Electromagnetic coupling system and method for visualization device

Abstract

The augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system 10 includes an interface device 14 configured to be worn by a user. The interface device 14 includes a frame 50 that supports a responsive material 74. The AR / VR system 10 also includes a visualization device 12 configured to display a virtual feature 24 for visualization by the user. The visualization device 12 includes electromagnets 116, 120 configured to magnetically couple to the responsive material 74. The AR / VR system 10 further includes a controller 130 electrically coupled to the electromagnets 116, 120 and configured to adjust operation of the electromagnets 116, 120 to increase or decrease the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnets 116, 120 and the responsive material 74.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 〔Cross - Reference to Related Applications〕 This application claims priority and the benefit thereof based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 056,225, entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VISUALIZATION DEVICE", filed on July 24, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] This section is for introducing readers to various aspects of technologies that may be related to the various aspects of the present disclosure described and / or claimed below. This discussion is considered useful in showing readers the background circumstances and facilitating a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be understood as being read from the above perspective rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] An amusement park can include various entertainment attractions that are useful for providing enjoyment to guests. The entertainment attractions in an amusement park can have different themes that specifically target certain audiences. For example, some entertainment attractions can traditionally include themes that children are interested in, and other entertainment attractions can traditionally include themes that more mature audiences are interested in. In these entertainment attractions, it is recognized that it is desirable to enhance the immersive experience of guests, such as by reinforcing the theme with virtual features.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The following outlines some embodiments disclosed herein. These embodiments are merely summaries of some of these embodiments and should not be understood as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In practice, this disclosure may include various embodiments not shown below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes an interface device configured to be worn by a user. The interface device includes a frame supporting a responsive material. The AR / VR system also includes a visualization device configured to display virtual features for visualization by the user. The visualization device includes an electromagnet configured to be magnetically coupled to the responsive material. The AR / VR system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet and configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to adjust the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the responsive material.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for operating an augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes generating feedback via sensors indicating parameters of a visualization device configured to engage with an interface device configured to be worn by a user. The method further includes monitoring the feedback via a controller and, via the controller, adjusting the operation of an electromagnet to adjust the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet of the visualization device and the reactive material of the interface device based on the feedback.

[0007] In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system includes a vehicle configured to move along a path. The AR / VR system also includes a visualization device, which includes an electromagnet and is coupled to the vehicle via a tether, and is configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user of the visualization device. The AR / VR system includes an interface device, which includes a frame supporting a reactant material and is configured to be worn by a user and engage with the visualization device. The AR / VR system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet. The electromagnet is configured to magnetically couple to the reactant material, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to increase or decrease the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reactant material.

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

[0009] 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 use the same symbols to indicate the same elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the engagement configuration of a visualization device and interface device for an augmented reality system, virtual reality system, and / or mixed reality system (AR / VR system) according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the separated configuration of the visualization device and interface device shown in Figure 1, according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a partially exploded view of the interface device shown in Figure 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a rear view of the visualization device shown in Figure 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a perspective view of the separated configuration of the visualization device and the helmet-type interface device shown in Figure 1, according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an attraction utilizing the AR / VR system shown in Figure 1, according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of operating the AR / VR system based on the position of the attraction vehicle in Figure 6, according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the process for monitoring the force applied to the visualization device during the ride cycle of the attraction shown in Figure 6, according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the storage container and the visualization device shown in Figure 1, which is configured within the storage container, according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure. For the sake of brevity, this specification does not describe all features of the embodiments. It should be understood that in developing any such embodiments, as 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 by implementation. Furthermore, while such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, they should be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure as routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing activities.

[0012] When describing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of these elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and mean that there may be further elements other than those listed. Furthermore, any reference to “one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” in this disclosure should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of further embodiments, including the features described.

[0013] Amusement parks may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and / or mixed reality (AR and VR combination) systems (AR / VR systems) configured to enhance the guest experience by providing guests with augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) experiences (e.g., AR experiences, VR experiences, or both) at amusement park attractions. In practice, a combination of specific hardware configurations, software configurations (e.g., algorithmic structures and / or modeled responses), and specific attraction features can be used to provide guests with customizable, personalized, and / or interactive AR / VR experiences.

[0014] AR / VR systems may include visualization devices, such as head-mounted displays (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, glasses), configured to allow guests to view virtual features. For example, an AR / VR system may include a guest interface device, also referred to herein as an interface device, configured to be detachably attached to the guest's head. The interface device facilitates the attachment of the visualization device to the guest, so that the guest can wear the visualization device on their head. Visualization devices can be used to enhance the guest experience by, for example, overlaying virtual features onto the real environment of a theme park attraction, and by providing virtual features that can be adjusted to provide different virtual environments while the guest is inside the theme park attraction. Unfortunately, without the existence of the embodiments disclosed, it may be difficult and / or time-consuming to quickly and reliably attach the visualization device to the interface device (e.g., between ride cycles of a theme park attraction).

[0015] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electromagnetic coupling system that enables the rapid and controllable fixation of a visualization device to an interface device. Specifically, the electromagnetic coupling system disclosed herein facilitates the controllable coupling of a visualization device to an interface device and the controllable disconnection of a visualization device from an interface device. Furthermore, the electromagnetic coupling system disclosed herein facilitates holding a visualization device in an engaged configuration (e.g., coupled configuration, locked configuration) with an interface device for a specific period of time, such as during a ride cycle of an amusement park attraction.

[0016] For example, an electromagnetic coupling system may include one or more electromagnets integrated (e.g., coupled) with a visualization device, an interface device, or both thereof. The electromagnets are configured to selectively engage (e.g., magnetically couple) with a corresponding reactant material that can be integrated (e.g., coupled) with the visualization device, the interface device, or both thereof. The reactant material may include one or more metal material pieces, permanent magnets, other electromagnets, and / or any other suitable magnetically attractive material. As an example, in one embodiment, the electromagnets may be integrated with the visualization device, and the reactant material may be integrated with the interface device. Thus, the electromagnets can be selectively energized, de-energized, or have their magnetic polarity reversed to facilitate transitions between the visualization device and the interface device between an engaging configuration in which the electromagnet attracts the reactant material and a disengaging configuration (e.g., a discoupled configuration or a non-engaged configuration) in which the electromagnet does not attract and / or repels the reactant material. Furthermore, as will be described later, the current supplied to the electromagnet can be adjusted (for example, via a controller) to adjust the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reactive material, and thus transiently adjust the coupling strength between the visualization device and the interface device.

[0017] In one embodiment, an electromagnet can be electrically coupled to a controller of an AR / VR system and / or to a controller of an amusement park attraction having an AR / VR system. The controller can selectively switch the electromagnet between an energized and de-energized state, adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet, and / or adjust the magnetic polarity of the electromagnet, so as to easily switch the visualization device and interface device between an engaged and disengaged configuration. As an example, the controller can switch the electromagnet to an energized or high-energy state (e.g., a state where the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet is relatively high) and hold it therewhile the guest is using the visualization device throughout the duration of the amusement park attraction ride cycle. Thus, the controller can ensure that the visualization device remains engaged or locked (e.g., coupled) with the interface device throughout the ride cycle. The controller can transition the electromagnet to a de-energized or low-energy state (e.g., a state where the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet is relatively low) while guests are disembarking from the amusement park attraction ride, so that guests disembarking from the ride can detach the visualization device from their respective interface devices (e.g., separate it) and leave the visualization device in the ride's storage container for subsequent guests to use (e.g., on the corresponding interface device of subsequent guests boarding the ride).

[0018] In one embodiment, the controller can adjust the operation of the electromagnet in coordination with the events of the vehicle cycle (e.g., based on vehicle data). For example, the controller can adjust the operation of the electromagnet to change the magnetic binding force (e.g., attractive force) generated by the electromagnet (e.g., between the electromagnet and the reactive material) throughout the entire vehicle cycle of the amusement park attraction and / or during various times between vehicle cycles. As will be described in detail herein, in this way, the controller can assist the electromagnet in coupling the visualization device to the interface device when a guest boards or alights from the vehicle during the vehicle cycles of the amusement park attraction, and / or assist the electromagnet in separating the visualization device from the interface device. In addition to or instead of this, the controller can also change the binding force provided by the electromagnet based on sensor feedback obtained by one or more sensors such as the visualization device and / or one or more sensors of the amusement park attraction to ensure that the visualization device remains fixedly coupled to the guest's interface device throughout the duration of the vehicle cycle. These and other features will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] Based on the above, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an AR / VR system 10 (e.g., a wearable visualization system) configured to enable a user (e.g., a guest, an amusement park employee, a passenger in a vehicle) to experience an AR / VR scene (e.g., view, interact with these). The AR / VR system 10 includes a visualization device 12 (e.g., a head-mounted display, a wearable visualization device) and an interface device 14 that are removably coupled to each other to facilitate the use of the AR / VR system 10.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the visualization device 12 includes electronic glasses 16 (e.g., AR / VR glasses, goggles) coupled to the housing 18 of the visualization device 12. The electronic glasses 16 may include one or more displays 20 (e.g., transparent, translucent, opaque). In one embodiment, the displays 20 may allow the user to perceive the virtual features 24 (e.g., AR features) as being incorporated into the real environment 22 by viewing the real environment 22 (e.g., physical structures within an attraction) through the displays 20 on which several virtual features 24 (e.g., AR features) are overlaid. That is, the electronic glasses 16 can at least partially control the user's field of view by superimposing the virtual features 24 onto the user's line of sight. To this end, the visualization device 12 may allow the user to visualize and perceive a hyperreal environment 26 (e.g., a game environment) on which several virtual features 24 are superimposed onto the real environment 22 that the user can see through the displays 20. In non-limiting examples, the displays 20 may include transparent (e.g., see-through) light-emitting diode (LED) displays or transparent (e.g., see-through) organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays.

[0021] In one embodiment, the visualization device 12 can completely control the user's field of view (e.g., using an opaque screen). That is, the display 20 can include an opaque or translucent display configured to display virtual features 24 (e.g., VR features) to the user. Accordingly, the surreal environment 26 that the user can view can be a real-time video including a real-world image of the physical actual environment 22 electronically fused with, for example, one or more virtual features 24. Accordingly, a user wearing the visualization device 12 can feel completely immersed in the surreal environment 26 and can perceive that the surreal environment 26 is the actual environment 22 including specific virtual features 24. In one embodiment, the visualization device 12 can include features such as a light projection feature configured to project light onto one or both eyes of the user so that specific virtual features 24 overlap real-world objects that the user can see. Such a visualization device 12 can be considered to include a retinal display.

[0022] Therefore, it should be understood that the surreal environment 26 can include an AR experience, a VR experience, a mixed reality experience, a computer-mediated reality experience, combinations thereof, or other similar surreal environments. Further, it should be understood that the visualization device 12 can be used alone or in combination with other features to create a surreal environment 26. In fact, as will be described later, a user can wear the visualization device 12 throughout the ride time of a theme park ride, or during a game, in a specific area of the theme park or throughout an attraction, during a ride to and within a hotel associated with the theme park, and during other times. In one embodiment, when implemented in a theme park environment, the visualization device 12 can be physically coupled (e.g., tethered via a cable 28 or a tether) to a structure (e.g., a theme park ride vehicle 30) to prevent the visualization device 12 from separating from the structure, and / or the visualization device 12 can be electronically coupled (e.g., via a cable 28) to a computer system (e.g., a computer system integrated with the ride vehicle 30) to facilitate the operation of the visualization device 12 (e.g., the display of virtual features 24).

[0023] As detailed below, the visualization device 12 can be detachably coupled to the interface device 14 via an electromagnetic coupling system 34 (for example, coupling without the need for tools, coupling without the use of tools, coupling without the use of bolts or other screw parts, and detachment without the use of tools and without damaging any components of the visualization device 12 or the interface device 14). The electromagnetic coupling system 34 can be integrated with the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14. The electromagnetic coupling system 34 allows the visualization device 12 to quickly transition between an engagement configuration 36 in which the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14 and a separation configuration 38 in which the visualization device 12 is detached from the interface device 14 (see, for example, Figure 2).

[0024] The interface device 14 is configured to be attached to the user's head, so as to allow the user to comfortably wear the visualization device 12 while moving through various attractions or within a specific amusement park environment. For example, the interface device 14 may include a head strap assembly 40 configured to spread around the user's head and tighten (e.g., restrain) over the user's head. In this way, the head strap assembly 40 facilitates the attachment of the interface device 14 to the user's head so that the interface device 14 can be used in combination with the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to hold the visualization device 12 on the user (e.g., when the visualization device 12 is in the engagement configuration 36). It should be understood that the visualization device 12 may have a size and weight that allows the user to comfortably wear (e.g., support) the visualization device 12.

[0025] To illustrate the interface device 14 in more detail and facilitate the following description, Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the interface device 14. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the interface device 14 includes an interface frame 50 and a visor 52 that can be coupled to the interface frame 50. The head strap assembly 40 may include an adjustment assembly 54 for adjusting the inner circumference of the head strap assembly 40 to facilitate coupling the interface device 14 to each user's head in accordance with various user head parameters (e.g., head size, head shape, hairstyle). In one embodiment, the head strap assembly 40 includes a mask 56 configured to contact the forehead of the user's head to facilitate alignment and / or securing of the interface device 14 to the user's head. The head strap assembly 40 includes one or more first mounting features 58 configured to engage with each of the second mounting features 60 of the interface frame 50. Thus, when the first and second mounting features 58, 60 engage, the head strap assembly 40 is coupled to the interface frame 50.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the interface frame 50 includes a body portion 62 having a first peripheral end 64 (e.g., end, side), a second peripheral end 66 (e.g., end, side) opposite to the first peripheral end 64, and a lip 68 extending between the first and second peripheral ends 64, 66. The body portion 62 may include peripheral cavities 70 or pockets formed within the first and second peripheral ends 64, 66, and / or one or more cavities 72 or pockets formed within the lip 68. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 includes one or more reaction plates 74 (e.g., one or more reaction materials) that can be configured to be placed within the respective cavities 70, 72. As will be described in detail below, the reaction plates 74 are configured to magnetically couple with corresponding electromagnets included in the visualization device 12 in order to facilitate the removable coupling of the interface device 14 to the visualization device 12. The reaction plate 74 may include one or more suitable steel materials (e.g., one or more iron plates, one or more metal plates). In addition to or instead of this, the reaction plate 74 may also include an electromagnet or a permanent magnet (e.g., a neodymium magnet).

[0027] In one embodiment, the reaction plate 74 can be sealed within its respective cavities 70, 72 by placing each cap 80 on the reaction plate 74. Specifically, the caps 80 can be bonded to the interface frame 50, for example, via a suitable adhesive or ultrasonic welding process. In this configuration, the caps 80 can seal the reaction plate 74 within its respective cavities 70, 72, substantially preventing contaminants (e.g., water) from entering and / or accumulating within the cavities 70, 72. It should be understood that the cavities 70, 72 can be formed within any preferred part of the interface device 14, and / or the reaction plate 74 can be bonded and / or integrated with any preferred part of the interface device 14.

[0028] In one embodiment, the main body portion 62 includes a plurality of support ribs 94 protruding from the outer surface 96 of the main body portion 62. Specifically, the main body portion 62 may include a first support rib 98 extending from a first peripheral end 64 and a second support rib extending from a second peripheral end 66. As will be described in detail below, the support ribs 94 are configured to engage with corresponding support grooves 100 (see, for example, Figure 4) formed within the housing 18 of the visualization device 12 to facilitate the coupling of the visualization device 12 to the interface frame 50 of the interface device 14. Thus, the support ribs 94 and support grooves 100 can also form part of the electromagnetic coupling system 34. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 may not include the support ribs 94 and support grooves 100.

[0029] Figure 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the visualization device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 includes a panel 110 extending between a first peripheral portion 112 (e.g., end, side) and a second peripheral portion 114 (e.g., end, side) of the housing 18. The electromagnetic coupling system 34 may include one or more first electromagnets 116 positioned near the surface 118 of the panel 110, and / or one or more second electromagnets 120 positioned near the respective surfaces 122 of the first and second peripheral portions 112, 114. For example, in one embodiment, the first electromagnets 116 can be sealed in their respective cavities formed within the surface 118, and the second electromagnets 120 can be sealed in their respective cavities formed within the surface 122. In other embodiments, the first and second electromagnets 116, 120 (collectively referred to herein as electromagnets 124) can be positioned inside the housing 18, adjacent to the surfaces 118 and 122, respectively. In any case, as will be detailed below, the electromagnets 124 are configured to selectively attract the corresponding reaction plates 74 of the interface device 14, thereby facilitating the magnetic coupling of the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14. In some embodiments, some of the electromagnets 124 may be replaced with permanent magnets or suitable reaction materials (e.g., metal plates).

[0030] The electromagnet 124 can be electrically coupled (for example, via a cable 28) to a power source 128 configured to supply power (for example, current) to the electromagnet 124. In one embodiment, the power source 128 can be coupled to a ride vehicle 30 and configured to move with the ride vehicle 30 (for example, along the track of the attraction). In another embodiment, the power source 128 may include a battery or other device integrated with the visualization device 12 and configured to supply power to the electromagnet 124 that is suitable for enabling the operation of the electromagnet 124.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the visualization device 12 includes a controller 130 electrically coupled to a power supply 128. The controller 130 is configured to operate the electromagnetic coupling system 34 according to the techniques described herein. The controller 130 includes a processor 132 and a memory device 134. The processor 132 may include a microprocessor capable of running software to control the visualization device 12, the electromagnetic coupling system 34, and / or any other suitable component of the AR / VR system 10 and / or components of an attraction having the AR / VR system 10. The processor 132 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more dedicated microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any combination thereof. For example, the processor 132 may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. The memory device 134 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device 134 can store information such as control software, lookup tables, configuration data, or communication protocols.

[0032] For example, the memory device 134 can store processor-executable instructions, including firmware or software executed by the processor 132, such as instructions for controlling components of the electromagnetic coupling system 34, components of the visualization device 12, components of the AR / VR system 10, and / or preferred components of any attraction having the AR / VR system 10. In one embodiment, the memory device 134 is a tangible, non-temporary, machine-readable medium that can store machine-readable instructions executed by the processor 132. The memory device 134 may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, any other preferred optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the support grooves 100 formed within the peripheral portions 112, 114 of the housing 18 extend along at least a portion of the outer surface 136 of the housing 18. For example, the support grooves 100 may extend from the surface 122 (e.g., the distal end of the housing 18) generally toward the electronic glasses 16. As will be described later, the support grooves 100 may be configured to engage with corresponding support ribs 94 to facilitate the removable coupling of the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the visualization device 12 and interface device 14. Note that various different structures are conceivable for the interface device 14, so Figure 5 shows a different structure (helmet type) of the interface device 14 (compared to, for example, the visor type shown in Figures 1 to 3). To connect the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14, the user can move the visualization device 12 parallel to the interface device 140 in direction 140 (for example, while holding the interface device 14 in the user's hand while keeping it away from the user's head, or while attaching the interface device 14 to the user's head) so that the support ribs 94 of the interface device 14 engage with the corresponding support grooves 100 of the visualization device 12. The user can move the visualization device 12 parallel along the support ribs 94 (for example, in direction 140) until the surface 122 of the housing 18 contacts the corresponding receiving surfaces 142 of the first and second peripheral ends 64, 66 of the interface frame 50. Accordingly, the second electromagnet 120 can be aligned with and positioned adjacent to the corresponding reaction plate 74 of the interface frame 50. In addition to or instead of this, at least a portion of the panel 110 of the visualization device 12 can be configured to move parallel to the lip 68 below the lip 68 of the interface frame 50 so as to align the first electromagnet 116 of the visualization device 12 with the corresponding reaction plate 74. The controller 130 can selectively supply power to the electromagnet 124 (e.g., via the power supply 128) to excite the electromagnet 124 and magnetically couple it to the reaction plate 74. Thus, the controller 130 can facilitate the transition to the engagement configuration 36 of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14.

[0035] For example, in one embodiment, the controller 130 can be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 148 (e.g., proximity sensor 150, inertial measuring unit [IMU] 152) configured to be integrated with the visualization device 12 and provide the controller 130 with feedback indicating the position of the visualization device 12 relative to the interface device 14 and / or the orientation of the visualization device 12 relative to the interface device 14. Specifically, the sensors 148 can provide the controller 130 with feedback indicating the position and / or orientation of the visualization device 12 relative to a surface of the interface device 14, such as one of the receiving surfaces 142. In addition to or instead of this, the sensors 148 can also provide the controller 130 with feedback indicating the position and / or orientation of the visualization device 12 relative to a reference structure 154 (e.g., metal chip, radio frequency identification [RFID] tag) that can be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the interface device 14.

[0036] In any case, the controller 130 can be configured to energize the electromagnet 124, de-energize the electromagnet 124, adjust the magnetic polarity of the electromagnet 124, or otherwise adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 (for example, by increasing or decreasing the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124) based on feedback provided by the sensor 148. For clarity, it should be understood that the controller 130 can adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 by adjusting the current supplied to the electromagnet 124 via the power supply 128. That is, in one embodiment, the controller 130 can strengthen the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 by increasing the magnitude of the current supplied to the electromagnet 124, and weaken the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet by decreasing the magnitude of the current supplied to the electromagnet 124.

[0037] In one embodiment, the controller 130 can be configured to continuously or intermittently monitor the position and / or orientation of the visualization device 12 (relative to, for example, the interface device 14) (based on, for example, feedback from the sensor 148). The controller 130 can energize the electromagnet 124 when it determines that the visualization device 12 is within a threshold distance of the interface device 14, and / or that the visualization device 12 is oriented within a threshold orientation range relative to the interface device 14. For example, the controller 130 can energize the electromagnet 124 when it determines that the support groove 100 is substantially adjacent to the corresponding support rib 94 (for example, located within a threshold distance of the support rib 94), and / or that the support groove 100 is substantially aligned with the support rib 94 (for example, oriented within a threshold angle such as 5 degrees relative to the support rib 94). In this way, the electromagnet 124 attracts the reaction plate 74 when the visualization device 12 is properly aligned with the interface device 14, drawing the visualization device 12 toward the interface device 14 and engaging the support groove 100 with the support rib 94. Therefore, the controller 130 can operate the electromagnet 124 to facilitate the quick and correct engagement of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 (for example, by attracting the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 toward each other). In one embodiment, the controller 130 can ensure that the electromagnet 124 does not improperly attract or magnetically couple to the interface device 14, and / or attract or magnetically couple to foreign objects such as jewelry or other metallic objects worn by guests using the AR / VR system 10, by maintaining the electromagnet 124 in a de-excited or low-power state (e.g., a state in which the magnetic intensity output by the electromagnet is relatively low) while the visualization device 12 is separated from the interface device 14 (e.g., separated by a threshold distance from the interface device 14) and / or misaligned with the interface device 14 (e.g., not oriented within a threshold angular range).In one embodiment, the controller 130 may be configured to selectively energize, de-energize, and / or change the polarity of some of the electromagnets 124 in order to assist the user in transitioning the visualization device 12 to the engagement configuration 36 with respect to the interface device 14.

[0038] The controller 130 can be configured to determine (for example, based on feedback from the sensor 148) whether the visualization device 12 is misaligned relative to the interface device 14 during a user attempt to connect the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14. If the controller 130 determines that the visualization device 12 is misaligned relative to the interface device 14, it can energize, deenergize, and / or change the polarity of some (e.g., a subset, only) of the electromagnets 124 to facilitate proper alignment. For example, the controller 130 can energize one or more of the electromagnets 124 and deenergize one or more of the electromagnets 124. Specifically, the controller 130 can energize one or more electromagnets 124 located near the first lateral end 160 of the visualization device 12 to a first polarity, de-energize one or more electromagnets 124 located near the second lateral end 162 of the visualization device 12, or energize one or more electromagnets 124 near the second lateral end 162 to a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. Thus, the electromagnets 124 can interact with the reaction plate 74 of the interface device 14 to provide a torque 164 about the longitudinal axis 166 of the visualization device 12. The torque 164 can rotate or pivot the visualization device 12 around the axis 166 (for example, while a user is holding the visualization device 12) to align the visualization device 12 with the interface device 14 (for example, aligning the support groove 100 with the support rib 94). When the visualization device 12 aligns with the interface device 14 (for example, when the support groove 100 aligns with the support rib 94), the controller 130 can energize the electromagnet 124 to attract the corresponding reaction plate 74, thereby transitioning the visualization device 12 into the engagement configuration 36 with respect to the interface device 14. In this way, the controller 130 can assist the user in coupling the visualization device 12 with the interface device 14.

[0039] It should be understood that the controller 130 can adjust the operation of any of the electromagnets 124 to facilitate the correct alignment of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14, especially when the user is attempting to connect the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14. That is, the controller 130 can adjust the operation of the electromagnets 124 to induce axial movement of the visualization device 12 (e.g., along axis 166) and / or lateral movement (e.g., perpendicular to axis 166) of the visualization device 12 relative to the interface device 14. In addition to or instead of this, the controller 130 can also adjust the operation of the electromagnets 124 to induce pivotal movement of the visualization device 12 (e.g., around axis 166 and / or around another preferred axis) relative to the interface device 14. Such movement or motion can be performed based on and in response to feedback from the sensor 148.

[0040] As described above, in one embodiment, the visualization device 12 may include one or more permanent magnets 168 (e.g., neodymium magnets). The permanent magnets 168 may be configured to engage with the corresponding reaction plate 74 of the interface device 14 when the user transitions the visualization device 12 from an unengaged configuration 38 to an engaged configuration 36, even while the electromagnet 124 is initially de-excited. The controller 130 may be configured to excite the electromagnet 124 to further increase the coupling strength between the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 (e.g., via a combination of the permanent magnets 168 and the electromagnet 124) when it determines that the visualization device 12 has engaged with the interface device 14 (e.g., via feedback from the sensor 148).

[0041] The user can magnetically separate the electromagnet 124 from the reaction plate 74 of the visualization device 12 by translating the visualization device 12 away from the interface device 14 in a direction 170, which is generally opposite to the direction 140, in order to detach the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. The user can continue translating the visualization device 12 in the direction 170 relative to the interface device 14 in order to detach (e.g., separate) the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. In one embodiment, the controller 130 can be configured to determine when the user is attempting to detach the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 and to adjust the operation of the electromagnet 124 to facilitate the separation of the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 at such a determination. For example, the controller 130 can be configured to monitor the load applied to the visualization device 12 (e.g., in the direction 170) based on the current drawn by the electromagnet 124 and / or the voltage supplied to the electromagnet 124 when the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14. For example, when the electromagnet 124 is energized and the user attempts to magnetically separate the electromagnet 124 from the reaction plate 74, the current drawn by the electromagnet 124 can be increased or decreased. The controller 130 can determine that the user is attempting to separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 when the load exceeds a threshold for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds, 1 second). When the controller 130 determines that the user is attempting to separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14, it can de-energize the electromagnet 124 (e.g., by reducing the current supplied to the electromagnet 124) to substantially reduce or eliminate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74. In addition to or instead of this, the controller 130 can also reverse the polarity of some of the electromagnets 124 so that these electromagnets 124 repel the reaction plate 74 (e.g., permanent magnets) of the interface device 14. For this purpose, the controller 130 can assist the user in removing and / or separating the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14.

[0042] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the support grooves 100 and support ribs 94 can be omitted from the AR / VR system 10. In such embodiments, the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 can be sufficient to support the entire weight of the visualization device 12 when the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14, and / or other structural features can be provided to share the support of the weight of the visualization device 12 when the visualization device 12 is coupled to the interface device 14.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction 172 utilizing the AR / VR system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction 172 includes a plurality of ride vehicles 174, including a ride vehicle 30. It should be understood that each ride vehicle 174 may include some or all of the features of the ride vehicle 30 described herein. The ride vehicles 174 are configured to move along the track or route 176 of the attraction 172, but the AR / VR system 10 can also be used with ride vehicles that do not move along the track or route, or in various other types of attractions. As shown in the illustration, the route 176 may include a loading section 178 extending along the station or platform 180 of the attraction 172. Specifically, the loading section 178 may extend along the platform 180 from an entrance point 182 to an exit point 184. The platform 180 can facilitate the loading and / or unloading of users (e.g., passengers) onto and from the ride vehicles 174.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction 172 includes a ride controller 186 having a processor 188, memory 190, and a communication component 192. The ride controller 186 can monitor and / or control several aspects of the attraction 172, such as the position of each ride vehicle 174 along the route 176. The ride controller 186 can be communicatively coupled to each communication component 194 of the ride vehicle 174 (e.g., via the communication component 192) to enable the transmission of sensor feedback and / or control signals between the ride controller 186 and various components of the ride vehicle 174. For example, each ride vehicle 174 may include one or more visualization devices 196 having their own controllers 198 that can be communicatively coupled to the ride controller 186 (e.g., receive ride data via the communication component 194). For this purpose, the ride controller 186 may be used in addition to or instead of the controller 198 to coordinate the operation of the visualization devices 196 and / or the corresponding electromagnetic coupling system 34 in accordance with the techniques described herein.

[0045] In the following description, the controller 130 and the vehicle controller 186 may be collectively referred to as the control system 200. Therefore, it should be understood that the operations described herein as being performed by the control system 200 may mean operations performed by one or more of the controller 198, the vehicle controller 186, or both. Thus, for clarity, the control system 200 as used herein may refer to the controller 130, the vehicle controller 186, or both. Furthermore, it should be understood that these techniques may also be distributed in any preferred manner among one or more controllers 198, vehicle controllers 186 and / or one or more other processing units.

[0046] The processor 188 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more dedicated microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any combination thereof. For example, the processor 188 may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. The memory device 190 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device 190 is a tangible, non-temporary, machine-readable medium in which the processor 188 can store machine-readable instructions that it executes to control aspects of the attraction 172.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control system 200 can be configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnetic coupling system 34 based on vehicle data, including the position of the vehicle 30 along the route 176. The control system 200 can determine the position of the vehicle 30 based on feedback from one or more sensors 148 of the visualization device 12, one or more sensors 202 integrated into the vehicle 30 (e.g., Global Positioning System [GPS] sensors), one or more sensors along the route 176 (e.g., proximity sensors), and / or via other preferred techniques (for example, the vehicle data may include timing signals indicating the time when the vehicle 30 arrives at a specific point along the route 176 during the vehicle cycle from when it leaves the loading area 178 until it arrives at an unloading area, which may be the loading area 178 or any other location along the route 176).

[0048] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process 210 that operates an electromagnetic coupling system 34 in coordination with a vehicle cycle and / or based on the position of a vehicle 30 along route 176 (for example, based on vehicle data). Process 210 can be performed by a control system 200. Process 210 may include receiving and determining the position of a vehicle 30 along route 176, as shown by block 212. Specifically, process 210 may include determining whether a vehicle 30 is located along a loading area 178 of route 176.

[0049] When the control system 200 determines that the vehicle 30 is located along the loading area 178 (for example, during user loading / unloading onto the vehicle 30), it can operate the electromagnetic coupling system 34 in accordance with the techniques described herein to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of the visualization device 12 to the corresponding user interface device 14. Specifically, as shown by block 214, the control system 200 moves the visualization device 12 to the engagement configuration 36 with the interface device 14 by operating the electromagnet 124 during the loading phase to selectively engage (e.g., magnetically engage) the reaction plate 74, thereby facilitating the transition of the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to a locked configuration.

[0050] In other words, when the control system 200 determines that the vehicle 30 is in the loading area 178 and is in the loading stage or loading section of a vehicle cycle (for example, the previous vehicle cycle has been completed, the previous user has removed and stored their respective visualization devices 12, the previous user has disembarked, and the following user has boarded), it can activate the electromagnet 124 to selectively engage the reaction plate 74, facilitating the transition to the locked configuration of the electromagnetic coupling system 34. The control system 200 can also respond to feedback from one or more sensors 148, such as feedback indicating that the user has positioned the visualization device 12 near the interface device 14, by activating the electromagnet 124 to selectively engage the reaction plate 74, facilitating the transition to the locked configuration of the electromagnetic coupling system 34.

[0051] In one embodiment, as shown by block 216, the control system 200 can maintain the visualization device 12 in the engaged configuration 36 by maintaining or increasing the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 to maintain the electromagnetic coupling system 34 in the locked configuration during the ride phase of the attraction 172 (for example, throughout the entire time the ride vehicle 30 is moving along the entertainment area 218). For example, the control system 200 can energize the electromagnet 124 to generate a target magnetic coupling force (e.g., ride magnetic coupling force) with the reaction plate 74 of the interface device 14. In one embodiment, the target magnetic coupling force can be greater than the magnetic coupling force applied during the initial coupling of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14, and / or greater than the magnetic coupling force while the ride vehicle 30 is in the loading area 178. The magnetic coupling force applied during the initial coupling of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14, and / or the magnetic coupling force while the vehicle 30 is in the loading area 178, can be considered a reference magnetic coupling force that is sufficient to facilitate coupling and / or maintain the engagement configuration 36 while the vehicle 30 is stationary. In this way, the control system 200 can ensure that the visualization device 12 does not separate from the interface device 14 while the vehicle 30 is moving along the entertainment area 218 during the ride cycle of the attraction 172. In other words, in the locked configuration of the electromagnetic coupling system 34, the force required to magnetically separate the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 when transitioning the visualization device 12 from an engaged configuration 36 (for example, as shown in Figure 1) to a disengaged configuration 38 (for example, as shown in Figure 2) can be greater than the force acting on the visualization device 12 due to, for example, gravity, the shaking or rotation of the guest's head, unintentional contact with the visualization device 12, and / or the acceleration force acting on the visualization device 12 while the vehicle 30 is moving along the path 176.

[0052] In one embodiment, the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 can prevent the user from detaching the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 while the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration. Thus, the user can detach both the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 as an assembly (for example, while the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 are in an engaged configuration 36) in order to detach the visualization device 12 from the user's head while the vehicle 30 is moving along the entertainment area 218 of the route 176. In this way, the electromagnetic coupling system 34 can ensure that both the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 remain physically (e.g., mechanically) coupled to the vehicle 30 (for example, via a cable 28 attached to the visualization device 12) throughout the entire duration of the ride cycle.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown by block 220, the control system 200 may be configured to transiently adjust the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 based on sensor feedback and / or vehicle data from the vehicle controller 186 while the vehicle 30 is moving along the path 176 (e.g., along the entertainment area 218 of the path 176). For example, in one embodiment, one or more sensors 148, 202 may provide the control system 200 with feedback indicating the movement and / or force (e.g., acceleration force) applied to the visualization device 12 as the vehicle 30 moves along the path 176. The control system 200 may be configured to adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 based on the movement (e.g., speed) and / or force (e.g., the magnitude of the measured acceleration force) applied to the visualization device 12 during the vehicle cycle. Specifically, the control system 200 can be configured to proportionally increase the magnitude of the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 (for example, to a first magnetic coupling force greater than the reference magnetic coupling force) in response to an increase in motion and / or acceleration force applied to the visualization device 12 (for example, measured by one or more sensors 148) during the vehicle cycle. Conversely, the control system 200 can also be configured to proportionally decrease the magnitude of the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 (for example, to a second magnetic coupling force smaller than the first magnetic coupling force and / or the reference magnetic coupling force) in response to a decrease in motion and / or acceleration force applied to the visualization device 12 (for example, measured by one or more sensors 148) during the vehicle cycle. In this way, for example, a first magnetic coupling force can be applied when the vehicle 30 moves quickly in accordance with the steep drop of the path 176, and a second magnetic coupling force can be applied when the vehicle 30 moves slowly along the horizontal portion of the path 176.

[0054] In one embodiment, the control system 200 can adjust the magnetic coupling force (e.g., the magnitude of the magnetic coupling force) generated by the electromagnet 124 when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration, based on the attraction 172 in which the AR / VR system 10 is implemented. For example, if the AR / VR system 10 is implemented in a relatively fast attraction, the control system 200 can control the electromagnet 124 so that the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 is relatively high (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration). Conversely, if the AR / VR system 10 is implemented in a relatively slow attraction, the control system 200 can control the electromagnet 124 so that the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnet 124 is relatively low (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration). For this purpose, the operation of the electromagnetic coupling system 34 can be customized based on the attraction 172 in which the AR / VR system 10 is implemented.

[0055] As shown in block 222, the control system 200 can enable the user to transition the visualization device 12 to a detachment configuration 38 with the interface device 14 by operating the electromagnet 124 during the loading / unloading phase to selectively disengage the reaction plate 74 and facilitate the transition to the unlocked configuration of the electromagnetic coupling system. That is, when the control system 200 determines that the vehicle 30 has returned to the loading area 178 (or is in another loading / unloading area) during the loading / unloading phase of the vehicle cycle (e.g., the vehicle cycle is complete and / or the user has attempted to pull or detach each visualization device 12), it can transition the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to an unlocked configuration (e.g., the electromagnet 124 is de-excited, has transitioned to a low-power state, and operates to repel the reaction plate 74). For example, the control system 200 can reduce the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 in order to facilitate the separation of the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 as disclosed herein, reverse the polarity of the electromagnet 124 so that the electromagnet 124 repels the reaction plate 74, or instruct the electromagnetic coupling system 34 to perform another preferred operation during the loading and unloading phase.

[0056] In one embodiment, the control system 200 can determine, based on the force applied to the visualization device 12, whether the user is attempting to disconnect the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 during a ride cycle of the attraction 172. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of process 230 that controls the electromagnetic coupling system 34 based on the measured force applied to the visualization device 12. Process 230 includes monitoring the actual force (e.g., acceleration force) applied to the visualization device 12 via one or more sensors 148 while the ride vehicle 30 is moving along the path 176, as shown by block 232. The expected force (e.g., acceleration force) applied to the visualization device 12 while the ride vehicle 30 is moving along various sections of the path 176 is known or can be determined experimentally (e.g., through experimental testing).

[0057] As shown in block 234, the control system 200 can determine the deviation between the actual force acting on the visualization device 12 while the vehicle 30 is moving along a specific area of ​​the path 176 and the expected force that the visualization device 12 is expected to experience while the vehicle 30 is moving along that same area of ​​the path 176. As shown in block 236, the control system 200 determines whether the deviation between the actual force and the expected force exceeds a threshold. If the deviation between the actual force acting on the visualization device 12 and the expected force acting on the visualization device 12 exceeds a threshold, the control system 200 can determine that the user is attempting to forcibly separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. Upon such determination, the control device 130 can initiate corrective action, as shown in block 238. For example, in one embodiment, initiating corrective action may include disabling the AR / VR content displayed on the electronic glasses 16 so that the virtual features 24 are no longer presented to the user on the display 20 or are not visible to the user. In addition to or instead of this, initiating a corrective action may include de-energizing the electromagnet 124 or otherwise reducing the magnetic coupling force so that the user can separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 (e.g., more easily). In one embodiment, the visualization device 12 may include a button 240 (see, for example, Figure 4) or other contact sensor that initiates a corrective action when pressed or touched by the user. In addition to or instead of this, initiating a corrective action may also include increasing the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 so that the user cannot separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 (e.g., so that more force is required for separation).

[0058] The following explanation will be given with reference to Figure 6. In one embodiment, the control system 200 can be configured to adjust the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet 124 and the reaction plate 74 (for example, when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration) based on one or more characteristics (e.g., parameters) and / or preferences of the user currently using the visualization device 12. For example, in one embodiment, the control system 200 can instruct the electromagnet 124 to produce a first threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively high magnetic coupling force) when the user is identified as an adult user, and to produce a second threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively low magnetic coupling force) when the guest is identified as a child user. Thus, the control system 200 can adjust the force required to magnetically separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 based on the characteristics of the user using the AR / VR system 10.

[0059] In one embodiment, the control system 200 can identify the characteristics of a user (e.g., adult, child) using the visualization device based on feedback received from a weight sensor 242 (e.g., load cell) that can be coupled to a seat 244 of the vehicle 30. For example, the control system 200 can evaluate the feedback received by the weight sensor 242 when the user boards the vehicle 30 and sits in the seat 244 (e.g., while the vehicle 30 is in the loading area 178). If the feedback received by the control system 200 indicates that the user's weight exceeds a first threshold, the control system 200 can identify the user as an adult user and control the electromagnet 124 to produce a first threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively high coupling force) when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in a locked configuration. If the feedback received by the control system 200 indicates that the user's weight is below a threshold, the control system 200 can identify the user as a child user and control the electromagnet 124 to produce a second threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively low coupling force) when the electromagnetic coupling system 34 is in the locked configuration. Other possibilities include varying the magnetic coupling force at various timings based on the user's characteristics. For example, by making the magnetic coupling force in the unlocked configuration during the loading / unloading phase higher for adults than for children, it is possible to make it easier for children to separate the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14. Furthermore, by making the magnetic coupling force that attracts the visualization device 12 and the interface device 14 to each other lower for adults than for children during the loading phase, more assistance can be provided to children in coupling the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control system 200 may also use feedback from other sensors in the attraction 172 and / or the visualization device 12, in addition to or instead of the weight sensor 242, to identify the characteristics of guests using the visualization device 12. In a non-limiting example, the attraction 172 may include a machine vision system 246 having a camera 247 configured to acquire images of users. The machine vision system 246 may be communicatively coupled to the control system 200 and analyze the image data acquired by the camera 247 to derive biometric data of a particular user using the visualization device 12 and categorize the user as an adult user or a child user. The machine vision system 246 may be coupled to the ride vehicle 30 or positioned in a suitable location along the platform 180. In one embodiment, the machine vision system 246 may include one or more cameras 248 (see, for example, Figure 3) integrated with the visualization device 12, configured to acquire image data of the user's face when the visualization device 12 is positioned on the interface device 14 and / or near the user's head. The machine vision system 246 can use the image data acquired by the camera 248 to categorize users as adult users or child users, for example, according to the techniques described above. It should be understood that the control system 200 can receive characteristics and / or preferences regarding magnetic coupling force via input by the user, the operator of the attraction 172, a radio frequency identification device that can be read by a reader carried by the user and communicatively coupled to the control system 200, and / or any other suitable technique.

[0061] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a visualization device 12 and a container 250 (e.g., a storage container) configured to receive the visualization device 12. In one embodiment, the visualization device 12 can be stored in the container 250 when the visualization device 12 is not attached to the interface device 14 of a guest (e.g., a passenger of a vehicle 30). For example, the container 250 may include a cavity or other storage area formed within the lap bar 252 or other restraint of the vehicle 30. In one embodiment, the control system 200 may be configured to determine whether the visualization device 12 is in a storage configuration 254 within the container 250 by utilizing feedback from one or more sensors, such as a proximity sensor 150 and / or an IMU 152 (e.g., a compass sensor).

[0062] For example, the IMU 152 may include a 9-degree-of-freedom system on a chip equipped with a processor that runs an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and / or sensor fusion algorithm. The control system 200 can use feedback received from the IMU 152 to determine the orientation of the visualization device 12 along various axes (e.g., with respect to gravity). In one embodiment, the orientation of the visualization device 12, referred to herein as the storage orientation, when the visualization device 12 is placed inside the container 250 is known and can be stored, for example, in memory 134 and / or 190.

[0063] The control system 200 can determine that the visualization device 12 is in the storage configuration 254 when it receives feedback from the IMU 152 indicating that the visualization device 12 is in the storage orientation, and / or when it receives feedback from the proximity sensor 256 (e.g., proximity sensor 150) indicating that, for example, the lens mount 258 of the visualization device 12 is at a threshold distance from the mating surface 260 of the container 250 or is in contact with the mating surface 260. In one embodiment, an event or action may occur in response to the visualization device 12 being in the storage configuration 254. For example, in response to the visualization device 12 being in the storage configuration 254, the lap bar 252 or other restraints may move (e.g., be released). It should be understood that the container 250 can be located in any suitable part of a vehicle (e.g., dashboard, armrest, wall).

[0064] In one embodiment, the visualization device 12 includes a plurality of front electromagnets 266 (e.g., a subset of electromagnets 124, additional electromagnets) arranged along the lens mount 258. The front electromagnets 266 can be configured to magnetically couple the visualization device 12 to a reaction surface 268 (e.g., a metal plate, one or more permanent magnets, a mating surface 260) when the visualization device 12 is in the housing configuration 254. For example, when the control system 200 determines that the user has moved the visualization device 12 to the housing configuration 254, it can energize the front electromagnets 266 to fix the visualization device 12 in the container 250.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control system 200 can operate the front electromagnet 266 to change the magnetic coupling force between the front electromagnet 266 and the reaction surface 268 at various parts or stages of the vehicle cycle. For example, while the vehicle 30 is positioned along the loading area 178 of the path 176 during the loading phase (e.g., while a user is in the vehicle 30), the magnetic coupling force can be relatively low. Thus, a user in the vehicle 30 can grasp the visualization device 12 in the container 250 and apply sufficient force to the visualization device 12 to magnetically separate the front electromagnet 266 from the reaction surface 268, and couple the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14 according to the technique described above. While the vehicle 30 is positioned along the loading area 178 of the path 176 during the unloading phase, the magnetic coupling force can be relatively high (e.g., so that the front electromagnet 266 firmly engages with the reaction surface 268 after the user separates the visualization device 12 from the interface device 14 and places the visualization device 12 in the container 250).

[0066] In one embodiment, if the control system 200 determines that the visualization device 12 is not being used by a user during a particular ride cycle or a particular part of a ride cycle of the attraction 172 (for example, due to an empty seat), it can adjust the operation of the front electromagnet 266 to generate a magnetic coupling force between the front electromagnet 266 and the reaction surface 268. Thus, the control system 200 can ensure that the visualization device 12 remains positioned within the container 250 during the run of the ride cycle of the attraction 172 and does not detach from the container 250 due to any acceleration forces that may be applied to the visualization device 12 throughout the ride cycle.

[0067] The control system 200 can determine that the visualization device 12 is not being used by a user during a particular ride cycle of the attraction 172 if it receives feedback from the proximity sensor 256 indicating, for example, that the visualization device 12 is still inside the container 250 at the end of the designated ride time for the ride vehicle 30, or that the visualization device 12 is still inside the container 250 when the ride vehicle 30 leaves the loading area 178. In addition to or instead of this, the control system 200 can determine that the visualization device 12 is not being used by a user during a particular ride cycle of the attraction 172 if it receives feedback from the weight sensor 242 and / or the machine vision system 246 indicating, for example, that the seat 244 corresponding to the visualization device 12 is not occupied.

[0068] It should be understood that, in addition to or instead of the front electromagnet 266, the visualization device 12 may also be held within the container 250 using an electromagnet 124 used to couple the visualization device 12 to the interface device 14. Furthermore, the interface device 14 and / or the container 250 may include an electromagnet, and the visualization device 12 may include a reactive material. It should also be understood that any of the features described with reference to Figures 1 to 9 can be combined in any preferred manner.

[0069] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide one or more useful technical effects for facilitating the quick and comfortable attachment of a visualization device to a user interface device. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate selectively holding the visualization device in an engaged configuration (e.g., coupled configuration, locked configuration) with the interface device during specific periods of time, such as during a ride cycle on an amusement park attraction. It should be understood that the technical effects and technical problems described herein are examples and not limiting. In practice, embodiments described herein may have other technical effects and may solve other technical problems.

[0070] While the embodiments described herein are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, the drawings illustrate specific embodiments as examples, and these are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to any specific form disclosed. This disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims below.

[0071] The claimed technologies described herein refer to and apply to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical, but which certainly improve the art. Furthermore, if any of the claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "...means for performing [function]" or "...steps for performing [function]," such elements should be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. On the other hand, any claim containing elements designated in any other form should not be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 AR / VR Systems 12 Visualization device 14 Interface device 16 Electronic Glasses 18 Housing 20 displays 22 Actual Environment 24 Virtual Features 26. Hyperrealistic Environment 28 Cables 30 Vehicles 34 Electromagnetic coupling systems 36 Engagement configuration 40 Head Strap Assembly

Claims

1. Augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) systems, An interface device including a frame for supporting a reaction material, configured to be attached by the user, A visualization device including an electromagnet configured to magnetically couple to the reacting material, configured to display virtual features for visualization by the user, A controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet, A sensor that is communicatively coupled to the controller, Equipped with, The sensor is configured to provide the controller with feedback indicating the force applied to the visualization device while the vehicle is moving along the path. The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to adjust the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reactant material by adjusting the current supplied to the electromagnet while the vehicle is moving along the path, based on the feedback. An AR / VR system characterized by the following.

2. The visualization device comprises an additional sensor coupled to the housing of the visualization device, the additional sensor configured to provide the controller with further feedback indicating the position of the visualization device relative to the interface device, the orientation of the visualization device relative to the interface device, or both, and the controller configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the further feedback. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

3. The controller is configured to energize the electromagnet when the visualization device is within a threshold distance of the interface device, and the controller is configured to de-energize the electromagnet when the visualization device is outside the threshold distance of the interface device. The AR / VR system according to claim 2.

4. The controller is configured to energize the electromagnet when the visualization device is within a threshold orientation range relative to the interface device, and the controller is configured to de-energize the electromagnet when the visualization device is outside the threshold orientation range of the interface device. The AR / VR system according to claim 2.

5. The electromagnet is one of a plurality of electromagnets, the reaction material is one of a plurality of reaction materials, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the plurality of electromagnets to magnetically engage with the plurality of reaction materials in order to facilitate alignment between the visualization device and the interface device, thereby applying rotational torque about the axis of the visualization device to the visualization device. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

6. The visualization device is moored to the vehicle. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

7. The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet in coordination with the vehicle's ride cycle. The AR / VR system according to claim 6.

8. The controller comprises an additional sensor, which is communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to provide the controller with further feedback indicating the position of the vehicle along the path, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the further feedback. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

9. The visualization device is coupled to the vehicle. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

10. The controller comprises further sensors, which are communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to provide the controller with further feedback indicating the user's characteristics, the user's characteristics including identification of whether the user is an adult or a child, the user's weight, or both, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on the further feedback. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

11. The reaction material includes a metal plate or a permanent magnet. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

12. A further electromagnet coupled to the housing of the visualization device and electrically coupled to the controller, The restraints of the aforementioned vehicle, The restraint comprises a container and a reaction surface, the container is configured to receive the visualization device, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the additional electromagnet to adjust the additional magnetic coupling force between the additional electromagnet and the reaction surface in coordination with the vehicle's ride cycle. The AR / VR system according to claim 1.

13. A method for operating an augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) system, To generate feedback indicating parameters of a visualization device configured to engage with an interface device configured to be worn by a user, via a sensor, wherein the parameters include forces applied to the visualization device while a vehicle is moving along a path. The feedback is monitored via a controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet of the visualization device, The operation of the electromagnet is adjusted via the controller, based on the feedback, to adjust the current supplied to the electromagnet while it is in an excited state while the vehicle is moving along the path, thereby adjusting the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reactive material of the interface device. A method characterized by including the following.

14. The parameters include the position of the visualization device relative to the interface device, and the method includes adjusting the operation of the electromagnet in response to the determination that the visualization device is within a threshold distance of the interface device. The method according to claim 13.

15. The parameters include the orientation of the visualization device with respect to the interface device, and the method includes adjusting the operation of the electromagnet in response to the determination that the visualization device is within a threshold orientation range with respect to the interface device. The method according to claim 13.

16. The parameters include the position of the visualization device relative to the path along which the vehicle travels. The method according to claim 13.

17. Augmented reality, virtual reality and / or mixed reality (AR / VR) systems, A vehicle configured to move along a route, A visualization device comprising an electromagnet, coupled to the vehicle via a tether, and configured to display virtual features for visualization by the user of the visualization device, An interface device including a frame for supporting a reaction material, which is mounted by the user and configured to engage with the visualization device, A controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet, A sensor coupled to the vehicle or the visualization device, Equipped with, The electromagnet is configured to be magnetically coupled to the reactant material, The sensor is configured to provide feedback indicating the position of the vehicle along the path, the force applied to the visualization device while the vehicle is moving along the path, or both. The controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet to adjust the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reactive material by adjusting the current supplied to the electromagnet while the vehicle is moving along the path, based on the feedback. An AR / VR system characterized by the following.

18. The vehicle is configured to perform multiple stages of a vehicle cycle, and the controller is configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet based on one of the multiple stages performed by the vehicle. The AR / VR system according to claim 17.

19. The vehicle comprises a restraint including a container and a reaction surface, the container configured to receive the visualization device, the visualization device having an additional electromagnet electrically coupled to the controller, the controller configured to adjust the operation of the additional electromagnet to adjust the additional magnetic coupling force between the additional electromagnet and the reaction surface in coordination with the vehicle cycle of the vehicle. The AR / VR system according to claim 17.

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