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

<CIT> discloses an HMD for VR on an amusement park ride that, in case of malfunction, disconnects automatically from the guest interface device (headband) to which it is electromagnetically connected.

In one embodiment, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality (AR/VR) system includes an interface device configured to be worn by a user. The interface device includes a frame supporting a reaction material, where the interface device is configured to be removably affixed to the head of the user, and where the reaction material comprises a magnetically attractable material. The AR/VR system also includes a visualization device configured to display virtual features for visualization by the user. The visualization device includes one or more sensors and an electromagnet configured to magnetically couple to the reaction material of the interface device. The AR/VR system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electromagnet and configured to adjust operation of the electromagnet to modulate a magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and the reaction material whilst maintaining a coupling between the electromagnet and the reaction material, based on feedback provided by the one or more sensors.

In one embodiment, a method of operating an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality (AR/VR) system includes generating, via one or more sensors, feedback indicative of a parameter of a visualization device that is configured to engage with an interface device, where the interface device is configured to be worn by a user by removably affixing the interface device to the head of the user. The method also includes monitoring, via a controller, the feedback and adjusting, via the controller, operation of an electromagnet of the visualization device to modulate a magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet and a reaction material of the interface device, whilst maintaining a coupling between the electromagnet and the reaction material based on the feedback, and where the reaction material comprises a magnetically attractable material.

Various refinements of the features noted above may be undertaken in relation to various aspects of the present disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination.

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

The AR/VR system may include a visualization device, such as a head mounted display (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, eyeglasses), which may be configured to enable the guest to view virtual features. For example, the AR/VR system may include a guest interface device, also referred to herein as an interface device, which is configured to removably couple to a head of the guest. The interface device facilitates coupling the visualization device to the guest, such that the guest may wear the visualization device on the head of the guest. The visualization device may be utilized to enhance the guest experience by overlaying the virtual features onto a real-world environment of the amusement park attraction, by providing adjustable virtual features to provide different virtual environments while the guest is in the amusement park attraction, and so forth. Unfortunately, without the disclosed embodiments, it may be difficult and/or time-consuming to quickly and securely attach the visualization device to the interface device (e.g., such as between ride cycles of the amusement park attraction).

Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward an electromagnetic coupling system that enables quick and controllable securement of the visualization device to the interface device. In particular, the electromagnetic coupling system disclosed herein facilitates controllable coupling of the visualization device to, and controllable decoupling of the visualization device from, the interface device. Moreover, the electromagnetic coupling system disclosed herein facilitates retaining the visualization device in an engaged configuration (e.g., a coupled configuration, a locked configuration) with the interface device during certain time periods, such as during a ride cycle of the amusement park attraction.

For example, the electromagnetic coupling system includes one or more electromagnets that are integrated with (e.g., coupled to) the visualization device, the interface device, or both. The electromagnets are configured to selectively engage with (e.g., magnetically couple to) a corresponding reaction material that may be integrated with (e.g., coupled to) the visualization device, the interface device, or both. The reaction material includes one or more strips of metallic material, permanent magnets, other electromagnets, and/or any other suitable magnetically attractable material. As an example, in an embodiment, the electromagnets may be integrated with the visualization device and the reaction material may be integrated with the interface device. As such, the electromagnets may be selectively energized, de-energized, or a have a magnetic polarity reversed to facilitate transitioning the visualization device and the interface device between the engaged configuration in which the electromagnets attract the reaction material, and a detached configuration (e.g., a decoupled or disengaged configuration) in which the electromagnets do not attract the reaction material and/or repel the reaction material. Moreover, as discussed below, a current supplied to the electromagnets is adjustable (e.g., via a controller) to modulate a magnetic coupling force between the electromagnets and the reaction material and, thus, transiently adjust a coupling strength between the visualization device and the interface device.

In an embodiment, the electromagnets may be electrically coupled to a controller of the AR/VR system and/or to a controller of the amusement park attraction having the AR/VR system. The controller may selectively transition the electromagnets between the energized and de-energized states, may adjust a magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets, and/or may adjust a magnetic polarity of the electromagnets to facilitate transitioning the visualization device and the interface device between the engaged and detached configurations. As an example, the controller may transition the electromagnets to and retain the electromagnets in the energized state or a high energy state (e.g., a state in which a magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets is relatively high) while the guest uses the visualization device throughout a duration of the ride cycle of the amusement park attraction. As such, the controller may ensure that the visualization device remains engaged or locked with (e.g., coupled to) the interface device during the ride cycle. The controller may transition the electromagnets to the de-energized state or a low energy state (e.g., a state in which a magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets is relatively low) while the guest unloads from a ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction, such that the guest deboarding the ride vehicle may remove (e.g., decouple) the visualization device from their respective interface device and leave the visualization device in a storage receptacle of the ride vehicle for a subsequent guest to subsequently use (e.g., on a corresponding interface device of the subsequent guest boarding the ride vehicle).

In an embodiment, the controller may adjust operation of the electromagnets in coordination with events of the ride cycle (e.g., based on ride data). For example, the controller may adjust operation of the electromagnets during various time periods throughout the ride cycle and/or between the ride cycles of the amusement park attraction to vary a magnetic coupling force (e.g., an attractive force) generated by the electromagnets (e.g., between electromagnets and the reaction material). As discussed in detail herein, in this manner, the controller may enable the electromagnets to assist the guest in coupling the visualization device to the interface device and/or assist the guest in decoupling the visualization device from the interface device, such as when the guest boards and deboards the ride vehicle between ride cycles of the amusement park attraction. Additionally or alternatively, the controller varies the coupling force provided by the electromagnets based on sensor feedback acquired by one or more sensors, such as one or more sensors of the visualization device and/or the amusement park attraction, to ensure that the visualization device remains fixedly coupled to the interface device of the guest throughout the duration of the ride cycle. These and other features will be described below with reference to the drawings.

With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> is a perspective view an embodiment of an AR/VR system <NUM> (e.g., a wearable visualization system) 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 visualization device <NUM> (e.g., a head mounted display, a wearable visualization device) and an interface device <NUM> that are removably coupleable to one another to facilitate usage of the AR/VR system <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the visualization device <NUM> includes electronic eyeglasses <NUM> (e.g., AR/VR eyeglasses, goggles) that are coupled to a housing <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>. The electronic eyeglasses <NUM> may include one or more displays <NUM> (e.g., transparent, semi-transparent, opaque). In an embodiment, the displays <NUM> may enable the user to view a real-world environment <NUM> (e.g., physical structures in the attraction) through the displays <NUM> with certain virtual features <NUM> (e.g., AR features) overlaid onto the displays <NUM> so that the user perceives the virtual features <NUM> as being integrated into the real-world environment <NUM>. That is, the electronic eyeglasses <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 visualization device <NUM> may enable the user to visualize and perceive a surreal environment <NUM> (e.g., a game environment) having certain virtual features <NUM> overlaid onto the real-world environment <NUM> viewable by the user through the displays <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the displays <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 an embodiment, the visualization device <NUM> may completely control the view of the user (e.g., using opaque viewing surfaces). That is, the displays <NUM> may include opaque or non-transparent displays configured to display the 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 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 an embodiment, the 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 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 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 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 an embodiment, when implemented in the amusement park setting, the visualization device <NUM> may be physically coupled to (e.g., tethered via a cable <NUM> or tether) to a structure (e.g., a ride vehicle <NUM> of the amusement park ride) to block separation of the visualization device <NUM> from the structure and/or may be electronically coupled to (e.g., via the cable <NUM>) to a computing system (e.g., a computing system integrated with the ride vehicle <NUM>) to facilitate operation of the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., display of the virtual features <NUM>).

As discussed in detail below, the 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 visualization device <NUM> or the interface device <NUM>) to the interface device <NUM> via an electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>. The electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> may be integrated with the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM>. The electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> enables the visualization device <NUM> to quickly transition between an engaged configuration <NUM>, in which the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM>, and a detached configuration <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), in which the visualization device <NUM> is decoupled from the interface device <NUM>.

The interface device <NUM> is configured to be affixed to a head of the user and, thus, enable the user to comfortably wear the visualization device <NUM> throughout various attractions or while traversing certain amusement park environments. For example, the interface device <NUM> may include a head strap assembly <NUM> that is configured to span about a circumference of the head of the user and configured to be tightened (e.g., constricted) on the head of the user. In this manner, the head strap assembly <NUM> facilitates affixing the interface device <NUM> to the head of the user, such that the interface device <NUM> may be utilized in conjunction with the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> to retain the visualization device <NUM> on the user (e.g., when the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM>). It should be understood that the visualization device <NUM> may have a size and weight that enables the visualization device <NUM> to be comfortably worn (e.g., supported by) by the user.

To better illustrate the interface device <NUM> and to facilitate the following discussion, <FIG> is a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the interface device <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the interface device <NUM> includes an interface frame <NUM> and a visor <NUM> that may be coupled to the interface frame <NUM>. The head strap assembly <NUM> may include an adjustment assembly <NUM> for adjusting an inner circumference of the head strap assembly <NUM> to accommodate head parameters (e.g., head sizes, head shapes, hair styles) of a variety of users to facilitate coupling the interface device <NUM> to the respective heads of the users. In an embodiment, the head strap assembly <NUM> includes a mask <NUM> that is configured to contact a forehead of the head of the user to facilitate alignment and/or securement of the interface device <NUM> to the head of the user. The head strap assembly <NUM> includes one or more first attachment features <NUM> configured to engage with respective second attachment features <NUM> of the interface frame <NUM>. As such, engagement of the first and second attachment features <NUM>, <NUM> enables the head strap assembly <NUM> to be coupled to the interface frame <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the interface frame <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> having a first peripheral end <NUM> (e.g., end portion; lateral portion), a second peripheral end <NUM> (e.g., end portion; lateral portion) opposite to the first peripheral end <NUM>, and a lip <NUM> extending between the first and second peripheral ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> may include peripheral cavities <NUM> or pockets that are formed within the first and second peripheral ends <NUM>, <NUM> and/or one or more cavities <NUM> or pockets that are formed within the lip <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> includes one or more reaction plates <NUM> (e.g., one or more reaction materials), which may be configured to be disposed within respective cavities <NUM>, <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the reaction plates <NUM> are configured to magnetically couple with corresponding electromagnets included in the visualization device <NUM> to facilitate removable coupling of the interface device <NUM> to the visualization device <NUM>. The reaction plates <NUM> may include any suitable ferrous material or materials (e.g., one or more iron plates, one or more metallic plates). Additionally or alternatively, the reaction plates <NUM> may include electromagnets or permanent magnets (e.g., neodymium magnets).

In an embodiment, respective caps <NUM> may be disposed over the reaction plates <NUM> to encapsulate the reaction plates <NUM> within the respective cavities <NUM>, <NUM>. Particularly, the caps <NUM> may be coupled to the interface frame <NUM> via, for example, suitable adhesives or an ultrasonic welding process. In this manner, in an installed configuration, the caps <NUM> may hermetically seal the reaction plates <NUM> within the respective cavities <NUM>, <NUM> to substantially block contaminants (e.g., water) from entering the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> and/or accumulating within the cavities <NUM>, <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed within any suitable portion of the interface device <NUM> and/ or the reaction plates <NUM> may be coupled to and/or integrated with any suitable portion of the interface device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the body portion <NUM> includes a plurality of support ribs <NUM> that protrude from an outer surface <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. Particularly, the body portion <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 <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the support ribs <NUM> are configured to engage with corresponding support grooves <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) formed within the housing <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> to facilitate coupling of the visualization device <NUM> to the interface frame <NUM> of the interface device <NUM>. Thus, the support ribs <NUM> and the support grooves <NUM> may also form a portion of the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> may not include the support ribs <NUM> and the support grooves <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of an embodiment of the visualization device <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing <NUM> includes a panel <NUM> that extends between a first peripheral portion <NUM> (e.g., end portion; lateral portion) and a second peripheral portion <NUM> (e.g., end portion; lateral portion) of the housing <NUM>. The electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> may include one or more first electromagnets <NUM> that are positioned near a surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM> and/or one or more second electromagnets <NUM> that are positioned near respective surfaces <NUM> of the first and second peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment, the first electromagnets <NUM> may be hermetically sealed within respective cavities formed within the surface <NUM>, while the second electromagnets <NUM> may be hermetically sealed within respective cavities formed within the surfaces <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first and second electromagnets <NUM>, <NUM> (collectively referred to herein as electromagnets <NUM>) may be positioned within an interior of the housing <NUM> and disposed adjacent the surface <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM>, respectively. In any case, as discussed in detail below, the electromagnets <NUM> are configured to selectively attract corresponding reaction plates <NUM> of the interface device <NUM> to facilitate magnetically coupling the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM>. In an embodiment, certain of the electromagnets <NUM> may be replaced with permanent magnets or a suitable reaction material (e.g., metallic plate).

The electromagnets <NUM> may be electrically coupled (e.g., via the cable <NUM>) to a power supply <NUM> configured to provide the electromagnets <NUM> with electrical power (e.g., electrical current). In an embodiment, the power supply <NUM> may be coupled to and configured to travel with the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., along a track of the attraction). In other embodiments, the power supply <NUM> may include a battery or other device that is integrated with the visualization device <NUM> and configured to provide the electromagnets <NUM> with electrical power suitable for enabling operation of the electromagnets <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the visualization device <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> that is electrically coupled to the power supply <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to operate the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> in accordance with the techniques discussed herein. The controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include a microprocessor, which may execute software controlling the visualization device <NUM>, the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>, and/or any other suitable components of the AR/VR system <NUM> and/or components of the attraction having the AR/VR system <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. The memory device <NUM> may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device <NUM> may store information, such as control software, look up tables, configuration data, communication protocols, or the like.

For example, the memory device <NUM> may store processor-executable instructions including firmware or software for the processor <NUM> to execute, such as instructions for controlling components of the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>, components of the visualization device <NUM>, components of the AR/VR system <NUM>, and/or any suitable components of the attraction having the AR/VR system <NUM>. In an embodiment, the memory device <NUM> is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media that may store machine-readable instructions for the processor <NUM> to execute. The memory device <NUM> may include ROM, flash memory, hard drives, any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage media, or a combination thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the support grooves <NUM> that are formed within the peripheral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> extend along at least a portion of a lateral surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the support grooves <NUM> may extend from the surfaces <NUM> (e.g., distal ends of the housing <NUM>) generally toward the electronic eyeglasses <NUM>. As discussed below, the support grooves <NUM> may be configured to engage with corresponding ones of the support ribs <NUM> to facilitate removably coupling the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM>. It should be noted that <FIG> illustrates a different structure for the interface device <NUM> (e.g., a helmet-style, compared to a visor-style shown in <FIG>), as various different structures for the interface device <NUM> are envisioned. To couple the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM>, the user may (e.g., while holding the interface device <NUM> in the user's hands and while the interface device <NUM> is separated from the user's head; while wearing the interface device <NUM> on the user's head) translate the visualization device <NUM> toward the interface device <NUM> in a direction <NUM> to enable the support ribs <NUM> of the interface device <NUM> to engage with the corresponding support grooves <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>. The user may translate the visualization device <NUM> along the support ribs <NUM> (e.g., in the direction <NUM>) until the surfaces <NUM> of the housing <NUM> abut corresponding receiving faces <NUM> of the first and second peripheral ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the interface frame <NUM>. As such, the second electromagnets <NUM> may be aligned with and positioned adjacent to the corresponding reaction plates <NUM> of the interface frame <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the panel <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> may be configured to translate beneath and along the lip <NUM> of the interface frame <NUM> to enable the first electromagnets <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> to align with the corresponding reaction plates <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may selectively supply electrical power (e.g., via the power supply <NUM>) to the electromagnets <NUM> to energize the electromagnets <NUM> to magnetically couple the electromagnets <NUM> to the reaction plates <NUM>. As such, the controller <NUM> may facilitate transitioning the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> to the engaged configuration <NUM>.

For example, in an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor <NUM>, an inertial measurement unit [IMU] <NUM>) that are integrated with the visualization device <NUM> and configured to provide the controller <NUM> with feedback indicative of a position of the visualization device <NUM> relative to the interface device <NUM> and/or an orientation of the visualization device <NUM> relative to the interface device <NUM>. In particular, the sensors <NUM> may provide the controller <NUM> with feedback indicative of a position and/or an orientation of the visualization device <NUM> relative to a surface of the interface device <NUM>, such as one of the receiving faces <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the sensors <NUM> may provide the controller <NUM> with feedback indicative of a position and/or an orientation of the visualization device <NUM> relative to a reference structure <NUM> (e.g., a metallic chip, a radio-frequency identification [RFID] tag) that may be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the interface device <NUM>.

In any case, the controller <NUM> may be configured to energize the electromagnets <NUM>, de-energize the electromagnets <NUM>, adjust a magnetic polarity of the electromagnets <NUM>, or otherwise adjust a magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM> (e.g., increase or decrease a magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM>) based on the feedback provided by the sensors <NUM>. For clarity, it should be understood that the controller <NUM> may adjust the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM> by adjusting a current supplied to the electromagnets <NUM> via the power supply <NUM>. That is, in an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may increase the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM> by increasing a magnitude of an electrical current supplied to the electromagnets <NUM> and may decrease the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets by decreasing the magnitude of the electrical current supplied to the electromagnets <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be configured to continuously or intermittently monitor (e.g., based on the feedback from the sensors <NUM>) the position and/or the orientation of the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., relative to the interface device <NUM>). The controller <NUM> may energize the electromagnets <NUM> upon determining that the visualization device <NUM> is within a threshold distance of the interface device <NUM> and/or upon determining that the visualization device <NUM> is oriented within a threshold orientational range relative to the interface device <NUM>. As an example, the controller <NUM> may energize the electromagnets <NUM> upon a determination that the support grooves <NUM> are substantially adjacent (e.g., positioned within a threshold distance of) the corresponding support ribs <NUM> and/or that the support grooves <NUM> are substantially aligned (e.g., oriented within a threshold angle relative to, such as within <NUM> degrees of) the support ribs <NUM>. In this manner, the electromagnets <NUM> may attract the reaction plates <NUM> when the visualization device <NUM> is appropriately aligned and positioned relative to the interface device <NUM> to draw the visualization device <NUM> toward the interface device <NUM> and engage the support grooves <NUM> with the support ribs <NUM>. As such, the controller <NUM> may operate the electromagnets <NUM> to facilitate quick and proper engagement of the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> (e.g., to pull the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> together). In an embodiment, by maintaining the electromagnets <NUM> in a de-energized state or a low power state (e.g., a state in which the magnetic strength output by the electromagnets is relatively low) while the visualization device <NUM> is separated from the interface device <NUM> (e.g., separated from the interface device <NUM> by the threshold distance) and/or misaligned with the interface device <NUM> (e.g., not oriented within the threshold angle), the controller <NUM> may ensure that the electromagnets <NUM> do not attract or magnetically couple to the interface device <NUM> in an improper manner and/or do not attract or magnetically couple to foreign objects, such as jewelry or other metallic objects that may be worn by a guest utilizing the AR/VR system <NUM>. In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be configured to selectively energize, de-energize, and/or change a polarity of certain of the electromagnets <NUM> to assist the user in transitioning the visualization device <NUM> to the engaged configuration <NUM> on the interface device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to determine (e.g., based on feedback from the sensors <NUM>) whether the visualization device <NUM> is misaligned relative to the interface device <NUM> during the user's attempt to couple the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM>. Upon determining that the visualization device <NUM> is misaligned relative to the interface device <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may energize, de-energize, and/or change a polarity of certain of the electromagnets <NUM> (e.g., a subset, only some) to facilitate appropriate alignment. For example, the controller <NUM> may energize one or more of the electromagnets <NUM> and de-energize one or more of the electromagnets <NUM>. In particular, the controller <NUM> may energize one or more of the electromagnets <NUM> positioned near a first lateral end <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> to a first polarity and may de-energize one or more of the electromagnets <NUM> positioned near a second lateral end <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> or may energize the one or more electromagnets <NUM> near the second lateral end <NUM> to a second polarity, opposite the first polarity. The electromagnets <NUM> may thus interact with the reaction plates <NUM> of the interface device <NUM> to impart a torque <NUM> about a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>. The torque <NUM> may cause the visualization device <NUM> to twist or pivot about the axis <NUM> (e.g., while the user holds the visualization device <NUM>) to align the visualization device <NUM> with the interface device <NUM> (e.g., to align the support grooves <NUM> with the support ribs <NUM>). Once the visualization device <NUM> is aligned with the interface device <NUM> (e.g., once the support grooves <NUM> are aligned with the support ribs <NUM>), the controller <NUM> may energize the electromagnets <NUM> to attract the corresponding reaction plates <NUM> to transition the visualization device <NUM> to the engaged configuration <NUM> on the interface device <NUM>. In this manner, the controller <NUM> may assist the user in coupling the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM>.

It should be understood that the controller <NUM> may adjust operation of any of the electromagnets <NUM> to facilitate proper alignment of the visualization device <NUM> with the interface device <NUM>, particularly when the user attempts to couple the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM>. That is, the controller <NUM> may adjust operation of the electromagnets <NUM> to induce axial shifting (e.g., along the axis <NUM>) and/or lateral shifting (e.g., perpendicular to the axis <NUM>) of the visualization device <NUM> relative to the interface device <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the controller <NUM> may adjust operation of the electromagnets <NUM> to induce pivotal motion of the visualization device <NUM> relative to the interface device <NUM> (e.g., about the axis <NUM> and/or about another suitable axis). Such movement or shifting may be based on and in response to feedback from the sensors <NUM>.

As discussed above, in an embodiment, the visualization device <NUM> may include one or more permanent magnets <NUM> (e.g., neodymium magnets). The permanent magnets <NUM> may be configured to engage with corresponding reaction plates <NUM> of the interface device <NUM> when the user transitions the visualization device <NUM> from the disengaged configuration <NUM> to the engaged configuration <NUM>, even while the electromagnets <NUM> are initially de-energized, for example. Upon a determination that the visualization device <NUM> is engaged with the interface device <NUM> (e.g., via feedback from the sensors <NUM>), the controller <NUM> may be configured to energize the electromagnets <NUM> to further enhance a coupling strength (e.g., via a combination of the permanent magnets <NUM> and the electromagnets <NUM>) between the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM>.

To remove the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>, the user may translate the visualization device <NUM> away from the interface device <NUM> in a direction <NUM>, generally opposite to the direction <NUM>, to magnetically decouple the electromagnets <NUM> from the reaction plates <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>. The user may continue to translate the visualization device <NUM> in the direction <NUM>, relative to the interface device <NUM>, to remove (e.g., decouple) the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be configured to determine when the user is attempting to remove the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> and, upon such determination, may adjust operation of the electromagnets <NUM> to facilitate decoupling of the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM>. For example, when the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be configured to monitor a load applied to the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., in the direction <NUM>) based on a current being drawn by and/or a voltage supplied to the electromagnets <NUM>. As an example, a current drawn by the electromagnets <NUM> may increase or decrease when the user attempts to magnetically decouple the electromagnets <NUM> from the reaction plates <NUM> while the electromagnets <NUM> are energized. The controller <NUM> may determine that the user is attempting to decouple the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> when the load exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., <NUM> second, <NUM> second). Upon determining that the user is attempting to decouple the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may transition the electromagnets <NUM> to a de-energized state (e.g., reduce the current supplied to the electromagnets <NUM>) to substantially reduce or eliminate the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the controller <NUM> may reverse a polarity of certain of the electromagnets <NUM> to cause these electromagnets <NUM> to repel the reaction plates <NUM> (e.g., permanent magnets) of the interface device <NUM>. To this end, the controller <NUM> may assist the user in removing and/or decoupling the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, in an embodiment, the support grooves <NUM> and the support ribs <NUM> may be omitted from the AR/VR system <NUM>. In such embodiments, the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM> may be sufficient to support all of a weight of the visualization device <NUM> when the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM> and/or other structural features may be provided to share support of the weight of the visualization device <NUM> when the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic of an embodiment of an attraction <NUM> utilizing the AR/VR system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction <NUM> includes a plurality of ride vehicles <NUM>, which includes the ride vehicle <NUM>. It should be appreciated that each of the ride vehicles <NUM> may include some of or all of the features of the ride vehicle <NUM> discussed herein. The ride vehicles <NUM> are configured to travel along a track or a path <NUM> of the attraction <NUM>, although the AR/VR system <NUM> may be utilized with ride vehicles that move without traveling along a track or a path or in of a variety of other types of attractions. As shown, the path <NUM> may include a loading section <NUM> that extends along a station or platform <NUM> of the attraction <NUM>. Particularly, the loading section <NUM> may extend along the platform <NUM> from an entrance point <NUM> to an exit point <NUM>. The platform <NUM> may facilitate loading and/or unloading of users (e.g., riders) into and out of the ride vehicles <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction <NUM> includes a ride controller <NUM> having a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a communication component <NUM>. The ride controller <NUM> may monitor and/or control certain aspects of the attraction <NUM>, such as the respective positions of the ride vehicles <NUM> along the path <NUM>. The ride controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via the communication component <NUM>) to respective communication components <NUM> of the ride vehicles <NUM> to enable transmission of sensor feedback and/or control signals between the ride controller <NUM> and various components of the ride vehicles <NUM>. For example, each of the ride vehicles <NUM> may include one or more visualization devices <NUM> having respective controllers <NUM> that may be communicatively coupled to the ride controller <NUM> (e.g., via the communication components <NUM>, to receive ride data). To this end, the ride controller <NUM> may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, the controllers <NUM> to adjust operation of the visualization devices <NUM> and/or the corresponding electromagnetic coupling systems <NUM> in accordance with the techniques discussed herein.

Throughout the following discussion, the controller <NUM> and the ride controller <NUM> may be collectively referred to as a control system <NUM>. Accordingly, it should be understood that operations discussed herein as being performed by the control system <NUM> may refer to operations that are performed by one or more of the controllers <NUM>, the ride controller <NUM>, or both. For clarity, as used herein, the control system <NUM> may thus be indicative of the controller <NUM>, the ride controller <NUM>, or both the controller <NUM> and the ride controller <NUM>. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the techniques may be distributed between the one or more controllers <NUM>, the ride controller <NUM>, and/or one or more other processing devices in any suitable manner.

The processor <NUM> may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. The memory device <NUM> may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). In an embodiment, the memory device <NUM> is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media that may store machine-readable instructions for the processor <NUM> to execute to control aspects of the attraction <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may be configured to adjust operation of the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> based on ride data, including a location of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may determine the location of the ride vehicle <NUM> based on feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>, from one or more sensors <NUM> (e.g., global positioning system [GPS] sensors) integrated with the ride vehicle <NUM>, from one or more sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) positioned along the path <NUM>, and/or via other suitable techniques (e.g. the ride data may include timing signals indicative of a time at which the ride vehicle <NUM> will reach certain points along the path <NUM> during a ride cycle between departing from the loading section <NUM> and reaching an unloading section, which may be the loading section <NUM> or at some other location along the path <NUM>).

<FIG> is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process <NUM> for operating the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> in a coordinated manner with the ride cycle and/or based on a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM> (e.g., based on ride data). The process <NUM> may be executed by the control system <NUM>. The process <NUM> may include receiving an indication of and determining a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. In particular, the process <NUM> may include determining whether the ride vehicle <NUM> is positioned along the loading section <NUM> of the path <NUM>.

Upon determining that the ride vehicle <NUM> is positioned along the loading section <NUM> (e.g., during loading/unloading of users to and from the ride vehicle <NUM>), the control system <NUM> may operate the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> in accordance with the techniques discussed herein to facilitate coupling the visualization device <NUM> to, and decoupling of the visualization device <NUM> from, the interface device <NUM> of a corresponding user. In particular, during a loading stage, the control system <NUM> may operate the electromagnets <NUM> to selectively engage (e.g., magnetically engage) the reaction plates <NUM> to facilitate transitioning the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> to the locked configuration, to thereby transition the visualization device <NUM> to the engaged configuration <NUM> with the interface device <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>.

That is, upon determining that the ride vehicle <NUM> is in the loading section <NUM> and is within the loading stage or portion of the ride cycle (e.g., a previous ride cycle is complete, previous users have removed and stored their respective visualization device <NUM>, previous users have deboarded, and subsequent users have boarded), the control system <NUM> may operate the electromagnets <NUM> to selectively engage the reaction plates <NUM> to facilitate transitioning the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> to the locked configuration. The control system <NUM> may operate the electromagnets <NUM> to selectively engage the reaction plates <NUM> to facilitate transitioning the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> to the locked configuration in response to feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM>, such as feedback that indicates that the user has positioned the visualization device <NUM> near the interface device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may maintain or increase the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM> to maintain the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> in the locked configuration, and to thereby maintain the visualization device <NUM> in the engaged configuration <NUM>, during the ride stage of the attraction <NUM> (e.g., throughout a time period where the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the amusement section <NUM>), as indicated by block <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> may energize the electromagnets <NUM> to generate a target magnetic coupling force (e.g., ride magnetic coupling force) with the reaction plates <NUM> of the interface device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the target magnetic coupling force may be greater than the magnetic coupling force that is applied upon initial coupling of the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> and/or greater than the magnetic coupling force while the ride vehicle <NUM> is in the loading section <NUM>. The magnetic coupling force applied upon initial coupling of the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> and/or the magnetic coupling force while the ride vehicle <NUM> is in the loading section <NUM> may be considered a baseline magnetic coupling force, which may be sufficient to facilitate coupling and/or maintain the engaged configuration <NUM> while the ride vehicle <NUM> is stationary. In this manner, the control system <NUM> may ensure that the visualization device <NUM> does not detach from the interface device <NUM> while the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the amusement section <NUM> during a ride cycle of the attraction <NUM>. That is, in the locked configuration of the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>, a force involved to magnetically decouple the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM>, such as when transitioning the visualization device <NUM> from the engaged configuration <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to the detached configuration <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), may be greater than, for example, a force acting on the visualization device <NUM> due to gravity, due to shaking or turning of the guest's head, due to inadvertent contact with the visualization device <NUM>, and/or due to accelerative forces acting on the visualization device <NUM> while the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the path <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM> may inhibit the user from detaching the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> while the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> is in the locked configuration. Accordingly, in order for the user to remove the visualization device <NUM> from the head of the user while the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the amusement section <NUM> of the path <NUM>, the user may remove both the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> as an assembly (e.g., while the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> are in the engaged configuration <NUM>). In this manner, the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> may ensure that both the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> remain physically (e.g., mechanically) coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> throughout a duration of the ride cycle (e.g., via the cable <NUM> tethered to the visualization device <NUM>).

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may be configured to transiently adjust the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM> while the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the path <NUM> (e.g., along the amusement section <NUM> of the path <NUM>), such as based on sensor feedback and/or ride data from the ride controller <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may provide the control system <NUM> with feedback indicative a motion of and/or force (e.g., an accelerative force) applied to the visualization device <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the path <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured to modulate the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM> based on the motion (e.g., velocity) of and/or the force (e.g., a magnitude of the measured accelerative force) applied to the visualization device <NUM> during the ride cycle. Particularly, the control system <NUM> may be configured to proportionally increase a magnitude of the magnetic coupling force (e.g., to a first magnetic coupling force; greater than the baseline magnetic coupling force) generated by the electromagnets <NUM> in response to an increase in the motion of and/or the accelerative force (e.g., as measured by the one or more sensors <NUM>) applied to the visualization device <NUM> during the ride cycle. Conversely, the control system <NUM> may be configured to proportionally decrease a magnitude of the magnetic coupling force (e.g., to a second magnetic coupling force less than the first magnetic coupling force and/or the baseline magnetic coupling force) generated by the electromagnets <NUM> in response to a decrease in the motion of and/or the accelerative force (e.g., as measured by the one or more sensors <NUM>) applied to the visualization device <NUM> during the ride cycle. In this way, the first magnetic coupling force may be applied as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels quickly along a steep drop in the path <NUM> and the second magnetic coupling force may be applied as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels slowly along a level portion of the path <NUM>, for example.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may adjust the magnetic coupling force (e.g., a magnitude of the magnetic coupling force) generated by the electromagnets <NUM> when the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> is in the locked configuration based on the attraction <NUM> in which the AR/VR system <NUM> is implemented. For example, when the AR/VR system <NUM> is implemented in a relatively high-speed attraction, the control system <NUM> may control the electromagnets <NUM> such that the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM> (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> is in the locked configuration) is relatively high. Conversely, when the AR/VR system <NUM> is implemented in a relatively low-speed attraction, the control system <NUM> may control the electromagnets <NUM> such that the magnetic coupling force generated by the electromagnets <NUM> (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> is in the locked configuration) is relatively low. To this end, operation of the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> may be customized based on the attraction <NUM> in which the AR/VR system <NUM> is to be implemented.

During an unloading stage, the control system <NUM> may operate the electromagnets <NUM> to selectively disengage the reaction plates <NUM> to facilitate transitioning the electromagnetic coupling system to an unlocked configuration, to thereby enable the user to transition the visualization device <NUM> to the detached configuration <NUM> with the interface device <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. That is, upon determining that the ride vehicle <NUM> has returned to the loading section <NUM> (or is in a separate unloading section) during the unloading stage of the ride cycle (e.g., the ride cycle is complete and/or the users have pulled on or attempted to remove their respective visualization device <NUM>), the control system <NUM> may transition the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> to an unlocked configuration (e.g., a state in which the electromagnets <NUM> are de-energized, transitioned to a low power state, or operated to repel the reaction plates <NUM>). For example, the control system <NUM> may reduce the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM>, may reverse a polarity of the electromagnets <NUM> to cause the electromagnets <NUM> to repel the reaction plates <NUM>, or may instruct the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> to perform another suitable action during the unloading stage to facilitate decoupling of the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> as disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may determine whether the user attempts to decouple the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> during the ride cycle of the attraction <NUM> based on a force applied to the visualization device <NUM>. <FIG> is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the process <NUM> for controlling the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> based on a measured force applied to the visualization device <NUM>. The process <NUM> includes monitoring, via the one or more sensors <NUM>, an actual force (e.g., accelerative force) applied to the visualization device <NUM> while the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the path <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. An expected force (e.g., accelerative force) applied to the visualization device <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along various sections of the path <NUM> may be known or empirically determined (e.g., via experimental testing).

As indicated by block <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may determine a deviation between the actual force applied to the visualization device <NUM> while the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along a particular section of the path <NUM> and an expected force that the visualization device <NUM> is expected to experience while the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along that same section of the path <NUM>. As indicated by block <NUM>, the control system <NUM> determines whether the deviation between the actual force and the expected force exceeds a threshold value. If the deviation between the actual force applied to the visualization device <NUM> and the expected force to be applied to the visualization device <NUM> exceeds the threshold value, the control system <NUM> may determine that the user is attempting to forcibly decouple to visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>. Upon such a determination, the controller <NUM> may initiate a corrective action, as indicated by block <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment, initiating a corrective action may include disabling the AR/VR content displayed on the electronic eyeglasses <NUM>, such that the user may no longer be presented with or be able to view any virtual features <NUM> on the displays <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, initiating a corrective action may include transitioning the electromagnets <NUM> to a de-energized state or otherwise reducing the magnetic coupling force, such that the user may decouple (e.g., or more easily decouple) the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the visualization device <NUM> may include a button <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG>) or other contact sensor that, when depressed or contacted by the user, initiates the correction action. Additionally or alternatively, initiating a corrective action may include increasing the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM>, such that the user may not decouple (e.g., or to require more force to decouple) the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>.

The following discussion continues with reference to <FIG>. In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may be configured to adjust the magnetic coupling force generated between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM> (e.g., when the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> is in the locked configuration) based on one or more characteristics (e.g., parameters) and/or preferences of the user currently utilizing the visualization device <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may instruct the electromagnets <NUM> to generate a first threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively high magnetic coupling force) upon identification of the user as an adult user, and may instruct the electromagnets <NUM> to generate a second threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively low magnetic coupling force), upon identification of the guest as a child user. As such, the control system <NUM> may adjust a force that may be involved to magnetically decouple the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> based on characteristics of the user utilizing the AR/VR system <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may identify the characteristics (e.g., adult, child) of user utilizing the visualization device based on feedback received from a weight sensor <NUM> (e.g., a load cell) that may be coupled to a seat <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> may evaluate the feedback received by the weight sensor <NUM> upon boarding of the user into the ride vehicle <NUM> and seating of the user on the seat <NUM> (e.g., while the ride vehicle <NUM> is in the loading section <NUM>). If the feedback received by the control system <NUM> indicates that the weight of the user is above a first threshold value, the control system <NUM> may identify the user as an adult user and control the electromagnets <NUM> to generate the first threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively high coupling force) when the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> is in the locked configuration. If the feedback received by the control system <NUM> indicates that the weight of the user is below the threshold value, the control system <NUM> may identify the user as a child user and control the electromagnets <NUM> to generate the second threshold or target magnetic coupling force (e.g., a relatively low coupling force) when the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> is in the locked configuration. Other variations in the magnetic coupling force at various times based on the characteristics of the user are also envisioned. For example, the magnetic coupling force in the unlocked configuration during the unloading stage may be greater for an adult than for a child to thereby make it easier for the child to separate the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM>. Furthermore, the magnetic coupling force to pull the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> together during the loading stage may be less for the adult than for the child to thereby provide more assistance to the child to join the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may utilize feedback from other sensors of the attraction <NUM> and/or the visualization device <NUM> in addition to, or in lieu of, the weight sensor <NUM>, to identify the characteristics of the guest utilizing the visualization device <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the attraction <NUM> may include a machine vision system <NUM> having a camera <NUM> that is configured to acquire images of the user. The machine vision system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the control system <NUM> and may analyze the image data acquired by the camera <NUM> to derive biometric data of a particular user utilizing the visualization device <NUM> to categorize the user as an adult user or a child user. The machine vision system <NUM> may be coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> or may be positioned at a suitable location along the platform <NUM>. In an embodiment, the machine vision system <NUM> may include one or more cameras <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) that are integrated with the visualization device <NUM> and configured to acquire image data of a face of the user when the visualization device <NUM> positioned on interface device <NUM> and/or near the head of the user. The machine vision system <NUM> may utilize image data acquired by the cameras <NUM> to categorize a user as, for example, an adult user or a child user in accordance with the techniques discussed above. It should be appreciated that the control system <NUM> may receive the characteristics and/or preferences related to the magnetic coupling force via an input by the user, an operator of the attraction <NUM>, a radiofrequency identification device carried by the user and readable by a reader that is communicatively coupled to the control system <NUM>, and/or any other suitable technique.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the visualization device <NUM> and a receptacle <NUM> (e.g., storage receptacle) configured to receive the visualization device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the visualization device <NUM> may be stored in the receptacle <NUM> when the visualization device <NUM> is not fitted on the interface device <NUM> of a guest (e.g., a passenger of the ride vehicle <NUM>). By way of example, the receptacle <NUM> may include a cavity or other storage region formed within a lap bar <NUM> or other restraint of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may be configured to utilize feedback from one or more sensors, such as from the proximity sensor <NUM> and/or the IMU <NUM> (e.g., an orientation sensor), to determine whether the 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 control system <NUM> may utilize feedback received from the IMU <NUM> to determine an orientation of the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., relative to a direction of gravity) along various axes. In an embodiment, an orientation, referred to herein as a storage orientation, of the visualization device <NUM>, when the visualization device <NUM> is positioned in the receptacle <NUM>, may be known and stored on, for example, the memories <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may determine that the visualization device <NUM> is in the storage configuration <NUM> upon receiving feedback from the IMU <NUM> that the visualization device <NUM> is in the storage orientation and/or upon receiving feedback from a proximity sensor <NUM> (e.g., the proximity sensor <NUM>) that, for example, a lens mount <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> is a threshold distance away from a mating surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> or in contact with the mating surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, an event or action may occur in response to the visualization device <NUM> being in the storage configuration <NUM>. For example, the lap bar <NUM> or other restraint may move (e.g., release) in response to the 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).

In an embodiment, the visualization device <NUM> includes a plurality of frontal electromagnets <NUM> (e.g., a subset of the electromagnets <NUM>, additional electromagnets) that are positioned along the lens mount <NUM>. The frontal electromagnets <NUM> may be configured to magnetically couple the visualization device <NUM> to a reaction surface <NUM> (e.g., a metallic plate, one or more permanent magnets, the mating surface <NUM>) when the visualization device <NUM> is in the storage configuration <NUM>. For example, upon determining that the user has transitioned the visualization device <NUM> to the storage configuration <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may transition the frontal electromagnets <NUM> to an energized state to secure the visualization device <NUM> in the receptacle <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may operate the frontal electromagnets <NUM> to vary the magnetic coupling force between the frontal electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction surface <NUM> at various portions or stages of the ride cycle. For example, the magnetic coupling force may be relatively low while the ride vehicle <NUM> is positioned along the loading section <NUM> of the path <NUM> during a loading stage (e.g., as the user enters the ride vehicle <NUM>). As such, the user boarding the ride vehicle <NUM> may grab the visualization device <NUM> in the receptacle <NUM>, apply sufficient force to the visualization device <NUM> to magnetically decouple the frontal electromagnets <NUM> from the reaction surface <NUM>, and couple to visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM> in accordance with the techniques discussed above. The magnetic coupling force may be relatively high while the ride vehicle <NUM> is positioned along the loading section <NUM> of the path <NUM> during an unloading stage (e.g., such that the frontal electromagnets <NUM> may firmly engage the reaction surface <NUM> after the user decouples the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> of the user and places the visualization device <NUM> in the receptacle <NUM>).

In an embodiment, if the control system <NUM> determines that the visualization device <NUM> is not being used by the user during a particular ride cycle or a particular portion of the ride cycle of the attraction <NUM> (e.g., due to an empty seat), the control system <NUM> may adjust operation of the frontal electromagnets <NUM> to generate the magnetic coupling force between the frontal electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction surface <NUM>. As such, the control system <NUM> may ensure that the visualization device <NUM> remains positioned within the receptacle <NUM> during execution of the ride cycle of the attraction <NUM> and does not become dislodged from the receptacle <NUM> due to accelerative forces that may be applied to the visualization device <NUM> throughout the ride cycle.

The control system <NUM> may determine that the visualization device <NUM> is not being used by the user during a particular ride cycle of the attraction <NUM> upon receiving feedback from the proximity sensor <NUM> indicating that the visualization device <NUM> is still within the receptacle <NUM> at the end of a designated boarding time of the ride vehicle <NUM> or that the visualization device <NUM> is still within the receptacle <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> exits the loading section <NUM>, for example. Additionally or alternatively, control system <NUM> may determine that the visualization device <NUM> is not being used by the user during a particular ride cycle of the attraction <NUM> upon receiving feedback from the weight sensor <NUM> and/or the machine vision system <NUM> indicating that the seat <NUM> corresponding to the visualization device <NUM> is unoccupied, for example.

It should be appreciated that electromagnets <NUM> that are used to couple the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM> may be used to hold the visualization device <NUM> within the receptacle <NUM> in addition to or as an alternative to the frontal electromagnets <NUM>. Furthermore, the interface device <NUM> and/or the receptacle <NUM> may include the electromagnets, and the visualization device <NUM> may include the reaction material. Additionally, it should be appreciated that any of the features discussed with reference to <FIG> may be combined in any suitable manner.

As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for facilitating quick and comfortable securement of a visualization device to an interface device of a user. Moreover, the embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate selectively retaining the visualization device in an engaged configuration (e.g., a coupled configuration, a locked configuration) with the interface device during certain time periods, such as during a ride cycle of an amusement park attraction. It should be understood that the technical effects and technical problems in the specification are examples and are not limiting. Indeed, it should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

While the embodiments set forth in the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. The disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

Claim 1:
An augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality, AR/VR, system (<NUM>), comprising:
an interface device (<NUM>) configured to be worn by a user and comprising a frame (<NUM>) supporting a reaction material (<NUM>), wherein the interface device is configured to be removably affixed to the head of the user, and wherein the reaction material (<NUM>) comprises a magnetically attractable material;
a visualization device (<NUM>) configured to display virtual features for visualization by the user, wherein the visualization device (<NUM>) comprises one or more sensors (<NUM>) and an electromagnet (<NUM>) configured to magnetically couple to the reaction material (<NUM>) of the interface device (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) electrically coupled to the electromagnet (<NUM>) and configured to adjust the operation of the electromagnet (<NUM>) to modulate a magnetic coupling force between the electromagnet (<NUM>) and the reaction material (<NUM>) whilst maintaining a coupling between the electromagnet (<NUM>) and the reaction material (<NUM>), based on feedback provided by the one or more sensors (<NUM>).