A system and method for viewing virtual reality content

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (300) and a method (500) for viewing virtual reality content is disclosed The system (300) includes a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device (302) and a controller (304). The controller (304) includes a navigation unit (310), configured to provide control to a user to navigate in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. The controller (304) includes one or more hotkeys (312) in communication with the navigation unit (310), configured to launch at least one, Over- The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and Television (TV) content based on a single click. The controller (304) further includes an Operating System (OS) (314), configured to search among the multiple OTT platforms to identify a desired content based on receiving an input from the user. The OS (314) configured to display the desired content in the VR environment.

Description

A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR VIEWING VIRTUAL REALITY CONTENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronics, more particularly relates to a system and a method for viewing virtual reality content.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In a typical scenario, users consume Television (TV) or Over-The-Top (OTT) content on screens such as televisions, laptops, or desktops. However, these conventional devices often fail to deliver an immersive viewing experience for digital content. In contrast, Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) devices or Head Mounted Display (HMD) devices, such as Jio Glass, offer users a more engaging and immersive environment for viewing the digital content. The HMD devices are portable and convenient, allowing users to access immersive experiences by connecting the HMD device to a compute unit for navigation within the VR environment. While various compute units are available in the market for this purpose, they often lack seamless navigation capabilities, primarily due to limited controls in the compute unit. The users must exert extra effort to find and select content while using the HMDs.

[0003] Moreover, there is a scarcity of compute units that provide direct access to television content through the HMD devices.

[0004] As a result, there is a growing need for alternative compute units specifically designed for the HMDs. These new compute units should prioritize user-friendliness and facilitate an easy, on-the-go viewing experience for TV content. Hence there arouses a need to have alternate compute units for the HMD devices that are user-friendly than the conventional products and that would provide an on-the-go TV content viewing experience to the users.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and a method for viewing virtual reality content.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for viewing Virtual Reality (VR) content is disclosed. The system includes a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device, and a controller. The controller includes a navigation unit, configured to provide control to a user to navigate in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. The controller includes one or more hot keys in communication with the navigation unit, configured to launch at least one, Over-The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTTplatforms and Television (TV) content based on a single click. The controller includes an Operating System (OS) configured to search among the multiple OTT platforms to identify a desired content based on receiving an input from the user. Further, the Operating System (OS) configured to display the desired content in the VR environment.

[0007] In one embodiment, the navigation unit helps to navigate in the VR environment when the user provides the input for navigation.

[0008] In another embodiment, the user provides the input by engaging at least one of, a navigation control button, a click button, a home button, a go back button and a menu button.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the controller further comprises an indication light mounted on a surface of the controller.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the indication light provides notification related to status updates of the controller including normal operation, power-on status / upgrading, standby mode and power off state.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the controller includes battery indicators. The battery indicators show a battery status of the controller.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the controller further includes a Secure Digital (SD) card slot for expanding memory.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the controller further includes a clip mounted on a back side of the controller for clipping the controller onto a surface.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a controller for a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device for viewing a Virtual Reality (VR) content is disclosed. The method includes the step of establishing a connection between the controller and the HMD device. The method includes the step of connecting, a navigating unit to the controller, to provide control to a user to navigate in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment upon engaging the HMD device. The method includes the step of connecting the navigating unit to one or more hotkeys. The one or more hotkeys are configured to launch at least one, Over-The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and / or Television (TV) content based on a single click. The method includes the step of connecting, the one or more hot keys to an Operating System (OS). The OS is configured to search among the multiple OTT platforms to identify the desired content based on receiving an input from the user and displaying the desired content in the VR environment.

[0015] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The features and advantages described in this summary and in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a portable android TV device for Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, according to the prior art;

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of a companion device to the AR glasses, according to the prior art;

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of a system for viewing virtual reality content, according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the system for viewing the virtual reality content, according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for assembling a controller for a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device for viewing a virtual reality content, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure including the definitions listed here below are not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0025] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated steps detailed in the figures and here below are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a portable TV compute unit 100 for Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, according to the prior art. The portable TV compute unit 100 includes a navigation unit 102, a central button 104, one or more buttons 106, and a battery indication light 108. The navigation unit 102 refers to a device or component that helps users navigate through digital environments or interfaces. The navigation unit 102 typically includes various controls and features designed to facilitate user interaction and content selection. The navigation unit 102 may consist of buttons, touchpads, joysticks, or touchscreens that allow the users to move up, down, left, or right within menus or apps. In VR systems, the navigation unit 102 assists the users in exploring virtual worlds and executing commands.

[0027] The central button 104 is often used to select items, confirm actions, or open applications. In an embodiment, the central button 104, often referred to as an OKbuton, a select buton, or an enter button, is typically located in a middle of the navigation unit 102. The central button 104 is designed to confirm selections or initiate actions based on the user’s input.

[0028] The one or more buttons 106 refer to a collection of function-specific butons that enhance user navigation and interaction with a device. The one or more buttons 106 include, but not limited to, a menu buton, a back buton, and a home buton. The menu buton opens the main menu or setings interface of the device or application. It allows users to access various options, features, and setings. The back buton allows users to return to the previous screen or menu. It helps users navigate backwards through their recent actions or selections. The home buton takes users directly to the main screen or home page of the device interface, regardless of where they are in the navigation hierarchy.

[0029] The batery indication light 108 is a visual indicator on electronic devices, such as remote controls, smartphones, laptops, and other portable gadgets, that provides information about the device's battery status. The primary function of the batery indication light is to inform users about the current charge level of the device's batery, helping them manage power usage effectively. According to the FIG.l, the portable TV compute unit 100 has limited buttons in the compute units which can be connected to Head Mounted Display (HMD) devices. The portable TV compute unit 100 does not offer a seamless navigation to the user through the VR environment. Since, the butons in the portable TV compute unit 100 are limited, and the users need to put in more efforts to view content of their choice through the HMD devices. In a VR game, you might want to select a weapon, change its properties, and then equip it, all while also maintaining control of your character’s movement. With just a few butons (like Menu, Back, and Central Select), users might need to toggle through menus multiple times or press the same buton in different contexts, which can break immersion and increase frustration. A user interface becomes cumbersome and unintuitive. Instead of a fluid interaction experience, the user has to deal with extra steps or awkward button sequences to achieve simple actions, which can be mentally exhausting in an immersive environment.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of a companion device 200 to the AR glasses, according to the prior art. The companion device 200 includes a power buton 202, a volume buton 204, a select buton 206, a direction buton 208, an indication light 210, a mode switch 212, a home button 214, a USB-C in 216, and a USB-C out 218

[0031] The power button 202 is essential for turning the device on or off. The power button 202 is the primary means of controlling the device's overall on / off state and could be used to manage battery saving modes. On some devices, pressing and holding the power button 202 might also invoke a soft reset or allow access to recovery options in case of system issues.

[0032] The volume button 204 is used to adjust the sound levels of the device. The volume button 204 controls the volume of the internal speakers, external audio output, or even the microphone level (depending on the system's features).

[0033] The select button 206 is typically used to select an item, confirm a choice, or trigger an action. The select button 206 is a key part of the navigation unit, enabling the users to make decisions in the interface, like choosing menus, options, or activating specific functions. The select button 206 is often a primary interaction point for the user. For instance, in an AR / VR environment, the select button 206 is used to confirm selections or start an action like opening an app, confirming a move in a game, or selecting an item to interact with in the digital environment.

[0034] The direction button 208 allows the users to move through menus or navigate within the AR / VR environment. The direction button 208 typically includes up, down, left, and right inputs (like a D-pad or arrow keys) to help users move across interface elements or move within the virtual environment. The direction button 208 is used to navigate through options, scroll through menus, or move around the virtual world in a VR setting.

[0035] The indication light 210 is likely a visual feedback system used to show the current status of the device, such as whether the device is on, in a standby mode, or experiencing an issue (e.g., a low battery indicator).

[0036] The mode switch 212 is used to toggle between different operating modes or configurations of the device. The mode switch 212 includes switching between audio modes, gaming modes, or different system states (e.g., AR mode, VR mode, cinema mode, etc.). Depending on the type of system or application, the users want to switch modes to adjust the device's performance or interaction style. For instance, if the device is paired with the HMD device, the mode switch 212 toggles between the AR, the VR, or a more basic display-only mode.

[0037] The home button 214 typically takes the user back to the main interface or home screen of the device, regardless of the current state or environment. The home button 214 acts as a reset point to start fresh or quickly navigate to a familiar startingpoint. The USB-C input 216 refers to a device or port that receives data, power, or video through a USB-C connector. The USB-C input 216 refers that the device is designed to accept signals or power through a USB-C connection. The USB-C out 218 allows the companion device 200 to connect to other devices, such as external displays, storage devices, or even HMDs (if the device serves as an interface between the user and a display). The USB-C output 218 facilitates the connection to external accessories.

[0038] In the context of Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), the combination of the direction button 208, the select button 206, the home button 214, and the mode switch 212 allows the users to easily navigate menus, adjust settings, or switch between different AR / VR modes without losing immersion. Despite the array of buttons provided, there are still potential challenges that users might face with this type of device such as complexity for new users, and limited input options. While this set of buttons is comprehensive for basic interaction, it might not be enough for more complex interactions in a fully immersive environment.

[0039] The companion device 200 features a well-rounded set of buttons and ports designed to facilitate user interaction in a seamless way, but there are still potential limitations in terms of user flexibility and immersion in highly complex AR / VR environments.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of a system 300 for viewing virtual reality content, according to various embodiments of the present invention. The system 300 includes a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device 302 and a controller 304. In one embodiment, the HMD device 302 is communicably connected with the controller 304 in a wired manner, which means that a physical cable or wire links the two devices, allowing them to communicate directly. In another embodiment, the HMD device 302 is communicably connected with the controller 304 in wireless manner using technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or dedicated wireless communication protocols. In an embodiment, the system 300 includes a separate navigation unit, and the controller 304 which are connected to the HMD device 302 using the wired connection or the wireless connection. In yet another embodiment, the controller 304 is connected to a Wi-Fi network by logging into a user account for accessing Over-The-Top (OTT) applications, which allows the HMD device 302 to stream content from the internet seamlessly. As an alternative to the Wi-Fi, a future iteration may integrate an e-SIM, enabling cellular connectivity to directly access and stream content on the HMD device 302, offering more flexibility and mobility for users without the need for a traditional Wi-Fi connection.

[0041] The HMD device 302 worn on the head that displays visual information directly in front of the user’s eyes. These devices are commonly used in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) systems. The HMD device 302 typically integrates with other devices such as controllers, sensors, and computers to provide an immersive experience. The controller 304 typically enables the users to perform actions, navigate menus, manipulate virtual objects, and engage in activities within the immersive experience provided by using the HMD device 302. The controller 304 acts as the primary interface between the user and the virtual or augmented environment. By pressing one or more buttons, moving the controller 304, or performing gestures, the user can interact with objects, menus, and virtual characters, as well as navigate through the experience.

[0042] Further, the controller 304 includes, but not limited to, a Secure Digital (SD) card slot 306, one or more processors 308, a navigation unit 310, one or more hot keys 312, an Operating System (OS) 314, an indication light 316, a battery indicator 318, and a clip 320. The controller 304 includes the SD card slot 306 for expanding memory. The SD card slot 306 is a physical interface on the controller 304, or the HMD device 302 that allows the users to insert an SD card for storage purposes. The SD card slot is an important feature in portable devices, especially those used in AR / VR (Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality) environments, as it provides additional storage capacity and enables data transfer between devices.

[0043] The one or more processors 308 is configured to handle and process the user inputs that are generated by pressing buttons, moving joysticks, or performing gestures with motion-sensing technologies (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, or cameras). In an example, when the user presses the button or moves the controller 304 in space, the one or more processors 308 interprets that action and converts it into commands that can be understood by the HMD device 302. The term one or more processors 308 are referred to as a processor 308 hereinafter, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The processor 308 is responsible for managing the communication between the controller 304 and the HMD device 302 over wired or wireless connections. In a wired setup, the processor 308 transmits data through the connection to the HMD device 302, while in a wireless setup, the processor 308 uses wireless communication protocols to transmit commands, sensor data, and feedback to and from the HMD device 302. The processor 308 handles the synchronization of the data transfer to ensure that the interaction between the controller 304 and the AR / VR system is seamless and responsive.

[0044] The processor 308 is configured to receive the input for the desired content from a user using a unique search interface. The unique search interface refers to a specialized system or set of controls designed to make it easier for the user to search for content, possibly optimized for use with the HMD device 302 such as a virtual or augmented reality interface. The processor 308 is configured to interact with the OS for identifying the desired content based on the received user input. The processor 308 involves searching through a content library, a database, or internet resources to find content that matches the user's query, which includes media, apps, websites, or other digital resources.

[0045] The processor 308 is configured to generate a link for the desired content subsequent to identifying the desired content. The link serves as a pointer to where the content is located or how to access the desired content. The processor 308 is configured to display a generated link of the desired content to the user on the HMD device 302.The user navigates to the desired content displayed on the HMD device 302 using the unique search interface. In an embodiment, the user interacts with the interface to either click the link, select an option, or perform an action that takes them to the desired content. In an alternate embodiment, the user interacts with the interface through voice commands to perform the action for the desired content.

[0046] The navigation unit 310 is configured to provide control to a user to navigate in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. The navigation unit 310 refers to the component or interface that allows the users to navigate through digital environments, menus, or applications. The navigation unit 310 helps to navigate in the VR environment when the user provides the input for navigation. The navigation unit 310 acts as a control mechanism for interacting with the system 300, enabling the users to move, select, and interact with content or objects in virtual or augmented spaces. The user provides the input by engaging at least one of, a navigation control button, a click button, a home button, a go back button and a menu button.

[0047] The navigation unit 310 is used to control how the user moves through a digital environment, whether it's navigating through menus or exploring 3D spaces in AR / VR. The navigation unit 310 allows the users to interact with a User Interface (UI) of the system 300, which might include menus, settings, options, or other interactive elements. In one embodiment, instead of the one or more buttons, the system 300 utilizes a capacitive touch panel on the controller 304, which is a viable and increasingly common way to provide the user input. The capacitive touch panel allows for a more flexible, streamlined, and visually appealing design since it eliminates the need for physical buttons, which can wear out over time and take up space. Thecapacitive touch panel can provide multiple input functions such as taps, swipes, pinches, which allows for more versatile interactions. For example, you can use swiping gestures to change settings, tapping for selection, or even multi-touch for zooming in / out.

[0048] The one or more hot keys 312 in communication with the navigation unit 310, configured to launch at least one, Over-The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and Television (TV) content based on a single click. The one or more hot keys 312 are typically specialized buttons or shortcuts that are pre-configured to perform a specific action or series of actions when pressed. The one or more hot keys are often mapped to perform actions that the user may need to do frequently, such as launching apps, opening menus, or navigating directly to specific content. The one or more hot keys 312 would be buttons on the controller 304, remote, or the navigation unit 310 that are designated to perform particular tasks with the single click.

[0049] The Operating System (OS) 314 is configured to search among the multiple OTT platforms to identify the desired content based on receiving the input from the user. The OS 314 is a software layer that manages the hardware resources of the device and provides the user interface (UI) and services necessary to run applications and manage content. In this case, the OS 314 is specially configured to interact with multiple OTT platforms and help the user find content efficiently. The OS 314 is configured to search across multiple OTT platforms (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) to help the user find the desired content that matches their search criteria. Instead of limiting the user to a single OTT platform, the OS 314 enables a cross-platform to search that aggregates results from all supported services. Upon selecting the required OTT platform, the OS 314 displays the desired content in the VR environment.

[0050] Further, the controller includes the indication light 316 provides notification related to status updates of the controller including normal operation, power-on status / upgrading, standby mode and power off state. The indication light 316 is a visual feedback mechanism, typically in the form of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), that communicates the status or condition of the controller 304 to the user. The indication light 316 can provide important information regarding various aspects of the controller’s operation, such as power status, connection status, mode selection, battery level, or alerts. The indication light 316 can show whether the controller is powered on or powered off. The indication light 316 may change colors or blink in specific patterns to indicate the battery level. The indication light 316 can signal the connection status of the controller with a paired device (such as a console, PC, or smartphone).

[0051] Further, the controller includes the battery indicators 318. The battery indicators 318 displays a battery status of the controller 304. The battery indicators 318 are visual or digital indicators on electronic devices (like controllers, smartphones, laptops, or other portable gadgets) that provide information about the current charge level of the device's battery. The battery indicators 318 are typically designed to inform the user about how much battery power remains, helping them manage the device’s usage and avoid unexpected power loss. In some scenario, the OS 314 is responsible for the user interface elements on the controller 304 itself, such as status indicators, menus, and notifications displayed via small screens or LEDs. In an example, the battery indicators light or mode selection indicator on the controller 304 might be controlled by the OS 314 to provide feedback to the user.

[0052] Further, the controller includes the clip 320. The clip 320 is mounted on a rear side of the controller 304 for clipping the controller 304 onto a surface. In some controllers, especially game controllers, AR / VR controllers, or accessory devices, the clip 320 may refer to a physical mechanism used to secure or attach the controller 304 to something else, like a headset. In an example, the headset clip is used to attach a headset to the controller, ensuring that the headset is kept in place when not in use.

[0053] In an alternate embodiment, the controller 304 is paired with the HMD device 302 to deliver an immersive Three Degrees of Freedom (3DoF) AR / VR experience. The 3DoF refers to a type of tracking where the user can move the head (or device) in such ways, include, but not limited to yaw, pitch, and roll. The yaw refers to rotating left or right (turning the head), the pitch refers to tilting the head up or down, and the roll refers to rotating the head clockwise or counterclockwise. In the 3DoF AR / VR system, the user’s movements are tracked only in terms of rotation around these axes (yaw, pitch, and roll), which means the system tracks head orientation but does not track position or movement within a 3D space. This provides a more basic form of immersive interaction compared to 6DoF (Six Degrees of Freedom), where both head position (translation) and rotation are tracked.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the system for viewing the virtual reality content, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] The HMD device 302 is communicably connected with the controller 304 in a wired manner, which means that a physical cable or wire links the two devices, allowing them to communicate directly. In an alternate embodiment, the HMD device 302 is communicably connected with the controller 304 in wireless manner using technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or dedicated wireless communication protocols. The HMD device 302 worn on the head that displays visual informationdirectly in front of the user’s eyes. These devices are commonly used in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) systems. The HMD device 302 typically integrates with other devices such as controllers, sensors, and computers to provide an immersive experience.

[0056] The indication light 316 provides notification related to status updates of the controller 304 including normal operation, power-on status / upgrading, standby mode and power off state. The indication light 316 is a visual feedback mechanism, typically in the form of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), that communicates the status or condition of the controller 304 to the user. The indication light 316 can provide important information regarding various aspects of the controller’s operation, such as power status, connection status, mode selection, battery level, or alerts. The indication light 316 can show whether the controller is powered on or powered off. The indication light 316 may change colors or blink in specific patterns to indicate the battery level. The indication light 316 can signal the connection status of the controller with a paired device (such as a console, PC, or smartphone).

[0057] The power button 402 is a crucial component in controlling the device's on / off state. The power button 402 serves as the primary mechanism for powering the device on or off and is essential for initiating or terminating its operation. Additionally, the power button 402 is used to activate battery-saving modes or other power-related features, depending on the device. On some devices, pressing and holding the power button 402 can trigger a soft reset, restarting the device without erasing data, or provide access to recovery options to resolve system issues, such as booting into a safe mode or a recovery mode.

[0058] The volume button 404 is a control feature that allows the users to adjust the sound levels of the device. The volume button 404 typically regulates the volume of the internal speakers, but it may also manage the output for external audio devices connected to the system, such as headphones or speakers. Further, the volume button 404 can even control the microphone level, enabling the users to adjust the sensitivity or input volume for recordings or calls, depending on the system's configuration and capabilities.

[0059] The direction button 406 allows the users to move through menus or navigate within the AR / VR environment. The direction button 406 typically includes up, down, left, and right inputs (like a D-pad or arrow keys) to help users move across interface elements or move within the virtual environment. The direction button 406 is used to navigate through options, scroll through menus, or move around the virtual world in a VR setting.

[0060] The navigation unit 310 is a device or component designed to assist the users in navigating through digital environments or interfaces. The navigation unit 310 typically includes a range of controls and features aimed at enhancing user interaction and content selection. These controls may include buttons, touchpads, joysticks, or touchscreens, which allow users to move through menus, apps, or other digital content by controlling the movement in directions such as up, down, left, or right. In virtual reality (VR) systems, the navigation unit 310 plays a key role in helping users explore virtual worlds and execute various commands, providing an immersive and interactive experience within the digital environment. The user provides the input by engaging at least one of, the navigation control button, the click button, the home button, the go back button and the menu button.

[0061] The navigation control button allows the users to move through menus, options, or screens. The navigation control button may work in conjunction with other buttons (like arrows or a joystick) or be integrated into a touchpad or touchscreen. The click button is located near a navigation control or on a touchpad, the click button is used to select or "click" on an option or item within the interface. It serves a similar function to the mouse click on a computer, allowing the users to confirm selections or interact with items.

[0062] The home button is typically used to quickly return the user to the device's main or home screen. Pressing the home button takes the user out of apps, menus, or settings and back to the primary interface, providing a quick and easy way to navigate back to the starting point. The go back button allows the users to move backward in the interface or app, returning to the previous screen, menu, or action. It's often used for navigating between screens or undoing actions within apps or browsers. The menu button opens a menu or options panel, typically giving the user access to additional settings or features within the app or system. The menu button allows the users to view a list of available actions, configurations, or tools related to their current screen or context.

[0063] The one or more hot keys 312 in communication with the navigation unit 310, configured to launch at least one, Over-The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and Television (TV) content based on the single click. The one or more hot keys 312 are typically specialized buttons or shortcuts that are pre-configured to perform a specific action or series of actions when pressed. The one or more hot keys 312 are often mapped to perform actions that the user may need to do frequently, such as launching apps, opening menus, or navigating directly to specific content. The oneor more hot keys 312 would be buttons on the controller 304, remote, or the navigation unit 310 that are designated to perform particular tasks with a single click.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more hot keys 312, each assigned to multiple OTT platforms. For example, pressing the Netflix hot key (key 1) instantly launches the Netflix app, while pressing the YouTube hot key (key 2) opens the YouTube app. The one or more hot keys 312 are pre-configured to perform a one-click action, allowing the users to bypass the main menu and directly access streaming services, reducing navigation time.

[0065] Further, in a gaming controller designed for a smart console features the one or more hot keys 312 mapped to streaming services. Pressing the “Movies” hot key immediately opens the default OTT platform, like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video, without navigating through the console's main interface. The user can quickly transition between gaming and watching TV or movies by simply pressing the designated hot key for the OTT service, making the device more versatile and user-friendly.

[0066] In another exemplary embodiment, a smart speaker or voice-activated remote includes the one or more hot keys 312 that can trigger the launch of the OTT platform via voice command. For example, the user can press and hold the “Streaming” hot key and say, "Play my favorite show on Amazon Prime," and the system 300 will automatically launch Amazon Prime and begin playing the requested content. The one or more hot keys 312 not only serves as a shortcut but integrates with voice control to offer a seamless and hands-free experience for accessing OTT content. In an embodiment, if any new content enters into the OTT platform, the new content will automatically be stored in a cache memory. If the user wants to view the desired content instead of searching in every OTT platform. The user can directly view the desired content which is stored in the cache memory.

[0067] The battery indicators 318 displays a battery status of the controller 304. The battery indicators 318 are visual or digital indicators on electronic devices (like controllers, smartphones, laptops, or other portable gadgets) that provide information about the current charge level of the device's battery. The battery indicators 318 are typically designed to inform the user about how much battery power remains, helping them manage the device’s usage and avoid unexpected power loss.

[0068] A C-type charging port 408 typically refers to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C (USB-C) port, a universal standard for connecting devices and transferring data or power. The C-type charging port 408 is a reversible, compact connector usedfor a wide range of purposes, including charging electronic devices, data transfer, and video output. The C-type port for glasses 410 is commonly used for charging the internal battery of the smart glasses such as the HMD device 302. The HMD device 302 often has built-in electronics that require power for features like display screens, sensors, speakers, or Bluetooth connectivity. The C-type port for glasses 410 provides a fast and reliable way to charge these devices, supporting higher charging speeds compared to older charging ports like micro-USB.

[0069] The SD card slot 306 is a physical interface on the controller 304, or the HMD device 302 that allows the users to insert an SD card for storage purposes. The SD card slot 306 is an important feature in portable devices, especially those used in AR / VR (Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality) environments, as it provides additional storage capacity and enables data transfer between devices.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for assembling a controller for a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device for viewing a virtual reality content, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0071] At step 502, the method 500 includes the step of establishing a connection between the controller 304 and the HMD device 302. The connection involves setting up a communication link that enables the controller 304 to send input signals to the HMD device 302, enabling user interaction within the virtual or augmented reality (VR / AR) environment. The connection is typically established through either a wired or wireless method, depending on the technology and system architecture.

[0072] At step 504, the method 500 includes the step of connecting a navigating unit 310 to the controller 304, to provide control to a user to navigate in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment upon engaging the HMD device 302. The navigating unit 310 includes input devices like joysticks, touchpads, or motion controllers which connects to the controller 304 to enable the users to interact with and navigate within the VR environment. When the HMD device 302 is engaged, the connection allows the user to move, select, and manipulate objects or interfaces in the virtual world. Once the controller 304 receives input from the navigating unit 310, it processes the data and sends it to the HMD device 302, which then updates the visual and audio outputs for the user.

[0073] At step 506, the method 500 includes the step of connecting, the navigating unit to one or more hotkeys, wherein the one or more hotkeys are configured to launch at least one, Over-The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and / or Television (TV) content based on a single click. The one or more hot keys 312 aretypically specialized buttons or shortcuts that are pre-configured to perform a specific action or series of actions when pressed. The one or more hot keys 312 are often mapped to perform actions that the user may need to do frequently, such as launching apps, opening menus, or navigating directly to specific content. The one or more hot keys 312 would be buttons on the controller 304, remote, or the navigation unit 310 that are designated to perform particular tasks with a single click.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more hot keys 312, each assigned to multiple OTT platforms. For example, pressing the Netflix hot key (key 1) instantly launches the Netflix app, while pressing the YouTube hot key (key 2) opens the YouTube app. The one or more hot keys 312 are pre-configured to perform a one-click action, allowing the users to bypass the main menu and directly access streaming services, reducing navigation time.

[0075] Further, in a gaming controller designed for a smart console features the one or more hot keys 312 mapped to streaming services. Pressing the “Movies” hot key immediately opens the default OTT platform, like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video, without navigating through the console's main interface. The user can quickly transition between gaming and watching TV or movies by simply pressing the designated hot key for the OTT service, making the device more versatile and user-friendly.

[0076] In another exemplary embodiment, a smart speaker or voice-activated remote includes the one or more hot keys 312 that can trigger the launch of the OTT platform via voice command. For example, the user can press and hold the “Streaming” hot key and say, "Play my favorite show on Amazon Prime," and the system 300 will automatically launch Amazon Prime and begin playing the requested content. The one or more hot keys 312 not only serves as a shortcut but integrates with voice control to offer a seamless and hands-free experience for accessing OTT content.

[0077] At step 508, the method 500 includes the step of connecting, the one or more hotkeys to an Operating System (OS) 314. The OS 314 is configured to search among the multiple OTT platforms to identify the desired content based on receiving an input from the user and displaying the desired content in the VR environment. The OS 314 is a software layer that manages the hardware resources of the device and provides the user interface (UI) and services necessary to run applications and manage content. In this case, the OS 314 is specially configured to interact with multiple OTT platforms and help the user find content efficiently. The OS 314 is configured to search across multiple OTT platforms (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) to help the user find the desired content that matches their search criteria. Instead oflimiting the user to a single OTT platform, the OS 314 enables a cross-platform search that aggregates results from all supported services. Upon selecting the required OTT platform, the OS 314 displays the desired content in the VR environment.

[0078] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated embodiments and steps in description and drawings (FIG.1 -5) are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.

[0079] The present disclosure incorporates technical advancement for including one or more hotkeys configured to launch at least one, Over-The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and Television (TV) content based on a single click. The controller utilizes a unique search interface that helps the users to directly search on the main search bar, for content available in various OTT platforms without navigating to each OTT platform separately. The present invention further allowing the users to bypass the main menu and directly access streaming services, which ensures quick access, thus reducing navigation time, and enhancing user experience.

[0080] The present invention offers multiple advantages over the prior art and the above listed are a few examples to emphasize on some of the advantageous features. The listed advantages are to be read in a non-limiting manner.REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0081] Portable TV compute unit - 100

[0082] Navigation unit- 102

[0083] Central button- 104

[0084] One or more buttons - 106

[0085] Battery indication light- 108

[0086] Companion device- 200

[0087] Power button-202

[0088] Volume button-204

[0089] Select button-206

[0090] Direction button-208

[0091] Indication light-210

[0092] Mode switch-212

[0093] Home button- 214

[0094] USB-C in-216

[0095] USB-C out- 218

[0096] System-300

[0097] HMD device-302

[0098] Controller-304

[0099] SD card slot-306

[0100] One or more processors- 308

[0101] Navigation unit-310

[0102] One or more hot keys- 312

[0103] Operating system-314

[0104] Indication light-316

[0105] Battery indicator- 318

[0106] Clip-320

[0107] Power button- 402

[0108] Volume button-404

[0109] Direction button- 406

[0110] C-type charging port- 408

[0111] C-type port for glasses- 410

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A system (300) for viewing virtual reality content, the system (300) comprising:a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device (302);a controller (304) for the HMD device (302), the controller (304) comprising:a navigation unit (310), configured to provide control to a user to navigate in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment;one or more hotkeys (312) in communication with the navigation unit (310), configured to launch at least one, Over-The-Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and Television (TV) content based on a single click; andan Operating System (OS) (314), configured to:search among the multiple OTT platforms to identify a desired content based on receiving an input from the user; anddisplay the desired content in the VR environment.

2. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the navigation unit (310) helps to navigate in the VR environment when the user provides the input for navigation.

3. The system (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the user provides the input by engaging at least one of, a navigation control button, a click button, a home button, a go back button and a menu button.

4. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (304) further comprises an indication light (316) mounted on a surface of the controller (304).

5. The system (300) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication light (316) provides notification related to status updates of the controller (304) including normal operation, power-on status / upgrading, standby mode and power off state.

6. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (304) comprises battery indicators (318), wherein the battery indicators (318) display a battery status of the controller (304).

7. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (304) further comprises a Secure Digital (SD) card slot (306) for expanding memory.

8. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (304) further comprises at least one of one or more processors (308), wherein the one or more processors (308) is configured to:receive, the input for the desired content from the user using a unique search interface;interact, with the OS for identifying the desired content based on the received user input;generate, a link for the desired content subsequent to identifying the desired content; anddisplay, a generated link of the desired content to the user on the HMD device (302).

9. The system (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the user navigates to the desired content displayed on the HMD device (302) using the unique search interface.

10. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (304) further comprises a clip (320) mounted on a back side of the controller (304) for clipping the controller (304) onto a surface.

11. A method (500) for assembling a controller (304) for a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device (302) for viewing a virtual reality content, the method (500) comprises the steps of:establishing, a connection between the controller (304) and the HMD device (302);connecting, a navigation unit (310) to the controller (304), to provide control to a user to navigate in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment upon engaging the HMD device (302);connecting, the navigation unit (310) to one or more hotkeys (312), wherein the one or more hotkeys (312) are configured to launch at least one, Over-The- Top (OTT) platform among multiple OTT platforms and / or Television (TV) content based on a single click; andconnecting, the one or more hotkeys (312) to an Operating System (OS) (314), wherein the OS (314) is configured to search among the multiple OTT platforms to identify a desired content based on receiving an input from the user and display the desired content in the VR environment.

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