Head-mounted device

Abstract

A head-mounted device capable of effectively managing heat while also managing noise output in a manner that reduces the user's perception thereof. For example, a support member extending across a flow channel may provide multiple sections within the flow channel having different profiles and / or cross-sectional dimensions. Each profile and / or cross-sectional dimension may generate tonal noise at different frequencies such that the generated tonal noise is distributed across multiple frequencies to mask such tonal noise in the broadband noise generated by the head-mounted device. Such a support member is movably positioned within the flow channel and rigidly coupled to other components of the head mounted device. Such support members may also be used to withdraw heat from other components of the head mounted device for dissipation by the flow of air within the flow channel.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202010341648.0, priority date April 30, 2019, application date April 27, 2020, and invention name “Head-mounted device”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 840,663, filed on April 30, 2019, entitled “NOISE MITIGATION FOR HEAD-MOUNTED DEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to head mounted devices and, more particularly, to cooling and noise suppression of head mounted devices. Background Art

[0005] The head-mounted device can be worn by a user to display visual information within the user's field of view. The head-mounted device can be used as a virtual reality (VR) system, an augmented reality (AR) system, and / or a mixed reality (MR) system. The user can observe the output provided by the head-mounted device, such as visual information provided on a display. The display can optionally allow the user to observe the environment outside the head-mounted device. Other outputs provided by the head-mounted device may include speaker output and / or tactile feedback. The user can further interact with the head-mounted device by providing input for processing by one or more components of the head-mounted device. For example, when the device is mounted to the user's head, the user can provide tactile input, voice commands, and other inputs. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, a head-mounted device is provided, comprising: a frame having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a camera module, the camera module being on the first side of the frame; a display module, the display module being on the second side of the frame; a flow channel, the flow channel being within the frame; a support member, the support member rigidly coupling the camera module to the display module, the support member having a plurality of sections having different cross-sectional sizes within the flow channel; and a blower, the blower being used to move air through the flow channel and across the support member.

[0007] According to a second aspect, a head-mounted device is provided, the head-mounted device comprising: a frame; a flow channel, the flow channel being within the frame; a blower, the blower being used to cool the head-mounted device by moving air through the flow channel; and a support member, the support member being movably positioned within the flow channel, the support member comprising: a first section, the first section having a first profile, the first profile utilizing the air moved by the blower to generate a first tonal noise at a first frequency; and a second section, the second section having a second profile, the second profile utilizing the air moved by the blower to generate a second tonal noise at a second frequency different from the first frequency.

[0008] According to a third aspect, a head-mounted device is provided, the head-mounted device comprising: a frame defining an inlet, an outlet and walls; a flow channel between the walls and connecting the inlet to the outlet; and a support member movably positioned within the flow channel and extending through the walls, the support member comprising: external sections, each of which is positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the walls and has a first cross-sectional dimension; and an internal section, which is positioned between the external sections and has a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For purposes of explanation, several implementations of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of a head mounted device on a user is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 A front view of a head mounted device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 A rear view of a head mounted device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a head-mounted device.

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a support structure in a flow channel of a head-mounted device.

[0015] Figure 6A perspective view of a support member having a constant cross-sectional dimension throughout its length is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 A graph is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the graph comprising a flow through a flow channel and through Figure 6 Amplitude diagram of the frequency range of the sound produced by the supporting member.

[0017] Figure 8 A perspective view of a support member having a variable (eg, in a stepped manner) cross-sectional dimension throughout its length is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 9 A graph is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the graph comprising a flow through a flow channel and through Figure 8 Amplitude diagram of the frequency range of the sound produced by the supporting member.

[0019] Fig.10 A perspective view of a support member having a variable (eg, tapered) cross-sectional dimension throughout its length is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.11 A graph is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the graph comprising a flow through a flow channel and through Fig.10 Amplitude diagram of the frequency range of the sound produced by the supporting member.

[0021] Fig.12 A perspective view of a support member having a variable cross-sectional dimension over a segment of its length is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.13 A perspective view of a support member having a variable cross-sectional dimension over a segment of its length is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.14 A perspective view of a support member having a variable cross-sectional dimension throughout its length is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of a support member in a flow channel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a support member in a flow channel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Fig.17 A block diagram of a head mounted device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The specific embodiments shown below are intended to be descriptions of various configurations of the subject technology and are not intended to represent the only configuration that the subject technology can be put into practice. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. The specific embodiments include specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details shown herein and can be put into practice without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology.

[0028] Head-mounted devices, such as head-mounted displays, headphones, goggles, smart glasses, heads-up displays, etc., can perform a range of functions managed by components (e.g., sensors, circuits, and other hardware) included in the wearable device. The head-mounted device can provide an immersive or otherwise natural user experience so that the user can easily focus on enjoying the experience without being distracted by the mechanisms of the head-mounted device.

[0029] Components of a head mounted device may generate heat during operation. Excessive heat over time may damage components of the head mounted device and cause discomfort to the user. Heat may be suppressed in a variety of ways, including utilizing active mechanisms (e.g., air conditioners) integrated into the head mounted device. However, the operation of active cooling mechanisms (e.g., air conditioners) may generate noise that may interfere with the user's desired experience with the head mounted device. Specifically, the head mounted device is in close proximity to the ears of the user wearing the head mounted device when in use. Therefore, any noise generated may be easily perceived by the user.

[0030] To dissipate heat, a blower may be used to move air through a flow channel within a head-mounted device. Certain objects, such as support members, may be present within the flow channel for a variety of reasons. For example, such objects may rigidly couple other components positioned on opposite sides of the flow channel together. As another example, such objects may provide heat dissipation characteristics by drawing heat away from other components and into the flow channel to be cooled. Blowers and other components of the head-mounted device may generate broadband noise over a wide range of frequencies. However, when exposed to air flow, objects within the flow channel may generate tonal aerodynamic noise within a frequency range that is noticeable enough to be perceived by a user. For example, tonal noise may be perceived as a whistling or high-pitched noise due to the periodic shedding of vortices behind components within the flow channel.

[0031] The system of the present disclosure can provide a head-mounted device that effectively manages heat while also managing noise output in a manner that reduces the user's perception of it. For example, a support member extending across a flow channel can provide multiple sections with different profiles and / or cross-sectional dimensions within the flow channel. Each profile and / or cross-sectional dimension can generate tonal noise at different frequencies, so that the generated tonal noise is distributed over multiple frequencies, making it possible to mask such tonal noise in the broadband noise generated by the head-mounted device. Such support members can be movably positioned within the flow channel and rigidly coupled to other components of the head-mounted device, such as a camera on the outside of the head-mounted device and a display module on the inside of the head-mounted device. Such support members can also be used to draw heat out of other components of the head-mounted device to be dissipated by the flow of air within the flow channel.

[0032] The following references Figures 1 to 17 However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0033] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 1 As shown, the head mounted device 100 includes a frame 110 that is worn on the user's head. The frame 110 may be positioned in front of the user's eyes to provide information within the user's field of view. The frame 110 may provide a nose pad or another feature to be placed on the user's nose. The frame 110 may be supported on the user's head using a fixing element 120. The fixing element 120 may be wrapped or extended along opposite sides of the user's head. The fixing element 120 may include headphones for wrapping around or otherwise engaging or placing on the user's ears. It should be understood that other configurations may be applied to fix the head mounted device 100 to the user's head. For example, in addition to or in place of the components shown in the head mounted device 100, one or more straps, bands, straps, caps, hats, or other components may be used. As another example, the fixing element 120 may include multiple components to engage the user's head.

[0034] The frame 110 can provide structure around its peripheral area to support any internal components of the frame 110 in their assembled position. For example, the frame 110 can enclose and support various internal components (including, for example, integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices, and other circuits) to provide computing and functional operations for the head mounted device 100, as further discussed herein. Any number of components can be included within and / or on the frame 110 and / or the fixing element 120.

[0035] The frame 110 may include and / or support one or more camera modules 130. The camera modules 130 may be positioned on or near the outside of the frame 110 to capture images of views external to the head mounted device 100. The captured images may be used for display to a user or stored for any other purpose.

[0036] See now Figure 2 The head mounted device may have a flow channel extending through at least a portion of its frame to provide cooling to components of the head mounted device. Figure 2 As shown, one or more flow channels 114 extend from one or more inlets 112 to one or more outlets 116. Although the inlet 112 is depicted at the bottom portion of the frame 110 and the outlet 116 is depicted at the top portion of the frame 110, it should be appreciated that the inlet, outlet, and flow channels therebetween may be positioned at any portion of the head mounted device 100. The outlet 116 may be disposed at a position that allows exhaust air to be discharged into an environment that is not disruptive to the user. For example, the outlet 116 may be provided in a position and orientation that directs hot air away from the user. Multiple flow channels 114 may be interconnected so that multiple inlets 112 and / or multiple outlets 116 are connected to each other.

[0037] One or more blowers 150 (e.g., fans) may be operated to provide cooling to one or more components of the head mounted device 100. Although a plurality of blowers 150 are shown, it should be understood that any number of blowers may be provided, each at one of a plurality of locations along the flow channel 114. One or more blowers 150 may be positioned at the inlet 112 and the outlet 116, or along the flow channel 114 between the inlet 112 and the outlet 116. The blowers 150 may be positioned upstream and / or downstream of a component cooled by the airflow driven by the blowers 150.

[0038] The blower 150 can direct air or another gas into, against, or across one or more components of the head mounted device 100. By way of example, the blower 150 can include a plurality of blades that can move to push air in a desired direction. As used herein, a blower can include any mechanism that provides mechanical movement of a gas. The examples provided herein are exemplary and not restrictive. The blower 150 can operate based on one or more operating parameters that can be controlled during use. The operating parameters can be determined at least in part based on the need for cooling (e.g., based on the temperature of one or more components). The operating parameters can be further determined based on acceptable sound levels and characteristics that will be generated by the blower 150 and along the flow path, as further described herein.

[0039] like Figure 2As further shown, the camera modules 130 can be positioned on the outer side 122 of the frame 110. Each of the camera modules 130 can be moved along the outer side 122. For example, Figure 2 As shown, a track 132 or other guide may be provided to facilitate movement of the camera module 130 therein. The camera module 130 may be supported on the outer side 122 over a portion of the flow channel 114. Thus, a support member (not shown) supporting the camera module 130 may extend into the flow channel 114, as further described herein.

[0040] Although several components are shown within the frame 110, it should be understood that some or all of these components may be located anywhere within or on the head mounted device 100. For example, one or more of these components may be positioned within a fixed element of the head mounted device 100.

[0041] See now Figure 3 The head mounted device may have a display module that provides visual output for viewing by a user wearing the head mounted device. Figure 3 As shown, one or more display modules 140 can be positioned on the inner side 124 of the head mounted device 100. For example, a pair of display modules 140 can be provided, wherein each display module 140 is movably positioned within the field of view of each of the user's two eyes. Each display module 140 can be adjusted to align with the user's corresponding eye. For example, each display module 140 can be moved along one or more axes until the center of each display module 140 is aligned with the center of the corresponding eye.

[0042] The movement of each display module can match the movement of the corresponding camera module. For example, each display module 140 can be supported on the inner side 124 over a portion of the flow channel 114. The same support member (not shown) can support both the camera module 130 and the display module 140, as further described herein.

[0043] The display module 140 may transmit light from the physical environment (e.g., as captured by the camera module) for viewing by the user. Such a display module 140 may include optical features, such as lenses for vision correction based on incident light from the physical environment. Additionally or alternatively, the display module 140 may provide information as a display within the user's field of view. Such information may be provided by excluding a view of the physical environment or in addition to (e.g., overlaying) the physical environment.

[0044] The physical environment refers to the physical world that people can sense and / or interact with without the help of electronic systems. A physical environment, such as a physical park, includes physical objects, such as physical trees, physical buildings, and physical people. People can directly sense and / or interact with the physical environment, such as through vision, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.

[0045] In contrast, a computer generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a fully or partially simulated environment that a person perceives and / or interacts with via an electronic system. In CGR, a subset of a person's physical movements, or representations thereof, are tracked, and in response, one or more features of one or more virtual objects simulated in the CGR environment are adjusted in a manner that complies with at least one law of physics. For example, a CGR system may detect a person's head turning, and in response, adjust the graphical content and sound field presented to the person in a manner similar to the way such views and sounds change in a physical environment. In some cases (e.g., for accessibility reasons), adjustments to features of virtual objects in a CGR environment may be made in response to representations of physical movement (e.g., voice commands).

[0046] A person may sense and / or interact with a CGR object using any of their senses, including vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person may sense and / or interact with an audio object that creates a 3D or spatial audio environment that provides the perception of a point audio source in 3D space. As another example, an audio object may enable audio transparency that selectively introduces ambient sounds from the physical environment with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person may sense and / or interact only with an audio object.

[0047] Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

[0048] A virtual reality (VR) environment refers to a simulated environment designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input to one or more senses. A VR environment includes a plurality of virtual objects that a person can sense and / or interact with. For example, trees, buildings, and computer-generated images representing avatars of people are examples of virtual objects. A person can sense and / or interact with virtual objects in a VR environment through a simulation of the person's presence within the computer-generated environment, and / or through a simulation of a subset of the person's physical movements within the computer-generated environment.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In some MR environments, computer-generated sensory input can respond to changes in sensory input from the physical environment. In addition, some electronic systems used to render the MR environment can track position and / or orientation relative to the physical environment to enable virtual objects to interact with real objects (i.e., physical items from the physical environment or representations thereof). For example, the system can cause motion so that virtual trees appear stationary relative to the physical ground.

[0051] Examples of mixed reality include augmented reality and augmented virtuality.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] An augmented virtual (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which a virtual or computer-generated environment is combined with one or more sensory inputs from a physical environment. The sensory input may be a representation of one or more features of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but the faces of people are realistically reproduced from images taken of physical people. For another example, a virtual object may take the shape or color of a physical object imaged by one or more imaging sensors. For another example, a virtual object may take a shadow that conforms to the position of the sun in the physical environment.

[0055] 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, tablets, 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, silicon-based liquid crystal, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium can be an optical waveguide, a hologram medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, a transparent or translucent display can be configured to selectively become opaque. A projection-based system can employ retinal projection technology that projects a graphic image onto a person's retina. The projection system can also be configured to project a virtual object into a physical environment, such as a hologram or onto a physical surface.

[0056] Although various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are shown with respect to head-mounted devices, it should be understood that the subject technology may encompass and be applied to other devices. For example, a noise suppression system according to the embodiments disclosed herein may be included with an electronic device that generates heat during operation. Such electronic devices may be or include a desktop computing device, a laptop computing device, a display, a television, a portable device, a phone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a wearable device, a watch, and / or a digital media player. Such devices may include a blower and a flow channel to facilitate cooling as described herein.

[0057] See now Figure 4 , a support member may be positioned within the flow channel of the head mounted device to rigidly couple the camera module to the display module on the opposite side of the flow channel. Figure 4 Only one set of components is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that the features can be applied to other components (e.g., other camera modules, display modules, and support members). For example, such features can be the same or similar for different sets of components on either side (e.g., the right side or the left side) of the head mounted device.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the camera module 130 may be positioned on the outer side 122 of the frame 110. In addition, the display module 140 may be positioned on the inner side 124 of the frame 110. The camera module 130 may be rigidly coupled to the display module 140 by a support member 170 extending through the flow channel 114. In addition, the support member 170 may extend through each of the opposing walls 118 that define at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the flow channel 114. At least one of the walls 118 may provide a track 132 that may guide the movement of the camera module 130 and / or the display module 140. The rigid coupling provided by the support member 170 may facilitate simultaneous movement of both the camera module 130 and the display module 140. As used herein, a rigid coupling is a mechanical connection between at least two components that facilitates consistent simultaneous movement of the components. For example, a rigid coupling may ensure that when one component moves a given distance in a given direction, another component also moves the same distance in the same direction.

[0059] Although Figure 4 Only one support member 170 is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that any number of support members 170 may be provided. For example, multiple support members 170 may be distributed and extend across the track 132 or another track. Multiple support members 170 can increase the stiffness of the coupling between the camera module 130 and the display module 140. A single support member may optionally be placed outside the wake of another support member and / or each other support member. For example, the support members may be distributed so that each receives an undisturbed flow incident on the corresponding support member, rather than a flow disturbed by the wake of another support member.

[0060] The display module 140 may be adjusted to align with the corresponding eye of the user, and the camera module 130 may be adjusted accordingly so that the field of view provided by the display module 140 corresponds to the field of view captured by the camera module 130. Thus, the display module 140 is able to accurately reproduce, simulate, or augment a view based on the view captured by the camera module 130, with an alignment corresponding to the view that the user would naturally have without the head mounted device 100. Such alignment is maintained by the rigid coupling of the support member 170. By extending directly between the camera module 130 and the display module 140, the support member 170 can provide a shorter length than that provided by extending outside of the flow channel 114. Therefore, the support member 170 is more resistant to flexing and bending, which would interfere with the alignment of the camera module 130 and the display module 140.

[0061] like Figure 4As further shown, the position of the support member 170 within the flow channel 114 allows air to flow around and / or through the support member 170. Such flow can be provided by the blower 150, which can be positioned upstream and / or downstream of the support member 170. The blower 150 can also provide cooling to one or more additional components 160 of the head mounted device 100. The flow channel 114 can extend through, near, or adjacent to the component 160 to be cooled. It should be understood that the component to be cooled can be any component of the head mounted device 100. For example, the component to be cooled can be an electronic component, a controller, a processor, a battery, a sensor, an antenna, or any component that is thermally connected to another component to be cooled by heat dissipation. As another example, the component to be cooled can be the support member 170 and any structure connected thereto. The flow channel 114 can directly connect the blower 150 to the component to be cooled. For example, the flow channel 114 can expose at least a portion of the component so that the flow provides cooling directly to the component. Additionally or alternatively, the flow channel 114 may be defined by one or more structures that are thermally connected to the component to be cooled. For example, a heat sink may be provided that is thermally connected to the component and / or as part of the component. The component to be cooled and / or the heat sink may be close to, adjacent to, in contact with, and / or exposed to the flow channel 114 and / or the structures (e.g., inlets, outlets, and / or walls) that define the flow channel 114. Thus, the flow of another fluid or air through the flow channel 114 may provide convection for removing heat from the component and / or the heat sink during operation.

[0062] The rotational speed of the blower 150 can be controlled to provide effective cooling at an acceptable sound level. Where multiple blowers are provided, the number of blowers can be controlled to manage the amount of cooling provided and the amount of noise generated. Additionally or alternatively, each of the multiple blowers can be independently controlled to provide different cooling actions and / or generate noise at different sound levels, different frequencies, and / or other parameters.

[0063] See now Figure 5 , the support member may be configured to reduce the tonal noise generated when air flows around the support member. Figure 5As shown, when air bypasses the support member 170, the area downstream of the support member 170 may have a relatively low pressure. In this area, vortices are formed in a periodic manner on the opposite sides of the support member 170. The formation of the vortex behind the support member 170 and the periodicity of shedding define the frequency of the corresponding tonal noise generated. This tonal noise can be perceived by the user as a whistle or high-pitched noise near it. As used herein, tonal noise is the sound generated by the periodic formation and shedding of the vortex behind the support member. As used herein, broadband noise is a collection of other sounds formed by one or more of a variety of sources. Broadband noise can be generated at or near the blower, inlet, outlet and / or flow channel. Broadband noise may have a frequency distribution wider than the frequency distribution of tonal noise.

[0064] Vortex shedding as described herein is an oscillating flow that occurs when air flows past a support member, which depends on the size and shape of the body. In this flow, vortices are generated on the downstream side of the support member and periodically separate from either side of the body. The airflow through the support member generates alternating low-pressure vortices on the downstream side of the support member. The vortex shedding frequency is given by the Strouhal number S t is defined as a dimensionless number describing the oscillatory flow mechanism and is given by:

[0065]

[0066] where f is the shedding frequency, d is the diameter, and V is the flow velocity. For a given cross-sectional geometry and flow regime, S t is constant. It should be recognized that due to S t is constant, so changes in diameter and speed will produce different frequencies.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the geometry of the support member contributes to the characteristics of the noise generated when airflow flows around the support member. Such characteristics (e.g., frequency and amplitude) can be controlled by selecting a support member with a geometry that is conducive to masking tonal noise. It should be understood that a variety of noises are generated during operation of the head mounted device 100. It may be advantageous to distribute tonal noises so that they become less distinguishable from other noises.

[0068] exist Figure 6In an example of a support member 170 having a generally cylindrical shape is provided. The support member 170 can provide a uniform cross-sectional geometry 180 (e.g., size, diameter, etc.) along its length. The length can be the entire length of the support member 170 or a portion thereof within the flow channel. As used herein, a cross-sectional dimension is a length that can be measured between two points on the outer periphery of an object and through a cross section of the object. Diameter is an example of a cross-sectional dimension. Different cross-sectional dimensions of a given object can be measured by different cross sections along the axis of the object.

[0069] Because Figure 6 As shown by the uniform cross-sectional dimension 180, tonal noise having a uniform frequency will be generated along the length of the support member 170. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , as an example of a noise characteristic diagram of a head mounted device, a plurality of noises are combined to form a broadband noise 200, which is widely distributed over a wide frequency range. In contrast, the tonal noise generated at the supporting member has a uniform frequency and generates a tonal peak 210 in a relatively narrow frequency range. Therefore, the tonal noise represented by the tonal peak 210 is significant and can be distinguished from the broadband noise 200.

[0070] See now Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the geometry of the support structure can distribute the tonal noise over a continuous frequency range to allow the tonal noise to be more effectively masked by the broadband noise. Figure 8 As shown, the support member 170 may include a first section 172 and a second section 174 along the length of the support member 170. The first sections 172 may each have a first cross-sectional dimension 182 (e.g., a diameter). The second sections 174 may each have a second cross-sectional dimension 184 (e.g., a diameter) that is larger than the first cross-sectional dimension 182. Therefore, tonal noises of different frequencies will be generated at different sections having different cross-sectional dimensions. For example, Fig. 9 As shown, different tonal noises generated in different sections of the support member generate different tonal peaks 212 and tonal peaks 214. Each of the tonal peaks 212 and tonal peaks 214 has a frequency less than Figure 7 The amplitude of the single tone peak shown occurs. Therefore, the tonal noise represented by tone peak 212 and tone peak 214 is less noticeable than a single tone peak and is less distinguishable from broadband noise 200. In addition, the tonal noise can be adjusted by selecting a segment with a specific cross-sectional size. The frequency can be tuned to be within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0071] See now Fig.10 and Fig.11, another geometry of the support member can evenly distribute the tonal noise over a continuous frequency range to allow the tonal noise to be more effectively masked by the broadband noise. Fig.10 As shown, the support member 170 may include a first section 172 and a second section 174 at the ends of the support member 170. The first section 172 may have a first cross-sectional dimension 182 (e.g., a diameter), and the second section 174 may have a second cross-sectional dimension 184 (e.g., a diameter) that is larger than the first cross-sectional dimension 182. The cross-sectional dimension over the entire length of the support member 170 may transition from the first cross-sectional dimension 182 to the second cross-sectional dimension 184. For example, the cross-sectional dimension may taper to form a conical or frustoconical shape. Various shapes are contemplated, such as linear, curved, and combinations thereof. Thus, tonal noises having different frequencies will be generated along the lengths providing different cross-sectional dimensions. For example, as Fig.11 As shown, different tonal noises generated at different sections of the support member produce a smooth tonal region 216. The amplitude of the tonal noise is distributed over a continuous frequency range within the tonal region 216. Therefore, the tonal noise represented by the tonal region 216 is less noticeable than one or more discrete tonal spikes and less distinct from the broadband noise 200. In addition, the tonal noise can be adjusted by selecting sections with specific cross-sectional dimensions. The frequency can be tuned to be within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0072] See now Fig.12 , other geometric shapes of the support members can distribute the tonal noise over a continuous frequency range to allow the tonal noise to be effectively masked by the broadband noise. Fig.12 As shown, the support member 170 may include a plurality of segments 190. Any number of segments 190 may be included, wherein each segment 190 is the same or similar to at least one other segment 190. Each of the segments 190 may include a first section 172 and a second section 174. The first section 172 may have a first cross-sectional dimension 182 (e.g., a diameter), and the second section 174 may have a second cross-sectional dimension 184 (e.g., a diameter) that is larger than the first cross-sectional dimension 182. The cross-sectional dimension over the length of the entire support member 170 may alternate and / or transition multiple times between the first cross-sectional dimension 182 and the second cross-sectional dimension 184. For example, each segment 190 may taper to form a conical or frustoconical shape. Various shapes are contemplated, such as linear, curved, and combinations thereof. Thus, a tonal noise having different frequencies will be generated along the length, thereby providing different cross-sectional dimensions. The amplitude of the tonal noise will be distributed over a continuous frequency range within the tonal region. The frequency may be tuned to be within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise, so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0073] See now Fig.13 Other geometric shapes of the support structure can also distribute the tonal noise over a continuous frequency range to allow the tonal noise to be effectively masked by the broadband noise. Fig.13 As shown, the support member 170 may include a plurality of segments 190. The cross-sectional dimensions over the length of the entire support member 170 may alternate and / or transition multiple times between the first cross-sectional dimension 182 of the first section 172 and the second cross-sectional dimension 184 of the second section 174. For example, each segment 190 may include a curve forming an undulating profile. As used herein, a profile is the shape of an object in its cross section. The shape may include the entire cross section or a portion thereof. For example, a profile may be defined by an object profile, as shown by the periphery of the cross section. Various shapes for such profiles are contemplated, such as sine, square wave, triangle wave, sawtooth, and combinations thereof. Therefore, a tonal noise with different frequencies will be generated along the length, thereby providing different cross-sectional dimensions. The amplitude of the tonal noise will be distributed over a continuous frequency range within the tonal region. The frequency may be tuned to be within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0074] See now Fig.14 , the geometry of the support member can account for variations in flow velocity across the support member. As described above, the shedding frequency f of Equation 1 can vary based on variations in flow velocity V and diameter d. Additionally, the flow velocity can be slower adjacent to and along the walls of the flow channel than in the central region between the walls. Fig.14 As shown, the diameter of the support member 170 in the flow channel may have a first cross-sectional dimension 182 and a second cross-sectional dimension 184. The first cross-sectional dimension 182 at the end of the support member 170 (e.g., where the flow is slower along the wall of the flow channel) may be larger than the first cross-sectional dimension 182 (e.g., where the flow is faster at the central region between the walls). Various shapes for such profiles are contemplated, such as one or more tapers that are linear, curved, and combinations thereof. The profile shape may also include stepped shapes and other non-tapered shapes. Therefore, due to both the larger diameter and the slower airflow, the frequency of the tonal noise generated along the wall will be lower. Similarly, due to both the smaller diameter and the faster airflow, the frequency of the tonal noise generated at the central region between the walls will be higher. Therefore, the amplitude of the tonal noise will be distributed over a continuous frequency range within the tonal region. The frequency may be tuned to be within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0075] See now Fig.15 , the support member may include other features that affect flow relative to the support member. For example, Fig.15As shown, the support member 170 may include a slot 192 extending through at least a portion of the support member 170. The slot 192 may extend in a direction parallel to or similar to the flow direction upstream and / or downstream of the support member 170. It should be appreciated that any number of slots may be provided in any number of sizes, shapes, locations, and / or orientations.

[0076] See now Fig.16 , the support member may include surface features that affect flow relative to the support member. For example, Fig.16 As shown, the support member 170 may include one or more protrusions 194 extending from the base or core of the support member 170. One or more protrusions 194 may be positioned on opposite sides of the support member 170. One or more protrusions 194 may be positioned at any angular position around the circumference of the support member 170. It should be appreciated that any number of protrusions may be provided in any number of sizes, shapes, positions and / or orientations. One or more protrusions 194 may cause the laminar boundary layer of the flow to undergo a transition to a turbulent state, making the wake downstream of the support member 170 narrower and more chaotic than when there are no protrusions 194. Such an arrangement may change the frequency of any resulting tonal noise and / or reduce the tone by disrupting the wake. Therefore, the frequency may be tuned to be within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0077] The surface features of the support member can be produced by one or more of a variety of mechanisms. For example, the support member can be formed to include a protrusion extending from the base structure, as described herein. In addition or alternatively, other surface features, such as textures, can be provided. Such textures can have a repeating pattern on at least a portion of the support member. For example, the texture can be provided based on the formation method of the support member, such as by casting the support member to produce and maintain the surface texture. Such textures can be patterned or random. Like the protrusions, such textures can cause the laminar boundary layer of the flow to undergo a transition to a turbulent state, making the wake downstream of the support member narrower and more chaotic than when there is no texture. Such an arrangement can change the frequency of any resulting tonal noise and / or reduce the tone by disturbing the wake. Therefore, the frequency can be tuned to be within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0078] As described above, the shedding frequency f of Formula 1 may vary based on changes in the flow rate V and the diameter d. The flow rate may be controlled based at least in part on the operation of one or more blowers. The blowers may be operated based at least in part on the cooling requirements for one or more components of the head mounted device. The blowers may be operated based at least in part on the target frequency of the tonal noise. For example, the blowers may be operated so that the frequency of the tonal noise is within a range corresponding to the existing broadband noise so that the tonal noise is masked by the broadband noise.

[0079] See now Fig.17 , components of the head mounted device may be operably connected to provide the performance described herein. Fig.17 A simplified block diagram of an exemplary head mounted device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. It should be understood that the components described herein may be provided on either or both of the frame and / or the fixing elements of the head mounted device 100.

[0080] like Fig.17 As shown, the head mounted device 100 may include a controller 270 having one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory 218 having instructions stored thereon. The instructions or computer program may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the head mounted device 100. The controller 270 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or sending data or instructions. For example, the controller 270 may include one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination of such devices. As described herein, the term "processor" is intended to cover a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or one or more other appropriately configured computing elements.

[0081] The memory 218 can store electronic data that can be used by the head mounted device 100. For example, the memory 218 can store electronic data or content, such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for various modules, data structures or databases, etc. The memory 218 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory 218 can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements or combinations of such devices.

[0082] The head mounted device 100 may also include a display module 140 for displaying visual information to a user. The display module 140 may provide visual (e.g., image or video) output. The display module 140 may be or include an opaque, transparent, and / or translucent display. The display module 140 may have a transparent or translucent medium through which light representing an image is directed to the user's eyes. The display module 140 may utilize digital light projection, OLED, LED, uLED, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may 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 may be configured to selectively become opaque. A projection-based system may employ retinal projection technology that projects a graphic image onto a person's retina. The projection system may also be configured to project a virtual object into a physical environment, such as a hologram or on a physical surface. The head mounted device 100 may include an optical subassembly 214 configured to help optically adjust and properly project image-based content displayed by the display module 140 for close viewing. Optical subassembly 214 may include one or more lenses, mirrors, or other optical devices.

[0083] The head mounted device 100 may include a battery 220 that may charge and / or power components of the head mounted device 100. The battery 220 may also charge and / or power components connected to the head mounted device 100, such as the portable electronic device 202, as further described herein.

[0084] The head mounted device 100 may include a blower 150 and / or any other suitable component for cooling components of the head mounted device 100. Suitable components may include, for example, a blower, ducts for transferring heat, vents, openings, holes, any other component suitable for distributing and spreading heat, or any combination thereof. The blower 150 may also or alternatively be made of a material selected for its heat dissipation properties. For example, the housing of the head mounted device 100 may be configured to distribute heat away from its components and / or a user.

[0085] The head mounted device 100 may include an input / output component 226, which may include any suitable component for connecting the head mounted device 100 to other devices. Suitable components may include, for example, an audio / video jack, a data connector, or any additional or alternative input / output component.

[0086] The head mounted device 100 may include communication circuitry 228 for communicating with one or more servers or other devices using any suitable communication protocol. For example, the communication circuitry 228 may support Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, TCP / IP (e.g., any protocol used in each of the TCP / IP layers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, any other communication protocol, or any combination thereof. The communication circuitry 228 may also include an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals.

[0087] The head mounted device 100 may include a microphone 230 as described herein. The microphone 230 may be operably connected to a controller 270 for detecting sound levels and communicating the detection for further processing, as further described herein.

[0088] The head mounted device 100 may include a speaker 222 as described herein. The speaker 222 may be operably connected to a controller 270 to control the speaker output, including the sound level, as further described herein.

[0089] The head mounted device 100 may optionally be connected to a portable electronic device 202 that may provide certain functionality. Fig.17 The portable electronic device 202 will not be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the portable electronic device 202 can be implemented in a variety of forms, including a variety of features, all or part of which can be used by the head mounted device 100 (e.g., input / output, controls, processing, battery, etc.). The portable electronic device 202 can receive cooling from the operation of the blower 150. The portable electronic device 202 can provide a handheld form factor (e.g., a small portable electronic device that is lightweight and fits in a pocket, etc.). Although not limited to these, examples include media players, phones (including smart phones), PDAs, computers, etc. The portable electronic device 202 may include a screen 213 for presenting graphical portions of media to the user. The screen 213 can be used as a main screen for the head mounted device 100.

[0090] The head mounted device 100 may include a base 206 operable to receive a portable electronic device 202. The base 206 may include a connector (e.g., Lightning, USB, FireWire, Power, DVI, etc.) that may be plugged into a complementary connector of the portable electronic device 202. The base 206 may include features to help align the connectors during engagement and physically couple the portable electronic device 202 to the head mounted device 100. For example, the base 206 may define a cavity for placing the portable electronic device 202. The base 206 may also include retaining features for securing the portable electronic device 202 within the cavity. The connector on the base 206 may serve as a communication interface between the portable electronic device 202 and the head mounted device 100.

[0091] The head mounted device 100 may include one or more other sensors. Such sensors may be configured to sense substantially any type of feature, such as, but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and the like. For example, the sensor may be a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a chemical sensor, an ozone sensor, a particle count sensor, and the like. As another example, the sensor may be a biosensor for tracking biometric characteristics such as health and activity metrics. Other user sensors may perform facial feature detection, facial motion detection, facial recognition, eye tracking, user emotion detection, user emotion detection, voice detection, and the like. The sensor may include a camera that may capture image-based content of the outside world.

[0092] Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a head-mounted device that effectively manages heat while also managing noise output in a manner that reduces the user's perception of it. For example, a support member extending across a flow channel may provide multiple sections with different profiles and / or cross-sectional dimensions within the flow channel. Each profile and / or cross-sectional dimension may generate tonal noise at different frequencies, so that the generated tonal noise is distributed over multiple frequencies to mask such tonal noise in the broadband noise generated by the head-mounted device. Such support members may be movably positioned within the flow channel and rigidly coupled to other components of the head-mounted device, such as a camera on the outside of the head-mounted device and a display module on the inside of the head-mounted device. Such support members may also be used to draw heat out of other components of the head-mounted device to be dissipated by the flow of air within the flow channel.

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

[0094] Item A: A head-mounted device comprising: a frame having an outer side and an inner side; a camera module, the camera module on the outer side of the frame; a display module, the display module on the inner side of the frame; a flow channel, the flow channel within the frame; a support member, the support member rigidly coupling the camera module to the display module, the support member having a plurality of sections with different cross-sectional sizes within the flow channel; and a blower, the blower being used to move air through the flow channel and across the support member.

[0095] Item B: A head-mounted device comprising: a frame; a flow channel within the frame; a blower for cooling the head-mounted device by moving air through the flow channel; and a support member movably positioned within the flow channel, the support member comprising: a first section having a first profile that generates a first tonal noise at a first frequency using the air moved by the blower; and a second section having a second profile that generates a second tonal noise at a second frequency different from the first frequency using the air moved by the blower.

[0096] Item C: A head-mounted device comprising: a frame defining an inlet, an outlet, and walls; a flow channel between the walls and connecting the inlet to the outlet; and a support member movably positioned within the flow channel and extending through the walls, the support member comprising: external segments, each positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the walls and having a first cross-sectional dimension; and an internal segment positioned between the external segments and having a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

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

[0098] Item 1: The camera module is a first camera module; the display module is a first display module; the support member is a first support member; the head-mounted device also includes: a second camera module on the outer side of the frame; a second display module on the inner side of the frame; a second support member, the second support member rigidly couples the second camera module to the second display module, the second support member having a plurality of segments with different cross-sectional sizes.

[0099] Clause 2: An electronic component wherein the air moved by the blower cools the electronic component.

[0100] Clause 3: A heat sink thermally connecting the electronic component to the flow channel.

[0101] Clause 4: The camera module, the display module, and the support member are movable in unison and relative to the frame.

[0102] Clause 5: The display module is movable to align with the eyes of a user wearing the head mounted device.

[0103] Clause 6: Each of the sections of the support member forms a cylindrical shape.

[0104] Clause 7: The support member tapers across its length within the flow channel.

[0105] Clause 8: Each of the sections of the support member forms a tapered shape.

[0106] Clause 9: The support member provides a slot extending through the support member in the direction of the flow channel.

[0107] Clause 10: The support member provides a cylindrical shape with protrusions extending on opposite sides of the support member.

[0108] Clause 11: The first frequency and the second frequency are within the frequency range of broadband noise generated at the blower, inlet, and outlet.

[0109] Clause 12: Additional support members in the flow channel, wherein neither one of the support members is within the wake of the other one.

[0110] Clause 13: The support member is capable of moving with a camera and display module of the head mounted device to align the display module with the eyes of a user wearing the head mounted device.

[0111] Clause 14: Each of the walls comprises a track, and the support member is movable along and within each of the tracks.

[0112] Clause 15: A blower for moving air through the flow channel to cool the head mounted device.

[0113] Clause 16: A blower configured to move air across an inner section at a flow rate that is higher than a flow rate of air across the outer section.

[0114] Clause 17: The inner section is configured to generate a first tonal noise at a first frequency, and the outer section is configured to generate a second tonal noise at a second frequency lower than the first frequency.

[0115] As described above, one aspect of the present technology may include collecting and using data from various sources. The disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, these collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying information or personal information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0129] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, no claim element shall be construed unless the element is expressly stated using the phrase "a method for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "a step for."

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

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

Claims

1. A head mounted device, comprising: frame, a camera module on an outer side of the frame; a display module, the display module being on an inner side of the frame, the inner side being opposite to the outer side; a flow channel within the frame and comprising: a plurality of inlets at a bottom portion of the frame, the bottom portion joining the outer side and the inner side; and an outlet at a top portion of the frame, the top portion joining the outer side and the inner side and opposite the bottom portion; and A blower is provided for moving air through the flow passage.

2. The head mounted device of claim 1 , further comprising a support member that rigidly couples the camera module to the display module.

3. The head mounted device according to claim 2, wherein: The camera module is a first camera module; The display module is a first display module; The support member is a first support member; as well as The head mounted device further comprises: a second camera module on the outer side of the frame; a second display module on the inner side of the frame; A second support member rigidly couples the second camera module to the second display module, the second support member having a plurality of sections having different cross-sectional sizes.

4. A head-mounted device according to claim 2, wherein the support member includes a plurality of sections having different cross-sectional dimensions within the flow channel.

5. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the camera module, the display module, and the support member are movable in unison and relative to the frame.

6. The head mounted device of claim 1 further comprising electronic components, wherein the air moved by the blower cools the electronic components.

7. The head mounted device of claim 6, further comprising a heat sink thermally connecting the electronic component to the flow channel.

8. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the display module is movable to align with eyes of a user wearing the head mounted device.

9. A head mounted device, comprising: frame, a first flow channel within the frame and connecting a first inlet on a bottom portion of the frame to an outlet on a top portion of the frame, the top portion opposite the bottom portion; a second flow channel within the frame and connecting a second inlet on the bottom portion of the frame to the outlet; a first blower within the first flow passage; as well as A second blower is provided in the second flow passage.

10. The head mounted device of claim 9, wherein: The first blower is positioned adjacent the first inlet; and The second blower is positioned adjacent to the second inlet.

11. The head mounted device according to claim 9, further comprising: a first support member movably positioned within the first flow channel; as well as A second support member is movably positioned within the second flow channel.

12. The head mounted device of claim 11, wherein: The first support member is positioned between the first inlet and the outlet; and The second support member is positioned between the second inlet and the outlet.

13. The head mounted device of claim 12, wherein: The first blower is positioned between the first inlet and the first support member; and The second blower is positioned between the second inlet and the second support member.

14. A head mounted device, comprising: a frame defining opposing walls; a first flow channel between the opposing walls and connecting the first inlet to the outlet; a second flow passage between the opposing walls and connecting a second inlet to the outlet; a first support member movably positioned within the first flow channel and extending through each of the opposing walls; as well as A second support member is movably positioned within the second flow passage and extends through each of the opposing walls.

15. The head mounted device of claim 14, wherein: the first inlet being on a bottom portion of the frame; the second inlet being on a bottom portion of the frame; as well as The outlet is on a top portion of the frame, the top portion being opposite the bottom portion.

16. The head mounted device of claim 14, wherein: The first support member is coupled to a first camera module on an outer side of the frame and a first display module on an inner side of the frame; as well as The second supporting member is coupled to a second camera module on the outer side of the frame and a second display module on the inner side of the frame.

17. The head mounted device of claim 16, wherein: the first camera module, the first display module, and the first support member being movable in unison and relative to the frame; as well as The second camera module, the second display module, and the second support member are movable in unison and relative to the frame.

18. The head mounted device according to claim 14, further comprising: a first blower within the first flow passage; as well as A second blower is provided in the second flow passage.

19. A head-mounted device according to claim 14, wherein each of the opposing walls includes a track, and each of the first support member and the second support member is capable of moving along a corresponding pair of tracks in the tracks and within a corresponding pair of tracks in the tracks.

20. The head mounted device of claim 14, wherein neither the first support member nor the second support member is within a trail of the other support member.

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