Headset crown input and feedback

Abstract

A head mounted device may provide a crown module having an input system that allows a user to provide input by rotating or otherwise applying torque to a crown of the crown module. The head mounted device may interpret the rotation and / or torque as user input. The crown module may also include a feedback system that provides localized tactile feedback at the crown. The user may effectively sense tactile feedback at the crown without causing the entire head mounted device to vibrate against the user's head and / or face.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 906,012, filed on September 25, 2019, entitled “CROWN INPUT AND FEEDBACK FOR HEAD-MOUNTABLE DEVICES,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present specification generally relates to head-mounted devices, and more specifically to crown modules of head-mounted devices. Background Art

[0004] A user may wear a head mounted device to display visual information within the user's field of view. The head mounted device may be used as a virtual reality (VR) system, an augmented reality (AR) system, and / or a mixed reality (MR) system. The user may observe output provided by the head mounted device, such as visual information provided on a display. The display may optionally allow the user to observe the environment outside the head mounted device. Other outputs provided by the head mounted device may include speaker output and / or tactile feedback. The user may further interact with the head mounted device by providing input for processing by one or more components of the head mounted device. For example, while the device is mounted to the user's head, the user may provide tactile input, voice commands, and other inputs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 A top view of a head mounted device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 A top exploded view of a head mounted device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a crown module of a head-mounted device.

[0009] Figure 4 Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the crown module of a head-mounted device.

[0010] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4Cross-sectional view of the crown module.

[0011] Figure 6 Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 4 Side view of the crown module.

[0012] Figure 7 Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 4 Circuit diagram of the sensor of the crown module.

[0013] Figure 8 A block diagram of a head mounted device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The specific embodiments shown below are intended to be descriptions of various configurations of the subject technology and are not intended to represent the only configuration that the subject technology can be put into practice. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. The specific embodiments include specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details shown herein and can be put into practice without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology.

[0015] Head-mounted devices, such as head-mounted displays, headphones, goggles, smart glasses, heads-up displays, etc., can perform a range of functions managed by components (e.g., sensors, circuits, and other hardware) included in the wearable device. The head-mounted device can provide an immersive or otherwise natural user experience so that the user can easily focus on enjoying the experience without being distracted by the mechanism of the head-mounted device.

[0016] It may be desirable to provide a mechanism for providing input to a head mounted device for the user to interact with the head mounted device. It may also be desirable to provide a mechanism for providing feedback to the user. Such feedback can be provided in the form of tactile feedback delivered to the user. However, when tactile feedback is applied to the entire device mounted on the user's head, the tactile feedback may be felt as unpleasant. In the case where the user provides tactile input by contacting the input member with another part of the body, such as a finger or hand, the tactile feedback may be applied locally to that part of the user's body so that the tactile feedback is delivered in an effective and user-pleasing manner.

[0017] The system of the present disclosure may provide a head mounted device having a crown module having an input system that allows a user to provide input by rotating or otherwise applying torque to the crown of the crown module. The head mounted device may interpret the rotation and / or torque as user input. The crown module may also include a feedback system that provides localized tactile feedback at the crown. The user may effectively sense tactile feedback at the crown without causing the entire head mounted device to vibrate against the user's head and / or face.

[0018] The following references Figures 1 to 8 However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0019] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 1 As shown, the head mounted device 100 includes a frame 110 that is worn on the user's head. The frame 110 may be positioned in front of the user's eyes to provide information within the user's field of view. The frame 110 may provide a nose pad or another feature to be placed on the user's nose. The frame 110 may be supported on the user's head using a fixing element 120. The fixing element 120 may be wrapped or extended along opposite sides of the user's head. The fixing element 120 may include an earphone for wrapping around or otherwise engaging or placing on the user's ear. It should be understood that other configurations may be applied to fix the head mounted device 100 to the user's head. For example, in addition to or instead of the illustrated components of the head mounted device 100, one or more straps, bands, straps, covers, caps, or other components may be used. As another example, the fixing element 120 may include multiple components to engage the user's head.

[0020] The frame 110 can provide structure around its peripheral area to support any internal components of the frame 110 in their assembled position. For example, the frame 110 can enclose and support various internal components (including, for example, integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices, and other circuits) to provide computing and functional operations for the head mounted device 100, as further discussed herein. Any number of components can be included within and / or on the frame 110 and / or the fixing element 120.

[0021] The frame 110 may include and / or support one or more cameras 50. The camera 50 may be positioned on or near an outer side 112 of the frame 110 to capture images of a view outside the head mounted device 100. As used herein, the outer side 112 of a portion of a head mounted device is the side facing away from the user and / or toward the external environment. The captured images may be used for display to the user or stored for any other purpose.

[0022] The head mounted device may be provided with one or more display screens 90 that provide visual output for viewing by a user wearing the head mounted device. Figure 1 As shown, one or more optical modules including a display screen 90 may be positioned on an inner side 114 of the frame 110. As used herein, the inner side of a portion of a head mounted device is a side that faces the user and / or faces away from the external environment. For example, a pair of optical modules may be provided, wherein each optical module may be movably positioned within the field of view of each of the user's two eyes. Each optical module may be adjusted to align with the user's corresponding eye. The movement of each of the optical modules may match the movement of the corresponding camera 50. Thus, the optical modules are able to accurately reproduce, simulate, or augment a view based on a view captured by the camera 50, with the view having an alignment corresponding to the view that the user would naturally have without the head mounted device 100.

[0023] Display screen 90 may transmit light from the physical environment (e.g., as captured by a camera) for viewing by a user. Such a display screen may include optical features, such as lenses for vision correction based on incident light from the physical environment. Additionally or alternatively, display screen 90 may provide information as a display within the user's field of view. Such information may be provided by excluding a view of the physical environment or in addition to (e.g., overlaying) the physical environment.

[0024] The physical environment refers to the physical world that people can sense and / or interact with without the help of electronic systems. A physical environment, such as a physical park, includes 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.

[0025] In contrast, a computer generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a fully or partially simulated environment that a person perceives and / or interacts with via an electronic system. In CGR, a subset of a person's physical movements, or representations thereof, are tracked, and in response, one or more features of one or more virtual objects simulated in the CGR environment are adjusted in a manner that complies with at least one law of physics. For example, a CGR system may detect a person's head turning, and in response, adjust the graphical content and sound field presented to the person in a manner similar to the way such views and sounds change in a physical environment. In some cases (e.g., for accessibility reasons), adjustments to the characteristics of virtual objects in a CGR environment may be made in response to representations of physical movement (e.g., voice commands).

[0026] A person may sense and / or interact with a CGR object using any of their senses, including vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person may sense and / or interact with an audio object that creates a 3D or spatial audio environment that provides the perception of a point audio source in 3D space. As another example, an audio object may enable audio transparency that selectively introduces ambient sounds from the physical environment with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person may sense and / or interact only with an audio object.

[0027] Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

[0028] A virtual reality (VR) environment refers to a simulated environment designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input to one or more senses. A VR environment includes a plurality of virtual objects that a person can sense and / or interact with. For example, trees, buildings, and computer-generated images representing avatars of people are examples of virtual objects. A person can sense and / or interact with virtual objects in a VR environment through a simulation of the person's presence within a computer-generated environment, and / or through a simulation of a subset of the person's physical movement within a computer-generated environment.

[0029] In contrast to VR environments, which are designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input, a mixed reality (MR) environment refers to a simulated environment designed to include sensory input from the physical environment, or representations thereof, in addition to computer-generated sensory input (e.g., virtual objects). On the virtuality continuum, a mixed reality environment is anything between a fully physical environment at one end and a virtual reality environment at the other end, but not including both ends.

[0030] In some MR environments, computer-generated sensory input can respond to changes in sensory input from the physical environment. In addition, some electronic systems used to render the MR environment can track position and / or orientation relative to the physical environment to enable virtual objects to interact with real objects (i.e., physical items from the physical environment or representations thereof). For example, the system can cause movement so that virtual trees appear stationary relative to the physical ground.

[0031] Examples of mixed reality include augmented reality and augmented virtuality.

[0032] An augmented reality (AR) environment refers to a simulated environment in which one or more virtual objects are superimposed on a physical environment or a representation thereof. For example, an electronic system for presenting an AR environment may have a transparent or translucent display through which a person can directly view the physical environment. The system may be configured to present virtual objects on a transparent or translucent display so that a person uses the system to perceive virtual objects superimposed on a physical environment. Alternatively, the system may have an opaque display and one or more imaging sensors that capture images or videos of a physical environment that are representations of the physical environment. The system combines the image or video with the virtual object and presents the composition on an opaque display. People use the system to indirectly view the physical environment via an image or video of the physical environment and perceive virtual objects superimposed on the physical environment. As used herein, a video of a physical environment displayed on an opaque display is referred to as a "transparent video," meaning that the system uses one or more image sensors to capture images of the physical environment and uses those images when presenting an AR environment on an opaque display. Further alternatively, the system may have a projection system that projects virtual objects into a physical environment, for example as a hologram or on a physical surface, so that a person using the system perceives the virtual objects superimposed on the physical environment.

[0033] An augmented reality environment also refers to a simulated environment in which a representation of a physical environment is transformed 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., a viewpoint) that is different from the perspective captured by the imaging sensor. For another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically modifying (e.g., enlarging) portions thereof so that the modified portions may be representative but not true versions of the original captured images. For another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically eliminating portions thereof or blurring portions thereof.

[0034] An augmented virtual (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which a virtual or computer-generated environment is combined with one or more sensory inputs from a physical environment. The sensory input may be a representation of one or more features of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but the faces of people are realistically reproduced from images taken of physical people. For another example, a virtual object may take the shape or color of a physical object imaged by one or more imaging sensors. For another example, a virtual object may take a shadow that conforms to the position of the sun in the physical environment.

[0035] There are many different types of electronic systems that enable people to sense and / or interact with various CGR environments. Examples include head-mounted systems, projection-based systems, head-up displays (HUDs), vehicle windshields with integrated display capabilities, windows with integrated display capabilities, displays formed as lenses designed to be placed on people's eyes (e.g., similar to contact lenses), headphones / earpieces, speaker arrays, input systems (e.g., wearable or handheld controllers with or without tactile feedback), smartphones, tablets, and desktop / laptop computers. A head-mounted system may have an integrated opaque display and one or more speakers. Alternatively, a head-mounted system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smartphone). A head-mounted system may incorporate one or more imaging sensors for capturing images or videos of a physical environment, and / or one or more microphones for capturing audio of a physical environment. Instead of an opaque display, a head-mounted system may have a transparent or translucent display. A transparent or translucent display may have a medium through which light representing an image is directed to a person's eyes. The display can utilize digital light projection, OLED, LED, uLED, silicon-based liquid crystal, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium can be an optical waveguide, a hologram medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, a transparent or translucent display can be configured to selectively become opaque. A projection-based system can employ retinal projection technology that projects a graphic image onto a person's retina. The projection system can also be configured to project a virtual object into a physical environment, such as a hologram or onto a physical surface.

[0036] like Figure 1 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the head mounted device 100 may include a crown module 200 that receives input from a user and provides feedback to the user. The crown module 200 may be disposed on an outer surface of the head mounted device 100, such as on the frame 110. Figure 1 As shown, the crown module 200 can be disposed on a lateral side 116 defined by and facing outwardly from a surface between the outer side 112 and the inner side 114 of the frame 110. It should be understood that the crown module 200 can be disposed at any portion of the head mounted device 100, including any portion of the frame 110 (e.g., the outer side 112 or the inner side 114) and / or the fixing element 120. It should also be understood that a plurality of crown modules 200 can be provided by the head mounted device 100. For example, separate crown modules 200 can be disposed on the same side or on opposite sides of the head mounted device 100.

[0037] See now Figure 2, the crown module 200 can be provided as a separate component that is connected to the other parts of the head mounted device 100. For example, the frame 110 or another part of the head mounted device 100 can provide a recess 118 into which the crown module 200 can be inserted. By providing the crown module 200 as a separate component, the crown module 200 can be sealed so that its internal components are protected from the external environment.

[0038] The crown module 200 may include one or more attachment elements configured to facilitate mechanical coupling or connection of the crown module 200 and the frame 110 by engaging complementary attachment elements of the frame 110 (e.g., located within the recess 118). The attachment elements may include protrusions, grooves, locks, latches, snaps, screws, clasps, threads, magnets, and / or pins that may be included on the crown module 200 and / or the frame 110 for securely attaching the crown module 200 to the frame 110.

[0039] The crown module 200 and the frame 110 may each include one or more communication interfaces that facilitate a communication link between the crown module 200 and the frame 110 (e.g., a controller within the frame 110). The communication interface may include one or more of a variety of features, such as electrical connectors, pogo pins, conductive surfaces, wireless receivers / transmitters, and / or inductive coupling features (e.g., coils) for communicatively coupling components of the frame 110 and the crown module 200.

[0040] See now Figure 3 , the crown module 200 may provide an input system 230 that facilitates receiving user input and a feedback system 240 that provides feedback to the user. For the purpose of the following description, the crown module 200 described is the above-mentioned Figure 1 and Figure 2 However, certain features of the crown module 200, including the outer surface geometry, may be simplified or altered relative to aspects of the crown module 200 described above.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the crown module 200 may include a housing 210 that defines at least a portion of the outer periphery of the crown module 200 and contains its internal components. A crown 222 may be disposed at an exterior portion of the housing 210. For example, the crown 222 may protrude from a surface of the housing 210 for access by a user. The crown 222 may be connected to a shaft 220 extending within the housing 210. The crown 222 and / or the shaft 220 may be supported relative to the housing 210 by one or more bearings 236 that facilitate rotation and / or translation of the crown 222 and / or the shaft 220 relative to the housing 210.

[0042] The housing 210 may define a first chamber 232 that is sealed from the external environment. Components of the input system 230 may be positioned within the first chamber 232. In this way, the components of the input system 230 may be protected from the ingress of fluids and / or particles that may interfere with the operation of the input system 230. The first chamber 232 may be at least partially defined by one or more sealing members (e.g., O-rings) that move with the shaft 220 within the first chamber 232 of the housing 210.

[0043] The housing 210 may define a second chamber 242 that is also sealed from the external environment. Components of the feedback system 240 may be positioned within the second chamber 242. In this way, the components of the feedback system 240 may be protected from the ingress of fluids and / or particles that may interfere with the operation of the feedback system 240. At least one component (e.g., connector 250) of the feedback system 240 (e.g., located in the second chamber 242) may be connected to the shaft 220 or another component of the input system 230 (e.g., located in the first chamber 232). The second chamber 242 and the first chamber 232 may optionally be connected to form a single continuous chamber.

[0044] The crown 222 and / or shaft 220 may be supported by one or more bearings 236 that facilitate rotation and / or translation of the crown 222 and / or shaft 220 relative to the housing 210. The connector 250 may be supported by one or more bearings 246 that facilitate translation of the connector 250 with the crown 222 and / or shaft 220. The bearings 246 may optionally allow the connector 250 to rotate relative to the crown 222 and / or shaft 220 while coupling the connector 250 to the shaft 220 to translate in unison.

[0045] In some embodiments, the crown 222 can be used to accept rotational input from the user, which can be used to control various aspects of the head-mounted device. The crown 222 can be knurled or otherwise textured to improve the grip of the user's fingers and / or thumb. In some embodiments, the crown 222 can be rotated by the user to scroll the display or select from a range of values. In some embodiments, the crown 222 can be rotated to move a cursor or other type of selection mechanism from a first display position to a second display position in order to select an icon or move the selection mechanism between various icons output on the display. The crown can also be used to control the volume of the speaker, the brightness of the display, the visual output of the head-mounted device, or control other hardware settings.

[0046] In some embodiments, an optical encoder may be used to detect rotational movement of the crown about an axis. Figure 3The examples provided may use an optical encoder to detect rotational movement, rotational direction, and / or rotational speed of a component of an electronic device. Once the rotational movement, rotational direction, and / or rotational speed are determined, the information may be used to output or change information and images presented on a display or user interface of a head mounted device.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of , the optical encoder of the present disclosure includes a light source 270, an optical sensor 272 (e.g., a photodiode and / or a photodiode array), and an axis 220. In some embodiments, the optical encoder of the present disclosure may utilize a coding pattern 262 disposed directly on the axis 220. For example, the coding pattern 262 may include a plurality of light and dark marks or strips disposed axially along the axis 220. Each strip or combination of strips on the axis 220 can be used to identify the position of the axis 220. For example, when light is emitted from the light source 270 and reflected from the axis 220 into the optical sensor 272, the position, rotation, rotation direction, and rotation speed of the axis 220 can be determined. Once the rotation direction and speed are determined, the information can be used to output or change the information or image presented on the display or user interface of the head-mounted device.

[0048] In other embodiments, the shape or form of the encoder shaft 220 can be used to determine the position, rotation, rotation direction, and rotation speed of the shaft 220. For example, the shaft 220 can be grooved or have multiple channels that cause light to be reflected in multiple different directions. Therefore, the diffraction pattern can be used to determine the rotation, rotation direction, and rotation speed of the shaft 220.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the crown assembly can be partially disposed within the housing 210 of the crown module 200 and can be formed by a crown 222 disposed at the end of the shaft 220. As described above, the crown module 200 includes an optical encoder that includes the shaft 220, the light source 270, and the optical sensor 272. Although optical sensors are specifically mentioned, the embodiments disclosed herein can use various types of sensors arranged in various configurations to detect the movements described herein. For example, the movement of the shaft 220 can be detected by an image sensor, a light sensor such as a CMOS light sensor or imager, a photovoltaic cell or system, a light blocking component, a laser scanner, etc.

[0050] The optical encoder may generate an encoder output for determining position data of the crown 222. Specifically, the optical encoder may generate an output for detecting the movement of the crown 222, including the direction of movement, the speed of movement, etc. The movement may be a rotational movement (e.g., around the axis 290), a translational movement (e.g., along or parallel to the axis 290), an angular movement (e.g., tilted relative to the axis 290), etc. The optical encoder may also be used to detect the degree of rotational change of the crown 222 and / or the angle of rotation of the crown 222 as well as the speed and direction of rotation of the crown 222.

[0051] Crown 222 may be coupled to and / or integrally formed with shaft 220. In some cases, shaft 220 and crown 222 may be formed as a single piece. When shaft 220 is coupled to or otherwise part of crown 222, when crown 222 rotates or moves in a particular direction and at a particular speed, shaft 220 also rotates or moves in the same direction and at the same speed.

[0052] like Figure 3 As further shown in FIG. 2 , the feedback system 240 may include a mechanism to facilitate tactile feedback. The feedback system may be implemented as any suitable device configured to provide force feedback, vibration feedback, tactile sensation, etc. For example, in one embodiment, the feedback system may be implemented as a linear actuator configured to provide intermittent tactile feedback, such as tapping or knocking.

[0053] According to some embodiments, feedback system 240 can include magnetic element 252. Magnetic element 252 can be coupled to shaft 220 (e.g., via connector 250) such that magnetic element 252 moves along axis 290 relative to housing 210 along with shaft 220. For example, magnetic element 252 can be connected to shaft 220 directly or indirectly (e.g., via connector 250 and / or intermediate bearing 246).

[0054] Magnetic element 252 may include a temporary magnet of a soft magnetic material or a permanent magnet of a hard magnetic material. As used herein, a "magnet" may include a magnet of a hard magnetic material and / or a magnet of a soft magnetic material. A hard magnetic material includes a material that retains its magnetism even after the applied magnetic field is removed. A magnet including a hard magnetic material may form a permanent magnet. Hard magnetic materials include neodymium (NdFeB), neodymium iron, iron boron, samarium cobalt, iron chromium cobalt, and combinations or alloys thereof. Soft magnetic materials include materials that respond to a magnetic field but do not retain their magnetism after the applied magnetic field is removed. A magnet including a soft magnetic material may form a temporary magnet. Soft magnetic materials include iron, iron cobalt, iron silicon, steel, stainless steel, iron aluminum silicon, nickel iron, ferromagnets, and combinations or alloys thereof. It should be understood that "hard magnetism" and "soft magnetism" are not necessarily related to the stiffness of the material.

[0055] The feedback system 240 may also include a magnetic field generator to sense a magnetic field in the magnetic element 252. For example, one or more coils 244 may be positioned on one or more sides of the magnetic element 252. The coils 244 may include one or more spiral windings in one or more layers. It should be understood that any number of windings and coil arrangements may be provided to sense a magnetic field.

[0056] It should be understood that various arrangements and modifications described above can be implemented to provide tactile feedback. For example, the magnetic element 252 can be exchanged with the coil 244 so that the magnetic element 252 can move with the housing 210 and the coil 244 can move with the shaft 220. The magnetic element 252 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. A plurality of magnetic elements can be provided. These and other designs can be implemented to facilitate the generation of induced magnetic fields and magnetic forces between the magnetic elements.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the coil 244 is operated to induce a magnetic field near the magnetic element 252. When the coil 244 is activated by an electric current, this causes the magnetic element 252 to move under the influence of a magnetic force. For example, in the case where the magnetic element 252 is a temporary magnet of a soft magnetic material, the magnetic field can cause the magnetic domain of the magnetic element 252 to align with the magnetic field. The magnetic element 252 will then be attracted in a direction based on the activation coil 244. In addition or alternatively, the magnetic element 252 can be a permanent magnet of a hard magnetic material. Based on the alignment (i.e., polarity) of such a permanent magnet, the magnetic field causes the magnetic element 252 to attract or repel one or more coils 244 when activated.

[0058] As the magnetic element 252 moves (e.g., along the axis 290), the shaft 220 moves relative to the housing 210 (e.g., along the axis 290). As described above, the magnetic element 252 is connected to the shaft 220 to move with the shaft 220, and the coil 244 is connected to the housing 210 to move with the housing 210. In this way, the magnetic force between the magnetic element 252 and the coil 244 is transmitted to the shaft 220 and the housing 210 to cause relative movement therebetween.

[0059] The tactile feedback may include movement of the shaft 220 relative to the housing and along an axis 290 of the crown module 200. For example, the magnetic element 252 may be aligned along the axis 290 of the crown module 200. The movement from the tactile feedback may be along the same axis 290 about which the crown 222 and shaft 220 rotate. Additionally or alternatively, the movement from the tactile feedback may be along another axis or along multiple axes and directions.

[0060] In use, the coil 244 can be operated to provide tactile feedback when a user operates (e.g., touches and / or rotates) the crown 222. The tactile feedback can be provided based on a variety of conditions and parameters. For example, the tactile feedback can be controlled by providing an electric current to the coil 244. The induction and corresponding magnetic force between the magnetic element 252 and the coil 244 is based on the current in the coil 244. As such, the current can have a duration, amplitude, frequency, waveform, duty cycle, or other parameters as desired for the desired and corresponding tactile feedback.

[0061] For example, the shaft 220 may be vibrated by applying a control signal to the coil 244. The control signal may be a wave having a predetermined amplitude and / or frequency. When the control signal is applied, the induced magnetic field causes the shaft 220 to vibrate at the frequency of the control signal. The frequency may be in the range of between 10 Hz and 5,000 Hz, between 50 Hz and 1,000 Hz, or between 100 Hz and 500 Hz. If a certain vibration is desired, the frequency of the control signal may be adjusted to change the rate of movement of the shaft 220. The amplitude of the control signal may be related to the magnitude of movement of the shaft 220 and may be adjusted to change the intensity of the vibration.

[0062] The feedback system 240 can provide tactile feedback to the user by moving the shaft 220 of the crown module 200 relative to the housing 210. Compared with tactile feedback directly applied to the housing 210 and / or other parts of the head-mounted device, the tactile feedback provided at the shaft 220 provides a sensation related to the shaft 220 more directly. For example, tactile feedback can be provided when the user operates (e.g., touches and / or rotates) the crown 222. When the shaft 220 and the crown 222 move (e.g., vibrate) relative to the housing 210, the rest of the head-mounted device can remain stationary so that the user does not feel tactile feedback at other contact locations. For another example, when the user wears the head-mounted device, the tactile feedback can nevertheless be positioned to the crown 222 so that the user only feels the tactile feedback at that location.

[0063] Feedback system 240 can provide tactile feedback based on the operation of crown module 200. For example, tactile feedback can be provided when crown 222 and / or shaft 220 are rotated by the user. Incremental and / or periodic tactile feedback can be provided based on the rotations performed by the user. As another example, tactile feedback can be provided at a speed corresponding to the speed of rotations performed by the user. Thus, tactile feedback can provide confirmation to the user regarding the input received by the user.

[0064] Feedback system 240 may provide tactile feedback based on activities performed by the head mounted device. For example, the tactile feedback may correspond to visual information output by the head mounted device to the user. As another example, the visual information may be modified by using or operating the crown, and tactile feedback may be provided to indicate how the user may interact with the visual information. For example, the user may rotate the crown in one or both directions to cause the head mounted device to perform certain actions. Such rotations may be performed to control the volume of a speaker, the brightness of a display screen, the visual output of the head mounted device, the optical settings of an optical subassembly, or to control other hardware settings. Rotations may be performed to scroll through a list or other set of items visually displayed by the head mounted device.

[0065] While a first type of tactile feedback may be provided when the user rotates the crown, a second type of tactile feedback may be provided to indicate how the user may interact with the head mounted device and / or limitations regarding user input. For example, as the user scrolls through a list displayed by the head mounted device, a first type of tactile feedback may be provided based on the user input (e.g., rotation speed, etc.). As another example, when the user reaches the end of the list, a second type of tactile feedback may be provided to indicate that the user has reached the end of the list. In addition or alternatively, different types of feedback may be provided in this manner for other actions, such as zooming in or out from an image, changing a volume setting, changing display brightness, and the like.

[0066] Feedback system 240 may provide tactile feedback for one or more other purposes. According to some embodiments, tactile feedback may notify the user based on a message, alarm, or alert. Such notification may be accompanied by other feedback, including tactile, auditory, and / or visual feedback on the crown module 200 and / or the external device. According to some embodiments, tactile feedback may provide confirmation that a user selection (e.g., made using the crown module 200) has been received by the head mounted device and / or the external device. According to some embodiments, tactile feedback may notify the user about the status or operation of the head mounted device and / or the external device.

[0067] See now Figures 4 to 7 , crown module 300 may be provided for receiving input from a user and providing feedback to the user. Crown module 300 may be provided with a head mounted device as an alternative to and / or in addition to crown module 200. For example, crown module 300 may be a stand-alone module assembled with other components of a head mounted device as described herein with respect to crown module 200.

[0068] like Figure 4As shown, the crown module 300 may include a housing 310 that defines at least a portion of the outer periphery of the crown module 300 and contains its internal components. A crown 322 may be disposed at an exterior portion of the housing 310. For example, the crown 322 may protrude from a surface of the housing 310 for access by a user. The crown 322 may be connected to a shaft 320 extending within the housing 310. The crown 322 and / or the shaft 320 may be supported relative to the housing 310 by one or more bearings 336.

[0069] The housing 310 may define a chamber 332 that is sealed from the external environment. Thus, the components of the crown module 300 may be protected from the ingress of fluids and / or particles that may interfere with their operation.

[0070] The crown module 300 may include a torque sensor 330 configured to detect torque applied by a user to the crown 322 and transmitted to the shaft 320. For example, a user may apply torque to the crown 322 by causing the crown 322 to rotate about the axis 390. It should be understood that such torque may not result in significant rotation about the axis 390. For example, the crown 322 and / or the shaft 320 may be coupled to the housing 310 so that no significant rotation is achieved. Despite this coupling, torque may be applied to the crown 322 and transmitted to the shaft 320. When the shaft 320 is subjected to such torque, the torque sensor 330 may detect the torque and interpret the torque as an input from the user. Mechanisms for detecting torque are further described herein.

[0071] In some embodiments, the crown 322 can be used to accept torque input from the user, which can be used to control various aspects of the head-mounted device. The crown 322 can be knurled or otherwise textured to improve the grip of the user's fingers and / or thumb. In some embodiments, the crown 322 can be operated to provide input, such as those described with respect to the crown module 200. For example, the crown 322 can be twisted by the user to scroll the display or select from a range of values. In some embodiments, the crown 322 can be twisted to move a cursor or other type of selection mechanism from a first display position to a second display position in order to select an icon or move the selection mechanism between various icons output on the display. The crown can also be used to control the volume of the speaker, the brightness of the display, the visual output of the head-mounted device, or control other hardware settings.

[0072] like Figure 4As further shown in FIG. 3 , the crown module 300 may be provided with a feedback system 350 that includes a mechanism to facilitate tactile feedback. According to some embodiments, the feedback system 350 may be the same as or similar to the feedback system 240 of the crown module 200. For example, the feedback system 350 may be coupled to the shaft 320 such that components of the feedback system 350 move along the axis 390 relative to the housing 310 along with the shaft 320. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback system 350 may include or be connected to a motor, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a magnetic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electroactive material (e.g., a polymer), a stepper motor, a shape memory alloy, etc., for providing mechanical movement as tactile feedback.

[0073] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the torque sensor 330 may include a plurality of strain gauges 330A, 330B, 330C, and 330D. The strain gauges of the torque sensor 330 may operate as a resistive sensor formed of a material that exhibits a change in resistance (e.g., conductivity) in response to a dimensional change such as compression, tension, or force. The strain gauges may each be a compliant material that exhibits at least one variable electrical property in response to deformation, flexure, or shearing of an electrode. The strain gauges may be formed of piezoelectric, piezoresistive, resistive, or other strain-sensitive materials.

[0074] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As further shown in FIG. 3 , strain gauges 330A, 330B, 330C, and 330D may be distributed at different locations on shaft 320. For example, Figure 5 As shown, some of the strain gauges may be placed on a first radial side of the shaft 320, and other strain gauges may be placed on a second radial side of the shaft 320. Figure 6 As shown, some of the strain gauges may be placed in a first orientation relative to the axis of the shaft 320, and other strain gauges may be placed in a second orientation relative to the axis of the shaft 320. In such different orientations, an applied torque will cause some of the strain gauges to be placed in compression while another strain gauge is placed in tension (e.g., tensile strain) in response to the torque.

[0075] like Figure 7As shown, the strain gauges 330A, 330B, 330C, and 330D can be coupled to each other in an electrical circuit 360. The electrical circuit can be configured to monitor changes in one or more electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, accumulated charge, inductance, etc.) of the strain gauges. The electrical circuit 360 then quantifies these changes, which can be used to estimate the applied torque. For example, the electrical circuit 360 can include a Wheatstone bridge arrangement to measure resistance by balancing two branches of a bridge circuit having opposing strain gauge pairs. The applied voltage can be compared to the measured voltage within the Wheatstone bridge of the electrical circuit 360 to determine the combined effect of torque on the plurality of strain gauges 330A, 330B, 330C, and 330D.

[0076] A plurality of strain gauges 330A, 330B, 330C, and 330D may be connected to approximate the magnitude of the torsional strain (e.g., torque) experienced by the shaft 320. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the strain may be obtained by measuring the common characteristics (e.g., parallel and / or series resistance) and / or the differentiated characteristics (e.g., partial pressure) of the plurality of strain gauges. For example, the differentiated characteristic estimate may be combined or compared with the common characteristic estimate. As another example, the differentiated characteristic estimate and the common characteristic estimate may be combined by an unweighted average or a weighted average. In some embodiments, the maximum or minimum of the two estimates may be used. In some embodiments, other methods of combining or deciding between the two estimates may be used.

[0077] Once the resistance of each strain gauge is obtained by calculation or measurement, each strain gauge can be compared to a known baseline resistance value to determine whether the strain gauge is experiencing tension or compression. In other words, when the force-sensitive structure is subjected to a reaction force, it may deform, causing one or more strain gauges to expand (e.g., tension) or contract (e.g., compression), which may cause their resistance to change in a mathematically predictable manner. In some cases, the resistance or other electrical properties of the strain gauges are measured as relative values, which may take into account environmental effects, such as temperature and / or residual or static strain.

[0078] For some materials, the resistance may vary linearly with compression or tension. For other materials, the resistance may change according to a known curve in response to compression or tension. Thus, depending on the material selected for the strain gauge and the location of the strain gauge on shaft 320, a particular resistance and / or measured voltage may be related to a particular amount of strain experienced by a particular strain gauge, which in turn may be related to the amount of force applied to the force-sensitive structure, which in turn may be related to the amount of torque applied to the crown.

[0079] Reference now Figure 8 , components of the head mounted device can be operably connected to provide the performance described herein. Figure 8A simplified block diagram of an exemplary head mounted device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. It should be understood that the components described herein may be provided on either or both of the frame and / or the fixing elements of the head mounted device 100.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, the head mounted device 100 may include a controller 70 having one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory 18 having instructions stored thereon. The instructions or computer program may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the head mounted device 100. The controller 70 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or sending data or instructions. For example, the controller 70 may include one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination of such devices. As described herein, the term "processor" is intended to cover a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or one or more other appropriately configured computing elements.

[0081] The memory 18 can store electronic data that can be used by the head mounted device 100. For example, the memory 18 can store electronic data or content, such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for various modules, data structures or databases, etc. The memory 18 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory 18 can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements or combinations of such devices.

[0082] The head mounted device 100 may include a camera 50 for capturing a view of an environment outside the head mounted device 100. The camera 50 may include an optical sensor, such as a photodiode or a photodiode array. In addition or alternatively, the camera 50 may include one or more of the various types of optical sensors arranged in various configurations for detecting user inputs described herein. The camera 50 may be configured to capture an image of a scene or object within the field of view of the camera 50. The image may be stored in a digital file according to any of a variety of digital formats. In some embodiments, the head mounted device 100 includes a camera including an image sensor formed by a charge coupled device (CCD) and / or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device, a photovoltaic cell unit, a photoresistive component, a laser scanner, etc. It should be appreciated that the camera may include other motion sensing devices.

[0083] The head mounted device 100 may include a battery 20 that may charge and / or power components of the head mounted device 100 .

[0084] The head mounted device 100 may include one or more input / output components 26, which may include any suitable components for connecting the head mounted device 100 to other devices. Suitable components may include, for example, audio / video jacks, data connectors, and / or any additional or alternative input / output components. The input / output component 26 may include a microphone. The microphone can be operably connected to the controller 70 to receive audio input, including voice commands from a user. The input / output component 26 may include one or more speakers. The speakers can be operably connected to the controller 70 to control speaker output, including sound levels.

[0085] The head mounted device 100 may include communication circuitry 28 for communicating with one or more servers or other devices using any suitable communication protocol. For example, the communication circuitry 28 may support Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, TCP / IP (e.g., any protocol used in each of the TCP / IP layers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, any other communication protocol, or any combination thereof. The communication circuitry 28 may also include an antenna for sending and receiving electromagnetic signals.

[0086] The head mounted device 100 may also include an optical module for displaying visual information to a user, including a display screen 90 and / or an optical subassembly 14. The head mounted device 100 may include an optical subassembly 14 configured to help optically adjust and properly project image-based content displayed by the display 190 for close viewing. The optical subassembly 14 may include one or more lenses, reflectors, or other optical devices.

[0087] The head mounted device 100 may optionally be connected to a portable electronic device 22 that may provide certain functionality. The portable electronic device 22 may provide a handheld form factor (e.g., a lightweight, small portable electronic device that fits in a pocket, etc.). Although not limited to these, examples include media players, phones (including smart phones), PDAs, watches, computers, etc. The portable electronic device may include a screen for presenting a graphical portion of the media to the user. The portable electronic device may provide processing capabilities by communicating with the controller 70 of the head mounted device 100. The portable electronic device may provide actuation to remove particles from components of the head mounted device 100 by operating a tactile feedback element of the portable electronic device.

[0088] The head mounted device 100 may include a base 32 operable to receive a portable electronic device 22. The base 32 may include a connector (e.g., Lightning, USB, FireWire, power, DVI, etc.) that may be plugged into a complementary connector of the portable electronic device 22. The base 32 may include features to help align the connectors during engagement and to physically couple the portable electronic device 22 to the head mounted device 100. For example, the base 32 may define a cavity for placing the portable electronic device 22. The base 32 may also include retaining features for securing the portable electronic device 22 within the cavity. The connector on the base 32 may serve as a communication interface between the portable electronic device 22 and the head mounted device 100.

[0089] The head mounted device 100 may include one or more other sensors 40. Such sensors may be configured to sense substantially any type of feature, such as, but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and the like. For example, the sensor may be a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a chemical sensor, an ozone sensor, a particle count sensor, and the like. As another example, the sensor may be a biosensor for tracking biometric characteristics, such as health and activity metrics. Other user sensors may perform facial feature detection, facial movement detection, facial recognition, eye tracking, user emotion detection, user emotion detection, voice detection, and the like.

[0090] The head mounted device 100 may include one or more sensors (e.g., eye sensors) for tracking features of a user wearing the head mounted device 100. For example, such sensors may perform facial feature detection, facial movement detection, facial recognition, eye tracking, user emotion detection, user emotion detection, voice detection, etc. For example, an eye sensor may optically capture a view of an eye (e.g., a pupil) and determine the direction of the user's gaze. Such eye tracking may be used to determine a location and / or direction of interest. If sound is received from a source at this location and / or along this direction, detection and / or amplification of the sound may be focused.

[0091] Although some embodiments of the touch-based input device disclosed herein relate to head-mounted devices, it should be understood that the subject technology can be encompassed and applied to other devices. For example, an input device (e.g., a crown module) according to the embodiments disclosed herein may include a phone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a watch, a laptop computing device, a mouse, a game controller, a remote control, a digital media player, a stylus, and / or any other electronic device. In addition, the external device can be any device that interacts with the touch-based input device. For example, an external device according to the embodiments disclosed herein may include a tablet, a phone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a wearable device, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a display, a television, a phone, a digital media player, and / or any other electronic device.

[0092] Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a head mounted device having a crown module having an input system that allows a user to provide input by rotating or otherwise applying torque to the crown of the crown module. The head mounted device may interpret the rotation and / or torque as user input. The crown module may also include a feedback system that provides localized tactile feedback at the crown. The user may effectively sense tactile feedback at the crown without causing the entire head mounted device to vibrate against the user's head and / or face.

[0093] For convenience, various examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are described as clauses below. These examples are provided by way of example and do not limit the subject technology.

[0094] Item A: A head-mounted device comprising: a housing; a crown that is at least partially positioned outside the housing; an axis that is positioned within the housing and connected to the crown so that the axis rotates with the crown and about an axis; a sensor for detecting rotation of the axis; a magnetic element that is coupled to the axis so that the magnetic element moves along the axis with the axis; and a coil that is coupled to the housing and configured to sense a magnetic field in the magnetic element so that when the coil is activated, the magnetic element provides tactile feedback by moving the axis and the crown relative to the housing.

[0095] Item B: A head-mounted device comprising: a housing; a crown that is at least partially positioned outside of the housing; a shaft that is positioned within the housing and connected to the crown so that torque applied to the crown is transferred to the shaft; a sensor for detecting the torque transferred to the shaft; and a tactile feedback device that is coupled to the housing and configured to provide tactile feedback by moving the shaft and the crown relative to the housing.

[0096] Item C: A crown module for a head-mounted device, the crown module comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to a frame of the head-mounted device; a crown at least partially positioned outside the housing; an axis positioned within a sealed chamber of the housing and connected to the crown so that the axis rotates together with the crown and about an axis; a sensor for detecting rotation of the axis and positioned within the sealed chamber; and a tactile feedback device positioned within the sealed chamber of the housing and configured to provide tactile feedback by moving the axis and the crown along the axis and relative to the housing.

[0097] One or more of the above clauses may include one or more of the following features. It should be noted that any of the following clauses may be combined with each other in any combination and placed in a corresponding independent clause, for example, clause A, B or C.

[0098] Item 1: a frame; a display located on an inner side of the frame; a camera located on an outer side of the frame; a speaker; and a microphone.

[0099] Clause 2: The shaft is positioned within a sealed chamber of the housing containing the sensor.

[0100] Clause 3: A pair of seal members each sealingly engaging an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the shaft, wherein the sensor is axially positioned between the pair of seal members.

[0101] Clause 4: The sensor is an optical sensor, and the shaft includes a visual feature for detection by the optical sensor.

[0102] Item 5: The magnetic element and the coil are positioned within a sealed chamber of the housing.

[0103] Clause 6: The magnetic element is coupled to the shaft such that the magnetic element is configured to rotate independently of the shaft.

[0104] Clause 7: The coil is a first coil on a first axial side of the magnetic element; and the head mounted device includes a second coil located on a second axial side of the magnetic element.

[0105] Clause 8: A controller configured to operate the coil in response to detecting by the sensor that the shaft is rotating.

[0106] Clause 9: The torque is about an axis, and the tactile feedback comprises movement along the axis.

[0107] Clause 10: The sensor comprises a plurality of strain gauges.

[0108] Clause 11: The sensor comprises a plurality of strain gauges electrically connected to each other in a Wheatstone bridge arrangement.

[0109] Clause 12: At least two strain gauges of the plurality of strain gauges have different orientations relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0110] Clause 13: The haptic feedback device comprises an actuator configured to expand toward the axis and retract away from the axis.

[0111] Clause 14: A controller configured to operate the tactile feedback device in response to detecting, by the sensor, that the torque is applied to the crown.

[0112] Clause 15: A pair of seal members each sealingly engaging an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the shaft, wherein the sensor is axially positioned between the pair of seal members.

[0113] Clause 16: The sensor is an optical sensor, and the shaft includes a visual feature for detection by the optical sensor.

[0114] Item 17: The tactile feedback device comprises: a magnetic element coupled to the shaft so that the magnetic element moves along the axis with the shaft; and a coil coupled to the housing and configured to induce a magnetic field in the magnetic element so that when the coil is activated, the magnetic element provides tactile feedback by moving the shaft and the crown relative to the housing.

[0115] As described above, one aspect of the present technology may include collecting and using data from various sources. The disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, these collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific 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 information or personal information.

[0116] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology can be used to benefit the user. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health or can be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

[0117] This disclosure envisions 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. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable purposes of the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. In addition, such collection / sharing should be performed after receiving informed consent from the user. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and secure access to such personal information data and ensure that others who have access to personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to specific types 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 access of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained in each country for different types of personal data.

[0118] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of 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, with respect to an advertising delivery service, the technology of the present invention may be configured to allow a user to choose to "opt in" or "opt out" at any time during or after registration for the service to participate in the collection of personal information data. In another example, a user may choose not to provide emotion-related data for a target content delivery service. In another example, a user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is retained, or to completely prohibit the development of basic emotional conditions. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then the user may be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0119] In addition, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than at the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data between users), and / or other methods when appropriate.

[0120] 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 also be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

[0121] Unless otherwise specified, an element mentioned in the singular does not mean unique, but refers to one or more. For example, "a" module may refer to one or more modules. An element prefixed with "a", "an", "the" or "said" does not exclude the existence of additional identical elements without further limitations.

[0122] Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word "exemplary" is used to mean used as an example or illustration. To the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as being interpreted to include when used as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0123] Phrases such as aspect, this aspect, on the other hand, some aspects, one or more aspects, a specific implementation, this specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, an embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configuration, this configuration, other configurations, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject technology, disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations, etc. are for convenience and do not mean that the disclosure involving such one or more phrases is essential to the subject technology, or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures involving such one or more phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures involving such one or more phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other aforementioned phrases.

[0124] The phrase "at least one" preceding a list of items, with any of the items separated by the terms "and" or "or," modifies the list as a whole rather than each member of the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any one item and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each item. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers to A only, B only, or C only; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0125] It should be understood that the specific order or level of the disclosed steps, operations or processes is an illustration of an exemplary method. Unless otherwise clearly stated, it is understandable that the specific order or level of steps, operations or processes can be performed in different orders. Some of the steps, operations or processes can be performed simultaneously. The attached method claims (if any) present the elements of each step, operation or process in an exemplary order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or level presented. These can be performed in serial, linear, parallel or different orders. It should be understood that the instructions, operations and systems described can usually be integrated together in a single software / hardware product, or be packaged in multiple software / hardware products.

[0126] In one aspect, the term coupled, etc. may refer to a direct coupling. On the other hand, the term coupled, etc. may refer to an indirect coupling.

[0127] Terms such as top, bottom, front, back, side, horizontal, vertical, etc. refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, not the usual gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such terms may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

[0128] The present disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concepts of the subject technology. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications of these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0129] All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure that are known or later known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, anything disclosed herein is not intended to be provided to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims.

[0130] The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than as limiting descriptions. They are not considered to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it can be seen in the detailed description that for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined together in various specific implementations. The disclosed method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are thereby incorporated into the specific embodiments, with each claim itself as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0131] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompassing all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims encompass subject matter that is inconsistent with applicable patent law requirements and should not be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A head mounted device, comprising: shell; a crown positioned at least partially outside of the housing; a shaft positioned within the housing and connected to the crown so that the shaft rotates with the crown and about an axis; a sensor for detecting the rotation of the shaft; a magnetic element coupled to the shaft so that the magnetic element moves along the axis with the shaft and rotates independently of the shaft, wherein the magnetic element is coupled to the shaft via a connector supported by one or more bearings that allow the magnetic element to rotate independently of the shaft; and A coil is coupled to the housing and configured to induce a magnetic field in the magnetic element such that when the coil is activated, the magnetic element provides tactile feedback by moving the shaft and the crown along the axis and relative to the housing.

2. The head mounted device according to claim 1, further comprising: frame; a display located on an inner side of the frame; a camera located on an outer side of the frame; speaker; and microphone.

3. A head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein the axis is positioned within a sealed chamber of the housing containing the sensor.

4. The head-mounted device of claim 3, further comprising a pair of sealing members, each of which sealingly engages an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the shaft, wherein the sensor is axially positioned between the pair of sealing members.

5. The head mounted device of claim 4, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor and the axis comprises a visual feature for detection by the optical sensor.

6. A head mounted device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic element and the coil are positioned within a sealed chamber of the housing.

7. The head mounted device according to claim 1, wherein: The coil is a first coil located on a first axial side of the magnetic element; and The head mounted device includes a second coil located on a second axial side of the magnetic element.

8. The head mounted device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to operate the coil in response to detection by the sensor that the shaft is rotating.

9. A head mounted device comprising: shell; a crown positioned at least partially outside of the housing; a shaft positioned within the housing and connected to the crown such that torque applied to the crown is transferred to the shaft; a sensor for detecting the torque transmitted to the shaft; and a tactile feedback device coupled to the housing and configured to provide tactile feedback by moving the shaft and the crown along an axis and relative to the housing, The tactile feedback device comprises: a magnetic element coupled to the shaft so that the magnetic element moves along the axis with the shaft and rotates independently of the shaft, wherein the magnetic element is coupled to the shaft via a connector supported by one or more bearings that allow the magnetic element to rotate independently of the shaft; and A coil is coupled to the housing and configured to induce a magnetic field in the magnetic element such that when the coil is activated, the magnetic element provides tactile feedback by moving the shaft and the crown relative to the housing.

10. The head mounted device of claim 9, wherein the torque is about an axis and the tactile feedback comprises movement along the axis.

11. The head mounted device of claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of strain gauges.

12. The head mounted device of claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of strain gauges electrically connected to each other in a Wheatstone bridge arrangement.

13. The head mounted device of claim 12, wherein at least two of the plurality of strain gauges have different orientations relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

14. The head mounted device of claim 9, wherein the tactile feedback device comprises an actuator configured to expand toward the axis and retract away from the axis.

15. The head mounted device of claim 9, further comprising a controller configured to operate the tactile feedback device in response to the sensor detecting that the torque is applied to the crown.

16. A crown module for a head mounted device, the crown module comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to a frame of the head mounted device; a crown positioned at least partially outside of the housing; a shaft positioned within the sealed chamber of the housing and connected to the crown so that the shaft rotates with the crown and about an axis; a sensor for detecting rotation of the shaft and positioned within the sealed chamber; and a tactile feedback device positioned within the sealed chamber of the housing and configured to provide tactile feedback by moving the shaft and the crown along the axis and relative to the housing, The tactile feedback device comprises: a magnetic element coupled to the shaft so that the magnetic element moves along the axis with the shaft and rotates independently of the shaft, wherein the magnetic element is coupled to the shaft via a connector supported by one or more bearings that allow the magnetic element to rotate independently of the shaft; and A coil is coupled to the housing and configured to induce a magnetic field in the magnetic element such that when the coil is activated, the magnetic element provides tactile feedback by moving the shaft and the crown relative to the housing.

17. The crown module of claim 16, further comprising a pair of seal members each sealingly engaging an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the shaft, wherein the sensor is axially positioned between the pair of seal members.

18. The crown module of claim 16, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor and the shaft includes a visual feature for detection by the optical sensor.

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