Wearable article with integrated display for displaying cryptographically secured digital images - Patent Application 20070122999

Abstract

A method for displaying a cryptographically protected digital collectible on a digital display, comprising the steps of receiving the cryptographically protected digital collectible; receiving an instruction from a user to display the cryptographically protected digital collectible on a digital display disposed on an article of footwear or clothing; receiving an item identifier from communications circuitry disposed on the article of footwear or clothing in response to receiving the instruction to display the digital collectible on the article of footwear or clothing; transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing for display on the digital display; and recording or requesting recording that the cryptographically protected digital collectible is displayed in association with the item identifier of the article of footwear or clothing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 408,090, filed September 19, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] [Technical field] The present disclosure generally relates to incorporating NFT images and / or digital collectibles into real-world items. [Background technology]

[0003] A non-fungible token (NFT) is a non-exchangeable (i.e., non-substitutable) record that is stored in digital form and can be bought, sold, or traded between different market participants. An NFT often serves as a digital certificate of authenticity or proof of ownership of a corresponding digital or physical item (e.g., a "digital collectible"). The records that make up an NFT are often stored in an immutable digital ledger, such as a blockchain-style ledger, which can be split across many different nodes, or participants, that maintain the ledger. Such blockchain ledgers encode at least part of the record's contents using some cryptographic means and also reference previous blocks (within the blockchain) to maintain continuity.

[0004] NFTs typically contain resident data, known as metadata, stored directly on the blockchain. Due to the cost complexities associated with pushing large amounts of data into the transaction verification process, the metadata may often contain pointers or references to off-chain data / digital files, such as photos, graphics, video, or audio, that are too costly to store on-chain. When an NFT appears on a user's social media account, digital wallet, or elsewhere, an associated software program may verify the metadata and digitally retrieve and display the associated photo from the referenced file repository. Often, these photos or models have their authenticity and ownership verified through a blockchain registry (i.e., cryptographically secured digital images) and are considered "digital collectibles." While the term "digital collectible" as used herein is intended to refer only to unique, electronically stored digital images, models, or colorways, the term "NFT" is intended to refer to any type of digital collectible that is cryptographically secured / tokenized on a suitable blockchain-style digital ledger. As such, throughout this disclosure, the term NFT may be used in a generic sense to refer to the secured digital collectible that is displayed. In such cases, the disclosure should not be construed to mean that the complete blockchain record will also be shown on the display. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for displaying and registering an NFT or digital collectible on a physical item, such as an item of footwear.

[0006] [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article of footwear.

[0007] [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic side perspective view of an article of footwear having a display incorporated into a portion of a logo.

[0008] [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic top perspective view of an article of footwear having a display integrated into the vamp portion of the article of footwear.

[0009] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective side view of an article of footwear having a display incorporated into a majority of the exterior surface of the upper of the article of footwear.

[0010] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic circuit layout of an antenna, display, and processor provided on or within an article of footwear similar to any of FIGS. 1-5, wherein the processor is embedded or inserted within the sole structure of the article of footwear.

[0011] [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an electronic circuit layout of an antenna, display, and processor provided on or within an article of footwear similar to any of FIGS. 1-5, wherein the processor is integrated externally or internally into the upper in a position adjacent the bite line.

[0012] [Figure 8] A schematic side view of an electronic circuit layout of an antenna, display, and processor provided on or within an article of footwear similar to any of Figures 1-5, where the processor is external to the sidewall of the upper or integrated within the sidewall.

[0013] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a computing device, such as a smartphone, in wireless digital communication with an article of footwear.

[0014] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for uploading an NFT or digital collectible to a physical item.

[0015] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for registering or verifying a physical item prior to loading an NFT or digital collectible onto the item's display.

[0016] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of applying a generic NFT to a physical object to produce one of several different final visual appearances.

[0017] [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a method for creating a digital twin NFT that has an image or model similar to a physical item augmented by an applied NFT.

[0018] [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a method for removing an NFT from a physical item before reskinning the item with a second NFT.

[0019] [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an article of footwear with a removable display that fits into a receiver.

[0020] [Figure 16A] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article of footwear in which an auxiliary component is inserted into a receiving cavity of the tongue;

[0021] [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a schematic perspective view of a user wirelessly communicating with the auxiliary component of FIG. 16A.

[0022] [Figure 16C] 16A and 16B, followed by communication with an auxiliary component shown in FIG. 16B. FIG.

[0023] [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a user receiving a digital collectible / gamertag from a user account on a video game server and controlling a display on an article of footwear to display an image representing the received digital collectible / gamertag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Broadly speaking, the concepts described herein may provide a unique opportunity to augment physical articles, such as footwear or clothing articles, personal accessories, and wearables, by displaying digital images, NFTs, digital collectibles, or other digital identities and artifacts on the article itself. Broadly speaking, the concepts described herein may provide a unique opportunity to augment physical articles, such as footwear or clothing articles, personal accessories, and wearables, by displaying digital images, NFTs, digital collectibles, or other digital identities and artifacts on the article itself. In the current architecture / method, digital collectibles and / or NFTs may be used or displayed on or in combination with a physical article (i.e., an article that exists in the real world). In a preferred configuration, the physical article is an article intended to be worn on a user's body (i.e., a "wearable"), although this does not prevent the presently described system from being used with non-wearable articles. As described, the technology utilizes display technology that can be attached to or integrated into a physical item, providing users with the ability to enhance, modify, or arrange the physical item according to one or more attributes or imagery associated with a digital collectible / NFT. In doing so, the technology creates new avenues for brand engagement and user participation, such that digital collectibles are no longer limited to the digital environment.

[0025] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system 10 configured to integrate an NFT or digital collectible 12 into a physical item 14 in the real world. In one configuration, the physical item 14 may be an article of footwear or clothing that functions to receive and display the digital collectible 12. As described in more detail below, to properly display the NFT 12, the item 14 may include the necessary communications circuitry and / or processing capabilities to receive digital images from an external computing device 20, a display controller circuit for converting this received signal into a format suitable for modifying the integrated display 22, and power supply circuitry (including a power receiving circuit and / or one or more electrochemical power storage elements) necessary to operate the communications, processing, and display control electronics. The system 10 operates, in accordance with instructions from a user operating the external computing device 20 (e.g., a smartphone), to wirelessly push an NFT image to the item, where the image may be displayed or the item's appearance may be operationally altered using the item-integrated display technology.

[0026] Footwear 2 also illustrates a representative wearable article of footwear that can be used with the present system to externally display linked NFTs or digital collectibles 12. The illustrated footwear 30 (also referred to herein for brevity as "footwear" or "shoe") is merely an exemplary application in which the novel aspects and features of the present disclosure may be practiced. As will be recognized, the shape, size, material composition, and manufacturing method of shoe 30 may be varied, individually or collectively, to accommodate virtually any conventional or non-conventional footwear application.

[0027] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2, an article of footwear typically includes an upper 32 coupled to a lower sole structure 34. The upper 32 is depicted as having a closed, clamshell-like toe and heel configuration for encasing a human foot. The upper 32 in FIG. 2 is generally defined by three adjacent sections: a toe box 32A, a vamp 32B, and a rear quarter 32C. The toe box 32A is depicted as a rounded front end of the upper 32 extending from the distal phalanges to the proximal phalanges to encase and protect the user's toes. In comparison, the vamp 32B is an arched central portion of the upper 32 located posterior to the toe box 32A and extending from the metatarsals to the cuboid. As shown, the vamp 32B also includes a series of lace eyelets 36 and a tongue 38. Located posterior to vamp 32B is rear quarter 32C, which extends from the transverse tarsal joint to the heel bone and comprises the rear of upper 32. While shown in the drawings as being comprised of three main segments, upper 32 may be manufactured as a unitary structure or comprised of any number of segments, including a toe cap, heel cap, ankle cuff, internal liner, etc. For sandal or slipper applications, upper 32 may employ an open-toe or open-heel configuration, or may be replaced by a single strap or multiple interconnected straps.

[0028] The upper 32 portion of the footwear 30 may be manufactured from any one or combination of a variety of materials, such as textiles, man-made foams, polymers, natural leather, or synthetic leather. The individual segments of the upper 32 may be cut to shape and size and then sewn, glued, fastened, welded, or otherwise joined to form an interior space for comfortably accommodating the foot. The individual material elements of the upper 32 may be selected and positioned relative to the footwear 30 to impart desired characteristics, such as durability, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, appearance, and comfort. An ankle opening 35 in the rear quarter 32C of the upper 32 provides access to the interior of the shoe 30. Laces 40, straps, buckles, or other conventional mechanisms may be used to modify the girth of the upper 32 to securely hold the foot within the shoe 30 and to facilitate entry and exit from the upper 32. The laces 40 may be threaded through a series of eyelets 36 attached to the upper 32, and a tongue 38 may extend between the laces 40 and the interior space of the upper 32.

[0029] The sole structure 34 is securely secured to the upper 32 so as to extend between the upper 32 and the support surface on which the user stands. The sole structure 34 may be fabricated as a sandwich structure with an upper insole 42, an intermediate midsole 44, and a lower outsole 46 or outsole surface. Alternative sole configurations may be fabricated with more or fewer layers. The insole 42 is shown partially positioned within the interior space of the footwear 30 and operatively attached to the lower portion of the upper 32 such that the insole 42 abuts the plantar surface of the foot. Beneath the insole 42 is the midsole 44, which incorporates one or more materials or embedded elements that enhance the comfort, performance, and / or ground reaction force attenuation characteristics of the footwear 30. These elements and materials may include polymer foam materials such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), fillers, dampeners, air-filled bladders, plates, sustaining elements, or motion-controlling members, individually or in any combination. The outsole 46 is located below the midsole 24 and defines some or all of the bottom, ground-contacting portion of the footwear 30. The outsole 46 may be formed of a natural or synthetic rubber material that provides a durable, wear-resistant surface for contact with the ground. Additionally, the outsole 46 may be contoured and textured to enhance traction (i.e., friction) characteristics between the footwear 30 and the underlying supporting surface.

[0030] 1 illustrates the present technology with respect to an article of footwear, in other embodiments, the article 14 may be a piece of clothing, which may include, but is not limited to, a shirt, pants, shorts, outerwear, headgear, gloves, or personal accessories such as a bag, pouch, sash, etc. Similarly, the present technology may be used in conjunction with other articles 14, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, stuffed animals, refrigerator magnets, bookmarks, business cards, name tags, etc. This disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes, and similar teachings may be applied to other physical articles.

[0031] Display and Electronics Integration As shown generally in FIGS. 3-5 , when used in conjunction with an article of footwear, the display 22 may be integrated into or otherwise attached to the outward-facing / exterior surface 50 of the article of footwear 14 so as to be viewable by others while wearing the article of footwear. For example, in one embodiment, the display 22 may be integrated into or form part of a portion of the exterior surface of the upper. In another embodiment, the display 22 may be selectively attached to a portion of the exterior surface of the upper. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the display 22 comprises a discrete display device limited to a relatively small portion of the entire exterior of the shoe (i.e., less than about 20% of the exterior surface by area, or less than about 10% of the exterior surface by area, or less than about 5% of the exterior surface by area). In these particular examples, the perimeter 52 of the display 22 may match the silhouette or perimeter of at least a portion of the logo 54.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the display 22 is integrated into a portion of the vamp 32B. In this particular embodiment (similar to Figure 1), the NFT athlete's signature 56 is digitally applied to the physical item 14. In this example, a uniquely authenticated signature may be placed on the shoe to provide a similar level of identity as if the athlete had actually signed the shoe with a marker.

[0033] As shown schematically in FIG. 5 , in other embodiments, display 22 may be a large-area surface display 58 that extends across one or more panels or a majority of the exterior surface. For example, in one embodiment, surface display 58 may form or cover one or more of the vamp, toe cap, front quarter, heel counter, tongue, collar, and / or logo (but is not strictly limited to these sections). In this embodiment, surface display 58 may form a relatively large portion of upper 32, allowing display 58 to change the overall appearance or color scheme of the shoe. For example, in some embodiments, large-area surface display 58 may form or cover approximately 30% or more of the exterior surface of upper 32 by area, or approximately 40% or more of the exterior surface of upper 32 by area, or even approximately 50% or more of the exterior surface of upper 32 by area. In some embodiments, large-area surface display 58 may be integrated into the fabric used to form the article, thereby providing a more natural look / feel.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the display (generally designated 22) itself may include any suitable reflective and / or emissive display technology appropriate for the application and location on the article. In some embodiments, factors such as power consumption, parasitic currents, visibility, flexibility, and tactile impression may be driving factors in selecting an appropriate display. For example, in the case of an article of footwear, a relatively small display located on the lateral sidewall may not need to be very flexible. Flexibility becomes even more important if the display wraps around a larger portion of the shoe, such as the entire sidewall, toe box, or ankle collar.

[0035] In one configuration, to reduce the need for on-board power storage, display 22 may include an electronic ink display such as an electrophoretic display (EPD), microencapsulated electrophoretic display, active matrix electrophoretic display (AMEPD), electrowetting display (EWD), electrofluidic display, interferometric modulator display, plasmonic electronic display, or similar style display. Typical electronic ink displays, due to their reflective nature, require little or no holding current to maintain an image once it is set, resulting in very low operating power requirements. In some embodiments, larger panels may include spray-on electronic ink displays that are applied onto a base substrate (e.g., knitwear, leather, fabric, etc.).

[0036] In other embodiments, display 22 may include a low-power emissive display, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)-based display. OLED displays operate without the need for a backlight and can be formed on a flexible backing, such as a thin film or fabric. In still other embodiments, the display may include a multi-layer display, with an inner layer formed from an electronic ink display and an outer layer including an emissive OLED display (or vice versa). In such embodiments, the electronic ink display provides a static image that does not consume power, and the emissive display may selectively apply one or more visual effects thereon (e.g., effects selectively activated when the article is being worn / used and deactivated to conserve power when the article is not being worn / used). In one embodiment, the article of footwear 30 may include one or more motion, acceleration, or foot strike / impact sensors in electrical communication with display 22 and that can be used to trigger one or more selective visual effects. Examples of such sensors are described at least in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0213147 and 2021 / 0197021, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. In yet other embodiments, the reflective electronic ink display may display one or more monochrome / colorway patterns, and a monochrome transparent overlay may provide design embellishments to the displayed colors.

[0037] In some configurations, the display 22 may include a display element physically integrated into the article and capable of displaying an image externally. The display 22 may also include, but is not limited to, any necessary display drive / display control circuitry, such as a processor, digital memory, one or more operational amplifiers, transistors, or other solid-state switching devices, and / or circuitry necessary to communicate with on-board communication circuitry. In one embodiment, instead of relying on traditional batteries / electrochemical power storage cells to actively power the display 22, the display 22 may include an electronic ink display and may further include an inductively driven power source. In such an embodiment, the energy required to receive and set an image on the display is provided to the display via inductive power transfer, while no additional power is required to maintain the image once it is set. In this configuration, the use of a reflective display system may significantly reduce or eliminate the need for or requirement for on-board electrochemical power cells.

[0038] 3-5 schematically illustrate various styles and arrangements of display 22, while FIGS. 6-8 schematically illustrate various ways in which electronic components may be packaged into a representative article of footwear 30. As shown generally in each of these figures, in one configuration, the electronic system may include three main components: display 22, controller or processor 60, and antenna 62. While these components are all shown separately for purposes of illustration, in other configurations, two or more of these components may be combined (or further divided) to produce an electronic system with more or fewer components than those shown.

[0039] Common to each of FIGS. 6-8 is a display 22 that is external to, attached to, or integrated into the structure of the upper 32. This display 22 may be similar in shape, structure, and / or placement to the displays described with respect to FIGS. 3-5. Also common to each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 is an antenna 62 that is located on or integrated into an accessible outward-facing surface 64 of the article (i.e., preferably on the outward-facing surface of the upper 32 of the article of footwear 30 for durability). The antenna 62 may be specifically configured to facilitate short-range wireless digital communication with the article 14. In some embodiments, the antenna 62 may be further configured to receive emitted magnetic energy in a manner that can provide an inductive charge to on-board electronics. In one configuration, this antenna 62 may be an antenna designed to facilitate communication using a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol. In another configuration, it may be an antenna designed to facilitate communication using a BLUETOOTH protocol.

[0040] As further shown in Figures 6-8, each embodiment includes a controller or processor 60. As further shown generally in Figure 9, the processor 60 may include a display controller 90 that digitally converts display instructions into appropriate signals to control the visual display, communication circuitry 16 for local / short-range wireless communication via antenna 62, and power circuitry 92 for providing power to configure and / or operate the display 22 and associated electronics. In some embodiments, the power circuitry 92 includes one or more inductive power transfer (IPT) circuits configured to generate a supply of electrical energy via energy received from the antenna 62 or other receiving coil. In some embodiments, the power circuitry may further include one or more energy collection circuits, AC / DC converters, charge storage devices (batteries, capacitors, etc.), etc. These components may be fully integrated on a single chip, in a single package, or as multiple individual components that are in electrical communication with each other.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6 , in one configuration, the controller or processor 60 may be embedded in the sole structure 34 of the article of footwear 30 or disposed with a pre-formed cavity 66 in the sole structure 34. As shown schematically, in one embodiment, the cavity 66 extends from an upper, foot-facing surface 68 of the sole structure 34 and, in some embodiments, may be covered by an insole or other inlaid foam structure. Alternatively, the controller or processor 60 may be integrated within or coupled to the upper 32 of the sole structure 34. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , in one configuration, the processor package is attached adjacent to the bite line 69 of the article of footwear (i.e., the seam where the upper 32 and sole structure 34 join), or attached to or otherwise integrated with the sidewall of the article of footwear (e.g., an area of ​​the rear quarter as shown). It should be understood that other packaging methods may be employed as well to separately package the processing and power electronics in the wearable article.

[0042] External Computing Devices Referring again to FIG. 1 , as previously mentioned, system 10 further includes an external computing device 20, such as a smartphone or tablet, that maintains a digital wallet 70 (or a replica thereof) and operates to digitally communicate with item 14 via communication circuitry 16 integrated within item 14 (as shown schematically in FIG. 9 ). As further shown in FIG. 9 , the external computing device includes a processor 72, associated memory 74, a user interface / display 76, and communication circuitry 78 that operates to digitally communicate with communication circuitry 16 of item 14. In one configuration, communication circuitry 16, 78 of the smartphone and item may include compatible hardware that operates to digitally communicate via one or more established communication protocols. In some examples, communication circuitry 16, 78 may include hardware that operates to implement the Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol or the BLUETOOTH Low Energy (BLE) protocol (BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, but is used herein to refer to protocols identified by the same name). In many examples, this communication circuitry 16, 78 is a short-range communication circuitry / protocol configured for wireless communication over a relatively short distance, such as less than about 15 meters, less than about 5 meters, or less than 1 meter.

[0043] Continuing with reference to FIG. 9 , external computing device 20 may further include wide area network (WAN) communications circuitry 80 operative to digitally communicate with a cloud-based external computing network 82, such as the Internet. This external computing network 82 may digitally communicate with or include one or more external digital file repositories 84 and may implement or connect to one or more distributed blockchain networks 86. This computing network may also consist of or communicate with one or more Internet-connected / cloud-based computing platforms or peer-to-peer / distributed file systems, such as the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) developed by Protocol Labs. In some examples, WAN wireless communications circuitry 80 may include a wireless radio compliant with, for example, IEEE 802.11x, CDMA cellular standards, GSM cellular standards, LTE cellular standards, 5G cellular standards, etc. In other words, in these embodiments, external computing device 20 will include the hardware and programming necessary to digitally communicate with one or more Internet-connected devices or file repositories via a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.

[0044] In many embodiments, the external computing device 20 that pushes the cryptographically secured digital image to the physical item 14 may be a portable device such as a smartphone, while in other embodiments, the external computing device 20 may be a kiosk or terminal set up at an event, or a tabletop programming device. In an event-based example, attendees of a championship sporting event may stop by a kiosk in a concourse and affix a commemorative NFT to the wearer's article of clothing or footwear. In such a configuration, the user may be required to have a smartphone with a digital wallet that allows them to take ownership of the NFT, but the process is directed by the kiosk, and the smartphone functions only to provide a wallet address to which the NFT can be transferred.

[0045] How to use In its simplest use case, the present system 10 may be used to bring digital images from a blockchain network 86 or a blockchain reference file repository 84 into the physical world by displaying them on a display 22 integrated into a tangible object 14. This functionality provides NFT owners with a new means to display their cryptographically protected digital collections for others to see. In some embodiments, to provide uniqueness and / or prevent the same NFT from being loaded onto multiple different items simultaneously, the system may include a means for registering an item's identifier to the NFT's identifier in a manner that limits the total number of simultaneous uses of the NFT. In one variation of this, the system may only allow an NFT to be registered or applied to one item. In this embodiment, the NFT must be removed or deregistered from the first item before it can be applied or registered to a second item.

[0046] FIG. 10 generally illustrates a method 100 for displaying a cryptographically secured digital collectible 12 on a physical item 14, such as an article of footwear or clothing. As illustrated, method 100 may begin at 102, where an external computing device receives an NFT or digital collectible image or model from a distributed blockchain ledger or other suitable database or file system referenced by the distributed blockchain ledger or stored on a private blockchain or file server. In one configuration, the external computing device may include software that, when executed, provides the functionality of a uniquely addressed digital wallet 70, as shown generally in FIG. 1. The functionality of this digital wallet 70 may include maintaining or registering one or more digital assets, such as one or more digital coins, tokens, or cryptographically secured digital collectibles. In one embodiment, receiving the digital image or model may include linking the cryptographically secured digital assets to the wallet 70 implemented on the external computing device 20. This linking may include transferring the digital assets / tokens from a previous digital wallet where the assets were registered to a wallet address associated with the device. Alternatively, the external computing device may simply log in to a cloud-based hot wallet. Once the NFT is linked or otherwise registered to an external computing device 20, the computing device 20 may access a file repository (identified in the token) to obtain a copy of the digital image or model embodied by the token, which is downloaded to the computing device from the identified cloud-connected file repository.

[0047] Once the digital image or model is downloaded to the external computing device 20, the user may use a custom software application to select the NFT they wish to transfer and display on the item (104). As shown in FIG. 1, this may involve selecting the desired NFT image from the local wallet 70 via the software application. In some embodiments, the software may provide the user with visual confirmation of their selection, such as by navigating to a new screen or identifying the selected NFT by a color change or the thickness of a bounding box. Following this, the software application may instruct the device 20 and local communications circuitry 78 to open a communications channel with the item (106). In some embodiments, this may include detecting the proximity of the item's communications circuitry and initializing the communications circuitry so that communications can be initiated once proper proximity is maintained. Similarly, the user may be prompted via the display 76 of the device 20 to place the device in a designated location on the item 14.

[0048] The transmission of the digital collectible to the item may be initiated by the user via a software push (i.e., receiving user input via a touchscreen interface, etc.) or automatically after bringing the computing device within a defined distance of the physical item (i.e., as in the case of NFC communication) (108). The computing device then pushes the image to resident memory on the physical item or directly activates a display on the item to display the image (110). Once device 20 receives confirmation that the image transmission and display change are complete, it registers the NFT with the item's identifier (112), or simply records the NFT as "allocated," which may be used to prevent a single NFT / token from being used on multiple items thereafter.

[0049] As further shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the NFT may be registered with a physical item to prevent duplicate use. In one configuration, this registration may occur by linking the item's unique identifier (Unique ID) to the NFT. In some embodiments, the Unique ID may be a hardware-encoded identifier provided to communication circuitry on the physical item. Such a hardware address / identifier may be difficult or impossible to change once chip manufacturing is complete. In another embodiment, the Unique ID may be an encrypted value provided within the physical item's memory and transferred to an external computing device once a communication link is established. In either case, the Unique ID will be unique to a particular item (i.e., multiple items that appear identical will each have a different identifier).

[0050] In one configuration, the Unique ID can be a hardware identifier built into the communication circuitry, while in another embodiment, the Unique ID can be an identification code embedded in the article itself. For example, the unique identifier can be a unique pattern (such as similar to a QR code) printed on the upper that can be read via the optics / camera capabilities of an external computing device / smartphone. Such a unique pattern can take the form of a QR code, but in other embodiments, it can also take the form of digital-style camouflage or graffiti-style art that is applied uniquely to the article during manufacturing or depending on where a particular piece of material is die-cut from a larger patterned bolt. In this embodiment, predefined pixels or locations within a designated area of ​​the article are extracted as a code, and the color of these points is unique for each article. In yet other embodiments, magnetic particles can be embedded within the foam sole structure, and the sole's magnetic properties can be scanned by a dedicated device or by a magnetometer built into the external computing device / smartphone. Utilizing secondary sensing means separate from the communication circuitry (e.g., a camera or magnetometer) can enable the Unique ID to be constructed in a multi-factor manner. In this case, the Unique ID would be a combination of one or more identifiers that are unique to the item. Further examples of secondary detection means are detailed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2021 / 0174377, the entirety and entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

[0051] Continuing with reference to FIG. 11 , in one embodiment, prior to any display changes, the user may be prompted to register the physical item with a software application running on an external computing device. In such an embodiment, the registration process may include establishing digital communication between the external computing device and the item (120), receiving a Unique ID from the item (122), and in some embodiments, device 20 sending an authenticity verification request to a third party or internet-connected server (124) to determine whether the Unique ID is valid. This validity check may include comparing the Unique ID to a catalog of Unique IDs recorded during manufacturing, cross-referencing attributes encoded in the Unique ID with attributes of the item reported by the user or detected in an image, and / or cross-referencing the Unique ID with previously registered Unique IDs from the platform.

[0052] If the Unique ID is valid for that make / model / colorway of the item, in some embodiments, the software application may allow the user to register that particular item to the user's verified user account / ID. In doing so, the chain of ownership and accurate ownership records may be maintained, and future purchasers may know they are purchasing an authentic, not stolen, item. If the Unique ID is valid and assigned to the user's account / virtual locker, the system may proceed to display the NFT on the item (126). In this manner, the software application may only allow the display of the NFT on the item if the item is authentic and the chain of ownership is clean (or potentially repaired).

[0053] As mentioned above, once an NFT is displayed, it may be registered to an item or designated as "displayed" to prevent simultaneous use. The process of registering item-based Unique IDs and NFTs may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, an internet-connected server may maintain a collective database or ledger of all Unique IDs further annotated with any NFT identifiers that may currently be applied. This database or ledger may be useful not only for verifying or authenticating physical items, but also for determining whether an NFT being applied has already been applied to another item. This database or ledger may be maintained on a private server, distributed across multiple servers, or cryptographically recorded in a blockchain ledger. Finally, this ledger may be available for query by an external computing device and may be annotated / added to each time an NFT is newly applied to or removed from an item.

[0054] In another embodiment, the item may be tokenized and represented by a first NFT (i.e., a digital certificate of authenticity), and the overlaid image may be embodied as a second NFT. In this embodiment, the two NFTs may be cross-referenced internally (i.e., within the metadata of one or both of the respective NFTs) or externally, such as using separate databases, ledgers, or recording processes.

[0055] Given the foregoing, in the first embodiment, particularly as far as the authenticity of the item is concerned, it is possible that no registration of the item takes place at all. In other words, any NFT image may be pushed out to the item as long as the item has an appropriate display. In a second embodiment, the software application may first attempt to determine the authenticity and / or identity of the item before transmitting the image. In this embodiment, upon indicating a desire to apply an NFT to an item, the software application may receive a Unique ID from the item bearing this Unique ID. The software application may then self-verify or authenticate via a compiled list or service that the Unique ID is authentic. Self-authentication may be performed, for example, by passing the Unique ID through a decryption or decoding function / transform, which may output an indication of authenticity (e.g., via a detected pattern or encoded identifier within the Unique ID). If relying on a compiled list or service, the Unique ID of each authentic item may be recorded and cataloged at the time of creation. The authenticity check may involve a software application directly examining this catalog to determine whether the Unique ID has been previously recorded, or may involve sending a digital request to a third-party service that manages the catalog to determine whether the Unique ID received from the item matches a previously cataloged Unique ID (details of such services are further described in US2021 / 0174377).

[0056] Displaying an NFT on an item not only provides users with another means to represent the NFT in the real world, but current technology also allows for further enhancements to the NFT by recording its status over time. Thus, once an NFT is applied to an item, a software application may send instructions to record usage of the NFT (i.e., directly in the NFT's metadata or to a linked public or private sidechain). Such recording may include writing an indication of the item (e.g., unique ID, make, model, year, colorway, etc.) and / or user information to the NFT or to a sidechain referenced by the NFT. Similarly, while the NFT is applied, the software application may catalog events the NFT may have been involved in, and indications of such events may be written to the chain periodically or after the NFT is deleted. In the context of shoes, examples of such events may include indications of games played while wearing the NFT-equipped shoes, tournaments participated in while wearing the NFT-equipped shoes, races run while wearing the NFT-equipped shoes, steps walked while wearing the NFT-equipped shoes, etc. The software application may determine these events, for example, through direct communication with the shoe / article, direct user input, and / or integration with third-party services such as geolocation services, race management applications, event / tournament hosting data repositories, social media services, etc. In this way, downstream owners of the NFT may know that the NFT was worn / displayed by a star player during a particular professional sporting event (e.g., worn by the MVP during a championship game).

[0057] In some embodiments, the software application, in conjunction with the display 22, may log events characterized by the completion of a pre-planned event or quest. For example, a treasure hunt, quest, mission, race, or scavenger hunt (generally a "task") may be planned and broadcast to participants via their devices and resident software applications via a centralized server in communication with the external computing device 20. Upon completing a task, the user may receive a prize or a virtual character (i.e., the user found or "caught"). This character may be transmitted to the display 22 so that others can share in the excitement and joy. The "event" of completing the task may be recorded in an NFT in the manner described above. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may further participate in the task (in conjunction with the user device) by providing the user with one or more haptic cues for navigational guidance during the search or competition. Such functionality is further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0270198, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

[0058] While the above examples detail the display of a specific NFT on a display integrated into an article, in other embodiments, the NFT may instead include a more general image that, when applied to an article, results in an applied image that differs from the NFT itself. For example, the NFT image may be a general image of a test tube vial, a piece of jewelry, a loot box, or the like. Applying the NFT to an article as described above may apply a more artistic design, color scheme, sign, or image to the display integrated into the article. In some embodiments, this applied image may be an image selected from a collection of images, for example, according to a random drawing or a probabilistic model. Figure 12 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which an NFT with an uncertain outcome is applied to a physical article, after which one of multiple colorways (e.g., colorways 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, or 120F) may subsequently be applied to a shoe. In some embodiments, colorway changes, at least in a binary sense, may be achieved via spray-on electronic ink.

[0059] 13, in some embodiments, an NFT 12 is applied to a physical item 14, causing the physical item to display an associated image via an integrated display (i.e., an augmented physical item 150). In some embodiments, this action of applying an NFT 12 to a physical item 14 may also provide the user with the option to generate a digital twin collectible 152. This digital twin collectible 152 may be a copy of the physical item augmented by the applied NFT 150, or a newly created NFT or digital collectible that at least resembles the physical item in style.

[0060] Creating a digital twin NFT 152 may first require the system to identify one or more characteristics of the physical item 14. In some embodiments, these characteristics may be encoded within the item's Unique ID or may be transmitted to the external computing device 20 along with the Unique ID when the NFT is applied. In other embodiments, the external computing device may receive the Unique ID and then query a database that may maintain a complete collection of the item's design parameters (e.g., a database that can be used to facilitate registration of items and NFTs). These design parameters may be registered with the Unique ID in the database at the time of manufacture. Alternatively, this database may simply hold a virtual image or 3D model of the item, or may reference or include a stock silhouette image / model according to the physical item's associated model number or SKU. The NFT image may then be superimposed or merged onto a digital reconstruction or model of the physical item, and this combined model / image may be minted as a new token / digital collectible.

[0061] 14, in one embodiment, removing a probabilistic NFT (e.g., a colorway themed NFT) from a physical item may result in the original NFT being unlocked or no longer applied in an externally connected database, or the NFT may be reissued as a new, one-time-use NFT. In either case, the external computing device may make a request to deregister the NFT from the Unique ID, which, once confirmed, may prompt the user to initiate the removal of the NFT from the display of the physical item in much the same manner as it was applied.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3 , display 22 may match the silhouette or outline of at least a portion of logo 54. In some embodiments, a brand owner may desire some degree of content control to prevent overt denigration of an item's logo or general trade dress. Such content control may help prevent NFTs containing obscene or derogatory content from being applied to an item. To provide this content control, in one configuration, a software application running on external device 20 may include an adaptive content filter that can inspect NFT images before they are sent to the item. Such an adaptive content filter may include a machine learning algorithm trained to recognize and digitally flag prohibited content. Once the content is flagged, the software application may prohibit the flagged NFT from being transferred or displayed on the item. In some embodiments, once the NFT is evaluated for prohibited content, the software application (or a similar third-party service) may give the NFT a verified designation. In some embodiments, this designation may be recorded on the blockchain, while in other embodiments, it may simply be maintained in an off-chain database.

[0063] While the above technology may generally incorporate or integrate display technology into the exterior surface of the article 14, in other embodiments, the display 22 and on-board control circuitry 16 may be incorporated into a standalone device that can be attached to the article 14, as shown schematically in FIG. 15. For example, in one embodiment, the display 22, communication circuitry 16, and associated power source, power circuitry, or processing functionality may be integrated into a lace locking component that includes at least one opening for threading the lace 40. The lace lock display may generally include an outward-facing electronic ink display, local communication circuitry, and a power source / supply. In operation, this lace lock display may operate in a manner similar to that described above with respect to at least FIGS. 1 and 9-11.

[0064] 15 , in one embodiment, an article of footwear 30 may include means for selectively receiving a removable display device 200, where the display device 200 is semi-permanently held in a substantially fixed physical arrangement relative to an exterior surface 50 of the article of footwear 30. As shown in the figure, in one embodiment, the article 30 may include a receptacle 202 sized to accommodate the removable display device 200 in a substantially nested arrangement. In other embodiments, the removable display device 200 may be attached directly to the article 30. In either case, the display device may be selectively attached to the article by using, for example, one or more clips, bendable prongs, elastic bands, magnets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, posts, bandage clips, slides, spring clips, detents, cords, buttons, rivets, screws, pins, reusable adhesives, bendable wire, suction cups, sliding rails, twist lock fittings, quarter turn locks, Christmas tree fittings, barb fittings, or the like. In some embodiments, the removable attachment means may include posts, quick connect fittings, or other connectors such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 8,782,814, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Similar to the display 22 described above, the removable display device 200 may include an outward-facing display, a display controller, communication circuitry, and any necessary power source and / or communication antenna. A primary difference from the display 22 described above is that part or all of the removable display device 200 may be selectively removable from the article 14.

[0065] In one embodiment, multiple display devices 200 and / or non-display elements may be stacked to achieve different visual effects. As noted above, display device 200 may include emissive or reflective display technology, and display device 200 may include one or more sections that are transparent or translucent (fully or selectively) to allow displayed features from inner stacked layers to be visible or selectively visible to adjacent viewers. Non-display elements, as used herein, may include features such as stencils, cutouts, and other decorations that do not include controllable display.

[0066] In some embodiments, display 22 (or a collection of permanent and / or removable display devices 200) may utilize a layered structure with both light-emitting and non-light-emitting elements to enable selective transparency and visual effects. For example, display 22 may include a lower layer formed from a reflective electronic ink display and an upper layer formed from a transparent or semi-transparent OLED display. The lower electronic ink layer may be used to provide a static background image or color, while the upper OLED layer may be used to overlay dynamic visual effects. The upper OLED display layer is transparent or semi-transparent, allowing at least a portion of the underlying electronic ink display to be partially visible. For example, activating the transparent OLED layer may display a shimmering animation effect against a solid-color background displayed on the electronic ink display. Alternatively, the transparent OLED layer may display a grayscale image, such as a team logo, over a color image displayed on the lower layer.

[0067] In another implementation, the stack includes a bottom transparent OLED layer optimized for color effects and a top monochrome OLED layer for overlay. Yet another configuration could include a bottom e-ink segment, a middle OLED layer, and a top segmented e-ink layer for even greater versatility. The display controller 90 can selectively activate either display layer individually or blend content between layers. When a user interacts with the shoe, such as by tapping their heel, the controller 90 can activate the transparent OLED layer for 30 seconds to display a dynamic color effect. This layered structure, combining transparent and opaque elements, enables unique visual functionality. The controller 90 cooperatively drives the different layers to generate integrated visual content and effects while optimizing power efficiency. When using a layered configuration, each layer display can be a standalone device or can work in conjunction with other layers to avoid the need for redundant circuitry.

[0068] As shown generally in FIGS. 16A-16C , in one embodiment, one or more aspects of the display 22 (including the typically detachable display 200) may be controllable based on a code, identifier, or attribute of an auxiliary component 210 integrated into or attached to the article 14 separately from the display 22. For example, in one embodiment, the color or set of available images that may be displayed on the display 22 may be determined or unlocked according to a code or identifier embedded in a vial 210 that is detachably attached to the tongue 38 of the shoe 30. This code or identifier may be read, for example, via a wireless communication protocol such as the NFC or BLUETOOTH protocol. For example, the vial 210 may include circuitry or memory in which a code is stored. A user may read this code, for example, via a user device 20 in close spatial relationship with an antenna that is in wired communication with the vial's circuitry or memory (auxiliary component 210). In one embodiment, this antenna may be part of the vial, while in another embodiment, the antenna may be in wired communication with a container that is integrated into the article 30 and adapted to house the vial. This latter embodiment requires the vial to be inserted into the container to facilitate communication with the vial to obtain the code. In some embodiments, the vial 210 may include a battery capable of powering a display, which may cause a visual effect such as a glow on an OLED light-emitting screen when foot strike is sensed.

[0069] Once the code is read from the auxiliary component 210, the user device 20 may establish a communications link with the display 22 in the manner described above, but the total set of available colors, images, digital collectibles, or NFTs may be dictated, limited, or otherwise made available based on the received code. As a practical example, a first type of vial may include a first code that enables the display 22 (through programming by the user device 20) to output or display a first color or a first image. A second type of vial may include a second code that enables the display 22 (through programming by the user device 20) to output or display a second color or a second image. In either case, the user must first scan or communicate with the vial to receive the code, and then may unlock or otherwise instruct the user device 20 on the colors or images available on the display 22.

[0070] While the focus throughout this disclosure is on the use of the present display with digital collectibles, particularly NFTs, the digital collectibles displayed on the shoes are not limited to NFTs. Instead, images, characters, and achievements from video games and other social media and software applications can also be displayed. Referring to FIG. 17 , in one embodiment, the image displayed via the display 22 may be received from a user account 232 residing on a game server 234 in communication with the user device 20 via a cloud computing network 82 (e.g., the Internet 4). As such, the digital collectible need not be an NFT but may be an in-game achievement, trophy, rank, level, user avatar, graphic-designed user banner, and / or game-related branding. In some embodiments, the user device 20 or game server 234 may modify a base image 236 specific to the game server or video game environment to facilitate display on the display 22.

[0071] Digital Applications / User Interfaces A digital application running on the user's device is central to the process of displaying the digital collection of items. More specifically, it is used to acquire available images, catalog them, and initiate transfers. In one embodiment, the digital application may be a digital wallet application running on an external computing device 20 (such as a smartphone). The digital wallet app may include resident software and algorithms that may reside on the external computing device and configure the device to implement the functionality described herein.

[0072] Before issuing commands to the display, the digital wallet app may connect to one or more distributed blockchain ledgers or internet-connected digital collectible repositories to receive available collectibles associated with the user. For example, the digital wallet app may connect to a public blockchain network such as Ethereum or Polygon to obtain non-fungible tokens (NFTs) representing unique digital collectibles. The digital wallet app may also connect to an InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) node or other file repository containing collectible image files referenced by on-chain NFT metadata.

[0073] To access collectibles, users must first connect their digital wallet app to the relevant blockchain network and services. In some cases, the digital wallet app may require users to set up an account and provide authentication credentials, such as a seed phrase. Once authenticated, the digital wallet app will be able to monitor and interact with the blockchain network to retrieve NFTs and their associated metadata and media files.

[0074] In some embodiments, the digital wallet app may be configured to scan a connected blockchain network and index NFTs issued or transferred to a user-owned wallet address. The digital wallet app may then extract metadata from each identified NFT and use it to retrieve associated collectible files from IPFS. These files may then be stored locally in the memory of the external computing device 20 for ready access when needed.

[0075] Depending on the NFT standard being used, additional steps may be required to decrypt or authenticate the file. For example, if the NFT uses an encrypted IPFS Content Identifier (CID), the digital wallet app may need the user's private key to decrypt the CID and access the file. Some NFTs may include an integrity check that requires verifying the file's cryptographic signature.

[0076] Once a collectible file is obtained and authenticated, it may be stored within a local digital wallet managed by a digital wallet app on the device. Within this local wallet, collectibles may be organized and indexed for easy browsing and access when a user selects one to display. Encryption and other security measures may also be used to protect stored collectibles.

[0077] If a user wishes to display a particular collectible on an item, the user may open and access the digital wallet app on external device 20. The digital wallet app may provide an intuitive user interface via display 26 that allows the user to view the collectibles stored in the local wallet.

[0078] In some embodiments, the app displays a small thumbnail preview of each collectible image to allow for quick visual scanning. Collectible images may be further organized into galleries or collections to simplify browsing. A search or filtering system may be provided to allow users to quickly find specific collections among the thousands in their wallet. Filters allow searching by properties such as color, rarity, mint date, issuing brand / collection, etc.

[0079] Once the user finds a desired collectible, they may select it by tapping on a thumbnail or using another selection mechanism. The digital wallet app may then indicate the currently selected collectible using a visual indicator, such as a highlighted border or check box. Once the collectible is selected, the user may begin the process of displaying the collectible on the item.

[0080] In some embodiments, the digital wallet app may include additional user interface features that allow a user to edit a collectible image before displaying it. For example, the app may provide a cropping tool to remove unwanted portions of an image. Scaling and positioning tools may help a user fit a collectible to the size and layout of their display. A color editing feature may allow a color image to be converted to black and white or otherwise modified. The app may allow the user to select a specific frame from an animated collectible or select a viewing angle for a 3D collectible model. Edits are applied non-destructively to a separate copy of the collectible image file, preserving the original file.

[0081] Once the options have been edited, the digital wallet app / external device can connect to the item to send and display the collectible image. The selected collectible image, whether original or edited, is passed to the send function when initiating the connection.

[0082] When a collectible is selected in the digital wallet, the digital wallet app can initiate communication between the external device and the communication circuitry of the item. If an NFC protocol is used, this short-range wireless communication can be enabled by physically bringing the external device close to the item, such as touching the device to the side of a shoe that contains an antenna, as may be necessary if a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol is used. If a Bluetooth protocol is used, the device can be configured to pair and / or connect with the item.

[0083] In some embodiments, the external device and the article may establish an encrypted transport key for a secure communications session. Commands and data sent during the session may be encrypted by the originating device and decrypted by the receiving device. If authentication is required, the key may be derived from a unique identifier exchanged during initialization.

[0084] Optionally, the digital wallet app on the external device may offer a confirmation or activation step before proceeding with sending the collectible image. This user interface flow helps prevent accidental or unwanted activation. For example, after an NFC connection is established, it may require the user to tap a button on the device screen or physically press a button on the device or item itself. User confirmation indicates intent before performing the action.

[0085] Once the user provides confirmation through the digital wallet app, the app can begin transmitting the selected collectable over the connection to the item. The image data may be encrypted and transmitted wirelessly through the coupled antenna coil in packets along with display configuration instructions. The item's communication system receives the possibly encrypted packets, decrypts them using the established secure session key, and extracts the collectable image data and instructions. This information is passed to an integrated display controller, which visually renders the collectable image on the display.

[0086] In some embodiments, a display controller processes the collectable image and maps it to physical display pixels. Display configuration instructions, such as scaling and positioning the image to fit the display area, are also applied. The display controller drives electronic ink, OLED, or other display technology integrated into the article to reproduce the collectable image.

[0087] Optionally, the digital wallet app may also request and receive a unique identifier for the particular item during the communication session. The item identifier may then be sent to the external device / digital wallet app, and in some embodiments, the digital wallet app may use this identifier to verify the authenticity of the particular item before sending the collectible image. Verification may include comparing the identifier to a catalog of known genuine identifiers. If the item is successfully verified, the digital wallet app may also register the association between the collectible and the item's Unique ID. This registration may prevent the same collectible from appearing multiple times on multiple items. The registration may be recorded in an external database, a blockchain ledger, or the collectible's metadata.

[0088] Once the transmission is complete, the communication session between the device and the item may be closed. The collectable image may be permanently displayed on the integrated display, allowing the user to view the digitally rendered collectible and bask in the joy of having such an image displayed on a physical item.

[0089] In some embodiments, when a collectable is displayed on an item, a digital wallet app running on the external device may passively track the usage event and add metadata associated with the collectable's record. Examples may include the date, time, and location the collectable was displayed. If permitted, the app may access device sensors and user input to record details such as heart rate, steps taken, and user notes while wearing the item.

[0090] In some embodiments, the digital wallet app may also infer usage events based on other factors: integration with social media apps may detect photos of a user wearing an item that displays the collectible; check-ins at specific locations, such as a major sports stadium, may suggest that the collectible was displayed during an important event;

[0091] When these usage events are detected, the digital wallet app may accumulate this metadata locally. Periodically, or when explicitly requested by the user, updated metadata can be added to the record associated with a particular collectible item. In some embodiments, this additional metadata can be immutably added to the collectible NFT's core record by writing to the blockchain ledger where the collectible NFT is registered. For example, the app can publish a transaction to Ethereum that stores new metadata associated with that NFT's token ID. Alternatively, the metadata can be stored off-chain in a sidechain or IPFS and referenced from the main collectible record on the blockchain. This avoids blockchain storage costs for large amounts of data.

[0092] Regardless of storage method, accumulating this usage metadata enhances the history and storytelling capabilities of a collectible, allowing future owners to see and appreciate its display in notable places and situations, increasing its collectibility and value.

[0093] In embodiments where imagery derived from video games is used / displayed as a digital collectible, a user may first link their game profile or account to a digital wallet app. The wallet can index the user's current status and achievements within each game. Instead of NFTs, these become digital images that can be queried from each game's servers. In some embodiments, a user can browse a player's profile and select specific avatars, badges, trophies, or other images unlocked in the game to display on their shoes. For example, a customized character may be selected for display. Or, an image of a trophy awarded for winning a tournament may be displayed.

[0094] When a user selects a game-derived image in the wallet app, a request may be sent via API to the corresponding game server, which may retrieve the latest user data to dynamically generate the desired image, such as rendering a 3D avatar or overlaying a trophy onto a background template. The generated image file is returned to the digital wallet app, which can then transmit the image to the shoe display via a communications link as described above.

[0095] Each game integration in a digital wallet app could provide the necessary APIs and endpoints to request a user-specific image on demand. As a user earns new achievements or customizes their avatar, the image could even be automatically updated by the wallet app. In this way, users could proudly display their gaming achievements and digital identity by rendering them from the digital environment onto physical, real-world objects. The shoe display would become a virtual extension of themselves.

[0096] Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented through computer-executable programs of instructions, such as program modules, commonly referred to as software applications or application programs, executed by any of the controllers or variations of the controllers described herein. Software may include, by way of non-limiting example, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular data types. Software may form interfaces that allow a computer to react to input sources. Software may also work with other code segments to interface with sources of received data and initiate various tasks in response to the received data. Software may be stored in any of a variety of non-transitory memory devices in digital communication with the controller. Non-transitory memory includes, but is not limited to, magnetic disk-based hard drives and solid-state drives, including one or more types of flash memory.

[0097] As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is intended to describe computer-readable storage media (or "memory") excluding propagating electromagnetic signals and is not intended to limit the types of physical computer-readable storage devices included in the terms computer-readable media or memory. For example, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable media" or "tangible memory" are intended to encompass types of storage devices that do not necessarily store information permanently, such as random access memory (RAM). Program instructions and data stored in a tangible computer-accessible storage medium in non-transitory form may be further transmitted by a transmission medium or signal, such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal, and may be transmitted over a communications medium, such as a network or a wireless link.

[0098] Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced with a variety of computer system and computer network configurations, including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics devices, minicomputers, mainframe computers, etc. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by resident devices and remote processing devices linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices. Thus, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in connection with a variety of hardware, software, or combinations thereof within a computer system or other processing system.

[0099] As described in the disclosure, the system may utilize public or private blockchain infrastructure, distributed ledgers, append-only databases, etc. In one example, the cryptographically secured digital assets currently described may initially be stored / protected on a private blockchain residing on an infrastructure maintained by a single entity or consortium of entities. Each entity may agree on a common form or data structure for the infrastructure, but any entity's assets may be maintained by that entity. In such a model, each entity may share the costs / resources of the network and infrastructure while maintaining the independence of its own assets. To further promote public trust, assets created on this private or semi-private blockchain may be transferred to a public chain at the user's discretion (one or more transfer conditions may apply).

[0100] Any of the methods described herein may include machine-readable instructions executed by (a) a processor, (b) a controller, and / or (c) other suitable processing device. The algorithms, software, control logic, protocols, or methods disclosed herein may be embodied as software stored on a tangible medium, such as a flash memory, a hard drive, a digital versatile disc (DVD), or other memory device. The entire algorithm, control logic, protocol, or method, and / or portions thereof, may be executed by a device other than a controller and / or incorporated into firmware or dedicated hardware in an available manner (e.g., implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable logic device (FPLD), discrete logic, etc.). Also, while particular algorithms are described with reference to flowcharts shown herein, many other ways of implementing the example machine-readable instructions may alternatively be used.

[0101] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to illustrated embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the exact configuration and arrangement disclosed herein, and all modifications, changes, and variations apparent from the foregoing description are within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the inventive concept expressly includes all combinations and subcombinations of the elements and features described above.

[0102] The claims recited herein, although set forth in claim format, are to be considered part of this provisional disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the foregoing in any way, with each claim being considered its own separate embodiment of the disclosure.

[0103] Further aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are provided in the following list of clauses, which should be read in light of the above disclosure.

[0104] Clause 1. A system for displaying digital collectibles on a physical item, the system including a physical item operative to be worn on a user's body, the physical item including an outward-facing surface, a digital display forming at least a portion of the outward-facing surface, communications circuitry in communication with the digital display and operative to wirelessly receive the digital collectible and provide it to the digital display, and an external computing device including a processor and communications circuitry operative to wirelessly communicate with the communications circuitry of the physical item, the processor being configured to receive a cryptographically protected digital collectible, receive instructions to display the digital collectible on the physical item, and in response to receiving the instructions to display the digital collectible on the physical item, receive an item identifier from the communications circuitry of the physical item and transmit the digital collectible to the physical item for display on the digital display, and record the display of the digital collectible in association with the item identifier of the physical item.

[0105] Clause 2. In the system of Clause 1, the digital collectible is cryptographically secured on a distributed blockchain ledger and includes a digital image, and transmitting the digital collectible to a physical item and displaying it on a digital display includes transmitting the digital image to the physical item.

[0106] Clause 3. The system of clause 2, wherein the processor is further configured to verify that the item identifier is authentic before transmitting the digital image to the physical item.

[0107] Clause 4. In the system of clause 3, the processor is configured to verify that the item identifier is authentic by decoding the item identifier.

[0108] Clause 5. The system of clause 3, wherein the processor is configured to verify that the item identifier is authentic by comparing the item identifier to a list of known authentic item identifiers.

[0109] Clause 6. In the system of clause 2, the digital display is an electronic ink display that operates to maintain the display of an image without sustained power consumption.

[0110] Clause 7. In the system of clause 2, the digital image transmitted to the physical item is distinct from, but derived from, the cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0111] Clause 8. In the system of clause 7, the digital image is a probabilistically selected image variant selected from a collection of image variants.

[0112] Clause 9. In the system of clause 7, the physical article is an article of footwear and the digital image includes a color scheme derived at least in part from the cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0113] Clause 10. In the system of clause 2, the physical article is a footwear article having an upper and sole structure, and the digital display is integrated into the upper.

[0114] Clause 11. In the system of clause 2, the digital display forms at least part of the logo.

[0115] Clause 12. In the system of clause 2, the physical article includes an inductive power circuit operative to receive magnetic energy and power the display device.

[0116] Clause 13. In the system of clause 2, the communication circuitry of the physical item and the communication circuitry of the external computing device operate according to either the Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0117] Clause 14. In the system of clause 2, the received indication includes that the external computing device is within a predetermined proximity range of the physical item.

[0118] Clause 15. In the system of clause 2, the processor is configured to record a representation of the digital image in association with an item identifier of the physical item by initiating a request to write the item identifier to metadata associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0119] Clause 16. In the system of clause 2, the processor is further configured to: receive, while displaying the digital image, an indication of at least one of an event in which the user identity or the physical item was used; and initiate a request to write at least one of the event in which the user identity or the physical item was used to metadata associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0120] Clause 17. In the system of Clause 16, the request for at least one of the user identity or the event in which the physical item was used to be written to metadata associated with the digital collectible includes a request to add the metadata contained within a sidechain referenced by the cryptographically secured digital collectible.

[0121] Clause 18. In the system of clause 2, the item identifier comprises an identifier unique to the communication circuitry of the physical item.

[0122] Clause 19. In the system of clause 2, the external computing device includes a camera, and the processor is further configured to receive a second item identifier imprinted on the physical item using the camera, and verify the authenticity of the physical item via both the item identifier and the second item identifier before transmitting the digital collectable to the physical item.

[0123] Clause 20. The system of clause 2, wherein the external computing device is further configured to send a request to create a second digital collectible including a digital replica of the physical item upon which the digital image appears.

[0124] Clause 21. A method of displaying a cryptographically protected digital collectible on a digital display provided on an article of footwear or clothing, the method comprising the steps of receiving the cryptographically protected digital collectible; receiving an instruction from a user to display the cryptographically protected digital collectible on a digital display provided on the article of footwear or clothing; receiving an item identifier from communications circuitry provided on the article of footwear or clothing in response to receiving the instruction to display the digital collectible on the footwear or article of clothing; transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the footwear or article of clothing for display on the digital display; and recording or requesting recording that the cryptographically protected digital collectible is displayed in association with the item identifier of the article of footwear or clothing.

[0125] Clause 22. The method of clause 21, wherein the cryptographically protected digital collectible sent to the article of footwear or clothing is a digital collectible selected by a user, the method further comprising the steps of receiving a plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles including the selected digital collectible, and storing the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles in a digital wallet.

[0126] Clause 23. The method of clause 22, further comprising filtering the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables to identify a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables that is substantially monochromatic.

[0127] Clause 24. In the method of clause 23, the substantially monochromatic subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables includes the selected digital collectable.

[0128] Clause 25. The method of clause 22, further comprising receiving instructions from a user via a user interface to convert one of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles from color to black and white.

[0129] Clause 26. The method of clause 22, further comprising receiving, via a user interface, an instruction from a user to change the size of one of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables.

[0130] Clause 27. In the method of clause 26, changing the size includes at least one of scaling a dimensional characteristic of the cryptographically protected digital collectable, cropping the cryptographically protected digital collectable, selecting an angle of a 3D image associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectable, or selecting a frame of an animation.

[0131] Clause 28. The method of clause 22, wherein the item identifier includes an indication of a size and / or shape of the digital display, and the method further includes identifying a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display in accordance with the received indication of the size and / or shape of the digital display, wherein the subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display includes the selected digital collectable.

[0132] Clause 29. The method of clause 22, further comprising the steps of receiving an image of a digital display; determining a size and / or shape of the digital display from the received image of the digital display; and identifying a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display according to the determined size and / or shape of the digital display, wherein the subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display includes the selected digital collectable.

[0133] Clause 30. The method of clause 21, further comprising verifying the authenticity of the item identifier before transmitting the digital image to the physical item.

[0134] Clause 31. The method of clause 30, wherein verifying that the item identifier is authentic includes decoding the item identifier.

[0135] Clause 32. The method of clause 30, wherein verifying that the item identifier is authentic includes comparing the item identifier to a list of known authentic item identifiers.

[0136] Clause 33. The method of clause 21, further comprising the steps of: receiving, while displaying the digital image, an indication of at least one of the user identity or the event at which the footwear or article of clothing was used; and initiating a request to write the user identity or at least one of the event at which the footwear or article of clothing was used to metadata associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectable.

[0137] Clause 34. In the method of clause 33, the request to write at least one user identity or event at which the footwear or clothing item was used to metadata associated with the digital collectable includes a request to add the metadata contained within a sidechain referenced by the cryptographically secured digital collectable.

[0138] Clause 35. In the method of clause 21, the digital display includes an electronic ink display.

[0139] Clause 36. In the method of clause 21, the step of transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing for display on the digital display includes wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing via a near field communication (NFC) protocol.

[0140] Clause 37. The method of clause 36, wherein the article of footwear or clothing is an article of footwear including an upper and a sole structure, the upper including an NFC antenna, and wherein wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing includes wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the NFC antenna.

[0141] Clause 38. The method of clause 37, further comprising the step of providing an induced charge to the article of footwear via the NFC antenna.

[0142] Clause 39. The method of clause 37, wherein receiving instructions from the user to display the cryptographically protected digital collectible includes a separation distance between the computing device and the NFC antenna falling below a predetermined distance threshold.

[0143] Clause 41. A method for displaying a cryptographically protected digital collectible on a digital display disposed on an outward-facing surface of an upper portion of an article of footwear, the method comprising the steps of receiving the cryptographically protected digital collectible from a distributed blockchain ledger and / or an internet-connected digital file repository; storing or associating the received cryptographically protected digital collectible with a digital wallet associated with a computing device including a user interface; receiving instructions from a user via the user interface to display the cryptographically protected digital collectible on the digital display of the article of footwear; opening a communications channel between communications circuitry of the computing device and communications circuitry electrically connected to the digital display on the article of footwear; and wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the communications circuitry of the article of footwear and instructing the digital display to display the transmitted cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0144] Clause 42. The method of clause 41, further comprising the steps of receiving an article identifier from a communications circuit of the article of footwear, verifying authenticity of the article of footwear via the received article identifier, and wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the communications circuit of the article of footwear only if the article of footwear is verified as authentic.

[0145] Clause 43. The method of clause 41, further comprising receiving an item identifier from communications circuitry of the footwear article, and recording or requesting recording of the item identifier in metadata associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0146] Clause 44. The method of clause 41, wherein the digital display includes an electronic ink display, and the cryptographically protected digital collectable includes a digital image, and wherein instructing the digital display to display the transmitted cryptographically protected digital collectable includes instructing the electronic ink display to display the digital image.

[0147] Clause 45. The method of clause 41, wherein the communication circuitry of the article of footwear includes a wireless antenna disposed in or on a sidewall of the upper, and wherein wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectable to the communication circuitry of the article of footwear includes wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectable to the antenna disposed in or on the sidewall of the upper.

[0148] Clause 46. The method of clause 41, wherein the cryptographically protected digital collectible wirelessly transmitted to the article of footwear is a user-selected digital collectible, and the method further includes receiving a plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles including the user-selected digital collectible, and storing or associating the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles with a digital wallet.

[0149] Clause 47. The method of clause 46, further comprising filtering the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables to identify a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables that are substantially monochromatic.

[0150] Clause 48. In the method of clause 47, the substantially monochromatic subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables includes the selected digital collectable.

[0151] Clause 49. The method of clause 46, further comprising receiving instructions from a user via a user interface to convert one of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles from color to black and white.

[0152] Clause 50. The method of clause 46, further comprising receiving, via a user interface, an instruction from a user to change the size of one of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables.

[0153] Clause 51. In the method of clause 50, changing the size includes at least one of scaling a dimensional characteristic of the cryptographically protected digital collectable, cropping the cryptographically protected digital collectable, selecting an angle of a 3D image associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectable, or selecting a frame of an animation.

[0154] Clause 52. The method of clause 46, wherein the item identifier includes an indication of a size and / or shape of the digital display, and the method further includes identifying a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display in accordance with the received indication of the size and / or shape of the digital display, wherein the subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display includes the selected digital collectable.

[0155] Clause 53. The method of clause 46, further comprising the steps of receiving an image of the digital display; determining a size and / or shape of the digital display from the received image of the digital display; and identifying a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display according to the determined size and / or shape of the digital display, wherein the subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display includes the selected digital collectable.

[0156] Clause 54. The method of clause 41, further comprising the steps of: receiving, while displaying the digital image, an indication of at least one of the user identity or the event at which the article of footwear was used; and initiating a request to write at least one of the user identity or the event at which the article of footwear was used to metadata associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectable.

[0157] Clause 55. In the method of clause 54, the request to write at least one user identity or event at which the footwear or clothing item was used to metadata associated with the digital collectable includes a request to add the metadata contained within a sidechain referenced by the cryptographically secured digital collectible.

[0158] Clause 61. A system for displaying digital collectibles on a physical article, the system including a physical article operative to be worn on a user's body, said physical article including an outward-facing surface and a digital display forming at least a portion of said outward-facing surface; communications circuitry in communication with the digital display operative to wirelessly receive and provide said digital collectibles to said digital display; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the following steps: receive a cryptographically protected digital collectible from a distributed blockchain ledger and / or an internet-connected digital file repository; store or associate the received cryptographically protected digital collectible with a digital wallet associated with the computing device; receive an instruction from a user via a user interface of the computing device to display the cryptographically protected digital collectible on the digital display of the physical article; open a communications channel between the communications circuitry of the computing device and the communications circuitry of the physical article; and wirelessly transmit the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the communications circuitry of the physical article and instruct the digital display to display the transmitted cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0159] Clause 62. The system of clause 61, further wherein, in response to a request from the computing device, the communication circuitry of the physical item is operative to transmit an item identifier from the communication circuitry of the physical item, and the program instructions, when executed by the computing device, further cause the computing device to perform the steps of receiving the item identifier from the physical item, verifying authenticity of the footwear article via the received item identifier, and wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the communication circuitry of the physical item only if the physical item is verified as authentic.

[0160] Clause 63. The system of clause 61, further wherein, in response to a request from the computing device, the communications circuitry of the physical item is operative to transmit the item identifier from the communications circuitry of the physical item, and the program instructions, when executed by the computing device, cause the computing device to perform the step of recording or requesting recording of the item identifier in metadata associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectible.

[0161] Clause 64. In the system of clause 61, the digital display includes an electronic ink display.

[0162] Clause 65. In the system of clause 61, the physical article further includes a wireless communication antenna.

[0163] Article 66. In the system of Article 65, the physical article is a footwear article including an upper and a sole structure, and the wireless communication antenna is integrated into the sidewall of the upper.

[0164] Clause 67. In the system of clause 66, the communication circuitry is embedded within the sole structure.

[0165] Clause 68. In the system of clause 67, the digital display forms at least a portion of the outward facing surface of the upper.

[0166] Clause 69. In the system of clause 68, the wireless communication antenna is a short-range communication antenna.

[0167] Clause 71. A method for displaying images obtained from a video game platform on a display device provided in a shoe, the method comprising the steps of receiving user login credentials for the video game platform; authenticating the user login credentials with the video game platform; and, after authentication, querying the video game platform for images associated with the user's profile, the images including at least one of an avatar image, an achievement image, a trophy image, a game brand image, or a banner image; receiving a user-selected image from the video game platform in response to a user selection of one of the queried images; processing the user-selected image by at least one of scaling, cropping, converting to black and white, converting to monochrome, changing orientation, overlaying with a filter, overlaying with a frame, or animating; establishing a communications link between a computing device and a display device integrated in the shoe; transmitting the processed user-selected image to the display device in the shoe; and displaying the processed user-selected image on the display device.

[0168] Clause 72. The method of clause 71, wherein establishing a communication link includes establishing a Bluetooth communication link.

[0169] Clause 73. The method of clause 71, wherein establishing the communication link includes bringing the computing device into proximity of a near field communication (NFC) antenna integrated into the shoe.

[0170] Clause 74. The method of clause 71, wherein processing the user-selected image includes converting the color image to a monochrome image.

[0171] Clause 75. The method of clause 71, wherein processing the user-selected image includes scaling the image to fit within pixels of the display device.

[0172] Clause 76. The method of clause 71, wherein processing the user-selected image includes cropping a peripheral region of the image.

[0173] Clause 77. The method of clause 71, wherein processing the user-selected image includes overlaying a frame graphic on the image.

[0174] Clause 78. The method of clause 71, wherein the display device comprises an electronic paper display or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0175] Clause 79. The method of clause 71, further comprising receiving an identifier from a display device in the shoe, and recording an association between the identifier of the display device and the displayed image.

[0176] Clause 80. A method for displaying an image from a video game platform on a display device in an article of clothing, the method comprising: receiving a user selection of an image type including one of an avatar, an achievement badge, or a game logo; querying the video game platform for images associated with a user profile according to the selected image type; receiving the user-selected image in response to the user selection of one of the queried images; processing the user-selected image based on the display capabilities of the display device in the article of clothing; establishing a wireless communication link between a computing device and the display device in the article of clothing; transmitting the processed user-selected image to the display device in the article of clothing via the wireless communication link; and displaying the processed user-selected image on the display device in the article of clothing.

Claims

1. 1. A method for displaying a cryptographically protected digital collectible on a digital display mounted on an article of footwear or clothing, the method comprising: receiving the cryptographically protected digital collectible; receiving an instruction from a user to display the cryptographically protected digital collectible on a digital display provided on the article of footwear or clothing; receiving an item identifier from communications circuitry located in the article of footwear in response to receiving the instruction to display the digital collectible on the article of footwear or clothing; transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing for display on the digital display; and recording or requesting recording that the cryptographically protected digital collectible be displayed in association with the item identifier of the article of footwear or clothing.

2. the cryptographically protected digital collectible transmitted to the article of footwear or clothing is a user-selected digital collectible; The method comprises: receiving a plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles including the user-selected digital collectible; The method of claim 1 , further comprising: storing the plurality of cryptographically secured digital collectibles in a digital wallet.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising filtering the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables to identify a substantially monochromatic subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the substantially monochromatic subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles includes the user-selected digital collectible.

5. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising receiving an instruction from the user via a user interface to convert one of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles from color to black and white.

6. The method of claim 2 , further comprising receiving an instruction from the user via a user interface to change the size of one of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the changing the size includes at least one of scaling a dimensional characteristic of the cryptographically protected digital collectable, cropping the cryptographically protected digital collectable, selecting an angle of a 3D image associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectable, or selecting a frame of an animation.

8. the item identifier includes an indication of the size and / or shape of the digital display; and the method further comprising identifying a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectables dimensioned to fit the digital display according to the received indication of the size and / or shape of the digital display; The method of claim 2 , wherein the subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles sized to fit the digital display includes the user-selected digital collectible.

9. receiving an image of a digital display; determining a size and / or shape of the digital display from the received image of the digital display; identifying a subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles sized to fit the digital display according to the determined size and / or shape of the digital display; and The method of claim 2 , wherein the subset of the plurality of cryptographically protected digital collectibles sized to fit the digital display includes the user-selected digital collectible.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising verifying the authenticity of the item identifier before transmitting the digital image to the physical item.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the step of verifying the authenticity of the item identifier comprises the step of decoding the item identifier.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the step of verifying that the item identifier is authentic comprises comparing the item identifier to a list of known authentic item identifiers.

13. While displaying digital images, receiving an indication of at least one of a user identity or an event in which the footwear or article of clothing was used; 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: initiating a request to write at least one of the user identity or an event in which the footwear or article of clothing was used to metadata associated with the cryptographically protected digital collectible.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the request to write at least one of the user identity or the event at which the footwear or article of clothing was used to metadata associated with the digital collectible comprises a request to add metadata contained within a sidechain referenced by the cryptographically secured digital collectible.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the digital display comprises an electronic ink display.

16. transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing for display on a digital display; 10. The method of claim 1, comprising wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing via a near field communication (NFC) protocol.

17. The article of footwear or clothing is an article of footwear including an upper and a sole structure, the upper including an NFC antenna; and 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the article of footwear or clothing comprises wirelessly transmitting the cryptographically protected digital collectible to the NFC antenna.

18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising providing an inductive charge to the article of footwear via the NFC antenna.

19. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the instruction to display the cryptographically protected digital collectible received from a user comprises a separation distance between a computing device and an NFC antenna being less than a predetermined distance threshold.

20. 1. A method for displaying an image obtained from a video game platform on a shoe-mounted display device, comprising: receiving user login credentials for the video game platform; authenticating the user login credentials with the video game platform; Upon authentication, querying the video game platform for images associated with the user's profile, the images including at least one of an avatar image, an achievement image, a trophy image, a game brand image, or a banner image; receiving, in response to a user selecting one of the queried images, an image selected by the user from the video game platform; processing the user-selected image by at least one of scaling, cropping, converting to black and white, converting to monochrome, changing orientation, overlaying with a filter, overlaying with a frame, or animating; establishing a communications link between a computing device and a display device integrated into the shoe; transmitting the processed user-selected image to a display device in the shoe; and displaying the processed user-selected image on the display device.

Images