Hub station for wearable accessories

Abstract

A hub station for wearable accessories includes accessory areas, some of which include receptacles configured to receive and support the wearable accessories. The hub station includes hub indicators associated with respective receptacles or accessory areas. The hub indicator is configured to provide an indication specifying at least one of user information, a charging level, or availability of a wearable accessory supported by an associated receptacle or accessory area. The hub station includes a processor configured to receive a notification for the wearable accessory and transmit an instruction to activate an associated hub indicator based on the notification.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 339,722, filed on May 9, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to wearable accessories, and in particular, to a hub station that organizes, supports, and communicates with such wearable accessories. Background Art

[0004] Wearable accessories are designed to have a variety of features and customizations in a variety of shapes and sizes to support connectivity in physical, virtual, and coexisting (both real and virtual) environments. Wearable accessories may include head-mounted displays, temple arms or headbands, optical seals or face seals, power packs, wires or cables, input devices, headphones, smart watches, and other wearable or holdable devices. The identification, coordination, and organization of personalized versions of such wearable accessories may be complicated by the number, size, and individual capabilities of various types of wearable accessories. Summary of the invention

[0005] A first aspect of the disclosed embodiment is a hub station. The hub station includes: a housing having accessory areas; hub indicators associated with at least some of the accessory areas, each hub indicator configured to provide a notification associated with a wearable accessory disposed on a corresponding accessory area; and registration devices associated with at least some of the accessory areas, each registration device configured to orient a wearable accessory to a corresponding accessory area.

[0006] In a first aspect, the notification may represent an incoming communication received by a head mounted display capable of being used with a wearable accessory disposed on one of the accessory areas, and the head mounted display may be spaced apart from the hub station. At least some of the hub indicators may be configured to provide an indication of at least one of user information, charging level, or availability of a wearable accessory disposed on the corresponding accessory area. The hub station may also include charging devices associated with at least some of the accessory areas. Each charging device may be configured to provide wireless charging to a wearable accessory disposed on the corresponding accessory area, and each charging device may include at least one of an inductive coil disposed within the housing, an electrical contact coextensive with a surface of the housing, or a pogo pin configured for connection with the corresponding wearable accessory. One or more of the alignment devices may include magnets having a predefined pole pattern configured to align or secure the wearable accessory with the corresponding accessory area. One or more of these registration devices may include a locking mechanism having a locked position configured to secure the wearable accessory to the corresponding accessory area and an unlocked position configured to allow removal of the wearable accessory from the corresponding accessory area.

[0007] A second aspect of the disclosed embodiment is a method. The method includes receiving, by a hub station, notification information associated with a communication request for a head mounted display that can be used with a wearable accessory located at the hub station. The method includes generating, by a hub indicator of the hub station, an indication based on the notification information. The method includes receiving, by the hub station, configuration information that specifies at least one of user information, a charge level, or availability of the wearable accessory. The method includes generating, by the hub indicator of the hub station, another indication based on the configuration information.

[0008] In a second aspect, the wearable accessory may be received on an accessory area of ​​the hub station, and the head mounted display may be spaced apart from the hub station and the wearable accessory. The method may also include: receiving, by the hub station, approval information associated with the communication request for the head mounted display to be used with the wearable accessory, and enabling communication between the hub station and a remote device associated with the communication request. The method may also include: receiving, by the hub station, switching information associated with the head mounted display; and enabling communication between the head mounted display and the remote device associated with the communication request based on the switching information.

[0009] A third aspect of the disclosed embodiment is a hub station for a wearable accessory. The hub station includes a receptacle configured to receive and support the wearable accessory and a hub indicator associated with the receptacle. The hub indicator is configured to provide an indication specifying at least one of user information, a charge level, or availability of the wearable accessory when the wearable accessory is supported by the receptacle. The hub station includes a processor configured to receive a notification for the wearable accessory and transmit an instruction to activate the hub indicator based on the notification.

[0010] In a third aspect, the hub indicator may include a first color, shape, or pattern associated with the indication and a second color, shape, or pattern associated with the notification. The hub indicator may include a display. The display may be configured to provide an indication that specifies the user information, including a text or picture representation of the user information. The hub indicator may be configured to provide the indication that specifies the charge level of the wearable accessory using a first color, shape, or pattern. The hub indicator may be configured to provide the indication that specifies the availability of the wearable accessory using a second color, shape, or pattern. The wearable accessory may include a wearable indicator, and the processor may be further configured to transmit an instruction to activate the wearable indicator based on the notification. The notification for the wearable accessory may be received from a head-mounted display that can be used with the wearable accessory and is spaced apart from the hub station. The notification may be received based on a communication request transmitted to the head-mounted display. The hub station may include a locking mechanism having a locked position configured to secure the wearable accessory to the receptacle and an unlocked position configured to allow removal of the wearable accessory from the receptacle. The indication specifying the availability of the wearable accessory may be based on the position of the locking mechanism. The hub indicator may be disposed on a surface of the hub station at a location adjacent to the receptacle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wearable accessory.

[0012] Figure 2A is used to pass through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a wearable accessory for use with a hub station.

[0013] Figure 2B It passes through Figure 2A Another cross-sectional view of a hub station.

[0014] Figure 3A is used with Figure 1 An overhead view of another example of a hub station for use with a wearable accessory.

[0015] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Side view of a hub station.

[0016] Figure 4 is used with Figure 1 An overhead view of another example of a hub station for use with a wearable accessory.

[0017] Figure 5 is a flow chart describing the notification process of a hub station.

[0018] Figure 6 is a flow chart describing another notification process of a hub station.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram of the controller's hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A hub station for wearable accessories, such as those associated with a head mounted display (HMD), provides useful features to improve the organization of such wearable accessories. The hub station may also support a user to differentiate between wearable accessories using indications related to user information, charge level, and usability of a given wearable accessory. Some of the hub stations described herein may enable access control to the wearable accessory and support communication between the hub station and a remote device even when the associated wearable accessory is not currently being used with the HMD.

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a wearable accessory. The wearable accessory includes an HMD 100, a power pack 102, a wire or cable 104, and an input device 106. The wearable accessory also includes a first set of lenses 108, a first face seal 110, and a first set of temple arms 112 that are sized and shaped, for example, for use with the HMD 100 by a first user. The wearable accessory also includes a second set of lenses 114, a second face seal 116, and a second set of temple arms 118 that are sized and shaped, for example, for use with the HMD 100 by a second user who has a different head size, a different face shape, and / or different visual characteristics than the first user. Although wearable accessories suitable for different first and second users, such as for children and adults, are shown, it should be understood that wearable accessories suitable for a greater number of users are also possible.

[0022] The HMD 100 may include features such as a display 120, a controller 122, an input / output (I / O) interface 124, a sensor 126, an indicator 128, one or more audio components (not shown), and a power source (not shown). Several of these components are shown in dashed lines to indicate that the presence of the components is optional or may have different locations within the HMD 100. The HMD 100 is designed to be worn on the head of different users at different times, display graphics or visual content to the user, and generate audio content for projection to the user. The graphical content may be associated with a computer-generated reality or an augmented reality. The audio content may be associated with the graphical content.

[0023] Display 120 may be located within the housing of HMD 100 and may include one or more display screens (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or other display types that project light into the user's eyes or onto a reflector (e.g., a lens) to be reflected to the user. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , when the first and second sets of lenses 108, 114 are positioned for alignment with the eyes of the respective first and second users when wearing the HMD 100, the display 120 may project light to these sets of lenses 108, 114. The display 120 may be capable of being used without the first and second sets of lenses 108, 114.

[0024] The controller 122 may include a processor, a memory device, and a storage device. The controller 122 is configured to transmit commands to the display 120, the I / O interface 124, the sensor 126, and the indicator 128 and receive information from them. The I / O interface 124 may include any type of human-machine interface or component-component interface, such as a button, a switch, a slot, a connector, a touch screen input or output device, a gesture input device, a wireless communication device, or an audio input or output device. For example, the wire or cable 104 may be connected to the I / O interface 124 to supply power or data to the HMD 100 or to transmit data to / from the HMD 100. In another example, the I / O interface 124 may include a wireless communication device that allows the HMD 100 to transmit information to other associated wearable accessories.

[0025] Sensors 126 may include angular, inertial, or gyroscopic capabilities to determine the orientation of HMD 100. Sensors 126 may include radar, lidar, acoustic, Hall effect, or volumetric capabilities to determine the shape or size of a user of HMD 100 or the environment surrounding HMD 100. Sensors 126 may be configured for imaging, temperature sensing, or pressure sensing. Other capabilities of sensors 126 are contemplated to support the operation of HMD 100 and other associated wearable accessories.

[0026] The indicator 128 may include a light, a display, a haptic feedback device, a speaker configured to output audio, or other features suitable for providing an indication or notification to the user of the HMD 100 or others near the HMD 100. For example, if the indicator 128 includes a light, the indication or notification may include a predetermined color or pattern of light emission from the indicator 128 to convey a particular message or condition.

[0027] If present, the internal power source (not shown) may include a battery or other power source that stores energy for providing power to the display 120, controller 122, I / O interface 124, sensor 126, indicator 128, or other electronics (not shown) of the HMD 100, such as circuit boards, communication devices, transducers, and / or transceivers. In some implementations, the HMD 100 may not include an internal power source or power storage device, in which case the cord or cable 104 may supply power from the battery pack 102 for operating the HMD 100 but not charging it.

[0028] In addition to storing energy to provide power to the HMD 100, the battery pack 102 may also include an I / O interface 130 that allows connection to a wire or cable 104 and to a backup power source (e.g., via pogo pins or contact locations, not shown) to allow charging of the battery pack 102. The wire or cable 104 may be flexible, may include power and data transfer capabilities, or may be optional. For example, the battery pack 102 may be capable of connecting to the HMD 100 through different components, or may be capable of connecting directly to the HMD 100 without the use of a wire or cable 104.

[0029] The input device 106 may be shaped as a stylus as shown or in the form of a remote control device that can be held by a user (not shown) while operating the HMD 100. The input device 106 may also be in the form of another wearable device, such as a wrist-worn device, an ankle-worn device, a neck-worn device, or other devices (not shown) configured to be carried by a user while operating the HMD 100. The input device 106 may include an electronics unit 132. The electronics unit 132 may include a beacon or other wireless device that transmits location information. The electronics unit 132 may include a processor, a memory device, and a storage device, for example, to store configuration information of the input device 106. The configuration information may associate the input device 106 with one or more users or otherwise control the operation of the input device 106 relative to the HMD 100.

[0030] The first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114 are configured for use with the HMD 100 by a first user and a second user, respectively. The first set of lenses 108 may have a different size, magnification type, filter, or other optical quality than the second set of lenses 114. Both the first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114 can be used with the HMD 100 to improve the visibility of the display 120, but typically not at the same time. For example, the first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114 may be designed to improve focus, manage astigmatism, or correct myopia. As shown, the first set of lenses 108 is smaller than the second set of lenses 114. The first set of lenses 108 includes electronic device units 134a, 134b, and the second set of lenses 114 includes electronic device units 136a, 136b. The electronic device units 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b may include processors, memory devices, and storage devices, for example to store configuration information of the respective first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114. The configuration information may associate the first and second groups of lenses 108 and 114 with respective first and second users, or otherwise configure the first and second groups of lenses 108 and 114 for use with the HMD 100 .

[0031] The first set of lenses 108 includes an indicator 138, and the second set of lenses 114 includes an indicator 140. The indicators 138, 140 may include lights, displays, tactile feedback devices, or other mechanisms to provide indications or notifications to people near the first set of lenses 108 or the second set of lenses 114 even when the first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114 are not being used with the HMD 100. For example, if the indicators 138, 140 include light-emitting features, a predetermined color or pattern of light emission from the indicators 138, 140 may be used to provide notifications to convey a particular message or condition. The color of the light of the indicator 138 may be different from the color of the light of the indicator 140 to better distinguish notifications between users when the first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114 are in similar locations, such as at one of the hub stations described herein.

[0032] The first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116 are configured for use with the HMD 100 by a first user and a second user, respectively. The first face seal 110 may have a different size, shape, material construction, or thickness than the second face seal 116. The first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116 are capable of being used with the HMD 100 to comfortably secure the HMD 100 to the faces of the first user and the second user, respectively, but typically not at the same time. As shown, the first face seal 110 is smaller than the second face seal 116. The first face seal 110 includes an electronics unit 142, and the second face seal 116 includes an electronics unit 144. The electronics units 142, 144 may include processors, memory devices, and storage devices, for example to store configuration information of the respective first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116. The configuration information may associate the first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116 with the respective first and second users, or otherwise configure the first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116 for use with the HMD 100 .

[0033] The first face seal 110 includes an indicator 146, and the second face seal 116 includes an indicator 148. The indicators 146, 148 may include lights, displays, tactile feedback devices, or other components to provide indications or notifications to a person near the first face seal 110 or the second face seal 116 even when the first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116 are not being used with the HMD 100. For example, if the indicators 146, 148 include light-emitting features, a predetermined color or pattern of light emission from the indicators 146, 148 may be used to provide notifications to convey a particular message or condition. The color of the light of the indicator 146 may be different from the color of the light of the indicator 148 to better distinguish notifications between users when the first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116 are in similar locations, such as at one of the hub stations described herein.

[0034] The first set of temple arms 112 and the second set of temple arms 118 are configured for use with the HMD 100 by a first user and a second user, respectively. The first set of temple arms 112 is smaller than the second set of temple arms 118. The first set of temple arms 112 and the second set of temple arms 118 may be sized and shaped to engage heads of different sizes and shapes to better support the HMD 100 on the user's head (and optionally, ears). The first set of temple arms 112 and the second set of temple arms 118 may, for example, be configured as a multi-piece support that engages the temples and ears (as shown), or may include a strip or band (not shown) that extends along the sides and back of the user's head toward the rear of the HMD 100. The first set of temple arms 112 and the second set of temple arms 118 may, for example, include or be made of one or more flexible and / or elastic materials such as rubber or other polymer materials suitable for conforming to various head shapes of users.

[0035] The first set of temple arms 112 includes electronics units 150a, 150b, and the second set of temple arms 118 includes electronics units 152a, 152b. The electronics units 150a, 150b, 152a, 152b may include processors, memory devices, and storage devices, for example, to store configuration information of the respective first and second sets of temple arms 112, 118. The configuration information may associate the first and second sets of temple arms 112, 118 with the respective first and second users, or otherwise configure the first and second sets of temple arms 112, 118 for use with the HMD 100.

[0036] Figure 1 The large number of wearable accessories shown, some of which are sized and configured for personal use by respective first and second users sharing HMD 100, presents challenges in the organization, storage, and identification of such wearable accessories. The hub stations described herein provide various features to improve the organization of such wearable accessories and identify personalized versions of such wearable accessories. When such wearable accessories are not used with HMD 100, some of the hub stations described herein can manage access to such wearable accessories and utilize the communication and notification features of such wearable accessories.

[0037] Figure 2A is through and Figure 1 A cross-sectional view on the XY plane of an example of a wearable accessory for use with the hub station 200 . Figure 2B It passes through Figure 2A Another cross-sectional view of the hub station 200 on the XY plane, for example, in the Z direction at a position corresponding to Figure 2A Different depths are shown. Coordinates X and Y are shown.

[0038] The hub station 200 includes a housing 202 having accessory areas 204a, 204b, 204c. Figure 2A In the example of FIG. 2 , the accessory areas 204 a, 204 b comprise recesses within the housing 202 . Figure 2B In the example of FIG. 2 , the accessory area 204 c is located along the upper surface of the housing 202. The accessory areas 204 a, 204 b, 204 c of the housing 202 are configured to receive and support wearable accessories. Figure 2A , the accessory areas 204a, 204b include receptacles 206a, 206b, ie, recessed portions having walls shaped to receive one or more wearable accessories and to secure locations for such wearable accessories (not shown).

[0039] For example, about Figure 1 The first set of lenses 108, first face seal 110, and / or first set of temple arms 112 may be receivable within the accessory area 204a, i.e., mounted within the receptacle 206a, to provide storage, organization, and easy identification of personalized items for a first user. The second set of lenses 114, second face seal 116, and / or second set of temple arms 118 may be receivable within the accessory area 204b, i.e., mounted within the receptacle 206b, to provide storage, organization, and easy identification of personalized items for a second user. The power pack 102, wire or cable 104, input device 106, and optionally the HMD 100 may be receivable within the accessory area 204b, i.e., mounted within the receptacle 206b. Figure 2B The accessory area 204c is shown as being within, i.e., placed on, the accessory area 204c to be supported by the housing 202.

[0040] The hub station 200 includes a hub controller 208, shown in dashed lines. The hub controller 208 may include a processor, a memory device, and a storage device. The hub controller 208 may be configured to transmit information to and / or receive information from various wearable accessories, including the HMD 100, when such wearable accessories are accommodated on or near the hub station 200. The hub controller 208 may also implement various functions of the hub station 200 as described herein.

[0041] The hub station 200 includes hub indicators 210a, 210b. The hub indicator 210a is associated with the accessory area 204a, and the hub indicator 210b is associated with the accessory area 204b. Each of the hub indicators 210a, 210b is configured to provide an indication or notification associated with one or more wearable accessories (not shown) that are disposed on the respective accessory areas 204a, 204b, for example, stored in the respective receptacles 206a, 206b. The indicators 210a, 210b may include a light, a display, a tactile feedback device, a speaker configured to output audio, or other components that provide indications or notifications. For example, the indicators 210a, 210b may be configured to emit a predetermined color or pattern of light to convey a specific message or condition when, for example, an instruction to generate a notification is received from the hub controller 208.

[0042] The use of the hub indicators 210a, 210b by the hub station 200 allows wearable accessories other than the HMD 100 to be used as a conduit for notifications to reach specific users when multiple users share the HMD 100. For example, when a wearable accessory such as the first set of lenses 108, the first face seal 110, and / or the first set of temple arms 112 is stored in the receptacle 206a of the accessory area 204a and the hub station 200 receives information indicating an incoming communication for the HMD 100, for example at the hub controller 208, the hub indicator 210a may be used to provide a notification. This is particularly useful when the HMD 100 is spaced apart from the hub station 200, such as in another room. In this example, and when the HMD 100 is spaced apart from the hub station 200, the hub indicator 210a may emit light of a predetermined color or pattern to notify a user who is near the hub station 200 (but not necessarily near the HMD 100) that the HMD 100 is receiving a notification, such as a communication request for a particular user (i.e., for a particular user associated with a wearable accessory stored in the receptacle 206a of the accessory area 204a).

[0043] In another example, the hub station 200's use of the hub indicators 210a, 210b can provide information specific to one or more wearable accessories present in one of the accessory areas 204a, 204b, 204c (such as stored or located within a receptacle 206a, 206b of the accessory area 204a, 204b, or located on a surface of the accessory area 204c). For example, the hub indicators 210a, 210b can be configured to provide an indication of configuration information specified for the wearable accessories. The configuration information can include user information, charging level, or availability of the wearable accessories disposed on one of the respective accessory areas 204a, 204b, 204c.

[0044] In another example, the first set of lenses 108, the first face seal 110, and / or the first set of temple arms 112 may be stored within the receptacle 206a, and user identification information (a type of user information) may be relayed from one or more of these wearable accessories to the hub station 200, such as via ultra-wideband or WiFi, thereby confirming the presence of such wearable accessories and identifying the user associated with such wearable accessories. The user identification information may have been associated with the first set of lenses 108, the first face seal 110, and / or the first set of temple arms 112 during a registration process associated with the HMD 100, or may have been entered, for example, by a user of the HMD 100 or the hub station 200 when programming the HMD 100 or the hub station 200. The hub indicator 210a may emit a particular color of light to indicate the user's association with the one or more wearable accessories in the receptacle 206a. That is, the first set of lenses 108, the first face seal 110 and / or the first set of temple arms 112 may be associated with a first user, and such association may be illustrated by the hub indicator 210a via a blue, red, yellow (or other color) light to help the first user identify their personal wearable accessories stored at the hub station 200.

[0045] In another example, the power pack 102, the wire or cable 104, or the input device 106 can be placed in one of the accessory areas 204a, 204b, 204c, and the charge level of the power pack 102, the wire or cable 104, or the input device 106 can be relayed to the hub station 200. The charge level can be displayed by one of the hub indicators 210a, 210b, directly by the wearable accessory, or by another component (not shown). Although a single hub indicator 210a, 210b is shown as being associated with a single accessory area 204a, 204b, the hub indicator 210a, 210b can be configured to show different indications (such as different charge levels) for different wearable accessories.

[0046] In another example, the first set of lenses 108, the first face seal 110, and / or the first set of temple arms 112 may be stored within the receptacle 206a, and availability information may be relayed from one or more of these wearable accessories to the hub station 200, such as via ultra-wideband or WiFi, confirming that such wearable accessories are available for use. This availability information may have been associated with the first set of lenses 108, the first face seal 110, and / or the first set of temple arms 112 during a rental process associated with the HMD 100, or may have been entered, for example, by an owner or administrator of the HMD 100 or the hub station 200 when programming the HMD 100 or the hub station 200. The hub indicator 210a may emit a particular color (e.g., green) or display a particular shape (e.g., a check mark) to indicate the availability of one or more wearable accessories in the receptacle 206a of the accessory area 204a. The hub indicator 210a may emit a different color (e.g., red) or display a different shape (e.g., an X) to indicate the lack of availability of one or more wearable accessories in the receptacle 206a of the accessory area 204a. For example, such availability information may be useful when the HMD 100 has shared enterprise use, and the hub station 200 may therefore be used to organize and indicate the availability of wearable accessories of various types, shapes, and sizes for multiple users using the HMD 100.

[0047] The hub station 200 includes registration devices associated with at least some of the accessory regions 204a, 204b, 204c. Each registration device is configured to orient one or more wearable accessories to at least one of the accessory regions 204a, 204b, 204c. Figure 2A In the example of FIG. 2 , the receptacles 206a, 206b may orient and position one or more wearable accessories within the accessory regions 204a, 204b of the housing 202. Figure 2BIn an example of the embodiment of the present invention, magnets 212a, 212b, 212c having a predefined polar pattern are configured to align or secure various wearable accessories with the accessory area 204c. For example, the input device 106 may include a magnetic material, and placing the input device 106 on the accessory area 204c in proximity to the magnet 212a may cause the magnet 212a to snap, rotate, or otherwise orient the input device 106 (based on the interaction between the magnet 212a and the magnetic material within the input device 106) into a position consistent with holding the input device 106 in place on the surface of the accessory area 204c and in an orientation suitable for charging the input device 106, for example, via the hub station 200 as described herein. In other words, the magnets 212a, 212b, 212c may include a multi-polar array of magnets corresponding to the magnetic materials in various wearable accessories (such as the input device 106 and the power pack 102), and the hub station 200 may cause such magnetic materials to lock in place when properly oriented and to recoil when misaligned.

[0048] The hub station 200 includes charging devices 214a, 214b, 214c associated with the accessory areas 204a, 204b, 204c. The charging devices 214a, 214b, 214c are configured to provide wireless charging to one or more wearable accessories disposed on the respective accessory areas 204a, 204b, 204c. The charging devices 214a, 214b, 214c may include an induction coil disposed within the housing 202 of the hub station 200, such as a wireless charging device. Figure 2A The charging devices 214a, 214b associated with the receptacles 206a, 206b in Figure 2B 204c, an electrical contact (not shown) coextensive with a surface of the housing 202 of the hub station 200, or a pogo pin (not shown) extending from a surface of the housing 202 of the hub station 200. The various charging devices 214a, 214b, 214c are configured to charge various wearable accessories. In some examples, the charging devices 214a, 214b, 214c can be configured to provide charging level information of the various wearable accessories to the hub controller 208 for use in using the hub indicators 210a, 210b to provide charging level indications such as when such wearable accessories are being charged by the charging devices 214a, 214b, 214c.

[0049] Figure 3A is used with Figure 1 A top view of another example of a hub station 300 for use with a wearable accessory. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A 1 is a side view of a hub station 300.

[0050] The hub station 300 includes a Figure 3A The housing 302 of the illustrated receptacles 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. The receptacles 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e in this example are differently shaped recesses in the upper surface of the housing 302. The receptacles 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e are configured to receive and support wearable accessories. For example, the first face seal 110 and / or the second face seal 116 may be capable of being received in the receptacle 306a having a generally oval shape, i.e., fitted in the receptacle 306a, to provide storage, organization, and easy identification of personalized wearable accessories for the first user and / or the second user. The first set of lenses 108 and / or the second set of lenses 114 may be receivable within the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e, i.e., the various parts may be assembled within the respective receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e to provide storage, organization, and easy identification of personalized wearable accessories for the first user and / or the second user.

[0051] The hub station 300 includes a processor 308, which is shown in phantom as being inside the housing 302. The processor 308 may communicate with memory devices and storage devices (not shown). When various wearable accessories, including the HMD 100, are housed on or near the hub station 300, the processor 308 may be configured to transmit information to and / or receive information from such wearable accessories. The processor 308 may also implement various functions of the hub station 300 as described herein.

[0052] The hub station 300 includes hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e. Hub indicator 310a is associated with receptacle 306a, hub indicator 310b is associated with receptacle 306b, hub indicator 310c is associated with receptacle 306c, hub indicator 310d is associated with receptacle 306d, and hub indicator 310e is associated with receptacle 306e. In this example, each of the hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e is disposed on a surface of the hub station 300 at a location adjacent to one of the receptacles 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. Each of the hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e is configured to provide an indication of specified configuration information, i.e., at least one of user information, charge level, or availability of the wearable accessory when the wearable accessory is supported by the corresponding receptacle 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. The type of indication associated with user information, charge level, and availability (whether color, pattern, sound, or other) may be similar to the indications regarding Figure 2A and Figure 2B For example, the hub indicators 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e can be configured to provide an indication of the charge level of a wearable accessory in a designated receptacle 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e using a first color, shape, or pattern and to provide an indication of the availability of a wearable accessory in a designated receptacle 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e using a second color, shape, or pattern.

[0053] The hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e may also be used to provide notifications received by the hub station 300, for example, from an external device such as the HMD 100. That is, the processor 308 may receive a notification from the HMD 100 that may be associated with a wearable accessory disposed in one of the receptacles 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. Based on the notification, the processor 308 may transmit instructions to activate a related one of the hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e. Since the HMD 100 may be capable of being used with different wearable accessories for different users, and since the HMD 100 may be physically separated from the hub station 300 (such as in another room), using the hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e for both indication and notification allows the user to receive information about both the wearable accessories and the HMD 100, even though the HMD 100 is separated from the hub station 300 (such as being used by another user).

[0054] For example, a notification may be received by the hub station 300, and the processor 308 may cause one or more of the hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e to illuminate, emit a sound, or otherwise change state based on a communication request transmitted to the HMD 100. Such a communication request may be transmitted, for example, by another user having another HMD (not shown) who wishes to communicate with the HMD 100 (i.e., wishes to call or transmit a text message to the user of the HMD 100).

[0055] refer to Figure 3B, the hub station 300 includes a display 316, a sensor 318, and a speaker 320, which serve as additional hub indicators for the hub station 300. The display 316 can provide an indication specifying, for example, user information associated with one or more wearable accessories when the wearable accessories are stored in the receptacles 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. The display 316 can show a textual or graphic representation of the user information, such as a particular icon or avatar associated with the user, the user's name, or other information sufficient to allow the user to identify which wearable accessories stored at the hub station 300 are associated with the user.

[0056] The sensor 318 may include a microphone configured to receive or otherwise capture verbal commands or speech from a user proximate to the hub station 300. The sensor 318 may include an imaging device configured to capture images of a user proximate to the hub station 300 or the environment surrounding the hub station 300, for example, for use in generating a virtual environment for use by the HMD 100. The sensor 318 may include other capabilities that support information capture for use by the hub station 300 and / or the HMD 100. The speaker 320 may be configured to emit sounds, such as those associated with notifications incoming to the hub station 300 or calls or text messages received by the HMD 100.

[0057] The display 316, sensor 318, and speaker 320 may together allow a user of the hub station 300 to remotely interact with the HMD 100, for example, if the HMD 100 is configured to forward incoming calls for the user to the hub station 300 when various wearable accessories associated with the user are present at the hub station 300 (e.g., stored in receptacles 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e). Such remote interaction with the HMD 100 via the hub station 300 supports co-presence, communication, and call handoffs between devices in the physical and virtual environments as the user of the HMD 100 moves between the physical environment of the hub station 300 and the virtual environment of the HMD 100.

[0058] For example, a user may receive a notification of an incoming call to the HMD 100 via the hub station 300 based on the user's wearable accessories being stored at the hub station 300. The user may be able to interact with the caller via the display 316 and / or speak to the caller via the sensor 318 and the speaker 320 to let the caller know that the user needs to position and / or activate the HMD 100 to support the call in the virtual environment. By first receiving the call at the hub station 300, the user gains additional time to position and assemble the various wearable accessories with the HMD 100. In addition, if the hub station 300 includes an outward-facing sensor with imaging capabilities, such as the sensor 318, the remote caller may (optionally) be able to view the user receiving the call before the user joins the virtual environment with the HMD 100. Similarly, if the hub station 300 includes the display 316, the user may be able to use the display 316 to view the caller's virtual environment before positioning and using the HMD 100 to join the caller in the virtual environment. These features improve coexistence handoff and user convenience.

[0059] In terms of handing over of a call between the hub station 300 and the HMD 100, the hub station 300 may be configured to automatically transfer the call from the physical environment of the hub station 300 to the virtual environment of the HMD 100, for example, if the sensor 318 determines that the user has put on the HMD 100, thereby avoiding the user from trying to find a button on the hub station 300 or the HMD 100 once the HMD 100 is put on. In another example, the user may be able to transfer the call using a button input or a tap sequence, such as clicking a button or tapping a surface twice on the HMD 100. In another example, the sensor 318 of the hub station 300 or the HMD 100 may recognize a gesture input from the user to transfer the call from the hub station 300 to the HMD 100. In another example, a wearable accessory may be able to identify when the user is wearing the HMD 100, such as whether the electronics units 142, 144 of the first face seal 110 and the second face seal 116 include pressure sensing capabilities, whether the electronics units 150a, 150b, 152a, 152b of the first set of temple arms 112 and the second set of temple arms 118 (or the headband, not shown) include tension sensing capabilities, or whether the electronics units 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b of the first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114 include face or eye tracking capabilities.

[0060] The hub station 300 includes charging devices 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e associated with the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. The charging devices 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e are configured to provide wireless charging to one or more wearable accessories (e.g., the first set of lenses 108 and the second set of lenses 114) when disposed in the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. Figure 3A The charging devices 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e in the example of FIG include electrical contact locations that are coextensive with the lower surface of the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e. The shape of the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e can ensure that corresponding electrical contact locations (not shown) on a wearable accessory mounted within the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e are physically aligned with the electrical contact locations of the charging devices 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e. The charging devices 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e can be configured to deliver both power and data to the wearable accessory to also support indication and notification features.

[0061] In some examples, a wearable accessory such as first lens set 108 and second lens set 114 includes a wearable indicator such as Figure 1 Indicators 138, 140 are shown. The indicators 146, 148 of the first light seal 110 and the second light seal 116 may also be referred to as wearable indicators. The wearable indicators (e.g., indicators 138, 140) may include a light feature, a display feature, a tactile feature, or another feature that is configured to provide an indication or notification to a person near or otherwise close to the first or second set of lenses 108, 114 when the first or second set of lenses 108, 114 is disposed in one or more of the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e of the hub station 300, for example. The processor 308 may be configured to activate a corresponding one of the indicators 138, 140, i.e., cause a light emission, a flashing pattern, a vibration, a sound emission, or another indication or notification, when the HMD 100 receives a notification for a user associated with a corresponding one of the first and second lens groups 108, 114 or specifies configuration information such as user information, a charging level, or availability of the first or second lens group 108, 114. In other words, when these wearable accessories are placed in a corresponding one of the receptacles 306b, 306c, 306d, 306e of the hub station 300, any one or both of the hub indicators 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e and the indicators 138, 140 (wearable indicators) of the first and second lens groups 108, 114 may provide indications and / or notifications.

[0062] like Figure 3A As shown, the hub station 300 includes a locking mechanism 322. The locking mechanism 322 serves as an alignment device that is configured to orient one or more wearable accessories relative to the receptacle 306a. The locking mechanism 322 has a locked position shown in solid lines that is configured to secure the wearable accessory to the receptacle 306a, such as securing the first light seal 110 or the second light seal 116 within the receptacle 306a. The locking mechanism 322 has an unlocked position shown in dashed lines that is configured to allow the wearable accessory to be removed from the receptacle 306a. In this example, the receptacle 306a is shaped and sized to support the first light seal 110 or the second light seal 116, and the locking mechanism 322 may extend above the receptacle 306a to physically hinder the removal of the first light seal 110 or the second light seal 116 in the locked position. The locking mechanism 322 can be retracted or otherwise folded away from the receptacle 306a to allow removal of the first light seal 110 or the second light seal 116 in the unlocked position shown in phantom. Other mechanisms for locking and unlocking the lock are possible.

[0063] The locking mechanism 322 can work in conjunction with the hub indicator 310a. For example, an indication of the availability of a specified wearable accessory (here, the first light seal 110 or the second light seal 116 in the receptacle 306a) can be based on the position of the locking mechanism 322. If the locking mechanism 322 is in the locked position, the hub indicator 310a can display a red light, an X shape, etc. If the locking mechanism 322 is turned to the unlocked position or is in the unlocked position, the hub indicator 310a can display a green light, a check mark, etc. When the HMD 100 has shared use but personalized wearable accessories such as the first light seal 110 or the second light seal 116, the use of the locking mechanism 322 can be beneficial for implementing, for example, parental control, time control, or access control. In the example of parental control, the first light seal 110 can be associated with the first user (child). The child's parent (optionally, a second user) can configure the hub station 300 so that the locking mechanism 322 secures the first light seal 110 within the receptacle 306a from early morning until late evening on weekdays to prohibit the child from using the HMD 100 during traditional school hours.

[0064] Figure 4 is used with Figure 1404f, 404g, 404h. The hub station 400 includes a housing 402 having accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f, 404g, 404h, some of which include receptacles 406c, 406d that are given element numbers to align with the element numbers of the associated accessory areas 404c, 404d. The accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f, 404g, 404h are configured to receive and support wearable accessories and can help organize such wearable accessories for multiple users of the HMD 100. For example, the first set of lenses 108 may be received in the accessory area 404a, the second set of lenses 114 may be received in the accessory area 404b, the first face seal 110 may be received in the receptacle 406c of the accessory area 404c, and the second face seal 116 may be received in the receptacle 406d of the accessory area 404d. The receptacles 406c, 406d may be oval depressions defined in the housing 402. The first set of temple arms 112 may be received in the accessory area 404e, the second set of temple arms 118 may be received in the accessory area 404f, and the power pack 102 (and additional power packs, not shown) may be received in the accessory area 404h. The accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f, 404g, 404h provide storage, organization, and easy identification of personalized wearable accessories.

[0065] The hub station 400 includes a processor 408 shown in phantom as being inside the housing 402. The processor 408 may communicate with memory devices and storage devices (not shown). When various wearable accessories including the HMD 100 are housed on or near the hub station 400, the processor 408 may be configured to transmit information to and / or receive information from such wearable accessories. The processor 408 may also implement various functions of the hub station 400 as described herein.

[0066] The hub station 400 includes hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410h1, 410h2. Hub indicators 410a, 410b are associated with accessory areas 404a, 404b, hub indicators 410c, 410d are associated with accessory areas 404c, 404d including receptacles 406c, 406d, hub indicators 410e, 410f are associated with accessory areas 404e, 404f, and hub indicators 410h1, 410h2 are associated with accessory area 404h. In this example, each hub indicator 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410h1, 410h2 is arranged on the surface of the hub station 400 at a location adjacent to a corresponding accessory area 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f, 404h. Each of the hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410h1, 410h2 is configured to provide an indication of specified configuration information such as user information, charging level, or availability of the wearable accessory when a wearable accessory is located within a corresponding one of the accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f, 404h. The type of indication (whether color, pattern, sound, or other) associated with user information, charge level, and availability may be similar to that described in connection with the Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B Additionally, the hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f may include a display such that text, graphics, or other visual indications representing user information, charge level, and availability may be shown when a wearable accessory is positioned within the respective accessory area 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f.

[0067] The hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f may also be used to provide notifications received by the hub station 400, for example, from an external device such as the HMD 100. That is, the processor 408 may receive a notification from the HMD 100 that may be associated with a wearable accessory located in one of the accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f. Based on the notification, the processor 408 may transmit instructions to activate a related one of the hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f. Since the HMD 100 may be capable of being used with different wearable accessories for different users, and since the HMD 100 may be physically separated from the hub station 400 (such as in another room), using the hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f for both indication and notification allows the user to receive information about both the wearable accessories and the HMD 100, even though the HMD 100 is separated from the hub station 400 (such as being used by another user or stored in another location).

[0068] The hub station 400 includes a cover 424 having a display 416. Figure 4 The cover 424, shown in the top view of the housing 402 as extending generally vertically from the surface of the housing 402, can be sized to be folded or resting on the surface of the housing 402, thereby blocking access to the accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f, 404g, 404h in the storage position (not shown). The display 416 is shown in phantom because it is not visible in the top view. The display 416 may include a larger screen that fills most of the surface of the cover 424. The display 416 can be used as a hub indicator to show user information, such as text or picture representations of user information. The display 416 can be used to show the virtual environment experienced using the HMD 100 to allow the user of the HMD 100 to share the virtual experience with others in the physical environment. The display 416 can be touch-sensitive. The display can be configured to allow the user to view and update the configuration information of various wearable accessories stored at the hub station 400. Other features of the display 416 are described in additional examples herein.

[0069] The hub station 400 includes sensors 418 and speakers 420. The sensors 418 may include a microphone configured to receive or otherwise capture verbal commands or speech from a user proximate to the hub station 400. The sensors 418 may include an imaging device configured to capture images of a user proximate to the hub station 400 or the environment surrounding the hub station 400, for example, for use in generating a virtual environment for use by the HMD 100 or for use by the hub station 400 in a video conference with other users. The sensors 418 may include other capabilities to support information capture for use by the hub station 400 and / or the HMD 100. The speakers 420 may be configured to emit sound to communicate notifications incoming to the hub station 400 or to support calls received by the HMD 100 or the hub station 400.

[0070] Display 416, sensor 418, and speaker 420 may individually or together allow a user of hub station 400 to communicate with the user without wearing HMD 100, such as with regard to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The user may interact with the HMD 100 in the manner described for coexistence and call handoff. In another example, the user may receive a notification of an incoming call to the HMD 100 via the hub station 400 based on the user's wearable accessories being stored at the hub station 400. The user may be able to interact with the caller via the display 416 and / or speak to the caller via the sensor 418 and speaker 420. The user may choose whether to position and / or activate the HMD 100 to transition the call to the virtual environment or continue the call using the hub station 400 in the physical environment. The display 416 of the hub station 400 may allow the user to see the virtual environment of the incoming caller (if the caller is using another HMD), and the sensor 418 of the hub station 400 may capture the user's physical environment to share with the caller in a video conference manner that connects the physical environment with the virtual environment.

[0071] The hub station 400 includes charging devices 414a, 414b, 414e, 414f, 414g, 414h1, 414h2 associated with the accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404e, 404f, 404g, 404h. The charging devices 414a, 414b, 414e, 414f, 414g, 414h1, 414h2 are configured to provide wireless charging to wearable accessories such as the first and second sets of lenses 108, 114, the first and second sets of temples 112, 118, and the power pack 102 when such wearable accessories are stored in the accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404e, 404f, 404g, 404h. Figure 4The charging devices 414a, 414b, 414e, 414f, 414g in the examples include wireless inductive charging devices. The charging devices 414h1, 414h2 include pogo pins that can be received, for example, within the power pack 102 (and another power pack, not shown) to facilitate faster charging. In some examples, the charging devices 414a, 414b, 414e, 414f, 414g, 414h1, 414h2 can be configured to transfer both power and data to the corresponding wearable accessories to support indication and notification features.

[0072] The hub station 400 can be connected to the hub by using the hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410h1, 410h2 and by using the Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The indicators 138, 140, 146, 148 on the wearable accessories are used to provide indications and notifications to the wearable accessories in the accessory areas 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 404e, 404f, 404h. The hub station 400 also includes light guide indicators 426a, 426b associated with the accessory areas 404a, 404b. When, for example, at least one lens from the first group of lenses 108 and the second group of lenses 114 is fixed in an accessory area near one of the light guide indicators 426a, 426b in the accessory areas 404a, 404b, the processor 408 can transmit a command to activate one of the light guide indicators 426a, 426b based on receiving the notification or indication. Then, the activated one of the light guide indicators 426a, 426b will emit light into the edge of the adjacent lens, and the light will be reflected within the lens and then refracted out of the lens, resulting in a glow from most of the surface of the lens. The use of light guide indicators 426a, 426b is another way to convey a visual indication that a user associated with the light emitting lenses (ie, from first and second sets of lenses 108, 114) is receiving a call, for example, from another user's HMD.

[0073] The hub station 400 includes locking mechanisms 422a, 422b. The locking mechanisms 422a, 422b serve as registration devices to orient and secure the wearable accessory in the accessory region 404c, 404d and within the receptacle 406c, 406d. The locking mechanisms 422a, 422b have a locked position, shown in solid lines and configured to secure the wearable accessory in the receptacle 406c, 406d of the accessory region 404c, 404d, and an unlocked position, shown in dashed lines and configured to allow the wearable accessory to be removed from the receptacle 406c, 406d of the accessory region 404c, 404d. The locking mechanisms 422a, 422b may be used in conjunction with a device related to the hub station 400. Figure 3AThe locking mechanism 322 described above functions in a similar manner.

[0074] The accessory area 404g may extend along the surface of the hub station 400 without a registration device (ie, without a positioning feature) to allow a user of the hub station 400 to access the hub station 400 without having to Figure 1 The hub station 400 may be configured to receive user information from such additional devices. The user information communicated by such additional devices may enable instructions or notifications to be pushed to various wearable accessories. The user information communicated by such additional devices may be used to actuate one of the locking mechanisms 422a, 422b to move to an unlocked position to allow a user associated with the user information to access a wearable accessory within a related one of the accessory areas 404c, 404d.

[0075] Figure 5 is a description of the hub station (for example, Figures 2A to 4 A flowchart of a notification process for a wearable accessory (such as one of the hub stations 200, 300, 400) that is associated with a wearable accessory (such as a wearable accessory) Figure 1 The wearable accessory includes a power pack 102, a wire or cable 104, an input device 106, a first set of lenses 108 and a second set of lenses 114, a first face seal 110 and a second face seal 116, and a first set of temple arms 112 and a second set of temple arms 118 suitable for use by at least a first user and a second user, such as with the HMD 100. Other wearable accessories (not shown) such as headbands, remote control units, etc. may also be available from the related Figure 5 The process described benefits.

[0076] The notification process includes step 528 of receiving, by the hub station, a notification for a wearable accessory located at the hub station. The wearable accessory may be received on an accessory area of ​​the hub station, such as disposed in a receptacle. The notification may be intended for an HMD that may be used with the wearable accessory, and the HMD may be spaced apart from the hub station and the wearable accessory such that the HMD is currently unable to display such a notification to a user intended to receive the notification. The notification may indicate an incoming call for one of the users of the HMD, a firmware update for one of the wearable accessories (including for the HMD), or an incoming message (such as a text or chat message) for one of the users of the HMD. Other notifications are also possible.

[0077] The notification process includes a next step 530 of generating an indication by a hub indicator of the hub station based on the notification. When multiple users share an HMD, a hub indicator such as hub indicators 210a, 210b of hub station 200, hub indicators 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e of hub station 300, or hub indicators 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410h1, 410h2 of hub station 400 allows the wearable accessory to act as a conduit for notifications to reach specific users. For example, a hub indicator that generates an indication based on a notification may emit light of a predetermined color or pattern, may generate a sound, may display a graphic or text, may show a video or image, or may otherwise provide information or an alert that will notify a user who is near the hub station but not necessarily near the HMD that the HMD is receiving a notification for that user (i.e., for a particular user associated with a wearable accessory located at the hub station).

[0078] The notification process includes a next step 532 of receiving, by the hub station, configuration information that specifies at least one of user information, charging level, or availability of the wearable accessory. The configuration information may be received by the hub station from one or more of the wearable accessories located at the hub station, such as from a device related to the wearable accessory. Figure 1 The configuration information may be received by one of the electronics units 132, 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b, 142, 144, 150a, 150b, 152a, 152b. For example, the configuration information may be received from the HMD when the HMD transmits information related to a firmware update to one or more of the wearable accessories through the hub station. The hub station may be able to perform such firmware updates without requiring the wearable accessories to be coupled to the HMD. Other types and sources of configuration information are possible.

[0079] The notification process includes a next step 534 of generating another indication by a hub indicator of the hub station based on the configuration information. The indication may be different in appearance or sound from the indication generated by the hub indicator to indicate the received notification. For example, the hub indicator may emit light of a particular color (e.g., green) or display a particular shape (e.g., a check mark) to indicate the availability of use of one or more wearable accessories at the hub station. The hub indicator may emit light of a different color (e.g., red) or display a different shape (e.g., X) to indicate the lack of availability of use of one or more wearable accessories at the hub station. In another example, the hub indicator may show a battery icon with a predetermined fill amount to indicate the charge percentage of one or more wearable accessories at the hub station. In another example, the hub indicator may display text or a graphical representation (such as an avatar) to indicate the association of a particular user with the wearable accessory. Other types of indications based on configuration information are possible.

[0080] Figure 6 is a description of the hub station (for example, Figures 2A to 4 Flow chart of another notification process of one of the hub stations 200, 300, 400 of the present invention, the notification process being associated with a wearable accessory (such as a wearable accessory for example) Figure 1 The wearable accessory includes a power pack 102, a wire or cable 104, an input device 106, a first set of lenses 108 and a second set of lenses 114, a first face seal 110 and a second face seal 116, and a first set of temple arms 112 and a second set of temple arms 118 suitable for use by at least a first user and a second user, such as with the HMD 100. Other wearable accessories (not shown) such as headbands, remote control units, etc. may also be available from the Figure 6 The process described benefits.

[0081] The notification process includes step 636: receiving, by the hub station, a communication request for an HMD capable of being used with a wearable accessory located at the hub station. The wearable accessory may be received at an accessory area of ​​the hub station, such as disposed in a receptacle. The communication request may be intended for an HMD capable of being used with the wearable accessory, and the HMD may be spaced apart from the hub station and the wearable accessory such that the HMD is not currently able to display such a communication request to a user intended to receive the communication request. The communication request may indicate an incoming call from one of the users of the HMD or an incoming message from one of the users of the HMD, such as a text or chat message. Other communication requests are also possible.

[0082] The notification process includes a next step 638 of generating a notification by the hub station based on the communication request. The notification may be audible, such as a sound generated by a speaker, such as the speakers 320, 420 of the hub stations 300, 400. The notification may be visual, such as a light generated by a light guide indicator, such as one of the light guide indicators 426a, 426b of the hub station 400. For example, the light guide indicator may emit a light that is reflected within a lens and then emitted from the lens (such as from Figure 1 The array of lenses 108, 114) refracts light of a color or pattern to notify an associated user that the user is receiving a call, for example, from an HMD associated with another user.

[0083] The notification process includes a next step 640 of receiving, by the hub station, approval information associated with a communication request for an HMD capable of being used with a wearable accessory. The approval information may be based on input from the user to the hub station, such as a button press, a verbal confirmation, or a gesture. The approval information may be based on input from the user to one of the wearable accessories at the hub station, such as a button press on a temple arm or a user's touch on a pressure-sensitive optical seal. The approval information may be based on input from the user to the HMD, or based on sensor information from the HMD, such as recognition of a user's face present near a display of the HMD when the user picks up the HMD in response to the communication request. Different types of approval information are possible.

[0084] The notification process includes a next step 642 of enabling communication between the hub station and the remote device associated with the communication request. Once approval is received, the hub station may allow the user to communicate with the remote device, such as another HMD associated with another user. Depending on the characteristics of the hub station, the communication between the users may be audible only, such as in the case where the hub station includes a microphone and a speaker, or audible and visual, such as in the case where the hub station includes a sensor with imaging capabilities and a display. The communication may be in a physical environment, such as by capturing the voice and image or video of the user in proximity to the hub station, or in a virtual environment, such as in the case where the remote device associated with the communication request is an HMD associated with another user currently operating in a virtual environment. This physical and virtual co-presence is useful for allowing communication between users to be established, even in the case where, for example, neither user is present in the physical or virtual environment.

[0085] The notification process includes a next step 644 of enabling communication between the HMD and the remote device associated with the communication request based on, for example, receiving switching information associated with the HMD. The switching information may indicate that the user communicating through the hub station (e.g., as in step 642) is ready to communicate with a remote device (e.g., another HMD) through the HMD. The switching information may be based on user input to the hub station or to the HMD, such as a button press, gesture, or verbal command. The switching information may be automatically generated by the hub station, such as when a sensor of the hub station determines that the user has put on the HMD. The switching information may be generated by the HMD, such as when a sensor of the HMD determines that the user has put on the HMD. Other sources of switching information are possible.

[0086] Figure 7 Shows that Figure 1 Wearable accessories and Figures 2A to 4 746 for use with the hub stations 200, 300, 400. In the illustrated example, the controller 746 includes a processor 748, a memory device 750, a storage device 752, one or more input devices 754, and one or more output devices 756. These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus 758 that allows communication between the components.

[0087] Processor 748 may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit and may be operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. Memory device 750 may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random access memory module. Storage device 752 may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard disk or solid-state drive.

[0088] Input devices 754 may include sensors and / or any type of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, touch screen input devices, gesture input devices, or audio input devices. Output devices 756 may include devices operable to project audio, project images or video, or provide information to a user of the hub station 200, 300, 400 regarding a wearable device (such as information regarding a wearable device). Figure 1 Any type of device that is associated with notifications and configured with indications or notifications (such as those described above).

[0089] With reference to a head mounted display such as HMD 100, a physical environment refers to the physical world that people can perceive and / or interact with without the aid 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.

[0090] 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 characteristics 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 turns, 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 would 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 movements (e.g., voice commands).

[0091] 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 a 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.

[0092] Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

[0093] A virtual reality (VR) environment refers to a simulated environment designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input for one or more senses. 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 the computer-generated environment and / or through a simulation of a subset of the person's physical movement within the computer-generated environment.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 the location 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.

[0096] Examples of mixed reality include augmented reality and augmented virtuality.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] An augmented virtual (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which a virtual or computer-generated environment combines one or more sensory inputs from the physical environment. The sensory input may be a representation of one or more characteristics of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but the 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 positioning of the sun in the physical environment.

[0100] 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), smart phones, tablet devices, and desktop / laptop computers. A head-mounted system can have one or more speakers and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, a head-mounted system can be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smart phone). A head-mounted system can 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 can have a transparent or translucent display. A transparent or translucent display can 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, liquid crystal on silicon, 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.

[0101] As mentioned above, one aspect of the present technology is to collect and use data that can be obtained from various sources, such as from sensors or user profiles, to improve systems such as Figures 2A to 4The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, the 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, and exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0102] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of personal information data in the present technology can be used to benefit users. For example, personal information data can be used to deliver changes in the operating mode or configuration of the system such as hub station 200, 300, 400 to best match user preferences or profiles. Other uses of personal information data that benefit users are also possible. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health status, or can be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

[0103] This disclosure anticipates that entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with sound privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and privacy 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 entity purposes and should not be shared or sold outside of these legitimate purposes. In addition, such collection / sharing should be carried out after receiving the user's informed consent.

[0104] In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data and to ensure that other entities with access to the personal information data comply with the privacy policies and procedures of the other entities. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and privacy practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including considerations of particular jurisdictions. For example, in the United States, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance 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 advocated for different types of personal data in each country.

[0105] Notwithstanding 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 a hub station, the technology of the present invention may be configured to allow a user to choose to "opt in" or "opt out" to participate in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after a registration service. 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 the user's 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.

[0106] In addition, it is the intention of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting the data. 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 the data is stored (e.g., aggregating data between users), and / or other methods when appropriate.

[0107] Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may be implemented without 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, changes in the operating mode or configuration associated with a hub station may be implemented for a given user by inferring user preferences or user states based on non-personal information data, an absolute minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the system, or publicly available information.

Claims

1. A hub station for a wearable accessory, comprising: a receptacle configured to receive and support the wearable accessory; a hub indicator associated with the receptacle, the hub indicator configured to provide an indication specifying at least one of user information, a charge level, or availability of the wearable accessory when the wearable accessory is supported by the receptacle; and A processor, the processor being configured to: receiving a notification for the wearable accessory; as well as An instruction to activate the hub indicator is communicated based on the notification.

2. The hub station of claim 1, wherein the hub indicator comprises a first color, shape, or pattern associated with the indication and a second color, shape, or pattern associated with the notification.

3. A hub station according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hub indicator includes a display, wherein the display is configured to provide the indication specifying the user information, the indication including a text or pictorial representation of the user information.

4. The hub station of claim 1 , wherein the hub indicator is configured to provide the indication specifying the charge level of the wearable accessory using a first color, shape, or pattern, 5. The hub station of claim 4, wherein the hub indicator is configured to provide the indication specifying the availability of the wearable accessory using a second color, shape, or pattern.

6. The hub station of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wearable accessory comprises a wearable indicator, and wherein the processor is further configured to: An instruction to activate the wearable indicator is transmitted based on the notification.

7. A hub station according to any one of claims 1 to claim 6, wherein the notification for the wearable accessory is received from a head-mounted display that can be used with the wearable accessory and is separated from the hub station, and wherein the notification is received based on a communication request transmitted to the head-mounted display.

8. The hub station according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A locking mechanism having a locked position configured to secure the wearable accessory to the receptacle and an unlocked position configured to allow removal of the wearable accessory from the receptacle.

9. The hub station of claim 8, wherein the indication specifying the availability of the wearable accessory is based on a position of the locking mechanism.

10. The hub station of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hub indicator is disposed on a surface of the hub station at a location adjacent the receptacle.

11. A method comprising: receiving, by a hub station, notification information associated with a communication request for a head mounted display usable with a wearable accessory located at the hub station; generating, by a hub indicator of the hub station, an indication based on the notification information; receiving, by the hub station, configuration information specifying at least one of user information, a charge level, or availability of the wearable accessory; as well as Another indication is generated by the hub indicator of the hub station based on the configuration information.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the wearable accessory is received on an accessory area of ​​the hub station, and wherein the head mounted display is spaced apart from the hub station and the wearable accessory.

13. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising: receiving, by the hub station, approval information associated with the communication request for the head mounted display capable of use with the wearable accessory; as well as Communications between the hub station and a remote device associated with the communication request are enabled.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: receiving, by the hub station, switching information associated with the head mounted display; as well as Communications between the head mounted display and the remote device associated with the communication request are enabled based on the switching information.

15. A hub station comprising: a housing having an accessory area; hub indicators associated with at least some of the accessory areas, each hub indicator configured to provide a notification associated with a wearable accessory disposed on the corresponding accessory area; and Registration devices are associated with at least some of the accessory regions, each registration device being configured to orient a wearable accessory to a respective accessory region.

16. The hub station of claim 15, wherein the notification represents an incoming communication received by a head mounted display usable with a wearable accessory disposed on one of the accessory areas, and wherein the head mounted display is spaced apart from the hub station.

17. The hub station of claim 16, wherein at least some of the hub indicators are configured to provide an indication of at least one of user information, a charge level, or availability of a wearable accessory specified for placement on a corresponding accessory area.

18. The hub station according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: a charging device associated with at least some of the accessory areas, Each charging device is configured to provide wireless charging to a wearable accessory disposed on a corresponding accessory region, and Each charging device includes at least one of an induction coil disposed within the housing, electrical contacts coextensive with a surface of the housing, or pogo pins configured for connection with a corresponding wearable accessory.

19. The hub station of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein one or more of the registration devices comprises a magnet having a predefined pole pattern, the magnet being configured to align or secure a wearable accessory with a corresponding accessory area.

20. A hub station according to any one of claims 15 to claim 19, wherein one or more of the alignment devices include a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism having a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position being configured to secure the wearable accessory to the corresponding accessory area, and the unlocked position being configured to allow the wearable accessory to be removed from the corresponding accessory area.

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