Tether Actuation Systems for AR/VR Device Retention During Rides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park attractions lack effective systems to securely manage augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices during ride cycles, leading to potential detachment and loss of immersive experiences.
Innovation Solution
A tether actuation system that includes a wearable visualization assembly with a sensor and retraction assembly, controlled by a controller, to securely manage AR/VR devices by transitioning them to a storage configuration when detached from the user during ride cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tether is used to connect the wearable visualization assembly to the ride vehicle, then device retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction assembly is extracted as a separate functional unit from the wearable visualization assembly, allowing the tether management function to be independently controlled. This extraction enables the system to maintain simplicity in the wearable device while adding retention capability through the dedicated retraction mechanism mounted on the ride vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary element between the wearable visualization assembly and the retraction assembly. It transmits the retraction force from the motorized assembly to the device, enabling controlled retrieval without direct mechanical connection. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by decoupling the wearable device from the complex retraction mechanism.
2Reliability
If the retraction assembly is motorized with sensor feedback, then device retention reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized retraction assembly operates periodically rather than continuously - activating only when sensor feedback indicates device detachment. During normal attached operation, the system consumes minimal energy. The controller receives periodic sensor signals and triggers motorized retraction only when needed, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback to the controller about the attachment status of the wearable visualization assembly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond intelligently to actual conditions, activating the energy-consuming motorized retraction only when detachment is detected. The feedback loop prevents unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring reliable device retention when required.
3Reliability
If the tether extension length is reduced by retraction, then device retention is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tether system is made dynamic through the motorized retraction assembly that can adjust the tether extension length in real-time. During loading, the tether is extended to allow easy device access and attachment. During the amusement stage, upon detecting detachment, the system dynamically retracts the tether to maintain device retention. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and device retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction assembly is pre-positioned and ready to actuate upon detecting device detachment. The system performs preliminary preparation by monitoring attachment status continuously, so when detachment occurs, the retraction action can immediately begin. This preliminary monitoring ensures that the device is retrieved promptly while minimizing the time the device is unsecured, balancing accessibility with retention.
Data Source
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AI summary
An augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality (AR/VR) system (10) includes a wearable visualization assembly (44) configured to be worn by a user and to display virtual features for visualization by the user during a ride stage of an attraction (168). The wearable visualization assembly (44) includes a sensor (102) configured to provide feedback indicative of an attachment status of the wearable visualization assembly (44) on the user. The AR/VR system (10) also includes a retraction assembly (198) coupled to the wearable visualization assembly (44) via a tether (28) and configured to retrieve the tether (28). The AR/VR system (10) further includes a controller (210) communicatively coupled to the retraction assembly (198) and the sensor (102). The controller (210) is configured to actuate the retraction assembly (198) to retrieve the tether (28) to transition the wearable visualization assembly (44) to a storage configuration (254) in response to the feedback indicating that the wearable visualization assembly (44) is in a detached configuration (38) during the ride stage.