HK40016432B - Systems and methods for layered virtual features in an amusement park environment - Google Patents

Description

Systems and methods for layered virtual features in amusement park environments

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/467,817, filed March 6, 2017, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIGITALOVERLAY IN AN AMUSEMENT PARK ENVIRONMENT,” which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

Technical Field

The topics disclosed in this article relate to systems and methods for providing users with augmented and virtual reality experiences by using wearable visualization devices that coordinate with fixed visualization devices.

Background Technology

Amusement parks and/or theme parks can include a variety of entertainment attractions, restaurants, and rides that are useful in providing fun to park guests (e.g., families and/or people of all ages). Areas within an amusement park can have different themes specifically targeted at certain audiences. For example, some areas may include themes that are traditionally of interest to children, while others may include themes that are traditionally of interest to more mature audiences. Typically, locations with themes associated with such an amusement park can be referred to as attractions or themed attractions.

Themed attractions can be created using fixed equipment, building layouts, props, decorations, and so on, most of which typically relate to a single theme. When creating different themes in the same location, features associated with the older theme can be replaced with features associated with the newer theme. Depending on the complexity of the theme at the location, this can prove very difficult and time-consuming when decorations, furniture, equipment, props, etc., may be removed or replaced. In fact, for certain types of attractions, relatively complex themes have become more common to provide guests with a more immersive experience.

It is now recognized that what is desirable is to include attractions that have the potential to alter their theme in a more flexible and efficient manner than traditional technologies, or to include or remove certain thematic features from such attractions. It is also now recognized that what may be desirable is to enhance the immersive experience for guests at such attractions and to provide guests with more personalized or customized experiences.

Summary of the Invention

The following provides an overview of some embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these certain embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover a wide variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

In one embodiment, a system for providing an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality experience to a user includes a first display and a second display. The user views a real-world environment through the first and second displays. The system includes a wearable visualization device including the first display and a fixed visualization device including the second display. The first display is configured to display a first layer of virtual features, and the second display is configured to display a second layer of virtual features. The system includes a processor configured to generate the first and second layer of virtual features. The processor is configured to operatively communicate with the wearable visualization device and the fixed visualization device to coordinate the presentation of the first and second layer of virtual features.

In one embodiment, a system for providing an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality experience to a user includes a passenger riding vehicle, a fixed visualization device, and a processor. The passenger riding vehicle is configured to traverse paths or tracks during a ride in an amusement park. The fixed visualization device includes a transparent display coupled to the passenger riding vehicle. The fixed visualization device is configured to overlay virtual features onto a real-world environment visible through the transparent display. The processor is configured to generate virtual features and coordinate the presentation of these virtual features with the riding effect of the riding device.

In one embodiment, a method for providing a user with an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality experience includes: using a processor to generate a first layer of virtual features and a second layer of virtual features. The method further includes: displaying the first layer of virtual features on a first display at a first display time in response to an instruction from the processor. The first display is disposed within a wearable visualization device. The method further includes: displaying the second layer of virtual features on a second display at a second display time in response to an instruction from the processor. The second display is disposed within a fixed visualization device, which is physically separated from the wearable visualization device.

Various refinements of the features mentioned above can be made with respect to various aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, additional features can be incorporated into these various aspects. These refinements and additional features can exist individually or in any combination.

Attached Figure Description

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same characters permeate the drawings to denote the same parts, wherein:

Figure 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a wearable visualization device and a computer graphics generation system that can be used in an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) system according to this embodiment;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device of Figure 1 according to this embodiment;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable visualization device of Figure 1 according to this embodiment;

Figure 4 is an illustration of a fixed visualization device and a wearable visualization device of the augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) system of Figure 1 according to this embodiment, which can be used in a passenger riding vehicle;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the passenger-riding vehicle of Figure 4, illustrating an embodiment of an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) system with fixed visualization equipment according to this embodiment;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the passenger-riding vehicle of Figure 4, illustrating an embodiment of an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) system according to this embodiment, featuring wearable and fixed visualization devices; and

Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for operating the augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) system of Figure 4 according to this embodiment.

Detailed Implementation

The following describes one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may differ from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will remain routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

This embodiment relates to systems and methods that provide augmented reality (AR) experiences, virtual reality (VR) experiences, mixed reality (e.g., a combination of AR and VR) experiences, or combinations thereof, as part of attractions associated with an amusement park or theme park. According to this embodiment, attractions need not be limited to the area of the amusement park. In fact, aspects of this disclosure can also relate to the implementation of attractions in locations beyond the boundaries of the amusement park, such as in hotels associated with the amusement park, or in vehicles transporting guests to and/or from the amusement park and/or hotel.

This embodiment includes combinations of, for example, the following: certain hardware configurations, software configurations (e.g., algorithmic structures), and certain attraction features, which can be utilized to realize AR, VR, and/or mixed reality experiences. Such experiences can provide amusement park guests with an attraction-filled experience that can be customizable, personalized, and interactive.

For example, this embodiment may include viewing devices, such as wearable visualization devices (e.g., electronic goggles or displays, glasses) and fixed visualization devices (e.g., transparent light-emitting diode [LED] displays, transparent organic light-emitting diode [OLED] displays), through which amusement park guests and staff can view AR, VR, and/or mixed reality scenes. It should be understood that the fixed visualization devices disclosed herein may be fixed and/or coupled to structures, such as passenger ride vehicles, building walls, etc. Fixed visualization devices may be physically separate from and distinct from wearable visualization devices. Certain implementations can be used to enhance the guest experience, for example, by virtually removing or adding features in the environment associated with the amusement park to provide an adjustable virtual environment for different experiences on the same ride, allowing guests to have the same viewpoint as another guest, etc.

Some attractions within an amusement park may include passenger rides that can be specifically designed to work with viewing devices, such as adding additional depth and/or realism to AR, VR, or mixed reality experiences. In one embodiment, the fixed visualization device may include a transparent display. In one embodiment, the conventional panels and/or windows (e.g., glass, acrylic) of the passenger ride's cabin can be replaced with a transparent display that can enhance the view outside the cabin by overlaying virtual images and/or videos onto portions or the entirety of the transparent display (e.g., a transparent LED display, a transparent OLED display). For example, in one embodiment, a transparent display could be used to display condensation as the passenger ride passes an animated character (e.g., a dragon) to create the illusion that the animated character is breathing on the passenger ride.

Additionally or alternatively, wearable visualization devices can be used to enhance passengers' perception of their environment. For example, wearable visualization devices can create the illusion of animated characters entering cabins (e.g., a dragon reaching into a cabin or breathing fire into a cabin), which may result in a more immersive experience for guests. Fixed and wearable visualization devices can be configured to operate independently or can be operatively coupled via a controller (e.g., a computer graphics generation system, one or more processors) that can synchronize and/or coordinate visualizations displayed on both fixed and wearable visualization devices. The controller can also synchronize and/or coordinate AR, VR, and/or mixed reality experiences provided by the wearable and/or fixed visualization devices with external electronic animals or other riding elements set up around the track surrounding the passenger's riding vehicle.

Furthermore, certain data can be collected from wearable visualization devices to enable more efficient use of computing power and/or other resources for targeted advertising, to provide rare virtual features (e.g., “Easter eggs”) for triggering effects or adjusting programming, and so on. For example, a ride control system can determine whether a passenger wearing a wearable visualization device is already looking in a certain direction (e.g., looking at a virtual image on a fixed visualization device) before initiating movement of the ride or initiating other changes (e.g., changing a virtual image on a fixed visualization device). Employee visualization data can also be collected. For example, a ride control system can determine whether the employee operating the ride is already looking in a certain direction (e.g., to confirm that no customer is entering the ride) before initiating movement of the ride. Visualization devices can also be used as ride operator heads-up displays (HUDs).

For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of an AR/VR system 10 configured to enable a user 12 (e.g., a guest, amusement park employee) to experience controlled AR, VR, and/or mixed reality scenes (e.g., watching, interacting with them). According to some embodiments, the user 12 may purchase or otherwise be provided with a wearable visualization device 14, which in some embodiments may include electronic glasses 16 (e.g., AR/VR glasses, goggles). As described further in detail below, the wearable visualization device 14 may include a wearable portion 18, shown as a headband, configured to accommodate at least a portion of the electronic glasses 16.

The wearable visualization device 14 can be used alone or in combination with other features to create a surreal environment 20, which may include AR experiences, VR experiences, mixed reality experiences, computer-mediated reality experiences, combinations thereof, or other similar surreal environments for the user 12. Specifically, the user 12 may wear the wearable visualization device 14 for the duration of a ride (e.g., a passenger riding a vehicle) or at other predetermined points such as during gameplay, at the entrance to a specific area of an amusement park, during a ride to a hotel associated with the amusement park, at a hotel, etc.

In one embodiment, the wearable visualization device 14 may include a device in which certain virtual features can be superimposed onto a transparent surface (e.g., glasses), or may include a device in which virtual features are superimposed onto substantially real-time video, or a combination thereof (e.g., the wearable visualization device 14 may be able to switch between transparent and opaque visualizations of the user 12). In one embodiment, the wearable visualization device 14 may include features such as light-projection features configured to project light into one or both eyes of the user 12, such that virtual features are superimposed onto real-world objects. Such a wearable visualization device 14 may be considered to include a retinal display.

Therefore, in one embodiment, user 12 can view a real-world environment through a set of generally transparent electronic glasses 16, wherein certain features are superimposed onto the surface of the electronic glasses 16 (or user 12's eyes), making user 12 perceive virtual features integrated into the physical environment. In one embodiment, user 12 can view a real-time video of a physical environment with superimposed virtual features.

In one embodiment, when wearing the wearable visualization device 14, the user 12 may feel completely surrounded by the surreal environment 20 and perceive that the surreal environment 20 is a real-world physical environment that includes certain virtual features. Specifically, in one embodiment, the wearable visualization device 14 can have complete control over the user 12's view (e.g., using an opaque viewing surface) such that the surreal environment 20 can be real-time video that includes real-world images 22 of the physical environment electronically merged with one or more augmented or virtual reality images 24 (e.g., virtual augmentation).

Real-world image 22 typically represents what user 12 will see, even when not wearing wearable visualization device 14. The term "real-time" indicates that the image is acquired and/or provided within a time frame substantially close to the actual observation time. More specifically, in other embodiments, wearable visualization device 14 may only partially control user 12's view (e.g., using a transparent viewing surface), such that surreal environment 20 is a real-world environment with augmented or virtual reality image 24 superimposed on the transparent surface or on user 12's eyes. According to further embodiments of this disclosure, augmented or virtual reality image 24 may function to superimpose real-world objects such that the objects appear to no longer exist or have been removed (e.g., real-world objects are completely or partially obscured using virtual object or virtual environment representations).

In one embodiment, and as illustrated in a cutaway portion of the wearable visualization device 14, to support the creation of various aspects of the surreal environment 20, the wearable visualization device 14 may include processing circuitry 25, such as a processor 26, and memory 28. The processor 26 may be operatively coupled to memory 28 to execute instructions for implementing currently disclosed techniques, such as generating real-world images 22 and/or one or more augmented or virtual reality images 24 (e.g., virtual features or images). These instructions may be encoded in a program or code stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory 28 and/or other storage devices. The processor 26 may be a general-purpose processor, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or some other similar processor configuration. Memory 28 and processor 26 may together form all or part of the AR/VR system 10.

In one embodiment, as further illustrated, the wearable visualization device 14 may also include a pair of displays 30 and 32 (e.g., which may be provided in front of the frame of the wearable visualization device 14, in which eyeglass lenses would otherwise appear), corresponding to each eye of the user 12 respectively. In one embodiment, a uniform display may be used. By way of non-limiting example, both of the respective displays 30 and 32 may include a transparent lens on which the augmented or virtual reality image 24 may be superimposed. In one embodiment, displays 30 and 32 may be display surfaces and may include features (e.g., circuitry, light emitters) located near their respective peripheries, configured to superimpose the augmented or virtual reality image 24.

Additionally or alternatively, displays 30 and 32 may include opaque liquid crystal displays (LCDs), opaque organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, or other similar displays useful for displaying real-world images 22 and augmented or virtual reality images 24 to user 12. In one embodiment, the respective displays 30 and 32 may both include transparent (e.g., see-through) LED displays or transparent (e.g., see-through) OLED displays, which allow, for example, user 12 to view the augmented or virtual reality images 24 appearing on the respective displays 30 and 32 as an overlay to the actual and physical environment (e.g., attractions associated with an amusement park or the interior of a passenger-riding vehicle). Such a configuration may also enable user 12 to view additional layers of virtual images appearing on other displays, as discussed in more detail below.

Cameras 34 and 36 of the wearable visualization device 14 may correspond to the viewpoints of user 12, respectively, and may be used to capture real-time video data (e.g., live video) or ambient light signals of the physical environment. In one embodiment, a single camera may be used. The wearable visualization device 14 may also include an additional camera for tracking the user's eye movements, which may be particularly useful in embodiments where virtual features are projected directly into the eyes of user 12. Communication features 38 of the wearable visualization device 14 (e.g., including a wireless transceiver) may transmit real-time data (e.g., video data, eye-tracking data) captured via the respective cameras 34 and 36 to processor 26 and/or computer graphics generation system 40 for processing.

As depicted, the wearable visualization device 14 can be communicatively coupled to the computer graphics generation system 40 (e.g., a server in an amusement park) via a wireless network 42 (e.g., a wireless local area network [WLAN], a wireless wide area network [WWAN], or near field communication [NFC]). However, in other embodiments, real-time video data captured via respective cameras 34 and 36 can be processed on the wearable visualization device 14 via the processor 26. Additionally, communication features 38 (e.g., a wireless transceiver, an input/output connector) connected to the processor 26 can enable the firmware and/or software included on the processor 26 and memory 28 to be updated and/or configured for a specific use. In one embodiment, the wireless network 42 can communicatively couple all or some components of the AR/VR system 10.

Other features of the wearable visualization device 14 may transmit orientation data, positioning data, viewpoint data (e.g., focal length, orientation, attitude), motion tracking data, etc., which are obtained and/or derived from data acquired via sensors of the wearable visualization device 14. Such sensors may include orientation and positioning sensors (e.g., accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, GPS receivers), motion tracking sensors (e.g., electromagnetic and solid-state motion tracking sensors), inertial measurement units (IMUs), and others.

In some embodiments, features (e.g., geometric aspects or markings) of the wearable visualization device 14 may be monitored by a monitoring system 41 (e.g., one or more cameras) to determine the location, position, orientation, etc. of the wearable visualization device 14, and consequently, the location, position, orientation, etc. of the user 12. The monitoring system 41 may be communicatively coupled to the computer graphics generation system 40 and may be used to identify the location, position, orientation, etc. of the user 12 (or multiple users).

The computer graphics generation system 40 includes processing circuitry 43, such as a processor 44 (e.g., a general-purpose processor or other processor), and memory 46, and can process real-time video data (e.g., live video), orientation and positioning data, viewpoint data, or any combination thereof received from the wearable visualization device 14 and the monitoring system 41. Specifically, the computer graphics generation system 40 can use this data to generate a reference frame to register the augmented or virtual reality image 24 to the physical environment, such as to the generated real-world image 22. Specifically, using the reference frame generated based on orientation data, positioning data, viewpoint data, motion tracking data, etc., the graphics generation system 40 can then render a view of the augmented or virtual reality image 24, and in one embodiment, render the real-world image 22 in a manner that is temporally and spatially commensurate with what the user 12 would perceive when not wearing the wearable visualization device 14. The graphics generation system 40 can continuously (e.g., in real-time) update the rendering of the real-world image to reflect changes in the corresponding orientation, positioning, and/or movement of the user 12. In some embodiments, the computer graphics generation system 40 can track such data corresponding to multiple users 12 (e.g., passengers riding in a vehicle), wherein each user 12 (or at least some users 12) has a corresponding wearable visualization device 14.

As described above, the wearable visualization device 14 includes several components and typically includes electronic glasses 16 configured to be worn on the head of user 12. Various different configurations and implementations of the electronic glasses 16 can be used, where different configurations may have different sizes and shapes to better accommodate the different sizes of different users 12, and different internal components (e.g., communication features, transducers, displays) to accommodate different implementations.

To provide additional flexibility and support for the electronic glasses 16, the wearable portion 18 of the wearable visualization device 14 can take various forms, with example embodiments depicted in Figures 2 and 3. In Figure 2, the wearable visualization device 14 includes a headband as the wearable portion 18. Such embodiments of the wearable portion 18 can include various materials configured to adapt to the movement of the user 12 while providing comfort (e.g., elastic materials, sweat-wicking materials, padding). It is recognized that it may be desirable to have separate wearable portions 18 and electronic glasses 16 so that the wearable portion 18 can be washed without risk to the processing circuitry 25 (Figure 1) of the wearable visualization device 14. However, in some implementations, the wearable portion 18 may incorporate one or more electronic components of the processing circuitry 25. In such embodiments, the electronic components in the wearable portion 18 may be sealed off substantially away from the environment to avoid damage.

An embodiment of the wearable portion 18 of Figure 2 includes a container area 60 configured to receive the electronic glasses 16 and maintain the positioning of the electronic glasses 16 relative to the eyes of the user 12 during use (Figure 1). In this regard, in one embodiment, the container area 60 may include a central portion 62 that can be fixed around the perimeter of the displays 30, 32 (Figure 1) of the electronic glasses 16, and a side portion 64 configured to surround (e.g., partially or completely) the arm 66 of the electronic glasses 16.

The central portion 62 of the container area 60 may include padding to accommodate the comfort of the user 12, while the headband provides sufficient compression against the user 12's head (e.g., for maintaining the positioning of the electronic glasses 16). In one embodiment, the central portion 62 may include one or more materials having a coefficient of friction against the skin that provides a suitable combination of stability and comfort. For example, a gel material commonly used in the nose area of the electronic glasses 16 may be appropriate.

As illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 3, the wearable portion 18 may include other features besides or in lieu of a headband. As depicted, the wearable portion 18 includes a cap 70 to be worn over the head of the user 12, and features similar to the headband illustrated in Figure 2. In some embodiments, and as shown, the cap 70 may include a securing area 72 in which the cap 70 overlaps with the headband portion 74. The securing area 72 may include a closure mechanism, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, an eyelet fastener, a button, a magnetic strip, etc., configured to enable securing between the cap 70 and the headband portion 74. In this way, the cap 70 can be separated from the headband portion 74, allowing them to be used separately, washed separately, etc. In one embodiment, the headband portion 74 may be integral with the cap 70 (e.g., sewn into the cap 70), making the headband portion 74 not easily removable from the cap 70.

The illustrated embodiment of the cover 70 includes a visor 76 for shielding the eyes of the user 12, and the electronic glasses 16 and their associated displays 30, 32 (FIG. 1) from strong light sources such as the sun, top lighting, etc. For example, the visor 76 may be particularly useful in embodiments where the displays 30, 32 operate based on optical reflection and/or are transparent or translucent. In such embodiments, the visor 76 may help enhance the perceived visual contrast of the augmented or virtual reality image 24 (FIG. 1) compared to the background of the physical environment.

The illustrated embodiment of the wearable visualization device 14 in Figure 3 also includes a display cover 78 configured to be placed over the displays 30, 32 (Figure 1) of the electronic glasses 16. The display cover 78 can provide a shielding effect for the displays 30, 32 to protect them from physical abuse, thereby providing a degree of opacity for enhanced contrast and visualization of the augmented or virtual reality image 24, for optical filtering, etc. The display cover 78 can include any suitable securing mechanism (such as a clip 79) configured to be removable and to attach the display cover 78 to the electronic glasses 16. Other securing features, such as temporary adhesives and/or hook-and-loop fasteners, can be used.

Turning now to Figure 4, which illustrates an embodiment of AR/VR system 10, which may additionally include a fixed visualization device 80, which may consist of one or more transparent displays 82. It should be understood that the fixed visualization device 80 disclosed herein may be fixed and/or coupled to a structure such as a passenger-riding vehicle 86, a building wall, etc. The fixed visualization device 80 may be physically separate from and distinct from the wearable visualization device 14. The fixed visualization device 80 may be used in place of or in conjunction with the wearable visualization device 14 of Figure 1. Accordingly, the transparent displays 82 may be used to replace or enhance the AR, VR, and/or mixed reality experiences generated by the wearable visualization device 14. In one embodiment, the fixed visualization device 80 may add an additional layer of augmented or virtual reality features that are perceptible to the user 12.

In one embodiment, the transparent display 82 may be coupled to the cabin 84 of the passenger ride vehicle 86. Following the foregoing ideas, it may be useful to first describe an embodiment of an setup in which the AR/VR system 10 can be used in an amusement park 90, as schematically illustrated in Figure 4. As illustrated, the amusement park 90 may include thrill rides 92, amusement park facilities 94 (e.g., game areas, hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops), shopping malls, and additional entertainment attractions 96 (e.g., Ferris wheel, dark rides). In some embodiments, the thrill rides 92 may include roller coasters or other similar thrill rides 92, and may therefore further include paths, such as a closed-loop track 98 (e.g., a track 98 several miles long) set around the surrounding physical environment 100 (e.g., park facilities 94, additional entertainment attractions 96). The track 98 may be provided as infrastructure over which the passenger ride vehicle 86 can pass, for example, when a passenger 102 (e.g., user 12 of Figure 1) rides the thrill ride 92. Although only one passenger 102 is shown in the illustrated embodiment, the passenger vehicle 86 can be configured to accommodate one, two, three, four, five or more passengers 102.

Track 98 can thus limit the movement of the passenger riding vehicle 86. However, in one embodiment, track 98 can be replaced by a controlled path, in which the movement of the passenger riding vehicle 86 can be controlled via electronic systems, magnetic systems, or other similar system infrastructure besides track 98. In other words, the riding path of the passenger riding vehicle 86 can be non-physically constrained to a precise path, thereby allowing the passenger 102 some degree of control over the movement path, viewpoint, etc.

As the passenger ride vehicle 86 traverses track 98, a tour of the physical environment 100 can be provided to the passenger 102 in or around the thrill ride device 92. The passenger ride vehicle 86 may additionally move past robotic devices (e.g., an animatronic character 97), which may be configured to mimic humans or animals, or to bring realistic characteristics to other inanimate objects. The animatronic character 97 may be positioned around a portion of track 98 and may be configured to interact with the passenger 102 as the passenger ride vehicle 86 traverses track 98 (e.g., startle the passenger 102 and/or surprise the passenger 102). The animatronic character 97 may be driven by pneumatic, hydraulic, electric motors, or any additional components used to actuate the animatronic character 97. While the passenger 102 may find the thrill ride device 92 a very enjoyable experience, enhancing the passenger 102's riding experience may be useful. Specifically, instead of a physical view consisting only of a physical environment 100, additional entertainment attractions 96, and/or electronically animated characters 97 set up around the track 98, it may be useful to provide passengers 102 with additional AR, VR, or mixed reality experiences. This can be accomplished by using wearable visualization devices 14, fixed visualization devices 80, or both, as passengers ride the vehicle 86 along the track 98 of the thrill ride 92.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the AR/VR system 10, in which a passenger 102 can use a fixed visualization device 80. As described above, the transparent display 82 of the fixed visualization device 80 can be a transparent LED display, a transparent OLED display, or any display suitable for the application. The transparent display 82 can be substantially and/or completely transparent when not stimulated. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the transparent display 82 can be integrated into a portion of the cabin 84 (such as a side panel 88), which can create the illusion of a conventional window (e.g., a glass window, an acrylic window). Additionally or otherwise, the transparent display 82 can be coupled to any part of the passenger riding vehicle 86 (e.g., the front, rear, top, floor). Thus, the passenger 102 can view the physical environment 100 through the transparent display 82 (e.g., such as through a conventional window). In one embodiment, the transparent display 82 may be stimulated (e.g., continuously or periodically at certain times) to be substantially and/or completely opaque, which can create the illusion that the cabin 84 is completely enclosed by solid walls or panels (e.g., lacking conventional windows).

In one embodiment, certain virtual features may be overlaid onto the surface of the transparent display 82. A passenger 102 can view the physical environment 100 through one or more lines of sight 110, which may be created when the passenger 102 views through the transparent display 82. The transparent display 82 may be used to overlay augmented or virtual reality images 112 onto the passenger 102's lines of sight 110. In this way, the passenger 102 can perceive that virtual features are integrated within the physical environment 100 (e.g., physically present within the physical environment 100). For example, the transparent display 82 may only partially obscure the passenger 102's lines of sight 110 (e.g., using a transparent viewing surface), such that the physical environment 100 seen by the passenger 102 is the actual environment with the augmented or virtual reality images 112 overlaid on the transparent viewing surface of the transparent display 82. In one embodiment, the passenger 102 can view a live video of the physical environment 100 with overlaid virtual features on the transparent display 82.

In one embodiment, a fixed visualization device 80 may be operatively coupled to processing circuitry 116, which may be coupled to a passenger riding vehicle 86. Processing circuitry 116 may include a processor 118 (e.g., a general-purpose processor or other processor), communication features 119 (e.g., a wireless transceiver), and memory 120. Processor 118 may be operatively coupled to memory 120 to execute instructions for implementing techniques currently disclosed, such as generating real-world images 121 (e.g., real-time video of the physical environment 100) and/or augmented or virtual reality images 112. These instructions may be encoded in a program or code stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory 120 and/or other storage devices. Processor 118 may be a general-purpose processor, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or some other similar processor configuration. In one embodiment, as the passenger riding vehicle 86 traverses the track 98 of the thrill ride 92, the passenger 102 may view the augmented or virtual reality images 112 and the surrounding physical environment 100 via a transparent display 82. Processing circuitry 116 may be communicatively coupled to computer graphics generation system 40 (e.g., in an amusement park) via communication feature 119 and/or wireless network 42. In one embodiment, processing circuitry 116 may operate independently of computer graphics generation system 40. As discussed in more detail herein, fixed visualization device 80 may be operatively coupled to processor 26 (FIG. 1) of wearable visualization device 14 (FIG. 1), thereby enabling augmented or virtual reality image 112 of fixed visualization device 80 to be synchronized and/or coordinated with augmented or virtual reality image 24 (FIG. 1) of wearable visualization device 14.

In one embodiment, real-time video data (e.g., live video data) can be received from a camera 122 coupled to the exterior of the passenger riding vehicle 86. Although only one camera 122 is depicted in the illustrated embodiment, the passenger riding vehicle 86 may support one, two, three, four, five, or more cameras 122 to capture real-world images 121 of the physical environment 100 surrounding the passenger riding vehicle 86. Processing circuitry 116 may process the real-time video data to generate a realistic text image 121 and display it on a transparent display 82. In one embodiment, the real-world image 121 may be pre-recorded and stored in the memory 120 of the processing circuitry 116. Additionally, the processing circuitry 116 may collect orientation and positioning data, viewpoint data, or any combination thereof received from the camera 122 and/or additional sensors 124 that may be coupled to the passenger riding vehicle 86. Specifically, the processing circuit 116 can use the data to generate a reference frame, which can register and synchronize and/or coordinate the generated augmented or virtual reality image 112 to the real-world image 121 and/or physical environment 100, which the passenger 102 can view through the line of sight 110.

For example, processing circuitry 116 can use data collected by camera 122 and/or sensor 124 to generate a real-world image 121 of the physical environment 100 onto transparent display 82. Specifically, using a reference frame generated based on orientation data, positioning data, viewpoint data, motion tracking data, etc., processing circuitry 116 can then render a view of augmented or virtual reality image 112, and in one embodiment, render the real-world image 121 in a manner that is temporally and spatially commensurate with what the passenger 102 would perceive when viewing the surrounding environment through a conventional window (e.g., a glass window). Processing circuitry 116 can continuously (e.g., in real time) update the rendering of augmented or virtual reality image 112 and/or real-world image 121 to reflect changes in the corresponding orientation, positioning, and/or movement of the passenger 102's gaze 110.

Additionally or otherwise, processing circuitry 116 may enhance the physical environment 100 or realistic textual images 121 of the physical environment 100 to improve the riding experience of passenger 102 (e.g., changing the physical environment 100 to match the theme of track 98). For example, transparent display 82 may render raindrops or snowfall to enhance the view of the physical environment 100 through transparent display 82. In one embodiment, transparent display 82 may partially or completely cover the view of the physical environment 100 using enhanced or virtual reality images 112 of a fictional setting (e.g., jungle, external space, etc.).

Processing circuitry 116 can control the timing of riding effects or elements (e.g., an animated character 97) that can interact with passenger 102. In one embodiment, the timing of the riding effects can also be controlled by computer graphics generation system 40, a separate riding control system 126, or a combination of both. As the passenger rides vehicle 86 across track 98, the riding effects can be synchronized and/or coordinated with augmented or virtual reality images 112 displayed on transparent display 82. By synchronizing and/or coordinating the riding effects with the augmented or virtual reality images 112, the immersive experience of the thrill ride device 92 for passenger 102 can be enhanced.

The riding effect can be configured to interact with the passenger vehicle 86 as it traverses the track 98 of the thrill ride device 92. For example, in one embodiment, an animated character 97 can temporarily block the track 98 in front of the passenger vehicle 86, thereby creating the illusion that the passenger vehicle 86 may collide with the animated character 97. In one embodiment, the animated character 97 (e.g., a dragon) can be configured to provide the illusion of attacking the passenger vehicle 86 (e.g., breathing flames in the direction of the passenger vehicle 86). While the passenger 102 may find interacting with the animated character 97 a very thrilling experience, in one embodiment, it may be useful to enhance the passenger's riding experience with augmented or virtual reality images 112 that can be synchronized and/or coordinated with the movement of the animated character 97.

For example, in one embodiment, the transparent display 82 can overlay glass cracks 128 or damage 130 (e.g., discoloration or charring from flames) onto the passenger 102's line of sight 110. This can further enhance the realism of the animated character 97 perceived by the passenger 102. In one embodiment, the transparent display 82 can overlay condensation 132 (e.g., from a breathing animal) onto the line of sight 110, which can create the illusion that the passenger 102 perceives the animated character 97 very close to the passenger riding vehicle 86. Additionally or otherwise, any desired augmented or virtual reality image 112 can be generated on the transparent display 82, which can enhance the realism of special effects. For example, the augmented or virtual reality image 112 may include insect splashes, hail damage, and/or dust coverage, which can enhance the realism of the thrill ride 92.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of AR/VR system 10 in which passenger 102 simultaneously uses both the wearable visualization device 14 of Figure 1 and the fixed visualization device 80 of Figure 5. As described above, the wearable visualization device 14 can be used in conjunction with the fixed visualization device 80 to enhance passenger 102's immersive AR, VR, and/or mixed reality experience. For example, in one embodiment, the wearable visualization device 14 can be used to enhance the physical environment 100 within cabin 84 by overlaying virtual features (such as augmented or virtual reality images 24) onto passenger 102's eyes. Accordingly, the wearable visualization device 14 can create a surreal environment 20 within cabin 84 of the passenger riding vehicle 86. In one embodiment, a transparent display 82 can enhance the physical environment 100 outside cabin 84 by overlaying virtual features (such as augmented or virtual reality images 112) onto passenger 102's line of sight 110. In this way, passenger 102 can simultaneously or in a coordinated manner view augmented or virtual reality images 24 on wearable visualization device 14 and augmented or virtual reality images 112 on the transparent display 82 of fixed visualization device 80. Alternatively, wearable visualization device 14 can create a surreal environment 20 outside the cabin 84 of passenger riding vehicle 86. In this way, transparent display 82 can overlay virtual features in the foreground, and wearable visualization device 14 can enhance details in the background.

In one embodiment, the transparent display 82 may show media, such as glass cracks 128, damage 130, and/or condensation 132, that appear to affect the exterior of the passenger-riding vehicle 86. In one embodiment, the wearable visualization device 14 may additionally generate the illusion that media (e.g., moisture or condensation 132) enter the cabin 84 of the passenger-riding vehicle 86. This can create multiple layers of virtual features within AR experiences, VR experiences, mixed reality experiences, computer-mediated reality experiences, or combinations thereof. Although only two layers of virtual features are depicted in the illustrated embodiment, the AR/VR system 10 can be configured to generate 1, 2, 3, 4, or more layers of virtual features that the passenger 102 can interact with. For example, multiple transparent displays 82 may be coupled to the cabin 84 of the passenger-riding vehicle 86 in a sequential, layered manner (e.g., stacked relative to each other), such that each transparent display 82 can generate one layer of virtual features.

For example, passenger 102 can view the scene through electronic glasses 16 (FIG. 1) of wearable visualization device 14, which can generate a first layer of virtual features (e.g., augmented or virtual reality image 24). Passenger 102 can additionally view the transparent display 82 of fixed visualization device 80 (e.g., through electronic glasses 16 of wearable visualization device 14), which can create a second layer of virtual features (e.g., augmented or virtual reality image 112). AR/VR system 10 can be configured to generate first-layer virtual features, second-layer virtual features, additional-layer virtual features, or any combination thereof to create AR, VR, and/or mixed reality experiences for passenger 102.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the AR/VR system 10 can alter the surrounding physical environment 100 (e.g., amusement park 90) perceived by the passenger 102 through augmented or virtual reality images 112 generated by a fixed visualization device 80, and the AR/VR system 10 can create a surreal environment 20 within the cabin 84 by using a wearable visualization device 14. In one embodiment, the wearable visualization device 14 can additionally alter the surrounding physical environment 100 in combination with or in place of a transparent display 82.

The augmented or virtual reality images 24 and/or 112 of the wearable visualization device 14 and the fixed visualization device 80 can be synchronized and/or coordinated by the processor 26 (FIG. 1) of the wearable visualization device 14, the processor 44 (FIG. 1) of the computer graphics generation system 40, the processor 118 of the fixed visualization device 80, an additional external processor (e.g., such as in the riding control system 126), or any combination thereof. Synchronization and/or coordination may involve adjusting the reference frame of the virtual features based on orientation data, positioning data, viewpoint data, motion tracking data, or additional data collected by the AR/VR system 10.

Processors 26, 44, 118, or any combination thereof, may communicate via wireless network 42 and may additionally synchronize and/or coordinate augmented or virtual reality images 24 and/or 112 with riding effects (e.g., an animated character 97). In one embodiment, a separate computer synchronization system (e.g., riding control system 126) may be used to synchronize and/or coordinate augmented or virtual reality images 24 and/or 112 with riding effects.

In one embodiment, the processing circuitry 116 of the fixed visualization device 80 can offload a portion of the processing power that the processing circuitry 25 (FIG. 1) of the wearable visualization device 14 might require. The processing circuitry 116 of the fixed visualization device 80 can have fewer space constraints than the processing circuitry 25 of the wearable visualization device 14. This allows the processing circuitry 116 of the fixed visualization device 80 to implement a larger and/or more powerful processor 118. Accordingly, the transparent display 82 can generate and display most of the augmented or virtual reality images 112 required during the thrill ride 92, while the wearable visualization device 14 can generate only smaller details (e.g., creating a surreal environment 20 within the cabin 84).

Furthermore, a fixed visualization device 80 can render certain virtual features more efficiently than a wearable visualization device 14. For example, it might be desirable to create the illusion that an animatronic character 97 applies feature 136 (e.g., a perforation) to the window of the cabin 84 of the passenger riding vehicle 86 as part of a special effect of the thrill ride 92. In one embodiment, a fixed visualization device 80 could be used to create the illusion that feature 136 has been applied to the window of the cabin 84 (e.g., a transparent display 82). To provide such feature 136 via a wearable visualization device 14, the wearable visualization device 14 may need to continuously capture real-world images 22 and/or update the positioning of feature 136 on the electronic glasses 16, which could require considerable processing power. For example, when the viewpoint of passenger 102 changes (e.g., passenger 102 rotates or moves relative to the window), in order to ensure that feature 136 remains stationary (e.g., the perforation does not move relative to the window of cabin 84), the wearable visualization device 14 may need to continuously capture real-world images 22 and/or update the positioning of feature 136 on the electronic glasses 16. In such a case, providing feature 136 via a fixed visualization device 80 may be more efficient.

In one embodiment, AR/VR system 10 may alternatively provide feature 136 on transparent display 82. In one embodiment, AR/VR system 10 may use electronic glasses 16 to overlay an augmented or virtual reality image 24 of details that may be associated with feature 136 (e.g., a shard of glass originating from a hole in a window) onto the eyes of passenger 102, such that the detail appears at an appropriate location relative to feature 136. Accordingly, in one embodiment, wearable visualization device 14 may generate only a smaller augmented or virtual reality image 24 (e.g., details, such as a shard of glass), while fixed visualization device 80 may generate the majority of the augmented or virtual reality image 112, which includes features that remain stationary relative to passenger riding vehicle 86 (e.g., feature 136, such as a hole). In operation, passenger 102 can view feature 136 and the interior of cabin 84 generated by transparent display 82 through substantially transparent electronic glasses 16 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, the positioning of feature 136 relative to the window of passenger riding vehicle 86 (e.g., transparent display 82) can remain constant regardless of the orientation and/or viewpoint of passenger 102. This significantly reduces the processing power required by the wearable visualization device 14 compared to using the wearable visualization device 14 to generate features such as feature 136. Therefore, the combination of the wearable visualization device 14 and the fixed visualization device 80, along with the coordination of these devices 14 and 18 by the AR/VR system 10, provides a more dynamic and efficient system that overcomes the limitations of using the wearable visualization device 14 alone to create AR, VR, and/or mixed reality experiences for passenger 102.

In one embodiment, as the passenger rides the vehicle 86 through the thrill ride device 92, the augmented or virtual reality image 24 generated by the wearable visualization device 14 and the augmented or virtual reality image 112 generated by the fixed visualization device 80 are synchronized and/or coordinated, so that the virtual features experienced by the passenger 102 can be perceived as more realistic than when the wearable visualization device 14 or the fixed visualization device 80 is used alone. For example, animated features (e.g., explosions) can be integrated as part of the theme of the thrill ride device 92. The animated features can first be generated by the transparent display 82 and superimposed onto the surrounding physical environment 100 viewed by the passenger 102. The transparent display 82 can then generate illusions of features, such as cracks 128 within a window (e.g., the transparent display 82), and can subsequently generate the illusion of a broken window (e.g., creating shards of glass). The wearable visualization device 14 can then generate the illusion of debris (e.g., shards of glass) floating through the cabin 84 of the passenger ride vehicle 86. Accordingly, wearable visualization device 14 and fixed visualization device 80 can create multi-layered augmented or virtual reality experiences for passenger 102.

Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a process 140 for providing AR/VR enhancements to amusement park guests (e.g., passenger 102). Process 140 may be useful in creating AR, VR, and/or mixed reality experiences during amusement park experiences (such as thrill ride 92). Process 140 may represent initiation code or instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memories 28, 46, 120) and executed, for example, by processor 26 of wearable visualization device 14, processor 44 of computer graphics generation system 40, and/or processor 118 of fixed visualization device 80. Processors 26, 44, and/or 118 may be communicatively coupled via a network such as wireless network 42 to receive and send instructions described below.

The method 140 may begin at box 142 to generate AR/VR enhancements (e.g., virtual features), such as enhanced or virtual reality images 24, 112. The AR/VR enhancements may be provided by wearable visualization device 14, fixed visualization device 80, additional visualization device, or any combination thereof. The AR/VR enhancements may be generated by processing circuitry 25 of wearable visualization device 14, computer graphics generation system 40, processing circuitry 116 of fixed visualization device 80, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the wearable visualization device 14 may include a transparent or semi-transparent display surface (e.g., displays 30, 32) and project the augmented or virtual reality image 24 into the eyes of the passenger 102. Additionally or alternatively, as discussed in more detail below, the fixed visualization device 80 may also be configured to include a transparent or semi-transparent display surface (e.g., a transparent display 82) that displays the augmented or virtual reality image 112 onto the passenger 102's line of sight 110. For example, the augmented or virtual reality image 112 may obscure a portion of the passenger 102's line of sight 110 (e.g., the passenger 102 can still see a portion of the physical environment 100 through the transparent display 82), thereby creating the illusion that the augmented or virtual reality image 112 is part of the physical environment 100.

Turning now to box 144, process 140 may include steps, or a series of steps, in which the wearable visualization device 14 may overlay or superimpose one or more augmented or virtual reality images 24 (e.g., via displays 30, 32) onto the physical environment 100 to generate a first layer of virtual features for the passenger 102 to view. For example, processors 26, 44, 118 may overlay or superimpose the augmented or virtual reality images 24 onto a transparent or translucent display surface (e.g., displays 30, 32), thus generating a first layer of virtual features through which the passenger 102 can view the physical environment 100. In one embodiment, the passenger 102 may view the physical environment 100 through transparent portions of displays 30, 32, while the wearable visualization device 14 may only utilize the augmented or virtual reality images 24 to obscure a portion of displays 30, 32. In one embodiment, processors 26, 44, 118 may use one or more video merging and/or optical merging techniques to generate augmented or virtual reality images and/or overlay the augmented or virtual reality images onto a video data stream of real-world images 22 (e.g., facility 94, physical environment 100).

Turning now to box 146, method 140 may include steps, or a series of steps, in which a fixed visualization device 80 may overlay or superimpose one or more augmented or virtual reality images 112 (e.g., via a transparent display 82) onto the physical environment 100 to generate a second layer of virtual features for the passenger 102 to view. For example, processors 26, 44, 118 may overlay or superimpose the augmented or virtual reality images 112 onto a transparent or semi-transparent display surface (e.g., transparent display 82), thus generating a second layer of virtual features that the passenger 102 can view through the physical environment 100. In one embodiment, the passenger 102 can view the physical environment 100 through the transparent display 82, while the fixed visualization device 80 may only utilize the augmented or virtual reality images 112 to partially obscure the transparent display 82. In one embodiment, processors 26, 44, 118 may use one or more video merging and/or optical merging techniques to generate the augmented or virtual reality images 112 and overlay the augmented or virtual reality images 112 onto a video data stream of a real-world image 121 (e.g., facility 94, physical environment 100). In any case, the wearable visualization device 14 can generate a first layer of virtual features (e.g., via augmented or virtual reality image 24), and the fixed visualization device 80 can generate a second layer of virtual features (e.g., via augmented or virtual reality image 112). Additionally or otherwise, the AR/VR system 10 can be configured to generate 1, 2, 3, 4 or more layers of virtual features.

Turning now to box 148, process 140 may further include: coordinating the display of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features. The first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features may be synchronized and/or coordinated by processors 26, 44, and/or 118 to enhance the immersive experience and realism of the virtual effects perceived by passenger 102 on the thrill ride 92. In one embodiment, image data from cameras other than those located on wearable visualization device 14 or passenger ride vehicle 86 may be used to facilitate synchronization and/or coordination between the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features. Such synchronization and/or coordination may be useful for triangulation of passenger 102's location based on known positioning of certain fixed features (e.g., certain scenic spot locations), for timing certain special effects (e.g., real, enhanced, or simulated fireworks or explosions), and other effects described below.

In one embodiment, processors 26, 44, and 118 can receive and analyze real-time captured data, such as image data, location data, and/or input from other electronic devices. For example, regarding image data, processors 26, 44, and 118 can receive real-time video data (e.g., live video) captured via cameras 34, 36, and 122 of the wearable visualization device 14 and/or the passenger-riding vehicle 86. In one embodiment, the video can be used to generate real-world images 22 and 121 that can be displayed on electronic glasses 16 or a transparent display 82, respectively. For example, processors 26, 44, and 118 can generate a video data stream of an physical environment 100 (e.g., an area of an amusement park 90) to be displayed on displays 30 and 32 of the wearable visualization device 14 and/or the transparent display 82 of the fixed visualization device 80.

In one embodiment, processors 26, 44, and 118 may render the first and second layer virtual features based on any one or a combination of factors. Such factors may include: at any given point in time during the cycle of the thrill ride 92, the location or position of the passenger vehicle 86 along the track 98 (e.g., or another location when the track 98 is not present), during the cycle of the thrill ride 92, after a predetermined period of time, or after the passenger 102 of the passenger vehicle 86 has performed one or more actions, and a predetermined distance traveled by the passenger vehicle 86.

In other embodiments, the wearable visualization device 14, the computer graphics generation system 40, and/or the fixed visualization device 80 may perform one or more geometric or photometric recognition algorithms on video or image data captured via cameras 34, 36, 122 to determine the location points of passenger 102 and/or passenger-riding vehicle 86. The wearable visualization device 14, the computer graphics generation system 40, and/or the fixed visualization device 80 may also use the data to control the timing of augmented or virtual reality images 24, 112 relative to riding effects (e.g., an animated character 97) to synchronize and/or coordinate the first and second layers of virtual features with the riding effects.

While some embodiments relate to the use of wearable visualization device 14 and/or fixed visualization device 80 in the context of thrill ride device 92, it should be understood that AR/VR system 10 can be used outside of thrill ride device 92, and in any environment of a wide variety of settings. For example, transparent display 82 can be coupled to a wall to depict the windows of a room, and user 12 (e.g., passenger 102) can wear electronic glasses 16 as user 12 sits in and/or moves through the room to provide an immersive experience as disclosed herein.

While only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to practical material objects and specific examples that demonstrably improve the field of expertise, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [performing] [function]” or “step for [performing] [function]”, it is intended that these elements be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims (20)

1. A system for providing an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality experience to a user, wherein the system is configured to enable the user to view a real-world environment through a first display and a second display, the system comprising: A wearable visualization device including the first display, wherein the first display is configured to display a first layer of virtual features to overlay the first layer of virtual features onto a real-world environment that can be viewed by a user; A fixed visualization device including a second display, wherein the second display is configured to display a second layer of virtual features to overlay the second layer of virtual features onto a real-world environment viewable by the user; and A processor configured to generate a first layer of virtual features and a second layer of virtual features, wherein the processor is configured to operatively communicate with the wearable visualization device and the fixed visualization device to coordinate the presentation of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features in time and space with the real-world environment based on received sensor data, so that a user can simultaneously view the first layer of virtual features, the second layer of virtual features, and the real-world environment. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first display is a first transparent or semi-transparent display and is configured such that the user can view the second display through the first display while wearing the wearable visualization device, and wherein the second display is a second transparent or semi-transparent display. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first layer of virtual features is depicted as non-stationary relative to a first display of a wearable visualization device, and the second layer of virtual features is depicted as stationary relative to a second display of a fixed visualization device. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second display is coupled to a passenger riding vehicle configured to travel along a path through an amusement park, wherein the real-world environment includes elements of attractions of the amusement park surrounding the passenger riding vehicle, and wherein the user can view the elements through the first display and the second display. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to coordinate the presentation of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features with elements associated with the attraction. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first layer of virtual features includes: virtual images of objects inside the cabin of the passenger vehicle, and the second layer of virtual features includes: virtual images of features on the windows of the passenger vehicle; and virtual images of objects outside the cabin of the passenger vehicle. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first layer of virtual features includes virtual images of objects outside the cabin of the passenger-riding vehicle. 8. The system of claim 1, comprising: one or more cameras or one or more sensors configured to monitor a real-world environment to facilitate the presentation of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features in harmony with the real-world environment, wherein at least one of the one or more cameras or at least one of the one or more sensors is coupled to a passenger vehicle of an amusement park attraction. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first display is configured to overlay the first layer of virtual features onto the second layer of virtual features and the real-world environment, such that a user can simultaneously view both the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features in a stacked layer overlaid on the real-world environment. 10. A system for providing an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality experience to a user, wherein the system is configured to enable the user to view a real-world environment through a first transparent display and a second transparent display configured to be positioned relative to each other in a stacked layer, the system comprising: Passengers ride vehicles that are configured to traverse paths during their ride within the amusement park; A wearable visualization device configured to be worn by a user inside a passenger riding a vehicle during a ride, wherein the wearable visualization device includes the first transparent display and the first transparent display is configured to overlay a first layer of virtual features onto a real-world environment that the user can view. A fixed visualization device coupled to a passenger-riding vehicle and including a second transparent display, wherein the second transparent display is configured to overlay a second layer of virtual features onto a real-world environment viewable by the user; and A processor configured to generate a first layer of virtual features and a second layer of virtual features to coordinate the presentation of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features in time and space with respect to each other and with respect to the riding effect based on received sensor data, wherein the first layer of virtual features includes a first element depicted as moving relative to the cabin of the passenger riding vehicle during a portion of the riding cycle, and the second layer of virtual features includes a second element stationary relative to the cabin during said portion of the riding cycle. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to coordinate the rendering of the first layer of virtual features with the rendering of the second layer of virtual features based on the positioning of the passenger riding the vehicle along the path. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to coordinate the presentation of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features with the riding effect by instructing a first transparent display to overlay a first layer of virtual features at a predetermined time during a riding cycle, and instructing a second transparent display to overlay a second layer of virtual features at the predetermined time during a riding cycle. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to generate a first layer of virtual features at a first display time and to generate a second layer of virtual features at a second display time preceding the first display time, wherein the first element comprises glass fragments floating through the cabin of the passenger vehicle and the second element comprises cracks formed in the windows of the cabin. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the transparent display is configured to be opaque when stimulated, thereby providing the illusion that the cabin of the passenger-riding vehicle is surrounded by solid walls. 15. A method for providing a user with an augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality experience, the method comprising: Use a processor to generate the first and second layer of virtual features; In response to an instruction from the processor, the first layer of virtual features is displayed on a first display at a first display time, wherein the first display is disposed within a wearable visualization device; and In response to instructions from the processor, a second layer of virtual features is displayed on a second display at a second display time, wherein the second display is disposed within a fixed visualization device physically separated from the wearable visualization device, wherein the first display is configured to overlay the first layer of virtual features onto the second layer of virtual features displayed on the second display so that a user can simultaneously view both the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features in a stacked layer, the stacked layer being overlaid on a real-world environment visible to the user through the first display and the second display, wherein the processor is configured to coordinate the presentation of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features temporally and spatially based on received sensor data. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second display comprises a transparent display coupled to the passenger riding vehicle. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first layer of virtual features includes a first virtual object inside the cabin of the passenger riding vehicle, the second layer of virtual features includes a second virtual object positioned outside the passenger riding vehicle or on a window of the passenger riding vehicle, and wherein the first display time occurs after the second display time to result in coordinated display of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the passenger riding vehicle travels along a riding path in the amusement park, and wherein the first display time and the second display time result in a coordinated display of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features with respect to each other and with respect to the riding effect. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving, at the processor, signals indicative of a real-world environment from one or more cameras, wherein the processor utilizes the signals to determine a first display time and a second display time to facilitate the coordination of the presentation of the first layer of virtual features and the second layer of virtual features with elements in the real-world environment. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the one or more cameras is coupled to a passenger vehicle at an amusement park attraction.