CN112180596A - Optical module with conformable portion - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an optical module having a conformable portion. A head-mounted device to be worn on a head of a user is provided, the head-mounted device comprising a device housing, a support structure and an optical module. The optical module includes an optical module housing. The optical module also includes a display at an inner end of the optical module housing and a lens assembly at an outer end of the optical module housing. The optical module further includes a conformable portion located at the outer end of the optical module housing, positioned adjacent to the lens assembly, the conformable portion extending at least partially around a perimeter of the lens assembly and being engageable with a facial portion of the user.

Description

Optical module with conformable portion

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 16/888,192, filed on 29/5/2020. This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/869,710 filed on 7/2/2019. The contents of these patent applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of head mounted devices.

Background

The head mounted device may be used to display computer generated real-world content to a user. These devices may include a housing and a face seal designed to be positioned in contact with the face of a user.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a head mounted device worn on a head of a user. The head-mounted device includes a device housing, a support structure, and an optical module. The device housing includes a peripheral wall, an intermediate wall bounded by the peripheral wall, an eye chamber on a first side of the peripheral wall, a component chamber on a second side of the peripheral wall, and a face seal. The support structure is connected to the device housing and is configured to secure the device housing relative to a head of a user. The optical module includes an optical module housing connected to the device housing and extending through an opening in an intermediate wall of the device housing, the optical module housing having an inner end located in the component chamber, having an outer end located in the eye chamber, and defining an interior space extending between the inner end and the outer end. The optical module also includes a display at an inner end of the optical module housing and a lens assembly at an outer end of the optical module housing. The optical module further includes a conformable portion located at the outer end of the optical module housing, positioned adjacent to the lens assembly, the conformable portion extending at least partially around a perimeter of the lens assembly and being engageable with a facial portion of the user.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a resiliently flexible material. In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a foam rubber material. In some implementations of the headset according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a silicone rubber material. In some implementations of the headset according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion includes an enclosed portion defining an enclosed interior space and a fluid in the enclosed interior space. In some implementations of the head mounted device according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the head mounted device includes an actuator operable to move the conformable portion. In some implementations of the head mounted device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the head mounted device includes a gauge configured to sense deformation of the conformable portion.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is a head-mounted device including a device housing and an optical module housing. The optical module is connected to the device housing. The optical module includes a lens assembly and a conformable portion. The lens assembly is configured to be positioned adjacent to an eye of a user, and the conformable portion is capable of engaging a portion of the face of the user.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a resiliently flexible material. In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a foam rubber material. In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a silicone rubber material.

In some embodiments of the head-mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the device housing comprises a face seal, and the optical module is spaced apart from the face seal. In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the device housing includes an eye chamber, and at least a portion of the optical module is located in the eye chamber. In some implementations of the head mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the device housing includes an intermediate wall surrounded by the face seal, and the optical module extends outwardly from the face seal.

In some implementations of the head mounted device according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the head mounted device includes an actuator operable to move the conformable portion. In some implementations of the head mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the head mounted device includes a gauge configured to sense deformation of the conformable portion.

In some implementations of the head mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion extends around a portion of an outer perimeter of the lens assembly. In some implementations of the head mounted device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion extends continuously around an outer perimeter of the lens assembly.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is an optical module including an optical module housing having a first end, a second end, and an interior space extending from the first end to the second end. The optical module also includes a display coupled to a first end of the optical module housing and a lens assembly coupled to a second end of the optical module. The optical module also includes a conformable portion at the second end of the optical module housing, wherein the conformable portion is configured to deform in response to engagement.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a resiliently flexible material. In some implementations of the optical module according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a foam rubber material. In some implementations of the optical module according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion is formed of a silicone rubber material.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the optical module includes an actuator operable to move the conformable portion. In some implementations of the optical module according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the optical module includes a gauge configured to sense deformation of the conformable portion.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion extends around a portion of an outer perimeter of the lens assembly. In some implementations of the optical module according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion extends continuously around an outer perimeter of the lens assembly.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an optical module including an optical module housing having a first end, a second end, and an interior space extending from the first end to the second end. The optical module also includes a display coupled to a first end of the optical module housing and a lens assembly coupled to a second end of the optical module. The optical module also includes a conformable portion at the second end of the optical module housing, wherein the conformable portion includes an encapsulated portion defining an enclosed interior space and a fluid therein.

In some embodiments of the optical module according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the optical module comprises an actuator that increases and decreases the amount of fluid in the enclosed interior space. In some embodiments of the optical module according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid is a high viscosity fluid. In some embodiments of the optical module according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid is a gas. In some implementations of the optical module according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid is a magnetorheological fluid, and the optical module further comprises an electromagnet having an inactivated state and an activated state, wherein the magnetorheological fluid is flowable when the electromagnet is in the inactivated state and the magnetorheological fluid is non-flowable when the electromagnet is in the activated state.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion extends around a portion of an outer perimeter of the lens assembly. In some implementations of the optical module according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the conformable portion extends continuously around an outer perimeter of the lens assembly.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top view showing a head-mounted device including a housing and a support structure.

Fig. 2 is a rear view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing a housing of the head-mounted device.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 1, showing a housing of the head-mounted device.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a first example of a conformable portion of an optical module.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a second example of a conformable portion of an optical module.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a first implementation in an uncompressed position.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing the optical module and the conformable portion according to the first implementation in a compressed position.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a second implementation in an uncompressed position.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a second implementation in a compressed position.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a third implementation in an uncompressed position.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a third implementation in a compressed position.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a fourth implementation in an uncompressed position.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a fourth implementation in a compressed position.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a fifth implementation in an uncompressed position.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a fifth implementation in a compressed position.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a sixth implementation in an uncompressed position.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a sixth implementation in a compressed position.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a seventh implementation in an uncompressed position.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing an optical module and a conformable portion according to a seventh implementation in a compressed position.

Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration that can be combined with a head-mounted device.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to a head-mounted device for displaying computer-generated reality (CGR) content to a user and incorporating design features that accommodate users with various facial shapes. The devices described herein position the lens assembly in close proximity to the user's eye. A support structure extends around the lens assembly to hold the lens in a desired position and to protect the lens assembly from damage. The support structure incorporates a conformable portion that deforms when in contact with the user's face in order to increase user comfort and accommodate users with different facial shapes.

Fig. 1 is a top view showing a head-mounted device 100. The head mounted device 100 is intended to be worn on the head of a user and comprises components configured to display content to the user. The components included in the head mounted device 100 may be configured to track the motion of portions of the user's body, such as the user's head and hands. The motion tracking information obtained by the components of the headset may be used as an input to control aspects of the generation and display of content to the user, such that the content displayed to the user may be part of a CGR experience in which the user is able to view and interact with virtual environments and virtual objects. The head-mounted device 100 includes a device housing 102, a support structure 104, a face seal 106, and an optical module 108.

The device housing 102 is a structure that supports various other components included in the head-mounted device. The device housing 102 may be a closed structure such that certain components of the head-mounted device 100 are housed within the device housing 102 and thus protected from damage. The support structure 104 is connected to the device housing 102. The support structure 104 is a component or collection of components for securing the device housing 102 in position relative to the user's head such that the device housing 102 is constrained from moving relative to the user's head and remains in a comfortable position during use. The support structure 104 may be implemented using rigid structures, elastically flexible strips, or inelastically flexible strips. Although not shown, the support structure 104 may include passive or active adjustment components, which may be mechanical or electromechanical. In the illustrated example, the support structure 104 is a headband-type device that is connected to the left and right sides of the device housing 102 and is intended to extend around the head of a user. Other configurations may be used for the support structure 104, such as a light ring type configuration in which the device housing 102 is supported by a structure connected to a top portion of the device housing 102, engages the forehead of the user and extends around the head of the user over the device housing 102, or a mohock type configuration in which the structure extends over the head of the user.

The face seal 106 is connected to the device housing 102 and is located at an area around the perimeter of the device housing 102 that may be in contact with the user's face. The face seal 106 is for conforming to a portion of the user's face to allow the support structure 104 to be tensioned to an extent that will limit movement of the device housing 102 relative to the user's head. The face seal 106 may also be used to reduce the amount of light reaching the user's eyes from the physical environment surrounding the user. The face seal 106 may contact areas of the user's face, such as the user's forehead, temples, and cheeks. The face seal 106 may be formed from a compressible material, such as an open cell foam or a closed cell foam.

The optical module 108 is each assembly including a plurality of components. Components included in the optical module support the functionality of displaying content to a user in a manner that supports a CGR experience. Two of the optical modules 108 are shown in the illustrated example, including a left optical module configured to display content to the left eye of the user in a manner that supports stereoscopic vision and a right optical module configured to display content to the right eye of the user. The components that may be included in each of the optical modules 108 include an optical module housing that supports and houses the components of the optical module 108, a display screen (which may be a common display screen shared by the optical modules 108 or a separate display screen), and a lens assembly that includes one or more lenses to direct light from the display screen to the user's eye. Other components may also be included in each of the optical modules. Although not shown in fig. 1, the optical module may be supported by adjustment assemblies that allow the position of the optical module 108 to be adjusted. For example, the optical modules 108 may each be supported by an interpupillary adjustment mechanism that allows the optical modules 108 to slide laterally toward or away from each other. As another example, the optical module 108 may be supported by an eye relief adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustment of the distance between the optical module 108 and the user's eye.

Fig. 2 is a rear view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, illustrating the device housing 102 of the head-mounted device 100 and an eye chamber 210 defined by the device housing 102 of the head-mounted device 100. The eye chamber 210 is a space defined by the device housing 102 and is open to the outside of the head-mounted device 100. In a simple example, the eye chamber may be a generally rectangular region bounded on five sides by portions of the device housing 102 and opening the side on which the user's face will be positioned when the user is wearing the head mounted device 100. When the user wears the head-mounted device 100, the eye chamber 210 is positioned adjacent the user's face and is substantially isolated from the surrounding external environment by the face seal 106 because portions of the device housing 102 and the face seal 106 extend around the perimeter of the eye chamber 210. Portions of the optical module 108 are located in the eye chamber 210 so that the user can see the content displayed by the optical module 108. The optical module 108 is located within the eye chamber 210 at a location intended to be adjacent to the user's eye socket. The face seal 106 is positioned outward from the optical module 108, and the face seal is separated from the optical module 108 by an eye chamber 210.

As best seen in fig. 3, fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 1, illustrating the device housing 102 of the head-mounted device 100, the device housing 102 including a middle wall 312 and a peripheral wall 314. The intermediate wall 312 extends laterally across the equipment housing 102 and is bounded by a peripheral wall 314 of the equipment housing 102, the peripheral wall 314 defining a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side portion, and a right side portion of the equipment housing 102. The peripheral wall 314 may form a top surface, a bottom surface, a left side surface, and/or a right side surface of the device housing 102. The face seal 106 may be connected to the peripheral wall 314. An intermediate wall 312 separates the eye chamber 210 from the component chamber 316, the intermediate wall 312 may be a fully enclosed region of the device housing 102 of the head-mounted device 100. The component chamber 316 is an interior portion of the device housing 102 that houses electronic components of the head-mounted device 100 that are not exposed outside of the device. In the illustrated example, the optical module 108 is located partially in the eye chamber 210 and partially in the component chamber 316 and extends through an opening 318 formed through the intermediate wall 312. Thus, the optical module 108 extends longitudinally outward from the intermediate wall 312, wherein the longitudinal direction is defined as the direction extending toward the user relative to the intermediate wall 312 (e.g., substantially aligned relative to the optical axis of the optical module 108).

The optical module 108 includes an optical module housing 320, a display 322, a lens assembly 324, and a conformable portion 326. Each of the optical module housings 320 is supported in a fixed position relative to the device housing 102 by an assembly that allows control of the movement of the optical module 108, for example, for interpupillary adjustment or for eye relief adjustment. The optical module housing 320 provides a structure to support other components, including the display 322, the lens assembly 324, and the conformable portion 326. The optical module housing 320 also protects other components of the optical module 108 from mechanical damage and provides a structure against which the other components can seal against the exterior to seal the interior space 328 from foreign particles (e.g., dust) from entering the interior space 328.

The optical module housing 320 may be a generally cylindrical, tubular structure having a wall portion extending around an interior space 328. Although shown in the illustrated example as a cylinder having a generally circular cross-section along the optical axis of the optical module 108, the optical module housing may alternatively utilize another shape, such as an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape. The shape of the optical module housing 320 need not be a regular geometric shape, but may instead be an irregular composite shape that includes various features and structures having specific functions. The optical module housing 320 may be formed of a substantially rigid and inflexible material, such as plastic or metal.

The interior space 328 of the optical module housing 320 may extend between open ends spaced apart along the optical axis of the optical module 108 (e.g., between a first end of the optical module housing 320 and a second end of the optical module housing 320). For example, the outer open end may be located in the eye chamber 210 and the inner open end may be located in the component chamber 316. Display 322 is located at the inner open end of optical module housing 320 and lens assembly 324 is located at the outer open end of optical module housing 320. This configuration allows light from display 322 to be projected along the optical axis of optical module 108 such that the light is incident on lens assembly 324 and is shaped by lens assembly 324 in a manner such that the image projected by display 322 is displayed by optical module 108 to each of the user's eyes.

The conformable portion 326 of the optical module housing 320 is configured such that it can conform to the user's face in the area of the eye sockets. The conformable portion 326 is flexible and may be elastic to allow deformation and return to a nominal (e.g., uncompressed) shape. The deformation of the conformable portion 326 may occur primarily in a radial or lateral direction relative to the optical axis of the light module 108 (e.g., in a direction generally perpendicular to the optical axis), but there will typically also be some compression in a longitudinal direction (e.g., in a direction aligned with the optical axis). As will be further described herein, the conformable portion 326 may be a passive structure that deforms in response to application of a force without any active controlled deformation, or may be an active structure that includes components that control deformation using some controlled actuation pattern.

The conformable portion 326 is located at the outer open end of the optical module housing and adjacent to the lens assembly 324. The conformable portion 326 may form a portion or all of an axial end face of the optical module housing 320 and may form a portion of a radial surface of the optical module housing 320. An axial end surface of conformable portion 326 may extend outwardly (toward the user) relative to an axial end surface of lens assembly 324, an axial end surface of conformable portion 326 may be substantially flush with an axial end surface of lens assembly 324, or an axial end surface of lens assembly 324 may extend outwardly (toward the user) relative to an axial end surface of conformable portion 326.

In some implementations, conformable portion 326 extends continuously around lens assembly 326, as shown in fig. 4, which is a perspective view showing a first example of conformable portion 326 of optical module 108. In some implementations, conformable portion 326 extends around a portion of lens assembly 326, as shown in fig. 5, fig. 5 being a perspective view showing a second example of a conformable portion of an optical module. For example, the conformable portion 326 may extend halfway around the circumference of the lens assembly 324 at an axial end face of the optical module 108, where a rigid portion of the optical module 108 is otherwise present. The conformable portion 326 may be positioned such that it is capable of contacting an area above the user's eyes and beside the user's nose. As another example, the conformable portion 326 may include two or more separate conformable portions located at an axial end face of the optical module 108, with the rigid portion of the optical module housing 320 being present at other locations of the axial end face of the optical module 108.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 626 in accordance with the first implementation in an uncompressed position. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 626 in a compressed position. The conformable portion 626 is formed of a resiliently flexible material that is flexible and readily bends. For example, the conformable portion 626 may be formed of open cell foam rubber. As another example, the conformable portion 626 may be formed from a closed cell foam rubber. As another example, the conformable portion 626 may be formed from silicone rubber (e.g., by overmolding the silicone rubber onto the optical module housing 320 of the optical module 108).

When no external force is applied (e.g., the user's face is not engaged with the conformable portion 626), the conformable portion 626 is in an uncompressed position (fig. 6). When the conformable portion 626 is in contact with the face portion 730 of the user's face, the conformable portion 626 is in a compressed position (fig. 7). For example, the face portion 730 may be the area adjacent to the eye orbit. The conformable portion 626 may be compressed laterally and/or longitudinally by engagement with the face portion 730 in a compressed position. By engaging the conformable portion 626 with the face portion 730, potential discomfort is avoided by contact with the conformable and flexible structure rather than the rigid structure.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 826 according to the second implementation in an uncompressed position. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 826 in a compressed position. The conformable portion 826 includes an enclosure portion 832 defining an enclosed interior space containing a flowable viscous material 834. The enclosure portion 832 is a thin, resilient, flexible, and generally impermeable material that is easily bent when engaged. The enclosure portion 832 contains a flowable viscous material 834, such that the flowable viscous material 834 is capable of flowing within the enclosure portion 832 in response to an external force, thereby allowing the conformable portion 826 to take the shape of an object in contact therewith. The flowable viscous material 834 can be a liquid or non-newtonian fluid having a relatively high viscosity (e.g., greater than 10,000 pascal-seconds).

When no external force is applied (e.g., the user's face is not engaged with the conformable portion 826), the conformable portion 826 is in an uncompressed position (fig. 8). When the conformable portion 826 is in contact with the face portion 930 of the user's face, the conformable portion 826 is in a compressed position (fig. 9). For example, the facial portion 930 may be the area adjacent to the eye orbit. The conformable portion 826 may be compressed laterally and/or longitudinally by engagement with the face portion 930 in a compressed position. By engaging the conformable portion 826 with the face portion 930, potential discomfort is avoided by contact with the conformable and flexible structure rather than the rigid structure.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1026 according to the third implementation in an uncompressed position. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1026 in a compressed position. Conformable portion 1026 includes an encapsulated portion 1032 that defines an enclosed interior space that contains gas 1034. The enveloping portion 1032 is a thin, resilient, flexible, and generally impermeable material that is easily bent when engaged. The encapsulated portion 1032 contains a gas 1034 such that the gas 1034 is able to flow within the encapsulated portion 1032 in response to an external force, thereby allowing the conformable portion 1026 to take the shape of an object in contact therewith. Gas 1034 may be any gas, such as air at or above atmospheric pressure.

When no external force is applied (e.g., the user's face is not engaged with the conformable portion 1026), the conformable portion 1026 is in an uncompressed position (fig. 10). When the conformable portion 1026 comes into contact with the face portion 1130 of the user's face, the conformable portion 1026 is in a compressed position (fig. 11). For example, the facial portion 1130 may be an area adjacent to the eye orbit. The conformable portion 1026 may be compressed laterally and/or longitudinally by engagement with the face portion 1130 in a compressed position. Potential discomfort is avoided by engagement of the conformable portion 1026 with the face portion 1130, by contact with the conformable and flexible structure, rather than the rigid structure.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1226 according to the fourth implementation in an uncompressed position. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1226 in a compressed position. The conformable portion 1226 includes an encapsulated portion 1232 defining an enclosed interior space containing a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid 1234. The conformable portion 1226 also includes an electromagnet 1236. The enclosing portion 1232 is a thin, resilient, flexible, and generally impermeable material that is easily bendable when engaged. The enclosed portion 1232 contains MR fluid 1234 such that the MR fluid 1234 is able to flow within the enclosed portion 1232 in response to an external force, thereby allowing the conformable portion 1226 to take the shape of an object in contact therewith. The MR fluid 1234 may be any suitable type of MR fluid, which typically includes ferromagnetic particles suspended in a liquid, such as oil. The electromagnet 1236 is controllable between an inactive state and an active state. When the electromagnet 1236 is in the inactive state, the MR fluid is able to flow. When the electromagnet 1236 is in the activated state, the electromagnet 1236 emits a magnetic flux field. The ferromagnetic particles in the MR fluid align themselves with the magnetic flux field emitted by the electromagnet 1236, which causes the MR fluid 1234 to resist flow, thereby maintaining the shape of the conformable portion 1226.

When no external force is applied (e.g., the user's face is not engaged with the conformable portion 1226), the conformable portion 1226 is in an uncompressed position (fig. 12). When the conformable portion 1226 is in contact with the face portion 1330 of the user's face, the conformable portion 1226 is in a compressed position (fig. 13). For example, the facial portion 1330 may be an area adjacent to the orbit. The conformable portion 1226 may be compressed laterally and/or longitudinally by engagement with the face portion 1330 in a compressed position. By engaging the conformable portion 1226 with the face portion 1330, potential discomfort is avoided by contact with the conformable and flexible structure rather than the rigid structure. The conformable portion 1226 may be controlled by placing the electromagnet 1236 in an inactive state prior to engagement with the user's face portion 1330, and by subsequently placing the electromagnet 1236 in an active state after engagement with the user's face portion 1330 to maintain the compressed position of the conformable portion 1226 after the user's face portion 1330 is disengaged from the conformable portion 1226.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1426 in accordance with the fifth implementation in an uncompressed position. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1426 in a compressed position. The conformable portion 1426 includes an envelope portion 1432 that defines an enclosed interior space that contains a fluid 1434. The conformable portion 1426 also includes an actuator 1438 and a fluid source 1440. The envelope portion 1432 is a thin, resilient, flexible, and generally impermeable material that is easily flexed when engaged. The encapsulated portion 1432 contains a fluid 1434 such that the fluid 1434 is able to flow within the encapsulated portion 1432 in response to an external force, thereby allowing the conformable portion 1426 to take the shape of an object in contact therewith. Fluid 1434 may be any type of fluid, including liquids and gases. The actuator 1438 is capable of flowing fluid 1434 into and out of the interior of the enclosure portion 1432, wherein an excess volume of fluid 1434 is stored in a fluid source 1440, which may be a reservoir or other structure capable of storing or supplying fluid 1434. The actuator 1438 can be a pump or other device that is controlled to change the volume of fluid 1434 present in the encapsulated portion 1432 in order to expand and contract the volume displaced by the conformable portion 1426.

When no external force is applied (e.g., the user's face is not engaged with the conformable portion 1426), the conformable portion 1426 is in an uncompressed position (fig. 14). When the conformable portion 1426 is in contact with the face portion 1530 of the user's face, the conformable portion 1426 is in a compressed position (fig. 15). For example, the facial portion 1530 may be an area adjacent to the eye orbit. The conformable portion 1426 may be compressed laterally and/or longitudinally by engagement with the face portion 1530 in a compressed position. Potential discomfort is avoided by engagement of the conformable portion 1426 with the face portion 1530 by contact with the conformable and flexible structure rather than the rigid structure. The volume of the conformable portion 1426 may be controlled by adding or removing a portion of fluid from the encapsulating portion 1432 using the actuator 1438.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1 showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1626 according to the sixth implementation in an uncompressed position. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1626 in a compressed position. The conformable portion 1626 may be implemented using any of the aforementioned conformable materials, including active and passive configurations. The actuator 1642 is configured to move the conformable portion 1626 in a generally longitudinal direction between a retracted position (fig. 16) and an extended position (fig. 17) so as to vary a distance between the conformable portion 1626 and a user. The actuator 1642 may be any type of actuator capable of moving the conformable portion 1626, such as an electromechanical linear actuator. One or more actuators may be included.

When no external force is applied (e.g., the user's face is not engaged with the conformable portion 1626), the conformable portion 1626 is in an uncompressed position (fig. 16). When the conformable portion 1626 is in contact with the face portion 1730 of the user's face, the conformable portion 1626 is in a compressed position (fig. 17). For example, the face portion 1730 may be the area adjacent to the eye orbit. The conformable portion 1626 may be compressed laterally and/or longitudinally by engaging the face portion 1730 in a compressed position. By engaging the conformable portion 1626 with the face portion 1730, potential discomfort is avoided by contact with the conformable and flexible structure rather than the rigid structure. The conformable portion 1626 may be controlled to move the conformable portion 1626 between an extended position and a retracted position to achieve a comfortable fit for the user.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1826 according to the seventh implementation in an uncompressed position. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, showing the optical module 108 and the conformable portion 1826 in a compressed position. The conformable portion 1826 may be implemented using any of the aforementioned conformable materials, including active and passive configurations. The gauge 1844 is configured to measure a property indicative of a deformation of the conformable portion 1826 and output a corresponding signal. For example, the characteristic may be strain, pressure, or deflection. Other properties can be measured to represent the deformation of the conformable portion 1826. The gauge 1844 outputs a signal in response to engagement of a face portion 1930 of a user's face with the conformable portion 1826. The signal output by the gauge 1844 may be used as a basis for controlling the active characteristics of the conformable portion as previously described herein. The signals output by the gauge 1844 may be used to control other aspects of the operation of the head-mounted device 100. For example, the eye relief adjustment mechanism may be controlled using a signal output by gauge 1844. As another example, a controllable headband tensioner may be included in the head-mounted device 100 and the signal output by the gauge 1844 may be used to control the tension of the support structure 104.

Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration that may be incorporated with the head mounted device 100 to facilitate presentation of CGR content to a user. The head-mounted device 100 may include a processor 2051, a memory 2052, a storage device 2053, a communication device 2054, a display 2055, optics 2056, a sensor 2057, and a power supply 2058.

The processor 2051 is a device operable to execute computer program instructions and operable to perform the operations described by these computer program instructions. The processor 2051 may be implemented using a conventional device, such as a central processing unit, and is provided with computer-executable instructions that cause the processor 2051 to perform specific functions. The processor 2051 may be a special-purpose processor (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit or a field-programmable gate array) that implements a limited set of functions. The memory 2052 may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random access memory module. The storage device 2053 is intended to allow long-term storage of computer program instructions and other data. Examples of suitable devices for use as storage device 2053 include various types of non-volatile information storage devices such as flash memory modules, hard disk drives, or solid state drives.

The communication device 2054 supports wired or wireless communication with other devices. Any suitable wired or wireless communication protocol may be used.

The display 2055 is a display device operable to output images in accordance with signals received from the processor 2051 and/or from external devices using the communication device 2054 in order to output CGR content to a user. For example, the display 2055 may output still images and/or video images in response to received signals. The display 2055 may include, for example, an LED screen, an LCD screen, an OLED screen, a micro LED screen, or a micro OLED screen.

The optics 2056 are configured to direct light emitted by the display 2055 to the eyes of a user to allow content to be presented to the user. Optics 2056 may include a lens or other suitable component. Optics 2056 allow a stereoscopic image to be presented to the user to display CGR content to the user in a manner that makes the content appear three-dimensional.

The sensor 2057 is a component incorporated into the headset 100 to provide input to the processor 2051 for use in generating CGR content. The sensor 2057 includes components that facilitate motion tracking (e.g., head tracking and optionally handheld controller tracking in six degrees of freedom). The sensors 2057 may also include additional sensors used by the device to generate and/or enhance the user experience in any manner. The sensors 2057 may include conventional components such as cameras, infrared emitters, depth cameras, structured light sensing devices, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. The sensors 2057 may also include biometric sensors operable for physical or physiological characteristics of a person, such as for user identification and authorization. Biometric sensors may include fingerprint scanners, retina scanners, and facial scanners (e.g., two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning components operable to obtain images and/or three-dimensional surface representations). Other types of devices may be incorporated into sensor 2057. Information generated by the sensor 2057 is provided as input to other components of the head mounted device 100, such as the processor 2051.

A power supply 2058 provides power to the components of the head-mounted device 100. In some implementations, the power supply 2058 is a wired connection to power. In some implementations, power supply 2058 can include any suitable type of battery, such as a rechargeable battery. In implementations that include a battery, the head-mounted device 100 may include components that facilitate wired or wireless recharging.

In some implementations of the head mounted device 100, some or all of these components may be included in a separate device that is removable. For example, any or all of the processor 2051, memory 2052, and/or storage 2053, communication 2054, display 2055, and sensors 2057 may be incorporated in a device (such as a smartphone) that is connected (e.g., by docking) to other portions of the head-mounted device 100.

In some implementations of the head mounted device 100, the processor 2051, the memory 2052, and/or the storage 2053 are omitted, and corresponding functions are performed by an external device in communication with the head mounted device 100. In such implementations, the head mounted device 100 can include components that support data transfer connections with external devices using wired connections or wireless connections established using the communication device 2054.

A physical environment refers to a physical world in which people can sense and/or interact without the aid of an electronic system. Physical environments such as physical parks include physical objects such as physical trees, physical buildings, and physical people. People can directly sense and/or interact with the physical environment, such as through vision, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.

In contrast, a computer-generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a fully or partially simulated environment in which people perceive and/or interact via electronic systems. In CGR, a subset of the human's physical movements, or a representation thereof, is tracked, and in response, one or more characteristics of one or more virtual objects simulated in the CGR environment are adjusted in a manner that complies with at least one laws of physics. For example, the CGR system may detect head rotations of a person and in response adjust the graphical content and sound field presented to the person in a manner similar to how such views and sounds change in the physical environment. In some cases (e.g., for accessibility reasons), adjustments to the characteristics of virtual objects in the CGR environment may be made in response to representations of physical motion (e.g., voice commands).

A person may utilize any of their senses to sense and/or interact with CGR objects, including vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person may sense and/or interact with an audio object that creates a three-dimensional or spatial audio environment that provides a perception of a point audio source in three-dimensional space. As another example, an audio object may enable audio transparency that selectively introduces ambient sound from a physical environment with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person may sense and/or interact only with audio objects.

Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

A Virtual Reality (VR) environment refers to a simulated environment designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input for one or more senses. The VR environment includes a plurality of virtual objects that a person can sense and/or interact with. For example, computer-generated images of trees, buildings, and avatars representing people are examples of virtual objects. A person may sense and/or interact with a virtual object in the VR environment through simulation of the presence of the person within the computer-generated environment, and/or through simulation of a subset of the physical movements of the person within the computer-generated environment.

In contrast to VR environments that are designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory inputs, a Mixed Reality (MR) environment refers to a simulated environment that is designed to introduce sensory inputs from a physical environment or representations thereof in addition to computer-generated sensory inputs (e.g., virtual objects). On a virtual continuum, a mixed reality environment is anything between the full physical environment as one end and the virtual reality environment as the other end, but not both ends.

In some MR environments, computer-generated sensory inputs may be responsive to changes in sensory inputs from the physical environment. Additionally, some electronic systems for presenting MR environments may track position and/or orientation relative to a physical environment to enable virtual objects to interact with real objects (i.e., physical objects or representations thereof from the physical environment). For example, the system may cause motion such that the virtual trees appear to be stationary relative to the physical ground.

Examples of mixed reality include augmented reality and augmented virtual.

An Augmented Reality (AR) environment refers to a simulated environment in which one or more virtual objects are superimposed over a physical environment or representation thereof. For example, an electronic system for presenting an AR environment may have a transparent or translucent display through which a person may directly view the physical environment. The system may be configured to present the virtual object on a transparent or translucent display such that the human perceives the virtual object superimposed over the physical environment with the system. Alternatively, the system may have an opaque display and one or more imaging sensors that capture images or videos of the physical environment, which are representations of the physical environment. The system combines the image or video with the virtual object and presents the combination on the opaque display. A person utilizes the system to indirectly view the physical environment via an image or video of the physical environment and perceive a virtual object superimposed over the physical environment. As used herein, video of the physical environment displayed on the opaque display is referred to as "pass-through video," meaning that the system captures images of the physical environment using one or more image sensors and uses those images when rendering the AR environment on the opaque display. Further alternatively, the system may have a projection system that projects the virtual object into the physical environment, for example as a hologram or on a physical surface, so that a person perceives the virtual object superimposed on the physical environment with the system.

Augmented reality environments also refer to simulated environments in which representations of a physical environment are converted by computer-generated sensory information. For example, in providing a pass-through video, the system may transform one or more sensor images to apply a selected perspective (e.g., viewpoint) that is different from the perspective captured by the imaging sensor. As another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically modifying (e.g., magnifying) a portion thereof, such that the modified portion may be a representative but not real version of the original captured image. As another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically eliminating portions thereof or blurring portions thereof.

An Augmented Virtual (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which a virtual or computer-generated environment incorporates one or more sensory inputs from a physical environment. The sensory input may be a representation of one or more characteristics of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but the face of a person is realistically reproduced from an image taken of a physical person. As another example, the virtual object may take the shape or color of the physical object imaged by the one or more imaging sensors. As another example, the virtual object may take the form of a shadow that conforms to the position of the sun in the physical environment.

There are many different types of electronic systems that enable a person to sense and/or interact with various CGR environments. Examples include head-mounted systems, projection-based systems, head-up displays (HUDs), display-integrated vehicle windshields, display-integrated windows, displays formed as lenses designed for placement on a person's eyes (e.g., similar to contact lenses), headphones/earphones, speaker arrays, input systems (e.g., wearable or handheld controllers with or without haptic feedback), smart phones, tablets, and desktop/laptop computers. The head-mounted system may have one or more speakers and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, the head-mounted system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smartphone). The head-mounted system may incorporate one or more imaging sensors for capturing images or video of the physical environment, and/or one or more microphones for capturing audio of the physical environment. The head mounted system may have a transparent or translucent display instead of an opaque display. A transparent or translucent display may have a medium through which light representing an image is directed to a person's eye. The display may utilize digital light projection, OLED, LED, uuled, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light sources, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may be an optical waveguide, a holographic medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, a transparent or translucent display may be configured to selectively become opaque. Projection-based systems may employ retinal projection techniques that project a graphical image onto a person's retina. The projection system may also be configured to project the virtual object into the physical environment, for example as a hologram or on a physical surface.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is to collect and use data from various sources to adjust fit and comfort of the head-mounted device. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or may be used to contact or locate a particular person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology may be useful to benefit the user. For example, a user profile may be established that stores fit and comfort related information that allows the head mounted device to be actively adjusted for the user. Thus, the use of such personal information data enhances the user experience.

The present disclosure contemplates that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should enforce and adhere to the use of privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data is collected and/or used. Personal information from the user should be collected for legitimate and legitimate uses by the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. Furthermore, such acquisition/sharing should be performed after receiving user informed consent. Furthermore, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and secure access to such personal information data, and to ensure that others who have access to the personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third party evaluations to prove compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to the particular type of personal information data collected and/or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the united states, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the health insurance association and accountability act (HIPAA); while other countries may have health data subject to other regulations and policies and should be treated accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user selectively prevents use or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and/or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, to the extent that user profiles are stored to allow for automatic adjustment of the head-mounted device, the present technology may be configured to allow a user to opt-in or opt-out of participating in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after registration service. As another example, the user may choose not to provide data related to the use of a particular application. As another example, the user may choose to limit the length of time that the application usage data is maintained, or to completely prohibit the development of application usage profiles. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to accessing or using personal information. For example, the user may be notified that their personal information data is to be accessed when the application is downloaded, and then be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

Further, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification may be used to protect the privacy of the user. De-identification may be facilitated by removing particular identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data among users), and/or other methods, as appropriate.

Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may be implemented without the need to access such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology do not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, fit and comfort related parameters may be determined each time the head-mounted device is used, such as by scanning the user's face as the user places the device on their head, and then not storing information or associating with a particular user.

Claims (20)

1. A head-mounted device to be worn on a head of a user, comprising:

an apparatus housing comprising a peripheral wall, an intermediate wall bounded by the peripheral wall, an eye chamber on a first side of the peripheral wall, a component chamber on a second side of the peripheral wall, and a face seal;

a support structure connected to the device housing and configured to secure the device housing relative to the user's head; and

an optical module, the optical module comprising:

an optical module housing connected to the device housing and extending through an opening in the intermediate wall of the device housing, the optical module housing having an inner end located in the component chamber, the optical module housing having an outer end located in the eye chamber, and the optical module housing defining an interior space extending between the inner end and the outer end,

a display located at the inner end of the optical module housing,

a lens assembly located at the outer end of the optical module housing,

a conformable portion located at the outer end of the optical module housing, the conformable portion positioned adjacent the lens assembly, the conformable portion extending at least partially around a perimeter of the lens assembly, and the conformable portion being engageable with a facial portion of the user.

2. The headset of claim 1, wherein the conformable portion is formed of a resiliently flexible material.

3. The headset of claim 1, wherein the conformable portion is formed of a foam rubber material.

4. The headset of claim 1, wherein the conformable portion is formed of a silicone rubber material.

5. The headset of claim 1, wherein the conformable portion comprises an enclosed portion defining an enclosed interior space and a fluid therein.

6. The headset of claim 1, wherein the headset further comprises an actuator operable to move the conformable portion.

7. The headset of claim 1, wherein the headset further comprises a gauge configured to sense deformation of the conformable portion.

8. A head-mounted device, comprising:

an equipment housing; and

an optical module connected to the device housing, wherein the optical module comprises a lens assembly and a conformable portion, wherein the lens assembly is configured to be positioned adjacent to a user's eyes and the conformable portion is engageable with a facial portion of the user.

9. The head-mounted device of claim 8, wherein the device housing includes a face seal and the optical module is spaced apart from the face seal.

10. The head-mounted device of claim 8, wherein the device housing comprises an eye chamber and at least a portion of the optical module is located in the eye chamber.

11. The head-mounted device of claim 8, wherein the device housing includes an intermediate wall surrounded by a face seal, and the optical module extends outwardly from the face seal.

12. The headset of claim 8, wherein the headset further comprises an actuator operable to move the conformable portion.

13. The headset of claim 8, wherein the headset further comprises a gauge configured to sense deformation of the conformable portion.

14. The headset of claim 8, wherein the conformable portion extends around a portion of an outer perimeter of the lens assembly.

15. The headset of claim 8, wherein the conformable portion extends continuously around an outer perimeter of the lens assembly.

16. An optical module, comprising:

an optical module housing having a first end, a second end, and an interior space extending from the first end to the second end;

a display connected to the first end of the optical module housing;

a lens assembly connected to the second end of the optical module; and

a conformable portion at the second end of the optical module housing, wherein the conformable portion comprises an encapsulated portion defining an enclosed interior space and a fluid therein.

17. The optical module of claim 16, further comprising an actuator for increasing and decreasing the amount of the fluid in the enclosed interior space.

18. The optical module of claim 16, wherein the fluid is a magnetorheological fluid, the optical module further comprising:

an electromagnet having an inactive state and an active state, wherein when the electromagnet is in the inactive state the magnetorheological fluid is flowable, and when the electromagnet is in the active state the magnetorheological fluid is not flowable.

19. The optical module of claim 16 wherein the conformable portion extends around a portion of an outer perimeter of the lens assembly.

20. The optical module of claim 16 wherein the conformable portion extends continuously around an outer perimeter of the lens assembly.

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