates 74 (e.g., one or more reaction materials) that may be configured to be disposed within the respective cavities 70, 72. As described in more detail below, the reaction plates 74 are configured to magnetically couple with corresponding electromagnets included in the visualization device 12 to facilitate removable coupling of the interface device 14 to the visualization device 12. The reaction plate 74 may include any suitable ferrous material or materials (e.g., one or more iron plates, one or more metal plates). Additionally or alternatively, the reaction plate 74 may include an electromagnet or a permanent magnet (e.g., a neodymium magnet). In some embodiments, a respective cap 80 may be placed on the reaction plate 74 to enclose the reaction plate 74 within the respective cavity 70, 72. It should be understood that the cavities 70, 72 may be formed within any suitable portion of the interface device 14, and / or the reaction plate 74 may be coupled to and / or integral with any suitable portion of the interface device 14.

[0030] In one embodiment, body portion 62 includes a plurality of support ribs 94 projecting from an outer surface 96 of body portion 62. Specifically, body portion 62 may include a first support rib 98 extending from first peripheral edge 64 and a second support rib extending from second peripheral edge 66. As described in detail below, support ribs 94 are configured to engage corresponding support grooves 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ) formed in housing 18 of visualization device 12 to facilitate coupling of visualization device 12 to interface frame 50 of interface device 14. It should be understood that in other embodiments, electromagnetic coupling system 34 may not include support ribs 94 and support grooves 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, the interface device 14 includes one or more sensors 102 that can be communicatively coupled to a controller 104 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ) of the visualization device 12, at least while the interface device 14 is coupled to the visualization device 12, as described in more detail below. The one or more sensors 102 can be configured to provide feedback to the controller 104 indicating whether the interface device 14 is mounted on or coupled to the user's head (e.g., whether in contact with the user's head or detached from the user's head). As described in more detail below, the controller 104 can use the feedback received by the one or more sensors 102 to determine whether the wearable visualization assembly 44 is in an attached configuration on the user's head or detached from the user. While the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 shows the one or more sensors 102 coupled to the interface frame 50, in other embodiments, the one or more sensors 102 can be coupled to any other suitable component or components of the interface device 14. For example, one or more sensors 102 may be coupled to a portion of the head strap assembly 40 (see, eg, FIG. 5), the mask 56, the visor 52, and / or another suitable component or area of ​​the interface device 14.

[0032] 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the visualization device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 includes a panel 110 extending between a first peripheral portion 112 (e.g., an end, a side) and a second peripheral portion 114 (e.g., an end, a side) of the housing 18. The electromagnetic coupling system 34 may include one or more first electromagnets 116 disposed near a surface 118 of the panel 110 and / or one or more second electromagnets 120 disposed near a surface 122 of each of the first and second peripheral portions 112, 114. For example, in some embodiments, the first electromagnets 116 may be sealed within respective cavities formed in the surface 118, and the second electromagnets 120 may be sealed within respective cavities formed in the surface 122. In other embodiments, the first and second electromagnets 116, 120 (collectively referred to herein as electromagnets 124) may be disposed within the housing 18 and positioned adjacent the surface 118 and the surface 122, respectively. In either case, as described in more detail below, the electromagnets 124 are configured to selectively attract corresponding responsive plates 74 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ) of the interface device 14 to facilitate magnetic coupling of the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14. In some embodiments, some of the electromagnets 124 may be replaced with permanent magnets or suitable responsive materials (e.g., metal plates).

[0033] In some embodiments, tether 28 can electrically couple electromagnet 124, controller 104, and / or any other suitable components of visualization device 12 to power source 128. In some embodiments, power source 128 can be coupled to ride vehicle 30 and configured to move with ride vehicle 30 (e.g., along the path of the attraction). Controller 104 is configured to operate electromagnetic coupling system 34 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ), tether actuation system 42, and / or any other suitable components of AR / VR system 10 in accordance with the techniques described herein. Controller 104 includes a processor 132 and a memory device 134. Processor 132 can include a microprocessor capable of executing software to control visualization device 12, electromagnetic coupling system 34, tether actuation system 42, and / or any other suitable components of AR / VR system 10 and / or components of an attraction comprising AR / VR system 10. Processor 132 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, processor 132 may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. Memory device 134 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). Memory device 134 may store information such as control software, look-up tables, configuration data, or communication protocols.

[0034] For example, memory device 134 may store processor-executable instructions, including firmware or software, that processor 132 executes, such as instructions for controlling components of electromagnetic coupling system 34, components of tether actuation system 42, components of visualization device 12, and / or any suitable components of an attraction comprising AR / VR system 10. In one embodiment, memory device 134 is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium capable of storing machine-readable instructions that processor 132 executes. Memory device 134 may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof.

[0035] 4, support grooves 100 formed in peripheral portions 112, 114 of housing 18 extend along at least a portion of outer surface 136 of housing 18. For example, support grooves 100 may extend from surface 122 (e.g., the distal end of housing 18) generally toward electronic eyeglasses 16. As described below, support grooves 100 may be configured to engage corresponding support ribs 94 to facilitate removable coupling of visualization device 12 to interface device 14.

[0036] 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of visualization device 12 and interface device 14. To couple visualization device 12 to interface device 14, a user can translate visualization device 12 toward interface device 14 in direction 140 (e.g., while holding interface device 14 in the user's hand with interface device 14 away from the user's head or while wearing interface device 14 on the user's head) to engage support ribs 94 of interface device 14 with corresponding support grooves 100 of visualization device 12. The user can translate visualization device 12 along support ribs 94 (e.g., in direction 140) until surface 122 of housing 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ) abuts corresponding receiving surfaces 142 of first and second peripheral edges 64, 66 of interface frame 50. Thus, second electromagnet 120 can be aligned with and positioned adjacent to corresponding reaction plates 74 of interface frame 50. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the panel 110 of the visualization device 12 can be configured to translate beneath and along the lip 68 of the interface frame 50 to align the first electromagnet 116 of the visualization device 12 with the corresponding reaction plate 74. The controller 104 can selectively provide power to the electromagnet 124 (e.g., via a power source 128 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 )) to energize the electromagnet 124 and magnetically couple the electromagnet 124 to the reaction plate 74. Thus, the controller 104 can facilitate transitioning and retention of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 into and in the engagement configuration 36. In some embodiments, the controller 104 can energize the electromagnet 124 sufficiently to lock (e.g., retain) the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 in the engagement configuration 36. In such a locked configuration of the visualization device 12, the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 can be sufficient to prevent separation of the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 (e.g., via guest input and / or acceleration forces that may be applied to the interface device 14 during operation of the AR / VR system 10).As discussed above, any suitable type of coupling system may be utilized to prevent the visualization device 12 from separating from the interface device 14 (e.g., when coupled to each other and / or in coordination with the vehicle cycle).

[0037] In one embodiment, controller 104 can be configured to determine that visualization device 12 is coupled to interface device 14 based on feedback received from one or more sensors 150 (e.g., proximity sensors, inertial measurement units [IMUs]) of visualization device 12. For example, controller 104 can determine that visualization device 12 is coupled to interface device 14 when controller 104 receives feedback from one or more sensors 150 indicating that a portion of visualization device 12 (e.g., one of surfaces 122 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 )) is within a threshold distance and / or a threshold orientation range of a corresponding portion of interface device 14 (e.g., one of receiving surfaces 142).

[0038] It should be understood that in some embodiments, support groove 100 and support rib 94 may be omitted from AR / VR system 10. In such embodiments, the magnetic coupling force between electromagnet 124 and reaction plate 74 may be sufficient to support the entire weight of visualization device 12 when visualization device 12 is coupled to interface device 14, and / or other structural features may be provided that share in supporting the weight of visualization device 12 when visualization device 12 is coupled to interface device 14.

[0039] In some embodiments, the AR / VR system 10 includes a set of connectors 152 (e.g., electrical contacts) that facilitate communicatively and / or electrically coupling components of the interface device 14 to components of the visualization device 12. For example, the connectors 152 may include a first connector 154 electrically coupled to one or more sensors 150 and the controller 104, and a second connector 156 electrically coupled to one or more sensors 102. The first and second connectors 154, 156 may be configured to engage (e.g., contact) with one another when the visualization device 12 engages (e.g., couples) with the interface device 14. To this end, the connectors 152 may facilitate the transmission of power and / or data signals between, for example, the one or more sensors 102, 150 and the controller 104.

[0040] As briefly described above, the controller 104 can use feedback received from one or more sensors 102 to determine whether the interface device 14 is in a mounted or attached configuration on the user's head. That is, the controller 104 can use the received sensor feedback to determine the attachment state of the interface device 14, and therefore the wearable visualization assembly 44, on the user's head. For example, the controller 104 can receive feedback (e.g., a data signal) from the one or more sensors 102 upon engagement of the connectors 154, 156 (e.g., when the visualization device 12 moves into the engaged configuration 36 with the interface device 14). The one or more sensors 102 can include a heart rate sensor (e.g., an optical sensor, a sensor system having a light emitting diode and a corresponding detector) configured to detect the user's heart rate, a proximity sensor configured to detect the user's head, and / or other suitable sensor(s), for example, coupled to a strap or other segment of the head strap assembly 40. The heart rate sensor and / or proximity sensor may be configured to contact a portion of the user's head and / or may be positioned substantially adjacent to the user's head when the interface device 14 is coupled to (e.g., mounted on) the user's head. Thus, the controller 104 may determine that the wearable visualization assembly 44 is in the attached configuration on the user when it receives feedback from the heart rate sensor indicating that the user's heart rate has been detected (i.e., indicating that the heart rate sensor is in contact with the user's head) and / or when it receives feedback from the proximity sensor indicating that the proximity sensor is within a threshold distance from the user's head. Conversely, the controller 104 may determine that the wearable visualization assembly 44 is in the detached configuration (e.g., detached from the user) when it receives feedback from the heart rate sensor indicating that the user's heart rate has not been detected (i.e., indicating that the heart rate sensor is not in contact with the user's head) and / or when it receives feedback from the proximity sensor indicating that the proximity sensor is not within a threshold distance from the user's head.

[0041] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the sensors 102, 150 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with the controller 104, such that the connector 152 can be omitted from the AR / VR system 10. In such embodiments, the controller 104 can determine that the wearable visualization assembly 44 is in an attached configuration on the user when it receives feedback from one or more sensors 150 indicating that the visualization device 12 is in an engaged configuration with the interface device 14 and feedback (e.g., wireless feedback) from one or more sensors 102 that the interface device 14 is in contact with or within a threshold distance of the user's head. Conversely, the controller 104 can determine that the wearable visualization assembly 44 is detached from the user when it receives feedback from one or more sensors 150 indicating that the visualization device 12 is in an engaged configuration with the interface device 14 and feedback (e.g., wireless feedback) from one or more sensors 102 that the interface device 14 is not in contact with or within a threshold distance of the user's head.

[0042] It should further be understood that in some embodiments, some or all of the one or more sensors 102 can be coupled to the visualization device 12 rather than the interface device 14. As an example, in some embodiments, the one or more sensors 102 can include a proximity sensor 160 (e.g., an optical sensor) coupled to the housing 18 of the visualization device 12. In some embodiments, an opening can be formed in a portion of the interface device 14 (e.g., the interface frame 50) to align with the proximity sensor 160 so that when the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14, the proximity sensor 160 can detect the user's head through the opening without interference from the interface device 14. The proximity sensor 160 can provide feedback to the controller 104 indicative of a separation distance between a portion of the housing 18 and a portion of the user's head (e.g., the user's forehead). Controller 104 can determine that wearable visualization assembly 44 is in an attached configuration on the user when it receives feedback from sensor 150 indicating that visualization device 12 is in an engaged configuration with interface device 14 and when it receives feedback from proximity sensor 160 indicating that the separation distance between a portion of housing 18 and a portion of the user's head is below a threshold distance. Conversely, controller 104 can determine that wearable visualization assembly 44 is detached from the user when it receives feedback from sensor 150 indicating that visualization device 12 is in an engaged configuration with interface device 14 and when it receives feedback from proximity sensor 160 indicating that the separation distance between a portion of housing 18 and a portion of the user's head meets or exceeds a threshold distance.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors 102 may include a camera 162 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ) or multiple cameras that can be coupled to the housing 18 of the visualization device 12. The camera 162 can be positioned / oriented on the housing 18 such that the camera 162 is directed toward a portion of the user's head (e.g., face, forehead) when the visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 36 on the interface device 14 and the interface device 14 is properly coupled to the user's head. In some embodiments, an opening can be formed in a portion of the interface device 14 (e.g., the interface frame 50) and aligned with the line of sight of the camera 162 so that when the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14, the camera 162 can acquire image data through the opening without interference from the interface device 14 (e.g., the interface device 14 does not obscure the portion of the guest's head that is imaged by the camera 162). The controller 104 can determine, for example, a separation distance between the lens of the camera 162 and the portion of the user's head based on the image data received from the camera 162. Controller 104 may determine that wearable visualization assembly 44 is in an attached configuration on the user when it receives feedback from sensor 150 indicating that visualization device 12 is in an engaged configuration with interface device 14 and when it determines (e.g., based on analysis of image data) that the separation distance between the lens of camera 162 and a portion of the user's head is below a threshold. Conversely, controller 104 may determine that wearable visualization assembly 44 is detached from the user when it receives feedback from sensor 150 indicating that visualization device 12 is in an engaged configuration with interface device 14 and when it determines (e.g., based on analysis of image data) that the separation distance between the lens of camera 162 and a portion of the user's head meets or exceeds a threshold distance.

[0044] With the above examples in mind, it should be understood that the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 may have any of a variety of components and may use any of a variety of techniques to detect whether the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 are in the engaged configuration 36 to form a wearable visualization assembly 44. It should also be understood that the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 may have any of a variety of components and may use any of a variety of techniques to detect whether the visualization device 12 (or the wearable visualization assembly 44 when the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 are in the engaged configuration 36) is in an attached configuration on the user's head. The tether actuation system 42 may be controlled based on multiple inputs, such as whether the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 are in the engaged configuration 36, whether the visualization device 12 (or the wearable visualization assembly 44 when the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 are in the engaged configuration 36) is in an attached configuration, and / or the vehicle cycle (e.g., based on the vehicle phase). The tether actuation system 42 can move the visualization device 12 separately from the interface device 14 (when in a decoupled configuration) or together with the interface device 14 (when in an engaged configuration). Thus, it should be understood that examples herein relating to retrieval of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 (e.g., movement of the wearable visualization assembly 44) can also include retrieval of the visualization device 12 alone. Furthermore, it should be understood that any of a variety of coupling systems can be utilized to couple the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 to one another, and that several such coupling systems can be controlled in coordination with the tether actuation system 42 and / or the vehicle cycle (e.g., based on the vehicle phase).

[0045] 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction 168 including an AR / VR system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle 30 includes a chassis 170 or base structure that can be configured to move along a path 172 of the attraction 168 (although the AR / VR system 10 can also be utilized with ride vehicles that do not move along a path, or in any of a variety of other types of attractions). The path 172 can include a loading / unloading area 176 that extends along a loading / unloading platform 178 of the attraction 168, and an entertainment area 179 that extends along the remainder of the path 172. Seats 180 or other structures are coupled to the chassis 170 and configured to support guests 182 (e.g., users of the AR / VR system 10) during a ride cycle of the attraction 168. In some embodiments, for example, a lap bar 184 or other restraint can be coupled to a support structure 186 of the chassis 170. The lap bar 184 may be configured to translate, rotate, or otherwise move between a disengaged position in which the lap bar 184 is positioned away from the guest 182 and an engaged configuration in which the lap bar 184 is configured to secure and / or restrain the guest 182 within the seat 180.

[0046] In some embodiments, a storage receptacle 190 (e.g., storage receptacle 46 of FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is formed within support structure 186 and configured to receive visualization device 12. For example, storage receptacle 190 can be sized and shaped such that when visualization device 12 is positioned within storage receptacle 190 in storage configuration 192, at least a portion of visualization device 12 (e.g., contact surface 193 of visualization device 12) engages (e.g., contacts) receiving surface 194 (e.g., underside) of storage receptacle 190. While the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 shows storage receptacle 190 as being formed within support structure 186, it should be understood that in other embodiments, storage receptacle 190 can be formed within any other suitable portion of ride vehicle 30. By way of example, storage receptacle 190 can be formed within a portion of lap bar 184, a portion of ride vehicle 30 vertically above (e.g., with respect to gravity) guest 182, the roof structure or roll cage of ride vehicle 30, or any other suitable portion of ride vehicle 30.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, a passageway 196 extends from an opening formed in receiving surface 194 of housing bin 190 to a storage assembly 198 of tether actuation system 42. Tether 28 is configured to extend through passageway 196 between visualization device 12 and a storage device 200 of storage assembly 198. Storage device 200 may include any suitable mechanism and / or actuator configured to selectively retrieve (e.g., retract, wind) tether 28 to decrease the extended length of tether 28, and selectively enable dispensing (e.g., unwind) tether 28 to increase the extended length of tether 28. As a non-limiting example, the storage device 200 may include a drum 202 driven by an actuator 204 configured to selectively reel the tether 28 off of the drum 202 to decrease the extended length of the tether 28 and selectively enable the tether 28 to unwind (e.g., unwind) from the drum 202 to allow the extended length of the tether 28 to increase (e.g., when the guest 182 grabs the visualization device 12 and pulls it away from the storage assembly 198). As described in more detail below, the tether actuation system 42 may selectively retrieve or enable the tether 28 to be dispensed based on feedback indicative of the current configuration and / or attachment state (e.g., engaged and / or attached configuration) of the visualization device 12 and / or in coordination with the ride cycle (e.g., based on feedback indicative of the operating parameters of the attraction 168 and / or the ride cycle phase (e.g., loading phase, unloading phase, entertainment phase) being performed by the ride vehicle 30).

[0048] In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 30 may include a mobile controller 210 coupled to the ride vehicle 30 and configured to travel with the ride vehicle 30 along the path 172. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction 168 may include a ride controller 212 positioned along a portion of the path 172 independent of the ride vehicle 30. The mobile controller 210 and / or the ride controller 212 may monitor and / or control certain aspects of the attraction 168, such as the position of the ride vehicle 30 and / or the respective positions of the other ride vehicles 213 along the path 172. The controllers 210, 212 may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 214 (e.g., global positioning system [GPS] sensors, inertial measurement unit [IMU] sensors, proximity sensors) coupled to the ride vehicle 30 and / or disposed along the path 172 and configured to receive feedback from the sensors 214 indicative of the position of the ride vehicle 30 along the path 172, the speed of the ride vehicle 30, the acceleration of the ride vehicle 30, and / or another suitable parameter of the ride vehicle 30. In some embodiments, the controllers 210 and / or 212 may determine which ride phase of the ride cycle (e.g., unloading phase, loading phase, entertainment phase) is being performed by the ride vehicle 30 based on feedback, such as feedback from the one or more sensors 214, and / or other inputs (e.g., timing signals, stored ride cycle data). The controllers 210, 212 may utilize the feedback from the one or more sensors 214. In some embodiments, mobile controller 210 and / or vehicle controller 212 may be communicatively coupled to visualization device 12, electromagnetic coupling system 34, and / or tether actuation system 42. To this end, controllers 210 and / or 212 may be used in addition to or instead of controller 104 to coordinate operation of visualization device 12, electromagnetic coupling system 34, and / or tether actuation system 42 in accordance with the techniques described herein.

[0049] The mobile controller 210 and the ride controller 212 each include a processor 220, a memory 222, and a communications component 224 (e.g., to facilitate communications between the controllers 104, 210, and / or 212). The processor 220 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 220 may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. The memory device 222 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device 222 is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium capable of storing machine-readable instructions that the processor 220 executes to control aspects of the attraction 168.

[0050] Throughout the following description, the controller 104, the mobile controller 210, and / or the vehicle controller 212 may be collectively referred to as the control system 230. Accordingly, it should be understood that operations described herein as being performed by the control system 230 may refer to operations performed by one or more of the controller 104, the mobile controller 210, the vehicle controller 212, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, it should be understood that these techniques may be distributed in any suitable manner among the controller 104, the mobile controller 210, the vehicle controller 212, and / or one or more other processing devices.

[0051] 7 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process 232 for operating the tether actuation system 42 in coordination with the ride cycle of the attraction 168 and / or based on sensor feedback indicative of the current configuration or position (e.g., engaged and / or attached configuration) of the visualization device 12. The following description is provided with simultaneous reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Process 232 may be performed by control system 230. Process 232 may include monitoring loading operations performed by ride vehicle 30 during a loading phase of the ride cycle and operating tether actuation system 42 based on an associated control algorithm, as indicated by block 234.

[0052] For example, control system 230 may control tether actuation system 42 according to a loading control algorithm (e.g., control protocol or instructions) during a loading phase of the vehicle cycle. When operating according to the loading control algorithm, control system 230 may instruct tether actuation system 42 to enable dispensing of tether 28 (e.g., from storage assembly 198), such as when a force (e.g., tension) is applied to tether 28. As an example, control system 230 may instruct actuator 204 to enable free reeling of drum 202 when a tension is applied to tether 28. Thus, when a guest 182 boards (e.g., enters) the ride vehicle 30 during a loading operation (e.g., while wearing the interface device 14 on the guest's 182's head and without the visualization device 12 attached to the interface device 14), the guest 182 can grasp the visualization device 12 (which may be located in the storage container 190, for example) and pull the visualization device 12 toward the guest's 182's head (e.g., increasing the extended length of the tether 28) to attach the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14 worn by the guest 182. To this end, the guest 182 can pull on the visualization device 12 and / or the tether 28 to adjust the extended length of the tether 28 to a length that allows the visualization device 12 to move toward the interface device 14 worn by the guest 182 on his or her head. As described above, in certain embodiments, once the visualization device 12 engages the interface device 14, the control system 230 can command the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to lock the visualization device 12 with the interface device 14 in the engagement configuration 36. The transition to the engaged configuration 36 and / or the locked state with the interface device 14 may be detected, for example, via one or more sensors 150 (see, for example, FIG. 5).

[0053] In certain embodiments, drum 202 can be coupled to a spring-loaded ratchet mechanism that allows tether 28 to be dispensed (e.g., unwound) when guest 182 applies tension to tether 28, but prevents drum 202 from retrieving (e.g., reeling in) tether 28 when the tension is removed. Thus, guest 182 can adjust the extended length of tether 28 to a length that allows guest 182 to comfortably move their head without substantial interference (e.g., restriction) from tether 28 while visualization device 12 is mounted on interface device 14. Thus, during the stowage phase, tether actuation system 42 can operate in a passive configuration in which storage assembly 198 releases any tension that may be on tether 28 to allow tether 28 to be dispensed (e.g., allow tether 28 to be unwound).

[0054] Process 232 may include monitoring entertainment operations being performed by ride vehicle 30 during the entertainment phase of the ride cycle and operating tether actuation system 42 based on an associated control algorithm, as indicated by block 236. The entertainment phase may occur between the loading and unloading phases of the ride cycle and may include a period of time during which ride vehicle 30 travels along entertainment section 179 of path 172. Control system 230 may determine that ride vehicle 30 is performing the entertainment phase based on sensor feedback (e.g., from one or more sensors 214) indicative of the position of ride vehicle 30 along path 172 and / or instructions provided by a ride control algorithm executing on control system 230 that may at least partially control the operation of attraction 168.

[0055] As described above, in some instances, during the entertainment phase of the ride cycle (e.g., if not locked together), guest 182 may intentionally or unintentionally separate wearable visualization assembly 44 from guest 182's head and / or visualization device 12 from interface device 14. Additionally, during the entertainment phase, wearable visualization assembly 44 may otherwise become dislodged (e.g., detached) from guest 182's head (e.g., due to forces exerted on visualization device 12 and / or interface device 14 as ride vehicle 30 moves along path 172) and / or visualization device 12 may become detached from interface device 14 (e.g., if not locked together). Accordingly, as indicated by block 238, during the entertainment phase of the ride cycle, control system 230 may monitor the engagement of visualization device 12 and interface device 14 and / or the attachment of visualization device 12 (or wearable visualization assembly 44, if visualization device 12 is coupled to interface device 14) on guest 182's head. In response to determining that visualization device 12 is not engaged with interface device 14, tether actuation system 42 may be controlled to initiate a retrieval action. Additionally or alternatively, in response to determining that visualization device 12 is not attached to the user's head, tether actuation system 42 may be controlled to initiate a retrieval action.

[0056] For example, as indicated by block 240, the control system 230 can use feedback (e.g., from one or more sensors 150) to determine whether the visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 36 with the interface device 14, according to the techniques described above. As indicated by block 242, when the control system 230 detects that the visualization device 12 has disengaged from the interface device 14 (e.g., transitioned to the detached configuration 38) during the entertainment phase, the control system 230 can instruct the tether actuation system 42 to initiate a retrieval operation to retrieve (e.g., retract) the tether 28 for directing the visualization device 12 toward and within the storage container 190. For example, the control system 230 can instruct the drum 202 to reel in the tether 28 until the contact surface 193 of the visualization device 12 engages (e.g., contacts) the receiving surface 194 of the storage container 190. Thus, the control system 230 can transition the visualization device 12 to the storage configuration 192 within the storage container 190. A sensor (eg, one of the one or more sensors 150) may detect the presence of visualization device 12 within storage container 190 and provide feedback indicating this.

[0057] In one embodiment, as indicated by block 244, once control system 230 determines that visualization device 12 is engaged with interface device 14, feedback (e.g., from sensors 102, 150, and / or 160 and camera 162) can be used to determine whether visualization device 12 is attached to (e.g., worn on) the head of guest 182 or detached from the head of guest 182. Because visualization device 12 is coupled to interface device 14 in engagement configuration 36, control system 230 can determine the attachment status of visualization device 12 (and wearable visualization assembly 44) based on the attachment status of interface device 14. For example, when the control system 230 receives feedback (e.g., from one or more sensors 150) indicating that the visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 36 with the interface device 14 and receives feedback (e.g., from sensors 102 and / or 160 and / or camera 162) that the interface device 14 is coupled to the head of the guest 182, the control system 230 can determine that the wearable visualization assembly 44 is in the mounting configuration 248 (e.g., see FIG. 6) on the head of the guest 182 and that the wearable visualization assembly 44 (and the visualization device 12) is coupled to the head of the guest 182. Conversely, when the control system 230 receives feedback (e.g., from the sensor 150) indicating that the visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 36 with the interface device 14 and receives feedback (e.g., from the sensors 102 and / or 160 and / or the camera 162) that the interface device 14 is detached from the head of the guest 182, the control system 230 can determine that the wearable visualization assembly 44 (and the visualization device 12) is in the detached configuration 250 (e.g., see FIG. 4) detached from the head of the guest 182.As indicated by block 242, when the control system 230 detects that the wearable visualization assembly 44 has detached from the head of the guest 182 (e.g., transitioned to the detached configuration 250) during the entertainment phase, the control system 230 can instruct the tether actuation system 42 to initiate a retrieval operation that retrieves (e.g., stores) the tether 28 and transitions the wearable visualization assembly 44 to the storage configuration 254 (e.g., see FIG. 6 ) within the storage container 190.

[0058] In one embodiment, control system 230 can command tether actuation system 42 to apply a threshold tension to tether 28 while visualization device 12 is in storage configuration 192 and / or wearable visualization assembly 44 is in storage configuration 254. To this end, control system 230 urges tether actuation system 42 to keep visualization device 12 contacting contact surface 193 of visualization device 12 against receiving surface 194 of storage container 190 throughout the remainder of the entertainment phase, either to keep visualization device 12 and / or wearable visualization assembly 44 disposed within storage container 190 and not move about ride vehicle 30 (e.g., not move relative to ride vehicle 30), or until some designated point during the entertainment phase when the user is permitted or commanded to again attach wearable visualization assembly 44 to the user's head.

[0059] As indicated by block 246, process 232 may include monitoring loading and unloading operations being performed by ride vehicle 30 during a loading and unloading phase of the ride cycle (e.g., occurring upon completion of the entertainment phase), regardless of whether the retrieval operation was initiated during the entertainment phase, and operating tether actuation system 42 based on an associated control algorithm. During the loading and unloading phase of the ride cycle, tether actuation system 42 may be configured to initiate a retrieval operation (e.g., if visualization device 12 is no longer in storage receptacle 190) in response to visualization device 12 separating from interface device 14, and / or in response to detecting that visualization device 12 is not in storage configuration 190 by a threshold time point after separation from interface device 14, and / or in response to detecting tension on tether 28 indicating that visualization device 12 is not properly positioned (e.g., no longer held by a user but not in storage configuration 190, hanging by tether 28, supported on some surface but not supported on receiving surface 194). Thus, the tether actuation system 42 can operate to return the visualization device 12 to the storage configuration 190 during loading and unloading operations to protect the visualization device 12 and / or to allow a user to exit the ride vehicle 30 and make room for the next user to enter the ride vehicle 30.

[0060] As described above, a coupling system such as the electromagnetic coupling system 34 may also operate in coordination with the ride cycle to lock the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14 during the loading phase, prevent the visualization device 12 from separating from the interface device 14 during the entertainment phase, and release the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 during the unloading phase.

[0061] In one embodiment, if the control system 230 determines that the seat 180 of the ride vehicle 30 is vacant or unoccupied during the initiation of the entertainment phase of the ride cycle, the control system 230 can instruct the tether actuation system 42 to apply a threshold tension to the tether 28 so that the visualization device 12 (e.g., without the interface device 14) remains disposed within the storage receptacle 190 and in the storage configuration 192 throughout the entertainment phase. In one embodiment, the control system 230 can determine whether the seat 180 is vacant based on feedback from one or more sensors 214 of the ride vehicle 30. For example, the one or more sensors 214 can include a weight sensor 260 (e.g., a load cell) disposed within the seat 180 and / or a vehicle camera 262 coupled to the support structure 186. Control system 230 may determine that seat 180 is unoccupied when it receives feedback from weight sensor 260 indicating that the force (e.g., weight) acting on seat 180 is below a threshold, and / or when it receives and analyzes image data from vehicle camera 262 (e.g., indicating that guest 182 is not present during the start of an entertainment phase). Additionally or alternatively, control system 230 may receive feedback from an operator of attraction 168 indicating that seat 180 is unoccupied, or may determine that seat 180 is vacant in any other suitable manner.

[0062] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages useful for controlling the positioning and securing of a visualization device, or both a visualization device and an interface device, within an attraction ride vehicle. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate transitioning a visualization device, or both a visualization device and an interface device, to a storage configuration within a storage container of the ride vehicle and retaining the visualization device and / or interface device within the storage container during various portions of the attraction ride cycle. It should be understood that the technical advantages and technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting. Indeed, the embodiments described herein may have other technical advantages and solve other technical problems.

[0063] 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 have been described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. The present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

[0064] 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]

[0065] 10 AR / VR systems 12 Visualization device 14 Interface Device 16 Electronic Glasses 18 Housing 20 Display 22 Real-world environment 24 Virtual Features 26 Hyperrealistic Environments 28 Tether 30 Vehicles 34 Electromagnetic Coupling System 36 Engagement configuration 40 Head Strap Assembly 42 Tether Actuation System 44 Wearable Visualization Assembly 46 Storage Container

Claims

1. 1. An augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, comprising: a wearable visualization assembly configured to be worn by a user to display virtual features for visualization by the user during a ride phase of an attraction, the wearable visualization assembly including a sensor configured to provide feedback indicative of a state of attachment of the wearable visualization assembly on the user; a storage assembly coupled to the wearable visualization assembly via a tether and configured to retrieve the tether; a controller communicatively coupled to the storage assembly and the sensor, the controller configured to actuate the storage assembly to retrieve the tether and transition the wearable visualization assembly to a stowed configuration in response to the feedback indicating the wearable visualization assembly is in a detached configuration during the vehicle phase; An AR / VR system comprising:

2. the wearable visualization assembly an interface device configured to couple to a head of the user; a visualization device coupled to the interface device and configured to display the virtual feature for visualization by the user; 10. The AR / VR system of claim 1, comprising:

3. the interface device includes a frame supporting a reactive material, the visualization device includes an electromagnet configured to magnetically couple to the reactive material, and the controller is configured to energize the electromagnet to hold the visualization device in a locked configuration with the interface device during the ride phase. The AR / VR system of claim 2.

4. the sensor includes a contact sensor, and the controller is configured to determine that the wearable visualization assembly is in the detached configuration in response to the feedback indicating that the contact sensor is not in contact with the user. The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

5. the sensor includes a proximity sensor, and the controller is configured to determine that the wearable visualization assembly is in the separated configuration in response to feedback indicating that a separation distance between the proximity sensor and the user exceeds a threshold distance. The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

6. the sensor includes a camera, the feedback includes image data of the user's head, and the controller is configured to determine that the wearable visualization assembly is in the separated configuration in response to analysis of the image data indicating a separation distance between the camera and the user's head exceeds a threshold distance. The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

7. a ride vehicle of the attraction, wherein the storage assembly is coupled to the ride vehicle, the tether extends from the storage assembly through a storage container of the ride vehicle to the wearable visualization assembly, and the wearable visualization assembly engages the storage container in the storage configuration. The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

8. the controller is configured to instruct the storage assembly to apply and maintain a threshold tension to the tether while the wearable visualization assembly is in the storage configuration within the storage container, the threshold tension urging a contact surface of the wearable visualization assembly into contact with a receiving surface of the storage container.

8. The AR / VR system of claim 7.

9. the controller is configured to operate the storage assembly to enable delivery of the tether from the storage assembly during a ride loading phase of the attraction. The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

10. the storage assembly includes a drum configured to retrieve the tether or enable dispensing of the tether; The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

11. the wearable visualization assembly an interface device configured to couple to a head of the user; a visualization device configured to display the virtual feature for visualization by the user and configured to couple to the interface device; the visualization device includes a first connector electrically coupled to the controller, and the interface device includes a second connector electrically coupled to the sensor, the first connector configured to engage the second connector in an engagement configuration of the visualization device and the interface device to electrically couple the sensor and the controller. The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

12. a seat sensor configured to provide further feedback indicative of the user's presence within a seat of the attraction ride vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the storage assembly to maintain the wearable visualization assembly in the stowed configuration during the ride phase in response to the feedback indicative of the user's absence within the seat of the attraction ride vehicle. The AR / VR system of claim 1 .

13. 1. A method of operating an augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, comprising: providing a wearable visualization assembly configured to be worn by a user during a ride phase of the attraction, the visualization assembly locking the visualization device to the interface device via a coupling system; generating feedback indicative of a state of attachment of the wearable visualization assembly to the user via a sensor in the wearable visualization assembly; monitoring said feedback via a controller; in response to the feedback indicating that the wearable visualization assembly has transitioned from an attached configuration to a detached configuration during the vehicle phase, actuating, via the controller, a storage assembly coupled to the wearable visualization assembly to transition the wearable visualization assembly to a stowed configuration; A method comprising:

14. the storage assembly is coupled to the wearable visualization assembly via a tether, and actuating the storage assembly includes retrieving the tether to draw the wearable visualization assembly toward and into a storage container of a ride vehicle, the wearable visualization assembly engaging the storage container in the storage configuration. The method of claim 13.

15. actuating the storage assembly via the controller to apply a threshold tension to the tether that urges a contact surface of the wearable visualization assembly into contact with a receiving surface of the storage container in the storage configuration of the wearable visualization assembly.

15. The method of claim 14.

16. determining seat occupancy in the attraction ride vehicle via a further sensor; in response to receiving further feedback from the further sensor indicating that the seat is unoccupied at the start of the ride phase, actuating the storage assembly via the controller to retain the visualization device within a storage container of the ride vehicle; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

17. 1. An augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, comprising: Attraction ride vehicles and a visualization device coupled to the ride vehicle via a tether and configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user; an interface device configured to be worn by the user and engage the visualization device; a storage assembly coupled to the ride vehicle and the tether and configured to retrieve the tether and reduce an extended length of the tether; a controller electrically coupled to the storage assembly and configured to, in response to receiving feedback from a sensor indicating that the visualization device has become separated from the user during a ride phase of the attraction, operate the storage assembly to retrieve the tether and transfer the visualization device and the interface device to a storage bin in the ride vehicle; An AR / VR system comprising:

18. the sensor is coupled to the interface device, and the sensor includes a heart rate sensor or a proximity sensor; 18. The AR / VR system of claim 17.

19. the visualization device includes a first connector electrically coupled to the controller, and the interface device includes a second connector electrically coupled to the sensor, the first connector configured to engage the second connector in an engaged configuration of the visualization device and the interface device to electrically couple the sensor to the controller.

19. The AR / VR system of claim 18.

20. the ride stage is an entertainment stage of the attraction, and the ride vehicle is configured to perform the entertainment stage between sequential loading and unloading stages of a ride cycle of the attraction.

18. The AR / VR system of claim 17.

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