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.

Prior art systems used in amusement parks are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

According to the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality (AR/VR) system includes a wearable visualization assembly configured to be worn by a user and to display virtual features for visualization by the user during an amusement stage of an attraction, wherein the amusement stage occurs between a loading stage and an unloading stage of a ride cycle of the attraction, wherein the wearable visualization assembly comprises a sensor configured to provide feedback indicative of an attachment status of the wearable visualization assembly on the user; a retraction assembly coupled to the wearable visualization assembly via a tether and configured to retrieve the tether; and a controller communicatively coupled to the retraction assembly and the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate the retraction assembly to retrieve the tether to transition the wearable visualization assembly to a storage configuration in response to the feedback indicating that the wearable visualization assembly transitions from an attached configuration on the user to a detached configuration decoupled from the user during the amusement stage.

In another aspect of the invention, as defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a method of operating an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality (AR/VR) system, the method comprising: locking, via a coupling system, a visualization device to an interface device to provide a wearable visualization assembly configured to be worn by a user during an amusement stage of an attraction, wherein the amusement stage occurs between the loading stage and an unloading stage of a ride cycle of the attraction; generating, via a sensor of the wearable visualization assembly, feedback indicative of an attachment status of the wearable visualization assembly on the user; monitoring, via a controller, the feedback; and selectively actuating, via the controller, a retraction assembly coupled to the wearable visualization assembly to transition the wearable visualization assembly to a storage configuration in response to the feedback indicating that the wearable visualization assembly transitioned from an attached configuration on the user to a detached configuration decoupled from the user during the amusement stage.

In another aspect useful for understanding the invention but outside the scope of the claims, an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality (AR/VR) system includes a ride vehicle of an attraction and a visualization device coupled to the ride vehicle via a tether. The visualization device is configured to display virtual features for visualization by a user of the visualization device. The AR/VR system includes an interface device configured to be worn by the user and to engage with the visualization device. The AR/VR system also includes a retraction assembly coupled to the ride vehicle and the tether, where the retraction assembly is configured to retrieve the tether to reduce an extension length of the tether. The AR/VR system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the retraction assembly. The controller is configured to actuate the retraction assembly to retrieve the tether to transition the visualization device and the interface device to a storage receptacle of the ride vehicle in response to receiving feedback from a sensor indicating that the visualization device is detached from the user during a ride stage of the attraction.

Various refinements of the features noted above may be undertaken in relation to various aspects of the present disclosure. Further advantageous features are defined in the dependent claims.

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 includes 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 AR/VR system also includes a visualization device, such as a head mounted display (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, eyeglasses), which is configured to couple to the interface device (e.g., while the interface device is positioned on the head of the guest). Thus, the interface device enables the guest to wear the visualization device on the head of the guest. The visualization device may enable the guest to view certain virtual features. 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. For example, in some embodiments, the visualization device may be coupled to a ride vehicle of the attraction and configured to travel with the ride vehicle along a path of the attraction. As such, the guest may utilize the visualization device during a ride cycle of the attraction to view AR, VR, and/or mixed reality scenes.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a tether actuation system that enables controllable positioning and/or securement of the visualization device (and the interface device when the visualization device and the interface device are coupled together) within the ride vehicle. In an embodiment, the tether actuation system includes a tether (e.g., a cable) having a first end portion that is coupled to the visualization device and a second end portion that is coupled to a retraction assembly. The retraction assembly may be disposed within a restraint, such as a lap bar, of the ride vehicle and/or another support structure of the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle may include a storage receptacle that may be formed within the restraint and/or another support structure of the ride vehicle and that is configured to at least partially receive and engage with the visualization device. The tether may extend from the retraction assembly, through the storage receptacle, and to the visualization device. The retraction assembly includes an actuator (e.g., a drum, a spool, a liner actuator) that is configured to selectively retrieve (e.g., spool in, draw in, retract) the tether to decrease an extension length of the tether and to selectively permit release (e.g., unspooling) of the tether to increase the extension length of the tether. As used herein, the "extension length" of the tether may be indicative of a length of the tether extending between the storage receptacle and the visualization device.

A controller (e.g., a controller of the ride vehicle, a controller of the attraction, a separate controller) of the tether actuation system is configured to operate the retraction assembly to selectively retrieve the tether and/or enable release of the tether based on feedback (e.g., inputs), such as sensor feedback indicating a position of the visualization device relative to the head of the guest and/or ride data indicating a portion of the ride cycle being executed by the ride vehicle. For example, upon determining that the ride vehicle executes a loading stage or operation of the ride cycle (e.g., in which guests board into the ride vehicle), the controller may instruct the retraction assembly to enable release of the tether (e.g., such as when a guest grabs and pulls on the visualization device coupled to the tether). Accordingly, the controller enables a guest boarding the ride vehicle to grab the visualization device, which may be disposed within the storage receptacle, pull/draw the visualization device toward the head of the guest (e.g., to enable release of the tether from the retraction assembly and increase the extension length of the tether), and couple (e.g., engage) the visualization device with the interface device worn by the guest (e.g., disposed on the head of the guest).

The AR/VR system may include a coupling system (e.g., an electromagnetic coupling system) that, upon engagement of the visualization device with the interface device, facilitates retaining the visualization device in an engaged configuration (e.g., a coupled configuration) with the interface device. For example, the electromagnetic coupling system may include 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 (e.g., one or more strips of metallic material, permanent magnets, other electromagnets) that may be integrated with (e.g., coupled to) the visualization device, the interface device, or both. In an embodiment, the controller may selectively energize the electromagnets to lock (e.g., retain) the visualization device and the interface device in the engaged configuration throughout certain time periods. For example, the controller may lock the visualization device with the interface device (e.g., via activation of the electromagnets) to increase a coupling force to thereby inhibit decoupling of the visualization device from the interface device during, for example, an amusement stage of the ride cycle (e.g., a stage of the ride cycle between a loading stage and an unloading stage of the ride cycle). For clarity, the visualization device and the interface device, when in the engaged configuration, may be collectively referred to herein as a "wearable visualization assembly. " It should be appreciated that any of variety of types of coupling systems may be used to retain the visualization device in the engaged configuration with the interface device.

In some cases, during the amusement stage or another stage of the ride cycle, the guest may purposefully or inadvertently decouple the visualization device from the interface device or the entire wearable visualization assembly from the head of the guest. Or in some cases, the visualization device may become dislodged (e.g., decoupled) from the interface device or the entire wearable visualization assembly may become dislodged from the head of the guest. The tether actuation system includes a sensor, or a plurality of sensors, configured to detect removal of the separation of the visualization device from the interface device and/or separation of the wearable visualization assembly from the head of the guest. As an example, in an embodiment, the sensor(s) may include a contact sensor (e.g., a pulse sensor) and/or a proximity sensor that are configured to provide the controller with feedback indicative of whether the wearable visualization assembly is coupled to or decoupled from the head of the guest. Removal of the visualization device or the entire wearable visualization assembly from the head of the guest during an undesirable time period, such as during the amusement stage of the ride cycle, will be referred to herein as a "removal event" of the wearable visualization assembly.

Upon detection of the removal event (e.g., based on received sensor feedback), the controller instructs the retraction assembly to retract (e.g., spool in, draw in, or otherwise retrieve) the tether to reduce the extension length of the tether and to draw the visualization device or the wearable visualization assembly toward the storage receptacle. The controller may control retraction of the tether until the visualization device or the wearable visualization assembly engages with (e.g., contacts) the storage receptacle and transitions to the storage position or configuration. In an embodiment, upon transiting the visualization device or the wearable visualization assembly to the storage position, the controller may operate the retraction system to apply a threshold tension to the tether to force (e.g., compress) the visualization device or the wearable visualization assembly against a surface or other engagement feature of the storage receptacle. To this end, the controller may ensure that the visualization device or the wearable visualization assembly remains securely affixed and engaged with the storage receptacle throughout a remainder of the amusement stage and does not undesirably move about a cabin and/or seating area of the ride vehicle. That is, the tether actuation system is configured to transition the visualization device or the wearable visualization assembly to the storage position within the ride vehicle and to retain the visualization device or the wearable visualization assembly in the storage position upon detection of the removal event. Certain embodiments herein may generally refer to the wearable visualization device being retracted by the tether actuation system (e.g., due to the visualization device be engaged with and/or locked to the interface device) to facilitate discussion; however, it should be appreciated that the tether actuation system may also be operable to retract and/or to retain the visualization device, without the interface device, in the storage receptacle (e.g., due to the visualization device being decoupled from the interface device; during a ride cycle where a ride seat of the ride vehicle remains unoccupied and the AR/VR system is not utilized by a guest).

Additionally, in an embodiment having the electromagnets, the controller may deactivate or otherwise control the electromagnets in coordination with the ride cycle, such as to facilitate coupling of the interface device to the visualization device upon a determination that the ride vehicle is in the loading stage of the ride cycle, to lock the interface device to the visualization device during the amusement stage of the ride cycle, and/or to enable decoupling of the interface device from the visualization device upon a determination that the ride vehicle has completed the amusement stage of the ride cycle and entered the unloading stage of the ride cycle, for example. As such, prior to deboarding from the ride vehicle, the guest may separate the interface device from the visualization device regardless of whether the wearable device assembly was retracted into the storage position during the amusement stage of the ride cycle. If the visualization device was not returned to the storage position during the amusement stage of the ride cycle, the visualization device may be retracted into the storage position upon separation of the interface device from the visualization device after completion of the amusement stage of the ride cycle and during deboarding. Additionally, the controller may operate the retraction assembly to again enable release of the tether, such that another guest entering (e.g., boarding) the ride vehicle may withdraw the visualization device from the storage receptacle and equip the visualization device on the corresponding interface device of the guest in accordance with the aforementioned techniques. 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 another 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., via a tether <NUM>) 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 tether <NUM>) 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 a coupling system, such as an electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>. For example, 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> (e.g., attached configuration), 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 (e.g., separated) 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. As used herein, the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM>, when transitioned to the engaged configuration <NUM> via the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> or via another suitable coupling system, may be collectively referred to as a "wearable visualization assembly <NUM>. " Indeed, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> may be replaced with any other suitable coupling system (e.g., mechanical actuators, movable linkages) configured to facilitate transitioning the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> between the detached configuration <NUM> and the engaged configuration <NUM>. Moreover, it should be appreciated that, in further embodiments, the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> may be integrated with one another (e.g., non-separable; carried together throughout the amusement park by the user or remain together at the attraction, such as on the ride vehicle, for use by multiple guests over multiple ride cycles) and collectively form the wearable visualization assembly <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the AR/VR system <NUM> includes a tether actuation system <NUM> that couples the tether <NUM> to the ride vehicle <NUM> or to another suitable structure (e.g., a wall of a room, a seat in a theatre). As discussed in detail below, the tether actuation system <NUM> is operable to selectively permit slack in and/or extension of the tether <NUM>, such as while the user wears the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> during a particular ride stage of an attraction (e.g., an attraction having the ride vehicle <NUM>). In this manner, the tether actuation system <NUM> may ensure that an extension length of the tether <NUM> is sufficient to enable the user to look around (e.g., move their head) while wearing the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> during the ride stage, substantially without restriction from the tether <NUM>. Upon receiving an indication that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> detaches from the user during the ride stage of the attraction, the tether actuation system <NUM> selectively retrieves the tether <NUM> (e.g., to decrease the extension length of the tether <NUM>) to transition the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> to a storage configuration on or within a storage receptacle <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. To this end, the tether actuation system <NUM> may restrict movement of the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> upon detachment of the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> from the user, such that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> does not undesirably move about the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., within a cabin of the ride vehicle <NUM>) during a remainder of the ride stage. For clarity, as used herein, the "extension length" of the tether <NUM> may refer to a length of the tether <NUM> extending between a component of the tether actuation system <NUM> and a portion of the tether <NUM> coupled to the visualization device <NUM>.

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>. 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>. 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>.

In an embodiment, the interface device <NUM> includes one or more sensors <NUM> that, as discussed in detail below, may be communicatively coupled to a controller <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the visualization device <NUM> at least while the interface device <NUM> is coupled to the visualization device <NUM>. The one or more sensors <NUM> are configured to provide the controller <NUM> with feedback indicative of whether the interface device <NUM> is equipped on or coupled to the head of the user (e.g., in contact with or separated from the head of the user). As discussed in detail below, the controller <NUM> utilizes the feedback received by the one or more sensors <NUM> to determine whether the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in an attached configuration on the head of the user or is detached from the user. Although the one or more sensors <NUM> are shown as being coupled to the interface frame <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, in other embodiments, the one or more sensors <NUM> may be coupled to any other suitable component or components of the interface device <NUM>. For example, the one or more sensors <NUM> may be coupled to a portion of the head strap assembly <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), the mask <NUM>, the visor <NUM>, and/or another suitable component or region of the interface device <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> (see, e.g., <FIG>) 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).

In an embodiment, the tether <NUM> may electrically couple the electromagnets <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and/or any other suitable component of the visualization device <NUM> to a power supply <NUM>. In an embodiment, the power supply <NUM> may be coupled to and configured to travel with the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., along a path of the attraction). The controller <NUM> is configured to operate the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), the tether actuation system <NUM>, and/or any other suitable components of the AR/VR 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>, the tether actuation 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 tether actuation system <NUM>, components of the visualization device <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>. 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> (see, e.g., <FIG>) 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>; see, e.g., <FIG>) 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, and retaining the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> in, the engaged configuration <NUM>. In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may sufficiently energize the electromagnets <NUM> to lock (e.g., retain) the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> in the engaged configuration <NUM>. In such a locked configuration of the visualization device <NUM>, the magnetic coupling force between the electromagnets <NUM> and the reaction plates <NUM> may be sufficient to inhibit decoupling of the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> (e.g., via guest input and/or accelerative forces that may be applied to the interface device <NUM> during operation of the AR/VR system <NUM>). As noted above, any suitable type of coupling system may be utilized to inhibit decoupling the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> (e.g., when coupled together and/or in coordination with the ride cycle).

In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be configured to determine that the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM> based on feedback received from one or more sensors <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor, an inertial measurement unit [IMU]) of the visualization device <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may determine that the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM> upon receiving feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM> indicating that a portion of the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., one of the surfaces <NUM>; see, e.g., <FIG>) is within a threshold distance of and/or within a threshold orientational range of a corresponding portion (e.g., one of the receiving faces <NUM>) of 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>.

In an embodiment, the AR/VR system <NUM> includes a set of connectors <NUM> (e.g., electrical contacts) that facilitate communicatively and/or electrically coupling components of the interface device <NUM> to components of the visualization device <NUM>. For example, the connectors <NUM> may include a first connector <NUM> that is electrically coupled to the one or more sensors <NUM> and the controller <NUM> and may include a second connector <NUM> that is electrically coupled to the one or more sensors <NUM>. The first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to engage (e.g., contact) one another when the visualization device <NUM> is engaged with (e.g., coupled to) the interface device <NUM>. To this end, the connectors <NUM> may facilitate transmission of electrical power and/or data signals between, for example, the one or more sensors <NUM>, <NUM> and the controller <NUM>.

As briefly discussed above, the controller <NUM> may utilize feedback received from the one or more sensors <NUM> to determine whether the interface device <NUM> is in an equipped or attached configuration on the head of the user. That is, the controller <NUM> may utilize the received sensor feedback to determine an attachment status of the interface device <NUM>, and thus of the wearable visualization assembly <NUM>, on the head of the user. For example, upon engagement of the connectors <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., such as when the visualization device <NUM> is transitioned to the engaged configuration <NUM> with the interface device <NUM>), the controller <NUM> may receive feedback (e.g., data signals) from the one or more sensors <NUM>. The one or more sensors <NUM> may include a heartbeat sensor (e.g., an optical sensor; a sensor system having a light emitting diode and corresponding detector) configured to detect a heartbeat of the user, a proximity sensor configured to detect the head of the user, and/or other suitable sensor(s) that is coupled to, for example, a strap or other segment of the head strap assembly <NUM>. The heartbeat sensor and/or the proximity sensor may be configured to contact a portion of the head of the user and/or be positioned substantially adjacent to the head of the user when the interface device <NUM> is coupled to (e.g., equipped on) the head of the user. Thus, the controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in the attached configuration on the user upon receiving feedback from the heartbeat sensor indicating that the heartbeat of the user is detected (which indicates that the heartbeat sensor is in contact with the head of the user) and/or upon receiving feedback from the proximity sensor indicating that the proximity sensor is within a threshold distance of the head of the user. Conversely, the controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in the detached configuration (e.g., decoupled from the user) upon receiving feedback from the heartbeat sensor indicating that the heartbeat of the user is not detected (which indicates that the heartbeat sensor does not contact the head of the user) and/or upon receiving feedback from the proximity sensor indicating that the proximity sensor is not within the threshold distance of the head of the user.

It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the controller <NUM>, such that the connectors <NUM> may be omitted from the AR/VR system <NUM>. In such embodiments, the controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in the attached configuration on the user upon receiving feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM> indicating that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration with the interface device <NUM> and upon receiving feedback (e.g., wireless feedback) from the one or more sensors <NUM> that the interface device <NUM> is in contact with or within a threshold distance of the head of the user. Conversely, the controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is detached from the user upon receiving feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM> indicating that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration with the interface device <NUM> and upon receiving feedback (e.g., wireless feedback) from the one or more sensors <NUM> that the interface device <NUM> is not in contact with or within the threshold distance of the head of the user.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that, in an embodiment, some of or all of the one or more sensors <NUM> may be coupled to the visualization device <NUM> instead of the interface device <NUM>. As an example, in an embodiment, the one or more sensors <NUM> may include a proximity sensor <NUM> (e.g., optical sensor) that is coupled to the housing <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>. In an embodiment, an aperture may be formed within a portion (e.g., the interface frame <NUM>) of the interface device <NUM> and aligned with the proximity sensor <NUM> such that, when the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM>, the proximity sensor <NUM> may detect the head of the user through the aperture and without interference from the interface device <NUM>. The proximity sensor <NUM> may provide the controller <NUM> with feedback indicative of a separation distance between a portion of the housing <NUM> and a portion of the head of the user (e.g., a forehead of the user). The controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in the attached configuration on the user upon receiving feedback from the sensors <NUM> indicating that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration with the interface device <NUM> and upon receiving feedback from the proximity sensor <NUM> indicating that the separation distance between the portion of the housing <NUM> and the portion of the head of the user is below a threshold distance. Conversely, the controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is detached from the user upon receiving feedback from the sensors <NUM> indicating that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration with the interface device <NUM> and upon receiving feedback from the proximity sensor <NUM> indicating that the separation distance between the portion of the housing <NUM> and the portion of the head of the user meets or exceeds the threshold distance.

Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors <NUM> may include a camera <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>) or a plurality of cameras that may be coupled to the housing <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be located/oriented on the housing <NUM> such that, when the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM> on the interface device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> is appropriately coupled to the head of the user, the camera <NUM> is directed toward a portion (e.g., face, forehead) of the head of the user. In an embodiment, an aperture may be formed within a portion (e.g., the interface frame <NUM>) of the interface device <NUM> and aligned with a line of sight of the camera <NUM> such that, when the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM>, the camera <NUM> may acquire image data through the aperture and without interference from the interface device <NUM> (e.g., the interface device <NUM> does not obscure the portion of the head of the guest being imaged by the camera <NUM>). The controller <NUM> may, based on image data received from the camera <NUM>, determine a separation distance between, for example, a lens of the camera <NUM> and the portion of the head of the user. The controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in the attached configuration on the user upon receiving feedback from the sensors <NUM> indicating that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration with the interface device <NUM> and upon determining (e.g., based on analysis of the image data) that the separation distance between the lens of the camera <NUM> and the portion of the head of the user is below a threshold distance. Conversely, the controller <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is detached from the user upon receiving feedback from the sensors <NUM> indicating that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration with the interface device <NUM> and upon determining (e.g., based on analysis of the image data) that the separation distance between lens of the camera <NUM> and the portion of the head of the user meets or exceeds the threshold distance.

With the foregoing examples in mind, it should be appreciated that the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> may have any of a variety of components and use any of a variety of techniques to detect whether the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> are in the engaged configuration <NUM> to form the wearable visualization assembly <NUM>. It should also be appreciated that the visualization device <NUM> and the interface <NUM> may have any of a variety of components and use any of a variety of techniques to detect whether the visualization device <NUM> (or the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> when the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> are in the engaged configuration <NUM>) is in the attached configuration on the head of the user. The tether actuation system <NUM> may be controlled based on multiple inputs, such as whether the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> are in the engaged configuration <NUM>, whether the visualization device <NUM> (or the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> when the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> are in the engaged configuration <NUM>) is in the attached configuration, and/or the ride cycle (e.g., based on the ride stage). The tether actuation system <NUM> may move the visualization device <NUM> separately from the interface device <NUM> (when in the detached configuration) or with the interface device <NUM> (when in the engaged configuration). Therefore, it should be appreciated that examples herein that relate to retrieval of the visualization device <NUM> with the interface device <NUM> (e.g., movement of the wearable visualization assembly <NUM>) may instead include retrieval of the visualization device <NUM> on its own. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that any of a variety of coupling systems may be utilized to couple the visualization device <NUM> and the interface device <NUM> to one another, and some such coupling systems may be controlled in coordination with the tether actuation system <NUM> and/or the ride cycle (e.g., based on the ride stage).

<FIG> is a schematic of an embodiment of an attraction <NUM> that includes the AR/VR system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> or a base structure that may be configured to travel along 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 path or in any of a variety of other types of attractions). The path <NUM> may include a loading/unloading section <NUM> extending along a loading/unloading platform <NUM> of the attraction <NUM> and an amusement section <NUM> extending along a remaining portion of the path <NUM>. A seat <NUM> or other structure is coupled to the chassis <NUM> and configured to support a guest <NUM> (e.g., a user of the AR/VR system <NUM>) during a ride cycle of the attraction <NUM>. In an embodiment, a lap bar <NUM> or other restraint may be coupled to, for example, a support structure <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. The lap bar <NUM> may be configured to translate, rotate, or otherwise move between a disengaged position in which the lap bar <NUM> is positioned away from the guest <NUM>, and an engaged configuration in which the lap bar <NUM> is configured to secure and/or restrain the guest <NUM> within the seat <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a storage receptacle <NUM> (e.g., the storage receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) is formed within the support structure <NUM> and configured to receive the visualization device <NUM>. For example, the storage receptacle <NUM> may be sized and shaped such that, when the visualization device <NUM> is disposed in a storage configuration <NUM> within the storage receptacle <NUM>, at least a portion of the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., a contact surface <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM>) engages with (e.g., contacts) a receiving surface <NUM> (e.g., a lower surface) of the storage receptacle <NUM>. Although the storage receptacle <NUM> is shown as being formed in the support structure <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the storage receptacle may be formed within any other suitable portion of the ride vehicle <NUM>. As an example, the storage receptacle <NUM> may be formed in a portion of the lap bar <NUM>, in a portion of the ride vehicle <NUM> that is vertically above (e.g., with respect to gravity) the guest <NUM>, in a roof structure or roll cage of the ride vehicle <NUM>, or in any other suitable portion of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a passage <NUM> extends from an opening formed on the receiving surface <NUM> of the storage receptacle <NUM> to a retraction assembly <NUM> of the tether actuation system <NUM>. The tether <NUM> is configured to extend through the passage <NUM> and between the visualization device <NUM> and a retraction device <NUM> of the retraction assembly <NUM>. The retraction device <NUM> may include any suitable mechanism and/or actuator that is configured to selectively retrieve (e.g., draw in, spool in) the tether <NUM> to reduce an extension length of the tether <NUM> and to selectively enable release (e.g., unspooling) of the tether <NUM> to permit increase in the extension length of the tether <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the retraction device <NUM> may include a drum <NUM> that is driven by an actuator <NUM> and configured to selectively spool the tether <NUM> about an exterior of the drum <NUM> to decrease the extension length of the tether <NUM> and to selectively enable unwinding (e.g., unspooling) of the tether <NUM> from the drum <NUM> to permit increase in the extension length of the tether <NUM> (e.g., such as when the guest <NUM> grabs and pulls on the visualization device <NUM> in a direction extending away from the retraction assembly <NUM>). As discussed in detail below, the tether actuation system <NUM> is operable to selectively retrieve the tether <NUM> or enable release of the tether <NUM> based on feedback indicative of a current configuration status and/or attachment status of the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., engaged configuration and/or attached configuration) and/or in coordination with the ride cycle (e.g., based on operating parameters of the attraction <NUM> and/or feedback indicative of the ride cycle stage [e.g., loading stage, unloading stage, amusement stage] being executed by the ride vehicle <NUM>).

In an embodiment, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include a mobile controller <NUM> that is coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> and configured to travel with the ride vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction <NUM> may include a ride controller <NUM> that is separate from the ride vehicle <NUM> and disposed along a portion of the path <NUM>. The mobile controller <NUM> and/or the ride controller <NUM> may monitor and/or control certain aspects of the attraction <NUM>, such as a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or respective positions of other ride vehicles <NUM> along the path <NUM>. The controllers <NUM>, <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors <NUM> (e.g., global positioning system [GPS] sensors, inertial measurement unit [IMU] sensors, proximity sensors) coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or disposed along the path <NUM> and configured to receive feedback from the sensors <NUM> indicative of a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM>, a velocity of the ride vehicle <NUM>, an acceleration of the ride vehicle <NUM>, and/or another suitable parameter of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the controllers <NUM> and/or <NUM> may determine which ride stage of the ride cycle (e.g., unloading stage, loading stage, amusement stage) is being executed by the ride vehicle <NUM> based on feedback, such as feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM> and/or based on other inputs (e.g., timing signals; stored ride cycle data). The controllers <NUM>, <NUM>, may utilize feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mobile controller <NUM> and/or the ride controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the visualization device <NUM>, the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>, and/or the tether actuation system <NUM>. To this end, the controllers <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, the controller <NUM> to adjust operation of the visualization device <NUM>, the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>, and/or the tether actuation system <NUM> in accordance with the techniques discussed herein.

The mobile controller <NUM> and the ride controller <NUM> each include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a communication component <NUM> (e.g., for facilitating communication between the controllers <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>). The processors <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 processors <NUM> may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. The memory devices <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 devices <NUM> are a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media that may store machine-readable instructions for the processors <NUM> to execute to control aspects of the attraction <NUM>.

Throughout the following discussion, the controller <NUM>, the mobile controller <NUM>, and/or 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 controller <NUM>, the mobile controller <NUM>, the ride controller <NUM>, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the techniques may be distributed between the controller <NUM>, the mobile controller <NUM>, the ride controller <NUM>, and/or one or more other processing devices in any suitable manner.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process <NUM> for operating the tether actuation system <NUM> in a coordinated manner with the ride cycle of the attraction <NUM> and/or based on sensor feedback indicative of a current configuration or position of the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., engaged configuration and/or attached configuration). The following discussion continues with concurrent reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The process <NUM> may be executed by the control system <NUM>. The process <NUM> may include monitoring a loading operation being executed by the ride vehicle <NUM> during a loading stage of the ride cycle and operating the tether actuation system <NUM> based on associated control algorithms, as indicated by block <NUM>.

For example, during a loading stage of the ride cycle, the control system <NUM> may control the tether actuation system <NUM> in accordance with loading control algorithms (e.g., control protocols or instructions). When operating in accordance with the loading control algorithms, the control system <NUM> may instruct the tether actuation system <NUM> to enable release of the tether <NUM> (e.g., from the retraction assembly <NUM>), such as when a force (e.g., a tensile force) is applied to the tether <NUM>. As an example, the control system <NUM> may instruct the actuator <NUM> to enable free-spooling of the drum <NUM> upon application of the tensile force to the tether <NUM>. Accordingly, when the guest <NUM> boards (e.g., enters) the ride vehicle <NUM> during the loading operation (e.g., while wearing the interface device <NUM> on the head of the guest <NUM>; without having the visualization device <NUM> equipped to the interface device <NUM>), the guest <NUM> may grab the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., which may be positioned within the storage receptacle <NUM>), pull the visualization device <NUM> toward the head of the guest <NUM> (e.g., to increase the extension length of the tether <NUM>), and equip the visualization device <NUM> on the interface device <NUM> worn by the guest <NUM>. To this end, the guest <NUM> may pull on the visualization device <NUM> and/or the tether <NUM> to adjust the extension length of the tether <NUM> to a length that enables the guest <NUM> to move the visualization device <NUM> toward the interface device <NUM> worn on the head of the guest <NUM>. As noted above, in an embodiment, upon engagement of the visualization device <NUM> with the interface device <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may instruct the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM> to lock the visualization device <NUM> in the engaged configuration <NUM> with the interface device <NUM>. The transition to the engaged configuration <NUM> and/or being locked to the interface device <NUM> may be detected via the one or more sensors <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), for example.

In an embodiment, the drum <NUM> may be coupled to a spring-loading ratcheting mechanism that enables release (e.g., unspooling) of the tether <NUM> upon application of the tensile force to the tether <NUM> by the guest <NUM>, while blocking the drum <NUM> from retrieving (e.g., spooling in) the tether <NUM> upon removal of the tensile force. As such, the guest <NUM> may adjust the extension length of the tether <NUM> to a length that enables the guest <NUM> to comfortably move their head, while having the visualization device <NUM> equipped on the interface device <NUM>, substantially without interference (e.g., restriction) from the tether <NUM>. Thus, during the loading stage, the tether actuation system <NUM> may operate in a passive configuration in which the retraction assembly <NUM> may release any tension that may be applied to the tether <NUM> and enable release of the tether <NUM> (e.g., enable un-spooling of the tether <NUM>).

The process <NUM> may include monitoring an amusement operation being executed by the ride vehicle <NUM> during an amusement stage of the ride cycle and operating the tether actuation system <NUM> based on associated control algorithms, as indicated by block <NUM>. The amusement stage may occur between the loading stage and an unloading stage of the ride cycle and may include a time period during which the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the amusement section <NUM> of the path <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may determine that the ride vehicle <NUM> is executing the amusement stage based on sensor feedback (e.g., from the one or more sensors <NUM>) indicating a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the path <NUM> and/or based on an indication provided by ride control algorithms that may at least partially control operation of the attraction <NUM> and execute on the control system <NUM>.

As discussed above, in some cases, the guest <NUM> may purposefully or inadvertently decouple the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> from the head of the guest <NUM> and/or decouple the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> during the amusement stage of the ride cycle (e.g., if not locked together). Moreover, the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> may otherwise become dislodged (e.g., decoupled) from the head of the guest <NUM> and/or the visualization device <NUM> may disengage from the interface device <NUM> (e.g., if not locked together) during the amusement stage (e.g., due to forces applied to the visualization device <NUM> and/or the interface device <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the path <NUM>). Accordingly, during the amusement stage of the ride cycle, the control system <NUM> monitors an engagement status of the visualization device <NUM> with the interface device <NUM> and/or an attachment status of the visualization device <NUM> (or the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> when the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM>) on the head of the guest <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. In response to determining that the visualization device <NUM> is not engaged with the interface device <NUM>, the tether actuation system <NUM> is controlled to initiate a retrieval operation. According to the claimed invention, in response to determining that the visualization device <NUM> is not attached to the head of the user, the tether actuation system <NUM> is controlled to initiate the retrieval operation.

For example, in accordance with the techniques discussed above, the control system <NUM> may utilize feedback (e.g., from the one or more sensors <NUM>) to determine whether the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM> with the interface device <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. Upon detecting that the visualization device <NUM> is disengaged from the interface device <NUM> during the amusement stage (e.g., transitions to the detached configuration <NUM>), the control system <NUM> may instruct the tether actuation system <NUM> to initiate the retrieval operation to retrieve (e.g., retract) the tether <NUM> to direct the visualization device <NUM> toward and into the storage receptacle <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> may instruct the drum <NUM> to spool in the tether <NUM> until the contact surface <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> engages (e.g., contacts) the receiving surface <NUM> of the storage receptacle <NUM>. As such, the control system <NUM> may transition the visualization device <NUM> to the storage configuration <NUM> within the storage receptacle <NUM>. A sensor (e.g., one of the one or more sensors <NUM>) may detect and provide feedback indicative of the presence of the visualization device <NUM> within the storage receptacle <NUM>.

According to the invention as claimed, upon determining that the visualization device <NUM> is engaged with the interface device <NUM>, the control system <NUM> utilizes feedback from the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> and/or from the camera <NUM> to determine whether the visualization device <NUM> is attached to the head of the guest <NUM> (e.g., equipped on the head of the guest <NUM>) or detached from the head of the guest <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>. Because the visualization device <NUM> is coupled to the interface device <NUM> in the engaged configuration <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may determine the attachment status of the visualization device <NUM> (and of the wearable visualization assembly <NUM>) based on the attachment status of the interface device <NUM>. For example, upon receiving feedback (e.g., from the one or more sensors <NUM>) that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM> with the interface device <NUM> and receiving feedback (e.g., from the sensors <NUM> and/or <NUM>; and/or the camera <NUM>) that the interface device <NUM> is coupled to the head of the guest <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may determine that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in an attached configuration <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) on the head of the guest <NUM>, in which the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> (and the visualization device <NUM>) is coupled to the head of the guest <NUM>. Conversely, upon receiving feedback (e.g., from the sensors <NUM>) that the visualization device <NUM> is in the engaged configuration <NUM> with the interface device <NUM> and receiving feedback from the sensors <NUM> and/or <NUM>; and/or the camera <NUM> that the interface device <NUM> is decoupled from the head of the guest <NUM>, the control system <NUM> determines that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> (and the visualization device <NUM>) is in a detached configuration <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), in which the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is decoupled from the head of the guest <NUM>. Upon detecting that the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> decouples from the head of the guest <NUM> during the amusement stage (e.g., transitions to the detached configuration <NUM>), the control system <NUM> instructs the tether actuation system <NUM> to initiate the retrieval operation to retrieve (e.g., retract) the tether <NUM> to transition wearable visualization assembly <NUM> to a storage configuration <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) within the storage receptacle <NUM>, as indicated by block <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may instruct the tether actuation system <NUM> to apply a threshold tension to the tether <NUM> while the visualization device <NUM> is in the storage configuration <NUM> and/or while the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> is in the storage configuration <NUM>. To this end, the control system <NUM> may ensure that the tether actuation system <NUM> drives the contact surface <NUM> of the visualization device <NUM> against the receiving surface <NUM> of the storage receptacle <NUM> throughout a remainder of the amusement stage, such that the visualization device <NUM> and/or the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> remains disposed within the storage receptacle <NUM> and does not move about the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., move relative to the ride vehicle <NUM>) during the amusement stage, or until some designated time during the amusement stage at which the user may be permitted or instructed to reattach the wearable visualization assembly <NUM> to the head of the user.

Regardless of whether the retrieval operation is initiated during the amusement stage, the process <NUM> may include monitoring an unloading operation being executed by the ride vehicle <NUM> during an unloading stage of the ride cycle (e.g., that occurs upon completion of the amusement stage) and operating the tether actuation system <NUM> based on associated control algorithms, as indicated by block <NUM>. During the unloading stage of the ride cycle, the tether actuation system <NUM> may be configured to initiate the retrieval operation (e.g., if the visualization device <NUM> is not already in the storage receptacle <NUM>) in response to separation of the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> and/or in response to detecting that the visualization device <NUM> is not in the storage configuration <NUM> by a threshold time after separation from the interface device <NUM> and/or in response to detecting tension on the tether <NUM> that is indicative of the visualization device <NUM> being improperly placed (e.g., no longer held by the user, but not in the storage configuration <NUM>; hanging by the tether <NUM>; supported on some surface, but not on the receiving surface <NUM>). Thus, the tether actuation system <NUM> may operate to return the visualization device <NUM> to the storage configuration <NUM> during the unloading operation to protect the visualization device <NUM> and/or to clear space for the user to unload from the ride vehicle <NUM> and a next user to load onto the ride vehicle <NUM>.

As noted above, the coupling system, such as the electromagnetic coupling system <NUM>, may be operated in coordination with the ride cycle as well, such as to lock the visualization device <NUM> to the interface device <NUM> during the loading stage, to block separation of the visualization device <NUM> from the interface <NUM> during the amusement stage, and to unlock the visualization device <NUM> from the interface device <NUM> during the unloading stage.

In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may, upon determining that the seat <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> is vacant or unoccupied during initiation of the amusement stage of the ride cycle, instruct the tether actuation system <NUM> to apply the threshold tension to the tether <NUM> to ensure that the visualization device <NUM> (e.g., without the interface device <NUM>) remains disposed within the storage receptacle <NUM> and positioned in the storage configuration <NUM> throughout the amusement stage. In an embodiment, the control system <NUM> may determine whether the seat <NUM> is vacant based on feedback from the one or more sensors <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the one or more sensors <NUM> may include a weight sensor <NUM> (e.g., a load cell) disposed within the seat <NUM> and/or a vehicle camera <NUM> coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may determine that the seat <NUM> is unoccupied upon receiving feedback from the weight sensor <NUM> indicating that a force (e.g., weight) applied to the seat <NUM> is below a threshold value and/or upon receiving and analyzing image data from the vehicle camera <NUM> (e.g., indicating absence of the guest <NUM> during initiation of the amusement stage). Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may receive feedback from an operator of the attraction <NUM> indicating that the seat <NUM> is unoccupied or may determine the vacancy of the seat <NUM> in any other suitable manner.

As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for controlling positioning and securement of a visualization device, or both the visualization device and an interface device, within a ride vehicle of an attraction. Particularly, embodiments of the present disclose facilitate transitioning the visualization device, or both the visualization device and the interface device, to a storage configuration within a storage receptacle of the ride vehicle and retaining the visualization device and/or the interface device in the storage receptacle during various portions of a ride cycle of the 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 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:
a wearable visualization assembly (<NUM>) configured to be worn by a user and to display virtual features for visualization by the user during an amusement stage of an attraction, wherein the amusement stage occurs between a loading stage and an unloading stage of a ride cycle of the attraction, wherein the wearable visualization assembly (<NUM>) comprises a sensor (<NUM>) configured to provide feedback indicative of an attachment status of the wearable visualization assembly (<NUM>) on the user;
a retraction assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the wearable visualization assembly (<NUM>) via a tether (<NUM>) and configured to retrieve the tether (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the retraction assembly (<NUM>) and the sensor (<NUM>), wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to selectively actuate the retraction assembly (<NUM>) to retrieve the tether (<NUM>) to transition the wearable visualization assembly (<NUM>) to a storage configuration (<NUM>) in response to the feedback indicating that the wearable visualization assembly (<NUM>) transitions from an attached configuration on the user to a detached configuration decoupled from the user during the amusement stage.