Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a head-mounted device for displaying projected images for a user wearing the head-mounted device.

Theme park or amusement park attractions have become increasingly popular, and various amusement park attractions have been created to provide guests, both domestic and foreign, with unique immersive experiences. Certain amusement park attractions incorporate virtual reality devices to help provide the guests with the unique immersive experiences. Traditionally, providing images (e.g., video feed) to the guests for a virtual reality experience requires a head-mounted display (HMD) with onboard electronics to generate the images and power a display of the HMD. However, these HMDs are generally expensive, power hungry, and heavy, which may detract from the unique immersive experience. Additionally, some head-mounted displays include onboard cameras to determine a location or orientation of the head-mounted display. The onboard cameras may increase the cost, power consumption, and weight of traditional HMDs, which may further detract from the unique immersive experience. Accordingly, it is now recognizable that it is desirable to improve these head-mounted displays.

<CIT> discloses a projection system including a projection device and a viewing device comprising a screen and imaging optics.

Projection systems according to the invention are defined in appended claims <NUM> and <NUM>, a method for displaying projected images in appended claim <NUM>.

In accordance with an embodiment, a system includes a projection device configured to project one or more images onto a receiver surface. The system also includes a viewing device configured to be worn by a user. The viewing device has a frame holding a screen and a focusing lens. The screen of the viewing device has the receiver surface and a viewing surface opposite the receiver surface. The screen is configured to permit transmission of the one or more images through the screen from the receiver surface to the viewing surface such that the one or more images are viewable on the viewing surface. The focusing lens of the viewing device is configured to focus the one or more images viewable on the viewing surface for the user when wearing the viewing device. Moreover, the system includes a tracking system configured to determine a location and orientation of the receiver surface of the viewing device. The projection device is configured to adjust image properties of the one or more projected images based at least in part on the determined location and orientation of the receiver surface.

In accordance with an embodiment, a system includes a control system configured to generate image projection instructions based at least in part on a location and an orientation of a receiver surface. The system also includes a plurality of projection devices. Each projection device of the plurality of projection devices is configured to project a unique image onto at least a portion of a receiver surface based on the image projection instructions. Additionally, the system includes a viewing device configured to be worn by a user and has a frame holding a screen and a focusing lens. The viewing device includes the screen having the receiver surface and the viewing surface. The screen is configured to permit transmission of a blended image from the receiver surface, through the screen, to the viewing surface such that the blended image is viewable on the viewing surface. The blended image is formed from the unique images projected onto the receiver surface from the plurality of projection devices. The viewing device also includes the focusing lens configured to focus the blended image for the user associated with the viewing device. Moreover, the system includes a tracking system configured to determine a location and an orientation of the receiver surface. The plurality of projection devices are configured to adjust respective image properties of the unique images based at least in part on the image projection instructions to form the blended image.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method includes a step of determining a location and orientation of a viewing device via a tracking system. The viewing device is configured to be worn by a user and comprises a frame configured to hold a screen and a focusing lens. The method further includes the step of adjusting image properties of one or more images based at least in part on the location and orientation of the viewing device. Moreover, the method includes the step of projecting the one or more images, via one or more projection devices, onto a receiver surface of the screen of the viewing device. A viewing surface of the screen is disposed opposite the receiver surface, and the screen is configured to permit transmission of the one or more images through the screen from the receiver surface to the viewing surface such that the one or more images are viewable for the user on the viewing surface through the focusing lens.

Provided herein is a system and method for displaying images (e.g., a video feed) to a user without involving the hardware and processing circuitry of a traditional head-mounted display. The system and method includes a separate projection device configured to project the images onto a viewing device (e.g., glasses) configured to be worn by the user. Specifically, the projection device projects the images onto a receiver surface of a screen of the viewing device. The screen includes the receiver surface and a viewing surface, and the screen is configured to permit transmission of the images from the receiver surface to the viewing surface. That is, the screen includes rear projection material that allows the images to pass from the receiver surface to the viewing surface. The viewing device also includes focusing lenses to focus the images for the user wearing the viewing device, such that the user may view the images on the viewing surface. Accordingly, a computationally complex image generation and/or projection is offloaded to the projection device instead of being resident on the viewing device worn by the users. As onboard electronics are not required to display the images, the system and method provides a low cost, comfortable, and power-conserving option for displaying images to users.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a projection system <NUM> having a projection device <NUM> and a viewing device <NUM> in an amusement park attraction <NUM>. As set forth above, the projection device <NUM> is be spaced apart from and configured to project images onto the viewing device (e.g., glasses) such that a user <NUM> may view the images (e.g., video feed) on a viewing surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, each user <NUM> in the amusement park attraction <NUM> has a respective viewing device <NUM> to view the images. The projection system may be configured to output the same images to each viewing device <NUM>, such that a common video feed is viewable for each user <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the images may be user or device specific images such that each user <NUM> may view unique images (e.g., unique video feed) via the respective viewing device <NUM>. For example, each user may be assigned a specific role (e.g., captain, pilot, navigator, etc.) as part of the amusement park attraction <NUM>. The respective viewing device <NUM> of each user <NUM> may receive a unique video feed specific to the specific role assigned to the user <NUM> such that the user <NUM> may experience the amusement park attraction <NUM> from a perspective of their assigned role. To output unique video feeds, the projection system may have multiple projection devices <NUM> (e.g., dedicated projection devices). The projection system may have a dedicated projection device <NUM> for each user <NUM> or viewing device <NUM> in the amusement park attraction <NUM>. In some embodiments, a single projection device may output the common feed or unique video feeds to more than one viewing device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the projection system <NUM> may be configured to output a combination of both the common feed and unique video feeds within the amusement park attraction <NUM>. For example, the projection system <NUM> may output the common feed during an introductory portion of the amusement park attraction <NUM>. During later portions of the amusement park attraction <NUM>, the projection system <NUM> may cause some projection devices <NUM> to output unique video feeds to users <NUM> with specific roles. The users <NUM> without roles or users <NUM> with roles that do not have active tasks may continue to receive the common feed. However, during some portions of the amusement park attraction <NUM>, the projection system <NUM> may output unique video feeds to each user <NUM> of the amusement park attraction <NUM>.

As set forth above, the viewing device <NUM> is configured to be worn by the user <NUM>. The viewing device <NUM> may be a head-mounted device (e.g., glasses). The viewing device <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> (e.g., glasses frame). Components of the viewing device <NUM> may be mounted to the frame <NUM>. A screen <NUM> may be mounted to a portion of the frame <NUM> such that the viewing surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM> is viewable to the user <NUM>. The screen <NUM> includes at least the viewing surface <NUM> and a receiver surface <NUM> disposed opposite the viewing surface <NUM>. The viewing surface <NUM> may be disposed on an interior portion of the viewing device <NUM>. That is, the viewing surface <NUM> is be disposed on a portion of the screen <NUM> facing the user <NUM> such that the viewing surface <NUM> is viewable to the user while the user <NUM> wears the viewing device <NUM>. The receiver surface <NUM> faces outward from the user <NUM>. In some embodiments, the amusement park attraction <NUM> is configured to orient users <NUM> such that the receiver surface <NUM> is oriented generally toward the projection device <NUM>. For example, the amusement park attraction <NUM> may include a ride seat <NUM> for the user <NUM>. The ride seat <NUM> may be oriented toward the projection device <NUM> to face the user <NUM> and the viewing device <NUM> toward the projection device <NUM>.

The projection device <NUM> is configured to project the image (e.g., video feed) onto the receiver surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. The screen <NUM> may include a rear projection material. The rear projection material is at least partially translucent and permits transmission of the image (e.g., video feed) through the screen <NUM> from the receiver surface <NUM> to the viewing surface <NUM> such that the images are viewable on the viewing surface <NUM> to the user <NUM>. Additionally, a rear image of the image (e.g., video feed) viewable by the user <NUM> may be viewable on the receiver surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, amusement park personnel may perform a check to make sure that each user's viewing device <NUM> is displaying the image (e.g., video feed) correctly by visually inspecting the rear images viewable on a respective receiver surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>.

The viewing device <NUM> may also include a focusing lens configured to focus the image (e.g., video feed) viewable on the viewing surface such that the image is viewable to the user <NUM> wearing the viewing device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the image includes a text-based message, a picture, a video, or some combination thereof. For example, the amusement park attraction <NUM> may be a virtual reality type attraction such that the images include video images of the virtual reality environment. In another example, the image may include text-based instructions for the amusement park attraction <NUM>. The text-based instructions may inform the user on how to use the viewing device <NUM> to avoid losing the image projected from the projection device <NUM>.

As set forth above, the projection device <NUM> is configured to project the images onto the receiver surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. However, as the viewing device <NUM> is a head-mounted device, the viewing device <NUM> will move (e.g., change orientation) with respect to the projection device <NUM> when the user <NUM> moves their head. The user <NUM> may tilt or move their head in multiple directions causing the receiver surface <NUM> to move with respect to the projection device <NUM>. Thus, the projection system <NUM> may include a tracking system <NUM> to detect movement of the receiver surface <NUM> and determine a location and an orientation of the receiver surface <NUM>. Based on the detected movement of the receiver surface <NUM>, the projection system <NUM> may be configured to adjust the image (e.g., correct the image output to the receiver surface). The projection system <NUM> may cause the projection device <NUM> to adjust the images to allow the user <NUM> to view a consistent image despite head movement of the user <NUM>. In some embodiments, the projection system <NUM> may be configured to move or rotate the projection device <NUM> to follow the receiver surface <NUM> such that the user <NUM> views the consistent image despite head movement of the user <NUM>.

However, if the user <NUM> moves their head to an orientation beyond the capabilities of the projection device <NUM> to adjust the image, the user <NUM> may lose the image such that the image is not viewable on the viewing surface <NUM>. In some cases, the user <NUM> may turn their head (e.g., ninety (<NUM>) degrees to the right), such that the projection device <NUM> may not be able to project the image accurately to the viewing device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the projection system <NUM> includes a reflective surface <NUM> configured to increase a potential range of movement for the user of the amusement park attraction. The reflective surface <NUM> may be configured to reflect the images <NUM> projected from the projection device <NUM> onto the receiver surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. The projection device <NUM> may be positioned generally behind the user <NUM>, which may also enhance an immersive experience of the embodiment. A threshold range of movement for the projection device <NUM> to project an accurate image onto the viewing device may be between -fifty (-<NUM>) to +fifty (+<NUM>) degrees. The reflective surface may be a concave mirror that permits the user to rotate within a dome surface of the mirror without losing the ability to receive reflected images. The reflective surface <NUM> is configured to reflect the image toward the receiver surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>, such that the user <NUM> may view the accurate image even at a ninety degree orientation. In some embodiments, other systems may compensate for user movement to orientations outside of the threshold range of movement for the projection device <NUM>. For example, the projection system <NUM> may be configured to use multiple projection devices for a single viewing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system <NUM> of the projection system <NUM> for displaying projected images on the viewing device <NUM> (e.g., head-mounted device), in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As set forth above, the projection device <NUM> is configured to project the image <NUM> (e.g., video feed) toward the receiver surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. The control system <NUM> is configured to generate image projection instructions <NUM> for the projection device to output the projected image. The image projection instructions <NUM> may cause the projection device <NUM> to project an introduction video, for the amusement park attraction <NUM>, to the receiver surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. In another example, the projected image may include a unique message (e.g., warning, input coordinates now, or, turn right).

The control system <NUM> may be configured to generate the image projection instructions <NUM> via a processor 40a and a memory 42a. The processor 40a may include one or more processing devices, and the memory may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by the processor 40a or by other processor-based devices (e.g., mobile devices). In some embodiments, the memory 42a is configured to store controller instructions executable by the processor 40a to output various control system signals (e.g., image projection instructions <NUM>). For example, the processor 40a may execute the controller instructions to output the image projection instructions <NUM> to activate the projection device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the processor 40a may be configured to generate the image projection instructions <NUM> based at least in part on user input via a user interface <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include an input/output device <NUM> (e.g., keyboard, mouse, or touch screen) configured to provide the user input to the processor 40a. Further, the user interface <NUM> may include a display <NUM> (e.g., computer monitor or personal device screen) configured to display user options for the control system <NUM>.

Moreover, the control system <NUM> may be configured to output the image projection instructions <NUM> via communications circuitry 46a. The communications circuitry 46a may include antennas, radio transceiver circuits, and signal processing hardware and/or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A/D converters, multiplexers, amplifiers), or a combination thereof, and that may be configured to communicate over wireless communication paths via infrared (IR) wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wifi, UHF, NFC, etc..

The projection device <NUM> is configured to receive the image projection instructions <NUM> and output the image <NUM> (e.g., video feed) based at least in part on the image projection instructions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the control system <NUM> includes multiple projection devices (e.g., a first projection device <NUM> and a second projection device <NUM>). Each projection device <NUM> may be configured to receive unique image projection instructions (e.g., first image projection instructions <NUM> and second image projection instructions <NUM>) such that each projection device <NUM> outputs a unique image (e.g., first image <NUM> and second image <NUM>). Thus, each projection device <NUM> may include communications circuitry 46b, 46c for receiving respective unique image projection instructions. The communications circuitry 46b, 46c may be configured to output respective received unique image projection instructions to respective processors 40b, 40c and/or memory devices 42b and 42c. The respective processors 40b, 40c may be configured to generate and output respective projector instructions based at least in part on the respective received image projection instructions. Respective projectors (e.g., first projector <NUM> and second projector <NUM>) may be configured to receive the respective projector instructions and output respective images <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the projection devices <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to project the respective images <NUM>, <NUM> onto at least a portion of the receiver surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. That is, multiple projection devices <NUM> may be configured to emit the respective images onto a single viewing device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the projection devices <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to output the respective images <NUM>, <NUM> onto corresponding viewing devices such that the first projection device outputs the first image <NUM> onto a first viewing device and the second projection device outputs the second image <NUM> onto a second viewing device. In some embodiments, a single projection device <NUM> is configured to output the image <NUM> onto multiple receiver devices. The image <NUM> may be configured to display the common feed on each of the multiple receiver devices. For example, the image <NUM> may span a width of a room of the amusement park attraction. The image <NUM> may include multiple common feeds within the image <NUM>. Each of the common feeds may be positioned in the image <NUM> based on the locations and orientations of the viewing devices in the room. That is, the projection device <NUM> may be configured to align each of the common feeds in the image <NUM> with the viewing devices such that the common feed is projected to each of the multiple viewing devices.

Moreover, the projection device <NUM> may be any suitable projection device <NUM> configured to project the image <NUM>. For example, the projection device <NUM> may include a digital light processing (DLP) projector, a light emitting diode (LED) projector, or a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector.

In some embodiments, the viewing device <NUM> includes a head-mounted display. For example, the viewing device <NUM> may include glasses configured to be worn by the user. As set forth above, the viewing device <NUM> includes the screen <NUM>. The screen <NUM> includes the receiver surface <NUM> and the viewing surface <NUM> opposite the receiver surface <NUM>. The screen <NUM> is configured to permit transmission of the image <NUM> through the screen <NUM> from the receiver surface <NUM> to the viewing surface <NUM> such that the image <NUM> is viewable on the viewing surface <NUM>. The viewing device <NUM> also includes the focusing lens <NUM> configured to focus the image <NUM> viewable on the viewing surface for the user associated with the viewing device <NUM>.

As set forth above, the control system <NUM> may be configured to generate the image projection instructions <NUM> based at least in part on pre-programmed controller instructions stored in the memory 42a or based at least in part on user input. Additionally, the control system <NUM> may be configured to generate the image projection instructions <NUM> based at least in part on a location and an orientation of the screen <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. As the distance and relative angle of the viewing device <NUM> change with respect to the projection device <NUM>, the projection device <NUM> may be configured to alter the image <NUM> such that the image <NUM> (e.g., video stream) is displayed on the viewing device <NUM> correctly. For example, the user may initially be positioned five feet away from the projection device <NUM>. During a portion of the amusement park attraction <NUM>, the user may move backwards away from the projection device <NUM> such that the user is ten feet away from the projection device <NUM>. Without the projection device <NUM> altering the image <NUM>, the image <NUM> would appear larger than the viewing device <NUM> and only a portion of the image <NUM> would be viewable on the viewing device <NUM>. As such, the projection device <NUM> may be configured to adjust image properties (e.g., focus, distortion, offset, or scale) of the image <NUM>, based on the location and orientation of the viewing device <NUM>, such that the image <NUM> is projected onto the viewing device <NUM> correctly.

The projection system <NUM> may include a tracking system <NUM> configured to determine the location and orientation of the receiver surface of the viewing device. The tracking system may include a processor 40d and a memory 42d. In some embodiments, the tracking system <NUM> is configured to detect a tracking feature <NUM> disposed on the viewing device <NUM> to determine the location and/or orientation of the viewing device <NUM>. The tracking system <NUM> may include communications circuitry 46d configured to output the determined location and/or orientation of the viewing device <NUM> to the control system <NUM>. The viewing device <NUM> may have a passive infrared tracking feature such as an infrared ink pattern, infrared LED illuminators, or another suitable passive tracking feature <NUM>. The tracking system <NUM> may include a tracking device <NUM> (e.g., infrared tracking device) configured to detect the passive infrared tracking feature and determine the location and/or orientation of the viewing device <NUM> based at least in part on detection of the passive infrared tracking feature. The tracking device <NUM> may be mounted to the projection device <NUM> or in any suitable location that provides line of site to the tracking feature <NUM>. For example, the tracking device <NUM> may be mounted to an upper portion of a wall of the amusement park attraction.

In some embodiments, the tracking system <NUM> has a camera configured to detect an optically visible tracking feature disposed on the viewing device <NUM>. The optically visible tracking feature may include retroreflective dots, QR codes, optically visible ink patterns, or any other suitable tracking feature. The tracking system <NUM> may be configured to determine the location and/or orientation of the viewing device <NUM> based at least in part on the detected optically visible tracking feature. In some embodiments, the viewing device <NUM> comprises an infrared transceiver configured to output infrared location signals to the tracking system <NUM>. The tracking system <NUM> may be configured to receive the infrared location signals <NUM> and determine the location and/or orientation of the viewing device <NUM> based at least in part on the infrared location signals <NUM>. In some embodiments, the viewing device <NUM> comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device configured to output a GPS signal <NUM> to the tracking system <NUM>. The tracking system <NUM> may be configured to determine the location of the viewing device based at least in part on the GPS signal <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of an embodiment of the projection system <NUM> in the amusement park attraction <NUM> having multiple projection devices simultaneously projecting images onto the viewing device <NUM>, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the projection system <NUM> includes multiple projection devices (e.g., the first projection device <NUM> and the second projection device <NUM>). As set forth above, the multiple projection devices may be configured to emit the images onto a single viewing device <NUM>. Specifically, each projection device <NUM> of the multiple of projection devices may be configured to emit respective unique images (e.g., the first image <NUM> and the second image <NUM>) onto at least a portion of the receiver surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. The viewing device <NUM> (e.g., glasses) is configured to be worn by the user and includes the frame <NUM> holding the screen <NUM> and the focusing lens.

The screen <NUM> includes the receiver surface <NUM> and the viewing surface <NUM>. The receiver surface <NUM> is disposed on an opposite side of the screen <NUM> relative the viewing surface <NUM>. The screen <NUM> may be at least partially translucent. The screen <NUM> may include the rear projection material configured to allow transmission of visible light through the screen <NUM>. Specifically, the screen <NUM> is configured to permit transmission of the image <NUM> from the receiver surface <NUM>, through the screen <NUM>, and to the viewing surface <NUM>, such that the image <NUM> is viewable on the viewing surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM>. The viewing surface <NUM> is disposed on an inner portion of the viewing device <NUM>. That is, the viewing surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM> is viewable by the user when the user is wearing the viewing device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the projection system <NUM> is configured to transmit the image (e.g., video feed) via a blended image <NUM>. The blended image <NUM> is formed from a combination of unique images <NUM>, <NUM> projected onto the receiver surface <NUM> from the multiple projection devices <NUM>, <NUM>. As set forth above, the viewing device <NUM> may have a threshold range <NUM> of movement relative to the projection device <NUM> that allows the projection device <NUM> to project an accurate image onto the viewing device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the threshold range <NUM> may be between negative fifty (-<NUM>) degrees and positive fifty (+<NUM>) degrees. As the viewing device <NUM> moves relative the first projection device <NUM> (e.g., the user turns their head), the viewing device <NUM> may rotate such that the second projection device <NUM> is within the threshold range <NUM>. For example, the first projection device <NUM> may be positioned at a front <NUM> of the room, and the second projection device may be positioned at a right wall <NUM> of the room. Each of the first projection device <NUM> and the second projection device <NUM> may be configured to project respective images (e.g., the first image <NUM> and the second image <NUM>) toward a center of the room. The user may initially be oriented toward the front <NUM> of the room such that the first projection device <NUM> is within the threshold range <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. However, the user may turn their head outside the threshold range (e.g., eighty (<NUM>) degrees to the right) such that the second projection device <NUM> rotates into the threshold range <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a quality loss zone <NUM> for the viewing device <NUM> is outside of the threshold range <NUM>. For example, the quality loss zone <NUM> for the viewing device <NUM> may be between negative fifty (-<NUM>) degrees and negative seventy (-<NUM>) degrees, as well as between positive fifty (+<NUM>) degrees and positive seventy (+<NUM>) degrees. The projection device <NUM> may project a degraded image within the quality loss zone <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first projection device <NUM> and the second projection device <NUM> may project the respective images (e.g., the first image <NUM> and the second image <NUM>) within the quality loss zone, forming the blended image <NUM>. To project the accurate image onto the viewing device <NUM>, each of the first projection device <NUM> and the second projection device <NUM> may be configured to emit a portion of the image <NUM> (e.g. video feed) via the respective unique images (e.g., the first image <NUM> and the second image <NUM>). The combination of these unique images (e.g., the first image <NUM> and the second image <NUM>) form the blended image. The screen <NUM> is configured to permit transmission of the blended image <NUM> from the receiver surface <NUM>, through the screen <NUM>, to the viewing surface <NUM> such that the blended image <NUM> is viewable on the viewing surface <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the projection system <NUM> includes a projection device actuator. The projection device actuator <NUM> may be configured to move the projection device <NUM> based at least in part on the location and orientation of the viewing device <NUM>. The projection device actuator <NUM> may be configured to rotate along multiple axes. Further, the projection device actuator <NUM> may be configured to move throughout the room of the amusement park attraction <NUM>. For example, the projection device actuator <NUM> may be on a track system coupled to a ceiling such that the projection device actuator <NUM> may move the projection device <NUM> from the front <NUM> of the room to a back of the room. The projection device actuator <NUM> may be configured to move based at least in part on an actuator signal received from the control system of the projection system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exterior portion <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As set forth above, the viewing device <NUM> (e.g., glasses) is configured to be worn by the user. The viewing device <NUM> includes the frame <NUM> (e.g., glasses frame), and components of the viewing device <NUM> may be mounted to the frame <NUM>. For example, the screen <NUM> may be mounted to a portion of the frame <NUM> via clips <NUM>. The screen <NUM> may be an inexpensive disposable component that may be replaced when damaged or worn, and may be removed from the frame <NUM> as necessary. The screen <NUM> includes the receiver surface <NUM> and the viewing surface (not shown) opposing the receiver surface <NUM>. The receiver surface <NUM> is a surface of the screen <NUM> facing outward with respect to the user.

The projection device is configured to project the image <NUM> (e.g., video feed) onto the receiver surface <NUM> of the screen of the viewing device. The screen may include the rear projection material. The rear projection material is at least partially translucent and permits transmission of the image (e.g., video feed) through the screen from the receiver surface <NUM> to the viewing surface such that the image is viewable on the viewing surface for the user. As set forth above, the rear image <NUM> of the image (e.g., video feed) may be viewable on the receiver surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, amusement park personnel may perform a check to make sure that each of the user's viewing devices <NUM> are displaying the image (e.g., video feed) by visually inspecting the rear image <NUM> viewable on the receiver surface <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM> of the user.

In some embodiments, the viewing device <NUM> may have the tracking feature <NUM> configured to communicate (e.g., passively or actively) with the control system to provide the location and/or orientation of the receiver surface of the viewing device <NUM>. The tracking feature <NUM> may be disposed on a front portion <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. For example, the tracking feature <NUM> may be mounted to or disposed in or on the frame <NUM> at the front portion of the viewing device <NUM>. In another example, the tracking feature <NUM> is coupled to the receiver surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM>. However, the tracking feature <NUM> may be coupled to any suitable portion of the viewing device <NUM>. Moreover, in some embodiments, the projection system <NUM> may include an external tracking feature. For example, the external tracking feature may be disposed on a wearable device (e.g., bracelet) corresponding to the user wearing the viewing device <NUM>. The external tracking feature may be configured to provide a location of the user within the amusement park attraction.

The tracking feature <NUM> may be a passive infrared tracking feature such as an infrared ink pattern, infrared LED illuminators, or another suitable passive tracking feature. The tracking feature <NUM> may be configured to be detected by the tracking system to provide location and orientation information of the viewing device <NUM> to the control system. The tracking feature <NUM> may be mounted to a portion of the viewing device <NUM> that enables line of site to the passive infrared tracking feature of the tracking system. For example, the tracking feature <NUM> may be mounted to the front portion <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>, such that the tracking feature is in line of sight with the tracking system disposed proximate the projection device.

In some embodiments, the tracking feature <NUM> includes an optically visible tracking feature, such as a retroreflective marker, retroreflective dots, QR codes, optically visible ink patterns, or any other suitable tracking feature. The optically visible tracking feature may be positioned on a portion of the viewing device <NUM> visible to the camera of the tracking system. As set forth above, the camera of the tracking system is configured to detect the optically visible tracking feature disposed on the viewing device <NUM> to determine the location and orientation of the viewing device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the viewing device <NUM> comprises an infrared transceiver configured to actively output infrared location signals to the tracking system. The tracking system may be configured to receive the infrared location signals and determine the location and orientation of the viewing device <NUM> based at least in part on the infrared location signals.

A passive tracking feature <NUM> on the viewing device <NUM> permits the tracking feature to be formed from relatively inexpensive materials such that the entire viewing device <NUM> may be generally disposable or provided as a collectible item. This feature provides a benefit over more costly head-mounted devices with integral image generation and processing circuitry. Collecting more expensive devices at the end of an experience is time-consuming, and the disclosed projection system <NUM> allows for the rapid distribution of the viewing devices <NUM> without requiring that the viewing devices <NUM> be collected after the experience.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interior portion <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As set forth above, the viewing device <NUM> may be a head-mounted device (e.g., glasses). The viewing device <NUM> includes the frame <NUM> (e.g., glasses frame). Components of the viewing device <NUM> may be mounted to the frame <NUM>. The screen <NUM> may be mounted to a portion of the frame <NUM> such that the viewing surface <NUM> of the screen <NUM> is viewable to the user. The screen <NUM> includes at least the viewing surface <NUM> and the receiver surface (not shown) disposed opposite the receiver surface. The viewing surface <NUM> may be disposed on the interior portion <NUM> of the viewing device <NUM>. That is, the viewing surface <NUM> may be disposed on a portion of the screen facing the user such that the viewing surface <NUM> is viewable to the user.

The projection device is configured to project the image <NUM> (e.g., video feed) onto the receiver surface of the screen <NUM> of the viewing device. The screen <NUM> may include the rear projection material. The rear projection material is at least partially translucent and permits transmission of the image <NUM> (e.g., video feed) through the screen <NUM> from the receiver surface to the viewing surface <NUM> such that the image <NUM> is viewable on the viewing surface <NUM> to the user.

Moreover, the viewing device <NUM> may also include the focusing lens <NUM> configured to focus the image <NUM> (e.g., video feed) viewable on the viewing surface <NUM> such that the image <NUM> is viewable to the user wearing the viewing device <NUM>. The focusing lens <NUM> may be arranged on the viewing device <NUM> to be positioned between the user and the viewing surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the image <NUM> includes a text-based message, a picture, a video, or some combination thereof. For example, the amusement park attraction may be a virtual reality type attraction such that the image <NUM> includes video images of the virtual reality environment. In another example, the image <NUM> may include text-based instructions for the amusement park attraction. The text-based instructions may inform the user on how to use the viewing device <NUM> to avoid losing the image <NUM> projected from the projection device.

<FIG> is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> for viewing projected images from a projection device with a viewing device, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The method includes a step of determining a location and orientation of a viewing device via a tracking system (block <NUM>), wherein the viewing device (e.g., glasses) is configured to be worn by a user and comprises a frame configured to hold the screen and a focusing lens.

The method further includes the step of projecting images, via one or more projection devices, onto a receiver surface of the screen of the viewing device (block <NUM>). During an amusement park attraction, the user may move their head causing the viewing device to move with respect to a projected image output from the projection device. As such, the projected image may not be accurately displayed on the viewing device after the user moves their head. Thus, the method further includes the step of adjusting image properties of the images based at least in part on the location and orientation of the viewing device (block <NUM>). For example, the user may shift in a seat of the amusement park attraction causing the viewing device to move to a new location and/or orientation (e.g., to the right). A control system may determine the new orientation and location of the viewing device and adjust the image properties (e.g., shift the image to the right) such that the projected image may be accurately displayed on the viewing device. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting image properties such as a distortion, an offset, a scale, or any other suitable image properties.

The method further includes the step of displaying the projected image on a viewing surface of the screen of the viewing device, wherein the viewing surface is disposed opposite the receiver surface, wherein the screen is configured to permit transmission of the images through the screen from the receiver surface to the viewing surface such that the projected image is viewable to the user on the viewing surface through at least one focusing lens (block <NUM>).

While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art.

Claim 1:
A projection system (<NUM>) for displaying projected images, comprising
a projection device (<NUM>) configured to project one or more images (<NUM>) onto a receiver surface (<NUM>);
a viewing device (<NUM>) spaced apart from the projection device (<NUM>) and configured to be worn by a user (<NUM>) and comprising a frame (<NUM>) holding a screen (<NUM>) and a focusing lens (<NUM>) wherein:
the screen (<NUM>) comprises the receiver surface (<NUM>) and a viewing surface (<NUM>) disposed opposite the receiver surface, wherein the screen (<NUM>) is configured to permit transmission of
the projected one or more images through the screen from the receiver surface (<NUM>) to the viewing surface (<NUM>) such that the projected one or more images are viewable on the viewing surface; and
the focusing lens (<NUM>) is configured to focus the projected one or more images viewable on the viewing surface for the user when wearing the viewing device; and
a tracking system (<NUM>) configured to determine a location and orientation of the receiver surface (<NUM>) of the viewing device,
wherein the projection device (<NUM>) is configured to adjust image properties of the projected one or more images based at least in part on the determined location and orientation of the receiver surface (<NUM>),
characterized in that
when the user is wearing the viewing device, the viewing surface (<NUM>) faces the user and the receiver surface (<NUM>) faces outward with respect to the user.