Merchandise with flexible display and detachable components

Abstract

A garment system is provided that includes a main component configured to be worn by a user, the main component having a flexible display portion and a sensor, and a detachable component configured to be removably coupled to the main component, the sensor detecting when the detachable component is attached to or detached from the main component and responsively triggering a change in an image displayed on the flexible display portion in response to said attachment or detachment of the detachable component.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Implementations of the present disclosure relate to clothing and merchandise that have display functionality and trigger display changes based on the attachment / detachment of separate components. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of Related Art A common means of self-expression is one's clothing. For example, in a gaming context, a gamer may express their affinity for or association with a particular video game by purchasing and wearing clothing that displays imagery related to the video game. However, unlike video game platforms, where gamers purchase many different games for a single platform, clothing is static and can only display a single, fixed image (or set of images) per article of clothing. This means that for gamers who wish to express their affinity for multiple video games through clothing, the gamer must purchase different clothing for each game. This problem is further exacerbated over time by the continuous development and release of new video games, which requires gamers to purchase increasingly more clothing if they wish to express their affinity for or support for additional games.

[0003] It is in situations such as these that implementations of the present disclosure arise. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to clothing and merchandise that have display functionality and trigger display changes based on the attachment / detachment of separate components.

[0005] In some implementations, a garment system is provided that includes a main component configured to be worn by a user, the main component having a flexible display portion and a sensor, and a detachable component configured to be detachably coupled to the main component.

[0006] The sensor detects when the detachable component is attached to or detached from the main component and responsively triggers a change in the image displayed on the flexible display portion in response to said attachment or detachment of the detachable component.

[0007] In some implementations, the detachable component or the main component includes one or more magnets that allow the detachable component to be detachably coupled to the main component.

[0008] In some implementations, the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0009] In some implementations, the main component is a jacket.

[0010] In some implementations, the removable component is a hood, a collar, a pocket, a zipper pull, or a cuff.

[0011] In some implementations, the flexible display portion includes an LED, OLED, or e-ink display.

[0012] In some implementations, the flexible display portion includes a color-changing textile.

[0013] In some implementations, the garment system further includes a controller for controlling the image displayed on the flexible display portion.

[0014] In some implementations, the garment system further includes a wireless transceiver integrated with the main component, the wireless transceiver configured to enable wireless communication between the main component and the user device.

[0015] In some implementations, an article of clothing is provided that includes: a clothing component configured to be worn by a user; a flexible display integrated with the clothing component; a controller integrated with the clothing component and controlling images displayed on the flexible display; and a wireless transceiver integrated with the clothing component that wirelessly receives updates from one or more transmitters within a venue, wherein the updates cause the controller to update the images displayed on the flexible display.

[0016] In some implementations, the clothing component is a jacket.

[0017] In some implementations, the flexible display includes an LED, OLED, or e-ink display.

[0018] In some implementations, the flexible display includes a color-changing textile.

[0019] In some implementations, updates are verified upon receipt to be from a trusted source before being applied to update the image displayed on the flexible display.

[0020] In some implementations, the venue is a location configured to host esports events.

[0021] Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the disclosure.

[0022] The present disclosure, together with further advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 conceptually illustrates a garment and associated removable components according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 2] 1 conceptually illustrates a system for enabling digital assets to be displayed on clothing, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 3] 1 shows a close-up view of a hood attachment for a jacket according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 4] 10A-10C illustrate a user wearing the hood in an up and down configuration that triggers a change in display on the jacket, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 5] 1 conceptually illustrates a lead user configuring jackets for team members at a group event, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 6] 1 conceptually illustrates a user wearing clothing receiving over-the-air updates within a venue, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 7] 1 conceptually illustrates an electronic module for controlling an integrated display in a garment, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 8] 1A to 1C conceptually illustrate the collar portion of a hood and jacket combination according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an exemplary system used to load game files for games available through a cloud gaming site, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an information service provider architecture in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Broadly speaking, implementations of the present disclosure are directed to garments or apparel having configurable displays capable of displaying various types of images. In some implementations, the images displayed on the garment's display can be controlled or set through an app on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. Such images can be purchased from a marketplace or acquired or downloaded from a cloud digital asset system. In some implementations, images can be earned, such as by gaining access to a particular image through successfully achieving a particular level in a given video game or by earning digital rewards / points redeemable for video game-related images through gameplay.

[0034] In some implementations, the detachable component is provided for use with a main garment, and attachment or detachment of the detachable component from the main garment may be configured to trigger a change in an image displayed on a display of the garment. As an example, a detachable hood may be configured to trigger a change in an image displayed on a display of the jacket when the hood is attached to or detached from the jacket.

[0035] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates garments and associated removable components according to implementations of the present disclosure. In the illustrated implementation, a jacket 100 is shown with an integrated display 102. The display 102 is flexible and configurable to display various types of images as configured by a user or according to other technologies described in more detail below. In some implementations, the display 102 is defined by an e-ink display, an LED / OLED display, color-changing textile, or other flexible display technology that can be integrated into the garment, or a combination of such technologies. In some implementations, the e-ink display is overlaid on the color-changing textile such that an image can be drawn using the e-ink display while the color-changing textile is controlled to define a background color for the drawn image.

[0036] An electronic module 104 is also integrated into the jacket 100. The electronic module 104 includes various components, such as a battery, processor, memory, and communications hardware, that enable control of the images rendered on the display 102 and enable communication with external devices. For example, a user may acquire or purchase a design to be rendered on their jacket 100 through an app on their mobile phone, and the electronic module 104 wirelessly communicates with the user's mobile phone to receive the design and then apply the design to the display 102 for rendering. In some implementations, the electronic module 104 is removable from the jacket 100, for example, via a detachable connector system, so that the electronic module 104 can be removed from the jacket to charge the battery or when the user wants to wash the jacket 100.

[0037] In some implementations, various detachable components are provided that can be attached to and detached from the jacket 100. For example, a hood 108 or a collar 110 are provided as examples of detachable components that can be attached to the collar 106 of the jacket 100. In some implementations, the attachment mechanism involves an array of magnets, resulting in easy attachment and detachment of the detachable components. In other implementations, the attachment mechanism can utilize any of a variety of other types of attachment mechanisms, such as buttons, zippers, Velcro®, clips, snap-on buttons, or any other type of mechanism capable of attaching a component to a main article of clothing, as in the implementations described herein.

[0038] Another example of a detachable component in the illustrated implementation is the cuffs 112a and 112b that can be attached to the ends of the sleeves of the jacket 100. It will be appreciated that the attachment mechanism for the cuffs 112a and 112b can be the same as that utilized for the hood 108 or collar 110.

[0039] In some implementations, the jacket can be configured to detect when a given detachable component is attached or detached. Furthermore, detection of such an attachment or detachment event can be utilized to trigger the rendering of a predetermined image on the display 102 of the jacket 100. For example, the display 102 can be configured to render a first image when the hood 108 is attached to the jacket 100, and then trigger the rendering of a second predetermined image on the display 102 when the hood 108 is detached from the jacket. It will be appreciated that a similar effect can be provided in response to the attachment or detachment of the collar 110 or the cuffs 112a and 112b. As described in further detail below, if a magnetic mechanism is utilized to attach a component, a sensor such as a Hall Effect sensor can be utilized to detect the attachment or detachment of a given component. The electronic module 104 can be configured to receive input from such a sensor, and based on the input indicating the attachment status of the component to the jacket 100, the electronic module 104 can responsively trigger a rendering on the display 102 based on whether the component is attached to or detached from the jacket.

[0040] In further implementations, the removable components themselves may include displays such as those described with reference to jacket 100. That is, the components may be configured to include integrated flexible displays capable of rendering images, colors, or patterns that can be set by the user or triggered in response to specific inputs or events. By way of example, in some implementations, the attachment or removal of a given component may trigger a change in the rendering of that component. For example, the attachment of hood 108 to jacket 100 may trigger a change in the image or color of hood 108, and similarly, the removal of hood 108 from jacket 100 may also trigger such a change.

[0041] In some implementations, the electronic model 104 can include a GPS unit that allows tracking of the location of the jacket, which can be used to trigger the display or modification of an image or design on the jacket. In some implementations, a given design is associated with a given location, so that when the jacket is determined to be in a given location according to the GPS unit, the given design is rendered on the jacket.

[0042] While implementations of the present disclosure have been described with reference to jackets and associated removable components, it will be understood that in various implementations, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to any type of garment or clothing and corresponding removable components. By way of non-limiting example, other types of removable components may include pockets, zipper pulls, hems, patches, etc.

[0043] FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates a system for enabling digital assets to be displayed on an article of clothing according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In the illustrated implementation, a jacket 100 is shown with a conceptual close-up view of the electronic module 104 described above. The electronic module 104 includes various hardware that enables control and rendering on the display 102 of the jacket 100. For example, the electronic model 104 may include a processor 204, memory 206, a battery 208, a controller 210, and a wireless transceiver 212. The processor and memory are configured to enable storage and execution of program instructions that provide functionality according to embodiments described herein. The battery 208 provides power to the electronic module 104 and the display 102 of the truck 100. The controller 210 is configured to control and perform rendering on the display 102. The wireless transceiver 212 enables wireless communication between the electronic module 104 and another device, such as a mobile phone 200. In some implementations, wireless communication is enabled using a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth®.

[0044] In some implementations, control of the image displayed on jacket 100 is controlled through an app 202 installed on mobile phone 200. In some implementations, app 202 allows a predetermined image to be selected and rendered on jacket 100. In some implementations, app 202 may further provide an interface that allows a user to customize the rendering on jacket 100. For example, app 202 may provide an interface for drawing or creating a design to be rendered on the jacket, or may allow adjustment of settings such as background color and pattern. For example, in the case of an e-ink film formed on a color-changing textile, an interface may be provided that allows drawing of a grayscale image to be rendered by the e-ink film and setting one or more colors and / or patterns to be rendered by the color-changing textile.

[0045] In some implementations, the app 202 accesses the digital asset service 216 via the network 214. The network 214 may include any of various types of communication / data networks, including the Internet. It will be appreciated that the jacket 100 may be configured to display images obtained via the digital asset service 216. For example, the digital asset service 216 may provide user accounts 218, and a given user account may have one or more designs associated with it, which may be enabled for a given user's jacket. Thus, a user operating the app 202 may access the digital asset service to obtain designs that are stored in their user account and available for downloading and rendering on the jacket 100. In some implementations, a particular design is downloaded via the app 202 and wirelessly transferred to the electronic module 104, where it is stored and rendered for display. It will be appreciated that the app 202 may facilitate pairing the jacket 100 to the mobile phone 200 and registering the jacket 100 in association with the user's account.

[0046] It will be appreciated that attachment items can also be registered to a user's account. In some implementations, attachments can be paired with other items, such as pairing a hood with a particular jacket, and such pairings can be managed through the app 202.

[0047] In some implementations, the digital asset service 216 provides access to a digital marketplace 220 where designs can be purchased or otherwise acquired. In some implementations, purchases of designs can utilize various types of currency, including fiat currency as well as virtual currency such as points or rewards, cryptocurrency, etc., and in some implementations, users can offer designs to the digital marketplace 220 and receive at least a portion of the revenue generated by the sale of such designs.

[0048] In some implementations, the digital asset service 216 is linked to or is part of the gaming service 226. The gaming service 226 is configured to track information regarding a user's gaming activity. For example, in some implementations, a user may earn points or rewards through gameplay, and such points or rewards may be redeemed in the digital marketplace 220 for designs that can be rendered on apparel, such as the jacket 100. In some implementations, user gameplay may be configured to directly earn a particular design, such as earning a design by passing a particular level in a video game. It will be appreciated that such designs, whether purchased, earned directly, or otherwise obtained, are associated with the user's user account, thereby enabling them to be used on a given apparel that can display the designs described herein.

[0049] In some implementations, the digital asset services 216 implement digital rights management logic 222 to control aspects of the designs related to digital rights management. For example, a given design may be configured to be usable for a limited period of time, and the DRM logic 222 may manage the expiration date of such designs accordingly. For example, in some implementations, a digital signature authorizing a particular pattern may be valid for a certain period of time, after which the pattern will no longer be rendered if not renewed or extended.

[0050] In some implementations, the amount of time a given design is displayed by jacket 100 is tracked for DRM attribution purposes. For example, a user may be able to switch between different designs, which helps determine how long a given design will actually be displayed. In some implementations, a total time limit for displaying a design may be implemented, and the amount / duration for which the design is displayed is tracked to determine when the time limit is reached.

[0051] In some implementations, the digital asset service 216 further implements an event service 224 configured to handle event-based designs, as described in more detail below. For example, designs can be disseminated for users to wear at a given event. That is, users can enable their clothing to receive designs or images from designated parties, and these received designs / images can be automatically triggered to be rendered on the user's clothing at a given event.

[0052] While jacket 100 is described as being managed via a mobile phone app, in other implementations, such an app (or application) can be implemented on other devices, such as a tablet, laptop computer, PC, game console, or any other device capable of communicating with the jacket. In some implementations, the jacket can be managed via a web interface accessed via a web browser. In some implementations, jacket 100 is connected using a wired connection instead of a wireless connection. In some implementations, the electronic module is removable and configured to be connected to another device to allow pre-configuration of the electronic module, for example, to load predefined images / designs for rendering or to set up triggering events and responses. Then, when jacket 100 is worn by a user, the jacket's display (or the attachment's display) is automatically triggered to change rendering based on events as described herein.

[0053] In some implementations, jacket 100 is a networked device that can connect directly to network 214. For example, jacket 100 may connect to digital asset service 216 via network 214 and be managed via communication with digital asset service 216. For example, a user operating app 202 can interact with digital asset service 216 through app 202, and changes to the configuration of jacket 100 can be communicated by digital asset service 216 to jacket 100 via network 214.

[0054] 3 shows a close-up view of a hood attachment to a jacket according to an implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in the illustrated implementation, the hood 108 is configured to attach to the jacket 100 as described above. In some implementations, attachment of the hood 108 is accomplished through a system of magnets on the hood and / or jacket. In the illustrated implementation, the hood 108 includes a collar portion 300 having multiple permanent magnets 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and 302e integrated therein. The illustrated magnet configuration is provided as a non-limiting example; there can be any number of magnets or arrays of magnets arranged along the collar portion 300 in any configuration that facilitates attachment of the hood 108 to the jacket 100.

[0055] Along the collar portion 106 of the jacket 100 are a plurality of corresponding attachment portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, and 310e that are configured to align with the magnets 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and 302e, respectively, when the hood 108 is attached to the jacket 100. The attachment portions can be defined from a ferromagnetic material such that the magnets 302a-e are attracted to the ferromagnetic material. In some implementations, the attachment portions 310a-e comprise permanent magnets configured such that their polarities are arranged such that the magnets 302a-e are attracted thereto to facilitate attachment of the hood 108.

[0056] In some implementations, the collar portion 106 of the jacket 100 further includes sensors 312a and 312b for detecting the attachment or detachment of the hood 108. In some implementations, the sensors 312a and 312b comprise Hall Effect sensors that detect the presence or absence of the magnetic field generated by the magnets 302a-e. In this manner, the sensors 312a, 312b can detect the attachment or detachment of the hood by detecting changes in the magnetic field. In some implementations, the sensors 312a and 312b are connected to the electronic module 104, which processes signals from the sensors 312a and 312b (e.g., using a processor / memory of the electronic module 104) to determine whether the hood is attached or detached from the jacket 100.

[0057] In some implementations, the hood 108 further includes magnets 304a and 304b positioned along the opening of the hood 108. As shown, the magnets 304a and 304b are positioned such that their distance from the sensors 312a and 312b changes depending on whether the hood is pulled up (over / over the user's head) or pulled down (folded over the user's back). Thus, in some implementations, the sensors can also detect whether the hood is in an up-facing or down-facing configuration based on changes in the magnetic field generated according to the position of the magnets 304a and 304b. In some implementations, the detected hood up-facing or down-facing configuration can be used to trigger a change in content displayed on the jacket 100 or, if equipped with a display mechanism, on the hood 108.

[0058] In some implementations, electronic module 104 connects to hood 108 via connector 314 (on jacket collar 106) that mates with connector 316 (on hood collar 300) when the hood is attached to the jacket. This allows electronic module 104 to provide control signals and power to hood 108 and control the rendering of images / designs on the display portion of hood 108, for example, by rendering on an e-ink display or by controlling the color of color-changing textile integrated into hood 108. In other implementations, the hood may be integrated with the jacket and not removable from the jacket, eliminating the need for connection to the hood's integrated display via connectors 314 and 316 as described above.

[0059] 4 illustrates a user wearing a hood in an up-down configuration that triggers a change in display on the jacket, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In the illustrated implementation, reference numeral 400a shows a user 404 wearing a jacket 100 with a hood 108. The hood is shown worn in an up-down configuration, covering the head of the user 404. Meanwhile, reference numeral 400b shows the hood 108 worn in a down-down configuration, lying along the back of the user 404.

[0060] In some implementations, the up or down configuration of the hood 108 is detected as described above and utilized to trigger a display change of the jacket 100. For example, in the illustrated implementation, the up or down configuration of the hood can trigger a change in rendering on the display 402 on the back of the jacket 100. Such a change in rendering can include triggering the rendering to be turned on or off in some implementations, or changing the design or image that is rendered in some implementations, etc. In some implementations, wearing the hood in an up configuration triggers the rendering to be turned on and / or to render a first image, and wearing the hood in a down configuration turns the rendering off and / or changes to a second image.

[0061] It will be appreciated that jacket 100 can be configured to enhance the user experience in a variety of group situations: Jacket 100 can be configured to display specific images associated with a given event.

[0062] FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates a lead user configuring jackets for team members at a group event, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. For example, in an esports tournament or other group event, users 506, 510, and 514 can opt in to join a team, for example, via their respective phone apps that communicate with the digital asset service 216. The team leader 500 can set configuration details for the jackets the team members will wear, for example, through an app on the team leader's phone 504 that accesses the digital asset service 216. The digital asset service 216 communicates the jacket configurations to the team members. That is, upon joining the team, the team members can download and display coordinated designs on their jackets through their respective phone apps. Such designs may be specified by the team leader 500 in some implementations.

[0063] In some implementations, the app and / or jackets are configured so that team members' jackets automatically display the team's designated design. For example, in some implementations, jackets 508, 512, and 516 worn by team members 506, 510, and 514, respectively, may be automatically configured to thereby display the same image as jacket 502 worn by team leader 500. In some implementations, a team's jackets may be configured to display one image when the hood is attached, and then, when game time comes, the hood is removed, triggering the display of a different image.

[0064] In some implementations, the team leader 500 may be a famous player / gamer and the team members are fans of the team leader 500. In this scenario, this allows the team members to endorse and share the experience of wearing a design associated with the team leader 500, which may also be worn by the team leader 500 or which may be complementary or related to the team leader's design.

[0065] In some implementations, team members 506, 510, and 514 can automatically receive updates to jackets 508, 512, and 516. It will be appreciated that designs can be dynamically updated over time to provide variety to team members and others who may view the jackets.

[0066] 6 conceptually illustrates a user wearing clothing receiving wireless updates within a venue, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In the illustrated implementation, the user 600 is located at a venue / arena 608, which in some implementations is the venue for an esports event, but may be other types of venues. The user 600 is wearing clothing 602 having a display 604 capable of displaying images, as described above. In some implementations, the venue 608 is configured to provide updates to the clothing 602 through wireless transmission of data from various wireless transmitters 610a, 610b, 610c, and 610d, as conceptually shown. The wireless transmitters are configured to transmit wireless payloads 618, which are received by the clothing 602 and applied to modify rendering on the display 604 of the clothing 602.

[0067] Because users do not want unwanted changes made to their clothing, it is important to allow secure access to the user's clothing only to parties authorized by the user. To this end, in some implementations, at operation 612, the user 600, for example, via an app on their mobile phone 606, can opt in or whitelist a given source for updates, thereby indicating that the given source is a trusted source authorized to update the view of the user's clothing. At operation 614, the public key of the whitelisted source is obtained, and at operation 616, the clothing can be configured using the public key of the whitelisted source.

[0068] Wireless transmitters 610a-d broadcast wireless payloads 618 within the venue 608. These payloads can be signed with their respective private keys for security. Upon receiving the wireless payloads 618, the garment 602 (or, specifically, an electronic module included in the garment, not shown) analyzes the wireless payloads to identify which payloads are from whitelisted sources and further verifies that the identified payloads are signed with a private key that can be verified using the whitelisted source's public key. Thus, verifying the signature verifies the sender / source of the payload. Updates, such as a design rendered on the user's garment display 604, are then applied accordingly, automatically changing the appearance of the garment 602.

[0069] As a non-limiting example, in the context of an esports event, the wireless payload 618 may include designs associated with a given team or player, such as a Team A design 620, a Team B design 622, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the user 600 has whitelisted Team A, and therefore the Team A design 620 is applied to the user's apparel 602, rendering an image associated with Team A on the display 604 of the apparel 602.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the wireless payload 618 can change dynamically according to the provider's configuration. Teams in an esports tournament can configure their payloads to display images and information of their choosing, which can change over time during the course of the tournament. In some implementations, information such as a given team's statistics and scores can be displayed. In some implementations, a scoreboard or leaderboard can be displayed. These and other types of information can be continually updated during an esports event, and users can opt in to receive such updates and have them automatically rendered on their apparel. Utilizing the system described above, wireless transmitters transmit various payloads containing various possible updates, but the user's apparel only accepts and renders whitelisted updates, thereby giving the user control over which updates to accept for rendering on their apparel.

[0071] In some implementations, the wireless transmitter broadcasts the data using a wireless technology such as Bluetooth® Low Energy, WiFi, ultra-wideband, etc. It will be appreciated that any wireless transmission protocol or technology capable of transmitting data to update the garment as described herein can be used. In some implementations, the garment is configured to connect to a network to obtain the data necessary to update the garment. In some implementations, the wireless payload is managed and / or transmitted from a server that may be local or remote to the venue 608.

[0072] In some implementations, the radio payloads provided to different areas of the venue 608 may be different, so that as a user moves to different areas of the venue, the user's clothing is updated with different designs. Thus, different radio transmitters in different areas may be configured to broadcast different designs.

[0073] In related implementations, the user's geographic location within the venue can be determined and used to trigger different renderings on the garment 602. For example, the geographic location can be determined based on wireless signals received by the garment 602, such as the relative strength of the signals or the timing of the signals. In some implementations, the geographic location can be determined using GPS information, based on hardware built into the garment, or based on another device such as the user's mobile phone. In some implementations, the garment can be configured to render different designs or information based on the determined geographic location.

[0074] 7 conceptually illustrates an electronic module for controlling an integrated display in a garment, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. As discussed above, an electronic module is provided that can include hardware and software for powering and controlling the garment display. In some implementations, the electronic module is removable for charging and to protect the electronic module when washing the garment. In the illustrated implementation, the electronic module 700 is conceptually shown in cross section and is configured to be removable from the garment.

[0075] As conceptually shown, electronic module 700 is configured to attach to a receptacle 708 integrated into a garment. In some implementations, alignment of electronic module 700 with receptacle 708 is aided by protrusions 710 and 712 on the receptacle that mate with corresponding grooves 701 and 703 on electronic module 700. In some implementations, electronic module includes magnets 702 and 704 that facilitate attachment of electronic module 700 to receptacle 708. Protrusions 710 and 712 can be formed from a ferromagnetic material to which magnets 702 and 704 are attracted.

[0076] When the electronic module 700 is attached to the receptacle 708, a connection is formed between the electronic module and the receptacle's corresponding connectors 706 and 714, respectively. In some implementations, the connectors 706 and 714 are configured to make contact between conductive surfaces / contacts. In other implementations, the connectors 706 and 714 form an inductive connection, such that power and / or data is transferred without specific contact being made between the conductive contacts. This allows the electronic module 700 and the receptacle 708 to be sealed and protected from dust or other contaminants, even when not connected to one another. Once the connection is made, the electronic module can control rendering on the garment-integrated display 720.

[0077] In some implementations, the receptacle 708 is integrated into or connected to the fabric of the garment 716. In some implementations, the receptacle 708 is hidden from view by being placed within the garment, such as within a pocket or other covered portion of the garment.

[0078] In some implementations, the display 720 is configured as a patch that can be attached to any of a variety of items having a sufficient surface for attachment, such as clothing, a bag, a backpack, a game console, a monitor (e.g., the back of a monitor), a desk, a chair, furniture, a wall, or other surface. By way of non-limiting example, such a patch can be attached or adhered to a given surface using adhesive, Velcro, clips, pins, or the like. In this concept, the patch is highly customizable with respect to placement by the user. In some implementations, the patch can be configured to receive and render different designs based on actions occurring within the video game.

[0079] 8A, 8B, and 8C conceptually illustrate collar portions of a hood and jacket combination according to implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A illustrates a hood 800, with a representative portion conceptually indicated by reference numeral 802. In some implementations, the hood collar is comprised of a solid, neutral intermediate panel 804, such as a solid gray in some implementations. The hood collar further includes a magnetic array 806 to enable attachment to the jacket collar, as described below. In some implementations, a magnet-exposed film 808 is disposed along panel 804. The magnet-exposed film 808 can include a ferromagnetic slurry or other material that can change appearance in response to an applied magnetic field.

[0080] 8B shows a jacket 810, with a representative portion of the jacket collar indicated by reference numeral 812. In some implementations, the jacket collar consists of a dark, solid-color back panel 814 (e.g., solid black) and a translucent front panel 815 (in some implementations, translucent purple). In some implementations, a magnetic logo / design 816 is embedded in the front panel and is not visible when the hood 800 is removed from the jacket 810. Additionally, in some implementations, Hall Effect sensors 820a and 820b are provided along or adjacent to the jacket collar to sense magnetic fields associated with attaching / removing the hood and jacket.

[0081] FIG. 8C shows hood 800 attached to jacket 810, with the aforementioned representative attachments conceptually indicated by reference numeral 822. When the hood is attached to the jacket, hood collar mid-panel 804 is interleaved between jacket collar front panel 815 and back panel 814. Hood collar magnetic array 806 and jacket collar magnetic array 818 align, thereby securing the hood to the jacket. The neutral color of the mid-panel, combined with the translucent color of the front panel, effectively reveals the color of translucent front panel 815, previously hidden by the dark color of the back panel, providing an interesting color-changing effect upon attachment of the hood to the jacket. Additionally, a hidden logo is revealed via magnetic logo 816 acting on magnetic exposure film 808, as indicated by reference numeral 824.

[0082] Hall effect sensors 820a and 820b also detect the attachment or detachment of the hood and jacket. In some implementations, the attachment or detachment of the hood can trigger a change in the design rendered on the jacket or hood. Furthermore, in some implementations, Hall effect sensors 820a and 820b can be configured to detect changes in the orientation of the hood, such as whether the hood is worn up or down, and such orientation can also be used to trigger a change in the design rendered on the jacket or hood.

[0083] While implementations of the present disclosure have been described in the context of video games, it will be understood that the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to other types of simulations or interactive applications. In some embodiments, the video game runs locally on a game console, personal computer, or server. In some cases, the video game is run by one or more servers in a data center. When the video game runs, some instances of the video game may be simulations of the video game. For example, the video game may be run by an environment or server that generates a simulation of the video game. A simulation, in some embodiments, is an instance of the video game. In other embodiments, the simulation may be generated by an emulator. In either case, when the video game is represented as a simulation, the simulation may be executed to render interactive content that can be streamed, executed, and / or controlled interactively by user input.

[0084] As mentioned above, implementations of the present disclosure may be applied to a cloud gaming system. One example of a cloud gaming system is the PlayStation®Now cloud gaming system. In such a system, a client device may be a game console, such as a PlayStation®4 or PlayStation®5 game console, or may be another device, such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or mobile device.

[0085] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary system used to load game files for games available through a cloud gaming site, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0086] The system includes multiple client devices 1100 communicatively connected to a cloud gaming site 1104 via a network 1102, which may include a LAN, wired, wireless, cellular (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), or any other type of data network, including the Internet. When a request to access the cloud gaming site 1104 is received from a client device 1100, the cloud gaming site 1104 accesses user account information 1106 stored in a user data store 1108 to identify a user associated with the client device that originated the request. In some embodiments, the cloud gaming site may also verify the identified user to determine all games the user is authorized to view / play. Following user account identification / verification, the cloud gaming site accesses a game title data store 1110 to identify game titles available on the game cloud site for the user account initiating the request. The game title data store 1110, in turn, interacts with a game database 1112 to obtain game titles of all games available to the cloud gaming site. When a new game is introduced, the game database 1112 is updated with the game code and the game title data store 1110 is provided with the game title information for the newly introduced game. The client device from which the request is initiated may or may not be registered with the cloud gaming site when the request is initiated. If the user of the client device initiating the request is not a registered user, the cloud gaming site may identify the user as a new user and select an appropriate game title for the new user (e.g., a default set of game titles). As shown in FIG. 9, the identified game title is returned to the client device for display on display screen 1100-a.

[0087] A user interaction with one of the game titles rendered on the client device is detected, and a signal is sent to the cloud gaming site. The signal includes game title information for which the user interaction was detected and the user interaction registered with the game title. In response to the signal received from the client device, the cloud gaming site proactively identifies a data center where the game is hosted and sends a signal to the identified data center to load the game associated with the game title for which the user interaction was detected. In some embodiments, multiple data centers may host games. In such embodiments, the cloud gaming site may determine the geographic location of the client device that originated the request, identify a data center geographically close to the client device, and send a signal to the data center to preload the game. The user's geographic location may be determined using a global positioning system (GPS) mechanism within the client device, the client's IP address, or the client's ping information, to name a few. Of course, the above-described methods for detecting a user's geographic location may be exemplary, and other types of mechanisms or tools may be used to determine a user's geographic location. Identifying a data center that is close to the client device can minimize latency when a user interacts with the game. In some embodiments, the identified data center may not have the bandwidth / processing power necessary to host the game or may be overutilized. In these embodiments, the cloud gaming site may identify a second data center that is geographically closer to the client device. Loading the game includes loading the game code and running an instance of the game.

[0088] In response to receiving a signal from the cloud gaming site, the identified data center can select a server at the data center and instantiate the game on the server. The server is selected based on available hardware / software processing power and game requirements. The server can include multiple game consoles, and the server can determine which of the multiple game consoles to use to load the game. The game consoles can resemble standalone game consoles or can be rack-mounted or blade servers. The blade servers can, in turn, include multiple server blades, each blade having the circuitry necessary to instantiate a single dedicated application, such as a game. Of course, the aforementioned game consoles are exemplary and should not be considered limiting. Other types of game consoles, including game stations and the like, and other forms of blade servers can also be used to host the identified game.

[0089] Once the game console is identified, the general game-related code for the game is loaded onto the game console, and a signal identifying the game console instantiating the game is returned over the network to the client device via the cloud gaming site, making the loaded game available to the user.

[0090] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an information service provider architecture in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0091] Information service providers (ISPs) 1270 are geographically dispersed and offer numerous information services to users 1282 connected via network 1286. ISPs may deliver only one type of service, such as stock price updates, or a variety of services, such as broadcast media, news, sports, and gaming. Furthermore, the services offered by each ISP are dynamic, meaning that services can be added or removed at any time. Thus, the ISPs offering a particular type of service to a particular individual may change over time. For example, while the user is in their hometown, they may be served by an ISP near them, and when the user travels to another town, they may be served by a different ISP. The local ISP forwards the necessary information and data to the new ISP, so that the user information "follows" the user to the new town, bringing the data closer to the user and making it more accessible. In another embodiment, a master-server relationship may be established between a master ISP, which manages the user's information, and a server ISP, which interfaces directly with users under the master ISP's control. In another embodiment, as the client moves around the world, data is transferred from one ISP to another, putting the ISPs in a better position to serve the users who will be offering these services.

[0092] The ISP 1270 includes an application service provider (ASP) 1272, which provides computer-based services to customers over a network (e.g., including, but not limited to, any wired or wireless network, LAN, WAN, WiFi, broadband, cable, fiber optic, satellite, cellular (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), the Internet, etc.). Software provided using the ASP model is sometimes referred to as on-demand software or software as a service (SaaS). A simple form of providing access to a specific application program (e.g., customer relationship management) uses standard protocols such as HTTP. The application software resides on the vendor's system and is accessed by users via a web browser using HTML, via dedicated client software provided by the vendor, or via other remote interfaces such as a thin client.

[0093] Services delivered over large geographic areas often use cloud computing. Cloud computing is a computing style in which dynamically scalable, often virtualized resources are delivered as a service over the Internet. Users do not need to be experts in the "cloud's" technical infrastructure to support them. Cloud computing can be categorized into various services, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Cloud computing services often provide common business applications online, accessed from a web browser, while software and data are stored on servers. The term cloud is used as a metaphor for the Internet (e.g., using servers, storage, logic, etc.), based on how the Internet is depicted in computer network diagrams and is an abstraction of the complex infrastructure it hides.

[0094] Additionally, the ISP 1270 includes a game processing server (GPS) 1274 that is used by game clients to play single and multiplayer video games. Most video games played over the Internet operate through a connection to a game server. Typically, games use a dedicated server application that collects data from players and distributes it to other players. This is more efficient and effective than a peer-to-peer configuration, but requires a separate server to host the server application. In another embodiment, the GPS establishes communication between players and their respective gameplay devices to exchange information without relying on a centralized GPS.

[0095] A dedicated GPS is a server that runs independently of the client. Such servers typically run on dedicated hardware located in a data center, providing more bandwidth and dedicated processing power. Dedicated servers are the preferred method of hosting game servers for most PC-based multiplayer games. Massively multiplayer online games are typically run on dedicated servers hosted by the software company that owns the game title, allowing them to control and update the content.

[0096] The Broadcast Processing Server (BPS) 1276 distributes audio or video signals to audiences. Broadcasting to a very small audience is sometimes called narrowcasting. The final step in broadcast distribution is how the signal reaches the listener or audience; it can arrive over the air to an antenna and receiver, similar to a radio or television station, or through cable television or cable radio (or "over-the-air cable") via a station, or directly from a network. The Internet can also deliver either radio or television to recipients, particularly using multicast, which can share signals and bandwidth. Historically, broadcasting has been defined by geographic area, such as national or local broadcast. However, with the proliferation of high-speed Internet, broadcasting is no longer defined by geography, allowing content to reach almost every country around the world.

[0097] Storage service providers (SSPs) 1278 provide computer storage space and related management services. SSPs also provide periodic backups and archiving. By providing storage as a service, users can order more storage as needed. Another major benefit is that SSPs include backup services, ensuring that users do not lose all of their data if their computer's hard drive fails. Furthermore, multiple SSPs can have full or partial copies of a user's data, allowing users to access data in an efficient manner regardless of the user's location or the device used to access the data. For example, a user can access personal files on their home computer and, similarly, on their mobile phone while they are on the move.

[0098] Communications providers 1280 provide connectivity to users. One type of communications provider is an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which provides access to the Internet. ISPs connect customers using data transmission technologies suitable for delivering Internet Protocol datagrams, such as dial-up, DSL, cable modem, fiber, wireless, or dedicated high-speed interconnects. Communications providers may also offer messaging services, such as email, instant messaging, and SMS text messages. Another type of communications provider is a Network Service Provider (NSP), which sells bandwidth or network access by offering direct backbone access to the Internet. Network service providers may consist of telecommunications companies, data carriers, wireless communications providers, Internet service providers, cable television operators offering high-speed Internet access, and the like.

[0099] Data exchange 1288 interconnects several modules within ISP 1270 and connects these modules to users 1282 via network 1286. Data exchange 1288 can cover a small area where all modules of ISP 1270 are in close proximity, or it can cover a large geographic area when different modules are geographically dispersed. For example, data exchange 1288 can include a high-speed Gigabit Ethernet (or faster) network within a cabinet in a data center or an intercontinental virtual area network (VLAN).

[0100] A user 1282 accesses remote services using a client device 1284, which includes at least a CPU, memory, display, and input / output. The client device may be a PC, a cell phone, a netbook, a tablet, a gaming system, a PDA, etc. In one embodiment, the ISP 1270 recognizes the type of device used by the client and adjusts the communication method used. In other cases, the client device accesses the ISP 1270 using a standard communication method, such as HTML.

[0101] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced with a variety of computer system configurations including handheld devices, microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, etc. The present disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wire-based or wireless network.

[0102] In some embodiments, communication may be facilitated using wireless technology. Such technology may include, for example, 5G wireless communication technology. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology. 5G networks are digital cellular networks in which a provider's coverage area is divided into small geographic areas known as cells. Analog signals representing sound and video are digitized by the telephone, converted by an analog-to-digital converter, and transmitted as a bit stream. All 5G wireless devices within a cell communicate over the airwaves with a local antenna array and low-power automatic transceiver within the cell via frequency channels assigned by transceivers (transmitters and receivers) from a pool of frequencies reused by other cells. The local antennas are connected to the telephone network and the Internet by high-bandwidth optical fiber or wireless backhaul connections. As with other cellular networks, mobile devices moving from one cell to another are automatically transferred to the new cell. Of course, 5G networks are merely an example of a type of communication network, and embodiments of the present disclosure may use previous generations of wireless or wired communication, as well as later generations of wired or wireless technologies that come after 5G.

[0103] In view of the above embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure may employ various computer-implemented operations involving data stored in computer systems. These operations are operations requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Any of the operations described herein that form part of the present disclosure are useful machine operations. The present disclosure also relates to devices or apparatus for performing these operations. Apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or the apparatus may be a general-purpose computer selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer. In particular, various general-purpose machines may be used with computer programs written in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required operations.

[0104] The present disclosure can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable medium. Alternatively, the computer-readable code may be downloaded from a server using the aforementioned data exchange interconnection. The computer-readable medium can be any data storage device that can store data, which can then be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include hard drives, network-attached storage (NAS), read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tape, and other optical and non-optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium can also include computer-readable tangible media distributed across network-connected computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

[0105] Although the method operations have been described in a particular order, it should be understood that other housekeeping operations may be performed between operations, or operations may be adjusted to occur at slightly different times, or may be distributed within a system that allows processing operations to occur at various intervals relative to processing, so long as the processing of the overlay operation is performed in the desired manner.

[0106] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail for clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the disclosure should not be limited to the details set forth herein, but may be modified within the scope of equivalents of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. a main component configured to be worn by a user, the main component having a flexible display portion and a sensor; a detachable component configured to be detachably coupled to the main component; Equipped with the sensor detects when the detachable component is attached to or detached from the main component and responsively triggers a change in an image displayed on the flexible display portion in response to the attachment or detachment of the detachable component. Clothing system.

2. The garment system of claim 1 , wherein the detachable component or the main component includes one or more magnets that allow the detachable component to be detachably coupled to the main component.

3. The garment system of claim 2 , wherein the sensor is a Hall Effect sensor.

4. The garment system of claim 1 , wherein the main component is a jacket.

5. The garment system of claim 4 , wherein the removable component is a hood, a collar, a pocket, a zipper pull, or a cuff.

6. The garment system of claim 1 , wherein the flexible display portion comprises an LED, OLED, or electronic paper display.

7. The clothing system of claim 1 , wherein the flexible display portion comprises a color-changing textile.

8. The garment system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller for controlling the image displayed on the flexible display portion.

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