Goggles with dynamic voltage rails for remote loads

Abstract

The goggles include a voltage controller in the frame that generates a dynamic analog control signal to control a voltage regulator in the temple. The voltage regulator includes a voltage rail for each electronic component in the temple. A separate analog control loop is coupled to each voltage regulator and receives a respective analog control signal. Each voltage regulator generates a rail voltage on a respective voltage rail controlled by a respective analog control signal. The analog control loop configures the respective voltage regulator as a voltage follower regulator such that the respective rail voltage follows the voltage of the analog control signal. A power source, such as a battery, is included in the temple and provides operating power to each electronic component, and the power is not transmitted to the temple electronic component through the hinge.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. application serial number 17 / 833,350, filed on June 6, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present subject matter relates to electronic eyewear devices, such as smart glasses, having a camera and a see-through display. Background Art

[0004] Currently available electronic eyewear devices (such as smart glasses, headwear, and headgear) integrate various electronic components, such as cameras, perspective displays, and processors. Such devices include wires extending through hinges to electrically connect various electronic components in the frame and temples and to power multiple loads. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The features of the various embodiments disclosed will be readily understood from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification and throughout the several views of the drawings, each element is referenced by a reference numeral. When multiple similar elements are present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the similar elements, with a letter added to represent the particular element.

[0006] Unless otherwise indicated, the various elements shown in the drawings are not drawn to scale. For clarity, the sizes of various elements may be exaggerated or reduced. Several drawings depict one or more embodiments and are presented by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting. The drawings include the following:

[0007] Figure 1A is a side view of an example electronic goggle device including an optical assembly having an image display;

[0008] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A top cross-sectional view of the optical components and electronics in a portion of the electronic goggle device shown in ;

[0009] Figure 2A is a rear view of an example electronic goggle device;

[0010] Figure 2B is a rear view of an example electronic goggle device;

[0011] Figure 2C is a rear view of an example electronic goggle device depicting an image display;

[0012] Figure 2D is a rear view of an example electronic goggle device depicting an image display;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A a rear cutaway perspective view of an electronic goggle device depicting an infrared emitter, an infrared camera, a front portion of the frame, a rear portion of the frame, and a circuit board;

[0014] Figure 4 It passes through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an infrared emitter and a frame of an electronic goggle device;

[0015] Figure 5 is a top view illustrating detection of eye gaze direction;

[0016] Figure 6 is a top view illustrating detection of eye positions;

[0017] Figure 7 is a block diagram depicting visible light captured by a visible light camera;

[0018] Fig. 8A is a block diagram illustrating a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) providing a dynamic voltage rail to peripheral components each having an analog control loop and a voltage regulator;

[0019] Figure 8B It is a block diagram of the control loop circuit;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the electronic goggle device; and

[0021] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method for a PMIC to provide a high impedance analog control signal to an analog control loop that controls a voltage follower regulator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The goggles include a voltage controller located in the frame, which generates a dynamic analog control signal to control a voltage regulator in the temple. The voltage regulator provides a voltage rail for each electronic component in the temple. A separate analog control loop circuit is connected to each voltage regulator and receives a corresponding analog control signal. Each voltage regulator generates a rail voltage at its output, which is controlled by a corresponding analog control signal. The analog control loop circuit configures the corresponding voltage regulator as a voltage follower regulator so that the corresponding rail voltage follows the voltage of the analog control signal. A power source (such as a battery) is housed in the temple and provides operating power to each electronic component. The battery provides power to each of the voltage regulators so that power is not transmitted to the temple electronic components via large wires across a space-constrained hinge. Providing power to the regulator locally is a streamlined arrangement and energy-saving approach.

[0023] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the following description, and will become apparent in part to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the subject matter may be realized and obtained by the methods, means and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0024] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth by way of example to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present teachings can be practiced without such details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have been described at a relatively high level without detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0025] As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to any logical, optical, physical or electrical connection, link, etc., that transmits a signal or light generated or provided by one system element to another coupled element. Unless otherwise described, coupled elements or devices need not be directly connected to each other and may be separated by intermediate components, elements or communication media that may modify, manipulate or transmit light or signals.

[0026] For the purpose of illustration and discussion, the orientation of the electronic goggles device, the associated components, and any complete device incorporating an eye scanner and a camera such as shown in any of the accompanying drawings is given by way of example only. In the operation for a specific variable optical processing application, the electronic goggles device can be oriented in any other direction suitable for the specific application of the electronic goggles device, such as up, down, sideways, or any other orientation. Moreover, within the scope used herein, any directional terms (e.g., front, rear, inwards, outwards, toward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, and side) are used only by way of example, and do not limit the direction or orientation of any optical element or optical element constructed as described herein. And do not limit the direction or orientation of any optical component or the direction or orientation of the components of the optical components constructed as described herein.

[0027] Reference is now made in detail to the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.

[0028] Figure 1Ais a diagram depicting a side view of an example hardware configuration of an electronic goggles device 100, the electronic goggles device 100 including a display having an image display 180C ( Figure 2A ) optical component 180A. The electronic goggles device 100 includes a plurality of visible light cameras 114A, 114B ( Figure 3 ), wherein the first visible light camera 114A is located on the right temple 110A, and the second visible light camera 114B is located on the left temple 110B ( Figure 2A ). In the example shown, the optical assembly 180A is located on the right side of the electronic goggles device 100. The optical assembly 180A may be located on the left side of the electronic goggles device 100 or at other locations.

[0029] Visible light cameras 114A, 114B may include image sensors that are sensitive to wavelengths in the visible light range. Each of visible light cameras 114A, 114B has a different forward-facing coverage angle, for example, visible light camera 114A has a depicted coverage angle 111A ( Figure 3 ). The coverage angle is the angular range in which the respective image sensors of visible light cameras 114A, 114B detect incident light and generate image data. Examples of such visible light cameras 114A, 114B include high-resolution complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors and video graphics array (VGA) cameras, such as 640p (e.g., 640×480 pixels totaling 300,000 pixels), 720p, 1080p, 4K, or 8K. Image sensor data from visible light cameras 114A, 114B may be captured along with geolocation data, digitized by an image processor, and stored in memory.

[0030] To provide stereoscopic vision, visible light cameras 114A, 114B may be coupled to an image processor ( Fig. 9 Image processor 912 may include receiving signals from visible light cameras 114A, 114B and processing those signals from visible light cameras 114A, 114B into a format suitable for storage in memory ( Fig. 9 The timestamp may be added by image processor 912 or other processor controlling the operation of visible light cameras 114A, 114B. Visible light cameras 114A, 114B allow the stereo camera to simulate human binocular vision. The stereo camera also provides a time stamp based on two images ( Figure 3 The image pair 758A, 758B) is used to reproduce the three-dimensional scene ( Figure 7915). Such three-dimensional images allow for realistic immersive virtual experiences, such as for virtual reality or video games. For stereoscopic vision, a pair of images 758A, 758B may be generated at a given moment—one for each of visible light cameras 114A, 114B. When the pair of images 758A, 758B generated from forward-facing fields of view (FOVs) 111A, 111B of visible light cameras 114A, 114B are stitched together (e.g., by image processor 912), depth perception is provided by optical components 180A, 180B.

[0031] In the example, the electronic eyewear device 100 includes a frame 105, a right frame 107A, a right temple 110A extending from a right lateral side 170A of the frame 105, and a see-through image display 180C (including an optical assembly 180A for presenting a GUI or other images to a user). Figure 2A-2B ). The electronic goggles device 100 includes a first visible light camera 114A, which is connected to the frame 105 or the right temple 110A to capture a first image of a scene. The electronic goggles device 100 further includes a second visible light camera 114B, which is connected to the frame 105 or the left temple 110B to capture a second image of the scene that at least partially overlaps with the first image (e.g., simultaneously with the first visible light camera 114A). Although Figure 1A and Figure 1B Not shown, but the high speed (HS) processor 932 ( Fig. 9 ) is coupled to the electronic goggle device 100 and is connected to the visible light cameras 114A, 114B and the memory 934 accessible to the processor 932 ( Fig. 9 ), and the programming in the memory 934 may be provided in the electronic goggle device 100 itself.

[0032] Although in Figure 1A As not shown in the figure, the electronic goggles device 100 may also include a head motion tracker ( Figure 1B Element 109) or eye movement tracker ( Figure 2A Element 113 or Figure 2B and Figure 2C The electronic goggles device 100 may further include perspective image displays 180C, 180D of the optical components 180A, 180B for presenting the displayed image sequence, respectively. The electronic goggles device 100 may further include an image display driver ( Fig. 9The electronic goggles device 100 may further include a memory 934 and a processor 932 ( Fig. 9 ), the processor 932 is able to access the image display driver 924 and the memory 934 and the programming in the memory 934. The programming executed by the processor 932 configures the electronic goggle device 100 to perform a function including presenting an initial display image of a sequence of display images via the see-through image display 180C, 180D, the initial display image having an initial field of view corresponding to the initial head orientation or initial eye gaze direction as determined by the eye movement tracker 113 or 213.

[0033] The programming executed by the processor 932 may further configure the electronic goggle device 100 to detect the motion of the user of the electronic goggle device 100 by: (i) detecting the motion of the user of the electronic goggle device 100 via a head motion tracker ( Figure 1B 109) to track the head movement of the user's head, or (ii) via an eye movement tracker ( Figure 2A Element 113 or Figure 2B and Figure 2C Element 213 of the electronic goggle device 100) tracks eye movements of the eyes of the user of the electronic goggle device 100. The programming executed by the processor 932 may further configure the electronic goggle device 100 to determine a field of view adjustment to an initial field of view of an initial display image based on the detected movement of the user. The field of view adjustment may include a continuous field of view corresponding to a continuous head direction or a continuous eye direction. The programming executed by the processor 932 may further configure the electronic goggle device 100 to generate a continuous display image of a display image sequence based on the field of view adjustment. The programming executed by the processor 932 may further configure the electronic goggle device 100 to present a continuously displayed image via the perspective image displays 180C, 180D of the optical components 180A, 180B.

[0034] Figure 1B It depicts Figure 1A 1 is an illustration of a top cross-sectional view of the optical components and electronics in a portion of electronic goggle device 100 shown in , which depicts first visible light camera 114A, head motion tracker 109, and circuit board 140. The construction and placement of second visible light camera 114B is substantially similar to first visible light camera 114A, except that second visible light camera 114B is connected and coupled to another lateral side 170B ( Figure 2A). As shown, the electronic goggle device 100 includes a first visible light camera 114A and a circuit board, which may be a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 140. A first hinge 126A connects the right temple 110A to an articulated arm 125A of the electronic goggle device 100. In some examples, the first visible light camera 114A, the flexible PCB 140, or other components of an electrical connector or contact may be located on the right temple 110A or the first hinge 126A.

[0035] Figure 1B Also shown is a conductive shield 142, which is coupled to the RF ground plate 144 and the PCB 140 and disposed between the RF ground plate 144 and the PCB 140. The shield 142 has a conductive structure that surrounds RF electronic components such as Fig. 9 Shield 142 is a cavity for the low power wireless circuit 924 and high speed wireless circuit 936 shown in FIG. 1 , and it provides RF grounding for the RF electronic components. Shield 142 provides RF shielding to prevent stray RF signals from being emitted outside the shield. Shield 142 also provides grounding for safety and electrostatic discharge protection, and the shield can be formed as part of the antenna design such as a ground plane.

[0036] As shown, the electronic goggle device 100 may include a head motion tracker 109, which includes, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU). An inertial measurement unit is an electronic device that uses a combination of an accelerometer and a gyroscope (sometimes also a magnetometer) to measure and report specific forces, angular velocity, and sometimes magnetic fields around the body. The inertial measurement unit works by using one or more accelerometers to detect linear acceleration and one or more gyroscopes to detect rotation rate. The usual configuration of an inertial measurement unit includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer for each of the three axes: a horizontal axis (X) for left-right motion, a vertical axis (Y) for top-bottom motion, and a depth axis or distance axis (Z) for up-down motion. The accelerometer detects the gravity vector. The magnetometer limits rotation in the magnetic field (e.g., facing south, north, etc.) like a compass that generates a heading reference. The three accelerometers detect acceleration along the horizontal, vertical, and depth axes defined above, which may be defined relative to the ground, the electronic goggle device 100 , or a user wearing the electronic goggle device 100 .

[0037] The electronic goggles device 100 can detect the movement of the user of the electronic goggles device 100 by tracking the head movement of the user's head via the head movement tracker 109. The head movement includes a change in the head direction relative to the initial head direction on the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or a combination thereof during the presentation of the initial display image on the image display. In one example, tracking the head movement of the user's head via the head movement tracker 109 includes measuring the initial head direction on the horizontal axis (e.g., X-axis), the vertical axis (e.g., Y-axis), or a combination thereof (e.g., lateral or diagonal movement) via an inertial measurement unit. Tracking the head movement of the user's head via the head movement tracker 109 further includes measuring the continuous head direction on the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or a combination thereof via the inertial measurement unit during the presentation of the initial display image.

[0038] Tracking the head movement of the user's head via the head movement tracker 109 may include determining a change in the head direction based on both the initial head direction and the continuous head direction. Detecting the movement of the user of the electronic goggle device 100 may further include, in response to tracking the head movement of the user's head via the head movement tracker 109, determining that the change in the head direction exceeds a deviation angle threshold on the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or a combination thereof. In the sample configuration, the deviation angle threshold is between about 3° and 10°. As used herein, when referring to an angle, the term "about" refers to a deviation of ±10% from the amount.

[0039] Changes along the horizontal axis slide three-dimensional objects (such as characters, Bitmojis, application icons, etc.) into and out of the field of view by, for example, hiding, unhiding, or otherwise adjusting the visibility of the three-dimensional objects. In one example, when the user looks up, for example, changes along the vertical axis display weather information, time of day, date, calendar appointments, etc. In another example, when the user looks down on the vertical axis, the electronic goggle device 100 can be powered off.

[0040] like Figure 1B As shown, the right temple 110A includes a temple body 211 configured to receive a temple cap. Figure 1B The temple cap is omitted in the cross section of FIG. 1. A different interconnected circuit board (such as a PCB or flexible PCB 140) is disposed in the right temple 110A, and the different interconnected circuit boards include a first visible light camera 114A, a microphone 130, a speaker 132, a low-power wireless circuit (e.g., for communicating via Wireless short-range network communications) and high-speed wireless circuits (e.g., for Controller circuit for wireless LAN communication and positioning via GPS).

[0041] The first visible light camera 114A is connected to the flexible PCB 140 or is disposed on the flexible PCB 140 and is covered by a visible light camera cover lens, which is aimed through an opening formed in the right temple 110A. In some examples, the frame 105 connected to the right temple 110A includes an opening for the visible light camera cover lens. The frame 105 may include a front-facing side configured to face outward away from the user's eyes. The opening for the visible light camera cover lens may be formed on the front-facing side and pass through the front-facing side. In an example, the first visible light camera 114A has an outward-facing coverage angle 111A with the line of sight or viewing angle of the right eye of the user of the electronic goggle device 100. The visible light camera cover lens may also be adhered to the outward-facing surface of the right temple 110A, wherein the opening is formed with an outward-facing coverage angle, but in a different outward direction. The connection may also be indirect via an intermediate component.

[0042] First visible light camera 114A may be connected to first see-through image display 180C of first optical assembly 180A to generate a first background scene of a first continuously displayed image. Second visible light camera 114B may be connected to second see-through image display 180D of second optical assembly 180B to generate a second background scene of a second continuously displayed image. The first background scene and the second background scene may partially overlap to present a three-dimensional observable area of ​​the continuously displayed image.

[0043] Flexible PCB 140 may be disposed inside right temple 110A and coupled to one or more other components housed in right temple 110A. Although shown as being formed on circuit board 140 of right temple 110A, first visible light camera 114A may be formed on another circuit board (not shown).

[0044] Figure 2A is a diagram depicting a rear view of an example hardware configuration of the electronic goggle device 100. Figure 2A As shown, the electronic goggles device 100 is configured to be worn by a user. Figure 2A The electronic eyewear device 100 may take other forms and may be combined with other types of frames, such as a headgear, a headset, or a helmet.

[0045] In the glasses example, the electronic goggle device 100 includes a frame 105, which includes a right frame 107A connected to a left frame 107B via a nose bridge 106, and the nose bridge is configured to receive the user's nose. The right frame 107A and the left frame 107B include corresponding holes 175A, 175B, which hold corresponding optical elements 180A, 180B, such as lenses and perspective displays 180C, 180D. As used herein, the term lens refers to a perspective or semi-perspective sheet covering glass or plastic with curved and flat surfaces that cause light to converge / diverge or cause little or no convergence / divergence.

[0046] Although shown as having two optical elements 180A, 180B, the electronic eyewear device 100 may include other arrangements, such as a single optical element, depending on the application or intended user of the electronic eyewear device 100. As further shown, the electronic eyewear device 100 includes a right temple 110A adjacent to the right lateral side 170A of the frame 105 and a left temple 110B adjacent to the left lateral side 170B of the frame 105. The temples 110A, 110B may be integrated into the frame 105 on the respective sides 170A, 170B (as shown) or implemented as separate components attached to the frame 105 on the respective sides 170A, 170B. Alternatively, the temples 110A, 110B may be integrated into the articulated arms 125A, 125B attached to the frame 105.

[0047] exist Figure 2A In an example, an eye tracker 113 is provided, which includes an infrared emitter 115 and an infrared camera 120. Visible light cameras typically include a blue light filter for blocking infrared light detection. In an example, the infrared camera 120 is a visible light camera, such as a low-resolution video graphics array (VGA) camera (e.g., 640×480 pixels for a total of 300,000 pixels), in which the blue filter is removed. The infrared emitter 115 and the infrared camera 120 may be co-located on the frame 105. For example, both are shown as being connected to the upper portion of the left frame 107B. The frame 105 or one or more of the temples 110A, 110B may include a circuit board (not shown) that includes the infrared emitter 115 and the infrared camera 120. The infrared emitter 115 and the infrared camera 120 may be connected to the circuit board by, for example, soldering.

[0048] Other arrangements of the infrared emitter 115 and the infrared camera 120 may be implemented, including arrangements in which both the infrared emitter 115 and the infrared camera 120 are on the right frame 107A or in different locations on the frame 105. For example, the infrared emitter 115 may be on the left frame 107B, and the infrared camera 120 may be on the right frame 107A. In another example, the infrared emitter 115 may be on the frame 105 and the infrared camera 120 may be on one of the temples 110A or 110B, or vice versa. The infrared emitter 115 may be connected substantially anywhere on the frame 105, the right temple 110A, or the left temple 110B to emit a pattern of infrared light. Similarly, the infrared camera 120 may be connected substantially anywhere on the frame 105, the right temple 110A, or the left temple 110B to capture at least one reflection change in the emission pattern of infrared light.

[0049] Infrared emitter 115 and infrared camera 120 can be arranged to face inwardly toward the user's eyes (with a partial or full field of view of the eyes) to identify the corresponding eye position and gaze direction. For example, infrared emitter 115 and infrared camera 120 can be positioned directly in front of the eyes, in the upper portion of frame 105, or in temple 110A or 110B at either end of frame 105.

[0050] Figure 2B 2 is a diagram depicting a rear view of another example hardware configuration of the electronic goggle device 200. In this example configuration, the electronic goggle device 200 is depicted as including an eye scanner 213 on the right temple 210A. As shown, an infrared emitter 215 and an infrared camera 220 are co-located on the right temple 210A. The eye scanner 213 or one or more components of the eye scanner 213 may be located on the left temple 210B and other locations of the electronic goggle device 200 (e.g., the frame 105). The infrared emitter 215 and the infrared camera 220 are co-located on the right temple 210A. Figure 2A The infrared emitter of is similar to the infrared camera, but the eye scanner 213 can be changed to be sensitive to different wavelengths of light, as previously described in Figure 2A Similar to Figure 2A , the electronic goggle device 200 includes a frame 105 including a right frame 107A connected to a left frame 107B via a nose bridge 106. The frames 107A, 107B may include respective holes for holding respective optical elements 180A, 180B including see-through displays 180C, 180D.

[0051] Figure 2C and Figure 2D1 is a diagram depicting a rear view of an example hardware configuration of the electronic goggle device 100 including two different types of see-through image displays 180C, 180D. In one example, these see-through image displays 180C, 180D of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B include integrated image displays. Figure 2C As shown, the optical components 180A, 180B include any suitable type of display matrix 180C, 180D, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a waveguide display, or any other such display.

[0052] The optical assembly 180A, 180B also includes one or more optical layers 176A-N, which may include lenses, optical coatings, prisms, reflectors, waveguides, light strips, and other optical components in any combination. The optical layer 176 may include a prism having a suitable size and configuration and including a first surface for receiving light from the display matrix and a second surface for emitting light to the user's eyes. The prism of the optical layer 176 may extend over all or at least a portion of the corresponding holes 175A, 175B formed in the frame 107A, 107B to allow the user to see the second surface of the prism when the user's eyes are viewing through the corresponding frame 107A, 107B. The first surface of the prism of the optical layer 176 faces upward from the frame 105 and the display matrix covers the prism so that the photons and light emitted by the display matrix hit the first surface. The prism is sized and shaped so that light is refracted within the prism and is directed toward the user's eyes by the second surface of the prism of the optical layer 176. In this aspect, the second surface of the prisms of the optical layer 176 can be convex to direct light toward the center of the eye. The prisms are sized and shaped to magnify the image projected by the see-through image display 180C, 180D, and the light travels through the prisms so that the image viewed from the second surface is larger in one or more dimensions than the image emitted by the see-through image display 180C, 180D.

[0053] In another example, the see-through image displays 180C, 180D of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B may include Figure 2D. The optical assembly 180A, 180B includes a projector 150, which may be a three-color projector using a scanning mirror, a galvanometer, a laser projector, or other types of projectors. During operation, a light source such as the projector 150 is disposed in or on one of the temples 110A or 110B of the electronic goggle device 100. The optical assembly 180A, 180B may include one or more optical strips 155A-N spaced across the width of the lens of the optical assembly 180A, 180B or across the depth between the front and rear surfaces of the lens.

[0054] When the photons projected by the projector 150 travel through the lenses of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B, the photons encounter the optical strips 155. When a particular photon encounters a particular optical strip, the photon is either redirected toward the user's eye, or it passes to the next optical strip. The combination of the modulation of the projector 150 and the modulation of the optical strips can control a particular photon or light beam. In an example, the processor controls the optical strips 155 by initiating a mechanical, acoustic, or electromagnetic signal. Although shown as having two optical assemblies 180A, 180B, the electronic goggle device 100 may include other arrangements, such as a single or three optical assemblies, or the optical assemblies 180A, 180B may have different arrangements depending on the application or intended user of the electronic goggle device 100.

[0055] like Figure 2C and Figure 2D As further shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic eyewear device 100 includes a right temple 110A adjacent to the right lateral side 170A of the frame 105 and a left temple 110B adjacent to the left lateral side 170B of the frame 105. The temples 110A, 110B may be integrated into the frame 105 on the respective lateral sides 170A, 170B (as illustrated) or implemented as separate components attached to the frame 105 on the respective sides 170A, 170B. Alternatively, the temples 110A, 110B may be integrated into the articulated arms 125A, 125B attached to the frame 105.

[0056] In one example, the perspective image display includes a first perspective image display 180C and a second perspective image display 180D. The electronic goggles device 100 may include a first aperture 175A and a second aperture 175B for holding the corresponding first optical assembly 180A and the second optical assembly 180B. The first optical assembly 180A may include a first perspective image display 180C (e.g., a display matrix, or an optical strip and a projector in the right temple 110A). The second optical assembly 180B may include a second perspective image display 180D (e.g., a display matrix, or an optical strip and a projector). The continuous field of view of the continuous display image may include a viewing angle between about 15° and 30° measured horizontally, vertically or diagonally, and more specifically a viewing angle of 24°. The continuous display image with a continuous field of view represents a combined three-dimensional observable area visible by splicing together two display images presented on the first image display and the second image display.

[0057] As used herein, "an angle of view" describes the angular range of the field of view associated with the displayed image presented on each of the image displays 180C, 180D of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B. "An angle of view" describes the angular range of the field of view that can be imaged by the lens of the visible light camera 114A or 114B or the infrared camera 220. Typically, the image circle produced by the lens is large enough to completely cover the film or sensor, possibly including some vignetting (i.e., the brightness or saturation of the image decreases toward the periphery compared to the center of the image). If the coverage angle of the lens does not fill the sensor, the image circle will be visible, typically with strong vignetting toward the edges, and the effective viewing angle will be limited to the coverage angle. "Field of view" is intended to describe the field of view of the observable area that a user of the electronic goggle device 100 can see through his or her eyes via the displayed image presented on the image displays 180C, 180D of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B. The image display 180C of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B may have a field of view covering an angle between 15° and 30° (eg, 24°) and have 480×480 pixels (or larger, such as 720p, 1080p, 4K, or 8K).

[0058] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2A The rear cross-sectional perspective view of the electronic goggles device 100 includes an infrared emitter 115, an infrared camera 120, a front portion 330 of the frame, a back portion 335 of the frame, and a circuit board 340. Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the upper portion of the left frame of the frame of the electronic goggles device 100 includes a frame front portion 330 and a frame back portion 335. An opening for the infrared emitter 115 is formed on the frame back portion 335.

[0059] As shown in the circular section 4 in the upper middle portion of the left side frame of the frame, a circuit board (which is a flexible PCB 340) is sandwiched between the frame front 330 and the frame back 335. It is also shown in further detail that the left temple 110B is attached to the left temple 125B via the left hinge 126B. In some examples, components of the eye movement tracker 113 (including the infrared emitter 115, the flexible PCB 340, or other electrical connectors or contacts) can be located on the left temple 125B or the left hinge 126B.

[0060] Figure 4 is passed through the infrared emitter 115 and the frame and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view corresponding to the circular cross-section 4 of the electronic goggles device. Figure 4 The multiple layers of the electronic goggle device 100 are shown in the cross section of FIG. As shown, the frame includes a frame front 330 and a frame back 335. The flexible PCB 340 is disposed on the frame front 330 and connected to the frame back 335. The infrared emitter 115 is disposed on the flexible PCB 340 and covered by the infrared emitter cover lens 445. For example, the infrared emitter 115 is reflowed to the back of the flexible PCB 340. The reflow attaches the infrared emitter 115 to the contact pads formed on the back of the flexible PCB 340 by subjecting the flexible PCB 340 to controlled heat that melts the solder paste to connect the two components. In one example, the reflow is used to surface mount the infrared emitter 115 on the flexible PCB 340 and electrically connect the two components. However, it should be understood that, for example, through holes can be used to connect leads from the infrared emitter 115 to the flexible PCB 340 via interconnections.

[0061] The frame back 335 includes an infrared emitter opening 450 for an infrared emitter cover lens 445. The infrared emitter opening 450 is formed on a rearward-facing side of the frame back 335, which is configured to face inwardly toward the user's eyes. In an example, the flexible PCB 340 can be connected to the frame front 330 via a flexible PCB adhesive 460. The infrared emitter cover lens 445 can be connected to the frame back 335 via an infrared emitter cover lens adhesive 455. The coupling can also be indirect via an intermediate component.

[0062] In an example, processor 932 utilizes eye tracker 113 to determine if Figure 5 The eye gaze direction 230 of the wearer's eye 234 shown in FIG. Figure 6180. The eye tracker 113 is a scanner that uses infrared light illumination (e.g., near infrared, short wavelength infrared, medium wavelength infrared, long wavelength infrared, or far infrared) to capture images of changes in reflection of infrared light from the eye 234 to determine the gaze direction 230 of the pupil 232 of the eye 234 and the eye position 236 relative to the see-through display 180.

[0063] Figure 7 The block diagram in FIG. 1 illustrates an example of capturing visible light with cameras 114A, 114B. Visible light is captured by a first visible light camera 114A having a circular field of view (FOV) 111A. The selected rectangular first raw image 758A is used for the image processor 912 ( Fig. 9 ). Visible light is also captured by a second visible light camera 114B having a circular FOV 111B. A rectangular second raw image 758B selected by image processor 912 is used for image processing by processor 912. The raw images 758A, 758B have overlapping fields of view 713. Processor 912 processes the raw images 758A, 758B and generates a three-dimensional image 715 for display by display 180.

[0064] Fig. 8A 800 includes frame electronics 802 disposed in the frame 105 (including a processor 932 (in Fig. 9Frame electronics 802 include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 806 including a voltage controller 805 controlled by a processor 932. The PMIC 806 supplies power to the processor 932, and the PMIC 806 is configured to send analog control signals via a plurality of electrical conductors 808 coupled to the peripheral components 919 in the temple 125. Individual dedicated electrical conductors 808 extend from the PMIC 806 to each of the peripheral components 919 through the hinge 126. The high impedance PMIC 806 generates individual high impedance analog control signals including a voltage that is transmitted to each of the peripheral components 919 via the respective electrical conductors 808. The analog control signals control respective DC / DC voltage regulators 812 to generate rail voltages on voltage rails 810. The rail voltage on each voltage rail 810 can be different, so that the rail voltage is custom set by the PMIC 806 to match the voltage requirements of the peripheral components 919. In an example, the PMIC 806 controls the DC / DC voltage regulator 812 associated with the flash memory to generate a rail voltage of 3.3 volts, and controls the DC / DC voltage regulator 812 associated with the WiFi transceiver to generate a rail voltage of 3.5 volts. The battery 814 is located in the temple 125 and supplies power to each DC / DC regulator in the DC / DC regulator 812 via the voltage bus 816, which supplies power to the corresponding peripheral components 919 (e.g., flash memory and WiFi transmitter). In an example, the battery voltage is 4.0 volts, which is higher than the rail voltage. In another example, the battery voltage is 3.0 volts and the DC / DC voltage regulator 812 is a buck converter or a buck-boost converter.

[0065] Circuit 800 includes analog control loop circuit 820 for each peripheral component 919. Figure 8BAs shown, the control loop circuit 820 includes a unity gain amplifier 821 configured as a voltage follower, wherein the amplifier 821 has an input 822 connected to the corresponding electrical conductor 808 and a feedback input 824 connected to the output 810 of the corresponding DC / DC regulator 812. DC / DC converters are well known and various types of converters can be used. The amplifier 821 has an output 826, which has a reference voltage that follows the voltage on the conductor 808. The reference voltage is connected to the feedback input 828 of the corresponding DC / DC regulator 812, and the corresponding DC / DC regulator 812 is configured as a voltage follower DC / DC regulator so that the rail voltage provided on the output 810 follows the voltage generated by the PMIC 806 on the corresponding electrical conductor 808. Each DC / DC regulator 812 is powered by a battery 814 via a conductor 830, so that the power of the DC / DC regulator 812 is not provided via the conductor 808 passing through the hinge 126. By sinking / sourcing current from the amplifier output 826 into the regulator feedback input 828 , it spoofs the regulator's reference voltage so that the regulator's output voltage at the output 810 tracks the reference voltage generated by the PMIC 806 .

[0066] Circuit 800 supports dynamic voltage scaling. Circuit 800 does not require any software because voltage control is done in hardware. No large electrical conductors pass through hinge 126, and only thin electrical conductors, such as 32-gauge wire, are used, which is important for allowing hinge 126 to rotate freely without binding. Because DC / DC regulator 812 is located close to peripheral device 919, there is minimal resistance in the corresponding power rail 810. Since electrical conductor 808 is directly connected to analog control loop 820, processor 932 controls the rail voltage on voltage rail 810 with almost no delay.

[0067] Fig. 9 A high-level functional block diagram including example electronic components provided in the electronic goggle device 100 / 200 is depicted. The illustrated electronic components include a processor 932 , a memory 934 , and a see-through image display 180C, 180D including an embedded antenna 808 .

[0068] The memory 934 includes instructions for execution by the processor 932 to implement the functions of the goggles 100 / 200, including instructions for the processor 932 to control the image 715. The processor 932 receives power from a battery (not shown) and executes instructions stored in the memory 934 or integrated on a chip with the processor 932 to perform the functions of the goggles 100 / 200 and communicate with external devices via a wireless connection.

[0069] The user interface adjustment system 900 includes a wearable device having an eye movement tracker 213 (e.g., Figure 2B 995). The user interface adjustment system 900 also includes a mobile device 100 and a server system 998 connected via different networks. The mobile device 100 can be a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, an access point, or any other such device capable of connecting to the electronic goggles device 100 using both a low-power wireless connection 925 and a high-speed wireless connection 937. The mobile device 100 is connected to the server system 998 and the network 995. The network 995 may include any combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0070] The electronic goggle device 100 includes at least two visible light cameras 114 (one visible light camera is associated with one side (e.g., right lateral side 170A) and one visible light camera is associated with the other side (e.g., left lateral side 170B)). The electronic goggle device 100 further includes two see-through image displays 180C-180D (associated with each side) of the optical assembly 180A-180B. The electronic goggle device 100 also includes an image display driver 924, an image processor 912, a low power circuit 920, and a high speed circuit 930. Fig. 9 The components for the electronic goggle device 100 / 200 are shown to be located on one or more circuit boards (e.g., PCBs or flexible PCBs) in the temples 110A-110B as previously described. Alternatively or additionally, the depicted components may be located in the temples, frames, hinges, or nosepieces of the electronic goggle device 100. The visible light cameras 114A-114B may include digital camera elements such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, charge coupled devices, lenses, or any other corresponding visible or light capturing elements that may be used to capture data, including images of a scene with an unknown object.

[0071] The eye movement tracking program 945 implements user interface field of view adjustment instructions, including causing the electronic goggles device 100 to track eye movements of the eyes of the user of the electronic goggles device 100 via the eye movement tracker 213. Other implemented instructions (functions) cause the electronic goggles device 100 to determine a field of view adjustment for the initial field of view of the initial display image based on the detected eye movement of the user corresponding to the continuous eye direction. Further implemented instructions generate a continuous display image of the display image sequence based on the field of view adjustment. The continuously displayed images are generated as visible output to the user via the user interface. The visible output appears on the perspective image display 180C-180D of the optical assembly 180A-180B, and the perspective image display 180C-180D is driven by the image display driver 924 to present a series of display images, including an initial display image with an initial field of view and a continuous display image with a continuous field of view.

[0072] like Fig. 9 As shown, the high-speed circuit 930 includes a high-speed processor 932, a memory 934, and a high-speed wireless circuit 936. In the example, the image display driver 924 is connected to the high-speed circuit 930 and is operated by the high-speed processor 932 to drive the image display 180C-180D of the optical assembly 180A-180B to create a virtual image. The high-speed processor 932 can be any processor capable of managing the high-speed communication and operation of any general computing system required for the electronic goggles device 100. The high-speed processor 932 includes the processing resources required to manage the high-speed data transmission to the wireless local area network (WLAN) on the high-speed wireless connection 937 using the high-speed wireless circuit 936. In some examples, the high-speed processor 932 executes an operating system, such as a LINUX operating system or other such operating system of the electronic goggles device 100, and the operating system is stored in the memory 934 for execution. In addition to any other duties, the high-speed processor 932 that executes the software architecture of the electronic goggles device 100 is used to manage the data transmission using the high-speed wireless circuit 936. In some examples, high-speed wireless circuit 936 is configured to implement the International Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 communication standard, also referred to herein as Wi-Fi. In other examples, other high-speed communication standards can be implemented by high-speed wireless circuit 936.

[0073] The low power wireless circuit 924 and the high speed wireless circuit 936 of the electronic goggle device 100 may include a short range transceiver (e.g., UWB or Bluetooth TM) and a wireless wide area, local area network, or wide area network transceiver (e.g., cellular phone or WiFi) including antenna 808. Mobile device 100 (including a transceiver that communicates via low power wireless connection 925 and high speed wireless connection 937) can be implemented using details of the architecture of electronic goggle device 100, as can other elements of network 995.

[0074] The memory 934 includes any storage device capable of storing various data and applications, including, among other things, color maps, camera data generated by the visible light cameras 114A-114B and the image processor 912, and images generated by the image display driver 924 for display on the see-through image displays 180C-180D of the optical assemblies 180A-180B. Although the memory 934 is shown as being integrated with the high-speed circuit 930, in other examples, the memory 934 may be an independent, separate element of the electronic goggle device 100. In some such examples, electrical wiring lines may provide a connection from the image processor 912 or the low-power processor 922 to the memory 934 through a chip including the high-speed processor 932. In other examples, the high-speed processor 932 may manage addressing of the memory 934 so that the low-power processor 922 will initiate the high-speed processor 932 any time a read or write operation involving the memory 934 is required.

[0075] The server system 998 may be one or more computing devices as part of a service or network computing system, for example, the one or more computing devices include a processor, a memory, and a network communication interface for communicating with the mobile device 100 and the electronic goggles device 100 via the network 995. The electronic goggles device 100 is connected to a host computer. For example, the electronic goggles device 100 is paired with the mobile device 100 via a high-speed wireless connection 937 or connected to the server system 998 via the network 995.

[0076] The output components of the electronic goggle device 100 include visual components such as Figure 2C to Figure 2DThe image displays 180C-180D of the optical components 180A-180B described in the figure (e.g., displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), light emitting diode (LED) displays, projectors, or waveguides). The image displays 180C-180D of the optical components 180A-180B are driven by the image display driver 924. The output components of the electronic goggles device 100 also include acoustic components (e.g., speakers), tactile components (e.g., vibration motors), other signal generators, etc. The input components of the electronic goggles device 100, the mobile device 100, and the server system 998 may include alphanumeric input components (e.g., keyboards, touch screens configured to receive alphanumeric inputs, photoelectric keyboards, or other alphanumeric input components), point-based input components (e.g., mice, touch pads, trackballs, joysticks, motion sensors, or other indicating instruments), tactile input components (e.g., physical buttons, touch screens that provide the location and force of touch or touch gestures, or other tactile input components), audio input components (e.g., microphones), etc.

[0077] The electronic goggle device 100 may optionally include additional peripheral device elements 919. Such peripheral device elements may include biometric sensors, additional sensors, or display elements integrated with the electronic goggle device 100. For example, the peripheral device element 919 may include any I / O component including an output component, a motion component, a position component, or any other such component described herein. The electronic goggle device 100 may take other forms and may be combined with other types of frames, such as headgear, headphones, or helmets.

[0078] For example, the biometric components of the user interface field of view adjustment may include components for detecting expressions (e.g., hand expressions, facial expressions, vocal expressions, body postures, or eye tracking), measuring biological signals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, sweating, or brain waves), identifying people (e.g., voice recognition, retinal recognition, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or electroencephalogram-based recognition), etc. The motion components include acceleration sensor components (e.g., accelerometers), gravity sensor components, rotation sensor components (e.g., gyroscopes), etc. The position components include position sensor components (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) receiver components) for generating position coordinates, WiFi or Bluetooth for generating positioning system coordinates, etc. TM transceiver, altitude sensor components (e.g., an altimeter or barometer that detects air pressure (from which altitude can be derived)), orientation sensor components (e.g., a magnetometer), and the like. Such positioning system coordinates may also be received from the mobile device 100 via the low power wireless circuit 924 or the high speed wireless circuit 936 via the wireless connection 925, 937.

[0079] According to some examples, an "application" or "applications" is a program that performs the functions defined in a program. One or more applications structured in various ways may be created using different programming languages, such as an object-oriented programming language (e.g., Objective-C, Java, or C++) or a procedural programming language (e.g., C or assembly language). In a specific example, a third-party application (e.g., an application created by an entity other than the vendor of a particular platform using ANDROID TM or IOS TM Software Development Kit (SDK) can be used to develop applications on mobile operating systems such as IOS TM ANDROID TM , Mobile software running on the iPod Phone or other mobile operating system). In this example, the third-party application can call API calls provided by the operating system to facilitate the functions described in this article.

[0080] Fig.10 is a flow chart 1000 of example steps for controlling the voltage at the voltage rail of each of the DC / DC converters.

[0081] At block 1002, the processor 932 instructs the PMIC 806 to produce a selected voltage rail on the regulator output 810 for each of the peripheral components 919. The PMIC 806 generates a high impedance control signal including a voltage on the electrical conductor 808 for the corresponding peripheral component 919. In an example, the control signal is a low current (such as 1 microamp) so that little power (such as 1 mW) is used to control the rail voltage.

[0082] At block 1004, the control signal is transmitted to the input 822 of the corresponding analog control loop 820 via the corresponding electrical conductor 808. The feedback input 824 of the analog control loop 820 senses the output voltage provided on the corresponding voltage rail 810, and the output 826 of the analog control loop 820 provides the control signal to the feedback input of the corresponding DC / DC converter 812.

[0083] At block 1006, the respective analog control loop 820 controls the respective DC / DC converter 812 to produce an output voltage on the voltage rail 810 that matches the voltage of the respective control signal provided by the PMIC 806. The analog control loop 820 and the DC / DC regulator together form a closed loop system that functions as a voltage follower regulator.

[0084] It should be understood that the terms and expressions used in this article have the ordinary meanings associated with these terms and expressions in their corresponding fields of investigation and research, unless the specific meanings have been set forth in addition herein. Relational terms such as first and second, etc. can be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, so that the process, method, article or equipment including or including a series of elements or steps not only includes those elements or steps, but also may include other elements or steps that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, articles or equipment. In the absence of further restrictions, an element preceded by "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or equipment including the element.

[0085] Unless otherwise stated, any and all measurements, values, ratings, positions, amplitudes, sizes, and other descriptions set forth in this specification (including in the appended claims) are approximate and imprecise. Such quantities are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they are related and with the customary practices in the field to which they belong. For example, parameter values, etc. may vary from the stated amount by ±10% unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0086] In addition, in the above detailed description, it can be seen that different features are grouped together in different examples for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the examples claimed for protection require more features than the features explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the subject matter to be protected lies in fewer features than all the features of any single disclosed example. Therefore, the attached claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim independently serves as its own separately claimed subject matter.

[0087] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best modes and other examples, it should be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and they may be applied in many applications, only some of which are described herein. The appended claims are intended to claim any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present concept.

Claims

1. An electronic goggles device, comprising: a temple, the temple comprising a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of voltage regulators, each voltage regulator having a voltage rail, wherein the voltage rail of each of the voltage regulators is coupled to a corresponding one of the electronic components; a frame comprising a voltage controller configured to control the plurality of voltage regulators; and a plurality of electrical conductors, each extending from the voltage controller to a corresponding one of the voltage regulators, wherein the voltage controller is configured to generate a voltage control signal used by each of the voltage regulators via the corresponding electrical conductor to set a rail voltage of a corresponding voltage rail.

2. The electronic eyewear device of claim 1, further comprising a separate analog control loop circuit coupled to each of the voltage regulators, wherein: The analog control loop circuit includes a voltage follower amplifier.

3. The electronic goggles device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the analog control loop circuits configures a corresponding voltage regulator as a voltage follower regulator, wherein a corresponding rail voltage follows a voltage of a corresponding voltage control signal.

4. The electronic goggles device according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the analog control loop circuits has an input coupled to the respective electrical conductor and a feedback input coupled to the voltage rail of a respective voltage follower regulator.

5. The electronic goggles device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the analog control loop circuits has an output coupled to a feedback input of the corresponding voltage follower regulator.

6. The electronic goggles device according to claim 3, wherein: The temple further includes a battery coupled to each of the voltage follower regulators.

7. The electronic goggles device according to claim 6, wherein: The battery has a battery voltage that is higher than the rail voltage of each of the voltage follower regulators.

8. The electronic goggles device according to claim 7, wherein: The voltage follower regulators each include a voltage follower DC / DC regulator.

9. The electronic goggles device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the electronic components is configured to be powered only by the battery.

10. The electronic goggle device of claim 1, further comprising a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), the power management integrated circuit including the voltage controller.

11. A method of controlling power in an electronic eyewear device, the electronic eyewear device comprising a temple, a frame, and a separate electrical conductor, the temple comprising a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of voltage regulators, each voltage regulator having a corresponding voltage rail, wherein: The voltage rail of each of the voltage regulators is coupled to a respective one of the electronic components, the frame comprising a voltage controller configured to control the plurality of voltage regulators, the separate electrical conductor extending from the voltage controller to each of the voltage regulators, the method comprising the voltage controller: generating a voltage control signal to control each of the voltage regulators via a respective electrical conductor; as well as The voltage regulator is used to set a rail voltage of the corresponding voltage rail according to a corresponding voltage control signal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The electronic goggle device further includes a separate analog control loop circuit coupled to each of the voltage regulators, and wherein the method further includes the voltage controller sending the corresponding voltage control signal to the corresponding analog control loop circuit.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the analog control loop circuits configures a corresponding voltage regulator as a voltage follower regulator such that a corresponding rail voltage follows a voltage of the corresponding voltage control signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Each of the analog control loop circuits has an input coupled to the respective electrical conductor and a feedback input coupled to the voltage rail of a respective voltage follower regulator.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the analog control loop circuits has an output coupled to a feedback input of the corresponding voltage follower regulator.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The temple further includes a battery coupled to each of the voltage follower regulators.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: A battery voltage of the battery is higher than the rail voltage of each of the voltage follower regulators.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The voltage follower regulators each include a voltage follower DC / DC regulator.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) comprising the voltage controller.

20. A power supply system, comprising: a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of voltage regulators configured to be disposed in temples of the electronic eyewear device, each voltage regulator having a voltage rail, wherein the voltage rail of each of the voltage regulators is coupled to a corresponding one of the electronic components; a voltage controller configured to be disposed in a frame of the electronic goggle device and to control the plurality of voltage regulators; and a plurality of electrical conductors each extending from the voltage controller to a corresponding one of the voltage regulators, wherein the voltage controller is configured to generate a voltage control signal used by each of the voltage regulators via the respective electrical conductors to set a rail voltage of the respective voltage rail.

Images