Wired and wireless transitions for head mounted devices

Abstract

In an embodiment, a head-mounted device (HMD) is configured to receive streaming virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data over a first connection and a second connection. The streaming VR / AR data is controlled by a controller that transmits first streaming VR / AR data from a data source to the HMD via a first connection and second streaming VR / AR data from the data source to the HMD via a second connection such that the HMD receives continuous streaming VR / AR data when the data source transitions from transmitting the first streaming VR / AR data to transmitting the second streaming VR / AR data.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 371,593, filed on August 16, 2022, entitled “WIRED AND WIRELESS SWITCHING FOR HEAD-MOUNTED DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to the field of virtual reality and / or augmented reality. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for transitioning between wired and wireless streaming configurations for transmitting data to a head mounted device (HMD).

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion is helpful in providing the reader with background information to promote a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Various amusement rides have been created to provide passengers with unique motion and visual experiences. For example, virtual reality and / or augmented reality systems may be used in conjunction with themed rides and can be implemented with multi-passenger vehicles that travel along a fixed path. Headgear such as a head mounted device (HMD) may include a display and may be worn by a passenger to give the wearer a virtual reality and / or augmented reality experience. In some cases, the head mounted device may be tethered to an amusement ride feature (such as a ride vehicle) via a cable, which may hinder passenger mobility within the ride. Summary of the invention

[0005] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief overview of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a wide variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments explained below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a data communication system for virtual reality or augmented reality data is provided. The system includes a head mounted device (HMD) configured to receive streaming virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data via a first connection and a second connection. The system also includes a controller, the controller including a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions. The instructions include instructions for the following operations: transmitting first streaming VR / AR data from a data source to the HMD via a first connection and transmitting second streaming VR / AR data from the data source to the HMD via a second connection, so that the HMD receives a continuous stream of VR / AR data when the data source switches from transmitting the first streaming VR / AR data to transmitting the second streaming VR / AR data.

[0007] In one embodiment, a data communication system for virtual reality or augmented reality data is provided. The system includes a data source configured to transmit a first portion of a virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data stream via a wired connection and configured to transmit a second portion of the VR / AR data stream via a wireless connection. The system also includes a head mounted device (HMD) configured to receive the first portion of the VR / AR data stream via a wired connection and to receive the second portion of the VR / AR data stream via a wireless connection, wherein the HMD is configured to transition from receiving the first portion of the VR / AR data stream to receiving the second portion of the VR / AR data stream. The system also includes a controller configured to generate a control signal to cause the data source to switch between the wired connection and the wireless connection.

[0008] In one embodiment, a data communication method for virtual reality or augmented reality data is provided, the method comprising the following steps: selectively transmitting first streaming virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data to a head mounted device (HMD) via a first connection via a data source, and selectively transmitting second streaming VR / AR data to the HMD via a second connection via the data source, such that the HMD receives a continuous stream of data when the data source switches from transmitting the first streaming VR / AR data to transmitting the second streaming VR / AR data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a data communication system operating in a wireless operation mode and transmitting data from a data source to a VR / AR device, shown as a head mounted device (HMD), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an arrangement of a data communication system having both wired and wireless data communication from a data source to an HMD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a wireless data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 is a timing diagram of the operation of a data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 is a timing diagram of the operation of the data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram of the operation of a data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many 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 vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be appreciated that such development work may be complex and time consuming, but will be no more than a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill who benefits from this disclosure.

[0017] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements besides the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0018] As an introduction, Figure 1is a schematic illustration of a data communication system 10 that may be used in conjunction with the disclosed technology. In one example, an amusement park may incorporate VR / AR technology. In such a case, the amusement park may provide a head mounted device (HMD) 14, or patrons may bring their own device 14 that is capable of communicating with an attraction controller or a central controller to receive VR / AR data. The HMD 14, when worn by a patron 12, permits the patron 12 to view the received VR / AR data. Further, the HMD 14 may also communicate patron location information, other environmental information, or data quality information back to the central controller. In one embodiment, the HMD 14 generates a data quality signal that provides information related to data quality. If the data quality signal indicates that the streaming VR / AR data is below a threshold, the operating mode can be switched from wired to wireless, or vice versa.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the HMD can be a two-part or multi-part device that includes a customer interface 15 and an attachable display system 16, wherein the customer interface 15 is a lightweight device worn on the head of the customer 12. In one example, the customer interface device 15 can be a passive device that serves a removably attached display system. The interface device 15 can be distributed in a queue 18 of the attraction, and the display system 16 can be attached to the interface device 15 to assemble the HMD 14. However, it should be understood that the HMD 14 can be an integral assembly, where the display system 16 that displays VR / AR data is not removable from the head or other interface components.

[0020] The HMD 14 may receive VR / AR data from a data source 22 via a wireless connection 20. For example, the data source 22 may include memory device(s), processor(s), communication circuit modules, and the like to perform operations such as streaming data to the HMD 14 worn by the patrons 12 in the queue 18 or within the attraction (e.g., to the display system 16). In some embodiments, the data may be stored in the memory device(s) of the data source. Additionally or alternatively, the data may be transmitted from a controller of the amusement park to the data source 22 (e.g., via a communication circuit module of the data source 22).

[0021] The data source 22 may transmit data to the HMD 14 associated with the ride experience via the wireless connection 20. For example, the customer 12 may be waiting in the queue 18 to prepare for entering the ride facility. In some embodiments, the instructions may help the customer 12 prepare for a smooth transition into the ride experience. For example, the instructions may teach the customer 12 about where to enter the ride vehicle, how to secure themselves to the ride vehicle, and what they can expect to happen during the ride. For example, if there are actions for the customer 12 to take during the ride (e.g., mini-games or other ride-based actions), the instructions may inform the customer 12 about how and when to take such actions. Providing these instructions to the customer 12 via the display system 16 may provide a convenient method for refining the instructions to all customers 12 before they enter the attraction. For example, rather than having an employee announce instructions from a script, instruction video data stored in or otherwise transmitted to the data source 22 may provide a more efficient way to present the instructions. In one embodiment, examples or graphics shown via the display system 16 may facilitate the dissemination of language-independent instructions to the customer 12. Data source 22 may transmit other types of data to display system 16 of HMD 14. For example, mini-games, advertisements, or the like associated with a ride to be played or other attractions or features of the amusement park may be presented to patron 12 while patron 12 is in queue 18.

[0022] In embodiments, the system 10 may facilitate dynamic transitions to or from wireless communications (with an HMD 14 within an attraction) based on various environmental or data transfer conditions of the attraction, as generally discussed herein. For example, Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a dynamic communication channel between an HMD 14 and a data source 22 used in conjunction with an amusement ride vehicle 28, wherein a patron 12 is seated in the passenger vehicle 28. In some embodiments, as previously described, the data source 22 may be connected to a display system 16 of the HMD 14 worn by the patron 12 via a wireless connection 20. Further, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to have a wired connection 30 between the data source 22 and the display system 16. Thus, in some embodiments, for at least a portion of the data communication channel, the data source 22 may be physically connected to the display system 16 via the wired connection 30. As discussed herein, the HMD 14 may be implemented with a wireless communication circuit module to facilitate the wireless connection 20, and also include a tether or cable 31 to facilitate the wired connection 30. The control of the communication channel and the conversion between the wired connection 30 and the wireless connection 20 may be based on input to the system 10 and implemented by a controller (see Figure 3 ). Cable 31 may additionally be used to transmit electrical signals and / or power to display system 16.

[0023] As depicted, customer 12 is secured inside passenger carrier 28 by a locking lap bar 33. Locking lap bar 33 has display system 16 secured inside cavity 34, which is suitable for storing display system 16 in passenger carrier 28. More specifically, cavity 34 is disposed in lap bar waist belt 36. Customer 12A is shown removing display system 16 from locking lap bar 33 to place display system 16 on interface device 15. It should be understood that in one embodiment, wireless and wired dynamic conversion can be based on each device. For example, HMD 14 of customer 12A can receive data via wireless connection 20, while HMD 14 of other customers (customer 12B and customer 12C) can receive data via wired connection 30. Cable 31 can be retracted (e.g., via spring bias mechanism, motor assistance, gravity assistance, etc.) into corresponding locking lap bar 33. In some cases, repeated retraction or manipulation may damage cable 31. Upon detecting erroneous data communications to a particular HMD 14 (which may be based on cable damage), the system 10 can initiate a wired-to-wireless transition, causing data communications to transition from the wired connection 30 to the wireless connection 20. During operation of an amusement ride, particularly through twisting sections with physical barriers to signal transmission, the wireless connection 20 may be less robust than the wired connection 30. However, by defaulting to the wired connection 30 and initiating a transition to the wireless connection 20 in the event of a detected signal quality issue on a per-device or per-vehicle basis, the number of wireless connections 20 is minimized, which in turn creates less potential for signal interference and uses less bandwidth relative to a solution in which all HMDs 14 are transitioned to wireless.

[0024] In addition to dynamic switching based on signal quality or other environmental factors, the wired to wireless transition can also be programmed based on known or predicted locations of poor signal quality or ride environment changes. For example, while the patron 12 is in a queue and moving around freely, the HMD can be operated in a wireless operating mode, but entering the ride vehicle 28 and connecting the cable 31 can activate an automatic transition to a wired operating mode using the wired connection 30. Once in the wired operating mode, the system 10 can maintain the wired connection 30 until poor or reduced signal quality is detected, or until the patron 12 exits the ride vehicle 28.

[0025] Figure 31 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a data communication system 10 that facilitates switching and control between wired and wireless connections with individual HMDs 14 via a controller 42. Although only a single HMD 14 is depicted, it should be understood that the controller 42 can communicate with multiple HMDs 14 that can be individually addressed. In one embodiment, the controller 42 can control additional system elements, such as a ride vehicle 28. The controller 42 may include a memory circuit module 52 and a processing circuit module 54, such as a microprocessor. The controller 42 may also include a data source 22. In one embodiment, the data source 22 may be part of the memory 52, or may be a separate storage device, such as a memory stack. The processing circuit module 54 may be used to execute software (such as software stored on the memory circuit module 52) to control the ride vehicle(s) 28 and the HMD 14 associated with the ride vehicle 28. In addition, the processing circuit module 54 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general purpose" microprocessors, one or more special purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit module 54 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

[0026] The memory circuit module 52 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory circuit module 52 may store a wide variety of information and may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the memory circuit module 52 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by the processing circuit module 54, such as instructions for controlling components of the ride system 10. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuit module 54, may enable the processing circuit module 54 to communicate. The storage device(s) (e.g., non-volatile storage device(s)) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store additional data that can be communicated to the HMD 14.

[0027] The controller 42 also includes a communication circuit module 58 that can mediate communications over the wireless connection 20 and / or the wired connection 30. For example, the communication circuit module 58 may include a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, such as a transceiver. The communication circuit module 58 may additionally include an input port for the cable 31. In an embodiment, the communication circuit module 58 may be arranged so that both the wired connection 30 and the wireless connection 20 between the data source 22 and the individual HMD 14 can occur simultaneously or can occur through one type of communication at a given time. The controller 42 may also include a user interface 59 to receive operator input.

[0028] In an embodiment, the wired and / or wireless connection may include communication via the ride vehicle 28. The ride vehicle 28 may include: a communication circuit module 64 for supporting the wireless connection 20, such as a transceiver 32 (see Figure 2 ); and / or a cable 31 and / or port for supporting a wired connection 30. Control of the ride vehicle communication circuit module 64 may be under the control of a vehicle controller 68, which may include certain elements such as a processor and memory, as generally discussed with respect to the controller 42. Further, a separate HMD 14 may include a processor 70, a memory 72, and an integrated communication circuit module 76 (e.g., one or more communication components) that supports both wireless connections 20 and wired connections 30. For example, the HMD 14 may include a transceiver to support wireless connections 20 and a cable input port to support wired connections 30.

[0029] The communication circuit module 76 may include an antenna, a radio transceiver circuit, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A / D converters, multiplexing amplifiers), or a combination thereof, and may be configured to communicate over a wireless communication path via IR wireless communication, Wi-Fi, satellite communication, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. The communication circuit module 76 may be configured for connection to a hardwired LAN network. The communication circuit module 76 may include a port for wired connection via a cable connection, such as an HDMI port or a display port.

[0030] As provided herein, switching between wired and wireless connections may refer to communication in the final or last segment of a communication channel, or may refer to communication along the entire channel. That is, even in a wired connection 30, portions of the communication channel may be wireless, such as between the data source 22 and the local transceiver 32 or between the data source 22 and the controller. In one embodiment, all or part of the data source 22 may be located on the vehicle 28, and the communication may include wireless communication between the controller and the data source 22, which enables the data source 22 to receive data and then transmit VR / AR data (via the wired connection 30 or the wireless connection 20). In one embodiment, the data source 22 may be integrated into the control system of the passenger vehicle 28.

[0031] In other embodiments, the communication circuit module 64 of the ride vehicle 28 may include the transceiver 32 (see Figure 2), the transceiver 32 communicates with the data source 22, and the transceiver 32 receives and (in some cases) stores data from the data source 22. By removing the transceiver 32 from being located on the HMD 14, the HMD 14 can be implemented with a smaller and lighter communication circuit module, which can facilitate the wireless connection 20 (when conditions are favorable, based on the customer's location and / or data communication conditions in the attraction). When conditions are less favorable, the HMD 14 can be operated using the wired connection 30. The transceiver 32 can act as a bridge for data communications from the data source 22, and the data source 22 uses a more complex or powerful communication circuit module relative to the HMD 14.

[0032] Thus, in one embodiment, the wireless connection 20 may refer to a direct wireless transmission between the individual HMD 14 and the data source 22. The wireless connection 20 may be a wireless transmission from the data source 22 to the transceiver 32 and in turn a wired or wireless transmission from the communication circuit module 64 to the individual HMD 14. The wired connection 30 may refer to a direct wired connection between the data source 22 and the individual HMD 14 via the cable 31. In one embodiment, the wired connection 30 may refer to a wireless transmission from the data source 22 to a pass-through device on the ride vehicle 28. The ride vehicle 28 may also include a memory that stores data from the data source 22.

[0033] As discussed herein, the wired to wireless (and vice versa) conversion can be pre-programmed to coincide with certain ride events. In addition, the conversion can be based on one or more sensor signals (e.g., from sensor 80). Sensor 80 can be part of the HMD 14, part of the ride vehicle 28, and / or an environmental sensor. In one embodiment, the conversion is based on a signal quality assessment, which can be performed by the controller 42 or the HMD 14. For example, the HMD 14 can detect that the onboard data is corrupted and send a signal to the controller 42. The controller 42 can convert the operating mode of the HMD 14 from wireless to wired, or vice versa. The controller 42 can also identify wireless communication failures with individual HMDs 14 and, in response, instruct those specific HMDs to initiate a wired connection 30.

[0034] Figure 4A time diagram 90 illustrating an example set of operations of the data source 22 and under the control of the control signal 92. At times, switching between wired and wireless communications may require that the power of the data streaming device be reset. However, the data source 22 may alternate between streaming data via the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30 while maintaining a continuous flow of data. For example, at time t0, the control signal 92 of the data source 22 may be disconnected, and / or the transmission of the data stream by the data source 22 to a particular HMD 14 may be based on the control signal 92 being inactive.

[0035] At time t1, the data source 22 may be activated, for example, based on a control signal 92 provided by the controller 42. For example, the control signal 92 may be generated by the activation of a ride cycle. At time t1, a data stream 94 of VR / AR data may be sent from the data source 22 to the connected display system 16 of the HMD 14 via the wireless connection 20 or the wired connection 30. For example, in the illustrated time diagram, at t1, the display system 16 associated with a given passenger ride vehicle 28 or queue 18 is connected to the data source 22 via the wireless connection 20. For example, time t1 may indicate when a customer 12 attaches a display system 16 to their interface device 15 (e.g., in the ride vehicle 28 or in the queue 18). At time t1, the data stream 94 may be transmitted to the display system 16 via the wireless connection 20. For example, in an embodiment where t1 indicates when a customer 12 enters the queue 18 and attaches the display system 16 to their interface device 15, instructions / mini-games / advertisements, etc. may be streamed to the display system 16. Further, in one embodiment when time t1 indicates when a ride has begun, data stream 94 may include VR / AR data associated with the ride. This may continue until time t2, where the connection between data source 22 and one or more of display systems 16 transitions from wireless connection 20 to wired connection 30. For example, as previously discussed, this may be accomplished by coupling cable 31 to display system 16.

[0036] There may be many reasons for the customer 12 to switch from the wireless connection 20 to the wired connection 30. For example, in some embodiments, the wired connection 30 may be faster, less prone to data lag, more reliable, or the like. At time t2, the customer 12 may have experienced an erroneous or otherwise unreliable transmission of the data stream 94 via the wireless connection 20, and the cable 31 may be coupled to the display system 16 to allow the wired connection 30 to transmit the data stream 94 to the display system 16. Further, in some embodiments, the wired connection 30 may be initiated by the passenger ride vehicle 28 or other person or machine. For example, before the start of the ride, or at any other time when the wired connection 30 may be preferred to the wireless connection 20 (e.g., at some point during the ride), the cable 31 may be automatically or manually coupled to one or more display systems 16. For example, in some embodiments, a robotic feature of the passenger vehicle 28 may couple the cable 31 to the display system 16. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the customer 12, an operator of the ride facility, or the like may couple the cable 31 to the display system 16.

[0037] The transition from the wireless connection 20 to the wired connection 30 at t2 may be seamless, such that the data stream 94 is continuously transmitted to the display system 16, and the customer 12 may not observe or experience any interruption to the VR / AR data from the data stream 94. In some embodiments, software in the data source 22 may be used to mask any delay caused by the transition from the wireless connection 20 to the wired connection 30, as will be described herein.

[0038] At time t3, data source 22 may again transition from sending data stream 94 via wired connection 30 to sending data stream 94 via wireless connection 20. In some embodiments, time t3 may be triggered by decoupling cable 31 from display system 16. Additionally or alternatively, time t3 may indicate the end of the ride experience, or other similar times where wireless connection 20 may be preferred over wired connection 30. For example, during a dark portion of the ride experience, wireless connection 20 may have difficulty reliably transmitting data stream 94. Once the dark portion of the ride experience is complete (i.e., at time t3), it may be desirable to resume wireless communication between data source 22 and display system 16.

[0039] In some embodiments, the ride experience may include a period of time in which the customer 12 may be free to move around, for example, within or outside of the passenger vehicle 28 for a short period of time. Thus, during this time (e.g., time t1), the display system 16 of the customer 12 may receive the data stream 94 via the wireless connection 20 to the data source 22. Time t2 may indicate a time in which movement is restricted, and therefore the customer 12 may couple the cable 31 to their respective display system 16 to continue the ride. Further, there may be other conditions or experiences in addition to those disclosed that may utilize the operations described in the time diagram 90.

[0040] Further, in some embodiments, time t1 may be associated with the patron 12 entering the queue 18. Upon entering the queue 18 and attaching the display system to the interface device 14, the patron 12 may begin receiving the data stream 94 from the data source 22 via the wireless connection 20. For example, while in the queue 18, the data stream 94 may include broadcasted general data (e.g., advertisements, mini-games, instructions, etc.). Time t2 may indicate the start of the ride experience, wherein the patron 12 may enter the passenger vehicle 28 and couple the cable 31 to their respective display system 16. Further, while the time diagram 90 discloses time t1 as being associated with the wireless connection 20, time t2 as being associated with the wired connection 30, and time t3 as being associated with the wireless connection 20, any combination or order of transitions between the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30 may be used.

[0041] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a time diagram 110 of additional operations of the data source 22. For example, in some embodiments, the data source 22 may be connected to one or more display systems 16 via both a wireless connection 20 and a wired connection 30. However, in some instances, it may be more advantageous to stream data from one of the connections than to stream data from another connection. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless connection 20 may not have sufficient bandwidth to support personalized streaming data to multiple display systems 16. In fact, as previously described, the wireless connection 20 may be better used for streaming generic data. Further, the wired connection 30 may have bandwidth for providing separate data streams to several (e.g., each) of the connected display systems 16. Therefore, depending on the type of data to be streamed, the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30 may be selectively used, even when both the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30 are connected to the display system 16.

[0042] To illustrate this, a timing diagram 110 describes the operation of the data source 22 when the data source 22 is connected to the display system 16 via both the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30. For example, some or all of the connected display systems 16 may be connected to the data source 22 via both the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30. At time t0, the control signal 92 of the data source 22 may be disconnected. As a result, both the first streaming data 112 sent from the data source 22 to the connected display system 16 via the wireless connection 20 of the data source 22 and the second streaming data 114 sent from the data source 22 to the connected display system 16 via the wired connection 30 may be disabled. Further, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the first streaming data 112 may come from the wired connection 30, and the second streaming data 114 may come from the wireless connection 20.

[0043] At time t1, the control signal 92 may be turned on, and data may be transmitted from the data source 22 to the connected display system 16. For example, the first data stream 112 may be activated, and the first data stream 112 may be streamed to the display system 16 via the wireless connection 20. In some embodiments, the buffered content 116 may be streamed via both the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 to mask any interruption or discontinuity that may be caused by the transition between streaming the data via the wireless connection 20 and streaming the data via the wired connection 30 (or vice versa). Thus, at time t2, the first data stream 112 (e.g., from the wireless connection 20) may begin streaming the buffered content. Further, at time t3, the data source 22 may begin streaming the second data stream 114 to the connected display system 16 via the wired connection 30. In some embodiments, both the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30 may stream data to the same display system 16 at the same time. For example, during a transition period before one of the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30 stops transmitting data, both may stream data simultaneously.

[0044] At time t4, the first data stream 112 (e.g., from the wireless connection 20) may be disabled, and the connected display system 16 may receive the buffered content 116 exclusively from the second data stream 114 (e.g., via the wired connection 30). Further, at time t5, once any potential interruption (from the transition between streaming data from the wireless connection 20 to streaming data from the wired connection 30) has passed, the buffered content 116 may cease to be streamed by the second data stream 114. Thus, the second data stream 114 may stream other data sent by the data source 22.

[0045] In some embodiments, the buffered content 116 may be played by the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 at any time. For example, in addition to being streamed during the transition between the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114, in some embodiments, the buffered content 116 may be streamed to mask any interruptions in the first and second data streams 112 and 114. Further, in some embodiments, the buffered content 116 may be sent on a per-display system 16 basis. For example, the buffered content 116 may be selectively streamed to a display system 16 that has an erroneous or weak connection to the data source 22. Further, while the time diagram 110 illustrates that the first data stream 112 is activated at time t1 and the second data stream 114 is activated at time t3, other timings may occur. For example, in some embodiments, the wired connection 30 (rather than the wireless connection 20) may stream the first data stream 112. Indeed, the illustrated example shown in the time diagram 110 is not intended to be limiting.

[0046] Now go to Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the data source 22 may time-multiplex the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to pre-program the transition between streaming VR / AR data from the wireless connection 20 and streaming VR / AR data from the wired connection 30. For example, a given ride at an amusement park may have moments where patrons 12 may move freely and would preferably be streamed VR / AR data wirelessly. Further, the given ride may have moments where the environment is dark or otherwise not conducive to wireless connection 20. Therefore, under such circumstances, the data transmitted to the display system 16 may be via the wired connection 30. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the data source 22 may uniquely customize the time-multiplexed signal for a given display 16 rather than for all of the display systems 16 associated with the given ride.

[0047] therefore, Figure 6A diagram 130 illustrating a multiplexing operation of a data source 22. The data source 22 may include a multiplexer 132 to receive a first data stream 112 for a given display system 16 (e.g., via a wireless connection 20) and a second data stream 114 for a given display system 16 (e.g., via a wired connection 30). The multiplexer 132 may also receive a control signal 134 to determine how the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 should be output to a given display system 16. For example, the control signal 134 may be sent to the data source 22 from a controller of a queue or a ride facility associated with the data source 22. Further, data from the control signal 134 may be received by a communication circuit module of the data source 22 and may be stored in (one or more) memory devices of the data source 22. In some embodiments, the control signal 134 may be based on a VR / AR experience associated with the ride facility. For example, if certain VR / AR data is more efficiently transmitted via a wired connection 30, the control signal 134 may indicate when the data source 22 should stream via the wired connection 30. As an illustrative example, the multiplexer 132 may output the first segment of data 138 at a first time based on the control signal 134. In some embodiments, the first segment of data 138 may be sent via the first data stream 112. Further, the multiplexer 132 may output data 140 including the second segment of the second data stream 114 at a second time. The multiplexer may then output data 142 including the third segment of the first data stream 112 and then data 144 including the fourth segment of the second data stream 114 at a third and fourth time. However, the described order and content of the data streams are not intended to be limiting. In fact, in some embodiments, based on the control signal 134, any arrangement of data may be output to generate a data stream 136 including the portions in any order.

[0048] Further, in some embodiments, the multiplexer 132 or other circuit blocks of the data source 22 may be configured to employ frequency division multiplexing techniques to transmit unique signals to multiple connected display systems 16. For example, in some embodiments, the control signal 134 may assign a unique frequency to each of the connected display systems 16. According to the frequency established by the control signal 134, the data source 22 may stream data to the connected display systems 16. Further, in some embodiments, the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 may also be multiplexed using frequency division techniques. For example, the control signal 134 may indicate a specific frequency for the first data stream 112 and a different unique frequency for the second data stream 114. Thus, the data source 22 may stream both the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 to the connected display systems 16 simultaneously. In some embodiments, the display systems 16 may be tuned to selectively display streamed data from a specific frequency range. For example, there may be an additional knob or other switching mechanism on the display system 16 to allow the customer 12 to select whether to stream the first data stream 112 or the second data stream 114 .

[0049] For example, in some embodiments, a single ride may have two or more VR / AR experiences associated with it. Thus, the first data stream 112 may stream a first VR / AR experience, and the second data stream 114 may stream a second VR / AR experience. As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the first data stream 112 may be transmitted via the wireless connection 20, and the second data stream 114 may be transmitted via the wired connection 30. Additionally or alternatively, both the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 may be streamed from the wireless connection 20 or the wired connection 30. The described time division and frequency division multiplexing techniques may allow such streaming features. Further, these techniques may be scaled to any appropriate number of data streams. For example, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, or the like different data streams that may be streamed from a data source. Indeed, in some embodiments, there may be a unique data stream for each connected display system 16, so that each customer 12 on a given ride may have a unique VR / AR experience customized for them. For example, the age, interests, or other characteristics of the customer 12 may factor into the determination of what VR / AR experience the customer 12 receives. Further, in some embodiments, the customer 12 may have the option to select which VR / AR experience they would like to have on a given ride. There may be a selection mechanism on the display system 16 to enable this selection.

[0050] While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosed embodiments.

[0051] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples and substantial objects that arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "a component for (performing) ... (function)" or "a step for (performing) ... (function)", it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A data communication system for virtual reality or augmented reality data, comprising: a head mounted device (HMD) configured to receive streaming virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data via the first connection and the second connection; as well as A controller comprising a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions, the instructions being used to: transmitting first streaming VR / AR data from a data source to the HMD via the first connection; and transmitting second streaming VR / AR data from the data source to the HMD via the second connection, Wherein, when the data source switches from transmitting the first streaming VR / AR data to transmitting the second streaming VR / AR data, the HMD receives a continuous stream of VR / AR data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The data source is configured to receive a control signal to switch from the first streaming VR / AR data to the second streaming VR / AR data.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein: The VR / AR data is associated with a VR / AR compatible ride or queue at the amusement park.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein: The data source is configured to transmit the first streaming VR / AR data and the second streaming VR / AR data to the HMD at the same time.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein: The data source is configured to transmit the first streaming VR / AR data at a first frequency and to transmit the second streaming VR / AR data at a second frequency.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein: The data source is configured to switch between streaming the first streaming VR / AR data to the HMD via the first connection and streaming the second streaming VR / AR data to the HMD via the second connection based on a data quality signal of the first streaming VR / AR data or the second streaming VR / AR data.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein: When the data source is switching between streaming the first streaming VR / AR data and streaming the second streaming VR / AR data, the first streaming VR / AR data and the second streaming VR / AR data are buffered contents.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first connection is a wireless connection, and the second connection is a wired connection.

9. A data communication system for virtual reality or augmented reality data, comprising: a data source configured to transmit a first portion of a virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data stream via a wired connection and configured to transmit a second portion of the VR / AR data stream via a wireless connection; A head mounted device (HMD), the HMD being configured to: receiving the first portion of the VR / AR data stream via the wired connection; as well as receiving the second portion of the VR / AR data stream via the wireless connection, wherein the HMD is configured to transition from receiving the first portion of the VR / AR data stream to receiving the second portion of the VR / AR data stream; as well as A controller is configured to generate a control signal to switch the data source between the wired connection and the wireless connection.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein: The data source transmits the third part of the VR / AR data stream simultaneously with transmitting the first part or the second part.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: The HMD is configured to display either the first portion or the second portion at a given time.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein: The HMD is configured to store the third portion in a memory of the HMD.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein: The third portion includes buffered content that is displayed upon identifying a discontinuity in the data streaming of the first portion or the second portion.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein: The wired connection is via a removable cable.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein: The HMD is configured to transition from receiving the first portion to receiving the second portion in response to identifying poor signal quality of the wired connection.

16. A data communication method for virtual reality or augmented reality data, the method comprising: selectively transmitting, via a data source, first streaming virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data to a head mounted device (HMD) via a first connection; as well as selectively transmitting, via the data source, second streaming VR / AR data to the HMD via a second connection, Wherein, when the data source switches from transmitting the first streaming VR / AR data to transmitting the second streaming VR / AR data, the HMD receives continuous stream data.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: A control signal is generated to control switching of the data source.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The control signal is generated based on a reduction in data quality of the first streaming VR / AR data.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein: The first streaming VR / AR data is streamed at a first frequency, and the second streaming VR / AR data is streamed at a second frequency.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Based on the frequency setting of the HMD, the first streaming VR / AR data or the second streaming VR / AR data is displayed through the HMD.

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