SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE

[001] This application claims the benefit of and right of priority to U.S. Provisional

Application No. 61/477,527, filed April 20, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] According to Nielsen Co., creator of the Nielson ratings, an average American spends more than four hours a day watching television. Moreover, an average American visits the movie theater approximately five times a year. Traditionally, televisions and theaters provided the only medium for viewing media entertainment. However, the exponential growth of the Internet has enabled more people to utilize the Internet as an alternative source of media entertainment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[003] Media entertainment in the forms of television shows, movies or games are a growing part of a modern person's daily life. Up until recent years, most people relied on traditional mediums such as television, movie theaters, CD's or DVD's to enjoy different forms of media entertainment. In recent years, the growing availability of the Internet has allowed more people to utilize this new medium to enjoy media entertainment.

[004] Visual systems incorporating video glasses offer an alternative, unique experience of enjoying media entertainment. As just one advantage, a user can enjoy a theater-quality movie in a personal manner in any location. For example, a user does not need to share the only television in the house with other people in the house. In yet another application, another person in the theater will not ruin the movie with excessive talking or noise. A user can enjoy a theater- quality movie in public locations like an airport or a doctor's office where a fifteen-minute wait can be stretched into an hour. Currently, various visual systems for use with video glasses are in existence. These systems incorporate existing media players such as a DVD player or an iPod. Some systems have been used in dental clinics to distract its patients during a lengthy procedure.

[005] Existing systems incorporating video glasses are limited by the existing systems' need for a separate media player, often limited by its storage capacity. A user must either save the media content internally within the media player such as an iPod or carry an external storage device like a thumb drive. The system is even more cumbersome when used in conjunction with a portable DVD player as its user must carry one or more DVD's. Although increasing storage capacity requires smaller physical memory space, the existing systems cannot keep pace with the increasing demands for a true portability while delivering an almost instantaneous access to multiple media contents. Accordingly, the instant inventors have identified a long-felt and unmet need for a truly portable visual display system utilizing an online media platform for numerous applications.

In one aspect, provided herein is a system comprising a head-mounted image display device; a portable, handheld control device that is operatively connected to the image display device; an online media platform, wherein the media platform is configured to display a media content that is selected by a user; and a wireless network card configured to locate a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an authentication module prompting the user for one or more unique credentials. In further embodiments, the credential is a unique username and password combination. In additional embodiments, the authentication is only required the first time the user accesses the system. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an audio output device. In further embodiments, the audio output device is attached to the image display device. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a microphone. In further embodiments, the microphone is attached to the image display device.

In some embodiments, the image display device is further configured to display a stereoscopic image. In some embodiments, the wireless card is imbedded in the image display device. In further embodiments, the image display device is wirelessly connected to the online media platform. In other embodiments, the wireless card is imbedded in the control device. In further embodiments, the control device is wirelessly connected to the online media platform. In some embodiments, the image display device is connected to the control device by a cable wire. In other embodiments, the image display device is connected to the control device wirelessly. In other embodiments, the image display device is customized to fit different facial shapes. In some embodiments, the image display device is configured to minimize external light entering the display device. In other embodiments, the image display device is configured to minimize external sound entering the display device. In some embodiments, a user is a third-party administrator. In further embodiments, the third-party administrator remotely controls the control device. In other embodiments, the system is adapted to provide a relaxed environment to a patient in one or more of the following locations: a medical clinic, a dental clinic, a hospital, an optometric clinic, or a chiropractic clinic. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to entertain a user in one or more of the following locations: a tattoo parlor, an airport, an airplane, a train station, a train, or a vehicle. In other embodiments, the system is adapted to provide a therapy for one or more of the following: a post-traumatic syndrome disease, a learning disability, a phobia, or a behavioral disorder. In yet other embodiments, the system is adapted to educate a user in one or more of the following: a military training, a briefing, or an educational institution. In some embodiments, the control device is operated by a battery. In other embodiments, the control device is rechargeable via an external power source. In still other embodiments, the control device contains one or more of the following: a power switch or button; a navigation button, wheel, scroll or touch screen, a playback key, a home switch or button, a volume control, a contrast control, or a brightness control. In further embodiments, the system includes the playback key and the playback key includes one or more of the following: a play button, a pause button; a stop button, a forward button, or a rewind button. In some embodiments, the control device includes an internal media storage, wherein the media content is optionally backed up. In further embodiments, the selected media content is optionally backed up on an external media storage unit. In some embodiments, the system comprises a tracking device to prevent a loss of the system. In some embodiments, the control device is made of a cellulose-based plastic, a polystyrene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyamide, a rubber, a synthetic rubber, an aluminum or an alloy of an aluminum, a steel or an alloy of a steel, or a titanium or an alloy of a titanium. In other embodiments, the system is made of a water-resistant material. In yet other embodiments, the system is made of a shock-absorbing material. In still other embodiments, the system is MRI compatible. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a biometric sensor. In further embodiments, the biometric sensor measures a biometric data, wherein the data optionally authenticates the user. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor is attached to the image display device. In other embodiments, the biometric sensor is attached to the control device. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor is used to monitor vital signs of a user, and the vital sign is one or more of the following: a body temperature, a heart rate, a blood pressure, a respiratory rate, an oxygen saturation rate, a blood glucose level, or a brain wave sensor (including as one example an

Electroencephalography (EEG) device). [006] In further or additional embodiments, the monitored vital signs are analyzed for any abnormal activity. In some embodiments, the system alerts the user of any abnormal activity. In some embodiments, the image display device displays the biometric data. In some

embodiments, the system further comprises an external display device to monitor the biometric data. In some embodiments, the user browses the online media platform and builds a custom media channel that is uniquely assigned to the user. In further embodiments, the user has an unlimited access to the media channel for a subscription fee. In some embodiments, the media channel contains one or more of the following: a movie, a documentary, a television show, a music, a game, or an educational application. In yet further embodiments, the online media platform content is provided by one of more of the following: a media partnership, a third-party application programming interface, or a user custom development. In still further embodiments, the third-party application programming interface includes any game or application developed and uploaded by a third-party. In some embodiments, the custom media channel is saved for a subsequent viewing. In some embodiments, the system is configured to display an

advertisement. In further embodiments, the advertisement is displayed prior to the presentation of the media content. In some embodiments, the advertisement is displayed after the

presentation of the media content. In other embodiments, the advertisement is displayed during the presentation of the media content. In some embodiments, the media platform is configured to collect the user data. The collected user data are one or more of the following: an individual hardware identification, a unit location, an access log of the display device, a user content activity, a duration of the activity, or a biometric data. In further embodiments, an advertisement is displayed based upon collected user data. In still further embodiments, the advertisement displayed based upon collected user data is displayed prior to the presentation of the media content. In some embodiments, the advertisement displayed based upon collected user data is displayed after to the presentation of the media content. In some embodiments, the

advertisement displayed based upon collected user data is displayed during the presentation of the media content. In other embodiments, the system further comprises an advertisement manager module, wherein the module further calculates video impressions.

[007] In another aspect, provided herein is a method comprising displaying a media content on a head-mounted image display device, wherein the content is selected from an online media platform by a user via a portable, handheld control device. In some embodiments, the control device contains a wireless network card, wherein the card automatically locates an available wireless connection. In other embodiments, the online media platform authenticates the user identity by prompting for one or more unique user credentials. In further embodiments, the unique user credential is a unique username and password combination. In some further embodiments, the user browses the online media platform and builds a custom media channel, wherein the channel is uniquely assigned to the user. In other further embodiments, the content relaxes the user during a medical treatment. In still other embodiments, the content relaxes the user during a cosmetic procedure. In yet other embodiments, the content simulates a desired situation to treat or educate the user.

[008] In another aspect, provided herein is a system comprising a head-mounted image display device; a portable, handheld control device that is operatively connected to the image display device; and an online media platform, wherein the media platform is configured to collect a user data, wherein the data are analyzed to display an advertisement. In some embodiments, the collected data are one or more of the following: an individual hardware identification, a unit location, an access log of the display device, a user content activity, or a duration of the activity. In further embodiments, the control device contains a wireless network card, wherein the card automatically locates an available wireless connection. In other further embodiments, the online media platform authenticates the user identify by prompting for one or more unique user credentials. In additional embodiments, the credential is a unique username and password combination. In other embodiments, the user browses the online media platform and builds a custom media channel, wherein the channel is uniquely assigned to the user.

[009] In another aspect, provided herein is a method comprising displaying one or more personalized advertisements on a head-mounted image display device, wherein the

advertisements are selected by an online media platform configured to collect and analyze user data. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a control device that contains a wireless network card, wherein the card automatically locates an available wireless connection. In other embodiments, the online media platform authenticates the user identity by prompting for one or more unique user credentials. In further embodiments, the unique user credential is a unique username and password combination. In other embodiments, the method further comprises browsing the online media platform and building a custom media channel, wherein the channel is uniquely assigned to the user. [010] In another aspect, provided herein is a web-based media platform system that is configured to provide customizable media content to an individual account to be viewed on a head-mounted image display device. In some embodiments, the media content is selected from movies, television shows, documentaries, music, training or educational materials, simulations and games. In other embodiments, the media content is provided by a third-party content provider. In yet other embodiments, the user has an unlimited access to the system for a subscription fee. In still other embodiments, the system selects an advertisement to be viewed on a head-mounted image display device.

[Oil] In another aspect, provided herein is a system comprising: a head-mounted image display device; a portable, handheld control device that is operatively connected to the image display device; an online media platform, wherein the media platform is configured to display a media content that is selected by a user, wherein the media platform further collects and analyzes a user data to display an advertisements on the image display device; a wireless network card configured to locate a wireless connection; and an authentication module prompting the user for one or more unique user credentials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[012] Fig. 1 is illustrative of a non-limiting pictorial illustration of a visual display system comprising a head-mounted image display device, a portable and handheld control device, and an online media platform.

[013] Fig. 2 is illustrative of a non-limiting pictorial illustration of an online media portal 201 connected to different components; in this case, a control device 202 provides instructions to the portal, biometric sensor 203 transmits biometric data to the portal, different media content is accessed from a database 206, an advertisement manager module 205 controls the

advertisements to be displayed, the media contents and advertisements are displayed on the head-mounted image display device 204.

[014] Fig. 3 is illustrative of a non-limiting pictorial illustration of a software module for accessing the online media portal by locating a wireless connection and authenticating the user credential.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[015] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are systems, methods, and web-based media platform system for displaying media contents. In some embodiments, the systems and methods comprises a head-mounted image display device; a portable, handheld control device that is operatively connected to the image display device; an online media platform, wherein the media platform is configured to display a media content that is selected by a user; and a wireless network card configured to locate a wireless connection. In further or additional embodiments, the systems and methods further comprise an authentication module prompting the user for one or more unique credentials. In yet further embodiments, the systems are configured to display an advertisement based upon a collected user data.

[016] Also disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are systems, methods, and web-based media platform system for displaying an advertisement. In some embodiments, the systems and methods comprise a head-mounted image display device; a portable, handheld control device that is operatively connected to the image display device; and an online media platform, wherein the media platform is configured to collect a user data, wherein the data are analyzed to display an advertisement. In other embodiments, the advertisements are displayed based on the user data. In further or additional embodiments, an advertising module calculates the video impression.

[017] Also disclosed herein, in various embodiments, is a system comprising: a head-mounted image display device; a portable, handheld control device that is operatively connected to the image display device; an online media platform, wherein the media platform is configured to display a media content that is selected by a user, wherein the media platform further collects and analyzes a user data to display an advertisements on the image display device; a wireless network card configured to locate a wireless connection; and an authentication module prompting the user for one or more unique user credentials.

[018] Referring to Fig. 1, shown is a non-limiting pictorial illustration of a system. In this non- limiting system embodiment, a head-mounted image display device 101 is operatively connected to a portable, handheld control device 102 via a physical cable wire 104. In some embodiments, the image display device 101 is wirelessly connected to the control device 102. A wireless network card, imbedded in the image display device 101 or the control device 102, is configured to locate a wireless network for an access to the online media portal 103. A user selects the desired media content via the control device 102 configured to control the online media portal 103. The selected media content is displayed in turn on the image display device 101. As described herein, "portable" means capable of being carried or moved about. "Handheld" means operational while being held in a hand.

Head-mounted image display device and control device

[019] As used herein, "head-mounted image display device" is a device used to display media contents. It is also referred to as a video glass or a video goggle. In some embodiments, the image device is further configured to display the media content as a stereoscopic image.

"Stereoscopic image" is a 3-D image utilizing a technique for creating the illusion of depth in an image. In some embodiments, an audio output device is built-in or attached to the image display device. In other embodiments, a microphone is built-in or attached to the image display device. In further or additional embodiments, either or both the audio output device and the microphone is an additional external device to the systems or the methods described herein. The head- mounted image display devices are customizable. In some embodiments, the image display device is customized to fit different facial shapes by molding the display device prior to use. In other embodiments, the image display device is configured to control the amount of light entering the image display device. In other embodiments, the image display device is configured to control the external sound entering the display device.

[020] "Control device," as described herein, is a device utilized by a user to browse or select the content of the online media platform. In some embodiments, the control device is made of a cellulose-based plastic, a polystyrene a polyvinyl chloride, a polyamide, a rubber, a synthetic rubber, an aluminum or an alloy of an aluminum, a steel or an allow of a steel, or a titanium or an alloy of a titanium. In some embodiments, the control device is operated by a battery. In other embodiments, the control device is recharged by directly plugging in to an external power source. In some embodiments, the control device is used to control the power of the entire system. It also controls the navigation of the online media platform. Furthermore, it also controls the play of the media content and other auxiliary functions such as returning to main menu, volume, video contrast and brightness. The control device utilizes a variety of methods such as a switch, a button, a wheel, a scroll or a touch screen. The playback features include play, pause, stop, forward and rewind buttons. In some embodiments, the wireless network card is imbedded in the control device. In other embodiments, the control device is connected to the online media platform wirelessly. In yet other embodiments, the control device is connected to the online media platform via a physical wire. Online media platform

[021] As used herein, "online media platform" is World Wide Web-based platform configured to display a media content that is selected by a user. "User," as described herein, refers to a person operating the control device or any other third-party administrator who can remotely control the control device or the online media platform. In some embodiments, the user browses the online media platform and builds a custom media channel comprising of selected media contents. In some embodiments, the media contents are a movie, documentary, television show, music, game or educational application. In some embodiments, a media partner supplies the media contents to be accessed through the online media platform. In other embodiments, a third-party provides its own media channel directly through a third-party application

programming interface. In other embodiments, a third-party develops or uploads its own games using a third-party application programming interface. In some embodiments, a user develops own application or create a custom media channel to share with other users. In some

embodiments, the custom media channel is shared with other users. In other embodiments, different users have different access levels. In some embodiments, different levels of access are based on a subscription fee. In some embodiments, the media content is stored remotely as one example in a cloud computing environment.

Locating network and authentication module

[022] One feature of the subject matter provided is locating a wireless connection and an authentication module prompting the user for a user credential. Referring to Fig. 3, once the head-mounted image display device is turned on 301, the wireless network card 302 imbedded in the image display device or the control device attempts to locate a wireless network 303. In some embodiments, the wireless network card is imbedded in the image display device. In other embodiments, the wireless network card is imbedded in the control device. As described herein, "wireless network card" refers to a device which allows the system to access the Internet without a physical cable. If a wireless network is not found, it makes another attempt 309. If a wireless network is successfully located, the authentication module determines if the attempted access is the user's first attempt 304. If so, the module prompts the user for one or more unique credentials. In some embodiments, the prompted credential is a unique username and password 306. Unless the user provides the required credential, the user cannot access the online media portal 310. If the user provides the required credential, the user is granted an access to the online media portal 307. If the system recognizes that the attempted access is not the user's first attempt, the system may provide a direct access to the online media portal without any prompting for credentials 308.

[023] "Authentication module," as described herein, refers to a software module. In view of the disclosure provided herein, these modules are created by techniques known to those of skill in the art using machines, software, and languages known to the art. In some embodiments, the modules are in a single computer program. In other embodiments, the modules are in more than one computer program. In some embodiments, the modules are hosted on one machine. In other embodiments, the modules are hosted on more than one machine. In some embodiments, the modules are hosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments, the modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than one location. Further described herein is the formatting of data. The data files described herein are formatted in a data serialization format known to those in the art including, by way of non-limiting examples, tab- separated values, comma-separated values, character-separated values, delimiter-separated values, XML, JSON, BSON, and YAML.

Usage

[024] Another feature of the subject matter provided is the system's multiple uses. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to provide a relaxed environment to a patient in one or more of the following locations: a medical clinic, a dental clinic, a hospital, an optometric clinic, or a chiropractic clinic. In other embodiments, the system is adapted to entertain a user in one or more of the following locations: a tattoo parlor, an airport, an airplane, a train, a train station or a vehicle. In other embodiments, the system is adapted to provide a therapy for one or more of the following: a post-traumatic syndrome disease (PTSD), a learning disability, a phobia, or a behavioral disorder. Those of skill in the art will recognize that these therapies include, by way of non-limiting examples, exposure treatment, flooding and systematic desensitization. In other embodiments, the system is adapted to educate a user in one or more of the following: a military training, a briefing, or an educational institution. In some embodiments, these educations include an interactive learning by simulating possible scenarios.

Advertisements

[025] Another feature of the subject matter provided is the online media platform configured to display an advertisement. Advertisements come in various types including, by way of non- limiting examples, floating ad, an expanding ad, a polite ad, a wallpaper ad, a trick banner, a pop-up, a pop-under, a video ad, a superstitial or an interstitial. Advertisements are displayed in different formats including, by way of non-limiting examples, a simple graphic file, a flash page or an interactive program. In some embodiments, advertisements are displayed in various orientations and positions throughout the online media platform. In some embodiments, advertisements are purchased based on various models including, by way of non-limiting examples, Cost Per Mile (CPM), Cost Per Click (CPC), or Cost Per Action (CPA). In some embodiments, the advertisement is displayed prior to the presentation of the media content. In other embodiments, the advertisement is displayed after the presentation of the media content. In some embodiments, the advertisement is displayed during the presentation of the media content. In other embodiments, advertisements are displayed by targeting the behavior of the user. In some embodiments, the media platform is configured to collect the user data. The collected user data are one or more of the following: an individual hardware identification, a unit location, an access log of the display device, a user content activity, a duration of the activity, or a biometric data. The online media platform analyzes the collected user data and delivers personalized advertisement based upon this data. In some embodiments, the online media platform delivers different advertisements to each account user or the third-party administrator selects an advertisement to be displayed. In other embodiments, the system comprises an advertisement manager module, wherein the module further calculates video impressions.

Depending on the quality of the network connection, the module adjusts the video impression for an optimal viewing experience.

Selection of Media Content

[026] An additional feature of the subject matter provided is the selection of media and optionally the storage of such media the media platform. In some embodiments, system comprises a biometric sensor that obtains biometric information of the user that is stored on the media platform. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor is used to obtain biometric information before, during, after, or a combination thereof, relative to when a media selection is chosen by the user. In still further embodiments, a selection of media content for the user is made based on biometric information obtained from that user. In still further embodiments, the biometric sensor is attached to the control device. Additional system components and features

[027] Another feature of the subject matter provided is the physical storage. In some embodiments, the control device includes an internal media storage, wherein the media content is optionally backed up. In further embodiments, the selected media content is optionally backed up on an external media storage unit. The external media storage unit may be a thumb drive, a DVD, an external hard drive, or a computer. Another feature of the subject matter provided is a tracking device to prevent a loss of the system. Due to its portability, the system has a higher chance of misplacement. This feature allows an easy recovery of the system. In some embodiments, the system is made of a water-resistant material. In other embodiments, the system is made of a shock-absorbing material. In other embodiments, the system is MRI compatible.

[028] Another feature of the subject matter provided is a biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor measures a biometric data, wherein the data optionally authenticates the user. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor is used in lieu of or in addition to the authentication module described above. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor is attached to the image display device. In other embodiments, the biometric sensor is attached to the control device. The sensor may be an external device separate from the system. In some embodiments, especially in clinical settings, the biometric sensor is used to monitor vital signs of a user for safety. These signs are one or more of the following: a body

temperature, a heart rate, a blood pressure, a respiratory rate, an oxygen saturation rate, or a blood glucose level. In some embodiments, these vital signs are analyzed for any abnormal activity. In further embodiments, the system alerts the user of any abnormal activity. The user is defined as any person associated with the system such as a third-party administrator or a medical staff in a clinical setting. In other further embodiments, the image display device displays the biometric data. In other additional embodiments, the system further comprises an external display device to monitor the biometric data.

Examples

[029] The following illustrative examples are representative of embodiments of the visual display systems described herein and are not meant to, and should not be construed to, be limiting in any way. Example 1 - Dental Clinic

[030] A patient visits her dentist for a scheduled scaling and root planning, a procedure that takes 3 to 4 hours divided over 1 or 2 days. To ease the wait time during the procedure, the dentist provides a visual display system incorporating a video glass for use during the procedure. The dentist has already authenticated his clinic's credential by logging in with the clinic's username and password. The patient puts on a head-mounted image display device connected to a local network. Using the wireless control device, the patient selects the latest movie from the online media platform. During the selection process, the patient views a banner advertisement of a local orthodontist on the side of the web page. Prior to the start of the movie, the system displays two brief commercials. One is a preview of an upcoming movie, and the other is an advertisement for brand name dental floss. The patient enjoys the movie and the procedure is administered successfully.

Example 2 - Veteran Suffering PTSD

[031] A veteran returns home after his second tour in Afghanistan. His family notices that he is having a hard time adjusting to a life as a civilian. The veteran visits a psychiatrist who diagnoses the veteran with a post-traumatic syndrome disease (PTSD). The psychiatrist decides to use a combination of drugs and therapy to treat the veteran. In particular, the psychiatrist decides to use simulation as a form of psychotherapy. During one of these sessions, the veteran puts on a head-mounted image display device with a microphone and an audio output device attached to the display device. The psychiatrist selects a desired simulation from a simulations library under the PTSD simulation channel maintained by a third-party. The veteran is also connected to a biometric sensor that monitors his vital signs like his body temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate. Throughout the simulation, the veteran responds to a series of questions designed to treat the veteran. At the same time, the psychiatrist closely monitors the veteran's vital signs for any abnormality.

Example 3 - Airport

[032] A college student at an airport is waiting for his plane, but his plane is delayed by two hours. He left home in a hurry to make the flight time so he does not have any of his laptop. Remembering that he still had his visual display system, he puts on his head-mounted image display device and turns on the system using the control device. The control device immediately locates a local network. Using the control device, he authenticates his identity and quickly, his personal online media platform is loaded. The platform already contains his favorite movies and games previously selected. He spends next 30 minutes playing a game uploaded through a third- party application programming interface. After the game, he notices a graphic advertisement of another game available through the same interface. Thereafter, the student selects a movie from the top of his list. Throughout this time, the platform collects the student's user data such as his location, previous user activity and his access log. Based the collected data, the platform displays an advertisement. After the quick advertisement, the student watches his movie using the head-mounted image display device.