Electronic device with tunable lens

Abstract

A lens module can include a transparent lens element, a lens shaping structure coupled to the transparent lens element, and a plurality of actuators configured to adjust a position of the lens shaping structure to adjust the transparent lens element. The lens shaping structure can include a plurality of extensions, each coupled to a respective actuator. To ensure that the lens shaping structure has a desired curvature between the extensions, the lens shaping structure can have a portion in one or more sections between adjacent extensions that has a different characteristic size than additional portions of the lens shaping structure. The portion between the adjacent extensions can have an increased or decreased stiffness relative to the additional portions. The portion between the adjacent extensions can have a different width, thickness, or Young's modulus compared to the additional portions.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 056,316, filed July 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] This article relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to wearable electronic device systems.

[0003] Electronic devices are sometimes configured to be worn by users. For example, head-mounted devices have a head-mounted structure that allows the device to be worn on a user's head. Head-mounted devices may include an optical system with lenses. The lenses allow a display in the device to present visual content to the user.

[0004] Head-mounted devices typically include lenses with fixed shapes and properties. If not carefully adjusted, these types of lenses can be difficult to optimally present content to each user of the head-mounted device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Head-mounted devices can have a display that shows content to the user. The head-mounted support structure in the device supports the display on the user's head.

[0006] The lens module in the head-mounted device may include a transparent lens element, a lens-forming structure coupled to the transparent lens element, and a plurality of actuators configured to adjust the position of the lens-forming structure to adjust the transparent lens element. The lens module may also include additional transparent lens elements and a fluid-filled chamber between two transparent lens elements.

[0007] The lens forming structure may include multiple extensions, each coupled to a corresponding actuator. To ensure that the lens forming structure has a desired curvature between the extensions, the lens forming structure may have portions in one or more segments between adjacent extensions that have characteristics of a different size than additional portions of the lens forming structure. The portions between adjacent extensions may have increased or decreased stiffness relative to additional portions of the lens forming structure.

[0008] Compared to additional portions of the lens-forming structure, the portions between adjacent extensions of the lens-forming structure may have different widths, thicknesses, or Young's moduli. The portions between adjacent extensions of the lens-forming structure may have bends. The portions between adjacent extensions of the lens-forming structure may have multiple protrusions or multiple recesses. Different sections of the lens-forming structure may have different modified portions (or no modified portions). Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device, such as a head-mounted display device, according to the implementation scheme.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a top view of an illustrative head-mounted device based on the implementation plan.

[0011] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens module including an actuator and a lens forming element according to the implementation scheme.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a top view of an exemplary lens forming element according to an embodiment, the lens forming element including an extension for coupling to a corresponding actuator.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens forming element coupled to the actuator according to the implementation scheme.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens forming element according to an embodiment, showing how the profile of the lens forming element can be changed between actuator points.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a top view of an exemplary lens-forming element with a partially modified portion having increased width, according to the implementation scheme.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens forming element having a partially modified portion with a bend, according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens-forming element with a locally modified portion having increased thickness, according to the implementation scheme.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a top view of an exemplary lens-forming element with a locally modified portion that has flexible variations according to the implementation scheme.

[0019] Figure 12A and Figure 12B These are cross-sectional side and top views of an exemplary lens-forming element having a partially modified portion with protrusions, according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13A and Figure 13B These are cross-sectional side and top views of an exemplary lens forming element having a partially modified portion with a recess, according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14A and Figure 14BThis is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens forming element according to an embodiment, which has multiple actuation points for each actuator to distribute force more evenly around the circumference of the lens forming element. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Electronic devices may include displays and other components for presenting content to a user. Electronic devices may be wearable electronic devices. Wearable electronic devices, such as head-mounted devices, may have a head-mounted support structure that allows the head-mounted device to be worn on a user's head.

[0023] A head-mounted device may include a display formed by one or more display panels (showpieces) for displaying visual content to a user. A lens system may be used to allow the user to focus on the display and view the visual content. The lens system may have a left lens module aligned with the user's left eye and a right lens module aligned with the user's right eye.

[0024] The lens module in a head-mounted device may include adjustable lenses. For example, a fluid-filled adjustable lens can be used to adjust the display content for a specific observer.

[0025] Figure 1 The diagram shows an exemplary system with electronic devices, including a lens module. Figure 1 As shown, system 8 may include one or more electronic devices such as electronic device 10. The electronic devices of system 8 may include computers, cellular phones, head-mounted devices, wristwatches, and other electronic devices. Electronic device 10 is sometimes described herein as an example of a head-mounted device configuration.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, an electronic device, such as electronic device 10, may have a control circuit 12. The control circuit 12 may include storage and processing circuitry for controlling the operation of device 10. Circuit 12 may include storage devices such as hard disk drive storage devices, non-volatile memory (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory configured to form a solid-state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random access memory), etc. The processing circuitry in the control circuit 12 may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors, power management units, audio chips, graphics processing units, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other integrated circuits. Software code may be stored on the storage devices in the circuit system 12 and run on the processing circuitry in the circuit system 12 to implement control operations of device 10 (e.g., data acquisition operations, operations involved in processing three-dimensional facial image data, operations involving adjusting components using control signals, etc.). The control circuit 12 may include wired and wireless communication circuitry. For example, the control circuit 12 may include radio frequency transceiver circuitry, such as cellular telephone transceiver circuitry, wireless local area network (WLAN) circuitry. Transceiver circuits, millimeter-wave transceiver circuits, and / or other wireless communication circuits.

[0027] During operation, the communication circuitry of the devices in System 8 (e.g., the communication circuitry of the control circuitry 12 of Device 10) can be used to support communication between electronic devices. For example, one electronic device can transmit video and / or audio data to another electronic device in System 8. The electronic devices in System 8 can use wired and / or wireless communication circuitry to communicate over one or more communication networks (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, etc.). The communication circuitry can be used to allow Device 10 to receive data from and / or provide data to external equipment (e.g., tethered computers, portable devices such as handheld devices or laptops, online computing equipment such as remote servers or other remote computing equipment, or other electrical equipment).

[0028] Device 10 may include an input-output device 22. Input-output device 22 can be used to allow a user to provide user input to device 10. Input-output circuitry 22 can also be used to acquire information about the environment in which device 10 operates. Output components in circuitry 22 can allow device 10 to provide output to a user and can be used to communicate with external electrical equipment.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, input-output device 22 may include one or more displays such as display 14. In some configurations, display 14 of device 10 includes a left display panel and a right display panel aligned with the user's left and right eyes, respectively (sometimes referred to as the left and right portions of display 14 and / or the left and right displays). In other configurations, display 14 includes a single display panel that extends across both eyes.

[0030] Display 14 can be used to display images. The visual content displayed on display 14 can be viewed by the user of device 10. Displays in device 10, such as display 14, can be organic light-emitting diode displays or other displays based on light-emitting diode arrays, liquid crystal displays, silicon-based liquid crystal displays, projectors or displays that project light beams directly or indirectly onto a surface via specialized optical devices (e.g., digital micromirror devices), electrophoretic displays, plasma displays, electrowetting displays, or any other suitable displays.

[0031] Input-output device 22 may include sensor 16. Sensor 16 may include, for example, a 3D sensor (e.g., a 3D image sensor such as a structured light sensor that emits a light beam and uses a 2D digital image sensor to acquire image data for a 3D image from the light spot generated when the light beam illuminates a target; a binocular 3D image sensor that uses two or more cameras in a binocular imaging arrangement to acquire 3D images; a 3D lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor; a 3D radio frequency sensor; or other sensors that acquire 3D image data), a camera (e.g., an infrared and / or visible digital image sensor), and a gaze tracking sensor (e.g., a gaze tracking system based on an image sensor and (if needed) on a light source emitting one or more light beams, wherein the user's eye reflects the light beam after...). The sensor 16 may include an image sensor (using an image sensor to track the one or more light beams), a touch sensor, a button, a force sensor, sensors such as switch-based contact sensors, gas sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic sensors, audio sensors (microphones), ambient light sensors, microphones for acquiring voice commands and other audio input, sensors configured to acquire information about motion, position, and / or orientation (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, and / or inertial measurement units including all of these sensors or a subset of these sensors), fingerprint sensors and other biometric sensors, optical position sensors (optical encoders), and / or other position sensors such as linear position sensors and / or other sensors. Sensor 16 may include a proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive proximity sensor, a light-based (optical) proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, and / or other proximity sensors). The proximity sensor may be used, for example, to sense the relative position between the user's nose and the lens module in device 10.

[0032] User input and other information can be acquired using sensors and other input devices in input-output device 22. If desired, input-output device 22 may include other devices 24 such as haptic output devices (e.g., vibrating components), light-emitting diodes and other light sources, speakers for generating audio output such as earphones, and other electronic components. Device 10 may include circuitry for receiving wireless power, circuitry for wirelessly transmitting power to other devices, batteries and other energy storage devices (e.g., capacitors), joysticks, buttons, and / or other components.

[0033] Electronic device 10 may have a housing structure (e.g., housing wall, strip, etc.), such as Figure 1 An exemplary support structure 26 is shown. In configurations where the electronic device 10 is a head-mounted device (e.g., a pair of glasses, goggles, a helmet, a hat, etc.), the support structure 26 may include a head-mounted support structure (e.g., a helmet shell, a headband, temples in a pair of glasses, a goggle shell structure, and / or other head-mounted structures). The head-mounted support structure may be configured to be worn on the user's head during operation of the device 10 and may support the display 14, sensor 16, other components 24, other input-output devices 22, and control circuitry 12.

[0034] Figure 2 The image shows a top view of electronic device 10 in an exemplary configuration of a head-mounted device. (See image for reference.) Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device 10 may include a support structure (see example...) Figure 1 The support structure 26 is used in the components that house the device 10 and in placing the device 10 on the user's head. These support structures may include, for example, structures forming the outer shell wall and other structures for the main unit 26-2 (e.g., outer shell wall, lens module structure, etc.) and straps, or other supplementary support structures, such as structure 26-1 that helps hold the main unit 26-2 on the user's face.

[0035] The display 14 may include a left display panel and a right display panel (e.g., a left pixel array and a right pixel array, sometimes referred to as a left display and a right display or a left display portion and a right display portion), which are respectively installed in the left display module and the right display module 70 corresponding to the user's left eye and right eye, respectively. Figure 2 The image shows the display module corresponding to the user's left eye.

[0036] F-EF239019

[0037] Each display module 70 includes a display portion 14 and a corresponding lens module 72 (sometimes referred to as a lens stack 72, lens 72, or adjustable lens 72). The lens 72 may include one or more lens elements arranged along a common axis. Each lens element may have any desired shape and may be formed from any desired material (e.g., having any desired refractive index). Each lens element may have a unique shape and refractive index, which, when combined, focus light from the display 14 in a desired manner. Each lens element of the lens module 72 may be formed from any desired material (e.g., glass, polymeric materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin, crystals such as sapphire, etc.).

[0038] Positioning circuitry such as positioner 58 may optionally be used relative to the user's eye and to individual positioning modules 70 within the housing wall structure of the main unit 26-2. Positioner 58 may include stepper motors, piezoelectric actuators, motors, linear electromagnetic actuators, and / or other electronic components for adjusting the position of display 14 and lens module 72. During operation of device 10, positioner 58 may be controlled by control circuitry 12. For example, positioner 58 may be used to adjust the spacing between modules 70 (and thus the lens-to-lens spacing between the left and right lenses of module 70) to match the user's pupillary distance IPD.

[0039] In some cases, the distance between the lens module 72 and the display 14 is variable. For example, the distance between the lens module and the display can be adjusted to take into account the vision of a particular user. In another example, the lens module may include an adjustable lens element. As an example, the curvature of the adjustable lens element can be adjusted in real time to compensate for the user's vision.

[0040] In some cases, the adjustable lens module may include a fluid-filled chamber. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional side view of an adjustable lens module 72 with a fluid-filled chamber. As shown, a fluid-filled chamber 82 (sometimes referred to as chamber 82 or fluid chamber 82) including fluid 92 is inserted between lens elements 84 and 86.

[0041] Fluid 92 may be a liquid, gel, or gas having a predetermined refractive index (therefore it may sometimes be referred to as liquid 92, gel 92, or gas 92). The fluid may sometimes be referred to as refractive index matching oil, optical oil, optical fluid, refractive index matching material, refractive index matching liquid, etc. Lens elements 84 and 86 may have the same refractive index or may have different refractive indices. The fluid 92 filling the chamber 82 between lens elements 84 and 86 may have the same refractive index as lens element 84 but a different refractive index than lens element 86, the same refractive index as lens element 86 but a different refractive index than lens element 84, the same refractive index as both lens elements 84 and 86, or a different refractive index than both lens elements 84 and 86. Lens elements 84 and 86 may be circular, elliptical, or have any other desired shape.

[0042] The amount of fluid 92 in chamber 82 can have a constant volume or an adjustable volume. If the amount of fluid is adjustable, the lens module may also include a fluid reservoir and fluid control components (e.g., a pump, stepper motor, piezoelectric actuator, motor, linear electromagnetic actuator, and / or other electronic components that apply force to the fluid in the fluid reservoir) for selectively transferring fluid between the fluid reservoir and the chamber.

[0043] Lens elements 84 and 86 can be transparent lens elements formed from any desired material, such as glass, polymeric materials like polycarbonate or acrylic resin, crystals like sapphire, etc. Each of lens elements 84 and 86 can be elastomeric, semi-rigid, or rigid. Elastomeric lens elements can be formed from natural or synthetic polymers having a low Young's modulus to obtain high flexibility. For example, elastomeric films can be formed from materials with a Young's modulus less than 1 GPa, less than 0.5 GPa, less than 0.1 GPa, etc.

[0044] Semi-rigid lens elements can be formed from semi-rigid materials that are hard and strong, but not inflexible. Semi-rigid lens elements can be formed, for example, from thin layers of polymers or glass. Semi-rigid lens elements can be formed from materials with Young's modulus greater than 1 GPa, greater than 2 GPa, greater than 3 GPa, greater than 10 GPa, greater than 25 GPa, etc. Semi-rigid lens elements can be formed from polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic resin, glass, or any other desired material. When the lens element is bent along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the properties of the semi-rigid lens element cause the lens element to become rigid along the first axis. This is in contrast to elastomeric lens elements, which remain flexible along the first axis even when bent along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The properties of semi-rigid lens elements allow them to be formed into cylindrical lenses with adjustable optical power and adjustable axes.

[0045] Rigid lens elements can be formed from glass, polymeric materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin, crystals such as sapphire, etc. Generally, when pressure is applied to the lens element within a lens module, a rigid lens element may not deform. In other words, the shape and position of the rigid lens element can be fixed. Each surface of the rigid lens element can be planar, concave (e.g., spherical or cylindrical concave), or convex (e.g., spherical or cylindrical convex). Rigid lens elements can be formed from materials with a Young's modulus greater than 25 GPa, greater than 30 GPa, greater than 40 GPa, greater than 50 GPa, etc.

[0046] In addition to lens elements 84 and 86 and the fluid-filled chamber 82, lens module 72 also includes a lens forming element 88. Lens forming element 88 may be coupled to one or more actuators 90 (e.g., circumferential positioning around the lens module). Lens forming element 88 may also be coupled to lens element 84. Actuators 90 may be moved to position lens forming element 88 (sometimes referred to as lens former 88, deformable lens former 88, lens forming structure 88, lens forming member 88, annular member 88, annular structure 88, etc.). Lens forming element 88 then manipulates the positioning / shape of lens element 84. In this way, the curvature of lens element 84 can be adjusted (and correspondingly, the lens power of lens module 72). Figure 4 An example of an actuator 90 and a lens shaper 88 for changing the curvature of a lens element 84 is shown. As shown, the lens shaper 88 is moved in direction 94 by the actuator 90. This causes the lens element 84 to... Figure 4 China and Belgium in Figure 3 It has a greater curvature.

[0047] Figure 5This is a top view of an exemplary lens forming element 88. As shown, the lens forming element 88 can have an annular or ring shape, wherein the lens forming element surrounds a central opening. The lens forming element can have any desired shape. For example, the lens forming element can be circular, elliptical, or have an irregular shape. Figure 5 In the example, the lens forming element has an irregular shape (e.g., a non-uniform radius around a ring shape). For example, a first distance 96 (e.g., a minimum distance) from the center of the central opening to the edge of the lens forming element can be less than a second distance 98 (e.g., a maximum distance) from the center of the central opening to the edge of the lens forming element. Distances 96 and 98 can be less than 100 mm, less than 60 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm, between 10 mm and 50 mm, etc.

[0048] The lens forming element 88 has multiple tabs 88E extending from the main part of the lens forming element. Each tab 88E (sometimes referred to as an extension 88E, actuator point 88E, etc.) can be coupled to a corresponding actuator. For example... Figure 6 As shown, tab 88E may protrude into a slot 90G (sometimes referred to as groove 90G, recess 90G, etc.) in actuator 90 (e.g., a tongue and groove arrangement). Slot 90G can be selectively moved up and down (e.g., in the Z direction) to control the position of tab 88E in the Z direction. In other words, actuator 90 is a linear actuator. A low-stiffness elastomer may optionally be included in slot 90G to prevent significant recoil in embodiments where forces are applied to tab 88E in multiple directions. Figure 6 The examples of actuators shown are merely illustrative. In general, any desired type of actuator can be used (e.g., actuators with hinged paddles).

[0049] Back Figure 5 It illustrates how a plurality of tabs 88E (and corresponding actuators) can be distributed around the periphery of a lens forming element 88. The tabs 88E can be distributed around the lens forming element 88 in a uniform manner (e.g., with equal spacing between each pair of adjacent tabs 88E) or in a non-uniform manner (e.g., with unequal spacing between at least two of the adjacent tabs 88E).

[0050] There is a lens forming section 88S between each pair of adjacent tabs 88E. Figure 5In the example, there are eight tabs 88E surrounding the periphery of the lens forming element 88. This example is merely illustrative. In general, more tabs (and corresponding actuators) allow for better control over the shape of the lens element (e.g., lens element 84) coupled to the lens forming element 88. Depending on the specific target shape of the lens element, the target cost / complexity of the lens module, etc., any desired number of tabs and actuators can be used (e.g., one, two, three, four, more than four, more than six, more than eight, more than ten, more than twelve, more than twenty, less than twenty, less than ten, between four and twelve, etc.).

[0051] Generally, each actuator can be used as a point force applying force in only one direction (e.g., parallel to the Z-axis). To prevent unintentional application of torque or other forces to the lens forming element 88, the slot 90G can be larger than the extension 88E. This provides space for the tab 88E to rotate within the slot (preventing torque from being applied to the lens forming element). Additionally, the extension 88E can slide into and out of the slot (e.g., parallel to the Z-axis). Figure 6 (The X-axis in the image) to prevent unintentional stretching of the lens forming element.

[0052] The lens forming element 88 can be an elastomer (e.g., a natural or synthetic polymer having a low Young's modulus to achieve high flexibility, as discussed in more detail above) or a semi-rigid element (e.g., formed of a semi-rigid material that is hard and strong but not non-flexible, as discussed in more detail above). The semi-rigid lens forming element can be formed, for example, from a thin layer of polymer, glass, metal, etc. Because the lens forming element 88 is formed in a ring surrounding the lens module, the lens forming element 88 does not need to be transparent (and therefore can be formed from an opaque material such as metal).

[0053] The stiffness of the lens forming element 88 can be selected such that when manipulated by an actuator around its periphery, the lens forming element presents the desired target shape. However, depending on the target shape, the specific materials used, and other design factors, the lens forming element may sometimes have undesirable protrusions and deformations between the actuators. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens forming element illustrating this phenomenon.

[0054] Figure 7An example is shown where a first extension 88E-1 (e.g., via a corresponding first actuator) is positioned at a first location. An adjacent second extension 88E-2 (e.g., via a corresponding second actuator) is positioned at a second location. Extension 88E-2 is positioned above extension 88E-1 (e.g., at a distance of 102). The positioning of extensions 88E-2 and 88E-1 (and other extensions in the lens forming device) can be intended to give the lens forming device segment 88S a desired shape. Figure 7 The solid line profile in the diagram reflects the intended profile (e.g., curvature) of segment 88S. However, in practice, forces in the system may cause the segment to follow the dashed profile 88S'. In other words, the segment may have an undesirable bulge between extensions 88E-1 and 88E-2 and may not conform to the target shape / curvature.

[0055] To ensure that the lens forming element 88 can be manipulated into a desired target shape, the sections between the extensions 88S can be locally modified. For example, the characteristics (e.g., the stiffness, shape, and / or thickness of the lens forming element) between the tabs 88E can be selectively modified relative to additional portions (e.g., unmodified portions) of the lens forming element. The portions with modified characteristics can be referred to as locally modified portions of the lens forming element.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a top view of an exemplary lens forming element 88 with a locally increased width. As shown, the lens forming element 88 includes a segment 88S (coupled to a corresponding actuator) between adjacent extensions 88E. The segment 88S has a width of 106. To locally modify the stiffness of the segment, the segment 88S includes a locally modified portion 104 with a width 108 different from the width 106.

[0057] exist Figure 8 In the example, width 108 is greater than width 106, resulting in an increase in stiffness of modified portion 104 relative to other portions of segment 88S. However, this example is merely illustrative. In another embodiment, width 108 may be less than width 106 to reduce stiffness in modified portion 104. Width 108 may be 1% or more, 5% or more, 10% or more, 20% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 75% or more, 100% or more, etc., larger than width 106. Alternatively, width 106 may be 1% or more, 5% or more, 10% or more, 20% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 75% or more, 100% or more, etc., larger than width 108. Each of widths 106 and 108 may be less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, between 1 mm and 20 mm, etc.

[0058] Apart from Figure 8In addition to increasing the width, the locally modified portion of section 88S can have a curved section. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the modified portion 104 can be bent around the bending axis 110. The modified portion can be bent away from the side of the lens forming element coupled to the lens element 84 (e.g., Figure 9 (As depicted in the example). Including a bend in the modified portion 104 between the actuation points can increase the stiffness of the lens forming element 88 in that region.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a top view of an exemplary lens forming element 88 with locally increased thickness. As shown, the lens forming element 88 includes a segment 88S (coupled to a corresponding actuator) between adjacent extensions 88E. The segment 88S has a thickness 112. To locally modify the stiffness of the segment, the segment 88S includes a locally modified portion 104 having a thickness 114 different from the thickness 112.

[0060] exist Figure 10 In the example, thickness 114 is greater than thickness 112, resulting in an increase in the stiffness of modified portion 104 relative to other portions of segment 88S. However, this example is merely illustrative. In another embodiment, thickness 114 may be less than thickness 112 to reduce the stiffness in modified portion 104. Thickness 114 may be 1% or more, 5% or more, 10% or more, 20% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 75% or more, 100% or more, etc., greater than thickness 112. Alternatively, thickness 112 may be 1% or more, 5% or more, 10% or more, 20% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 75% or more, 100% or more, etc., greater than thickness 114. Each of thicknesses 112 and 114 may be less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.1 mm, etc.

[0061] The change in the lens forming element between the locally modified portion 104 and the remainder of segment 88S can be based on a step function or can be gradual. Figure 8 An example is shown where the width follows a step function (e.g., the width switches directly from a first width of 106 to a second width of 108 without any intermediate width). Figure 10 An example of a gradual change in thickness is shown (e.g., the thickness gradually switches from a first thickness 112 to a second thickness 114, where one or more intermediate thicknesses are present). In general, any local modification region in this document may have the characteristic of changing or gradually changing according to a step function.

[0062] Figure 11This is a top view of an exemplary lens forming element 88 with a locally modified elastic modulus. As shown, the lens forming element 88 includes a segment 88S (coupled to a corresponding actuator) between adjacent extensions 88E. To locally modify the stiffness of the segment, the segment 88S includes a locally modified portion 104 having a different elasticity (e.g., Young's modulus) than the rest of the segment (sometimes referred to as the unmodified portion 105 of segment 88S).

[0063] The modified portion 104 may have greater elasticity (e.g., a smaller Young's modulus) than the unmodified portion 105. Alternatively, the modified portion 104 may have greater stiffness (e.g., a larger Young's modulus) than the unmodified portion 105. The maximum and minimum Young's moduli of this segment may differ by factors greater than 1.01, greater than 1.05, greater than 1.1, greater than 1.2, greater than 1.5, greater than 2, greater than 3, greater than 5, greater than 10, less than 10, between 1 and 10, etc. As previously described, the elasticity can be varied according to a step function or gradually between the modified portion 104 and the unmodified portion 105. To achieve a gradual change in elasticity between the unmodified portion 105 and the modified portion 104, a heating and tempering process can be used to form the lens-forming element to selectively adjust the material at the desired location. In another possible example, a different material can be used in the modified portion 104 than in the unmodified portion 105. A shape memory alloy may optionally be used to form a portion of the lens-forming element 88.

[0064] Figures 8 to 11 The example of inserting a modified portion between the first and second unmodified portions is merely illustrative. Generally, localized modifications to a lens forming element can be positioned at any desired location within the lens forming element.

[0065] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This illustrates yet another example of modifying the lens shaping element between actuator points. For example... Figure 12A As shown in the top view, the lens forming element 88 includes a segment 88S (coupled to a corresponding actuator) between adjacent extensions 88E. To locally modify the stiffness of the segment, segment 88S includes a locally modified portion 104 with a protrusion 116. Figure 12B As shown in the cross-sectional side view, the protrusion extends from the surface of the lens forming element 88. The density of the protrusion can be varied (e.g., as...). Figure 12B The density in the material can be a gradual change (or it can be constant, for example, a step function between the absence of protrusions and the presence of protrusions).

[0066] Figure 13A and Figure 13BThis illustrates yet another example of modifying the lens shaping element between actuator points. For example... Figure 13A As shown in the top view, the lens forming element 88 includes a segment 88S (coupled to a corresponding actuator) between adjacent extensions 88E. To locally modify the stiffness of the segment, the segment 88S includes a locally modified portion 104 with a recess. Figure 13B As shown in the cross-sectional side view, the recess can extend completely from one surface of the lens forming element to the opposite second surface of the lens forming element. The density of the recess can be varied (e.g., as...). Figure 13B The density in the middle can be a gradual change (or it can be constant, for example, a step function between the absence of a depression and the presence of a depression).

[0067] It should be noted that the above-described strategies for selectively adjusting the lens-forming elements among actuators can be used in any combination. In other words, Figures 8 to 1 Any subset of the concepts described in 3 can be used together for a single segment 88S of the lens forming element 88. The lens forming element 88 can be used to adjust a corresponding lens element (e.g., lens element 84) between different shapes with different degrees of curvature (e.g., spherical concave shape, spherical convex shape, cylindrical concave shape, cylindrical convex shape, irregular convex shape, irregular concave shape, etc.). If desired, the lens module may optionally include a first lens forming element and a second lens forming element coupled to a corresponding actuator on either side of the fluid-filled chamber.

[0068] Furthermore, it should be noted that different segments of the same lens forming member 88 can have different arrangements. For example, the first segment of the lens forming member may not have a locally modified portion. The second segment of the lens forming member may have a locally modified portion with increased stiffness relative to the unmodified portion of the segment. The third segment of the lens forming member may have a locally modified portion with decreased stiffness relative to the unmodified portion of the segment. Generally speaking, each segment of the lens forming member can be optimized to provide the desired lens shape during operation of the lens module.

[0069] In the aforementioned example, each actuator is described as a single point coupled to the lens forming element 88. For example, in Figure 5 In this example, each tab 88E is coupled to a corresponding actuator, and each actuator is coupled to only one corresponding tab. However, this example is merely illustrative. To distribute the force more evenly around the circumference of the lens forming element, the actuator may have an auxiliary actuation point in addition to the primary actuation point. Figure 14A and Figure 14B This type of arrangement is shown.

[0070] Figure 14AThis is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary lens forming element 88 having a primary actuation point (sometimes called a primary attachment point) and a secondary actuation point (sometimes called a secondary attachment point). Figure 14A In the diagram, actuators 90-1 and 90-2 are shown. Each actuator is coupled to the lens forming element 88 at multiple points, rather than each actuator being coupled to the lens forming element at only one point (e.g., as shown in...). Figure 5 (In the middle). Actuator 90-1 is coupled to the main actuation point 202-1 and the first auxiliary actuation point 204-1 and the second auxiliary actuation point 204-2. Similarly, actuator 90-2 is coupled to the main actuation point 202-2 and the first auxiliary actuation point 204-3 and the second auxiliary actuation point 204-4.

[0071] Each master actuation point 202-1 can be rigidly attached to its corresponding actuator. In other words, a rigid connecting element 206 (sometimes referred to as a rigid connector 206, rigid coupling component 206, rigid coupler 206, etc.) exists between the master actuation point 202-1 and the actuator 90-1. This rigid connecting element does not stretch under the load applied by the actuator (but rather pushes / pulls the master actuation point). The rigid connector 206 can be a wire or other desired component. Therefore, the movement of the actuator is directly related to the movement of the lens forming element at the master actuation point 202-1. This relationship also holds for the master actuation point 202-2, where the rigid connecting element 206 does not stretch under the load applied by the actuator 90-2. Therefore, the movement of the actuator 90-2 is directly related to the movement of the lens forming element at the master actuation point 202-2.

[0072] In addition to the primary actuation point, each actuator is coupled to one or more secondary actuation points. Actuator 90-1 is coupled to secondary actuation points 204-1 and 204-2 via corresponding compliant connection elements 208 (sometimes referred to as compliant connectors 208, compliant coupling parts 208, compliant couplers 208, etc.). Compliant connection elements 208 may include springs, foam, and / or other compliant materials, which allow actuator 90-1 to apply force to secondary actuation points 204-1 and 204-2 while remaining flexible in their position to distribute the actuating force more evenly along the deformable lens forming element 88. A similar arrangement is used for actuator 90-2, with compliant connection elements 208 between actuator 90-2 and secondary actuation points 204-3 and 204-4.

[0073] These types of auxiliary actuation points can replace or be added to any of the previous methods for selectively adjusting the lens forming element among actuators. As an example, an actuator with auxiliary actuation points can be used with a lens forming element 88 that has a uniform cross-section along its entire circumference (e.g., without any shape changes or areas of increased / decreased stiffness).

[0074] Rigid connecting element 206 and compliant connecting element 208 can be attached to lens forming element 88 in any desired manner (e.g., at the actuation point). The connecting element elements can be attached to the lens forming element using adhesives, interlocking attachments (e.g., through recesses in the lens forming element), etc.

[0075] Any desired type of actuator can be used to apply force to both the primary and secondary actuation points (e.g., actuators with a tongue and groove arrangement, actuators with a hinged paddle, actuators with a cable / pulley arrangement, etc.). Generally, any actuator that ultimately selectively applies force along the Z-axis can be used, such as... Figure 14A As shown.

[0076] Figure 14B This is a cross-sectional side view of the lens forming element 88, showing another arrangement for selectively applying force to the lens forming element. In this arrangement, an intermediate rod is included between the actuator and the lens forming element 88. A first rod 210-1 is attached between the actuator 90-1 and actuation points 202-1, 204-1, and 204-2. A second rod 210-2 is attached between the actuator 90-2 and actuation points 202-2, 204-3, and 204-4. Each rod can be moved vertically by a point force applied by its corresponding actuator. Rod 210-1 is connected to the main actuation point 202-1 via a rigid connecting element 206, to the auxiliary actuation point 204-1 via a compliant connecting element 208, and to the secondary actuation point 204-2 via a compliant connecting element 208. Rod 210-2 is connected to the main actuation point 202-2 via a rigid connection element 206, to the auxiliary actuation point 204-3 via a compliant connection element 208, and to the auxiliary actuation point 204-4 via a compliant connection element 208.

[0077] Rods 210-1 and 210-2 can be formed of rigid or flexible materials. The rods are rotatable, allowing the lens forming element 88 to be positioned in accordance with the location of adjacent actuators (close to a given actuator). Using rods 210-1 and 210-2, along with the auxiliary actuation point, allows for more symmetrical loading of the actuation point and a more uniform distribution of force from the actuators across the lens forming element.

[0078] If needed, the flexible lens element 84 can extend beyond the radius of the lens forming element 88 and be attached to one of the rods 210. The flexible lens element can be attached to the rod in strips (where the width of each strip determines the stiffness).

[0079] It should be noted that Figure 14A and Figure 14BThe order and number of actuation points shown are merely illustrative. In general, each actuator can be coupled to any desired number of actuation points. Each actuation point can be coupled to the actuator via a rigid or compliant coupler.

[0080] According to an embodiment, a system is provided, comprising: a head-mounted support structure, a light-emitting display, and a lens module supported by the head-mounted support structure for receiving light from the display, the lens module including a transparent lens element; a lens-forming structure coupled to the transparent lens element; and a plurality of actuators configured to adjust the position of the lens-forming structure to adjust the transparent lens element, the lens-forming structure having at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being inserted between a first actuator and a second actuator among the plurality of actuators, and the first portion having a different size characteristic than the second portion.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the lens forming structure has a plurality of extensions, and each of the plurality of extensions is coupled to a corresponding actuator in a plurality of actuators.

[0082] According to another embodiment, the lens forming structure includes a corresponding section between each pair of adjacent extensions, a partially modified portion is formed in a first section between a first adjacent extension and a second adjacent extension, and the first extension and the second extension are respectively coupled to a first actuator and a second actuator.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the lens-forming structure extends around the central opening in a ring-like manner, and the transparent lens element overlaps with the central opening.

[0084] According to another implementation, the characteristic is width, the first part has a first width, the second part has a second width, and the first width and the second width are different.

[0085] According to another embodiment, the partial modification includes the bending portion.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the characteristic is thickness, the first part has a first thickness, the second part has a second thickness, and the first thickness and the second thickness are different.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the characteristic is Young's modulus, the first part has a first Young's modulus, the second part of the lens forming structure has a second Young's modulus, and the first Young's modulus and the second Young's modulus are different.

[0088] According to another implementation, the first part includes multiple protrusions.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the first part includes multiple recesses.

[0090] According to another implementation, the characteristic is stiffness, and the first part has higher stiffness than the second part.

[0091] According to another implementation, the characteristic is stiffness, and the first part has lower stiffness than the second part.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the first actuator is coupled to a main actuation point on the lens forming structure and an auxiliary actuation point on the lens forming structure.

[0093] According to an embodiment, a lens module is provided, the lens module including a transparent lens element, an annular structure coupled to the transparent lens element, and a plurality of actuators configured to adjust the annular structure to adjust the curvature of the transparent lens element. The annular structure has a first actuation point and a second actuation point coupled to a respective first actuator and a second actuator among the plurality of actuators. The annular structure has a segment between the first actuation point and the second actuation point, a first portion of the segment having a first stiffness, and a second portion of the segment having a second stiffness different from the first stiffness.

[0094] According to another implementation, the first part of the segment has a first width, the second part of the segment has a second width, and the first width and the second width are different.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the first part of the segment has a first thickness, the second part of the segment has a second thickness, and the first thickness and the second thickness are different.

[0096] According to another implementation, the first part of the segment has a first Young's modulus, the second part of the segment has a second Young's modulus, and the first Young's modulus and the second Young's modulus are different.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the first part of the segment is inserted between the second part and the third part of the segment, and the third part of the segment has a second stiffness.

[0098] According to another implementation scheme, the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness.

[0099] According to another implementation scheme, the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

[0100] According to an embodiment, a system is provided, comprising: a head-mounted support structure, a light-emitting display, and a lens module supported by the head-mounted support structure for receiving light from the display, the lens module comprising: a first transparent lens element; a second transparent lens element; a fluid-filled chamber between the first and second transparent lens elements; an annular member coupled to the first transparent lens element; and a plurality of actuators configured to selectively apply force to the annular member to adjust the first transparent lens element, the annular member having a portion between adjacent actuators having a higher stiffness than additional portions of the annular member.

[0101] According to an embodiment, a lens module is provided, the lens module including a transparent lens element, an annular structure coupled to the transparent lens element, and a plurality of actuators configured to adjust the annular structure to adjust the curvature of the transparent lens element, a first actuator of the plurality of actuators being coupled to both a main actuation point on the annular structure and a secondary actuation point on the annular structure.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the lens module includes a rigid coupler between the actuator and the main actuation point, and a compliant coupler between the actuator and the auxiliary actuation point.

[0103] According to another embodiment, the lens module includes a rod coupled to a rigid coupler and a compliant coupler, with an actuator coupled to the rod.

[0104] The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described implementation scheme. The aforementioned implementation scheme can be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. A lens system, comprising: Headband support structure; The display emits light; and A lens module supported by the head-mounted support structure, wherein the lens module receives light from the display, and wherein the lens module includes: Transparent lens element; Lens forming structure, the lens forming structure being coupled to the transparent lens element; and A plurality of actuators are configured to adjust the position of a region of the lens-forming structure to adjust the transparent lens element, wherein the region is inserted between adjacent first and second actuators of the plurality of actuators, wherein a first portion of the region has a first stiffness, wherein a second portion of the region has a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness, wherein a third portion of the region has the first stiffness, and wherein the second portion is inserted between the first portion and the third portion.

2. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The lens forming structure has a plurality of extensions, wherein each of the plurality of extensions is coupled to a corresponding actuator among the plurality of actuators, wherein the lens forming structure includes a corresponding section between each pair of adjacent extensions, wherein the region is formed in a first section between a first adjacent extension and a second adjacent extension, and wherein the first adjacent extension and the second adjacent extension are respectively coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator.

3. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The lens-forming structure extends in a ring around a central opening, wherein the transparent lens element overlaps with the central opening.

4. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion has a first width, wherein the second portion has a second width, and wherein the first width is different from the second width.

5. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion has a first thickness, wherein the second portion has a second thickness, and wherein the first thickness is different from the second thickness.

6. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion has a first Young's modulus, wherein the second portion has a second Young's modulus, and wherein the first Young's modulus is different from the second Young's modulus.

7. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The region includes multiple protrusions.

8. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The region includes multiple depressions.

9. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The region includes the curved section.

10. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The first part has a first elasticity and the second part has a second elasticity different from the first elasticity.

11. The lens system according to claim 1, wherein, The first actuator is coupled to the main actuation point and the auxiliary actuation point on the lens forming structure.

12. A lens module, comprising: Transparent lens element; A ring structure, wherein the ring structure is coupled to the transparent lens element; and A plurality of actuators are configured to adjust the position of a segment of the annular structure to adjust the curvature of the transparent lens element, wherein the annular structure has adjacent first and second actuation points, wherein the first and second actuation points are coupled to corresponding first and second actuators among the plurality of actuators, wherein the segment is located between the first and second actuation points, wherein a first portion of the segment has a first stiffness, wherein a second portion of the segment has a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness, wherein a third portion of the segment has the first stiffness, and wherein the second portion is inserted between the first and third portions.

13. The lens module according to claim 12, wherein, The first portion of the segment has a first width, wherein the second portion of the segment has a second width, and wherein the first width is different from the second width.

14. The lens module according to claim 12, wherein, The first portion of the segment has a first thickness, wherein the second portion of the segment has a second thickness, and wherein the first thickness is different from the second thickness.

15. The lens module according to claim 12, wherein, The first portion of the segment has a first Young's modulus, wherein the second portion of the segment has a second Young's modulus, and wherein the first Young's modulus and the second Young's modulus are different.

16. The lens module according to claim 12, wherein, The segment includes a plurality of recesses, and the density of the recesses varies in the segment.

17. An optical system comprising: Headband support structure; The display emits light; and A lens module supported by the head-mounted support structure, wherein the lens module receives light from the display, and wherein the lens module includes: First transparent lens element; Second transparent lens element; A fluid-filled chamber, wherein the fluid-filled chamber is located between the first transparent lens element and the second transparent lens element; An annular member, the annular member being coupled to the first transparent lens element; and A plurality of actuators are configured to selectively apply force to the annular member to adjust the first transparent lens element, wherein the annular member has a portion between adjacent actuators, the portion having higher stiffness than an additional portion of the annular member, wherein the portion comprises a first material, and wherein the additional portion comprises a second material different from the first material.

18. A lens module, comprising: Transparent lens element; A ring structure, wherein the ring structure is coupled to the transparent lens element; and A plurality of actuators are configured to adjust the annular structure to adjust the curvature of the transparent lens element, wherein a first actuator of the plurality of actuators is coupled to both a main actuation point and an auxiliary actuation point on the annular structure, and wherein the first actuator is coupled to the main actuation point via a rigid connecting element and flexibly coupled to the auxiliary actuation point via a compliant connecting element.

19. The lens module according to claim 18, wherein, The actuator includes a tenon-and-groove arrangement, a hinged paddle, or a cable / pulley arrangement.

20. The lens module according to claim 18, further comprising: A second structure coupled to the annular structure, wherein the first actuator is configured to rotate the second structure to adjust the annular structure, thereby adjusting the curvature of the transparent lens element.

Images