SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY IMAGES

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application concerns a ride system designed to enhance amusement park attractions through augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences. The system includes a ride vehicle and electronic goggles equipped with cameras and displays for passengers. A computer graphics generation system processes real-world images captured by the goggles, overlays virtual elements, and streams the augmented visuals back to the goggles in real-time, enriching the ride experience.

Technological Background

Amusement parks aim to provide thrilling experiences through various rides, but traditional methods have limitations. Enhancements typically involve complex physical changes to rides, which can be restrictive. The patent addresses this by integrating AR/VR technology, offering flexibility in adding thrill factors without altering the physical structure of rides.

Embodiments

• First Embodiment: Describes a ride system where passengers wear electronic goggles that capture real-world environments and display augmented visuals generated by a computer system.
• Second Embodiment: Focuses on wearable goggles with cameras and displays that interact with a graphics system to present AR/VR images during theme park rides.
• Third Embodiment: Details a method of receiving real-time data from goggles, generating virtual environments, overlaying AR/VR images, and transmitting them back to the goggles during rides.
• Fourth Embodiment: Involves processing real-time image data from goggles to create virtual environments with overlaid AR/VR images displayed during theme park rides.

System Functionality

The electronic goggles function as AR/VR devices with dual cameras for capturing real-time video data. A computer graphics generation system processes this data to create immersive experiences by rendering virtual elements based on the ride's dynamics. This approach enhances thrill rides by synchronizing virtual content with the physical movement of the ride, offering an enriched experience for passengers.

Applications Beyond Amusement Parks

While primarily designed for amusement park rides, the technology described could extend to various fields such as medical imaging, engineering design, manufacturing, training, and entertainment. By leveraging AR/VR capabilities, these applications can benefit from enhanced visualization and interaction possibilities.