Patent Description:
Amusement parks and/or theme parks may include various entertainment attractions, restaurants, and rides useful in providing enjoyment to guests. Areas of the amusement park may have different themes that are specifically targeted to certain audiences. For example, certain areas may include themes that are traditionally of interest to children, while other areas may include themes that are traditionally of interest to more mature audiences. Generally, such areas having themes may be referred to as an attraction or a themed attraction. It is recognized that it may be desirable to enhance the immersive experience for guests of such attractions, such as by augmenting the themes with virtual features. The following documents represent background art in respect of the present disclosure: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> <CIT>, and especially <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

The present invention is directed to a wearable visualization device comprising the features as defined the appended claims.

Various refinements of the features noted above may be undertaken in relation to various aspects of the present disclosure.

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.

For example, the AR/VR system may include a wearable visualization device, such as a head mounted display (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, eyeglasses), which may be worn by a guest and may be configured to enable the guest to view AR/VR scenes. In particular, the wearable visualization device may be utilized to enhance a guest experience by virtually overlaying features in a real-world environment of the amusement park, by providing adjustable virtual environments to provide different experiences in an amusement park ride, and so forth. Unfortunately, without the disclosed embodiments, it may be expensive and/or time-consuming to manufacture and assemble the wearable visualization device. Moreover, without the disclosed embodiments, it may be difficult to effectively integrate the wearable visualization device with an amusement park ride.

Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wearable visualization device having a multi-piece housing that facilitates manufacture and assembly of the wearable visualization device. In particular, the housing may include one or more detachable panels, such as a chassis, a lid, and a lens mount, which may, in an assembled configuration, form the housing. Certain of the panels may include component mating features (e.g., machined or molded features formed on surfaces of the panels) that are configured to receive and/or couple to various sub-components (e.g., electronic components; optical components) of the wearable visualization device. The component mating features enable the sub-components to be coupled to the panels prior to assembly of the housing, while various portions of the panels may be more easily accessible to an operator (e.g., a human technician; an assembly robot). After installation of the sub-components on one or more of the panels, the panels may be assembled to form the housing. In the assembled configuration, the housing may substantially isolate at least a portion of the sub-components from a surrounding ambient environment.

Embodiments of the wearable visualization device disclosed herein may also include various integration features that facilitate integration of the wearable visualization device with an attraction (e.g., an amusement park ride). For example, the integration features may include a camera that is coupled to the housing of the wearable visualization device and configured to acquire biometric information (e.g., an interpupillary distance) of a guest wearing the wearable visualization device. Particularly, the camera may acquire such biometric information when the guest first equips the wearable visualization device on their head (e.g., such as when the guest initially boards a ride vehicle of the attraction). A processing system of the wearable visualization device may be configured to calibrate certain components (e.g., one or more display screens) of the wearable visualization device based on the acquired biometric information of the guest, such that the wearable visualization device may more effectively provide the guest with AR/VR experiences. In some embodiments, the processing system may further utilize the image data acquired by the camera to determine whether the wearable visualization device is appropriately fitted on the guest's head. As an example, the processing system may utilize the acquired image data to determine whether one or more lenses or displays of the wearable visualization device are appropriately aligned with eyes of the guest (e.g., in a manner that facilitates effective presentation of AR/VR content to the guest). If the processing system determines that the wearable visualization device is misaligned on the guest's head (e.g., with respect to the eyes of the guest), the processing system may generate an alert instructing the guest and/or a ride technician operating the attraction to perform a corrective action. These and other features will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> is a perspective view an embodiment of an AR/VR system <NUM> configured to enable a user (e.g., a guest, an amusement park employee, a passenger of a ride vehicle) to experience (e.g., view, interact with) AR/VR scenes. The AR/VR system <NUM> includes a wearable visualization system <NUM> having a wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., a head mounted display) and a guest interface device <NUM> that, as discussed in detail below, are removably coupleable to one another to facilitate usage of the AR/VR system <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> includes a lens portion <NUM> (e.g., AR/VR eyeglasses, goggles) that is coupled to a housing <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. The lens portion <NUM> may include one or more lenses <NUM> or displays (e.g., transparent, semi-transparent, opaque) onto which certain virtual features <NUM> (e.g., AR features) may be overlaid. In some embodiments, the lenses <NUM> may enable the user to view a real-world environment <NUM> (e.g., physical structures in the attraction) through the lenses <NUM> with certain virtual features <NUM> overlaid onto the lenses <NUM> so that the user perceives the virtual features <NUM> as being integrated into the real-world environment <NUM>. That is, the lens portion <NUM> may at least partially control a view of the user by overlaying the virtual features <NUM> onto a line of sight of the user. 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 physical, real-world environment <NUM> viewable by the user through the lenses <NUM>.

By way of non-limiting example, the lenses <NUM> may include transparent (e.g., see-through) light emitting diode (LED) displays or transparent (e.g., see-through) organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. In some embodiments, the lens portion <NUM> may be formed from a single-piece construction that spans a certain distance so as to display images to both eyes of the user. That is, in such embodiments, the lenses <NUM> (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> may be aligned with a first eye (e.g., left eye) of the user and the second lens <NUM> may be aligned with a second eye (e.g., right eye) of the user. In other embodiments, the lens portion <NUM> may be a multi-piece construction that is formed from two or more separate lenses <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may completely control the view of the user (e.g., using opaque viewing surfaces). That is, the lenses <NUM> may include opaque or non-transparent displays configured to display virtual features <NUM> (e.g., VR features) to the user. As such, the surreal environment <NUM> viewable by the user may be, for example, 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>. Thus, in wearing the wearable visualization device <NUM>, the user may feel completely encompassed by the surreal environment <NUM> and may perceive the surreal environment <NUM> to be the real-world environment <NUM> that includes certain virtual features <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include features, such as light projection features, configured to project light into one or both eyes of the user so that certain virtual features <NUM> are superimposed over real-world objects viewable by the user. Such a wearable visualization device <NUM> may be considered to include a retinal display.

As such, 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 other similar surreal environment. Moreover, it should be understood that the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be used alone or in combination with other features to create the surreal environment <NUM>. Indeed, as discussed below, the user may wear the wearable visualization device <NUM> throughout a duration of a ride of an amusement park ride or during another time, such as during a game, throughout a particular area or attraction of an amusement park, during a ride to a hotel associated with the amusement park, at the hotel, and so forth. In some embodiments, when implemented in the amusement park setting, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be physically coupled to (e.g., tethered via a cable <NUM>) to a structure (e.g., a ride vehicle of the amusement park ride) to block separation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the structure and/or may be electronically coupled to (e.g., via the cable <NUM>) a computing system (e.g., a computer graphics generation system) to facilitate operation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., display of the virtual features <NUM>).

As discussed below, the wearable visualization device <NUM> is removably coupleable (e.g., toollessly coupleable; coupleable without tools; coupled without threaded fasteners, such as bolts; 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 an engaged configuration <NUM>, in which the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>, and a disengaged or detached configuration <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), in which the wearable visualization device <NUM> is decoupled from the guest interface device <NUM>. The guest interface device <NUM> is configured to be affixed to the user's head and, thus, enable the user to comfortably wear the wearable visualization device <NUM> throughout various attractions or while traversing certain amusement park environments. For example, the guest interface device <NUM> may include a head strap assembly <NUM> that is configured to span about a circumference of the user's head and configured to be tightened (e.g., constricted) on the user's head. In this manner, the head strap assembly <NUM> facilitates affixing the guest interface device <NUM> to the head of the user, such that the guest interface device <NUM> may be utilized to retain the wearable visualization device <NUM> on the user (e.g., when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM>). The guest interface device <NUM> enables the user to couple and decouple the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM> (e.g., without detachment of the guest interface device <NUM> from the user's head).

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the AR/VR system <NUM>, illustrating the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM> in the detached configuration <NUM>. As briefly discussed above, the housing <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be a multi-component assembly configured to facilitate assembly and/or maintenance of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may be assembled from multiple panels <NUM> (e.g., housing sections; molded and/or machined panels), such as a lid <NUM>, a chassis <NUM>, and a lens mount <NUM> (e.g., a panel configured to support the lens portion <NUM>), which may collectively form the housing <NUM>. As discussed below, some of or all of the panels <NUM> may include component mating features (e.g., machined and/or molded features on surfaces of the panels <NUM>) that are configured to receive and/or couple to various sub-components <NUM> (e.g., electronic components; optical components) of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In this manner, the sub-components <NUM> may be coupled to, for example, the lid <NUM>, the chassis <NUM>, and/or the lens portion <NUM>, prior to assembly of the housing <NUM>, while the component mating features of these panels <NUM> are easily accessible to an operator (e.g., as compared to when the housing <NUM> is in an assembled or partially assembled configuration).

As discussed below, after installation of the sub-components <NUM> on one or more of the panels <NUM>, the panels <NUM> may be assembled (e.g., coupled to one another via fasteners, adhesives, and/or other techniques) to form the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may therefore encapsulate the sub-components <NUM> to substantially seal (e.g., hermetically seal) at least a portion of the sub-components <NUM> within the housing <NUM> to shield these sub-components <NUM> from direct exposure to ambient environmental elements (e.g., moisture) surrounding the wearable visualization device <NUM>. It be understood that, in other embodiments, the housing <NUM> may be assembled from additional or fewer panels than the lid <NUM>, the chassis <NUM>, and the lens mount <NUM>. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more than six individual panels <NUM> that, in an assembled configuration, may collectively form the housing <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing <NUM> includes a forward end portion <NUM> (e.g., a first end portion) that is proximate to the lenses <NUM> and rearward end portion <NUM> (e.g., a second end portion) that is distal to the lenses <NUM>. In particular, the rearward end portion <NUM> includes a first peripheral portion <NUM> (e.g., a first distal end) and a second peripheral portion <NUM> (e.g., a second distal end) that, as discussed below, facilitate removably coupling the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> includes a first outer surface <NUM> that may define a first lateral end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and a second outer surface, opposite to the first outer surface <NUM>, which may define a second lateral end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The lid <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM> that may define a top portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The chassis includes a lower surface <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) that may define an underside <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>. For clarity, relative terms, such as, for example, forward, rearward, lateral, upper, and lower are used throughout the following discussion to describe relative positions of various components or regions of the wearable visualization device <NUM> with respect to other components or regions of the wearable visualization device <NUM>, and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation. As such, it should be understood that such relative terms are intended to facilitate discussion and are dependent upon an orientation of an observer with respect to the wearable visualization device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device <NUM>, illustrating the underside <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lens portion <NUM> may extend from the lower surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>, generally along a first direction <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lens mount <NUM> may removably couple the lens portion <NUM> to the chassis <NUM>. As such, the lens mount <NUM> may enable replacement of the lens portion <NUM> with another lens portion (e.g., if the lens portion <NUM> incurs wear).

The chassis <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> that extends in a second direction <NUM>, generally opposite to the first direction <NUM>, and that slopes from the rearward end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> toward the forward end portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a first screen <NUM> (e.g., a first display screen) and a second screen <NUM> (e.g., a second display screen), collectively referred to herein as screens <NUM>, which may be coupled to the housing <NUM> and positioned within the recess <NUM>. Particularly, as discussed below, the first screen <NUM> may be positioned within a first opening <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the chassis <NUM> and the second screen <NUM> may be positioned within a second opening <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the chassis <NUM>, such that the screens <NUM> are angled toward the lenses <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). As discussed below, in this manner, the screens <NUM> may project light (e.g., virtual features) onto the lens portion <NUM>, such that the lens portion <NUM> may reflect at least a portion of the projected light into the eyes of the user.

In some embodiments, a camera <NUM> may be positioned within the recess <NUM> and between the first and second screens <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., along a lateral axis of the wearable visualization device <NUM>). Particularly, the camera <NUM> may be disposed within a camera opening <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the chassis <NUM> and may be aligned with a centerline <NUM> (e.g., a line extending parallel and equidistantly between the screens <NUM>) of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a lens of the camera <NUM> may be oriented substantially co-planar to respective display surfaces of the first and second screens <NUM>, <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, in this manner, the camera <NUM> may acquire image data indicative of reflections that may be viewable on an interior surface (e.g., a surface facing the screens <NUM>) of the lens portion <NUM>. Particularly, the camera <NUM> may acquire image data indicative of a reflection of light projected onto the lens portion <NUM> by the screens <NUM> and/or of a reflection of the user's eyes that may be viewable in the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is fitted on the user's head).

The screens <NUM> may include any suitable displays that are configured to project virtual features onto the lenses <NUM>. By way on non-limiting example, the screens <NUM> may include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), LED displays, OLED displays, or other suitable displays. In any case, the first screen <NUM> may project AR/VR content onto the first lens <NUM> and the second screen <NUM> may project AR/VR content onto the second lens <NUM>. In this manner, the screens <NUM> may facilitate generation of the surreal environment <NUM> in accordance with the techniques discussed above. It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the screens <NUM> may include a first section or segment and a second section or segment of a single screen, instead of a two separate screens. That is, the first screen <NUM> may include a first section or segment of a particular screen, and the second screen <NUM> may include a second section or segment of the particular screen.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second lenses <NUM>, <NUM> may each include a concave curvature that extends from a midline <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>. The midline <NUM> may be substantially aligned with (e.g., parallel to) the centerline <NUM>. The concave curvature of the first and second lenses <NUM>, <NUM> may facilitate reflection of some of or substantially all of the light projected onto the lenses <NUM> by the screens <NUM> back into the eyes of the user. For example, the concave curvature of the first lens <NUM> may enable the first lens <NUM> to reflect light (e.g., AR/VR content projected onto the first lens <NUM> by the first screen <NUM>) into a first eye <NUM> of the user and enables the second lens <NUM> to reflect light (e.g., AR/VR content projected onto the second lens <NUM> by the second screen <NUM>) into a second eye <NUM> of the user. As such, the user may view the AR/VR content that may be projected onto the lenses <NUM> (e.g., by the screens <NUM>) and, therefore, perceive the surreal environment <NUM>. Throughout the following discussion, the lenses <NUM> and the screens <NUM> may collectively be referred to as a display system <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the display system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lens portion <NUM> may include a substantially transparent (e.g., see-through) piece of material that is coated with one or more reflective layers that enhance reflective properties of the lens portion <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, an interior surface <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>, facing the first and second eyes <NUM>, <NUM> (collectively eyes <NUM>), may be coated with a reflective layer <NUM> that may reflect between about <NUM> percent and about <NUM> percent, between about <NUM> percent and about <NUM> percent, or about <NUM> percent of the light projected onto the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., by the screens <NUM>) back into the eyes <NUM> of the user, while a remaining portion of the light projected onto the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., by the screens <NUM>) passes through the lens portion <NUM> and disperses in an ambient environment <NUM>. In other embodiments, the reflective layer <NUM> may reflect any suitable portion of the light projected onto the interior surface <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., by the screens <NUM>) back into the eyes <NUM> of the user. The reflective layer <NUM> may include a single coating or layer of material that is applied to the interior surface <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM> or a plurality of coatings or layers of material that are applied to the interior surface <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an exterior surface <NUM> (e.g., facing away from the eyes <NUM> of the user) of the lens portion <NUM> may be coated with one or more layers of an anti-reflective coating <NUM>. The anti-reflective coating <NUM> may permit ambient light (e.g., sunlight) to pass through the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., from the exterior surface <NUM> to the interior surface <NUM>) substantially without creating reflections in the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., reflections that may reduce a quality of the virtual features projected onto the lens portion <NUM> by the screens <NUM>). Additionally or alternatively, the exterior surface <NUM> may be coated with one or more layers of scratch resistant coating <NUM> that may protect the lens portion <NUM> from acquiring scratches or other surface blemishes during repetitive usage of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more layers of the scratch resistant coating <NUM> may also be applied to the interior surface <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic of an embodiment of the display system <NUM>. Generally, a user's foveal vision (e.g., central field of view) may be located near a central region <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>. Particularly, the foveal vision of the first eye <NUM> of the user may encompass a first section <NUM> of the first lens <NUM>, while the foveal vision of the second eye <NUM> of the user may encompass a first section <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>. A second section <NUM> of the first lens <NUM> may correspond to a region of peripheral vision of the first eye <NUM>, while a second section <NUM> of the second lens <NUM> may correspond to a region of peripheral vision of the second eye <NUM>.

The screens <NUM> may be configured to raster light (e.g., virtual features; AR/VR content) for projection onto the lenses <NUM> in line draw directions <NUM> that extend generally cross-wise and outwardly from the midline <NUM>. For example, the first screen <NUM> may cyclically raster and update AR/VR content (e.g., along a raster line, represented by line <NUM>) in a first direction <NUM>, from a proximate portion <NUM> (e.g., laterally inward portion) of the first screen <NUM> (e.g., near the midline <NUM>) toward a distal portion <NUM> (e.g., laterally-outward portion) of the first screen <NUM>. The second screen <NUM> may cyclically raster and update AR/VR content (e.g., along an additional raster line, represented by line <NUM>) in a second direction <NUM>, from a proximate portion <NUM> (e.g., laterally inward portion) of the second screen <NUM> toward a distal portion <NUM> (e.g., laterally outward portion) of the second screen <NUM>.

In this manner, the central region <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>, which may encompass the foveal vision of the user, may have a lower latency than regions of the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., the second sections <NUM>, <NUM>) corresponding to regions of the user's peripheral vision. Indeed, the screens <NUM> may raster updates to the projected AR/VR content onto the first sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the lenses <NUM>, which may define the user's central field of view, before rastering AR/VR content along the second sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the lenses <NUM>, which may define the user's peripheral vision. To this end, a user may experience substantially no or unperceivable latency between, for example, the virtual features viewable on the lens portion <NUM> and features in the real-world environment (e.g., animatronic figures) that may be coordinated with presentation of the virtual features. As a non-limiting example, a time period involved to raster and/or update AR/VR content displayed across the central region <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>, using the screens <NUM>, may be approximately four milliseconds, approximately three milliseconds, or less than three milliseconds.

<FIG> is a top view of an embodiment of a portion of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid <NUM> is removed from the housing <NUM> to better illustrate the sub-components <NUM> that may be positioned within the housing <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the wearable visualization device <NUM> includes a display assembly <NUM> and an electronics board <NUM> that may be coupled to the chassis <NUM> via fasteners, adhesives, and/or other suitable techniques. The display assembly <NUM> may include the screens <NUM> and a display driver board <NUM>. The display driver board <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the screens <NUM> and to the electronics board <NUM> (e.g., via connections <NUM>).

The electronics board <NUM> may include one or more sensors <NUM> that facilitate operation of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the sensors <NUM> may include orientation and/or position sensors, such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, motion tracking sensors, electromagnetic and solid-state motion tracking sensors, one or more inertial measurement units <NUM> (IMUs), presence sensors, hall-effect sensors, temperature sensors, voltmeters, and/or other sensors. In some embodiments, the electronics board <NUM> may include a communication interface <NUM> (e.g., including a wired or wireless transceiver) that may transmit real-time data captured via the sensors <NUM> to a computer graphics generation system <NUM> that may be located remote of the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., on a ride vehicle) or integrated with the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., included on the electronics board <NUM>). In some embodiments, the electronics board <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the computer graphics generation system <NUM> via the cable <NUM>.

The electronics board <NUM> may include a memory <NUM> that may store individualized data (e.g., self-test results, error logs, hours of operation, serial number) of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and/or include instructions that facilitate communication to peripheral sub-assemblies and functions of the wearable visualization device <NUM> including, for example, a light assembly <NUM> (e.g., a light emitting diode [LED] assembly), the camera <NUM>, and/or the IMU <NUM>. As discussed below, the light assembly <NUM> may illuminate to provide various lighting effects in response to user input and/or the occurrence of events. Further, in certain embodiments, the light assembly <NUM> may, for example, indicate (e.g., via display of a particular color or hue of light) which type (e.g., version) of software is currently running on the electronics board <NUM>.

The display driver board <NUM> may be configured to decode video signals (e.g., which may be received from the computer graphics generation system <NUM>) and write lines of information to the screens <NUM>. By way of example, the display driver board <NUM> may generate the raster lines (e.g., the lines <NUM>, <NUM>) to update AR/VR content projected by the screens <NUM>. The display driver board <NUM> may also optimize a resolution and frequency of video information for display by the screens <NUM>. The display driver board <NUM> may decode high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) signals into Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) Alliance display serial interface (DSI) specifications. As such, it should be understood that the electronics board <NUM>, the display driver board <NUM>, and/or the computer graphics generation system <NUM> may cooperatively control the screens <NUM> to provide AR/VR experiences to the user in accordance with the techniques discussed above.

In some embodiments, the electronics board <NUM> may include an expansion port <NUM> (e.g., an admin port), which may be communicatively coupled to a processor <NUM> of the electronics board <NUM> or to another suitable processing system (e.g., the computer graphics generation system <NUM>). The processor <NUM> may be a general-purpose processor, system-on-chip (SoC) device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or some other similar processor configuration. The expansion port <NUM> may be coupled to a plug <NUM> located on an exterior surface of the housing <NUM>. The expansion port <NUM> may enable auxiliary devices, such as a keyboard and/or mouse, to be communicatively coupled to the electronics board <NUM>. As such, the auxiliary devices may provide a user (e.g., an authorized administrator) with additional functionality and may enable the user to control features of the wearable visualization device <NUM> using the auxiliary devices. As another non-limiting example, the expansion port <NUM> may enable integration of Bluetooth® functionality, expanded memory, one or more microphones, one or more acoustic speakers, or any other suitable auxiliary device or devices with the wearable visualization device <NUM>.

To facilitate maintenance on the wearable visualization device <NUM>, the electronics board <NUM>, the display driver board <NUM>, and/or the screens <NUM> may each be individually replaceable. For example, to facilitate the following discussion, <FIG> is a top view of an embodiment of the chassis <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of an embodiment of the display assembly <NUM> and the electronics board <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of an embodiment of the display assembly <NUM> and the electronics board <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG> will be discussed concurrently below.

The display assembly <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> that is configured to support the screens <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, and the display driver board <NUM>. The screens <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, and the display driver board <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM> using fasteners, adhesives, and/or other suitable techniques. In some embodiments, the frame <NUM> may align the camera <NUM> with respect to the screens <NUM>. That is, the frame <NUM> may ensure that the camera <NUM> is placed substantially equidistantly between the first and second screens <NUM>, <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may include one or more mounting tabs <NUM> (e.g., component mating features) that are configured to engage with respective mounting prongs <NUM> (e.g., component mating features) of the chassis <NUM>. To this end, connectors, such as fasteners, adhesives, or other connectors may be used to couple the frame <NUM> to the chassis <NUM>. The mounting tabs <NUM> and the mounting prongs <NUM> may be positioned such that, when the frame <NUM> is in an engaged configuration with the chassis <NUM>, the first screen <NUM> is aligned with the first opening <NUM>, the second screen <NUM> is aligned with the second opening <NUM>, and the camera <NUM> is aligned with the camera opening <NUM>.

The chassis <NUM> may include one or more additional mounting prongs <NUM> (e.g., additional component mating features) that, in some embodiments, may facilitate coupling the electronics board <NUM> to the chassis <NUM> via suitable connectors (e.g., fasteners) or adhesives. For example, the electronics board <NUM> may include one or more apertures <NUM> (e.g., component mating features) formed therein that are configured to align with the addition mounting prongs <NUM> (e.g., in an installed configuration of the electronics board <NUM> within the chassis <NUM>). As such, suitable fasteners and/or adhesives may be used to couple the electronics board <NUM> to the additional mounting prongs <NUM>. The electronics board <NUM>, the display driver board <NUM>, and/or the screens <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one another via the connections <NUM> (e.g., one or more wired connections and/or optical connections).

The following discussion continues with reference to <FIG>. As briefly discussed above, the camera <NUM> may be positioned within the recess <NUM> and may be configured to acquire image data indicative of reflections viewable on the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., on the interior surface <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>). For example, in some embodiments, the camera <NUM> may be oriented toward the midline <NUM>, such that the camera <NUM> may acquire image data of a portion of the first lens <NUM> and of a portion of the second lens <NUM>. That is, the single camera <NUM> may acquire image data of both the first and second lenses <NUM>, <NUM>. Particularly, in one embodiment, the camera <NUM> may acquire image data of the first section <NUM> of the first lens <NUM> and of the first section <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>. In other embodiments, the camera <NUM> may acquire image data indicative of light reflecting from substantially all of the lens portion <NUM>.

As such, it is important to note that, by positioning the camera <NUM> between the first and second screens <NUM>, <NUM>, a single camera <NUM> may be used to acquire image data indicative of light (e.g., virtual features) projected onto the first and second lenses <NUM>, <NUM> by both the first and second screens <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. For example, the camera <NUM> may observe light that is projected onto the first lens <NUM> by the first screen <NUM> and is reflected back toward the camera <NUM> (e.g., via the reflective layer <NUM> of the first lens <NUM>). Similarly, the camera <NUM> may observe light that is projected onto the second lens <NUM> by the second screen <NUM> and is reflected back toward the camera <NUM> (e.g., via the reflective layer <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>).

Additionally or alternatively, the camera <NUM> may acquire image data of the user's eyes <NUM> by observing reflections of the user's eyes <NUM> in the lens portion <NUM> (e.g., when the wearable visualization system <NUM>, having the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM>, is fitted on the head of a user). In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> (or another suitable component of the electronics board <NUM>) may receive the image data acquired by the camera <NUM> and utilize the acquired image data to determine biometric information of the user. For example, as discussed below, the processor <NUM> may utilize the acquired image data of the user's eyes <NUM> to determine an interpupillary distance of the user (e.g., a distance between respective pupils of the eyes <NUM> of the user). The processor <NUM> may utilize the derived biometric information to adjust projection of AR/VR images by the screens <NUM> in a manner that improves a performance (e.g., a perceived user experience) of the wearable visualization device <NUM>.

For example, to facilitate discussion, <FIG> is an embodiment of an image <NUM> that may be acquired by the camera <NUM> (e.g., when the wearable visualization system <NUM> is fitted on the user's head). For clarity, as noted above, the image <NUM> may correspond to reflections on the interior surface <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM> that are observable by the camera <NUM> (e.g., when the wearable visualization system <NUM> is fitted on the user's head). As such, it should be understood that a position of the first eye <NUM> and the second eye <NUM>, as seen in the image <NUM>, are mirrored with respect to an illustrated position of the first eye <NUM> and the second eye <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the image <NUM> may include a least a portion of a reflection of the user's first eye <NUM> (e.g., a left eye of the user, which may be reflected on the first lens <NUM>) and at least a portion of a reflection of the user's second eye <NUM> (e.g., a right eye of the user, which may be reflected on the second lens <NUM>). The image <NUM> may include a non-optical area <NUM> indicative of the midline <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>, which, in some embodiments, may not include any reflected features. In certain embodiments, to facilitate acquisition of the image <NUM>, one or both of the screens <NUM> may be configured to temporarily illuminate (e.g., provide a camera flash) to enhance a reflection of the user's eyes in the lens portion <NUM>.

The camera <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the processor <NUM> and configured to provide the processor <NUM> with feedback indicative of the image <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to analyze the image <NUM> to detect respective edges <NUM> of pupils <NUM> of the user's eyes <NUM>. Based on locations of the edges <NUM> within the image <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may estimate a first pupil circumference <NUM> of the first eye <NUM> of the user and a second pupil circumference <NUM> of the second eye <NUM> of the user. The processor <NUM> may determine a first centroid of the first pupil circumference <NUM> and may determine a second centroid of the second pupil circumference <NUM>. As such, the first centroid may be indicative of an estimated centroid of a first pupil of the first eye <NUM> and the second centroid may be indicative of an estimated centroid of a second pupil of the second eye <NUM>.

Based on the estimated centroids of the pupils <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may determine an interpupillary distance <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the user, which may be indicative of a distance between respective centroids of the user's pupils <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be configured to quantify an interpupillary distance <NUM> of the user. In other embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be configured to categorize the measured interpupillary distance <NUM> into one of a plurality of range sets (e.g., small interpupillary distance, medium interpupillary distance, large interpupillary distance).

The following discussion continues with concurrent reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to send instructions (e.g., to the electronics board <NUM>; to the display driver board <NUM>) to adjust presentation of the virtual features projected by the screens <NUM> based on the interpupillary distance <NUM> of the particular user currently utilizing the wearable visualization system <NUM>. For example, if the processor <NUM> determines that the interpupillary distance <NUM> of the user is relatively small (e.g., equal to or less than a first threshold value), the processor <NUM> may send instructions that cause the screens <NUM> to project virtual features closer to the midline <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>, such that a central region of the virtual features is substantially aligned with (e.g., within a foveal view of) the pupils <NUM> of the user. Conversely, if the processor <NUM> determines that the interpupillary distance <NUM> of the user is relatively large (e.g., above the first threshold value; above a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value), the processor <NUM> may send instruction that cause the screens <NUM> to project virtual features closer to peripheral edges <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>, such that the virtual features are again substantially aligned (e.g., within the foveal view of) with the pupils <NUM> of the user.

In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be configured to evaluate, based on the image <NUM>, whether the wearable visualization system <NUM> is appropriately oriented and/or positioned on the user's head. For example, with reference to <FIG>, when the wearable visualization system <NUM> is appropriately fitted on the user's head (e.g., not misaligned, offset, or tilted on the user's head), a first distance <NUM> between a first vertex <NUM> of the first lens <NUM> and a centroid of a first pupil <NUM> of the first eye <NUM> of the user may be substantially equal to a second distance <NUM> between a second vertex <NUM> of the second lens <NUM> and a centroid of a second pupil <NUM> of the second eye <NUM> of the user. As such, it should be understood that, when the wearable visualization system <NUM> is appropriately fitted on the user's head, a line extending between the first vertex <NUM> of the first lens <NUM> and the second vertex <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>, referred to herein as a reference axis <NUM> (e.g., a known or predetermined axis, relative the wearable visualization device <NUM>), may extend substantially parallel to an interpupillary axis <NUM> of the interpupillary distance <NUM> (e.g., an axis extending between respective centroids of the pupils <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may determine an angle <NUM> between the reference axis <NUM> and the interpupillary axis <NUM>. If the processor <NUM> determines that a magnitude of the angle <NUM> between the reference axis <NUM> and the interpupillary axis <NUM> is greater than a tolerance value (e.g., <NUM> degrees), but less than or equal to a first threshold angle value (e.g., <NUM> degrees), the processor <NUM> may send instructions (e.g., to the electronics board <NUM> and/or to the display driver board <NUM>) to adjust presentation of the virtual features projected by the screens <NUM> based on the angle <NUM>.

For example, if the processor <NUM> determines (e.g., based on the angle <NUM>) that the first pupil <NUM> of the first eye <NUM> is positioned below the second pupil <NUM> of the second eye <NUM> (e.g., relative to the reference axis <NUM>), the processor <NUM> may send instructions that cause the first screen <NUM> to adjust projection of virtual features closer to a lower portion <NUM> of the first screen <NUM>, such that the projected virtual features of the first screen <NUM> are overlaid closer toward a lower portion <NUM> of the first lens <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the processor <NUM> may send instruction that cause the second screen <NUM> to adjust projection of virtual features closer to an upper portion <NUM> of the second screen <NUM>, such that the projected virtual features of the second screen <NUM> are overlaid closer toward an upper portion <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>. In this manner, the processor <NUM> may enable the projected virtual features displayed on the first and second lenses <NUM>, <NUM> to be substantially aligned with the pupils <NUM> of the user's first and second eyes <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, even if the wearable visualization system <NUM> is slightly offset (e.g., tilted) on the user's head.

Conversely, if the processor <NUM> determines (e.g., based on the angle <NUM>) that the first pupil <NUM> of the first eye <NUM> is positioned above the second pupil <NUM> of the second eye <NUM> (e.g., relative to the reference axis <NUM>), the processor <NUM> may send instructions that cause the first screen <NUM> to adjust projection of virtual features closer to an upper portion <NUM> of the first screen <NUM>, such that the projected virtual features of the first screen <NUM> are overlaid closer toward an upper portion <NUM> of the first lens <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the processor <NUM> may send instruction that cause the second screen <NUM> to adjust projection of virtual features closer to a lower portion <NUM> of the second screen <NUM>, such that the projected virtual features of the second screen <NUM> are overlaid closer toward a lower portion <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>. Accordingly, as similarly discussed above the processor <NUM> may ensure that the projected virtual features displayed on the first and second lenses <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the pupils <NUM> of the user's first and second eyes <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, even if the wearable visualization system <NUM> is slightly offset (e.g., tilted) on the user's head. In other words, the processor <NUM> may perform a software fix to correct misalignment of the wearable visualization system <NUM> on the head of the user.

In some embodiments, if the processor <NUM> determines that a magnitude of the angle <NUM> is larger than the first threshold angle value, the processor <NUM> may generate an alert instructing the user to manually perform a corrective action (e.g., to reposition the wearable visualization system <NUM> on the user's head). For example, the processor <NUM> may instruct the screens <NUM> to project a message onto the lenses <NUM> that instruct the user to tilt the wearable visualization system <NUM> in a particular direction (e.g., left, right) on the user's head to cause the interpupillary axis <NUM> to be adjusted to be substantially parallel to the reference axis <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the processor <NUM> may generate an audible alert (e.g., via an acoustic speaker) that provides a recorded message instructing the user to appropriately reposition the wearable visualization system <NUM>. To this end, the processor <NUM> may instruct the user to perform a hardware fix to correct misalignment of the AR/VR system <NUM> on the user's head.

It should be noted that, in certain embodiments, the camera <NUM> may be positioned at or near the lens portion <NUM> and configured to directly acquire image data of the user's eyes. That is, in such embodiments, the camera <NUM> may be oriented toward the eyes <NUM> to acquire an image of the eyes <NUM>, instead of acquiring an image (e.g., the image <NUM>) of a reflection of the eyes <NUM> that is viewable on the interior surface <NUM> of the lens portion <NUM>. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a first camera configured to acquire image data of reflections viewable in the lens portion <NUM> and an additional camera directed toward the eyes of the user and configured to directly acquire image data of the user's eyes. In some embodiments, the camera <NUM> may be used to determine a gaze direction of the user or for determining any other suitable usage information of the user.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the AR/VR system <NUM> may be utilized in conjunction with an attraction (e.g., a passenger ride system). In such embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be configured to perform the aforementioned steps (e.g., determining the interpupillary distance <NUM>; determining the angle <NUM>) when the user initially equips the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., when the user fits the wearable visualization device <NUM> on the guest interface device <NUM> fitted on the user's head during boarding of the attraction). By way of example, in such embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be configured to transmit an alert to a central control system of the attraction upon determining that a magnitude of the angle <NUM> is greater than, for example, the first threshold angle value. As such, the central control system may provide the alert to an operator (e.g., a ride technician monitoring operation of the attraction), such that the operator may assist the user in appropriately positioning the wearable visualization system <NUM> on the user's head prior to initiation of a ride cycle of the attraction.

In certain embodiments, the processor <NUM> may instruct the light assembly <NUM> to illuminate a particular color based on the magnitude of the angle <NUM>. For example, if the magnitude of the angle <NUM> is less than or equal to the first threshold angle value, the processor <NUM> may instruct the light assembly <NUM> to illuminate in a green color or hue, thereby signaling to the user and/or the ride operator that the wearable visualization system <NUM> is appropriately fitted (e.g., aligned) on the user's head. As noted above, in such instances, the processor <NUM> may compensate for any minor misalignment of the wearable visualization system <NUM> on the user's head by performing a software fix (e.g., by adjusting presentation of the virtual features by the screens <NUM>). If the magnitude of the angle <NUM> is greater than the first threshold angle value, the processor <NUM> may instruct the light assembly <NUM> to illuminate in, for example, a red color or hue, thereby signaling to the user and/or the ride operator that repositioning of the wearable visualization system <NUM> on the user's head may be desired.

<FIG> is a top view of an embodiment of the light assembly <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed concurrently below. The light assembly <NUM> may include one or more LEDs <NUM> or other lighting elements that may be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the electronics board <NUM> via a tether <NUM> (e.g., a wired connection). In some embodiments, the light assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the chassis <NUM> and positioned near an inner surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. In such embodiments, the LEDs <NUM> may be positioned within respective lighting apertures formed in the chassis <NUM>, such that the LEDs <NUM> may project light through the lighting apertures and toward the user (e.g., inwardly), away from the user (e.g., outwardly), toward the lens portion <NUM>, or in any suitable direction.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the LEDs <NUM> may be coupled to respective light pipes <NUM> (e.g., optical fibers; acrylic rods) that are configured to transmit light emitted by the LEDs <NUM> from respective first end portions coupled to the LEDs <NUM> to respective distal end portions <NUM>. As such, the light pipes <NUM> may enable the LEDs <NUM> to be positioned within, for example, a central region <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>, while still being operable to project light through the lighting apertures of the chassis <NUM>. For example, the light pipes <NUM> may extend between the LEDs <NUM> and the lighting apertures formed within an exterior surface of the chassis <NUM>, such that light emitted by the LEDs <NUM> may be transferred from the LEDs <NUM> (e.g., which may be positioned in the central region <NUM>) toward the lighting apertures and emitted from the lighting apertures. As such, it should be appreciated that the light pipes <NUM> may enable the LEDs <NUM> to be positioned at any suitable location within the housing <NUM>.

The following discussion continues with reference to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include one or more primary magnets <NUM> that may be coupled to the chassis <NUM> near first and second peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the primary magnets <NUM> may facilitate removably coupling the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the primary magnets <NUM> may be removably coupled to the chassis <NUM> via retention clips <NUM>. As such, removal of the retention clips <NUM> from the chassis <NUM> may permit replacement of the primary magnets <NUM>, such as when the primary magnets <NUM> are worn (e.g., when a magnetic strength of the primary magnets <NUM> falls below a threshold value). For example, to remove the primary magnets <NUM> from the chassis <NUM>, an operator (e.g., a service technician) may first remove the lid <NUM> from the chassis <NUM>, remove the retention clips <NUM> from the chassis <NUM>, and subsequently remove the primary magnets <NUM> from the chassis <NUM>. To reinstall new magnets in place of the primary magnets <NUM>, the operator may insert replacement magnets at the appropriate locations in the chassis <NUM> and perform the aforementioned steps in reverse order.

<FIG> is a bottom view of an embodiment of the lid <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lid <NUM> may include one or more secondary magnets <NUM> that are coupled to an inner surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> (e.g., via fasteners, via suitable adhesives). As discussed below, the secondary magnets <NUM> may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, the primary magnets <NUM> to facilitate removably coupling the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>. Although three secondary magnets <NUM> are shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, any suitable quantity of secondary magnets <NUM> may be coupled to the lid <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and the guest interface device <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed concurrently below. Furthermore, it should be noted that <FIG> illustrates a different structure for the guest interface device <NUM> (e.g., a helmet, compared to a visor of <FIG>), as various different structures for the guest interface device <NUM> are envisioned.

The wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a plurality of support grooves <NUM> that are configured to engage with respective support ribs <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support grooves <NUM> are formed within the first and second peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and extend along at least a portion of a surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the support grooves <NUM> may extend from distal end faces <NUM> of the housing <NUM> generally along a direction <NUM>.

The guest interface device <NUM> includes an interface frame <NUM> having a first peripheral end <NUM>, a second peripheral end opposite to the first peripheral end <NUM>, and a lip <NUM> that extends between the first peripheral end <NUM> and the second peripheral end. The interface frame <NUM> includes the plurality of support ribs <NUM> that protrude from an outer surface <NUM> of the interface frame <NUM>. Particularly, the interface frame <NUM> may include a first support rib <NUM> that extends from the first peripheral end <NUM> and a second support rib that extends from the second peripheral end. As discussed below, the support ribs <NUM> are configured to engage with corresponding ones of the support grooves <NUM> to support the wearable visualization device <NUM> on the interface frame <NUM> and to facilitate coupling of the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the interface frame <NUM>.

The interface frame <NUM> may include one or more tertiary magnets <NUM> that are coupled to and/or integrated with (e.g., hermetically sealed within) the interface frame <NUM> (e.g., within the lip <NUM>). Further, the interface frame <NUM> may include a one or more quaternary magnets <NUM> that are coupled to and/or integrated with (e.g., hermetically sealed within) the first peripheral end <NUM> and/or the second peripheral end of the interface frame <NUM>.

To couple the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>, the user may (e.g., while holding the guest interface device <NUM> in the user's hands and while the guest interface device <NUM> is separated from the user's head; while wearing the guest interface device <NUM> on the user's head) translate the wearable visualization device <NUM> toward the guest interface device <NUM> in a direction <NUM>, generally opposite to the direction <NUM>, to enable the support ribs <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM> to engage with the corresponding support grooves <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. The user may translate the wearable visualization device <NUM> along the support ribs <NUM> (e.g., in the direction <NUM>) until the distal end faces <NUM> of the housing <NUM> abut corresponding receiving faces <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM>. As such, the primary magnets <NUM> of the wearable visualization device may align with and magnetically couple to the quaternary magnets <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM>.

At least a portion of the lid <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be configured to translate beneath and along the lip <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM> to enable the secondary magnets <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> to engage with and magnetically couple to the tertiary magnets <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM>. To this end, the mechanical engagement between the support ribs <NUM> and the support grooves <NUM> may support substantially all of a weight of the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., when coupled to the guest interface device <NUM>), while the magnetic engagement between the primary and quaternary magnets <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the secondary and tertiary magnets <NUM>, <NUM> blocks the wearable visualization device <NUM> from disengaging (e.g., sliding off of) the guest interface device <NUM>. Indeed, it should be understood that a force utilized to magnetically decouple the primary and quaternary magnets <NUM>, <NUM> and/or to magnetically decouple the secondary and tertiary magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, such as when transitioning the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the engaged configuration <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to the detached configuration <NUM>, may be greater than, for example, a force acting on the wearable visualization device <NUM> due to gravity, due to shaking or turning of the user's head, or due to other inadvertent contact with the wearable visualization device <NUM>. Accordingly, the magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, in conjunction with the support ribs <NUM> and the support grooves <NUM>, may be configured to retain the wearable visualization device <NUM> in the engaged configuration <NUM> on the guest interface device <NUM> until the user manually removes the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM>.

To remove the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM>, the user may translate the wearable visualization device <NUM> away from the guest interface device <NUM> in the direction <NUM>, generally opposite to the direction <NUM>, to enable the primary magnets <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> to magnetically decouple from the quaternary magnets <NUM> of the guest interface device <NUM> and/or to enable the secondary magnets <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> to magnetically decouple from the tertiary magnets <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. The user may continue to translate the wearable visualization device <NUM> in the direction <NUM>, relative to the guest interface device <NUM>, to remove (e.g., decouple) the wearable visualization device <NUM> from the guest interface device <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the primary magnets <NUM> or the quaternary magnets <NUM>, and/or the secondary magnets <NUM> or the tertiary magnets <NUM>, may be replaced with a suitable reaction material (e.g., metallic plates). As such, the magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may be configured to attract a corresponding reaction material instead of another magnet. Moreover, in certain embodiments, any of the magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may be replaced with suitable electromagnets that are powered via a wired or wireless power source (e.g., a 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, such as during an unloading process in which the user is unloading from the ride vehicle of the amusement park ride. Similarly, the electromagnets may be activated to facilitate securement of the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM> at certain times, such as during a loading process in which the user is loading onto the ride vehicle of the amusement park ride. The deactivation and activation may be carried out automatically by the AR/VR system <NUM> based on the location of the wearable visualization device <NUM>.

It should be noted that the magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> are described herein as primary magnets, secondary magnets, tertiary magnets, and quaternary magnets, respectively, to facilitate discussion. However, other terms may be used to refer to the magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., first magnets, second magnets, third magnets, and fourth magnets, respectively). Moreover, in certain embodiments, the primary magnets <NUM> or the quaternary magnets <NUM>, and/or the secondary magnets <NUM> or the tertiary magnets <NUM>, may be omitted from the AR/VR system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a proximity sensor <NUM> (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) that is coupled to the housing <NUM> and located near, for example, the first peripheral portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Particularly, the proximity sensor <NUM> may be positioned near the distal end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The proximity sensor <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the electronics board <NUM> and configured to provide the processor <NUM> (or another suitable processing component) with feedback indicative of whether the wearable visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM> (e.g., mated with the guest interface device <NUM>) or in the disengaged configuration <NUM> (e.g., detached from the guest interface device <NUM>). Particularly, the proximity sensor <NUM> may be triggered (e.g., generate a signal) when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is within a threshold distance of the guest interface device <NUM> and, thus, may be used to determine when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is positioned in the engaged configuration <NUM>. By way of example, the proximity sensor <NUM> may be triggered when the distal end face <NUM> of the first peripheral portion <NUM> of the wearable visualization device <NUM> is within a threshold distance of or in contact with the receiving face <NUM> of the first peripheral end <NUM> of the interface frame <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may periodically or continuously monitor the feedback received from the proximity sensor <NUM>. Upon receiving feedback from the proximity sensor <NUM> indicating that the wearable visualization device <NUM> in the engaged configuration <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may provide an indication to the user confirming that the wearable visualization device <NUM> has been successfully mated with the guest interface device <NUM>. By way of example, upon receiving feedback indicating that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may instruct the light assembly <NUM> to project a particular hue or color of light (e.g., green), may control one or more acoustic speakers of the wearable visualization device <NUM> to provide an audible message to the user, may control the screens <NUM> to display a message to the user on the lenses <NUM>, and/or may provide feedback to the user and/or to an operator via another suitable medium.

It should understood that, in other embodiments, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a plurality of proximity sensors that are positioned along any suitable portion of the wearable visualization device <NUM>. For example, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may include a first proximity sensor positioned within the first peripheral portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and a second proximity sensor positioned within the second peripheral portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In such embodiments, the processor <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> upon receiving feedback that both the first and second proximity sensors are triggered. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the processor <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the guest interface device <NUM> upon receiving feedback that any one particular proximity sensor is triggered or that a threshold quantity of the proximity sensors included in the wearable visualization <NUM> device are triggered.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device <NUM> and a receptacle <NUM> configured to receive the wearable visualization device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wearable visualization device <NUM> may be stored in the receptacle <NUM> when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is not fitted on the guest interface device <NUM> of a user. By way of example, the receptacle <NUM> may include a cavity or other storage region formed within a lap bar <NUM> of a ride vehicle. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be configured to utilize feedback from the proximity sensor <NUM> and/or the IMU <NUM> (e.g., an orientation sensor) to determine whether the wearable visualization device <NUM> is in a storage configuration <NUM> within in the receptacle <NUM>.

For example, the IMU <NUM> may include a nine degree of freedom system on a chip equipped with accelerometers, gyroscopes, a magnetometer, and/or a processor for executing sensor fusion algorithms. The processor <NUM> may utilize feedback received from the IMU <NUM> to determine an orientation of the wearable visualization device <NUM> (e.g., relative to a direction of gravity) along various axes. In some embodiments, an orientation, referred to herein as a storage orientation, of the wearable visualization device <NUM>, when the wearable visualization device <NUM> is positioned in the receptacle <NUM>, may be known and stored on, for example, the memory <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is in the storage configuration <NUM> upon receiving feedback from the IMU <NUM> that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is in the storage orientation and upon receiving feedback from a proximity sensor <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the lens mount <NUM>; the proximity sensor <NUM>) that, for example, the lens mount <NUM> is a threshold distance away from a mating surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> or in contact with the mating surface <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may not inadvertently determine that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is in the storage configuration <NUM> when a user temporarily orients the wearable visualization device <NUM> in the storage orientation (e.g., such as during the process of mating the wearable visualization device <NUM> to the guest interface device <NUM>). Instead, the processor <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is positioned in the in the storage configuration <NUM> when receiving feedback from both the IMU <NUM> and the proximity sensor <NUM> indicating that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is positioned within the receptacle <NUM> at a particular angle and is engaged with (e.g., in physical contact with) the mating surface <NUM>. In accordance with the techniques discussed above, the processor <NUM> may be configured to provide an audible and/or visual alert or confirmation upon determining that the wearable visualization device <NUM> is transitioned to the storage configuration <NUM>. As an example, upon determining that the wearable visualization device <NUM> transitioned to the storage configuration <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may instruct the light assembly <NUM> to emit a blue color or other hue of light.

In some embodiments, the lap bar <NUM> may move (e.g., release) in response to the wearable visualization device <NUM> being in the storage configuration <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the receptacle <NUM> may be positioned in any suitable portion of the ride vehicle (e.g., dashboard, arm rest, wall). The receptacle <NUM> may be used in other types of attractions (e.g., without a ride vehicle), and the receptacle <NUM> may be positioned in a wall or structure, such as in a seat or at an exit of the attraction.

Claim 1:
A wearable visualization device (<NUM>) configured to provide a user with an augmented reality, a virtual reality, and/or a mixed reality experience, the wearable visualization device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a lens portion (<NUM>) extending from the housing (<NUM>);
a first display screen (<NUM>) and a second display screen (<NUM>) coupled to the housing (<NUM>) and configured to project light onto the lens portion (<NUM>), wherein the lens portion (<NUM>) is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light into eyes (<NUM>) of the user;
a camera (<NUM>) positioned between the first display screen (<NUM>) and the second display screen (<NUM>) and configured to acquire image data of the lens portion (<NUM>), wherein the image data comprises the portion of the light and a reflection of the eyes of the user viewable on the lens portion (<NUM>);
a display screen, comprising the first and second display screens (<NUM>, <NUM>), configured to project virtual features onto a first location on the lens portion (<NUM>), wherein the reflections included in the image data acquired by the camera (<NUM>) comprise a first reflection of a first eye (<NUM>) of the user and a second reflection of a second eye (<NUM>) of the user; and
a processor (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the camera (<NUM>) and the display screen (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the processor (<NUM>) is configured to:
determine an interpupillary axis (<NUM>) extending between a first pupil of the first eye (<NUM>) of the user and a second pupil of the second eye (<NUM>) of the user;
determine an angle (<NUM>) between the interpupillary axis (<NUM>) and a reference axis (<NUM>) extending along the lens portion (<NUM>), wherein the angle (<NUM>) is indicative of an orientation of the wearable visualization device (<NUM>) with respect to a head of the user; and
adjust projection of the virtual features from the first location to a second location on the lens portion (<NUM>), wherein to adjust projection of the virtual features the processor (<NUM>) is configured to instruct the display screen (<NUM>, <NUM>) to project the virtual features onto the second location of the lens portion (<NUM>) based on the determined angle.