Immersive gaming

Various systems and methods for providing immersive gaming are provided herein. A portable computing system for providing an immersive experience comprises a display; a graphics unit to present the immersive experience to a user on the display; a communication subsystem to determine a resource level of a resource coupled to the portable computing system; wherein the graphics unit is to present a representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience; wherein the communication subsystem is to: detect that the resource was replaced with a replacement resource, the replacement caused by a real-world interaction with the resource by the user; and determine a replacement resource level of the replacement resource; and wherein the graphics unit is to present a representation of the replacement resource level in the immersive experience on the display.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to gaming interfaces apparatus and in particular, to immersive gaming.

BACKGROUND

Augmented reality (AR) viewing may be defined as a live view of a real-world environment whose elements are supplemented (e.g., augmented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics, or haptic feedback. Virtual reality (VR) takes AR one step further and provides a fully immersive virtual world for the user. A head-mounted display (HMD), also sometimes referred to as a helmet-mounted display, is a device worn on the head or as part of a helmet that is able to project images in front of one or both eyes of a user. An HMD may be used for various applications including augmented reality or virtual reality simulations. HMDs are used in a variety of fields such as military, gaming, sporting, engineering, and training.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) use significant computing power to run. The computing power requires a large capacity battery to obtain reasonable wireless operation (e.g., untethered from main power). Multiple batteries may be used to further increase battery capacity, but such configurations may encumber the user or detract from the immersive nature of AR or VR experience.

In many AR or VR experiences the user consumes resources within the experience, which may need to be replenished as part of the ongoing experience. For example, in a gaming context a user may fire a gun or operate a vehicle, where the gun expends rounds or the vehicle expends fuel. In order to continue playing the user periodically reloads the weapon or refuels the vehicle. Various actions may cause the reload or refuel, for example, maneuvering the virtual vehicle to pass over a refuel pod or to touch a button on a controller to reload a weapon. These actions are unnatural and remove some of the immersive nature of the experience. What is needed is a mechanism to enhance the virtual experience and maintain immersion in the environment.

Systems and methods described herein implement immersive gameplay. Although the examples included in this document primarily refer to gaming and game play, it is understood that the same or similar functionality may be implemented with other AR or VR experiences, such as shopping, virtual traveling, social media interactions, teleconferences, or the like. In general, a real world depletable or consumable resource may be represented electronically in an AR or VR environment. In order to replenish the resource, the user manipulates a physical object in the real world, which is then represented in a revised presentation in the AR or VR environment. As an example, a battery charge level may be represented as a weapon energy level in a game. As the battery charge depletes, the weapon's energy level correspondingly depletes. In order to recharge (e.g., reload) the weapon, the user physically replaces the battery in the real world. The battery may be formed in the shape of a gun magazine in order to further immerse the user in the experience. Multiple batteries may be used to power the AR or VR system in order to ensure continuous uptime. In a multiple-battery system, the user may replace a single battery at a time to increase in-game resources (e.g., ammo, vehicle fuel, magic capacity, weapon charge, etc.).

FIG. 1is an HMD system100for immersive experiences, according to an embodiment. The system100includes a host computing unit102, which is used to operate a head-mounted display (HMD)104, and is powered by a battery assembly106. The battery assembly106may include one or more batteries, any of which may be hot swappable by the user. The host computing unit102may include a main battery108that is incorporated into the host computing unit102and used as a reserve battery. For example, during operation, the batteries in the battery assembly106may be expended first, and then while they are being swapped out or when they are depleted, the main battery108may be used to power the host computing unit102and the HMD104.

The host computing unit102and HMD104may be physically coupled, such as with a cable110to provide power, video signals, and audio signals to the HMD104from the computing unit102, and control and data signals from the HMD104to the computing unit102. Alternatively, the HMD104may be self-powered using one or more batteries or other power sources. When the HMD104is self-powered, a wireless connection may be used in place of a wired connection in order to provide a greater freedom of motion for the user.

The host computing unit102may take on various forms, such as a breastplate, a belt pack, or be incorporated into wearable devices such as clothing, helmets, backpacks, wrist-based devices, or the like. Because of the power and computational requirements to provide AR or VR experiences, conventional units may be relatively large and may be incorporated or worn in larger packages. As technology advances, the size of the host computing unit102may be miniaturized to a point where the host computing unit104may be incorporated into a wrist watch-type form factor.

The HMD104may come in a variety of form factors including goggles, visors, glasses, helmets with face shields, and the like. As technology improves, HMDs are becoming more affordable for consumer devices and smaller and lighter to accommodate various applications.

FIG. 2is an HMD104, according to an embodiment. The HMD104includes a display surface200, a camera array202, and processing circuitry (not shown). An image or multiple images may be projected onto the display surface200, such as by a micro-display. Alternatively, some or all of the display surface200may be an active display (e.g., an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)) display able to produce an image in front of the user. The display also may be provided using retinal projection of various types of light, using a range of mechanisms, including (but not limited to) waveguides, scanning raster, color-separation and other mechanisms.

The camera array202may include one or more cameras able to capture visible light, infrared, or the like, and may be used as 2D or 3D cameras (e.g., depth camera). The camera array104may be configured to detect a gesture made by the user (wearer).

An inward-facing camera array (not shown) may be used to track eye movement and determine directionality of eye gaze. Gaze detection may be performed using a non-contact, optical method to determine eye motion. Infrared light may be reflected from the user's eye and sensed by an inward-facing video camera or some other optical sensor. The information is then analyzed to extract eye rotation based on the changes in the reflections from the user's retina. Another implementation may use video to track eye movement by analyzing a corneal reflection (e.g., the first Purkinje image) and the center of the pupil. Use of multiple Purkinje reflections may be used as a more sensitive eye tracking method. Other tracking methods may also be used, such as tracking retinal blood vessels, infrared tracking, or near-infrared tracking techniques. A user may calibrate the user's eye positions before actual use.

FIG. 3is another HMD300, according to embodiment. The HMD300inFIG. 3is in the form of eyeglasses. Similar to the HMD104ofFIG. 2, HMD300includes two display surfaces302and a camera array304. Processing circuitry and inward facing cameras (not shown) may perform the functions described above.

FIG. 4is an illustration of a system that incorporates a host computing unit102and a battery assembly106, according to an embodiment. The host computing unit102may be attached to support apparel, which may be a vest, suspenders, belt, coat, pants, cloak, or the like. In the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the support apparel is a vest400. The battery assembly106may also be attached or supported by the same support apparel that the computing unit102is attached to or supported by, or may be attached to or supported by a different apparel member. For example, the battery assembly106may be supported by a holster worn around the user's waist or leg, and the computing unit102may be supported by a backpack-like apparel worn on the user's back and suspended over the user's shoulders. Various other form factors may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In use, the computing unit102and battery assembly106are coupled by a power line cord, where the battery assembly106is used to provide at least a portion of the power needed to operate the computing unit102. Other sources of power may be available for the computing unit102, such as an integrated battery inside the housing of the computing unit102, or a second battery assembly separate from the battery assembly106. As another example, batteries may be stored in a weapon-shaped controller such that replacing the battery simulates reloading the weapon. Batteries may have a form similar to a 9 mm magazine. In this example, when the user replaces a battery, it is similar in action and function as replacing a magazine to reload a weapon. Thus, as the user is experiencing the AR or VR experience provided by the host computing unit102via the HMD102, the user may swap out one or more batteries from the battery assembly106(or a secondary battery assembly, etc.) in a manner consistent within the AR or VR experience.

FIG. 5is an example user interface500of a VR experience, according to an embodiment. In the user interface500illustrated, a resource meter502is displayed. The resource meter502may be independent from the number of rounds used to fire the weapon504, and instead be tied to the amount of battery charge left in the batteries currently situated in the battery assembly106. As the battery charge depletes, the resource meter502is updated to reflect the current battery charge. The user monitors the weapon's rounds, the player's health, and other statistics or metrics of gameplay along with the battery charge indicated by the resource meter502. If the resource meter502completely depletes, the user may lose a life, for example, in gameplay. As such, the user is incentivized to monitor the resource meter502and when appropriate, change out one or more batteries in the battery assembly106. Based on the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the user may store backup batteries in one or more pouches on the vest. In this manner, as the user is experiencing the virtual reality interaction of the game world, the user is also manipulating real-world objects, thereby further enhancing the immersion in the VR experience.

While battery charge is used in these examples, other resources may be represented in the AR or VR experience, such that the user is prompted or understands the need to replenish, change out, or otherwise perform actions on real-world objects in order to further gameplay. For example, a user may swap out a USB drive as log data fills it to capacity. As another example, a user may swap out a processing core when the working processing core's temperature reaches thermal thresholds.

FIG. 6is a schematic drawing illustrating a head-mounted display system600, according to an embodiment. The HMD system600includes a visual display unit602, an accelerometer604, a gyroscope606, a gaze detection unit608, a world-facing camera array610, and a microphone array612.

The visual display unit602is operable to present a displayed image to the wearer (e.g., user) of the HMD system600. For AR, the visual display unit602may operate in any manner including projecting images onto a translucent surface between the user's eye(s) and the outer world, the translucent surface may implement mirrors, lenses, prisms, color filters, or other optical apparatus to generate an image. The visual display unit602may operate by projecting images directly onto the user's retinas. In general, the visual display unit602may operate to provide an augmented reality (AR) experience where the user is able to view most of the real world around her with the computer generated image (CGI) (e.g., AR content) being a relatively small portion of the user's field of view. The mixture of the virtual reality images and the real-world experience provides an immersive, mobile, and flexible experience. For VR, the visual display unit602may project imagery onto an opaque surface or surfaces, presenting a completely artificial environment to the user.

The HMD system600includes an inertial tracking system that employs a sensitive inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU may include the accelerometer604and the gyroscope606, and optionally includes a magnetometer. The IMU is an electronic device that measures a specific force, angular rate, and sometimes magnetic field around the HMD system600. The IMU may calculate six degrees of freedom allowing the HMD system600to align AR content to the physical world or to generally determine the position or movement of the user's head.

The gaze detection unit608may employ an eye tracker to measure the point of gaze, allowing the HMD system600to determine where the user is looking. Gaze detection may be performed using a non-contact, optical method to determine eye motion. Infrared light may be reflected from the user's eye and sensed by an inward-facing video camera or some other optical sensor. The information is then analyzed to extract eye rotation based on the changes in the reflections from the user's retina. Another implementation may use video to track eye movement by analyzing a corneal reflection (e.g., the first Purkinje image) and the center of the pupil. Use of multiple Purkinje reflections may be used as a more sensitive eye tracking method. Other tracking methods may also be used, such as tracking retinal blood vessels, infrared tracking, or near-infrared tracking techniques. The gaze detection unit608may calibrate the user's eye positions before actual use.

The world-facing camera array610may include one or more infrared or visible light cameras, able to focus at long-range or short-range with narrow or large fields of view. The world-facing camera array610may be used to capture user gestures for gesture control input, environmental landmarks, people's faces, or other information to be used by the HMD system600.

In operation, while the user is wearing the HMD system600, the user may be interacting with several people, each of whom are talking. When the user looks at one of the talking people, the microphone array612is configured to capture audible data emanating from the direction corresponding with the user's gaze. An automatic speech recognition (ASR) unit614may be configured to identify speech from the audible data. The ASR unit604may interface with a language translation unit616, which may be used in some cases to translate the received sound data from a first language to a second language.

The microphone array612may include two or more microphones. For example, to cover the span of a user's forward gaze (e.g., roughly 180 degrees), eighteen microphones may be used in the microphone array612, with each microphone covering approximately ten degrees of arc.

Portions of the HMD system600may be physically embodied in separate apparatus or devices. For example, the visual display unit602may include one or more specialized processor (e.g., graphics processing units (GPUs)). Alternatively, the GPUs may be housed in a separate apparatus (e.g., host computing unit102) that provides video signals to the visual display unit602.

The HMD system600may also optionally include one or more batteries618, one or more storage devices620, or other auxiliary devices622. The HMD system600may also optionally include swappable processing cores624, such as swappable GPUs. A processing core624may include circuitry to down step processing power when thermal thresholds are exceeded. This is commonly referred to as thermal throttling. For example, some processors include circuitry to prevent overheating during heavy use by stepping down the operating clock speed of the processor. By reducing clock speed, the operating voltage may also be reduced, thereby reducing heat output. However, the reduction in clock speed also reduces the processor's performance. As such, in an example, the user is able to hot swap a GPU or other co-processor in order to maintain or increase the processing power available for video rendering. In such an example, the temperature of the swappable processor may be represented in the virtual experience and integrated into gameplay or other aspects of the virtual environment.

Similarly, a storage device620may be hot-swappable. For example, a USB storage device may be connected to the HMD system600. During the immersive experience (e.g., AR or VR event), the storage device620may be written to and begin to fill up. For example, log files, photos, video, or other data may be written to the storage device620. As the storage device620fills a representation of the remaining storage capacity is presented to the user. When the storage capacity is exhausted, the user may experience some effect in the AR or VR experience. For example, when the storage capacity is full, the user may not be able to drive their virtual vehicle until a new storage device is inserted into a USB port. As such, to continue using in-game or in-experience resources (e.g., a vehicle, weapon, or the like), the user has to interact with the real-world storage device620and swap in a new USB drive. The storage device620may take any form, including but not limited to a USB drive, a secure digital (SD) card, a mini SD card, a micro SD card, a CompactFlash (CF) card, a Memory Stick card, or the like.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating control and data flow700, according to an embodiment. An immersive experience is presented (operation702) to a user. The immersive experience may be a gaming environment, for example, or other virtual or augmented reality experience. The experience may be presented using an HMD. During the experience, a resource level of a device (704) coupled to the HMD is monitored (operation706) and presented to the user (operation708).

In one case the device704is a battery and the resource level is a remaining or current charge of the battery. The battery charge level may be presented in the immersive experience, for example, using a bar meter, numerical indication, or the like. To monitor the battery charge level, one of a variety of methods may be used. Battery state-of-charge is the percentage of charge remaining in a battery, and ranges from 0% to 100%. A coulomb counter or battery gas gauge may be used to determine the battery state-of-charge. For example, using a current-based method, the coulomb counter tracks the change in charge remaining in the battery by measuring discharge and charge currents. Using a voltage-based method to determine state-of-charge measures battery voltage and relates that value to charge level. In this case, the system measures voltage of the battery either connected to an external load or in open circuit. Other methods, such as model-based methods, may be used.

In another case the device704is a storage device and the resource level is a representation of the remaining storage capacity or current storage usage of the storage device. Storage usage, capacity, and remaining capacity may be provided by referencing a file system table or other use table.

In another case the device704is a processor, subprocessor, co-processor, graphical processing unit, or the like. In this case, the resource level may indicate an operating clock speed of the processor, an operating temperature, an operating voltage, or other aspects of the processing device.

Based on game play or other in-experience events, the user may be incentivized, asked, or prompted to change out the device704with a different replacement device710. The replacement device710may be of the same type as the device704, for example, a same or similar battery. Alternatively, the replacement device710may be compatible with the device704, but not specifically the same. For example, the replacement device710may be a 2 GB USB flash drive and the initial device704may be a USB hard disk drive (HDD).

Referring toFIG. 5, which is a first-person shooting game, once the battery energy is depleted (as indicated by the resource meter502), the user may not be able to fire the weapon until a replacement battery is inserted into the battery assembly106to raise the resource level over a threshold.

Returning toFIG. 7, at operation712, the control and data flow700detects that there was a change to the coupled device. The replacement device's resource level is displayed in the immersive experience (operation714). When there is a gameplay or other functionality linked to the resource level, then the gameplay or experience may be altered based on the new resource level of the replacement device710. As an example, the user's weapon may be functional and able to shoot after replacing the battery.

FIG. 8is a block diagram illustrating a system800, according to an embodiment. The system800may include a display802, a graphics unit804, and a communication subsystem806. The display802may be any type of display device, including display surface200. In an embodiment, the portable computing system comprises a head-mounted display system.

In an embodiment, the graphics unit804is configured to present the immersive experience to a user on the display. In an embodiment, the immersive experience comprises a game.

The communication subsystem806is configured to determine a resource level of a resource coupled to the portable computing system. The graphics unit is to present a representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience. This may be performed by presenting a bar meter, numerical indication, or the like.

In an embodiment, the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a battery, and the resource level comprises a remaining battery charge. In another embodiment, the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a processing unit, and the resource level comprises an operating temperature of the processing unit. In another embodiment, the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a storage device, and the resource level comprises a remaining storage space on the storage device.

In an embodiment, to determine the resource level of the resource coupled to the portable computing system, the communication subsystem806is to query the resource for the resource level and receive a response from the resource including the resource level.

The communication subsystem806is to detect that the resource was replaced with a replacement resource, the replacement caused by a real-world interaction with the resource by the user (e.g., swapping batteries), and determine a replacement resource level of the replacement resource (e.g., a replacement battery charge).

In an embodiment, to detect that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource, the communication subsystem806is to detect a circuit discontinuity followed by a circuit re-establishment, the circuit including the resource.

In an embodiment, to detect that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource, the communication subsystem806is to detect a first state change indicating that the resource has been disconnected followed by detecting a second state change indicating that the replacement resource has been connected to the portable computing system.

The graphics unit804is then to present a representation of the replacement resource level in the immersive experience on the display.

In an embodiment, to present the representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience, the graphics unit804is to present a graphical meter representing the resource level on the display802.

In an embodiment, the immersive experience includes a gaming experience, and to determine the resource level of the resource, the communication subsystem806is to determine that the resource level of the resource violates a threshold, and in response, the gaming experience is altered when the resource violates the threshold. In a further embodiment, the communication subsystem806is to determine that the replacement resource level of the replacement resource satisfies the threshold, and in response, the gaming experience is altered when the replacement resource level satisfies the threshold. For example, the gaming experience may be returned to a previous state before the threshold was violated. The threshold may be a certain amount of remaining battery life (e.g., 5%, 10%, etc.), an operating temperature of a processor (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius), a remaining storage amount (e.g., 5% remaining storage space, 500 MB remaining storage space, etc.), or any other aspect of a depletable or dynamic resource.

In a further embodiment, the graphics unit804is to alert the user that the resource violates the threshold. For example, the user may be presented with a flashing resource meter, a message in their field of vision, or the like. The notification may also include haptic feedback, audio, or combinations of video, audio, haptic, and other notification mechanisms.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating a method900for providing an immersive experience, according to an embodiment. At block902, the immersive experience is presented to a user via a portable computing system. In an embodiment, the immersive experience comprises a game. In an embodiment, the portable computing system comprises a head-mounted display system.

At block904, a resource level of a resource coupled to the portable computing system is determined. In an embodiment, determining the resource level of the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises querying the resource for the resource level and receiving a response from the resource including the resource level. For example, a storage device may have a memory controller that maintains the amount of storage used or free. The portable computing system may query the storage device as part of a mounting process.

At block906, a representation of the resource level is presented to the user in the immersive experience. In an embodiment, presenting the representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience comprises presenting a graphical meter representing the resource level.

At block908, it is detected that the resource was replaced with a replacement resource, the replacement caused by a real-world interaction with the resource by the user. For example, the user may physically remove one battery from the battery assembly and replace it with a battery with more charge.

In an embodiment, detecting that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource comprises detecting a circuit discontinuity followed by a circuit re-establishment, the circuit including the resource. For example, the presence of a battery may be determined using a low voltage or low current circuit, which when completed indicates that a battery is inserted into the battery assembly.

In an embodiment, detecting that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource comprises detecting a first state change indicating that the resource has been disconnected followed by detecting a second state change indicating that the replacement resource has been connected to the portable computing system. The state change may be a file system dismount followed by a file system mount, a battery circuit discontinuity, or the like.

At block910, a replacement resource level of the replacement resource is determined. This may be performed similarly to operation904. At block912, a representation of the replacement resource level is presented in the immersive experience. This may be performed similarly to operation906.

In an embodiment, the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a battery, and the resource level comprises a remaining battery charge. In another embodiment, the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a processing unit, and the resource level comprises an operating temperature of the processing unit. In another embodiment, the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a storage device, and the resource level comprises a remaining storage space on the storage device.

In an embodiment, the immersive experience includes a gaming experience, and wherein determining the resource level of the resource comprises determining that the resource level of the resource is violates a threshold, and wherein the method further comprises altering the gaming experience when the resource violates the threshold. For example the user may not be able to perform some actions in the game until the real-world resource is replenished.

In an embodiment, the method900includes alerting the user that the resource is below the threshold. For example, when the battery is below a certain charge level, the game may notify the user by blinking the resource meter, providing an in-game sound, providing a voice alert (e.g., “You're running low on power”) or the like. The notification may be a combination of different sensations, such as visual, sound, and haptics. For example, the haptic sensation and sound from firing a gun in the game may diminish in strength/loudness as the resource is being depleted.

In a further embodiment, the method900includes determining that the replacement resource level of the replacement resource satisfies the threshold and altering the gaming experience when the replacement resource level satisfies the threshold. As an example, the user may be notified that there is less than 5% battery charge remaining (the threshold being 5%) and when the battery is replaced, the battery charge is 92%, which satisfies the threshold value.

A processor subsystem may be used to execute the instruction on the machine-readable medium. The processor subsystem may include one or more processors, each with one or more cores. Additionally, the processor subsystem may be disposed on one or more physical devices. The processor subsystem may include one or more specialized processors, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a fixed function processor.

Example computer system1000includes at least one processor1002(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both, processor cores, compute nodes, etc.), a main memory1004and a static memory1006, which communicate with each other via a link1008(e.g., bus). The computer system1000may further include a video display unit1010, an alphanumeric input device1012(e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device1014(e.g., a mouse). In one embodiment, the video display unit1010, input device1012and UI navigation device1014are incorporated into a touch screen display. The computer system1000may additionally include a storage device1016(e.g., a drive unit), a signal generation device1018(e.g., a speaker), a network interface device1020, and one or more sensors (not shown), such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, gyrometer, magnetometer, or other sensor.

The storage device1016includes a machine-readable medium1022on which is stored one or more sets of data structures and instructions1024(e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions1024may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1004, static memory1006, and/or within the processor1002during execution thereof by the computer system1000, with the main memory1004, static memory1006, and the processor1002also constituting machine-readable media.

ADDITIONAL NOTES & EXAMPLES

Example 1 includes subject matter for providing an immersive experience (such as a device, apparatus, or machine) comprising: a display; a graphics unit to present the immersive experience to a user on the display; and a communication subsystem to determine a resource level of a resource coupled to the portable computing system; wherein the graphics unit is to present a representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience; wherein the communication subsystem is to: detect that the resource was replaced with a replacement resource, the replacement caused by a real-world interaction with the resource by the user; and determine a replacement resource level of the replacement resource; and wherein the graphics unit is to present a representation of the replacement resource level in the immersive experience on the display.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may include, wherein the immersive experience comprises a game.

In Example 3, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 2 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a battery, and wherein the resource level comprises a remaining battery charge.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a processing unit, and wherein the resource level comprises an operating temperature of the processing unit.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 4 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a storage device, and wherein the resource level comprises a remaining storage space on the storage device.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 may include, wherein to determine the resource level of the resource coupled to the portable computing system, the communication subsystem is to: query the resource for the resource level; and receive a response from the resource including the resource level.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 6 may include, wherein to present the representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience, the graphics unit is to present a graphical meter representing the resource level on the display.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 7 may include, wherein to detect that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource, the communication subsystem is to detect a circuit discontinuity followed by a circuit re-establishment, the circuit the resource.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 8 may include, wherein to detect that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource, the communication subsystem is to detect a first state change indicating that the resource has been disconnected followed by detecting a second state change indicating that the replacement resource has been connected to the portable computing system.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 may include, wherein the portable computing system comprises a head-mounted display system.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 10 may include, wherein the immersive experience includes a gaming experience, and wherein to determine the resource level of the resource, the communication subsystem is to determine that the resource level of the resource violates a threshold, and wherein the gaming experience is altered when the resource violates the threshold.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 11 may include, wherein the communication subsystem is to determine that the replacement resource level of the replacement resource satisfies the threshold; and wherein the gaming experience is altered when the replacement resource level satisfies the threshold.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 12 may include, wherein the graphics unit is to alert the user that the resource violates the threshold.

Example 14 includes subject matter for providing an immersive experience (such as a method, means for performing acts, machine readable medium including instructions that when performed by a machine cause the machine to performs acts, or an apparatus to perform) comprising: presenting, in a portable computing system, the immersive experience to a user; determining a resource level of a resource coupled to the portable computing system; presenting a representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience; detecting that the resource was replaced with a replacement resource, the replacement caused by a real-world interaction with the resource by the user; determining a replacement resource level of the replacement resource; and presenting a representation of the replacement resource level in the immersive experience.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may include, wherein the immersive experience comprises a game.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 15 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a battery, and wherein the resource level comprises a remaining battery charge.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 16 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a processing unit, and wherein the resource level comprises an operating temperature of the processing unit.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 17 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a storage device, and wherein the resource level comprises a remaining storage space on the storage device.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 18 may include, wherein determining the resource level of the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises: querying the resource for the resource level; and receiving a response from the resource including the resource level.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 19 may include, wherein presenting the representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience comprises presenting a graphical meter representing the resource level.

In Example 21, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 20 may include, wherein detecting that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource comprises detecting a circuit discontinuity followed by a circuit re-establishment, the circuit the resource.

In Example 22, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 21 may include, wherein detecting that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource comprises detecting a first state change indicating that the resource has been disconnected followed by detecting a second state change indicating that the replacement resource has been connected to the portable computing system.

In Example 23, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 22 may include, wherein the portable computing system comprises a head-mounted display system.

In Example 24, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 23 may include, wherein the immersive experience includes a gaming experience, and wherein determining the resource level of the resource comprises determining that the resource level of the resource violates a threshold, and wherein the method further comprises altering the gaming experience when the resource violates the threshold.

In Example 25, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 24 may include, determining that the replacement resource level of the replacement resource satisfies the threshold; and altering the gaming experience when the replacement resource level satisfies the threshold.

In Example 26, the subject matter of any one of Examples 14 to 25 may include, alerting the user that the resource violates the threshold.

Example 27 includes at least one machine-readable medium including instructions, which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations of any of the Examples 14-26.

Example 28 includes an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the Examples 14-26.

Example 29 includes subject matter for providing an immersive experience (such as a device, apparatus, or machine) comprising: means for presenting, in a portable computing system, the immersive experience to a user; means for determining a resource level of a resource coupled to the portable computing system; means for presenting a representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience; means for detecting that the resource was replaced with a replacement resource, the replacement caused by a real-world interaction with the resource by the user; means for determining a replacement resource level of the replacement resource; and means for presenting a representation of the replacement resource level in the immersive experience.

In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 may include, wherein the immersive experience comprises a game.

In Example 31, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 30 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a battery, and wherein the resource level comprises a remaining battery charge.

In Example 32, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 31 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a processing unit, and wherein the resource level comprises an operating temperature of the processing unit.

In Example 33, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 32 may include, wherein the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprises a storage device, and wherein the resource level comprises a remaining storage space on the storage device.

In Example 34, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 33 may include, wherein the means for determining the resource level of the resource coupled to the portable computing system comprise: means for querying the resource for the resource level; and means for receiving a response from the resource including the resource level.

In Example 35, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 34 may include, wherein the means for presenting the representation of the resource level to the user in the immersive experience comprise means for presenting a graphical meter representing the resource level.

In Example 36, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 35 may include, wherein the means for detecting that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource comprise means for detecting a circuit discontinuity followed by a circuit re-establishment, the circuit the resource.

In Example 37, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 36 may include, wherein the means for detecting that the resource was replaced with the replacement resource comprise means for detecting a first state change indicating that the resource has been disconnected followed by detecting a second state change indicating that the replacement resource has been connected to the portable computing system.

In Example 38, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 37 may include, wherein the portable computing system comprises a head-mounted display system.

In Example 39, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 38 may include, wherein the immersive experience includes a gaming experience, and wherein the means for determining the resource level of the resource comprise means for determining that the resource level of the resource violates a threshold, and wherein the apparatus further comprises means for altering the gaming experience when the resource violates the threshold.

In Example 40, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 39 may include, means for determining that the replacement resource level of the replacement resource satisfies the threshold; and means for altering the gaming experience when the replacement resource level satisfies the threshold.

In Example 41, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 40 may include, means for alerting the user that the resource violates the threshold.