Techniques for spatial data projection

Abstract

To provide techniques for spatial data projection using digital light processing.SOLUTION: A system including a projection device configured to emit a plurality of light beams, where each individual light beam is emitted with a unique path within an environment, and where each individual light beam has a modulation pattern configured to transmit data corresponding to the unique path. The system also includes a receiver device having: a sensor configured to detect at least one individual light beam of the plurality of light beams; a receiver processor configured to identify the modulation pattern of the detected individual light beam; and generate response instructions based on the position data transmitted via the modulation pattern; and an output device configured to output a response based on the generated response instructions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 899,562, entitled "TECHNIQUES FOR SPATIAL DATA PROJECTION," filed September 12, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for spatial data projection, for example, using digital light processing. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, as described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that this description is to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Theme park or amusement park attractions are becoming increasingly popular, and various amusement park attractions are being created to provide guests with a unique immersive experience. Certain amusement park attractions allow guests to move around freely while using virtual reality or augmented reality devices to help provide the guest with a unique immersive experience. As the guest moves through the attraction, it may be desirable to update the images the guest sees (e.g., video feeds, photos, or text or image-based instructions) based on the guest's location within the amusement park attraction. Traditionally, tracking the guest's location and updating the display required a head-mounted display with an onboard camera or an external, calibrated tracking system. However, these head-mounted displays are typically expensive, power-hungry, and heavy, which can reduce the sense of immersion. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Accordingly, it is now recognized that improvements to such amusement park attractions are desirable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter; rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a system includes a projection device configured to emit a plurality of light beams, each of which is emitted along a unique path within an environment, and each of which has a modulation pattern configured to transmit data corresponding to the unique path. The system also includes a receiver device having a sensor configured to detect at least one of the plurality of light beams, a receiver processor configured to identify the modulation pattern of the detected individual light beam and generate a response command based on the location data transmitted using the modulation pattern, and an output device configured to output a response based on the generated response command.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a system includes a system controller configured to generate a plurality of image data instruction sets, each corresponding to a respective region. The system also includes a projection device configured to simultaneously emit a plurality of light beams, each of the plurality of light beams having a modulation pattern configured to transmit image data based on the image data instruction set corresponding to the region through which the respective light beam is configured to pass. The system further includes a receiver device having a sensor configured to detect each of the plurality of light beams, a processor configured to determine image data based on the modulation pattern of the detected each of the light beams, and a display device configured to display an image based on the image data.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a method includes emitting a plurality of light beams by a projection device, each of the plurality of light beams having a unique modulation pattern configured to transmit data corresponding to a respective region. The method further includes detecting the respective light beams by a receiver device. The method also includes generating a response command based on data received by the receiver device from the unique modulation pattern of the detected light beam. The method further includes outputting a response based on the response command by an output device.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a system includes a projection device configured to emit a plurality of light beams, each of the individual light beams being emitted along a unique path within an environment. Each of the individual light beams has a modulation pattern configured to transmit position data corresponding to the unique path. The system also includes a receiver device having a sensor configured to detect at least one individual light beam of the plurality of light beams to generate sensor data indicative of the modulation pattern and a communication circuit configured to transmit the sensor data. The system also includes a system controller configured to receive the sensor data and determine a position of the receiver device within the environment.

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a spatial data projection system for an amusement park attraction, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a spatial data projection system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a receiver device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a projection device emitting first and second groups of light beams at an amusement park attraction, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a spatial data projection system having multiple projection devices, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a spatial data projection system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any industrial design or engineering project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developers' particular goals, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will further be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0014] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are 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. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0015] Provided herein are systems and methods that enable location tracking and / or communication using projected light, e.g., light projected using digital light processing (DLP) technology. This technology can facilitate self-localization of objects within the projected light field. That is, light can be projected such that objects located within the projected light field detect the light beam transmitting location information. In one embodiment, one or more receiver devices use on-board optical sensors to detect the projected light, which transmits information specific to a unique path of the light. The receiver devices (e.g., augmented reality display glasses, toys, wands, or drones) can receive location-specific images or commands or activate location-specific special effects within an amusement park attraction without actively tracking the receiver device's location. The projected light transmits pixel data along specific light paths, and different light paths can transmit different pixel data. In one embodiment, the disclosed technology enables the transmission of location-specific data without using active communication or location information generated by guest devices or without using an external camera-based tracking system. As such, the present systems and methods do not require traditional head-mounted displays with onboard cameras or external calibrated tracking systems. Instead, the present systems and methods may include one or more projection devices (e.g., projectors) that emit multiple light beams within the area of ​​an amusement park attraction, each light beam of the multiple light beams having a unique path and a unique modulation pattern indicative of the unique path. As a guest wearing a receiver device moves through the attraction, the receiver device may intercept and detect individual light beams of the multiple light beams. The receiver device may be configured to determine or identify a location of the receiver device within the attraction based at least in part on the unique modulation patterns associated with the detected light beams.

[0016] Specifically, the receiver device may include an optical sensor configured to detect each light beam when the sensor is positioned along the unique path of the light beam. As presented herein, each light beam may have a unique modulation pattern indicative of the unique path of the light beam. A processor of the receiver device may be configured to identify the unique modulation pattern based on data generated from the onboard sensor upon detection of the individual light beam. As presented herein, the unique modulation pattern may be a modulation pattern that is distinguishable from other modulation patterns emitted by other light beams simultaneously emitted from the projection device. The modulation pattern may be configured to transmit location data corresponding to each area of ​​the amusement park attraction along the unique path such that the processor can determine the location of the receiver device based at least in part on the identified modulation pattern. The processor may generate a response command based on the identified modulation pattern. Furthermore, an output device of the receiver device may output a location-specific image or command to a display device of the receiver device or activate a location-specific special effect based on the response command.

[0017] In this manner, a system including a guest's receiver device or other receiver devices located within an amusement park attraction can passively detect the projected light and, based on the detected light, determine location or position information, which can then trigger additional actions by the receiver device and / or system. This differs from location detection technologies that require active communication from the target device to determine its location or that use image-based tracking of the device itself. The detected light can contain information from which a location can be determined, and in certain embodiments, can include location-specific data or instructions. Furthermore, the disclosed technology can be implemented using relatively inexpensive components for the receiver device, such as a light sensor and limited or no processor / memory capabilities. This provides the advantage of eliminating more costly hardware elements from devices that can be distributed to guests or provided as part of a toy.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spatial data projection system having a projection device 10 disposed in an amusement attraction 12. The projection device 10 is configured to emit multiple light beams 14. Each light beam of the multiple light beams 14 is emitted along a unique path 24 toward various portions of the amusement attraction 12. For example, the projection device 10 can be disposed on a front wall 16 of an environment 18 within the amusement attraction 12 and oriented to emit the multiple light beams 14 into the environment 18. In some embodiments, the projection device is disposed on the ceiling of the environment. The multiple light beams 14 can be emitted such that the individual light beams 26 span the width of the environment 18 (i.e., from the left wall 20 of the environment to the right wall 22 of the environment). Furthermore, the multiple light beams 14 can be emitted such that the respective unique paths 24 of at least some of the multiple light beams 14 travel from the projection device 10 to the back wall of the environment 18 within the amusement attraction 12. In some embodiments, the multiple light beams 14 can be emitted such that the individual light beams 26 span the height of the environment 18. In some embodiments, at least some of the individual light beams 26 of the plurality of light beams 14 are emitted with a distinct or unique modulation pattern. The modulation pattern can be configured to transmit location data corresponding to respective areas of the amusement park attraction 12 along the unique path of each individual light beam 26. In one embodiment, the projection device 10 projects at non-visible or visible frequencies. For example, using non-visible frequencies can be non-invasive and therefore contribute to the immersive feel of the attraction 12.

[0019] Guests 28 of the amusement park attraction 12 may have receiver devices 30. The receiver devices 30 (e.g., augmented reality display glasses, a wand, or a drone) include sensors configured to detect individual light beams 26 interrupted by the sensors when the sensors are positioned along the unique paths 24 of the individual light beams 26. A processor in the receiver devices 30 is configured to identify unique modulation patterns of the detected individual light beams 26. Based on the identified unique modulation patterns, the processor, or a device in wireless communication with the processor 30, can associate the identified unique modulation patterns of the receiver devices 30 with specific location-related data. For example, the processor can access a lookup table or process the identified unique modulation patterns to associate the receiver devices 30 with predetermined locations within the room 18. Because the individual light beams 26 can be associated with multiple potential locations along the unique paths 24, this determination may also include intensity and / or phase components, such that higher intensities are associated with locations closer to the projection device 10. Additionally, light received from other projection devices 10 in different locations can be used to triangulate location within the room 18 .

[0020] The processor can generate a response instruction based on the location data transmitted using the unique modulation pattern, and the output device of the receiver device 30 can be configured to output a response 40 (e.g., display a location-specific image or instruction or activate a location-specific special effect) based on the generated response instruction. For example, a first guest 32 can be standing near a corner 34 of the environment of the amusement attraction 12, and a second guest 36 can be standing near a center 38 of the environment 18 of the amusement attraction 12. During an event of the amusement attraction 12, each of the guests 28 may be required to move to the center 38 of the environment 18. Because the first guest 32 is standing near the corner 34 of the environment 18, a first receiver device 46 corresponding to the first guest can output a first instruction 42 to the first guest 32 via the first receiver device to move to the center 38 of the environment 18. Because the second guest 36 is already located in the center 38 of the environment 18, the second receiver device 48 corresponding to the second guest can output a second instruction 44 via the second receiver device to the second guest 36 to stay in the center 38 of the environment 18. In another example, the receiver device 30 can be a wand configured to glow different colors based on the location of the guest 28 within the environment 18. As the guest 28 moves from a corner 34 of the environment 18 toward the center 38 of the environment, the wand can change color from red to green.

[0021] Each receiver device 30 may include a display device having a screen. The output or response may include an image configured to be displayed on the screen of the display device via the output device. For example, the receiver device 30 may be a pair of augmented reality glasses (AR glasses) configured to be worn by guests of an amusement park attraction. The display device may include lenses of the AR glasses, and the output device may include an AR projection device configured to project the response 40 (e.g., an image or instruction) onto the lenses so that the response 40 is visible to guests 28 wearing the AR glasses. The response 40 may include a text image (e.g., a text-based message to navigate to the center of the environment). However, the response 40 may include a photographic image, a video image, or some combination thereof. For example, some guests 28 (e.g., children, foreign visitors, etc.) may not be able to understand text-based messages. Thus, the response 40 may include a photographic image (e.g., an arrow configured to point to a target destination to guide the guest 28 to the center of the environment).

[0022] As the guest 28 moves through the amusement attraction 12, the receiver device 30 can update the response 40 based on the location of the guest 28 within the amusement attraction 12. Specifically, as the receiver device 30 moves through the amusement attraction 12, the sensor can detect different individual light beams intercepted by the sensor. Each different individual light beam detected by the sensor can have a unique modulation pattern. Because the receiver device 30 is configured to generate the response 40 based on the detected unique modulation pattern, the receiver device 30 can update the response 40 (e.g., an image) based on the changing unique modulation pattern detected by the sensor as the receiver device 30 moves through the amusement attraction 12. The receiver device 30 can be configured to output any number of responses 40 based on the location of the receiver device 30 corresponding to the guest 28 within the amusement attraction 12.

[0023] In one embodiment, the receiver device 30 is used with an aerial drone. The aerial drone can be configured to follow a flight path around the amusement park attraction 12. The aerial drone can have a sensor configured to detect the multiple light beams 14. Based on unique modulation patterns transmitted using the multiple light beams 14, the aerial drone can be configured to activate or emit special effects. For example, the aerial drone can be configured to glow red in response to a first unique modulation pattern and emit confetti in response to a second modulation pattern. In one embodiment, the receiver device 30 can be incorporated into a mobile set piece.

[0024] 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a spatial data projection system 50. The receiver device 30 of the spatial data projection system 50 is configured to generate a response 40 based on a unique modulation pattern emitted from the projection device 10 and detected by a sensor 52 (e.g., a light sensor) of the receiver device 30. The amusement park control system 54 is configured to communicate instructions 56 to the projection device 10 via communication circuits 58a, 58b. The communication circuits 58a, 58b may include an antenna, wireless transceiver circuitry, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A / D converters, multiplexer amplifiers), or a combination thereof, and may be configured to communicate over a wireless communication path via infrared (IR) wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, UHF, NFC, etc.

[0025] The amusement park control system 54 may include a system controller 60 including a processor 62 and a memory 64. The processor 62 may include one or more processing devices, and the memory 64 may be one or more tangible, non-transitory machine-readable media. Illustratively, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or other media that can be used to hold or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 62 or other processor-based devices (e.g., mobile devices). In some embodiments, the memory 64 is configured to store system controller instructions 66 executable by the processor 62 to output various control system signals (e.g., instructions 56). For example, the processor 62 may execute the system controller instructions 66 to output one or more control system signals 68 along with instructions 56 for activating the projection device 10. In some embodiments, the instructions 56 are configured to control a modulation pattern output using the multiple light beams 14 emitted from the projection device 10.

[0026] In some embodiments, system controller 60 is configured to generate multiple sets of image data instructions 70. The multiple sets of image data instructions 70 can be communicated via control signals 58 and configured to cause projection device 10 to emit a particular unique modulation pattern. System controller 60 can be configured to generate a set of image data instructions 72 for each area of ​​an amusement park attraction. For example, an amusement park attraction can be divided into three areas. System controller 60 can generate a set of image data instructions 72a, 72b, 72c for each of the three areas. A first set of image data instructions 72a can be communicated to projection device 10 via communication circuits 58a, 58b to cause projection device 10 to emit first groups of light beams 74a, each light beam in first group of light beams 74a having a first unique modulation pattern. Similarly, system controller 60 can generate second and third sets of image data instructions 72b and 72c, each configured to be transmitted to projection device 10, causing projection device 10 to emit second and third sets of light beams 74b and 74c having second and third unique modulation patterns, respectively. The first unique modulation pattern can cause receiver device 30 (e.g., AR glasses, wand, aerial drone) to glow blue. The second and third modulation patterns can cause receiver device 30 to glow green and red, respectively. Thus, receiver device 30 corresponding to a guest can change color from blue to green to red as the guest navigates with receiver device 30 through three areas of the amusement park attraction corresponding to first, second, and third sets of image data instructions 72a, 72b, and 72c.

[0027] As described above, the projection device 10 is configured to receive control system signals 68 from the system controller 60 via communication circuitry 58a, 58b. The projection device 10 has communication circuitry 58b configured to receive the control system signals 68. Additionally, the projection device 10 includes a light source 76 configured to generate multiple light beams 14. In some embodiments, the light source 76 is an infrared light source configured to emit multiple infrared light beams. In some embodiments, the multiple light beams 14 can be visible light beams, ultraviolet light beams, or some combination thereof. The light source 76 can include multiple diodes configured to emit individual light beams based at least in part on the one or more control system signals 68.

[0028] The projection device may further include a digital micromirror system 78. The digital micromirror system 78 may be configured to operate based at least in part on one or more control system signals 68 from the system controller 60. The digital micromirror system 78 may include a plurality of mirrors configured to operate between different orientations and to reflect the plurality of light beams 14 emitted from the light source 76. The plurality of mirrors may be configured to selectively reflect the plurality of light beams 14 to generate a unique modulation pattern for each light beam of the plurality of light beams 14 based at least in part on the one or more control system signals 68. The plurality of mirrors may selectively reflect the plurality of light beams 14 such that the unique modulation pattern conveys a binary code.

[0029] The receiver device 30 is configured to detect individual light beams 26 of the multiple light beams 14 emitted from the projection device 10. Specifically, the sensor 52 is configured to detect one or more individual light beams 26 of the multiple light beams 14 when positioned within or along a unique path corresponding to the individual light beam 26. The sensor 52 may be configured to output data 80 associated with the detected individual light beam 26 to a receive processor 82 of the receiver device 30. In some embodiments, the unique modulation pattern is configured to transmit a binary code. Detection of an individual light beam 26 may indicate a binary "1," and a gap in detection of an individual light beam 26 (e.g., the sensor 52 does not detect an individual light beam 26) may indicate a binary "0." However, any suitable code or communication method may be used to transmit the unique modulation pattern using the individual light beams 26.

[0030] The receiver device may include a receiver processor 82 and a receiver controller 84 having a receiver memory 86 configured to receive data 80 associated with each detected light beam 26 and identify unique modulation patterns emitted with each individual light beam 26. The receiver memory 86 may store a plurality of responses corresponding to possible modulation patterns emitted from the projection device 10. The receiver processor 82 may be configured to generate response instructions 90 based on the identified modulation patterns from each detected light beam 26 and the plurality of responses stored in the receiver memory 86.

[0031] In some embodiments, the projection device 10 is configured to emit multiple light beams 14 at various frequencies. The receiver memory 86 may include a decoding instruction set for the receiver processor 82. The decoding instruction set may correspond to each detected light beam 26 within a predetermined frequency range (e.g., 300 GHz to 3000 GHz), and at least one decoding instruction may be configured to cause the receiver processor 82 to decode a unique modulation pattern of each detected light beam 26 within the frequency range and generate response instructions 90 based on the decoded unique modulation pattern. In some embodiments, the decoding instructions may vary depending on the receiver device 30. For example, an amusement park attraction may have a first receiver device 30 for adults and a second receiver device 30 for children. The first receiver device 30 may have a first decoding instruction set stored in the first receiver memory, and the second receiver device 30 may have a second decoding instruction set stored in the second receiver memory. Further, the projection device 10 can be configured to output a first unique modulation pattern to a first area of ​​the amusement attraction using a first individual light beam having a frequency within a first frequency range. The projection device 10 can also be configured to output a second unique modulation pattern to a second area of ​​the amusement attraction using a second individual light beam having a frequency within a second frequency range. The first unique modulation pattern can be configured to turn off the light of a first receiver device (e.g., an adult receiver device) in the first area of ​​the amusement attraction, and the second unique modulation pattern can be configured to turn on the light of a second receiver device (e.g., a child receiver device) in the first area of ​​the amusement attraction. Accordingly, the receiver device 30 can be configured to output a response based on the decoding instructions stored in the receiver memory device 86.

[0032] Further, the receiver processor 82 can be configured to output response instructions 90 to an output device 94 of the receiver device 30. The output device 94 is configured to output a response based on the generated response instructions 90. The response can include displaying an image or instructions using a display device 96, activating a special effect, or any other suitable response. In some embodiments, the receiver device 30 includes a display device 96 (e.g., AR glasses). The generated response instructions 90 can be configured to cause the display device 96 to display an image for the guest 28 corresponding to the receiver device 30. As described above, the displayed image can be based on the location of the receiver device 30 within the amusement park attraction. Further, the displayed image can be based on decoding instructions stored in the receiver memory 86 of the receiver device 30.

[0033] It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, receiver device 30 may be implemented without one or more of processor 82, memory 84, and / or output device 94. That is, in one configuration, receiver device 30 may include sensor 52 and communications circuitry for communicating detected light data from sensor 52 along with device identification information to control system 54. Control system 54 may associate the detected light data with receiver device 30 using location information and / or other instructions.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a receiver device 30. The receiver device 30 may be augmented reality display glasses (AR glasses), a wand, a drone, or any other suitable device configured to detect individual light beams 26 emitted from the projection device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver device 30 is a pair of AR glasses. The receiver device 30 includes a sensor 52 configured to detect individual light beams 26 of the plurality of light beams 14. The sensor 52 may be coupled to a frame 98 of the AR glasses. Further, the sensor 52 may be coupled to a front portion 100 of the frame 98 of the AR glasses. The sensor 52 may be an infrared light sensor, a visible light sensor, or an ultraviolet light sensor. The type of sensor 52 (e.g., infrared light, ultraviolet light, visible light) is configured to correspond to the light type of the individual light beams 26 emitted via the projection device 10.

[0035] The receiver device 30 includes a receiver controller 84 having a receiver processor 82 and a receiver memory device 86. The receiver controller 84 may be coupled to a frame 98 of the AR glasses. As described above, the receiver processor 82 is configured to identify unique modulation patterns 102 of the detected individual light beams 26 and generate a response command based on the identified unique modulation patterns 102. Further, the receiver processor 82 is configured to output the response command to an output device 94.

[0036] The output device 94 is configured to output a response (e.g., display a location-specific image or instruction, or activate a location-specific special effect) based on the generated response instruction. In the illustrated embodiment, the output device 94 includes a display device 96. As such, the response can be configured to display a location-specific image on the display device 96. The display device can include a screen or microdisplay coupled to a frame 98 of the AR glasses. The screen or microdisplay can be coupled to a left lens 104, a right lens 106, or both lenses of the AR glasses such that a guest wearing the AR glasses can view the location-specific image. In some embodiments, the left lens 104 and the right lens 106 are screens or microdisplays.

[0037] In some embodiments, output device 94 is configured to output multiple responses based on the generated response instructions. For example, output device 94 can be configured to flash or illuminate the AR glasses in addition to displaying location-specific images on display device 96.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of a projection device 10 emitting a first group of light beams 74a and a second group of light beams 74b toward the amusement attraction 12. In some embodiments, individual light beams 26 of the plurality of light beams 14 are split into multiple light beam groups. Each of the individual light beams 26 corresponding to the same group of light beams can share a unique modulation pattern. For example, the plurality of light beams 14 can include a first group of light beams 74a and a second group of light beams 74b. The first group of light beams 74a can include a first modulation pattern that indicates a first region 108 of the amusement attraction 12 through which the respective unique paths of each of the individual light beams 26 of the first group of light beams 74a are configured to pass. That is, the first group of light beams 74a can include each of the individual light beams 26 emitted toward the first region 108 (e.g., the left portion) of the environment 18 of the amusement attraction 12. The second light beam group 74b may include a second modulation pattern that indicates a second region 110 of the amusement park attraction 12 through which the respective unique paths of each of the individual light beams 26 of the second light beam group 74b are configured to pass. That is, the second light beam group may include each of the individual light beams emitted toward the second region 110 (e.g., the right portion) of the environment 18 of the amusement park attraction 12.

[0039] The receiver processor 82 of the receiver device 30 can be configured to generate different response instructions for each of the groups of light beams. In this manner, the receiver processor 82 can generate a first set of response instructions based on a first modulation pattern corresponding to the first group of light beams 74a and a second set of response instructions based on a second modulation pattern corresponding to the second group of light beams 74b. Furthermore, the receiver device 30 can output a first response (e.g., a guest stay instruction) via the output device in response to receiving the first set of response instructions when the receiver device is located within the first area 108 of the amusement attraction 12. Furthermore, the receiver device 30 can output a second response (e.g., a guest move to the center of the environment) via the output device in response to receiving the second set of response instructions when the receiver device is located within the second area 110 of the amusement attraction 12.

[0040] 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a spatial data projection system 50 having multiple projection devices 10. In some embodiments, the spatial data projection system 50 includes at least one additional projection device 112 configured to emit an additional plurality of light beams 114 into the amusement attraction 12. The additional projection device 112 can be positioned such that an additional individual light beam 116 of the additional plurality of light beams 114 is emitted in a direction angularly offset from an individual light beam 26 of the plurality of light beams 14. For example, the projection device 10 can be positioned on the front wall 16 of the environment 18 of the amusement attraction 12, and the additional projection device 112 can be positioned on the left wall 20 of the environment 18 of the amusement attraction 12.

[0041] The additional plurality of light beams 114 may include additional unique modulation patterns transmitted using additional individual light beams 116. By detecting both the individual light beams 26 and the additional individual light beams 116, the receiver processor can determine the position of the receiver device relative to at least two angles (e.g., x-direction 118 and y-direction 120). If the receiver processor detects only the individual light beams 26, it can only determine the position of the receiver device 30 relative to the x-direction 118. That is, using the additional unique modulation pattern data received via the additional individual light beams 116 in combination with the unique modulation patterns received from the detected individual light beams 26, the receiver processor can determine the position of the receiver device relative to the x-direction 118 (e.g., lateral position) and y-direction 120 (e.g., vertical position) in the amusement park attraction environment 18.

[0042] If the receiver processor 82 detects only the individual light beams 26, it can determine only the position of the receiver device 30 relative to the x-direction 118 because the individual light beams 26 follow their own unique paths that vary across the x-direction 118. Thus, the receiver device 30 can determine its lateral position based on the detected individual light beams 26 and the corresponding x-direction positions associated with the detected individual light beams 26. However, if the individual light beams 26 follow unique paths that are substantially aligned with the y-direction 120, the individual light beams 26 may not provide unambiguous y-direction data to the receiver device 30, and the position of the receiver device 30 relative to the y-direction 120 may not be determined by detecting only the individual light beams 26.

[0043] However, the additional plurality of light beams 114 may be emitted substantially perpendicular to the multiple light beams 14. Accordingly, the additional individual light beams 116 of the additional plurality of light beams 114 may follow their own unique paths that vary along the Y direction 120. Accordingly, the receiver device 30 may determine its longitudinal position based on the detected additional individual light beams 116 and the corresponding Y direction positions associated with the detected additional individual light beams 116. Consequently, the receiver device 30 may determine its lateral position in the x direction based on the unique modulation patterns conveyed by the individual light beams 26, and may determine its longitudinal position in the y direction based on the additional unique modulation patterns conveyed with the additional individual light beams 116.

[0044] The sensors of the receiver device 30 can be configured to detect the multiple light beams 14 and the additional multiple light beams 114. To distinguish between the multiple light beams 14 and the additional multiple light beams 114, the projection device 10 and the additional projection device 112 can be configured to emit their respective light beams within different frequency ranges. For example, the projection device 10 can be configured to emit the multiple light beams 14 at frequencies within a first frequency range (e.g., 300 GHz to 3000 GHz), and the additional projection device 112 can be configured to emit the additional multiple light beams 114 at frequencies within a second, non-overlapping frequency range (e.g., 3000 GHz-6000 GHz). The sensors can be configured to detect individual light beams in both the first and second frequency ranges. In some embodiments, the receiver device 30 includes a first sensor configured to detect light beams within the first frequency range and a second sensor configured to detect light beams within the second frequency range. The first sensor, the second sensor, or both, may be configured to output position data to the processor corresponding to the detected individual light beams 26 of the plurality of light beams 14, the additional individual light beams 116 of the additional plurality of light beams 114, or both.

[0045] The processor of the receiver device 30 is configured to determine a position of the receiver device 30 and generate a response command based at least in part on the position data output from the first sensor, the second sensor, or both. The processor can determine the position of the receiver device 30 (i.e., in the x direction, the y direction, or both) and generate a response command based at least in part on the unique modulation patterns corresponding to the detected individual light beams 26 in the first frequency range, the additional unique modulation patterns corresponding to the additional light beams 116 in the second frequency range, or both.

[0046] In some embodiments, the receiver device 30 can be configured to determine the lateral and longitudinal positions of the receiver device 30 based on the unique modulation patterns from only the individual light beams 26. The unique modulation patterns can be configured to change over time. The processor of the receiver device 30 can be configured to determine the longitudinal position of the receiver device 30 based at least in part on the time at which the sensors of the receiver device 30 detect the individual light beams 26. The receiver memory can be configured to store time data associated with the unique modulation patterns. The time data can include the longitudinal positions corresponding to the particular unique modulation patterns and the times at which the individual light beams are detected. Based on the time data and the detected individual light beams, the receiver processor can determine the lateral and longitudinal positions of the receiver device 30.

[0047] 6 is a flowchart 128 of one embodiment of a method for operating a spatial data projection system. The method includes emitting, by a projection device, a plurality of light beams, each light beam of the plurality of light beams including a unique modulation pattern configured to transmit data corresponding to a respective area of ​​the amusement park attraction (block 130). The data may correspond to a respective area of ​​the amusement park attraction through which the respective light beam passes.

[0048] The method further includes detecting individual light beams of the plurality of light beams by a receiver device (block 132). The receiver device may include augmented reality display glasses (AR glasses), a wand, a drone, or other suitable device configured to detect individual light beams emitted from the projection device.

[0049] The method includes generating response instructions based on data received from the unique modulation patterns of the detected individual light beams (block 134). As described above, the data may correspond to respective areas of the amusement park attraction. In some embodiments, the data includes location data. The processor may determine a position or location of the receiver device within the amusement park attraction based on the location data. Further, the processor may generate response instructions based on the position or location of the receiver device, the response instructions configured to cause an output device to output a response. In another embodiment, the data includes instructions that may be communicated directly to the output device via a communications circuit. The instructions may be configured to cause the output device to output a response.

[0050] The method further includes outputting, by an output device, a response based on the generated response instruction (block 136). In some embodiments, the output device includes eyeglasses. Further, the response can include displaying an image on at least one lens of the eyeglasses such that the image is visible to a guest wearing the eyeglasses. Further, the image can include a text image, a photographic image, a video image, or a combination thereof.

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

[0052] 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]

[0053] 10 Projection device 12 Amusement Park Attractions 14 Multiple Light Beams 16 Front wall 18 Environment 20 Left Wall 22 Right wall 24 unique pathways 26 individual light beams 28 Visitors 30 Receiver equipment 32 The First Visitor 36 The Second Visitor 38 Center 40 responses 42 First Commandment 44 Second Commandment 46 First receiver device 48 Second receiver device

Claims

1. A projection device configured to emit a plurality of light beams at frequencies within a first frequency range, each individual light beam being emitted along a unique path within a three-dimensional environment, each individual light beam having a modulation pattern configured to transmit position data corresponding to the unique path; an additional projection device configured to emit additional multiple light beams at frequencies within a second frequency range different from the first frequency range to intersect with the multiple light beams, each individual additional light beam being emitted along an additional unique path within the three-dimensional environment different from the unique path of each of the individual light beams, each individual additional light beam having an additional modulation pattern configured to transmit position data corresponding to the additional unique path; a receiver device; a system control device that is a device different from the projection device and the additional projection device, The receiver device a storage device for storing an identifier of the receiver device; a sensor configured to detect at least one individual light beam of the plurality of light beams and at least one individual light beam of the additional plurality of light beams; A light source and a communication circuit configured to wirelessly transmit sensor data including the modulation pattern of the detected light beam of a frequency within the first frequency range and the additional modulation pattern of the detected additional light beam of a frequency within the second frequency range along with the identifier of the receiver device; Equipped with The system control device receiving the sensor data including the modulation pattern of the detected light beam of a frequency within the first frequency range and the additional modulation pattern of the detected additional light beam of a frequency within the second frequency range and the identifier of the receiver device; determining a position of the receiver device within the three-dimensional environment based on the sensor data including the modulation pattern of the detected light beam of frequencies within the first frequency range and the additional modulation pattern of the detected additional light beam of frequencies within the second frequency range; associating the identifier of the receiver device with the determined location; generating location-specific special effect commands based on the identifier of the receiver device and the determined location, the special effect commands including instructions to activate the light source of the receiver device; transmitting the location-specific special effect commands to the receiver device based on the determined location; It is configured as follows: system.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver device comprises an aerial drone, the aerial drone configured to follow a flight path and activate the light source based on the generated location-specific special effect commands.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light beams comprises a first group of light beams and a second group of light beams, each of the light beams corresponding to the first group of light beams having a first modulation pattern indicative of a first area configured to be traversed by a respective unique path of each of the light beams of the first group of light beams, and each of the light beams corresponding to the second group of light beams having a second modulation pattern indicative of a second area configured to be traversed by a respective unique path of each of the light beams of the second group of light beams.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the system controller is configured to generate a first set of response instructions based on the first modulation pattern and a second set of response instructions based on the second modulation pattern, and the receiver device is configured to output a first response based on the first set of response instructions when the receiver device is located within the first region and to output a second response based on the second set of response instructions when the receiver device is located within the second region.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the projection device comprises an infrared light source, and the plurality of light beams comprise infrared light.

6. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the projection device comprises a digital micromirror assembly configured to actuate at least one micromirror to selectively reflect light from an additional light source to generate the modulation pattern for each individual light beam of the plurality of light beams.

7. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver device memory includes at least one decoding instruction set for a receiver processor, the plurality of light beams each having a frequency, the at least one decoding instruction set corresponding to detected light beams within a predetermined range of frequencies, and the at least one decoding instruction set configured to cause the receiver processor to decode the modulation pattern of the detected light beams within the predetermined range of frequencies.

8. emitting, by a projection device, a plurality of light beams at frequencies within a first frequency range, each individual light beam of the plurality of light beams being emitted along a unique path within a three-dimensional environment and having a unique modulation pattern corresponding to a respective region and configured to transmit position data corresponding to the unique path; emitting, by an additional projection device, additional multiple light beams at frequencies within a second frequency range different from the first frequency range to intersect with the multiple light beams, each individual light beam of the additional multiple light beams being emitted on an additional unique path within the three-dimensional environment different from the unique path of each of the individual light beams, and having an additional unique modulation pattern configured to transmit position data corresponding to a respective region and corresponding to the additional unique path; detecting each of the plurality of light beams and each of the additional plurality of light beams with a sensor in a receiver device, the receiver device comprising a light source and a storage device that stores an identifier of the receiver device; transmitting, via a communication circuit of the receiver device, sensor data including the unique modulation pattern of the detected light beam with a frequency within the first frequency range and the additional unique modulation pattern of the detected additional light beam with a frequency within the second frequency range, and the identifier of the receiver device, to a system controller that is a device different from the projection device and the additional projection device; receiving at the system controller the sensor data including the unique modulation pattern of the detected light beam of a frequency within the first frequency range and the additional unique modulation pattern of the detected additional light beam of a frequency within the second frequency range and the identifier of the receiver device; determining a position of the receiver device within the three-dimensional environment based on the sensor data including the unique modulation pattern of the detected light beam of frequencies within the first frequency range and the additional unique modulation pattern of the detected additional light beam of frequencies within the second frequency range; associating the identifier of the receiver device with the determined location; generating a location-specific special effect command based on the identifier of the receiver device and the determined location, the location-specific special effect command including instructions to activate the light source of the receiver device; transmitting the location-specific special effect commands to the receiver device based on the determined location.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the receiver device comprises eyeglasses, and the location-specific special effect commands include instructions to display the image on at least one lens of the eyeglasses so that the image is visible to guests wearing the eyeglasses, and the image includes a text image, a photographic image, a video image, or a combination thereof.

10. determining a position of the receiver device within the three-dimensional environment based on the sensor data comprises determining a position of the receiver device within the three-dimensional environment based on the sensor data. The method of claim 8.

11. the light source is configured to be activated to emit light of a selected color based on the location-specific special effect command. The system of claim 1 .

12. the location-specific special effect command drives activation of the light source to emit light of a first color based on the location data being associated with a first location and to emit light of a second color based on the location data being associated with a second location. The system of claim 1 .

Images