Patent Description:
An amusement park may include various attractions that are useful in providing enjoyment to guests. The attractions of the amusement park may have different themes that are specifically targeted to certain audiences. For example, some attractions may include themes that are traditionally of interest to children, while other attractions may include themes that are traditionally of interest to more mature audiences. It is recognized that it may be desirable to enhance the immersive experience for guests in the attractions, such as by augmenting the themes with virtual features.

Prior art wearable visualization devices are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

The scope of the invention is set out in the appended claims.

In an embodiment, a wearable visualization device according to claim <NUM> is provided.

In an embodiment, a method of operating a cover system for a wearable visualization device is provided in claim <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementationspecific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another.

An amusement park may include an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR), and/or a mixed reality (combination of AR and VR) system (AR/VR system) that is configured to enhance a guest experience of an amusement park attraction by providing guests with AR/VR experiences (e.g., AR experiences, VR experiences, or both). Indeed, combinations of certain hardware configurations, software configurations (e.g., algorithmic structures and/or modeled responses), as well as certain attraction features may be utilized to provide guests with AR/VR experiences that may be customizable, personalized, and/or interactive.

The AR/VR system may include a wearable visualization device, such as a head mounted display (e.g., electronic goggles or displays), which may be worn by a guest and are configured to enable the guest to view virtual features. For example, the wearable visualization device may be utilized to enhance the guest experience by overlaying the virtual features onto a real-world environment of the amusement park attraction, by providing adjustable virtual features to provide different virtual environments while the guest is in the amusement park attraction, and so forth. Advantageously, the wearable visualization device may include a cover (e.g., retractable cover) that is configured to cover at least a portion of the wearable visualization device, such as at least a portion of one or more lenses of the wearable visualization device, at certain times to block damage (e.g., smudges, scratches, particle buildup) to the wearable visualization device. In an embodiment, the wearable visualization device may include a reflective surface, which may be part of the cover, to facilitate placement of the wearable visualization device on the guest by providing a reflection for the guest as visual feedback for guiding engagement. The cover and/or the reflective surface may thereby protect the wearable visualization device, reduce maintenance (e.g., cleaning, replacement), improve viewing quality (e.g., of the virtual features and/or the real-world environment), enhance excitement and enjoyment of the amusement park attraction, improve throughput, and/or reduce costs.

With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of an AR/VR system <NUM> (e.g., a wearable visualization system) configured to provide a guest (e.g., user) with an AR/VR experience. The AR/VR system <NUM> includes a wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., a head mounted display) and a guest interface device <NUM> (e.g., user interface device; interface device), which may be removably coupleable to one another to facilitate usage of the AR/VR system <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be configured to provide an AR experience in which the guest may view virtual features <NUM> overlaid onto a real-world environment <NUM> (e.g., physical structures in an amusement park attraction). As shown, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include electronic eyeglasses <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic eyeglasses <NUM> include a housing <NUM> and one or more lenses <NUM> (e.g., displays; transparent or semi-transparent) that are coupled to the housing <NUM>. The one or more lenses <NUM> may enable the guest to simultaneously view the virtual features <NUM> displayed on the one or more lenses <NUM> and the real-world environment <NUM> through the one or more lenses <NUM>. In this way, the guest may perceive the virtual features <NUM> as being integrated into the real-world environment <NUM>. That is, the one or more lenses <NUM> may at least partially control a view of the guest by overlaying the virtual features <NUM> onto a line of sight of the guest. To this end, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may enable the user to visualize and perceive a surreal environment <NUM> (e.g., a game environment) having certain virtual features <NUM> overlaid onto the real-world environment <NUM> viewable by the guest through the one or more lenses <NUM>. The virtual features <NUM>, the real-world environment <NUM>, and the surreal environment <NUM> are illustrated schematically in <FIG>, and these elements may be present in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

The one or more lenses <NUM> may include transparent (e.g., see-through) light emitting diode (LED) displays or transparent organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. The one or more lenses <NUM> may be a single-piece construction that spans a certain distance so as to display the virtual features <NUM> to both eyes of the guest. That is, the one or more lenses (e.g., a first lens <NUM>, a second lens <NUM>) may be formed from a single, continuous piece of material, where the first lens <NUM> is configured to align with a first eye of the guest and the second lens <NUM> is configured to align with a second eye of the guest. In an embodiment, the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM> may be a multi-piece construction that is formed from two or more separate lenses that are coupled to the housing <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be configured to provide a VR experience in which the guest may view virtual features <NUM> as part of a virtual environment (e.g., the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be a VR headset; without visualization of the real-world environment <NUM>) and/or may be configured to provide a mixed reality experience.

In an embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> is removably coupleable (e.g., coupled without threaded fasteners, such as bolts; coupleable and separable without tools and without breaking the components of the wearable visualization device <NUM> or the guest interface device <NUM>) to the guest interface device <NUM> to enable the wearable visualization device <NUM> to quickly transition between a detached configuration <NUM> in which the wearable visualization device <NUM> is separated (e.g., decoupled) from the guest interface device <NUM>, and an attached configuration in which the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>. The guest interface device <NUM> is configured to be affixed to a head of the guest to thereby enable the guest to comfortably wear the wearable visualization device <NUM> through the amusement park attraction, for example. The guest interface device <NUM> may include an interface frame <NUM> and an attachment assembly <NUM> (e.g., head strap) that is configured to span about a circumference of the head of the guest and to be tightened onto the head of the guest. In this manner, the attachment assembly <NUM> facilitates affixing the guest interface device <NUM> to the head of the guest, such that the guest interface device <NUM> may be utilized to retain the wearable visualization device <NUM> on the guest (e.g., in the attached configuration). Furthermore, the guest interface device <NUM> enables the guest to efficiently couple and decouple the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> while the guest interface device <NUM> is on the head of the guest (e.g., without removing the guest interface device <NUM> from the head of the guest). The guest may wear the guest interface device <NUM>, with or without the wearable visualization device <NUM> attached, throughout all or part of a duration of a ride of an amusement park ride, during a game, throughout a particular area or amusement park attraction, during a ride to a hotel associated with the amusement park, at the hotel, and so forth.

This two-piece design may enable the guest (or another user, such as an operator of the amusement park attraction) to efficiently couple and decouple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>. For example, the guest may place the guest interface device <NUM> on their head while the guest waits in a line for the amusement park attraction, and the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., via a wire or tether) to a ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction. Then, the guest may efficiently couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM> upon boarding the ride vehicle and may efficiently decouple the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device prior to exiting the ride vehicle. However, it should be appreciated that the wearable visualization device <NUM> and/or the guest interface device <NUM> may have any of a variety of forms or structures that enable the wearable visualization device <NUM> to function in the manner described herein. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> may be integrally formed with one another (e.g., to be applied to and removed from the head of the guest together).

In an embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a cover system <NUM> that includes a cover <NUM> (e.g., retractable cover; one or more retractable cover portions), an actuator <NUM> (e.g., one or more actuators), and/or one or more control components. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include the cover <NUM> that is configured to adjust between an extended configuration <NUM> in which the cover <NUM> is positioned over (e.g., to cover) at least a portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> (e.g., the portion or an entirety of the one or more lenses <NUM>) and a retracted configuration in which the cover <NUM> is not positioned over at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be opaque (e.g., non-transparent; entirely blocks a view of the guest through the cover <NUM>), semi-transparent (e.g., partially blocks a view of the guest through the cover <NUM>), or transparent (e.g., see-through). The cover <NUM> may be a display surface (e.g., screen or surface) that is configured to display images, such as the virtual features <NUM>, to the guest. In such cases, the cover <NUM> may not provide the same image quality as the one or more lenses <NUM>, but may provide satisfactory image quality to display certain images (e.g., textual instructions; scenes) to the guest. In an embodiment in which multiple covers <NUM> are used together (e.g., on an outer surface and on an inner surface), each of the multiple covers <NUM> may have the same or different characteristics (e.g., opaque, semi-transparent, transparent, and/or display surface). The cover <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic and/or metal (e.g., metal or metal alloy).

The wearable visualization device <NUM> may include additional components to facilitate operation and control of the cover <NUM>. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a sensor <NUM> that is configured to monitor one or more parameters, such as one or more parameters indicative of a position of the wearable visualization device <NUM> relative to the guest interface device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be a proximity sensor or a contact sensor that is configured to detect that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>.

Furthermore, the sensor <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to a controller <NUM> (e.g., electronic controller) having a processor <NUM> and a memory device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be located on the wearable visualization device <NUM> or separate from the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., on a ride vehicle; within the amusement park attraction). The controller <NUM> may be configured to provide control signals to control the actuator <NUM> based on sensor data received from the sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may control the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> from the extended configuration <NUM> to the retracted configuration in response to receipt of the sensor data that indicates that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is properly coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>.

In this way, the cover <NUM> may be positioned over and protect at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is not coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> may be retracted from and expose at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>. Such features may result in the cover <NUM> being positioned over at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is not in use by the guest, such as while stored on the ride vehicle, while being handled by the guest in order to couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>, and/or while not being used to display virtual features <NUM> to the guest. Additionally, such features may result in the cover <NUM> exposing at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> while the wearable visualization device is in use by the guest, such as while coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> while the guest is within the amusement park attraction.

The wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> may be coupled to one another via a coupling interface (e.g., key-slot interface, interference fit). In an embodiment, the guest interface device <NUM> may include a key <NUM> (e.g., protrusion, prong) that is configured to fit within a slot formed in the housing <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> may be coupled to one another via a magnetic interface. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include one or more magnets <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> may include one or more magnets <NUM>. When the wearable visualization device <NUM> is brought in proximity of the guest interface device <NUM>, the magnets <NUM>, <NUM> may magnetically couple to one another. It should be appreciated that, in an embodiment, the one or more magnets <NUM> or the one or more magnets <NUM> may be a suitable reaction material (e.g., metallic plates).

In an embodiment, the one or more magnets <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM> may act as a detectable feature that is detectable by the sensor <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In operation, when the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> are coupled to one another via the magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, the one or more magnets <NUM> may be detected by the sensor <NUM> (e.g., magnetometer, proximity sensor, reed switch, Hall effect sensor). In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more magnets <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM> may not be used for coupling to the one or more magnets <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>, but instead may be dedicated for use as the detectable feature that is detectable by the sensor <NUM>. For example, one of the one or more magnets <NUM> may be positioned to overlay the sensor <NUM> when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled with the guest interface device <NUM>. In such cases, the one of the one or more magnets <NUM> may be any suitable magnetically-responsive material (e.g., piece of iron),.

It should be appreciated that the guest interface device <NUM> may include any suitable detectable feature having any suitable structure, material, and/or placement within the guest interface device <NUM> to enable detection by the sensor <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. As noted above, the detectable feature may be a magnet, such as one of the one or more magnets <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> may be a magnetometer (e.g., proximity sensor, reed switch, or Hall effect sensor) that is configured to detect the magnet. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be an optical sensor (e.g., photodetector) that is configured to detect light, and the detectable feature on the guest interface device <NUM> may include one or more non-transparent or light-reflecting portions configured to block light from reaching the optical sensor when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may include a mechanical switch (e.g., physical buttons) positioned on the housing <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>, and the detectable feature may include one or more activating features (e.g., protrusions) configured to actuate the mechanical switch when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include more than one sensor <NUM> (e.g., of the same or different type, such as multiple magnetometers and/or one magnetometer and one mechanical switch), and the guest interface device <NUM> may include corresponding detectable features. In this way, various types of detectable features and sensors <NUM> may be used separately or in combination to selectively adjust the cover <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the one or more magnets <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be electromagnets that are powered via a wired or wireless power source (e.g., battery). In such cases, the electromagnets may be deactivated to enable separation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> at certain times. Similarly, the electromagnets may be activated to facilitate securement of the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM> at certain times. The controller <NUM> may control the electromagnets and the cover <NUM> in a coordinated manner (e.g., the electromagnets are deactivated and the cover <NUM> is moved to the extended configuration <NUM> at substantially the same time).

It should also be appreciated that the actuator <NUM> may be an electronically-actuated actuator (e.g., controlled via the controller <NUM>) and/or the actuator <NUM> may be a mechanically-actuated actuator (e.g., controlled via a mechanical linkage; without electronic control via the controller <NUM>). For example, in response to the wearable visualization device <NUM> being coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>, a mechanical linkage may drive the cover <NUM> to the retracted configuration. Then, in response to the wearable visualization device <NUM> being separated from the guest interface device <NUM>, the mechanical linkage may enable the cover <NUM> to return to the extended configuration <NUM>. In an embodiment, a biasing member may bias the cover <NUM> toward the extended configuration <NUM> (or toward the retracted configuration), and a biasing force of the biasing member may be overcome to adjust the cover <NUM> to the retracted configuration (or toward the extended configuration <NUM>).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the transition between the detached configuration <NUM> and an attached configuration <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> is a perspective view of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> during a coupling process, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> in the attached configuration <NUM>. In <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is in a retracted configuration <NUM> in which the cover <NUM> does not cover the one or more lenses <NUM> and/or enables the guest to view the real-world environment through the one or more lenses <NUM>. As noted above, the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM> in response to detection of the wearable visualization device <NUM> being coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> to thereby protect the one or more lenses <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, to couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>, the guest may translate the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device <NUM>. The guest may translate the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device <NUM> until the coupling interface and/or the magnetic interface couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM> to thereby place the wearable visualization device <NUM> in the attached configuration <NUM>. The guest may translate the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device <NUM> while the guest interface device <NUM> is affixed to the head of the guest. The cover <NUM> may be positioned in the extended configuration <NUM> during the coupling process to thereby protect the one or more lenses <NUM> from smudges, scratching, and/or particle buildup due to handling by the guest. Additionally, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may remain in the attached configuration <NUM> with respect to the guest interface device <NUM> until the guest manually removes the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> (e.g., by pulling the wearable visualization device <NUM> away from the guest interface device <NUM>, which may be done while the guest interface device <NUM> remains on the head of the guest).

In an embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be physically coupled (e.g., tethered via a cable) to a structure (e.g., a ride vehicle) to block separation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the structure. Thus, once the guest adjusts the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the detached configuration <NUM>, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may remain attached to the structure and the guest may carry the guest interface device <NUM> away from the structure (e.g., to use in another amusement park attraction; to place in a discard bin for washing). It should be appreciated that the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be electronically coupled (e.g., via the cable) to the controller <NUM> and/or another computing system to facilitate operation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., display of the virtual features <NUM>; adjustment of the cover <NUM>), as discussed in more detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is positioned on an outer surface (e.g., facing away from the guest; the one or more lenses <NUM> is between the cover <NUM> and the guest while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is worn by the guest) of the one or more lenses <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the cover <NUM> may instead be positioned on an inner surface (e.g., facing toward the guest, the cover <NUM> is between the one or more lenses <NUM> and the guest while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is worn by the guest) of the one or more lenses <NUM>. Furthermore, the cover <NUM> may be positioned on the outer surface, and an additional cover (e.g., having any of the features as the cover <NUM> disclosed herein) may be positioned on the inner surface to thereby provide protection on both sides of the one or more lenses <NUM>.

The AR/VR system <NUM> may be configured to use other types of data, in addition or as an alternative to the sensor data from the sensor <NUM> (e.g., sensor data that indicates the position of the wearable visualization device <NUM> relative to the guest interface device <NUM>), to adjust the cover <NUM> between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. For example, with reference to <FIG>, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a sensor <NUM> that is configured to monitor one or more parameters indicative of a position of the wearable visualization device <NUM> relative to the head of the guest. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be an optical sensor (e.g., photodetector) that is configured to detect light and that is configured to align with an opening (e.g., through hole) in the guest interface device <NUM>. Specifically, in such an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> and the opening in the guest interface device <NUM> may be arranged such that, when the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> are in the attached configuration <NUM>, they enable light to reach the sensor <NUM> while not positioned on the head of the guest. However, while positioned on the head of the guest with the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> in this same attached configuration <NUM>, the head of the guest will block the light from reaching the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may include a mechanical switch (e.g., physical buttons) positioned on the housing <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and positioned so that the head of the guest actuates the mechanical switch when the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> in the attached configuration <NUM> are positioned on the head of the guest.

The controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> based on the sensor data from the sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the extended configuration <NUM> to be positioned over and protect at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is positioned on the head of the guest, and the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the retracted configuration <NUM> to expose at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is positioned on the head of the guest.

In an embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a sensor <NUM> that is configured to monitor one or more parameters indicative of movement of the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., relative to the ride vehicle, relative to an expected movement). The sensor <NUM> may be a position or motion-tracking sensor, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or an inertial measurement unit (IMU), that is configured to monitor one or more parameters (e.g., accelerations and/or decelerations) indicative of the wearable visualization device <NUM> being improperly handled. For example, the sensor data from the sensor <NUM> may indicate whether the wearable visualization device <NUM> is experiencing any unexpected movement (e.g., drops, throws, lifted or removed from the head of the guest during a ride cycle). The controller <NUM> may process the sensor data from the sensor <NUM>, such as by comparing the sensor data to stored data sets (e.g., template matching) that correspond to certain improper movement and/or expected movements of the wearable visualization device <NUM> during enjoyment of the amusement park attraction.

The controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> based on the sensor data from the sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the extended configuration <NUM> to be positioned over and protect at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is experiencing unexpected movement (e.g., for more than a threshold period of time), and the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the retracted configuration <NUM> to expose at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM> as long as the wearable visualization device <NUM> is experiencing expected movement. It should be appreciated that other types of sensors may be utilized, such as sensors (e.g., image sensors) that detect hands or another object approaching the wearable visualization device. In such cases, detection of the hands or the object approaching the wearable visualization device may cause the controller <NUM> to provide the control signals to the one or more actuators <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the extended configuration <NUM> at least until the hands or the other object are no longer detected and/or for some period of time. It should also be appreciated that the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include more than one sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., of the same or different type). In this way, various types sensor data and sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be used separately or in combination to selectively adjust the cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the AR/VR system <NUM> may be configured to additionally or alternatively utilize show data that is related to the AR/VR experience to adjust the cover <NUM> between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. The show data may be indicative of a timing of virtual features <NUM> that will be presented on the one or more lenses <NUM> and/or instructions for the cover <NUM> to assume either the extended configuration <NUM> or the retracted configuration <NUM> in coordination with the show data. In an embodiment, a computer graphics generation system <NUM> may be a server or game controller (e.g., positioned on the ride vehicle or within the amusement park attraction) that is configured to generate the virtual features <NUM> to be presented via the wearable visualization device <NUM>, and the computer graphics generation system <NUM> may provide the show data to the controller <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may maintain the cover <NUM> in the extended configuration <NUM> while no virtual features <NUM> and/or while certain virtual features <NUM> (e.g., text, menus, score achieved by the guest during a game played in the amusement park attraction, or other virtual features to provide a VR experience to the guest) are displayed on the one or more lenses <NUM>, such as to enable the guest to view these virtual features <NUM> more clearly and without the real-world environment <NUM> in the background (e.g., with the cover <NUM> being opaque). Then, the controller <NUM> may adjust the cover <NUM> to the retracted configuration <NUM> after display of these virtual features <NUM> and/or to correspond to the display of other virtual features <NUM> that should be viewed simultaneously with the real-world environment <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that these operations may be carried out with the cover <NUM> on the outer surface of the one or more lenses <NUM>, as shown. However, these operations may be carried out with the cover <NUM> on the outer surface of the one or more lenses <NUM>, and the additional cover on an inner surface of the one or more lenses <NUM>. In such cases, both the cover <NUM> on the outer surface and the additional cover on the inner surface may be in the extended configuration <NUM> until the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>. Then, the cover <NUM> on the outer surface may remain in the extended configuration <NUM> while the additional cover on the inner surface is in the retracted configuration <NUM> to enable display of certain virtual features <NUM> without the real-world environment <NUM> in the background. Then, the cover <NUM> on the outer surface may be adjusted to the retracted configuration <NUM> so that other virtual features <NUM> can be displayed over the real-world environment <NUM>. Thus, the cover <NUM> and the additional cover may be controlled independently of one another to provide various effects. In some such cases, both the cover <NUM> on the outer surface and the additional cover on the inner surface may be opaque. However, it should be appreciated that the cover <NUM> on the outer surface may be transparent or opaque, and the additional cover on the inner surface may be transparent, opaque, or operate as a display screen or surface to display virtual images <NUM> to the guest to thereby provide different effects and features.

According to the invention, the AR/VR system <NUM> is configured to additionally or alternatively utilize attraction data (e.g., ride data) that is related to the amusement park attraction to adjust the cover <NUM> between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. The ride data may be indicative of a timing of ride features (e.g., uphill and downhill portions of a ride path, a beginning and end of a ride cycle, movement of the ride vehicle) and/or instructions for the cover <NUM> to assume either the extended configuration <NUM> or the retracted configuration <NUM> in coordination with the ride data. In an embodiment, an attraction system <NUM> may be a server or attraction controller (e.g., positioned within the amusement park attraction) that is configured to control the amusement park attraction, such as to control the ride vehicle along a ride path, and the attraction system <NUM> may provide the ride data to the controller <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may maintain the cover <NUM> in the extended configuration <NUM> while the ride vehicle is within a loading/unloading zone of the amusement park attraction and/or may adjust the cover <NUM> to the retracted configuration <NUM> as the ride vehicle begins moving to depart the loading zone. The attraction system <NUM> may operate as a master controller that is configured to provide control signals to the computer graphics generation system <NUM> and to the controller <NUM> to coordinate the presentation of the virtual features <NUM> and the operation of the cover <NUM> with aspects of the amusement park attraction.

More particularly, the controller <NUM> may receive the ride data that indicates that the ride vehicle is has been cleared to depart or will soon depart, has departed, and/or is moving within the loading/unloading zone at a beginning of the ride cycle, and in response, the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> from the extended configuration <NUM> to the retracted configuration <NUM>. Similarly, the controller <NUM> may receive the ride data that indicates that the ride vehicle is approaching, has entered, and/or is stopped within the loading/unloading zone at an end of the ride cycle, and in response, the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> from the retracted configuration <NUM> to the extended configuration <NUM>. In an embodiment, the ride data may be used to adjust the cover <NUM> during the ride cycle and/or in coordination with features of the amusement park attraction to provide a more thrilling experience. For example, the cover <NUM> may be positioned in the extended configuration <NUM> to block the view of the real-world environment <NUM> during an uphill portion of a rollercoaster (e.g., with the cover <NUM> being opaque) and then suddenly adjusted to the retracted configuration <NUM> to enable the view of the real-world environment <NUM> during the downhill portion of the rollercoaster, or other similar effects. In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may receive the ride data that indicates that the guest is properly restrained within the ride vehicle (e.g., a restraint, such as a lap bar or a belt is in a locked position; via a sensor in the restraint), and in response, the controller <NUM> may provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> from the extended configuration <NUM> to the retracted configuration <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the AR/VR system <NUM> may be configured to additionally or alternatively utilize a user input (e.g., input data, input by an operator of the amusement park attraction and/or the guest) to adjust the cover <NUM> between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. The user inputs may be indicative of a request or instruction to adjust the cover <NUM> to either the extended configuration <NUM> or the retracted configuration <NUM>. For example, the operator may observe that a guest has removed the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the head of the guest, but that the cover <NUM> is in the retracted configuration <NUM>. The operator may then provide the user input (e.g., via an operator station that is communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM>) to instruct the controller <NUM> to provide the control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the extended configuration <NUM>. In an embodiment, the guest may wish adjust the cover <NUM> to the extended configuration <NUM>, such as to block their view of the real-world environment <NUM> through the one or more lenses <NUM>. The guest may then provide the user input (e.g., via an input device on the wearable visualization device <NUM>, or the ride vehicle, or within the amusement park attraction to instruct the controller <NUM> to provide the control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the extended configuration <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the sensor data from one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, show data, ride data, and/or user inputs may be utilized to adjust the cover <NUM>. In this way, various types of data may be used separately or in combination to selectively adjust the cover <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> may be adjusted to the retracted configuration <NUM> in response to multiple types of data indicating that the retracted configuration <NUM> is appropriate, such as both the sensor data from the sensor <NUM> and the ride data and/or the show data indicating that the retracted configuration <NUM> is appropriate (e.g., the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> and the virtual features <NUM> to be viewed over the real-world environment <NUM> will be shown; the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> and a ride vehicle is in a particular part of a ride path or ride cycle). The examples of types of data that may be utilized to adjust the cover <NUM> is not exhaustive, and it should be appreciated that other types of data may be considered. For example, additionally or alternatively, a maintenance system (which may be part of the attraction system <NUM>) may detect that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is due for a maintenance procedure (e.g., is not working properly; routine maintenance), and the maintenance system may provide maintenance data to the controller <NUM> that indicate that the cover <NUM> should remain in the extended configuration <NUM> until the maintenance procedure is completed.

While <FIG> and the related discussion relate primarily to AR implementations, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may instead be used for viewing VR content. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be a VR headset that control or limits the view of the guest (e.g., using opaque viewing surfaces), such as opaque or non-transparent displays configured to display virtual features <NUM> (e.g., VR features) to the guest. As such, the wearable visualization device <NUM> in VR implementations may enable the guest to feel completely encompassed by the surreal environment <NUM> such that the guest perceives the surreal environment <NUM> to be the real-world environment <NUM> that includes certain virtual features <NUM>. In an embodiment, the surreal environment <NUM> viewable by the guest may be a real-time video that includes real-world images of the physical, real-world environment <NUM> electronically merged with one or more virtual features <NUM>. With the preceding in mind, it should be appreciated that the surreal environment <NUM> may include an AR experience, a VR experience, a mixed reality experience, a computer-mediated reality experience, a combination thereof, or another suitable surreal environment <NUM>.

With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate different configurations for the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> during a coupling process, wherein the wearable visualization device <NUM> is configured to provide a VR experience. <FIG> is a front view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> in the attached configuration <NUM>, wherein the wearable visualization device <NUM> is configured to provide a VR experience.

In <FIG>, the one or more lenses <NUM> are displays that face toward the guest and that display the virtual features to the guest. The one or more lenses <NUM> may include an opaque or semi-transparent (e.g., light filtering) backing <NUM> that that is part or is coupled to housing <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be positioned over at least a portion of an inner surface (e.g., facing toward the guest, the cover <NUM> is between the one or more lenses <NUM> and the guest while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is worn by the guest) of the one or more lenses <NUM>. In this way, the cover <NUM> may cover and protect the one or more lenses <NUM> that are utilized to display the virtual features to the guest. In an embodiment, the cover <NUM> may instead be positioned on an outer surface (e.g., facing away from the guest; the one or more lenses <NUM> is between the cover <NUM> and the guest while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is worn by the guest) of the one or more lenses <NUM> and/or the backing <NUM>. Furthermore, the cover <NUM> may be positioned on the inner surface, and an additional cover may be positioned on the outer surface to thereby provide protection on both sides of the one or more lenses <NUM>. The wearable visualization device <NUM> is shown in the detached configuration <NUM> and may include any of the features (e.g., the sensors, the magnets, the controller) disclosed above with respect to <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the wearable visualization device <NUM> includes a facemask portion <NUM>, with a nose guard <NUM>, that is configured to fit over a face of the guest. The facemask portion <NUM> may help position and/or align the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the face of the guest, as well as block light to enhance visualization of the virtual features provided via the one or more lenses <NUM>. In <FIG>, the one or more lenses <NUM> includes two separate lenses, such as a first lens <NUM> and a second lens <NUM>. In such cases, the cover <NUM> may be configured to cover both the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM>, or the cover <NUM> may include two cover portions, such as a first cover portion <NUM> and a second cover portion <NUM> (e.g., one for each of the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM>). As noted above, the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM> may include the backing <NUM> that that is part of or is coupled to the housing <NUM> and/or the facemask portion <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be positioned over at least a portion of an inner surface (e.g., facing toward the guest, the cover <NUM> is between the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM> and the guest while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is worn by the guest) of the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM>. In this way, the cover <NUM> may cover and protect the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM> that are utilized to display the virtual features to the guest. In an embodiment, the cover <NUM> may instead by positioned on an outer surface (e.g., facing away from the guest; the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM> are between the cover <NUM> and the guest while the wearable visualization device <NUM> is worn by the guest) of the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM> and/or of the backing <NUM>. Furthermore, the cover <NUM> may be positioned on the inner surface, and an additional cover may be positioned on the outer surface to thereby provide protection on both sides of the first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM>. The wearable visualization device <NUM> is shown in the attached configuration <NUM> and may include any of the features (e.g., the sensors, the magnets, the controller) disclosed above with respect to <FIG>.

It should be appreciated that the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> may have any of a variety of forms. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be the electronic eyeglasses <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or a VR headset, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Furthermore, the guest interface device <NUM> may be a visor, as shown in <FIG>, a helmet, as shown in <FIG>, or any other suitable structure to couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the head of the guest. In practice, it should be appreciated that any combination of these embodiments (e.g., visor and electronic eyeglasses, helmet and electronic eyeglasses, visor and VR headset, helmet and VR headset) may be practiced, and the present examples are not intended to be limiting, but are instead intended to provide select, meaningful, and illustrative real-world examples for the purpose of explanation.

Regardless of the form of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM>, the AR/VR system <NUM> may include the components disclosed herein that operate to adjust the cover <NUM> between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of the components that may be included in the AR/VR system <NUM>. As shown, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include the sensor <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, the one or more lenses <NUM>, the cover <NUM>, and/or the actuator <NUM>. The wearable visualization device <NUM> may also include other components, such as a camera <NUM> that is configured to obtain images of the real-world environment (e.g., for use in creating the surreal environment in during VR implementations). The camera <NUM> may be configured to operate (e.g., powered on) in response to the wearable visualization device <NUM> being coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>, or in response to any other data disclosed herein. Thus, the camera <NUM> may be configured to operate in coordination with the cover <NUM> (e.g., the camera <NUM> is powered on at the same time or subsequent to the cover <NUM> moving to the retracted configuration).

The wearable visualization device <NUM> may include or be communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM>, which may have the processor <NUM> and the memory device <NUM>. As discussed above, the controller <NUM> may be configured to provide control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> relative to the one or more lenses <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to provide the control signals based on sensor data received from the sensor <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, and/or the sensor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the controller <NUM> may be configured to provide the control signals based on other types of data, such as show data received from the computer graphics generation system <NUM>, ride data received from the attraction system <NUM>, and/or user inputs received from a user (e.g., an operator, the guest). In particular, the controller <NUM> may process the sensor data and/or the other types of data and may determine an appropriate position for the cover <NUM> (e.g., the extended configuration or the retracted configuration), and the controller <NUM> may then provide the control signals to the actuator <NUM> to adjust the cover <NUM> to the appropriate position.

The controller <NUM> may include the processor <NUM> and the memory device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. The memory device <NUM> may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media that store instructions executable by the processor <NUM> and/or data (e.g., parameters; a number of events) to be processed by the processor <NUM>. For example, the memory device <NUM> may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives, optical discs, and/or the like. Further, the memory device <NUM> may store instructions executable by the processor <NUM> to perform the methods and control actions described herein. As shown, the controller <NUM> also includes a communication device <NUM>, which is configured to facilitate communication (e.g., wired or wireless communication via a communication network) between the controller <NUM>, the computer graphics generation system <NUM>, the attraction system <NUM>, and/or any other system. It should be appreciated that the computer graphics generation system <NUM>, the attraction system <NUM>, and any other system that is in communication with the controller <NUM> may also include a respective processor, a respective memory, and a respective communication device to enable the AR/VR system <NUM> to carry out the disclosed techniques. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the functions and processing steps described herein may be distributed in any suitable manner between the controller <NUM>, the computer graphics generation system <NUM>, the attraction system <NUM>, and/or any other suitable system. Indeed, any computing system having one or more processors or any combination of computing systems (e.g., distributed computing system having multiple processors) may be utilized to carry out the disclosed techniques. In an embodiment, the components (e.g., sensors, processor) that operate to control the cover <NUM> may be entirely contained within the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., within the housing of the wearable visualization device <NUM>). In some such cases, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may not communicate (wirelessly or via a wired connection) to an off-board computing system, and instead may include components to perform some or all of the functions disclosed herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an amusement park attraction <NUM> (e.g., ride attraction) in which the AR/VR system <NUM> may be employed to provide an AR/VR experience to the guest. In operation, each guest may be provided with a respective guest interface device <NUM> (e.g., upon entry into the amusement park and/or while waiting in line for the amusement park attraction) that may be worn by the guest for a period of time, such as throughout the amusement park (e.g., in multiple different amusement park attractions) or throughout the duration of the amusement park attraction (e.g., on a single ride). For example, prior to boarding a ride vehicle <NUM> of the amusement park attraction <NUM>, the guest may fit the guest interface device <NUM> on the head of the guest in accordance with the techniques discussed above. The wearable visualization device <NUM> may be coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> via a cable <NUM>, which may block separation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or may electronically couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the controller <NUM> (or other computing system) located remotely from the wearable visualization device <NUM>. Then, upon boarding the ride vehicle in a loading/unloading zone <NUM> (e.g., loading zone; loading and unloading zone), the guest may couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>. As noted above, the cover <NUM> may be in the extended configuration as the guest prior to the wearable visualization device <NUM> being coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>. Then, once the wearable visualization device <NUM> is determined (e.g., by the controller, based on sensor data from the sensors) to be coupled to the wearable visualization device <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may be adjusted to the retracted configuration to enable the guest to enjoy the virtual images during a ride cycle (e.g., as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along a ride path <NUM>).

In an embodiment, the cover <NUM> may remain in the retracted configuration for an entirety of the ride cycle (e.g., except while the guests are in the loading/unloading zone <NUM>; regardless of separation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> during the ride cycle). In an embodiment, the cover <NUM> may remain in the retracted configuration until the sensor detects that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is separated from the guest interface device <NUM> (e.g., due to the guest pulling the wearable visualization device <NUM> away from the guest interface device <NUM>; even during the ride cycle and outside of the loading/unloading zone <NUM>). For example, as shown in <FIG>, one of the guests has removed the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> during the ride cycle. The separation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> may be detected by the sensor, and in response, the controller may provide the control signals to the actuator to adjust the cover to the extended configuration. As noted above, other sensor data and/or other types of data may be utilized to adjust the cover <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. For example, the separation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> during the ride cycle may also be determined based on the position of the wearable visualization device <NUM> relative to the head of the guest and/or based on an acceleration that is outside of an expected acceleration range. Furthermore, the cover <NUM> may be adjusted during the ride cycle based on other types of data (e.g., show data, ride data, and/or user inputs).

In <FIG>, the ride path <NUM> extends through a surrounding physical environment (e.g., real-world environment). However, it should be understood that the ride path <NUM> may be omitted and the ride vehicle <NUM> may be a generally stationary ride vehicle or attraction element (e.g., a seat in a movie theatre). In an AR context, when using the wearable visualization device <NUM> coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> with the cover <NUM> in the retracted configuration, the guest may be able to view virtual images overlaid onto the real-world environment. In a VR context, when using the wearable visualization device <NUM> coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> with the cover <NUM> in the retracted configuration, the guest may perceive virtual features without viewing the real-world environment.

In <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is a hinged panel that is configured to rotate (e.g., upwardly; similar to a door; about a pin) relative to the one or more lenses <NUM> to move between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that the cover <NUM> may have any suitable form that enables the cover <NUM> to selectively cover at least the portion of the one or more lenses <NUM>. With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> illustrate exemplary embodiments of the cover <NUM> that may be used with the wearable visualization device. In particular, <FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of the cover <NUM>, wherein the cover <NUM> includes laterally-sliding portions <NUM> that are configured to move laterally, as shown by arrows <NUM>, between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of the cover <NUM>, wherein the cover <NUM> includes a vertically-sliding portion <NUM> that is configured to move vertically, as shown by arrows <NUM>, between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. The laterally-sliding portions <NUM> and/or the vertically-sliding portion <NUM> may operate similarly to a garage door, for example. While two laterally-sliding portions <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and one vertically-sliding portion <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, it should be appreciated that any number (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more) of laterally-sliding portions <NUM> and/or vertically-sliding portions <NUM> may be provided to form the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of the cover <NUM>, wherein the cover <NUM> includes rotating portions <NUM> that are configured to rotate in a radial direction between the extended configuration <NUM> and the retracted configuration <NUM>. For example, the rotating portions <NUM> may rotate radially-outwardly, in a manner similar to a camera shutter, to expose the one or more lenses <NUM> of the wearable visualization device. Furthermore, the rotating portions <NUM> may rotate radially-inwardly to cover the one or more lenses <NUM> of the wearable visualization device.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an embodiment of the cover <NUM>, wherein the cover <NUM> includes fluid-filled portions <NUM> that are configured to expand and contract based on a volume of fluid within the fluid-filled portions <NUM>. For example, when the volume of fluid within the fluid-filled portions <NUM> increases (e.g., via a pump <NUM>), the fluid-filled portions may expand to cover the one or more lenses <NUM> of the wearable visualization device. However, when the volume of fluid within the fluid-filled portions <NUM> decreases, the fluid-filled portions may contract to expose the one or more lenses <NUM> of the wearable visualization device.

As noted above, the cover <NUM> may be positioned on an inner surface (e.g., facing the guest) of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. For example, <FIG> is a rear view of a portion of the wearable visualization device <NUM> having the cover <NUM> on an inner surface <NUM> (e.g., inner side) of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. Advantageously, in such cases, the cover <NUM> may include a reflective surface <NUM>. The reflective surface <NUM> may be formed by a reflective material (e.g., reflective paint, reflective film, reflective sticker) and may operate as a mirror (e.g., rear-view mirror). The reflective surface <NUM> may enable the guest to visualize their head and/or the guest interface device on their head. Thus, the reflective surface <NUM> may assist the guest in donning the wearable visualization device <NUM>, thereby improving the experience of the guest and/or increasing throughput of the amusement park attraction, for example. It should be appreciated that the cover <NUM> having the reflective surface <NUM> may have any of the forms disclosed herein, as well as any other suitable form. For example, the cover <NUM> having the reflective surface <NUM> may include the laterally-sliding portions, the vertically-sliding portions, the rotating portions, and/or the fluid-filled portions. The cover <NUM> having the reflective surface <NUM> may be used on any suitable wearable visualization device <NUM>, including any of the wearable visualization devices <NUM> of <FIG>.

The wearable visualization device <NUM> may include additional features that work in conjunction with the reflective surface <NUM>. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include one or more light emitters <NUM> that are configured to emit light at least while the guest brings the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device. In an embodiment, the one or more light emitters <NUM> may be configured to emit light only at limited times, such as during a time period between the wearable visualization device <NUM> being picked up by the guest (e.g., during a boarding process; as detected by the sensor that monitors the position of the wearable visualization device <NUM> relative to the head of the guest and/or based on detected removal of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from a docking station on a structure of the amusement park attraction) and the wearable visualization device <NUM> being coupled to the guest interface device (e.g., as detected by the sensor that monitors the position of the wearable visualization device <NUM> relative to the guest interface device).

The one or more light emitters <NUM> may be positioned at any suitable location, such as above the cover <NUM> and/or the one or more lenses <NUM>. The wearable visualization device <NUM> and/or the guest interface device may have guiding features to facilitate the coupling process. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device may each include a visible marker <NUM> (e.g., an symbol; a light emitter), and the guest may use the reflective surface <NUM> to view and align the visible markers as the guest bring the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device. In an embodiment, the guiding features may include a symbol on the wearable visualization device <NUM> and a light emitter on the guest interface device, and the guest may use the reflective surface <NUM> to view and align a light beam emitted by the light emitter with the visible marker as the guest bring the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device. In an embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be configured to detect alignment of the visible markers (e.g., using a sensor, such as a photodetector or camera) and may provide an alert (e.g., an audible alert, such as a beep, via a speaker; a visible alert, such as a colored light, via a light emitter) in response to the visible markers being properly aligned and/or being misaligned. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a light emitter that emits a green light in response to the visible markers being properly aligned and/or a red light in response to the visible markers being properly aligned.

<FIG> is a rear view of a portion of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device <NUM> having the reflective surface <NUM> positioned about the one or more lenses <NUM>. As shown, the reflective surface <NUM> may be separate from the cover <NUM> and/or may be used without the cover <NUM> (e.g., the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be devoid of the cover <NUM>). The reflective surface <NUM> may be on the inner surface <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the reflective surface <NUM> may positioned within a recess <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. The reflective surface <NUM> may be formed by a reflective material (e.g., reflective paint, reflective film, reflective sticker) and may operate as a mirror (e.g., rear-view mirror). The reflective surface <NUM> may enable the guest to visualize their head and/or the guest interface device on their head. Thus, the reflective surface <NUM> may assist the guest in donning the wearable visualization device <NUM>, thereby improving the experience of the guest and/or increasing throughput of the amusement park attraction, for example.

The wearable visualization device <NUM> may include additional features that work in conjunction with the reflective surface <NUM>, as discussed above with respect to <FIG>. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include one or more light emitters <NUM> that are configured to illuminate at least while the guest brings the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device. The wearable visualization device <NUM> and/or the guest interface device may have guiding features to facilitate the coupling process. In an embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be configured to provide an alert in response to the visible markers being properly aligned and/or being misaligned. While the reflective surface <NUM> is shown as covering an entirety of the inner surface <NUM> about the one or more lenses <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the reflective surface <NUM> may cover a portion of the inner surface <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. For example, the reflective surface <NUM> may cover a portion of the inner surface <NUM> between two lenses <NUM> along a lateral axis of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In an embodiment, more than one reflective surface <NUM> may be provided, such as one above each lens <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method <NUM> of operating a wearable visualization device having a cover, such as the wearable visualization device <NUM> having the cover <NUM>. The method <NUM> disclosed herein includes various steps represented by blocks. It should be noted that at least some steps of the method <NUM> may be performed as an automated procedure by a computing system, such as by the AR/VR system <NUM>. Although the flow chart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any suitable order and certain steps may be carried out simultaneously, where appropriate. Additionally, steps may be added to or omitted from the method <NUM>.

As shown, in step <NUM>, the method <NUM> may begin by receiving an indication that the wearable visualization device is coupled to a guest interface device that is configured to affix to a head of a guest. The indication that the wearable visualization device is coupled to the guest interface device may include sensor signals from a sensor of the wearable visualization device. For example, the sensor may include a proximity sensor or any other suitable type of sensor that is configured to detect that the wearable visualization device is coupled to the guest interface device.

In one implementation, the guest may affix the guest interface device to the head of the guest prior to boarding a ride vehicle of an amusement park attraction. Once the guest is seated in the ride vehicle, the guest may pick up the wearable visualization device and move the wearable visualization device toward the guest interface device until the wearable visualization device is coupled to the guest interface device (e.g., via the coupling interface and/or the magnetic interface). As noted above, the wearable visualization device may include the reflective surface to enable the guest to visualize the guest interface device during the coupling process.

In step <NUM>, the method <NUM> may then proceed to controlling one or more actuators to adjust the cover from an extended configuration in which the cover is positioned over at least a portion of one or more lenses of the wearable visualization device to a retracted configuration in which the cover is not positioned over at least the portion of the one or more lenses of the wearable visualization device in response to receiving the indication that the wearable visualization device is coupled to the guest interface device and/or other indications (e.g., an indication that the guest is seated and/or restrained). In this way, the guest may be able to view the virtual features of the one or more lenses once the wearable visualization device is coupled to the guest interface device.

In step <NUM>, the method <NUM> may then proceed to receiving an additional indication that the wearable visualization device is decoupled from the guest interface device. The additional indication that the wearable visualization device is decoupled from the guest interface device may include sensor signals from the sensor of the wearable visualization device. For example, the sensor may include the proximity sensor or any other suitable type of sensor that is configured to detect that the wearable visualization device is decoupled to the guest interface device. In some cases, the guest may separate the wearable visualization device from the guest interface device at the end of a ride cycle and/or during the ride cycle (e.g., due to becoming disoriented).

In step <NUM>, the method <NUM> may then proceed to controlling the one or more actuators to adjust the cover from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration in response to receiving the indication that the wearable visualization device is decoupled from the guest interface device. In this way, the cover may protect at least a portion of the one or more lenses at certain times, such as while the wearable visualization device is not coupled to the guest interface device.

The method <NUM> may also include various other steps in accordance with the techniques and functionality disclosed herein. For example, the method <NUM> may also include steps that receive, process, and respond (e.g., by adjusting the cover) to other types of data, such as data that indicates a position of the wearable visualization device relative to a head of the guest, data that indicates a movement of the wearable visualization device, show data, ride data, and/or user inputs.

Claim 1:
A wearable visualization device (<NUM>) for an amusement park ride, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
one or more lenses (<NUM>) coupled to the housing (<NUM>) and configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user of the wearable visualization device (<NUM>);
a cover (<NUM>) coupled to the housing (<NUM>) and configured to adjust between an extended configuration in which the cover (<NUM>) extends over at least a portion of the one or more lenses (<NUM>) and a retracted configuration in which the cover (<NUM>) does not extend over the at least the portion of the one or more lenses (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) and one or more sensors (<NUM>), wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to:
receive sensor data from the one or more sensors (<NUM>) and to provide control signals to an actuator (<NUM>) to adjust the cover (<NUM>) between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration based on the sensor data; and
receive ride data related to a ride cycle of the amusement park ride and to provide control signals to the actuator (<NUM>) to adjust the cover (<NUM>) between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration based on the ride data.