Locker management method

Abstract

To provide a locker system and a usage method thereof.SOLUTION: A locker system includes a locker area, a plurality of lockers disposed within the locker area, and multiple augmented reality headsets. Each augmented headset includes a display and is configured to be worn by each individual user. The locker system also includes a controller that includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory. These instructions generate locker assignments that assign individual lockers of the plurality of lockers to each individual user, communicate the locker assignments for assigned individual lockers to each individual user using the multiple augmented reality headsets, and control operations of assigned individual locker of the multiple lockers based on signals received from the multiple augmented reality headsets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to locker management systems and methods. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for allocating lockers and enabling access to allocated or designated lockers.

Background Art

[0002] This section is for introducing readers to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is considered useful in showing readers the background circumstances and facilitating a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should not be construed as admitting prior art, but should be understood to be read from the above perspective. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a locker system includes a locker area and a plurality of lockers arranged within the locker area. The locker system also includes a plurality of augmented reality headsets, each augmented reality headset including a display and configured to be worn by each individual user. The locker system also includes a controller, which includes memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in memory, and is communicably coupled to the plurality of lockers and the plurality of augmented reality headsets. Instructions include generating locker assignments that assign each individual locker of the plurality of lockers to each individual user, and communicating the locker assignments of the assigned individual lockers to each individual user using the plurality of augmented reality headsets. Instructions also include controlling the operation of the assigned individual lockers of the plurality of lockers based on signals received from each individual user's plurality of augmented reality headsets, which indicate commands provided by each individual user, and which are sensed using the plurality of augmented reality headsets.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a locker area, a plurality of lockers arranged within the locker area, a plurality of augmented reality headsets, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of lockers and the plurality of augmented reality headsets. The controller is configured to determine the assignment of the plurality of lockers based on one or more criteria and to communicate this assignment to each of the plurality of augmented reality headsets. The assigned locker among the plurality of lockers is configured to be locked / unlocked in response to commands given via each of the plurality of augmented reality headsets.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using a locker system includes the step of receiving information from an augmented reality headset via a controller about a user of an augmented reality headset in a locker area including a plurality of lockers. The method includes the step of accessing information via the controller from sensors indicating the locker availability of the plurality of lockers. The method includes the step of communicating potential available locker assignments from the controller to an augmented reality headset worn by the user by graphically representing the potential available locker assignments in augmented reality based on the user information and the locker availability information. The method further includes the step of receiving a signal via the controller that the user has selected one of the potential available locker assignments, and the step of associating one of the lockers with the user via the controller.

[0008] A better understanding of these and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be gained by reading the following detailed description while referring to the attached drawings, which indicate the same parts throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a facility having a locker system according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the locker system shown in Figure 1, according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the augmented reality headset shown in Figure 2, according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a user interacting with the rocker system of Figure 1 using an augmented reality headset display according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the process of assigning a locker to a user using the locker system shown in Figure 1, according to an aspect of this disclosure, and enabling the user to lock / unlock the assigned locker using an augmented reality headset. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the process of guiding a user to an assigned locker in the locker system of Figure 1, according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a user interacting with the locker system of Figure 1 using a gesture-based locking or unlocking method according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure. For the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, this specification may not describe all the features of actual implementations. It should be understood that in developing any such real-world implementation, as seen in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, while such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood that for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, these are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing endeavors. In addition, to the extent that certain terms such as parallel and perpendicular are used in the present invention, it should be understood that these terms allow for deviations from their strict mathematical definitions, such as deviations related to manufacturing imperfections and associated tolerances.

[0011] This disclosure relates to a system and method for using a locker system. Specifically, embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for efficiently allocating lockers and enabling users to conveniently access their assigned lockers. The disclosed technology can be used in conjunction with an augmented reality (AR) headset worn by a user. In certain embodiments, the disclosed technology can be used in conjunction with a mobile device that provides AR functionality. For example, the AR headset can be used to communicate locker assignments for a locker system having multiple lockers to a user. The user can also use the AR headset to unlock / lock their assigned locker. In one implementation, as a user approaches a locker area, the AR headset receives information from the locker system identifying available lockers (e.g., unused lockers, unused lockers close to the user, unused lockers matching specific criteria or preferences), and can then process this information to assign or suggest one or more lockers to the user. This locker assignment information can be communicated to the user via the AR headset display. Once a user places their belongings in an assigned locker (one or multiple), they can lock the locker using body gestures (e.g., eye gestures, hand gestures, etc., that the AR headset can track). The AR headset display can guide such body gestures, prompting the user to complete the appropriate body gestures, for example, by mimicking specific movement patterns. When the user returns to the locker area, the AR headset guides them to their assigned locker, which they can then unlock using body gestures. Thus, the user does not need to remember the number and / or location of the assigned locker; instead, they are guided to the correct locker by the AR headset display, thereby promoting a more relaxed experience.

[0012] With the above in mind, embodiments of the present invention will be described in relation to a locker system that provides lockers to users (e.g., visitors and / or staff) in an amusement park, entertainment facility, or any other suitable facility, in order to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure present solutions that efficiently allocate lockers and allow users to conveniently access their assigned lockers. Furthermore, embodiments of the present technology can also facilitate payment for lockers or access to lockers that visitors can use free of charge. For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a locker system 10 in an amusement park 12 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the amusement park 12 may include a registration area 14 where users 16 (e.g., visitors, staff) can register to enter the amusement park 12 or to enter one or more attractions within the amusement park 12. In some embodiments, some or all of the users 16 may acquire (e.g., rent) an augmented reality (AR) headset 18 at the time of registration. For example, the user 16 may wear an AR headset 18 that can be part of, or enhance, the experience in the amusement park 12. In some embodiments, as part of the registration or receipt of the AR headset 18, each AR headset 18 can be associated with a specific user 16.

[0013] User 16 can approach the locker system 10, which includes multiple lockers 20 within the locker area 21, and store their belongings, or retrieve their belongings from one or more of the multiple lockers 20. As described later, User 16 wearing an AR headset 18 can use the AR headset 18 to interact with one or more lockers 20 (e.g., select, return, open / unlock, and close / lock).

[0014] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a block diagram of the locker system 10. As shown, the locker system 10 includes a plurality of lockers 20 and a controller 30 which includes a processor 32 and memory 34 (e.g., non-temporary computer-readable medium / memory circuit) communicatively coupled to the processor 32. The controller 30 can be a dedicated controller for the locker system 10 of an individual attraction or part of the control system of the amusement park 12. The controller 30 is communicatively coupled to the plurality of lockers 20 via wireless or wired communication. In some embodiments, each individual locker 20 can be configured to communicate with the controller 30. In other embodiments, each individual locker 20 can communicate with a hub or processor-based device that collects availability information for the individual locker 20 and passes it to the controller 30. The controller 30 is communicatively coupled to the AR headset 18 via wireless communication.

[0015] Each individual locker 20 may include a locking mechanism, such as a suitable actuator 23, configured to lock / unlock and / or open / close each individual locker 20 upon receiving a command from the controller 30. In some embodiments, the controller 30 is communicatively coupled to the lockers 20 so that the operating state of the actuators 23 can be transmitted to the controller 30 to provide availability information for the lockers 20. That is, the controller 30 can receive information about the state (locked or unlocked) of each actuator 23 and accordingly indicate the availability of the associated locker 20 (available when the actuator 23 is unlocked, and unavailable when the actuator 23 is locked). The controller 30 is communicatively coupled to a data server 36 via wireless communication. The data server 36 may be a remote or local data server that stores and / or processes user information of user 16. User information may include any preferred information provided or approved by user 16, such as payment information, membership information, personal information (e.g., age, height, special needs, etc.), and locker preference information (e.g., locker size, number, location, etc.). In some embodiments, the locker system 10 may include one or more cameras 38 positioned within the locker area 21, and the controller 30 may be communicatively coupled to one or more cameras 38 via wired or wireless communication. One or more cameras 38 can facilitate access control based on recognition (e.g., facial recognition) and can further provide the controller 30 with information to be used as input for assigning lockers to individual users 16.

[0016] Each AR headset 18 can provide a clear direct or indirect field of view of a physical real-world environment having elements such as sound, images, graphics, or Global Positioning System (GPS) data, augmented by computer-generated sensory input. By utilizing the AR headset 18, information about the real world surrounding the user 16 becomes interactive and / or digitally manipulable. The AR headset 18 can take any preferred form, such as glasses, a head-mounted device, or a head-up display. Each AR headset 18 can include any preferred hardware, software, and algorithms that enable a suitable AR platform. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a block diagram of the AR headset 18. The headset 18 may include a processor 40, a memory 42 communicatively coupled to the processor 40, a display 44, a sensory and tracking device 46 (e.g., a camera, accelerometer, global positioning system or GPS, gyroscope, solid compass, inertial measurement device or IMU, etc.), a network system 48 (e.g., a wireless communication system, wired communication, infrared or IR transceiver, optical transceiver), and an input device 50 (e.g., a voice recognition system, a gesture recognition system, etc.), and can be programmed with suitable software / algorithms 52 (e.g., firmware, applications, application portability profiles or APP, etc.) stored in the memory 42. Furthermore, the memory 42 may store identification information or information that links the AR headset 18 to a stored profile of an individual user 16 when accessed by the controller 30. Thus, the AR headset display and locker assignment can be implemented taking into account user preferences (e.g., a low-positioned locker for a child with limited reach). In other embodiments, the AR headset 18 may not be associated with a particular user 16.

[0017] Referring again to Figure 2, the memory 34 or data server 36 can store identification or authentication data, such as user identification (ID) information or user profile information. The memory 34 can store one or more instruction sets (e.g., processor-executable instructions) and algorithms implemented to perform operations related to the function or operation of the locker system 10. For example, the memory 34 can store information stored in the memory 34 or data server 36 (e.g., user profile information), as well as a locker assignment module 35 which includes algorithms or rule-based instructions for accessing, processing, and / or analyzing (single or multiple) signals provided as inputs that enable the determination of locker assignments for one or more users 16 by the locker 20 (e.g., status indications of actuator 23), the AR headset 18, the data server 36, and / or one or more cameras 38. The rule-based instructions can weight several inputs according to predetermined weight coefficients. For example, during times of heavy congestion in the locker area 21, this weighting can encourage the allocation of lockers 20 adjacent to other unassigned lockers 20, or lockers 20 associated with a lower user density, as evaluated, for example, via signals from camera 38, thereby directing traffic flow to less congested areas. Thus, the weighting coefficient can include the density of users 16 near individual lockers 20, or the number or density of adjacent available unassigned lockers 20 near individual lockers 20. In another embodiment, rule-based instructions can weight the locker-user distance between a user 16 and an available locker 20, giving a higher weight to nearby lockers 20 compared to other lockers 20 further away from the user.

[0018] The locker assignment module 35 may also include instructions for updating locker assignments so that the locker system 10 can track the use of the lockers 20 (e.g., availability, duration of use, etc.). Thus, each individual locker 20 can be configured to communicate information about its availability (e.g., occupied or vacant) to the controller 30. In one embodiment, the locker 20 may provide status or availability information when its status changes (e.g., from occupied to available or vice versa). In another embodiment, the locker 20 may provide status information periodically.

[0019] The locker assignment module 35 can be configured to efficiently assign lockers 20 to users 16 according to specific criteria to avoid duplicate and / or overbooking of locker assignments. The locker assignment module 35 can process and communicate locker assignments to multiple users 16 simultaneously or substantially simultaneously (e.g., without assigning the same locker 20 to multiple users 16). For example, the locker assignment criteria may include any of the following preferred elements: locker availability, user location (e.g., distance to each locker), user profile information of individual AR headset 18 users (e.g., age, height, special needs), user preferences (e.g., size, location, number, cost, etc.), user ID, membership status, admission status (e.g., admission to the amusement park 12 and / or admission to specific attractions (one or more) within the amusement park 12). In one embodiment, if user 16 is part of a group (e.g., a family group) selecting lockers 20, the controller 30 can operate to group assigned lockers 20 that are adjacent to each other or as close as possible for the family, according to rule-based metrics. In another embodiment, the controller 30 can allocate / instruct only the availability of one or more lockers 20 within a threshold distance (e.g., 3 meters or less), taking into account the user's position. Furthermore, the controller 30 can combine positional information and user gaze information (provided by the AR headset 18) to allocate / instruct only the availability of lockers 20 within a distance threshold roughly corresponding to the user 16's forward gaze direction in the locker area 21. In another embodiment, a portion of the middle sets of lockers 20 (e.g., not the top or bottom row) can be reserved for a user 16 with a special entry status.In another embodiment, if two users 16 enter the locker area 21 simultaneously, the controller 30 can facilitate traffic flow within the locker area 21 by guiding the first user 16 to a set of lockers 20 located away from the second user 16 (via AR arrows or footprints). As the first user 16 approaches the distant set of lockers 20, the controller 30 can highlight one or more available lockers 20 within this distant set of lockers 20.

[0020] In one embodiment, the controller 30 can be programmed to control the functions or operations of the AR headset 18. For example, the controller 30 can store in memory 34 a model of the locker area 21 constructed using spatial information such as images of the locker area 21, or can access such a model in the data server 36. This model, along with other inputs, such as from the camera 38 and sensor 46, to determine the position of each user 16 within the locker area, and the gaze direction of each user 16 from the AR headset 18, is used to provide the AR headset with a display signal that is dynamically updated as the user 16 moves within the locker area 21. Based on the model, user position, and gaze direction, the controller 30 can provide an overlaid augmented reality image as shown herein.

[0021] Memory 34 can also store instructions for obtaining information regarding the availability of lockers 20 and / or the position / orientation of user 16 using the sensing and tracking device 46 of AR headset 18, or instructions for accessing such information. Information obtained by the camera of the sensing and tracking device 46 can indicate which lockers 20 are available (e.g., lockers 20 that are unlocking and / or opening). Information obtained by the accelerometer, GPS, gyroscope, solid compass, and / or IMU of the sensing and tracking device 46 can indicate the relative position / orientation and / or movement of user 16 with respect to the corresponding lockers 20 indicated as available. In some embodiments, memory 34 can store instructions for obtaining information regarding the availability of lockers 20 and / or the position / orientation of user 16 as described above using one or more cameras 38.

[0022] For example, the memory 34 can store instructions for operating the display 44 of the AR headset 18 to display one or two or more available and / or proposed lockers 20 to the user 16. The available and / or proposed lockers 20 can be communicated via any suitable visual identification including text, images, or a combination thereof displayed on the display 44. For example, the available and / or proposed lockers 20 can be shown via any suitable visual highlighting (e.g., shaded color, blinking, circular enclosure, etc.) such that this visual identification overlaps with the corresponding lockers 20 in the surrounding real world on the display 44. Navigation (e.g., visual GPS navigation) to the available and / or proposed lockers 20 can also be displayed on the display 44. Operation options such as selection of one or two or more of the available or proposed lockers, locking / unlocking and / or opening / closing of the assigned locker 20 can also be displayed on the display 44. Other suitable communications such as a reminder to retrieve an item stored in the assigned locker 20 can also be displayed on the display 44. Further, the memory 34 can store instructions for displaying special or themed images on the display 44 while the user 16 is staying within the locker area 21.

[0023] For example, the memory 34 can store instructions for obtaining information indicating locker selections and operations (e.g., locker selection, locking / unlocking and / or opening / closing) prompted by the user 16 from the input device 50 (e.g., voice recognition system and / or gesture recognition system) of the AR headset 18. Specifically, the user 16 can prompt locker selections and operations by speaking, gazing, hand / arm gestures, etc. For example, the memory 34 can store instructions for operating the actuator 23 so that the controller 30 can lock / unlock and / or open / close the locker 20.

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a view of proposed available lockers 54 within a locker area shown to the user 16 via the AR headset 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the available lockers out of all lockers 20 are presented based on information regarding the estimated gaze field 56 or the user 16's gaze direction. The estimated gaze field 56 can be determined from the camera 38 or from feedback from the user's AR headset 18. The system controller 30 can select only the available lockers within or near the estimated gaze field 56 to present to the user 16. Proposed available lockers 54 can be distinguished from unavailable lockers 55 within the estimated gaze field 56 through highlighting, overlay images, or other differentiating displays provided via the AR headset 18. In one embodiment, available lockers 20 are overlaid with a specific color (e.g., green), while unavailable lockers 20 are shown without a color overlay or in a different color (e.g., red). Available or unavailable lockers 20 can be indicated by text overlays (e.g., "AVAILABLE" or "UNAVAILABLE") or by images related to vehicles (e.g., a smiling vehicle character indicates an available locker 20, and a villainous vehicle character indicates an unavailable locker 20). In another embodiment, assigned or available lockers are indicated by individual text overlays, such as the user's name 16, or by a stored user profile image displayed as a text overlay on the locker 20, or by an image related to the user, such as a profile avatar (accessed via a controller 30, etc., from stored user profile information). Thus, the user 16 can easily identify their assigned locker 20. Further effects (flashing effects, sound effects) can also be used to attract the user's attention. In one embodiment, the overlay image flashes more frequently until the user 16 reaches their assigned locker 20. The overlay image may also include navigation aids such as arrows or footprints that guide the user 16 to the assigned locker 20 or suggested locker 20 (one or more).In another example, a vehicle character acts as a navigator for user 16, and user 16 can find assigned lockers 20 according to the character's overlay image. When user 16 selects a suggested available locker 54, the AR headset 18 can make any other suggested available lockers 54 disappear or stop displaying them.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, it is shown that multiple options of proposed available lockers 54 can be presented to the user 16, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, only one proposed or assigned available locker 54 may be presented to the user 16. Thus, in such embodiments, only a single proposed available locker 54 is presented to the user 16, even if other lockers 20 in the estimated gaze field 56 are available. Furthermore, in some embodiments, regardless of the number of options available to the user 16, the controller 30 may be configured to show any individual locker 20 as available to only one user 16 at a time. This prevents two users 16 from competing for the same locker 20.

[0026] Figure 5 is a flowchart of Method 60 for assigning a locker 20 to a user 16 using the locker system 10. One or more steps of Method 60 can be performed by the controller 30 of the locker system 10. Method 60 includes a step (step 62) of engaging the AR headset 18. Engagement of the AR headset 18 with the locker system 10 can be triggered by user input indicating that the user 16 wishes to access one or more lockers (e.g., locker 20). For example, the AR headset 18 may display (single or multiple) options and / or (single or multiple) commands on the display 44 prompting the user 16 to indicate whether they wish to access locker 20. In some embodiments, engagement of the AR headset 18 with the locker system 10 can be automatically triggered when the user 16 receives the AR headset 18 in the registration area 14, or when the user 16 approaches a locker area (e.g., approaches locker area 21). When the controller 30 receives a message from user 16 indicating that they wish to access the locker 20, it can verify the user's identification / status (for example, that user 16 is in good standing in terms of membership status, entry status, payment method, etc.). For example, the controller 30 can collect relevant information from the data server 36. For example, the controller 30 can verify whether user 16 has made the corresponding payment or is authenticated (for example, payment related to renting the locker 20, or free). If the verification is successful, the controller 30 can connect the corresponding AR headset 18 with the locker system 10.

[0027] Method 60 includes a step (step 64) of collecting and / or processing information relating to locker allocation. Specifically, the controller 30 may obtain information / data relating to locker allocation (e.g., locker allocation criteria) from the lockers 20, the AR headset 18, the data server 36 and / or one or more cameras 38. This information / data may include, but is not limited to, locker availability, user location (e.g., distance to each locker), user profile (e.g., age, height, special needs), user preferences (e.g., size, location, number, cost, etc.), user ID, membership status, and entry status (e.g., entry to amusement park 12 and / or entry to specific attractions (one or more) within amusement park 12). Specifically, the locker allocation module 35 may include instructions that the controller 30 can execute to process and analyze the locker allocation criteria and select the locker that best matches the allocation criteria for user 16 based on data about each locker (e.g., stored on the data server 36). For example, the locker assignment module 35 can select from available lockers 20 (e.g., empty, not reserved, etc.). For example, the locker assignment module 35 may include instructions to select from relatively close lockers 20 if it determines that user 16 is near a particular locker 20. For example, the locker assignment module 35 may include instructions to assign lockers 20 based on the user's height and / or special needs. In another example, the locker assignment module 35 may determine that user 16 is authorized to use certain lockers 20 available for a select membership status and select from these lockers 20. For example, the locker assignment module 35 may include instructions to determine that user 16 is authorized to use certain lockers 20 associated with select (one or more) attractions within the amusement park 12.

[0028] Method 60 may include a step (step 66) of displaying the selected lockers 20 to the user 16. Once the above-described locker selection process / analysis is complete, the controller 30 may instruct the AR headset 18 to display the (single or multiple) selected lockers 20 using the display 44. Specifically, the (single or multiple) lockers 20 shown to the user 16 in step 66 are the selection made by the locker system 10, and the user 16 can approve or reject this selection and / or select one or more lockers 20 from the available options selected by the locker system 10. In some embodiments, Method 60 may include a step (step 68) of displaying the available lockers 20 to the user 16. For example, once the above-described locker selection process / analysis is complete, the controller 30 may instruct the AR headset 18 to display all available lockers 20 instead of the (single or multiple) selected lockers 20 using the display 44. Specifically, the available lockers 20 may be shown to the user 16 (step 68) along with an instruction prompting the user 16 to make a selection. In some embodiments, the step of displaying a selected locker 20 (step 66) or an available locker (step 68) includes the step of displaying a navigation route to the selected or available (one or more) locker 20 on the display 44.

[0029] Method 60 may include a step (step 70) to confirm the locker assignment. For example, a controller 30 communicatively coupled to the AR headset 18 may receive input from the user 16 to confirm the locker selection. For example, after step 66, the user 16 may use the input device 50 of the AR headset 18 (e.g., a voice recognition system and / or a gesture recognition system) to approve or reject the locker selected by the locker system 10. For example, after step 68, the user 16 may use the input device 50 of the AR headset 18 (e.g., a voice recognition system and / or a gesture recognition system) to select one or more lockers from the available lockers identified by the locker system 10. Method 60 may include a step (step 72) to update the locker availability. If the user 16 confirms the selection in step 70, the controller 30 updates the locker availability to avoid duplication or overbooking of locker assignments or availability indications.

[0030] Method 60 may include the steps of confirming the locker assignment (step 72) and enabling the use of the assigned locker 20 (step 74). For example, the controller 30 may receive a command from the input device 50 of the AR headset 18 (e.g., a voice recognition system and / or a gesture recognition system) and, based on the received command, send a command to the actuator 23 to unlock or open the (one or more) confirmed assigned locker 20. For example, the controller 30 may collect information from the actuator 23, the AR headset 18, the (one or more) cameras 38, or a combination thereof to determine that the user's belongings have been placed in each locker 20 and then send a command to the actuator 23 to close and / or lock each locker 20.

[0031] Figure 6 is a flowchart of Method 80 for assisting a user 16 to access their respective lockers 20 (e.g., the locker assigned to user 16) using the locker system 10. One or more steps of Method 80 can be performed by the controller 30 of the locker system 10. Method 80 includes a step (step 82) for verifying locker assignments. The locker assignment verification step can be triggered by user input indicating that user 16 wishes to access their respective assigned locker 20. For example, user 16 can use the input device 50 of the AR headset 18 (e.g., a voice recognition system and / or a gesture recognition system) to indicate a request to access their respective assigned locker 20. In some embodiments, this step can be triggered automatically when user 16 wearing the AR headset 18 approaches the locker area 21 (e.g., approaches the locker area 21). When the controller 30 receives a message that user 16 wants to access a locker 20, it can verify the identification / status of user 16 (for example, that user 16 is in good condition and is currently renting each locker 20) and verify the locker assignment.

[0032] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, locking / unlocking the user's assigned locker 100 may be based on a gesture recognition input generated by the user 16 and sensed by the AR headset 18 or one or more cameras 38. For example, the user 16 may be prompted to mimic a display symbol 102 (shown as the number "4" in Figure 7 as just one example) via the display of the AR headset 18. In other embodiments, the user 16 may be prompted to generate their own gestures. When the AR headset 18 detects an appropriate gesture, it can send a signal to the controller 30 to lock / unlock the user's assigned locker 100. In one embodiment, the gesture for locking the user's assigned locker 100 and the gesture for subsequently unlocking it are the same.

[0033] Referring again to Figure 6, Method 80 may include a step (step 84) of navigating the user 16 to their assigned locker 20. Specifically, the controller 30 may instruct the AR headset 18 to display the assigned locker 20 and / or to display navigation to the assigned locker 20 (e.g., visual GPS navigation). Method 80 may also include a step (step 86) of enabling the use of the assigned locker 20. For example, the controller 30 may send a command to the actuator 23 to unlock and / or open the assigned locker 20. For example, the controller 30 may receive a command from the input device 50 of the AR headset 18 (e.g., a voice recognition system and / or a gesture recognition system) and, based on the received command, instruct the actuator 23 to unlock and / or open the assigned locker 20.

[0034] Method 80 may include the steps of clearing the locker assignments (step 88) and updating the availability of the lockers (step 90). These steps can be triggered by an instruction from user 16 that they wish to clear the locker assignments. For example, the controller 30 may receive input from one or more input devices 50 of the AR headset 18 (e.g., a voice recognition system and / or a gesture recognition system) indicating that user 16 no longer needs the locker 20 (e.g., user 16 wishes to clear the locker assignments).

[0035] In some embodiments, the controller 30 can collect information from the actuator 23, the AR headset 18, the data server 36, one or more cameras 38, or a combination thereof, and based on the collected information, determine that the user 16 no longer needs the locker 20. For example, the controller 30 can collect information from the AR headset 18 and / or one or more cameras 38 to determine that the user 16 is retrieving their belongings and heading towards the exit of the attraction and / or amusement park 12. In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., an optical sensor or a weight sensor) can detect the presence of an item in the locker 20 to facilitate this determination. The controller 30 can then clear the locker assignments (step 88) and update the locker availability so that each locker 20 is available for the next locker assignment (step 90).

[0036] Although the embodiment of the locker system 10 is described as being implemented using the AR headset 18, it should be understood that embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented using any other suitable mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet). For example, a mobile device may have similar functions to the AR headset 18 (e.g., functions implemented by hardware and software such as a processor, memory, display, sensory and tracking devices, network system, input device, firmware, application, application portability profile, or APP). In one example, augmented reality images can be viewed on the display of a mobile device or personal device rather than through the headset display 44. For example, a user 16 can download an APP to their mobile device and connect this mobile device to the locker system 10, controller 30, etc. The locker system 10 can then efficiently assign lockers in the same manner as described above, allowing the user 16 to easily access the assigned locker 20.

[0037] While only a few features have been illustrated and described in this specification, many modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that all such modifications and changes are covered in the appended claims as being within the practical spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A locker system comprising: Locker area and a plurality of lockers disposed within the locker area; a plurality of augmented reality headsets, each of the plurality of augmented reality headsets including a display and configured to be worn by a respective individual user; a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of lockers and the plurality of augmented reality headsets, the controller including a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory; the instructions comprising: generating locker assignments that assign individual lockers of the plurality of lockers to the respective individual users; communicating the locker assignments for the assigned individual lockers to the respective individual users using the plurality of augmented reality headsets; controlling operation of the assigned individual locker of the plurality of lockers based on signals received from the plurality of augmented reality headsets of the respective individual users. wherein the signals indicate commands given by the respective individual users, the commands being sensed using the plurality of augmented reality headsets. Locker system.

2. 10. The locker system of claim 1, including one or more cameras configured to monitor the locker areas, and wherein generating the locker assignments is based on information received via the plurality of augmented reality headsets, the one or more cameras, or a combination thereof.

3. The locker system of claim 1 , wherein generating the locker assignment is based on locker availability, user location, user profile, user preferences, user identity, membership status, entry status, or a combination thereof.

4. 10. The locker system of claim 1, wherein a particular assigned individual locker is shown on the display of each augmented reality headset using an indicator positioned to correspond to an actual view of the particular assigned individual locker.

5. The locker system of claim 1 , wherein controlling the operation of the assigned individual lockers includes locking and unlocking the assigned individual lockers.

6. The locker system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions include displaying navigation to the assigned individual locker on the display of the respective augmented reality headset.

7. The locker system of claim 1 , further comprising generating the signals using the plurality of augmented reality headsets based on information from gesture recognition systems of the augmented reality headsets.

8. The locker system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions include updating availability of the plurality of lockers based on the locker assignments.

9. Locker area and a plurality of lockers disposed within the locker area; Multiple augmented reality headsets and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of lockers and the plurality of augmented reality headsets; the controller is configured to determine assignments of the plurality of lockers based on one or more criteria and communicate the assignments to the respective plurality of augmented reality headsets, and the assigned lockers of the plurality of lockers are configured to be locked and unlocked in response to commands provided via the respective plurality of augmented reality headsets. system.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the one or more criteria include information collected using the plurality of augmented reality headsets.

11. 10. The system of claim 9, comprising one or more cameras positioned within the locker area, and wherein the one or more criteria comprises information collected using the one or more cameras.

12. The system of claim 9 , wherein the one or more criteria include a distance between the plurality of lockers and the plurality of augmented reality headsets.

13. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the respective plurality of augmented reality headsets includes a display, and the assigned locker is shown on the display.

14. The system of claim 9 , wherein the instructions are given using a gesture recognition system of each of the plurality of augmented reality headsets.

15. 1. A method of using a locker system, comprising: receiving information from the augmented reality headset via a controller regarding a user of the augmented reality headset within a locker area including a plurality of lockers; accessing information from sensors via the controller indicative of locker availability for the plurality of lockers; communicating potential available locker assignments from the controller to the augmented reality headset worn by the user by graphically depicting the potential available locker assignments in augmented reality based on the information about the user and the information about locker availability; receiving a signal via the controller that the user has selected one of the potential available locker assignments; associating the one locker with the user via the controller; A method comprising:

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the information about the user includes a user position in the locker area and a gaze direction of the user.

17. The method of claim 15, comprising displaying a highlight or overlay of the potential available locker assignments on a display of the augmented reality headset.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the signal that the user has selected the one locker comprises one or more signals provided by a gesture recognition system of the augmented reality headset.

19. 16. The method of claim 15, comprising collecting the information about the user from one or more cameras located within the one or more locker areas.

20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the information about the user includes user profile information from a data server, user preference information, user identification, membership status, admission status, or a combination thereof.

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