Switching between wired and wireless head-mounted devices

Abstract

Regarding wired and wireless switching for head-mounted devices. In one embodiment, a head-mounted device (HMD) is configured to receive streamed virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data via a first connection and a second connection, the streamed VR / AR data being controlled by a controller that transmits the first streamed VR / AR data from a data source to the HMD via the first connection and the second streamed VR / AR data from the data source to the HMD via the second connection, and the HMD is adapted to receive a continuous stream of VR / AR data when the data source switches from transmitting the first streamed VR / AR data to transmitting the second streamed VR / AR data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 371,593, entitled "WIRED AND WIRELESS SWITCHING FOR HEAD-MOUNTED DEVICE," filed August 16, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. (Technical field) This application relates to wired and wireless switching for head-mounted devices. [Background technology]

[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 utilized to transition 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 that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This disclosure is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that this description is to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Various entertainment vehicles are designed to provide passengers with unique motion and visual experiences. For example, virtual reality and / or augmented reality systems can be used with themed rides and may be implemented with multi-passenger vehicles that travel along set routes. Headwear, such as head-mounted devices (HMDs), may include displays and may be worn by passengers to provide the wearer with a virtual reality and / or augmented reality experience. In certain cases, the head-mounted devices may be tethered by cables to features of the entertainment vehicle, such as a ride car, which may interfere with the passenger's movement within the vehicle. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is provided below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these particular embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the present subject matter may encompass a variety of aspects that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth 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 streamed virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data via a first connection and a second connection. The system also includes a controller including a memory that stores instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions. The instructions include instructions for transmitting first streamed VR / AR data from a data source to the HMD via the first connection and second streamed VR / AR data from the data source to the HMD via the second connection, wherein the HMD receives a continuous stream of VR / AR data when the data source switches from transmitting the first streamed VR / AR data to transmitting the second streamed VR / AR data.

[0007] In one embodiment, a data communication system for virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) 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 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 the wired connection and the second portion of the VR / AR data stream via the wireless connection, the HMD 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 including selectively transmitting, by a data source, first streamed virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data to a head-mounted device (HMD) over a first connection; and selectively transmitting, by the data source, second streamed VR / AR data to the HMD over a second connection, wherein the HMD receives a continuous data stream when the data source switches from transmitting the first streamed VR / AR data to transmitting the second streamed VR / AR data.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a data communications system operating in a wireless mode of operation to transmit 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. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a data communication system arrangement having both wired and wireless data communication from a data source to an HMD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of a wireless data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a timing diagram of the operation of a data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a timing diagram of the operation of a data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] 1 is an operational diagram of a data communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any industrial design or engineering project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developers' particular goals, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will further be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless represent a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] When describing 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 element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0013] 1 is a schematic diagram of a data communication system 10 that can be used with the disclosed technology. In one example, an amusement park may include VR / AR technology. In such a case, the park may provide a head-mounted device (HMD) 14, or guests may bring their own device 14, which can communicate with an attraction controller or a central controller to receive VR / AR data. When worn by a guest 12, the HMD 14 allows the guest 12 to view the received VR / AR data. Additionally, the HMD 14 may communicate guest position information, other environmental information, or data quality information to the central controller. In one embodiment, the HMD 14 generates a data quality signal that provides information regarding data quality. If the data quality signal indicates streamed VR / AR data below a threshold, the operating mode can switch from wired to wireless, or vice versa.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, the HMD may be a two-part or multi-part device that includes a guest interface 15, which is a lightweight device worn on the head of guest 12, and an attachable display system 16. In one example, guest interface device 15 may be a passive device that serves to removably attach the display system. Interface device 15 may be handed out in line 18 for an attraction, and display system 16 may be attached to interface device 15 to assemble HMD 14. However, it should be understood that HMD 14 may be an integrated assembly in which display system 16, which displays VR / AR data, is not detachable from the head or other interface components.

[0015] HMD 14 can receive VR / AR data from data source 22 via wireless connection 20. For example, data source 22 can include memory device(s), processor(s), communication circuitry, etc. for performing operations such as streaming data to HMD 14, e.g., display system 16, worn by guest 12 in queue 18 or in an attraction. In some embodiments, data can be stored in memory device(s) of the data source. Additionally or alternatively, data can be transmitted to data source 22 from an amusement park controller, e.g., via communication circuitry of data source 22.

[0016] The data source 22 can transmit data via the wireless connection 20 to the HMD 14 associated with the ride experience. For example, a guest 12 may wait in a queue 18 to enter a ride. In some embodiments, instructions may help prepare the guest 12 for a smooth transition into the ride experience. For example, the instructions may tell the guest 12 where to enter the ride vehicle, how to secure themselves in the ride vehicle, and what to expect along the course of the ride. For example, if there are actions the guest 12 must take during the ride (e.g., a mini-game or other ride-based action), the instructions may inform the guest 12 how and when to take such actions. Presenting these instructions to the guest 12 using the display system 16 can provide a convenient way to distill instructions to all guests 12 before they enter the attraction. For example, instead of having an employee announce the instructions from a script, instructional video data stored in or transmitted to the data source 22 can provide a more effective way of presenting the instructions. In one embodiment, graphics or illustrations displayed via display system 16 can facilitate the dissemination of language-independent instructions to guest 12. Data source 22 can transmit other types of data to display system 16 of HMD 14. For example, while in queue 18, guest 12 can be presented with mini-games, advertisements, etc. related to the ride for which they are waiting, or other attractions or features of the amusement park.

[0017] In embodiments, as generally described herein, system 10 may facilitate dynamic switching to or from wireless communication with HMD 14 within an attraction based on various environmental or data transmission conditions of the attraction. For example, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic communication path between data source 22 and HMD 14 used with an amusement park ride vehicle 28 in which guests 12 are seated in passenger cars 28. In some embodiments, as described above, data source 22 may be connected to display system 16 of HMD 14 worn by guests 12 via wireless connection 20. Additionally, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to have a wired connection 30 between data source 22 and display system 16. Accordingly, in some embodiments, data source 22 may be physically connected to display system 16 via wired connection 30 for at least a portion of the data communication path. As described herein, HMD 14 may implement wireless communication circuitry to facilitate wireless connection 20 and may also include a tether or cable 31 to facilitate wired connection 30. Control of the communication path and switching between wired connection 30 and wireless connection 20 can be based on inputs to system 10 and performed by a controller (see FIG. 3). Additionally, cable 31 can be used to transmit electrical signals and / or power to display system 16.

[0018] As shown, guests 12 are secured within passenger vehicle 28 by locking lap bars 33. Locking lap bars 33 have display systems 16 secured within cavities 34 suitable for storing display systems 16 within vehicle 28. More specifically, cavities 34 are disposed within lap bar cummerbunds 36. Guest 12A is shown removing display system 16 from locking lap bar 33 in order to place display system 16 in interface device 15. It should be understood that, in one embodiment, dynamic switching between wireless and wired connections can be on a per-device basis. For example, guest 12A's HMD 14 can receive data via wireless connection 20, while guests 12B and 12C's HMDs 14 can receive data via wired connection 30. Cables 31 can be stored within their respective locking lap bars 33 (e.g., via a spring-loaded mechanism, electric motor assist, gravity assist, etc.). In some cases, repeated storage or manipulation may damage the cable 31. Upon detecting a failure in data communication to a particular HMD 14, which may be due to cable damage, the system 10 can initiate a wired-to-wireless switchover, such that data communication switches from the wired connection 30 to the wireless connection 20. The wireless connection 20 may be less robust than the wired connection 30 during operation of the entertainment vehicle, especially while traversing twisting sections where there are physical barriers to signal transmission. However, by defaulting to the wired connection 30 and initiating a switchover to the wireless connection 20 upon detected signal quality issues on a device-by-device or vehicle-by-vehicle basis, the number of wireless connections 20 is minimized, resulting in less potential signal interference and less bandwidth usage compared to a solution in which all HMDs 14 are switched to wireless.

[0019] In addition to dynamic switching based on signal quality or other environmental factors, wired-to-wireless switching can be programmed based on known or predicted locations of poor signal quality or changes in the ride environment. For example, the HMD may operate in a wireless mode of operation while the guest 12 is in a queue and freely moving about, but upon entering the ride 28 and connecting the cable 31, an automatic switch to wired mode of operation can be activated using the wired connection 30. Once in wired mode of operation, the system 10 can maintain the wired connection 30 until a deterioration or degradation in signal quality is detected or until the guest 12 exits the ride vehicle 28.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the data communications system 10 for facilitating control and switching between wired and wireless connections with individual HMDs 14 via a controller 42. While only a single HMD 14 is shown, it should be understood that the controller 42 can communicate with multiple, individually addressable HMDs 14. In one embodiment, the controller 42 can control additional system elements, such as the vehicle 28. The controller 42 can include a memory circuit 52 and a processing circuit 54, such as a microprocessor. The controller 42 can also include a data source 22. In one embodiment, the data source 22 can be part of the memory 52 or can be a separate storage device, such as a memory stack. The processing circuit 54 can be used to execute software, such as software stored in the memory circuit 52, to control the ride vehicle 28 and the HMDs 14 associated with the ride vehicle 28. Additionally, the processing circuit 54 can 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 a combination thereof. For example, processing circuitry 54 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

[0021] The memory circuitry 52 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory circuitry 52 may store a variety of information and may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the memory circuitry 52 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by the processing circuitry 54, such as instructions for controlling components of the vehicle system 10. The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry 54, may cause the processing circuitry 54 to communicate. The storage device(s) (e.g., non-volatile storage device) 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 may be communicated to the HMD 14.

[0022] The controller 42 also includes communication circuitry 58 that can mediate communication via the wireless connection 20 and / or the wired connection 30. For example, the communication circuitry 58 can include a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, e.g., a transceiver. The communication circuitry 58 can further include an input port for the cable 31. In embodiments, the communication circuitry 58 can be arranged such 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 such that only one type of communication can occur at a given time. The controller 42 can also include a user interface 59 for receiving operator input.

[0023] In embodiments, the wired and / or wireless connections may include communication via the ride vehicle 28. The ride vehicle 28 may include communications circuitry 64 to support the wireless connection 20, e.g., a transceiver 32 (see FIG. 2 ), and / or a cable 31 and / or port to support the wired connection 30. Control of the ride vehicle's communications circuitry 64 may be under the control of a vehicle controller 68, which may include certain elements such as a processor and memory, as generally described with respect to the controller 42. Additionally, each HMD 14 may include a processor 70, memory 72, and integral communications circuitry 76 to support the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30, e.g., one or more communications components. For example, the HMD 14 may include a transceiver to support the wireless connection 20 and a cable input port to support the wired connection 30.

[0024] The communications circuitry 76 may include an antenna, radio transceiver circuitry, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A / D converters, multiplexer amplifiers), or a combination thereof, and may be configured to communicate over a wireless communications path using IR radio communications, Wi-Fi, satellite communications, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. The communications circuitry 76 may be configured to connect to a wired LAN network. The communications circuitry 76 may include a port for a wired connection via a cable connection, such as an HDMI port or a display port.

[0025] As presented herein, switching between a wired connection and a wireless connection may refer to communication at the final or last leg of a communication path, or may refer to communication along the entire path. That is, even with a wired connection 30, portions of the communication path 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 some of the data source 22 may be located on the vehicle 28, and communication may include wireless communication between the controller and the data source 22, which causes the data source 22 to receive data and further 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.

[0026] In other embodiments, the communications circuitry 64 of the ride vehicle 28 may include a transceiver 32 (see FIG. 2 ) that communicates with, receives data from, and optionally stores data from the data source 22. By removing the transceiver 32 from the HMD 14 rather than placing it on the HMD 14, the HMD 14 may be implemented with smaller, lighter communications circuitry that can facilitate a wireless connection 20 when conditions are favorable based on the guest's location within the attraction and / or data communications conditions. When conditions are unfavorable, the HMD 14 may operate using a wired connection 30. The transceiver 32 may act as a bridge for data communications from the data source 22 that use more complex or powerful communications circuitry to the HMD 14.

[0027] Thus, in one embodiment, wireless connection 20 may refer to direct wireless transmission between an individual HMD 14 and data source 22. Wireless connection 20 may be wireless transmission from data source 22 to transceiver 32, and consequently, wired or wireless transmission from communication circuitry 64 to an individual HMD 14. Wired connection 30 may refer to direct wired connection between data source 22 and individual HMD 14 via cable 31. In one embodiment, wired connection 30 may refer to wireless transmission from data source 22 to a pass-through device on ride vehicle 28. Additionally, ride vehicle 28 may include memory for storing data from data source 22.

[0028] As described herein, switching from wired to wireless and vice versa can be pre-programmed to coincide with specific ride events. Additionally, switching can occur based on one or more sensor signals, for example, from sensors 80. Sensors 80 can be part of the HMD 14, part of the ride vehicle 28, and / or environmental sensors. In one embodiment, switching occurs based on a signal quality assessment that can be performed by the controller 42 or the HMD 14. For example, the HMD 14 can detect deterioration in on-board data and send a signal to the controller 42. The controller 42 can switch the operating mode of the HMD 14 from wired to wireless or vice versa. The controller 42 can also identify wireless communication failures with individual HMDs 14 and instruct those particular HMDs to initiate wired connections 30 accordingly.

[0029] 4 shows a time graph 90 of an exemplary sequence of operations of data source 22 under control of control signal 92. In some cases, switching between wired and wireless communication may require resetting the power of the data streaming device. However, data source 22 may alternate between streaming data over wireless connection 20 and over wired connection 30 while maintaining a continuous data stream. For example, at time t0, control signal 92 for data source 22 may be turned off, and / or transmission of a data stream by data source 22 to a particular HMD 14 may be deactivated based on control signal 92.

[0030] At time t1, data source 22 can be activated, for example, based on a control signal 92 provided by controller 42. For example, control signal 92 can be generated by activation of a ride cycle. At time t1, a data stream 94 of VR / AR data can be transmitted from data source 22 to connected display system 16 of HMD 14 via either wireless connection 20 or wired connection 30. For example, in the illustrated time graph, at t1, display system 16 associated with a given passenger vehicle 28 or queue 18 is connected to data source 22 via wireless connection 20. For example, time t1 can indicate when guest 12 attaches display system 16 to interface device 15 (e.g., in ride vehicle 28 or queue 18). At time t1, data stream 94 can be transmitted to display system 16 via wireless connection 20. For example, in an embodiment where t1 indicates when guest 12 enters queue 18 and attaches display system 16 to its interface device 15, instructions / mini-games / advertisements, etc. can be streamed to display system 16. Further, in one embodiment, where time t1 indicates when the ride begins, data stream 94 may include VR / AR data related to the ride, which may continue until time t2, when the connection between data source 22 and one or more display systems 16 transitions from wireless connection 20 to wired connection 30. For example, this may be accomplished by coupling cable 31 to display system 16, as described above.

[0031] There are many reasons why guest 12 may switch from wireless connection 20 to wired connection 30. For example, in some embodiments, wired connection 30 may be faster, less prone to data delays, or more reliable. At time t2, guest 12 may experience faulty or otherwise unreliable transmission of data stream 94 over wireless connection 20 and may couple cable 31 to display system 16 so that wired connection 30 can transmit data stream 94 to display system 16. Furthermore, in some embodiments, wired connection 30 may be initiated by passenger ride vehicle 28 or another individual or machine. For example, cable 31 may be automatically or manually coupled to one or more display systems 16 before the start of the ride or at some other time when wired connection 30 may be preferred over wireless connection 20 (e.g., at a particular point along the ride route). For example, in some embodiments, robotic functionality in passenger vehicle 28 may couple cable 31 to display system 16. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a guest 12 , a vehicle operator, or the like may couple a cable 31 to the display system 16 .

[0032] The transition from wireless connection 20 to wired connection 30 at t2 can be seamless, with data stream 94 being continuously transmitted to display system 16 so that guest 12 does not observe or experience any interruption in the VR / AR data from data stream 94. In some embodiments, software in data source 22 can be used to mask any delay caused by the transition from wireless connection 20 to wired connection 30, as described herein.

[0033] At time t3, data source 22 may transition from transmitting data stream 94 over wired connection 30 to transmitting data stream 94 over wireless connection 20 again. In some embodiments, time t3 may be caused by disconnecting cable 31 from display system 16. Additionally or alternatively, time t3 may indicate the end of the ride experience or other similar time when wireless connection 20 may be preferred over wired connection 30. For example, during a dark portion of the ride experience, wireless connection 20 may attempt to reliably transmit 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.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ride experience may include a period during which guest 12 is free to move about freely for a short period of time, for example, within passenger vehicle 28 or outside of passenger vehicle 28. Accordingly, during this time (e.g., time t1), guest 12's display system 16 may receive data stream 94 via wireless connection 20 to data source 22. Time t2 may indicate a period during which movement is restricted, so guest 12 may couple cable 31 to their respective display system 16 and continue their ride. Additionally, there may be other situations or experiences beyond those disclosed that may utilize the operations described in time graph 90.

[0035] Further, in some embodiments, time t1 may be associated with guest 12 entering queue 18. Upon entering queue 18 and attaching a display system to interface device 14, guest 12 may begin receiving data stream 94 from data source 22 via wireless connection 20. For example, data stream 94 may include broadcasted general data (e.g., advertisements, mini-games, instructions, etc.) while in queue 18. Time t2 may indicate the start of the ride experience, where guest 12 may enter vehicle 28 and couple cable 31 to respective display system 16. Further, although time graph 90 discloses time t1 as associated with wireless connection 20, time t2 as associated with wired connection 30, and time t3 as associated with wireless connection 20, any combination or sequence of transitions between wireless connection 20 and wired connection 30 may be used.

[0036] 5 illustrates a time graph 110 illustrating further operation of data source 22. For example, in some embodiments, data source 22 may be connected to one or more display systems 16 via both wireless connection 20 and wired connection 30. However, in some cases, it may be advantageous to stream data from one connection rather than the other. For example, in some embodiments, wireless connection 20 may not have sufficient bandwidth to support individual streaming data to multiple display systems 16. Indeed, wireless connection 20 may be better utilized for streaming general-purpose data, as discussed above. Furthermore, wired connection 30 may have bandwidth to provide individual data streams to multiple (e.g., each) of the connected display systems 16. Thus, wireless connection 20 and wired connection 30 may be selectively used depending on the type of data being streamed, even when both wireless connection 20 and wired connection 30 are connected to display systems 16.

[0037] To illustrate this, time graph 110 illustrates the operation of data source 22 when data source 22 is connected to display system 16 via both wireless connection 20 and wired connection 30. For example, some or all of the connected display systems 16 may be connected to data source 22 via both wireless connection 20 and wired connection 30. At time t0, control signal 92 of data source 22 may be off. Thus, first stream data 112 transmitted from data source 22 to connected display system 16 via data source 22's wireless connection 20 and second stream data 114 transmitted from data source 22 to connected display system 16 via wired connection 30 may both be disabled. Further, it should be noted that in some embodiments, first stream data 112 may be from wired connection 30 and second stream data 114 may be from wireless connection 20.

[0038] At time t1, control signal 92 may be turned on to transmit data from data source 22 to connected display system 16. For example, first data stream 112 may be activated, causing first data stream 112 to stream to display system 16 via wireless connection 20. In some embodiments, buffer contents 116 may be streamed via both first data stream 112 and second data stream 114 to mask any interruptions or discontinuities that may be caused by transitions between streaming data via wireless connection 20 and streaming data via wired connection 30, or vice versa. Thus, at time t2, first data stream 112 (e.g., from wireless connection 20) may begin streaming buffer contents. Additionally, at time t3, data source 22 may begin streaming second data stream 114 to connected display system 16 via wired connection 30. In some embodiments, both wireless connection 20 and wired connection 30 may stream data to the same display system 16 simultaneously. For example, both the wireless connection 20 and the wired connection 30 may be streaming data simultaneously during a transition period before one of them stops transmitting data.

[0039] At time t4, first data stream 112 (e.g., from wireless connection 20) is disabled, and connected display system 16 may receive buffer contents 116 exclusively from second data stream 114 (e.g., via wired connection 30). Further, at time t5, once a potential interruption due to the transition between streaming data from wireless connection 20 to wired connection 30 has passed, buffer contents 116 may stop being streamed by second data stream 114. Thus, second data stream 114 may stream other data transmitted by data source 22.

[0040] In some embodiments, buffer contents 116 may be played back by first data stream 112 and second data stream 114 at any time. For example, in addition to being streamed during transitions between first data stream 112 and second data stream 114, in some embodiments, buffer contents 116 may be streamed to mask any interruptions in first data stream 112 and second data stream 114. Furthermore, in some embodiments, buffer contents 116 may be transmitted per display system 16. For example, buffer contents 116 may be selectively streamed to a display system 16 that has a failed or poor connection to data source 22. Furthermore, while time graph 110 shows first data stream 112 being activated at time t1 and second data stream 114 being activated at time t3, other timing may occur. For example, in some embodiments, wired connection 30 may stream first data stream 112 instead of wireless connection 20. Indeed, the example shown in time graph 110 is not intended to be limiting.

[0041] 6 , in some embodiments, data source 22 can time-division multiplex first data stream 112 and second data stream 114. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to pre-program a transition between streaming VR / AR data from wireless connection 20 and streaming VR / AR data from wired connection 30. For example, a given amusement park ride may have moments when guests 12 are free to move around, and preferably the VR / AR data would be streamed wirelessly. Additionally, a given ride may have moments when the environment is dark or otherwise unsuitable for wireless connection 20. Thus, under such circumstances, data transmitted to display system 16 can be routed over wired connection 30. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, data source 22 can tailor the time-division multiplexed signal specifically for a given display 16, rather than for all of the display systems 16 associated with a given ride.

[0042] 6 shows a diagram 130 of the multiplexing operation of data source 22. Data source 22 may include a multiplexer 132 for receiving a first data stream 112 for a given display system 16 (e.g., via wireless connection 20) and a second data stream 114 for the given display system 16 (e.g., via wired connection 30). Additionally, multiplexer 132 may receive a control signal 134 for determining how first data stream 112 and second data stream 114 should be output to a given display system 16. For example, control signal 134 may be transmitted to data source 22 from a controller of a vehicle or queue associated with data source 22. Additionally, data from control signal 134 may be received by communication circuitry of data source 22 and further stored in memory device(s) of data source 22. In some embodiments, control signal 134 may be based on a VR / AR experience associated with the vehicle. For example, if particular VR / AR data is more efficiently transmitted via wired connection 30, control signal 134 may indicate when data source 22 should stream via wired connection 30. Illustratively, multiplexer 132 may output a first section of data 138 at a first time based on control signal 134. In some embodiments, first section of data 138 may be transmitted via first data stream 112. Further, multiplexer 132 may output a second section of data 140 comprising second data stream 114 at a second time. Thereafter, multiplexer 132 may output a third section of data 142 comprising first data stream 112, followed by a fourth section of data 144 comprising second data stream 114, at third and fourth times. However, the described order and content of data streaming are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, in some embodiments, any arrangement of data may be output to generate data stream 136 including portions in any order based on control signal 134.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the multiplexer 132 or other circuitry of the data source 22 can 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 can assign a unique frequency to each connected display system 16. The data source 22 can stream data to the connected display systems 16 according to the frequency established by the control signal 134. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 can be multiplexed using frequency division techniques. For example, the control signal 134 can indicate a particular frequency for the first data stream 112 and a different, unique frequency for the second data stream 114. In this manner, the data source 22 can simultaneously stream both the first data stream 112 and the second data stream 114 to the connected display systems 16. In some embodiments, the display systems 16 can be tuned to selectively display stream data from a particular frequency range. For example, display system 16 may be provided with an additional knob or other switching mechanism to allow guest 12 to select whether first data stream 112 or second data stream 114 is to be streamed.

[0044] For example, in some embodiments, a single vehicle may have two or more VR / AR experiences associated with it. Thus, first data stream 112 may stream a first VR / AR experience, and second data stream 114 may stream a second VR / AR experience. As described above, in some embodiments, first data stream 112 may transmit over wireless connection 20, and second data stream 114 may transmit over wired connection 30. Additionally or alternatively, both first data stream 112 and second data stream 114 may stream from either wireless connection 20 or wired connection 30. The time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing techniques described above may enable such streaming functionality. Furthermore, these techniques may be extended to any suitable number of data streams. For example, this may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, etc., 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 guest 12 on a given ride can have a unique VR / AR experience tailored to that guest. For example, the age, interests, or other characteristics of the guest 12 may influence the determination of what VR / AR experience the guest 12 receives. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the guest 12 may have the option to select which VR / AR experience they would like to have on a given ride. A selection mechanism may exist on the display system 16 to enable this selection.

[0045] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and 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 present disclosure.

[0046] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 20 Wireless Connection 22 Data Sources 28 Vehicles 30 Wired connection 42 Controller 52 memory 54 processors 58 Communication Circuit 59 User Interface 64 Communication Circuit 68 Vehicle Controller 76 Communication Circuit 80 sensors

Claims

1. 1. A data communication system for virtual reality or augmented reality data, comprising: a head-mounted device (HMD) configured to receive streamed virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data via a first connection and a second connection; a controller comprising a memory for storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions; Equipped with The instruction: transmitting first streamed VR / AR data from a data source to the HMD via the first connection; transmitting second streamed VR / AR data from the data source to the HMD via the second connection; It is for the purpose of When the data source switches from transmitting the first streamed VR / AR data to transmitting the second streamed VR / AR data, the HMD receives a continuous stream of VR / AR data.

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

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the VR / AR data relates to a VR / AR compatible ride or queue at an amusement park.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data source is configured to simultaneously transmit the first streamed VR / AR data and the second streamed VR / AR data to the HMD.

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

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

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

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

9. 1. 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 over a wired connection and a second portion of the VR / AR data stream over a wireless connection; A head-mounted device (HMD), receiving the first portion of the VR / AR data stream via the wired connection; receiving the second portion of the VR / AR data stream over the wireless connection; a head-mounted device (HMD) 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; a controller configured to generate a control signal to cause the data source to switch between the wired connection and the wireless connection; A system comprising:

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

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 comprises buffer contents that are displayed upon identification of 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 detachable cable.

15. 10. 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. 1. A data communication method for virtual reality or augmented reality data, comprising: selectively transmitting, by the data source, first streamed virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) data over the first connection to a head-mounted device (HMD); selectively transmitting, by the data source, second streamed VR / AR data to the HMD via a second connection; This includes: The method of claim 1, wherein the HMD receives a continuous data stream when the data source switches from transmitting the first streamed VR / AR data to transmitting the second streamed VR / AR data.

17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising generating a control signal to control the switching of the data source.

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

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

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising displaying, by the HMD, the first streamed VR / AR data or the second streamed VR / AR data based on a frequency setting of the HMD.

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