WO2008085818A1

WO2008085818A1 - Flexible display device and system and method for operating the same

Info

Publication number: WO2008085818A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/000025
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Sepcic
Original assignee: Richard Sepcic
Priority date: 2007-01-03
Filing date: 2008-01-03
Publication date: 2008-07-17

Abstract

A method is provided for operating a game including initiating an executable program that generates a display on at least one surface for viewing by a user. An action of a user is detected at an output sensor. The program responds to the action of the user, where the detection of an action of the user includes the detection of a visual image contained on a flexible wearable display device worn by the user.

Description

FLEXIBLE DISPLAY DEVICE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR

OPERATING THE SAME

Related Application:

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/878,489, filed on January 3, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention:

The present application is in the field of electronic display devices. More particularly, the present invention is in the field of flexible electronic display devices.

Background:

In the area of electronic devices, display screens have undergone a series of changes, namely becoming smaller and more portable, particularly with the growing popularity and diversity of mobile electronic devices, such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), mobile phones, mobile gaming devices etc...

l However, limitations in the prior art, regarding the form and capability of the display elements in such electronic devices, in turn limit the function of such devices.

Objects and Summary:

The present invention looks to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art and to provide a flexible pixilated display device that is both capable of wireless communication as well as interaction with various ancillary devices so as to support enhanced features for operating electronic devices.

To this end, the present invention is directed to a method for operating a game including initiating an executable program that generates a display on at least one surface for viewing by a user. An action of a user is detected at an output sensor. The program responds to the action of the user, where the detection of an action of the user includes the detection of a visual image contained on a flexible wearable display device worn by the user. Brief Description of the Drawings:

The present invention can be best understood through the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wearable display device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates the wearable display device of Figure 1 on a user, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a virtual reality game device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a plurality of virtual reality game devices as shown in Figure 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a user wearing a wearable display device of Figure 2 in a virtual reality game device of Figure 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 illustrates a user wearing a wearable display device of Figure 2 against an interactive sign, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description:

In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 1, a flexible wearable electronic pixilated display device 10 is provided for displaying various electronic content including video, game video, messaging, and other electronic visual content. In one arrangement, wearable display device 10 maintains a display element 12, an accompanying audio input/output element 14, a processor element 16 and a wireless connectivity element 18.

In an arrangement shown in Figure 2, the wearable display device 10 is shown as a flexible display device worn on a user's arm or wrist. However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited in such a manner. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention may be employed in the form of a wearable display device 10 on a shirt, headband, hat, pants etc... However, for the purposes of discussing the salient features of the present invention, wearable display device 10 is discussed throughout as a device worn on the user's arm.

In one embodiment, display element 12 of wearable device 10 is a flexible plastic element with embedded electrode/pixels. Such pixels are lighted for display of various images via commands form coupled processor 16. Display element 12, being constructed of plastic or other such flexible material, allows for flexibility so that this display element 12 may be incorporated into wearable display device 10, not only along large flat surfaces, but also along curved or irregular surfaces. For example, in Figure 2, display element 12 of wearable display device 10 is a curved display that appears around the user's wrist.

In one embodiment, audio input/output element 14 allows for wearable display device 10 to also include audio interaction with the user in connection with various activities as discussed in more detail below. Wireless connectivity element 18 may be any module that allows wearable display device 10 to receive wireless communication via any one of cellular transmissions, Bluetooth, infrared, or any other manner of wireless communication. It is noted that although wearable display device 10 maintains a wireless connectivity element 18 it is contemplated that device 10 may also include a wireline connection if desired. Processing element 16 may employ known microprocessors, graphic chip technology, and storage in order to send and receive programming and control the visual images produced on display element 12.

It is understood that the above described components for wearable display device 12, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 are intended only as exemplary components. Additional components may be included in wearable display device 10 for supporting additional functions if desired.

Furthermore, it is noted that wearable display device 10 may be used in more traditional manners, aside from primarily as a visual display device, such as mobile communications, internet access, connection with directory assistance and emergency services, holographic conference calling, location services, retail experiences, and electronic data delivery and receiving (including e-mail).

In another embodiment of the present invention, wearable display device 10 is utilized by a user in conjunction with a virtual reality gaming device 100 such as a virtual reality game cube.

Virtual reality game device 100 is a virtual reality gaming environment comprising several video enabled pixilated display walls 102 coupled to a game processor 104 for displaying images on the walls 102 so as to generate a realistic gaming environment for a user. In one arrangement, pixilated display walls 102 of gaming device 100 may be permanent walls or otherwise may be flexible, or moveable. Pixilated display walls 102 of gaming device 100 may be configured to play both two dimensional images as well as holographic images for further three dimensional experiences within game device 100.

Such a gaming cube provides a new virtual reality gaming device 100, where processor 104 and walls 102 generate a plurality of visual and audio stimuli, played to the user based on some programming, such as a virtual reality gaming program.

Gaming device 100 further maintains a plurality of output sensors devices 106, such as movement sensors (including video) for generating an output signal upon the detection of a movement of the user within the game device 100. Output sensors 106 may advantageously include an audio sensors which may use cellular or wireless transmissions for generating an output signal to processor 104 upon the detection of a vocalization of the user within the gaming device 100. In another arrangement, gaming device 100 may further includes a plurality of auxiliary sensory mechanisms 108 configured to provide additional conditional stimuli to the user during use of device 100 that interact with the programming being viewed on gaming device walls 102. For example, an auxiliary mechanism 108 may be a fan situated adjacent to the user inside gaming device 100 for subjecting the user to wind upon the actuation thereof.

Processor 104 of gaming device is interactively coupled to pixilated display walls 102, output sensors devices 106 and auxiliary sensory mechanisms 108. Processor 104 is configured to run any number of interactive programs to game device 100, allowing the user to experience and interact within the context of the program. For the purposes of illustrating the salient features of the present invention, the program being run by processor 104 on gaming device 100 is an interactive video game, such as multi-player interactive virtual reality game. However, the invention is not limited in this respect. Processor 104 may be configured to run any number of interactive programs including travel guide programs, relaxation programs, music videos etc...

In another embodiment of the present invention, processor 104 of gaming device 100 includes a mobile connectivity element 110 which is configured to send and receive gaming/programming software and files for various applications. Such mobile connectivity element 110 is capable of connecting with various services, including operator services, for receiving new programs and updates. Such programs may be delivered via cellular transmission, 2-Way SMS, HTTP, or any other electronic communication format. It is understood that wireless connectivity element 110 may be supplemented with a wireline connection if desired.

In one arrangement, wireless connectivity element 110 may be either directly coupled to processor 104 or it may be situated apart from processor 104, whereby communication of updates and games are transmitted from wireless connectivity element 110 to processor 104 via some wireless connection such as Bluetooth or infrared. In another arrangement of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 4, a plurality of virtual reality gaming stations 100, 10OA, IOOB etc., situated near one another or remotely, may be coupled to one another through a central server 112 so that various users' may interact within a single gaming experience. In such an arrangement it is contemplated that wireless connectivity element 110 of each gaming device 100 is coupled to server 112 for synchronizing the actions of the various processors 104 at each gaming device 100.

In such a "group connect" arrangement, output sensors 106 of each gaming device 100 may be configured such that various users', each at different locations within difference gaming devices may communicate with one another in real time via wireless connectivity elements 110 and server 112.

In another arrangement of the present invention, each user of the "group connected" game may optionally have a unique identification code to protect privacy, log credits, and scores. Such identification code may be sent through wireless connectivity element 110 and recorded in a stored user profile at server 112.

In connection with the above described wearable display device 10 and the virtual reality gaming device 100, it is contemplated that a user within gaming device 100 may wear wearable display device 10 such that video images on display element 12 of display device 10 may interact with gaming device 100 for providing enhanced features.

In a first arrangement, as shown in Figure 5, a user within a game device 100 may utilize their wearable display device 10 so as to receive updates during game play. For example, wireless connectivity element 18 of wearable display device 10 may be coupled to wireless connectivity element 110 of gaming device 100, or to server 112 (in an on-line or "group connect" situation) such that updates, related to the game or program at hand may be sent and displayed on display element 12 of wearable display device 10. Such messages may include but are not limited to game hints, game news updates (eg. news events in large multi-player games), messages from other group-connect players that do not want to be transmitted publicly through the game-space. It is understood that the above list of uses is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of possible messages that may be displayed on wearable display device 10.

In another arrangement, video images on display element 12 of wearable display device 10 may directly interact with a game itself, being visible to other group connect members as well as directing responses from game device 100.

In a first example, users may utilize the wearable display device 10 within the context of a gaming experience, such that other players may see, via output sensors 106 not only the actions of other players, but the video content of their wearable display device 10. This could allow users to send coded messages or other such game related messages to other players using their coupled wearable display device.

In another example, output sensors 106 may be configured to detect not only user movements with gaming device 100, but also to detect visual output from display element 12 of wearable display device 10 so as to provoke a specific game response. Such visual output may be in the form of pixilated bar codes, coded images, etc...

In such an arrangement, video output on the user's wearable display device 10 may result in unlocking certain game features, initiating game sequences, etc... It is contemplated for example, that a user may receive an update to their wearable display device 10, during a game that in turn generates a visual display on display element 12 that is detected by output sensors 106 to initiate a game function (open an unlocked game level, etc.). Any other similar game interaction between a wearable display device 10 within a virtual reality game device 100 is within the contemplation of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wearable display device 10 of the present invention, may be utilized outside of a game device 100 environment as well. For example, in one arrangement of the present invention, display element 12 of wearable display device 10 may be used for additional features such as electronic newspapers, as well as for use in books-on-demand systems, with delivery of said images via wireless connectivity element 18. Such, newspaper or books-on-demand functions may be configured to match user's pre-set preferences as set through a customer service contact center, or biometric contact selection.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wearable display device 10 of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6 may be used in connection with interaction with various commercial enterprises.

For example, wearable display device 10 may be configured to receive coupons or other such commercial advertisements via wireless connectivity element for display on display element 12. Such visual displays may in turn be displayed near a detection device 202 of a interactive sign 200, including but not limited to billboards, visual devices within cabs, trains, cars, elevators etc... Thus, for example, a user may receive a visual coupon for display using their wearable display device 10 that may be redeemed at a commercial institution via a reading device. Additionally, visual displays on wearable display device 10 may be read by detection devices 202 on interactive signs so to prompt a response. An example may be a billboard, that, when detecting an image or visual content on a user's wearable display device 10, may in turn change its advertising accordingly, based on some coding contained in the visual display on the wearable display device 10, possibly inclusive of some user preferences that may have been preset by the user some time earlier. Alternatively, wireless connectivity element 18 of wearable display device 10 may be configured to receive input from such interactive signs/devices 200, the wireless transmission of which is triggered by the detection of a particular visual display on wearable device 10. Such activity may further be monitored by advertisers to assist in determining user's habits and purchasing history for tailoring of future advertising.

In another embodiment of the present invention, wearable messaging device 10 may be used as a wearable fashion item or for other simple display features. For example, user may display certain messages on display element 12 in order to publicize the fact that they play a certain game, possibly to meet other players off-line. Additionally, the user may allow an advertiser or other commercial entity (possibly a game manufacturer) to display advertising messages, tracked via wireless connectivity element 18, in exchange for free or reduced price commercial items, including game or merchandise.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for operating a game said method comprising the steps of: initiating an executable program, said program generating a display on at least one surface for viewing by a user, detecting an action of said user at an output sensor; and said program responding to said action of said user, wherein said detection of an action of said user includes the detection of a visual image contained on a flexible wearable display device worn by said user.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one surface for generating a display for said user, is a multi walled virtual reality gaming cube.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said executable program is a videogame being played by said user, and wherein said detection of said actions by said user control actions of a player within said video game.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said visual image contained on a flexible wearable display device worn by said user, is operation instruction with respect to said game detected by an output sensor of said multi walled virtual reality gaming cube

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said visual image contained on a flexible wearable display device is received via a wireless connectivity element.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said visual image contained on a flexible wearable display device is viewable by a second user in a second virtual reality game cube.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second virtual reality game cube is in communication with said virtual reality game cube via a group game server.

8. A method for commercial interaction said method comprising the steps of: generating a visual image file for display by a user; delivering said visual image file to a wearable display device, said wearable display device having a flexible display element; detecting said visual image from said flexible display element at a detection device on an interactive sign; and altering said interactive sign based on said detected visual image.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said interactive sign is a commercial advertising sign.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step of altering said interactive sign includes changing an advertisement to said user.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the step of said interactive sign delivering a commercial information to said wearable display device of said user via an wireless connectivity element in said wearable display device upon detection of said visual image.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said commercial information is a coupon related to information contained on said interactive sign.

13. A display device said display device comprising: a processor; and a flexible display element, said display element having a flexible pixilated screen for displaying an image, wherein said image, displayed on said flexible display element, is configured to trigger an electronic event upon detection by a detecting device in a second device.

14. A display device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said second device is an interactive video game device.

15. A display device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said second device is a commercial advertising device.

16. A display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wearable display device includes a wireless connectivity element for receiving data for images to display on said flexible pixilated display element, and for tracking such display.