Electronic device including load balancing
By designing a fixed arm structure that dynamically adjusts the balance point in a head-mountable electronic device, the head discomfort caused by uneven weight in existing equipment is solved, and a more comfortable and flexible user experience is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411313932.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-25
AI Technical Summary
Due to the uneven weight of existing head-mountable electronic devices, the head of the user is uncomfortable during use, and the balance point is static and cannot be dynamically adjusted to adapt to the head characteristics of different users.
A head-mountable electronic device is designed, which includes a frame, a fixing arm and an adjustment mechanism. The fixing arm consists of a proximal part and a distal part, with a mass greater than the proximal part, and the position and angle of the distal part are adjusted through an expansion mechanism or an adjustment mechanism to dynamically adjust the balance point.
It realizes dynamic adjustment of the balance point when users wear the device, reduces discomfort on the user's head, and adapts to the head characteristics of different users, providing a more comfortable user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN119689721A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 584,816, filed on September 22, 2023, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING LOAD BALANCING,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this document. Technical Field
[0003] The embodiments generally relate to electronic devices and more particularly to head-mounted electronic devices. Background Art
[0004] Recent advances in portable computing have enabled head-mounted devices that provide users with augmented reality and virtual reality experiences. Various components of these devices, such as display screens, frames, fixed arms, speakers, batteries, and other components, operate together to provide an immersive and comfortable experience. These devices may include multiple components, such as processors and displays, which make the devices generally top-heavy. This uneven weight distribution can be applied to the user's head during use of the device. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a head-mounted device that is more balanced and comfortable over a longer period of use. Summary of the invention
[0005] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a head-mounted electronic device may include a frame; a window coupled to the frame; a projector configured to direct light displayed at the window; and a fixed arm extending from the frame. The fixed arm may include a proximal portion connected to the frame; a distal portion connected to the proximal portion; and an expansion mechanism connecting the proximal portion to the distal portion. The expansion mechanism may be configured to extend the distal portion away from the proximal portion. The mass of the distal portion may be greater than the mass of the proximal portion.
[0006] In one example, the distal portion may be configured to be disposed behind the user's ear when the head-mountable electronic device is worn by the user. The head-mountable electronic device may also include a first electronic component disposed in the distal portion and a second electronic component disposed in the proximal portion.
[0007] In some examples, the expansion mechanism may include an electric actuator. In some examples, the expansion mechanism may include a manual actuator. In some examples, the fixed arm is a first fixed arm, the distal portion is a first distal portion, and the expansion mechanism is a first expansion mechanism. The head-mounted electronic device may also include a second fixed arm, the second fixed arm including a second proximal portion connected to the second distal portion at the second expansion mechanism. The head-mounted electronic device may also include a connecting strap, the connecting strap including a first distal portion and a second distal portion. The connecting strap may extend from the first proximal portion to the second proximal portion.
[0008] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a head-mounted electronic device may include a frame; a window coupled to the frame; a waveguide configured to guide light displayed at the window; and a fixed arm extending from the frame. The fixed arm may include a proximal portion connected to the frame; a distal portion connected to the proximal portion; and an adjustment mechanism configured to move the distal portion distally relative to the frame. The proximal portion may include a first electronic component. The distal portion may include a second electronic component electrically coupled to the first electronic component.
[0009] In some examples, the adjustment mechanism may include a dial coupled to the distal portion and the proximal portion, and the dial may be configured to adjust the angle of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion when the dial is manipulated. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism may include a dial coupled to the distal portion or the proximal portion, and the dial may be configured to adjust the distance between the distal portion and the proximal portion when the dial is manipulated. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism may include a notched strip coupled to the distal portion and the proximal portion, and the notched strip may be configured to adjust the distance between the distal portion and the proximal portion when the distal portion is manipulated relative to the proximal portion.
[0010] In some examples, the adjustment mechanism may include a friction hinge that pivotally attaches the distal portion to the proximal portion. In some examples, an inner surface of the distal portion may include a hair coupler. In some examples, the fixed arm is a first fixed arm, the head-mounted electronic device may further include a second fixed arm extending from the frame, and the distal portion may extend from the first fixed arm to the second fixed arm.
[0011] In at least one example of the present disclosure, a head-mounted display device may include a frame; a window coupled to the frame; a projector configured to direct light for display at the window; a first fixed arm extending from the frame, the first fixed arm including a first distal end; a second fixed arm extending from the frame, the second fixed arm including a second distal end; an adjustable ballast extending between and fixed to the first distal end and the second distal end; and an adjustment mechanism configured to change the position of the ballast relative to the frame.
[0012] In some examples, the adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust the angle of the adjustable ballast relative to the first and second fixed arms. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism can be configured to extend the adjustable ballast distally away from the first distal end and the second distal end. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism can include a friction fit between the adjustable ballast and the first distal end.
[0013] In some examples, the adjustment mechanism is a first adjustment mechanism, and the head-mounted display device may further include a second adjustment mechanism coupling the first fixed arm to the frame. In some examples, the second adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the angle of the frame relative to the first fixed arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like structural elements, and in which:
[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a head mountable device;
[0016] Figure 2 showing a side view of an example of a head mountable device worn by a user;
[0017] Figure 3 A side view of an example of a head mountable device is shown;
[0018] Figure 4 A perspective view showing an example of a head mountable device;
[0019] Figure 5 A side view showing an example of an adjustment mechanism for a securement arm of a head mountable device;
[0020] Figure 6 A side view showing an example of an adjustment mechanism for a securement arm of a head mountable device;
[0021] Figure 7 A top view of an example of a head mountable device is shown;
[0022] Figure 8 A perspective view showing an example of a strap for a head mountable device; and
[0023] Fig. 9 A side view of an example of a head mountable device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover substitutions, modifications and equivalents that may be included in the essence and scope of the described embodiments defined by the appended claims.
[0025] The following disclosure relates to electronic devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to head-mounted electronic devices. In at least one example, the head-mounted device may include a frame and a fixed arm extending from the frame. Examples of head-mounted devices may include optical devices (e.g., glasses, sunglasses, etc.) or virtual / augmented reality devices including optical components. In the case of an augmented reality device, the optical glasses may be worn on the user's head so that the optical lenses and / or optical displays are located in front of the user's eyes. In another example, a virtual reality device may be worn on the user's head so that the display screen is located in front of the user's eyes. The frame may include a housing or other structural components that support or accommodate optical components (e.g., lenses or screens).
[0026] In certain examples, the head-mounted electronic device may include a pair of securing arms extending from a frame. The pair of securing arms may apply pressure to or around the user's head to hold the frame in place, such as in front of the user's eyes. In some examples, the securing arms may rest on top of the user's ears to help secure the head-mounted device to the user's head.
[0027] The frame may have a relatively high weight compared to the fixed arm, which causes the balance point of the head-wearable electronic device to be biased toward the frame. Therefore, most of the weight of the head-wearable electronic device may rest on the user's nose, while the remaining weight of the head-wearable electronic device is borne by the user's ears and head. The balance point of the head-wearable electronic device may be static, so that the same pressure is applied to the user throughout the use of the head-wearable electronic device. Different users of the head-wearable electronic device may have different head characteristics (e.g., nose position, ear position, etc.), which causes the head-wearable electronic device to have different balance points on different users.
[0028] The head-wearable electronic device may include one or more adjustment mechanisms that can be used to adjust the balance point of the head-wearable electronic device. For example, the adjustment mechanism can be used to move the balance point of the head-wearable electronic device proximally or distally, and can be used to provide a balanced weight distribution of the head-wearable electronic device on the user's nose and ears. The adjustment mechanism can be used to adjust the balance point of the head-wearable electronic device throughout the use of the head-wearable electronic device to provide different weight distributions of the head-wearable electronic device on the user's head, thereby providing a more comfortable fit of the head-wearable electronic device over time. The adjustment mechanism can be used to provide a balanced configuration of the head-wearable electronic device on different users with different head characteristics.
[0029] In some examples, the fixed arm may include a proximal portion connected to the frame and a distal portion connected to the proximal portion. An adjustment mechanism may be connected to the proximal portion and / or the distal portion and may provide adjustment between the proximal portion and the distal portion. For example, the adjustment mechanism may adjust the distance and angle between the proximal portion and the distal portion. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism may be disposed between the fixed arm and the frame and may be used to adjust the relative position of the fixed arm and the frame. The adjustment mechanism may include a turntable, a sliding strip, a telescopic tube, a hinge, etc.
[0030] References below Figures 1 to 9 These embodiments and other embodiments are discussed. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description of these figures given herein is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In addition, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood to refer to a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature comprising one of each listed option (e.g., only one first option, only one second option, only one third option), a plurality of a single listed option (e.g., two or more first options), two options at the same time (e.g., one first option and one second option), or a combination thereof (e.g., two first options and one second option).
[0031] Figures 1 to 3 Various views of an example of a head-mountable device 100 are shown. The head-mountable device 100 (hereinafter referred to as a "device" for convenience) can be any device or system configured to be worn on a user's head, such as a head-mountable electronic device, an optical device, etc. Therefore, the term "device" is used for convenience and is not intended to be limiting. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device 100, Figure 2 A side view of the device 100 worn on a user's head 101 is shown, and Figure 3 A side view of the device 100 is shown.
[0032] The device 100 may include a frame 102 configured to fix one or more optical lenses or display screens in front of the user's eyes. The device 100 may include one or more fixed arms 104a, 104b (e.g., temple arms, collectively referred to as fixed arms 104), which extend distally from the frame 102 toward the back of the user's head 101. For example, the device 100 may include a first fixed arm 104a and a second fixed arm 104b. The fixed arms 104a, 104b and the frame 102 can fix the device 100 to the user's head 101.
[0033] The frame 102 may be configured to rest on the user's nose 103. Each of the fixed arms 104a, 104b may be fixed to the frame 102 and may extend toward the back (e.g., distally) of the user's head 101. The fixed arms 104a, 104b may extend above the user's ears 105 and bend along (e.g., adjacent to) the user's head 101. The fixed arms 104a, 104b may be configured to rest on the user's ears 105. The fixed arms 104a, 104b may also be configured to apply opposite pressure to the sides of the user's head 101. Therefore, the device 100 can be fixed to the user's head 101 by the normal force applied to the frame 102 from the user's nose 103, the normal force applied to the fixed arms 104a, 104b from the user's ears 105, and the friction between the frame 102 and the fixed arms 104a, 104b and the user's head 101.
[0034] The frame 102 may include relatively heavy components of the device 100, such as the frame, optical lenses, display screen, electronic components, etc. The fixed arms 104a, 104b may be relatively light. Therefore, the balance point of the device 100 may generally be biased toward the near side toward the frame 102 relative to the user's head 101. Most of the weight of the device 100 may be supported by the user's nose 103 relative to the user's ears 105. This unbalanced configuration may cause the device 100 to have a greater user-perceived weight and may cause increased pressure on the user's nose 103. This causes the device 100 to become uncomfortable, especially when the device 100 is worn for a longer duration. The balance point of the device 100 is generally static, and the same pressure is applied from the device 100 to the user during the entire duration of use of the device 100. Providing a balance point for the device 100 that evenly distributes weight between the user's nose 103 and the user's ears 105 may cause the device 100 to have a lower perceived weight and a more comfortable fit. Additionally, providing a dynamic balance point for the device 100 (such as moving between the user's nose 103 and the user's ears 105) can result in a more comfortable fit for the device, especially when the device 100 is worn for longer durations. Different users with different head sizes and shapes may require different fits of the device 100 to achieve a balanced balance point. Therefore, the device 100 can be provided with an adjustable balance point that can be evenly balanced when the device 100 is worn, and can be dynamically changed when the device 100 is worn by a user, regardless of varying characteristics in a particular user.
[0035] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the fixed arms 104a, 104b each include a proximal portion 106a, 106b and a distal portion 108a, 108b, respectively. Figure 2As shown, the distal portion 108 can be disposed distally behind the user's ear 105; however, in some examples, the boundary between the proximal portion 106 and the distal portion 108 can be directly above the centerline of the user's ear 105, or proximally in front of the user's ear 105, so that at least a portion of the distal portion 108 can extend above the user's ear 105 or proximally in front of the user's ear 105. The distal portions 108a, 108b can be relatively heavy compared to the proximal portions 106a, 106b, such as by positioning relatively heavy components of the device 100 in the distal portions 108a, 108b. More specifically, in some examples, the mass of the distal portions 108a, 108b can be greater than the mass of the corresponding proximal portions 106a, 106b. Because the distal portions 108a, 108b are relatively heavy and are used to weight the device 100, the distal portions 108a, 108b can be referred to as ballast. Components of the device 100 that may be located in the distal portion 108a, 108b may include a battery, a processor, other electronic components, an adjustment mechanism, an expansion mechanism, etc. The distal portion 108a, 108b may be adjustable relative to the proximal portion 106a, 106b using an adjustment mechanism 140 between the proximal portion 106a, 106b and the distal portion 108a, 108b.
[0036] The adjustment mechanism 140 (also referred to as an expansion mechanism) can be used to adjust the balance point between the frame 102 and the fixed arms 104a, 104b (e.g., to adjust the force distribution applied between the user's nose 103 and the user's ears 105). For example, the distal portions 108a, 108b can translate relative to the proximal portions 106a, 106b (e.g., in a proximal or distal direction relative to the frame 102 and the user's head 101, as shown by arrow 130), the angle between the distal portions 108a, 108b and the proximal portions 106a, 106b can change (e.g., about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 104 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 102, as shown by arrow 132; about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 104 and the frame 102, as shown by arrow 134, etc.), etc. The adjustment mechanism 140 may include a turntable, a slidable strap, a telescopic tube, a hinge, etc. The adjustment mechanism 140 can be part of or coupled to the proximal portion 106a, 106b and / or the distal portion 108a, 108b. In some examples, including the adjustment mechanism 140 on the distal portion 108a, 108b can further increase the relative weight of the distal portion 108a, 108b, which can help balance the balance point of the device 100.
[0037] The adjustment mechanism 140 can be used to adjust the balance point of the device 100. For example, using the adjustment mechanism 140 to move the distal portions 108a, 108b distally in the direction 130 moves the balance point of the device 100 distally away from the frame 102. Using the adjustment mechanism 140 to move the distal portions 108a, 108b proximally in the direction 130 moves the balance point of the device 100 proximally toward the frame 102. Rotating the distal portions 108a, 108b in direction 132 using the adjustment mechanism 140 changes the contact area of the fixed arms 104a, 104b on the user's ears 105 and can move the balance point of the device 100 proximally (e.g., when the longitudinal axis of the distal portions 108a, 108b is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portions 106a, 106b) or distally (e.g., when the longitudinal axis of the distal portions 108a, 108b is closer to being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portions 106a, 106b). Rotating the distal portions 108a, 108b in direction 134 using the adjustment mechanism 140 changes the friction / normal force applied between the sides of the user's head 101 and the fixed arms 104a, 104b and can reduce the normal force applied between the device 100 and the user's nose 103 and the user's ears 105. Rotating the distal portions 108a, 108b in the direction 134 may also move the balance point of the device 100 proximally (e.g., when the longitudinal axis of the distal portions 108a, 108b is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portions 106a, 106b) or distally (e.g., when the longitudinal axis of the distal portions 108a, 108b is closer to being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portions 106a, 106b). In examples where the adjustment mechanism 140 is used to adjust the angle between the proximal portions 106a, 106b and the distal portions 108a, 108b, the adjustment mechanism 140 may be connected to both the proximal portions 106a, 106b and the distal portions 108a, 108b at a junction between the proximal portions 106a, 106b and the distal portions 108a, 108b.
[0038] The balance point of the device 100 may be set when the user wears the device 100, and may change throughout the duration that the user wears the device 100. For example, when the device 100 is worn, the adjustment mechanism may be used to adjust the distal portions 108a, 108b relative to the proximal portions 106a, 106b so that the balance point is between the user's nose 103 and the user's ears 105, and the normal forces between the user's nose 103 and the user's ears 105 are equal. In other words, approximately 50% of the weight of the device 100 is supported by the user's nose 103, and approximately 50% of the weight of the device 100 is supported by the user's ears 105. This may be adjusted throughout the duration that the user wears the device 100 in order to change the pressure applied to the user by the device 100. For example, the distal portions 108a, 108b can be adjusted relative to the proximal portions 106a, 106b to apply more pressure to the user's nose 103 and less pressure to the user's ears 105, and vice versa during the user wearing the device 100, thereby changing the pressure applied to the user and increasing the user's comfort. The distal portions 108a, 108b can also be adjusted relative to the proximal portions 106a, 106b to apply more or less pressure to the user's head 101, thereby changing the location where pressure is applied to the user's ears 105, etc.
[0039] The device 100 may include various adjustment mechanisms 140 for adjusting the balance point of the device 100, and the balance point may be adjusted manually or automatically. In other words, the balance point may be adjusted by an electric actuator (e.g., automatically) or by a manual actuator (e.g., manually). The balance point may be automatically adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 140 by including a motor (e.g., a stepper motor), an actuator (such as an electric actuator), etc. The automatic adjustment mechanism 140 may provide discrete or continuous adjustment of the balance point. In some examples, the balance point may be manually adjusted by a user by operating the manual adjustment mechanism 140. The manual adjustment mechanism 140 may include a dial, a slidable strip, a hinge (e.g., a friction hinge), a telescopic tube, other manual actuators, etc. that change the position of the distal portion 108a, 108b relative to the proximal portion 106a, 106b. The user may adjust the balance point of the device 100 until the balance point feels balanced, or the device 100 may instruct the user to set the balance point. In some examples, device 100 may include a force sensor that detects forces applied between device 100 and user's head 101. Device 100 may use data from the force sensor to adjust the balance point of device 100 automatically or by prompting the user to manually adjust the balance point using adjustment mechanism 140.
[0040] During the period when the user wears the device 100, the balance point can be adjusted based on a variety of factors. For example, the balance point can be adjusted based on the activities performed with the device 100 (e.g., depending on dynamic activities, sedentary activities, etc.), the duration of use of the device 100, user preferences, etc. In some examples, a user profile can be established for each user of the device 100, and the user profile can store data related to each user's personal preferences for the balance point of the device 100. The device 100 may include a machine learning algorithm that determines a recommended balance point based on the activities the user is performing, the natural progression of the user's comfort over time, and the user's preferences. The device 100 can analyze the user's use of the device 100, such as adjustments to the balance point made by the user, the movement of the device 100 by the user relative to the user's head 101, etc., in order to update the user's user profile, personal preferences, etc.
[0041] The fixed arms 104a, 104b may include one or more electronic components, such as a first electronic component 112, a second electronic component 114, and a third electronic component 116, such as Figure 1 As shown. The electronic components 112, 114, 116 may include any number of electronic components and may be configured to operate through the device 100 and produce a virtual reality or augmented reality experience to the user. The first electronic component 112 and the second electronic component 114 may include a projector, a waveguide, a speaker, a processor or a memory component, and the third electronic component 116 may include a battery or any other component including those components described with reference to the first electronic component 112 and the second electronic component 114. In examples where the electronic components 112, 114, 116 include a projector and / or a waveguide, the projector and / or the waveguide may be configured to project light displayed on a window 110 fixed to the frame 102. The window 110 may include an optically transparent material. The window 110 may include an optical lens. The window 110 may include a transparent window through which light passes without redirecting the light, or may include a vision correction geometry. In examples where third electronic component 116 includes a battery, the battery may be connected to first electronic component 112 and / or second electronic component 114 via electronic circuit component 116 to deliver power to first electronic component 112 and / or second electronic component 114 .
[0042] In some examples, electronic circuit component 116 may include one or more conductive wires, flexures, resistors, circuit boards, or any other electronic circuit components that connect third electronic component 116 to first electronic component 112 and / or second electronic component 114. In some examples, electronic circuit component 116 may include a cable or wire. In some examples, the cable or wire may include a planar flexure.
[0043] The first electronic component 112, the second electronic component 114, the third electronic component 116, and / or the electronic circuit component 116 may be disposed within the internal volume of the device 100 (e.g., within the internal volume of the fixed arms 104a, 104b) so that these components are hidden and not visible. Alternatively, one or more of the components 112, 114, 116, 118 may be disposed on the device 100, such as on the housing of the fixed arms 104a, 104b. The first electronic component 112 and / or the second electronic component 114 may be included in the frame 102, and an electronic circuit component identical or similar to the electronic circuit component 116 may be included between the frame 102 and the fixed arms 104a, 104b to connect any of the electronic components 112, 114, 116.
[0044] Figure 4 A perspective view of a head-mountable device 400 is shown. The device 400 includes a frame 402, a first fixed arm 404a, and a second fixed arm 404b. Each of the fixed arms 404a, 404b can include a proximal portion 406a, 406b, respectively, and can be coupled to each other via a distal portion 408. The frame 402 and the proximal portions 406a, 406b can be respectively connected to Figures 1 to 3 The frame 102 and proximal portions 106a, 106b are substantially similar, including some or all of their features. The distal portion 408 can be a band having a first end attached to the first proximal portion 406a and a second end opposite the first end attached to the second proximal portion 406b. The frame 402 can include a window 410; the proximal portion can include a first electronic component 412 and a second electronic component 414; and the distal portion 408 can include a third electronic component 416. The window 410, the first electronic component 412, the second electronic component 414, and the third electronic component 416 can be respectively connected to Figures 1 to 3 The window 110 , the first electronic component 112 , the second electronic component 114 , and the third electronic component 116 are substantially similar, including some or all of their features.
[0045] The fixed arms 404a, 404b and the frame 402 can fix the device 400 to the user's head. The frame 402 can be configured to rest on the user's nose. Each of the fixed arms 104a, 104b can be fixed to the frame 102 and can extend toward the rear of the user's head 101 (e.g., toward the far side). The fixed arms 104a, 104b can extend above the user's ears and bend along (e.g., adjacent to) the user's head. The fixed arm 404 can be configured to rest on the user's ears. The fixed arm 404 can also be configured to apply opposite pressure to the side of the user's head. The distal portion 408 can be wrapped around the back of the user's head relative to the frame 402, and pressure can be applied to the back of the user's head. Therefore, the device 400 can be fixed to the user's head by the normal force applied to the frame 402 from the user's nose, the normal force applied to the fixed arm 404 from the user's ears, and the friction between the frame 402 and the fixed arm 404 and the user's head.
[0046] The distal portion 408 can be relatively heavy compared to the proximal portions 406a, 406b, such as by positioning relatively heavy components of the device 400 in the distal portion 408. More specifically, in some examples, the mass of the distal portion 408 can be greater than the mass of the corresponding proximal portions 406a, 406b. Components of the device 400 that can be located in the distal portion 408 can include batteries, processors, other electronic components, adjustment mechanisms, expansion mechanisms, etc. The distal portion 408 can be adjustable relative to the proximal portions 406a, 406b, which can be used to adjust the balance point between the frame 402 and the fixed arms 404a, 404b (e.g., to adjust the force distribution applied between the user's nose, the user's ears, and the user's head). For example, the distal portion 408 may be slidable relative to the proximal portions 406a, 406b (e.g., in a proximal or distal direction relative to the frame 402 and the user's head, as shown by arrow 430), the angle between the distal portion 408 and the proximal portions 406a, 406b may change (e.g., around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 404 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 402, as shown by arrow 432; around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 404 and the frame 402, as shown by arrow 434, etc.), etc. The distal portion 408 may be disposed distally behind the user's ear; the boundary between the proximal portion 406 and the distal portion 408 may be directly above the centerline of the user's ear; or the boundary may be disposed proximally in front of the user's ear. Thus, in some examples, at least some portion of the distal portion 408 may extend above the user's ear or extend proximally in front of the user's ear.
[0047] The balance point of device 400 may be set and adjusted similarly to device 100, as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 3As discussed. The balance point of device 400 can balance the forces applied between device 400 and each of the surfaces of the user's nose, ears, and head (e.g., the side surfaces and back surfaces of the user's head), and can reduce the forces applied between device 400 and the user's nose and ears. As described with respect to device 100, device 400 may include automatic and / or manual adjustment, and may include adjustment mechanisms such as dials, slidable strips, hinges, etc. Device 400 may be automatically adjusted or instructions may be provided to the user on how to adjust device 400. Device 400 may store and access user profiles, and may provide adjustments based on user profiles specific to each user of device 400.
[0048] Figure 5 A side view of a portion of a fixed arm 500 including a notched sliding adjustment mechanism is shown. The adjustment mechanism may be referred to as an expansion mechanism. Figure 5 In the example shown, the notched strap 506 is attached to the first portion 502 of the fixed arm 500, and the notched strap 506 is received in the opening 508 in the second portion 504 of the fixed arm 500. The notched sliding adjustment mechanism can be used as an adjustment mechanism in any of the above-described devices 100, 400. The notched strap 506 can be used to adjust the distance between the first portion 502 and the second portion 504 in the direction 510, and once the distance is adjusted, it can be used to maintain the distance between the first portion 502 and the second portion 504. The first portion 502 or the second portion 504 can be a proximal portion of the device 100, 400, and the other of the first portion 502 or the second portion 504 can be a distal portion of the device 100, 400. In some examples, the notched strap 506 can be disposed on the distal portion of the device 100, 400 and can add weight to the distal portion. The notched strip 506 may be included between the proximal and distal portions of one or both fixation arms of the device 100, 400. The notched strip 506 may be disposed between one or both proximal and distal portions 106, 108 of the device 100, and between one or both proximal and distal portions 406, 408 of the device 400.
[0049] The notched strip 506 can provide discrete adjustments between the first portion 502 and the second portion 504, with a desired spacing between each adjustment increment. For example, the notched strip 506 can include a plurality of notches with a spacing D1 between adjacent notches. In some examples, the spacing D1 can be in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, or about 1 mm; however, any suitable spacing can be used.
[0050] The notched strap 506 is received in the opening 508. The opening 508 may include a stopper that holds the notched strap 506 in a particular position relative to the second portion 504. The notched strap 506 may be moved relative to the second portion 504 by pushing the first portion 502 toward the second portion 504 or pulling the first portion 502 away from the second portion 504 with sufficient force to overcome the stopper. Stoppers may be provided in each notch of the notched strap 506 to hold the notched strap 506 in the opening 508. In some examples, a motor, such as a stepper motor, may be used to move the notched strap 506 relative to the second portion 504. Although a notched sliding adjustment mechanism with a notched strap is shown, in some examples, the sliding adjustment mechanism may use a telescoping tube or the like.
[0051] Figure 6 A side view of a portion of a stationary arm 600 including a turntable adjustment mechanism is shown. The adjustment mechanism may be referred to as an expansion mechanism. Figure 6 In the example shown, a dial 608 is attached to a first portion 602 of a stationary arm 600, and a strap 606 is attached to a second portion 604 of the stationary arm 600. The strap 606 can be received in an opening in the first portion 602, and the dial 608 can move the strap 606 relative to the opening. The dial adjustment mechanism can be used as an adjustment mechanism in any of the above-described devices 100, 400.
[0052] The turntable 608 can be used to adjust the distance between the first portion 602 and the second portion 604 along the direction 612, and once the distance is adjusted, it can be used to maintain the distance between the first portion 602 and the second portion 604. The turntable 608 can be manipulated along the direction 610 to move the first portion and the second portion along the direction 612. The first portion 602 or the second portion 604 can be a proximal portion of the device 100, 400, and the other of the first portion 602 or the second portion 604 can be a distal portion of the device 100, 400. In some examples, the turntable 608 can be disposed on the distal portion of the device 100, 400 and can add weight to the distal portion. The turntable 608 can be disposed on one or both distal portions 108 of the device 100, and disposed on one or both ends of the distal portion 408 of the device 400. In examples where a single dial 608 is included in the device 100 , 400 , the dial 608 may adjust both stationary arms of the device 100 , 400 simultaneously, such as via a cable extending between the two stationary arms of the device 100 , 400 .
[0053] The turntable 608 can provide discrete adjustments between the first portion 602 and the second portion 604, with a desired spacing between each adjustment increment. For example, the turntable 608 can include a stopper that allows incremental angular adjustment of the turntable 608 along direction 610, resulting in incremental distance adjustment of the distance between the first portion 602 and the second portion 604 along direction 612. In some examples, the incremental angular adjustment can be in the range of about 0.5 degrees to about 10 degrees, about 1 degree to about 3 degrees, about 3 degrees, etc.; however, any suitable spacing can be used. The incremental adjustment of the turntable can adjust the distance between the first portion 602 and the second portion 604 by increments in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, or about 1 mm; however, any suitable spacing can be used. In some examples, in addition to or as an alternative to the turntable 608 adjusting the spacing between the first portion 602 and the second portion 604, the turntable 608 can be used to adjust the angle between the first portion 602 and the second portion 604.
[0054] Figure 7 A top view of a head-mountable device 700 including a diameter-changing adjustment mechanism is shown. The adjustment mechanism may be referred to as an expansion mechanism. The device 700 may be configured to Figure 4 The device 700 may be substantially similar to the device 400 of claim 1, including some or all of the features of that device. For example, the device 700 may include a frame 702, fixed arms 704a, 704b including proximal portions 706a, 706b, respectively, and a distal portion 708.
[0055] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, hinge 710 is attached between proximal portions 706a, 706b and distal portion 708. Hinge 710 may be provided to vary the force applied between device 700 and the user's head. For example, in a first position (e.g., represented by a solid line of distal portion 708), frame 702 may rest on the user's nose, fixed arm 704 may rest on the user's ear, and distal portion 708 may apply force to the back of the user's head opposite frame 702. Hinge 710 may be rotated so that the distal portion moves along direction 714 to a second position 712. In the second position, frame 702 may rest on the user's nose, fixed arm 704 may rest on the user's ear, and proximal portion 706 may apply force to the side of the user's head. Moving the distal portion 708 from the first position to the second position 712 may move the balance point of the device 700 distally, causing more force to be applied to the user's ears, and may result in forces being applied to the sides of the user's head by the proximal portion 706 rather than forces being applied to the back of the user's head by the distal portion 708. The hinge 710 may be a friction hinge or the like, and may maintain the desired position of the distal portion 708 once the fixed arm 704 is adjusted.
[0056] Hinge 710 may allow distal portion 708 to rotate relative to proximal portion 706 in more than one direction. Figure 7 As shown, the hinge 710 may allow the distal portion 708 to rotate relative to the proximal portion 706 in a first direction 730 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 704 and the frame 702, and the hinge 710 may allow the distal portion 708 to rotate relative to the proximal portion 706 in a second direction 732 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 704 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 702. The distal portion 708 may be formed of a relatively rigid material and its shape is configured to hold the user's head.
[0057] Figure 8 A band 800 is shown which may be used in the distal portion of the above-described device, such as that described above with respect to Figure 4 and Figure 7 The distal portion 408, 708 of the device 400, 700 described above. The band 800 includes a body portion 802 having a coupling feature 804 (also referred to as a coupler). The coupling feature 804 can be included along an inner surface of the band 800, such as a surface configured to contact the user's head. The coupling feature 804 can be a protrusion from the body portion 802 and can be formed of the same or different material as the body portion 802. In some examples, the body portion 802 and / or the coupling feature 804 can be formed of rubber, a polymer, silicone, etc. The coupling feature 802 can be formed of a material that grips the user's hair and / or scalp (e.g., the coupling feature 802 can be a hair coupling feature, a hair coupler, a scalp coupling feature, and / or a scalp coupler) and can be included to improve the retention of the device 400, 700 on the user's head.
[0058] Fig. 9 A side view of an example of a head-mountable device 900 is shown. The device 900 includes a frame 902 and fixed arms 904 extending from the frame 902. Each of the fixed arms 904 may include a proximal portion 906 and a distal portion 908. The device 900 includes adjustment mechanisms 916, 922 located between the frame 902 and the fixed arms 904 and between the proximal portion 906 and the distal portion 908 of the fixed arms 904, respectively. The frame 902 and the fixed arms 904 may be respectively connected to Figures 1 to 3 The frame 102 and fixed arm 104 are substantially similar, including some or all of their features.
[0059] The adjustment mechanism 916 may adjust any number of the following: a vertical position 918 of the stationary arm 904 relative to the frame 920, an angular position 920 of the stationary arm 904 relative to the frame 902, or a horizontal position 922 of the stationary arm 904 relative to the frame 920. The vertical position 918 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stationary arm 904 and the frame 902. The angular position 920 may be relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 902 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stationary arm 904. The horizontal position 922 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stationary arm 904 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame 902. The adjustment mechanism 922 may adjust any number of the following: a horizontal position 924 of the distal portion 908 relative to the proximal portion 906, a first angular position 926 of the distal portion 908 relative to the proximal portion 906, or a second angular position 928 of the distal portion 908 relative to the proximal portion 906. The horizontal position 924 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 904 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame 902. The first angular position 926 can be relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 902 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed arm 904. The second angular position 928 can be relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame 902 and the fixed arm 904.
[0060] The adjustment mechanisms 916, 922 may be any of the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms, such as a dial, a slidable strap, a hinge, a telescopic tube, etc. The adjustment mechanisms 916, 922 may be used to adjust the balance point of the device 900 and the force applied between the device 900 and the user's head. For example, adjusting any of the vertical position 918, the angular position 920, the horizontal position 922, or the horizontal position 924 may adjust the balance point of the device 900 toward the proximal side or toward the distal side. In other words, adjusting any of the vertical position 918, the angular position 920, the horizontal position 922, or the horizontal position 924 may adjust the distribution of the force applied between the device 900 and the user's nose and ears. Adjusting the first angular position 926 may adjust the amount of force applied between the side of the user's head and the fixed arm 904. Adjusting the second angular position 928 may adjust the contact area between the user's ear and the device 900. The adjustment mechanisms 916, 922 may be used to improve the fit and comfort of the device 900 and provide a balanced fit of the device 900. Adjustment mechanisms 916, 922 may be used to adjust the balance and fit of device 900 during use of device 900 to prevent fatigue and discomfort caused by wearing device 900 in the same position for extended periods of time. Either of adjustment mechanisms 916, 922 may be optional and may be used independently of each other.
[0061] The device 900 may include one or more electronic components, such as a first electronic component 912 and a second electronic component 914. The electronic components 912, 914 may include any number of electronic components and may be configured to operate through the device 100 and generate a virtual reality or augmented reality experience to a user. The first electronic component 912 may include a projector, a waveguide, a speaker, a processor, or a memory component. The second electronic component 914 may include a battery or any other component, including those components described with reference to the first electronic component 912. In an example in which the first electronic component 912 includes a projector and / or a waveguide, the projector and / or the waveguide may be configured to project light displayed on a window 910 fixed to the frame 902. The window 910 may include an optically transparent material. The window 910 may include an optical lens. The window 910 may include a transparent window through which light passes without redirecting the light, or may include a vision correction geometry. In an example in which the second electronic component 914 includes a battery, the battery may be connected to the first electronic component 912 via an electronic circuit component to deliver power to the first electronic component 912.
[0062] To the extent applicable to the present technology, the collection and use of data obtained from various sources may be used to improve the delivery of inspirational content or any other content that may be of interest to the user. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, the collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, Home address, 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 or personal information.
[0063] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology can be used to benefit users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that users are more interested in. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables users to have planned control over the content delivered. In addition, the present disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that benefit users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health status, or can be used as positive feedback to individuals who use technology to pursue health goals.
[0064] The disclosure anticipates that entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage or other uses of such personal information data will comply with sound privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to the use of privacy policies and privacy practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easy for users to access and should be updated as changes in the collection and / or use of data occur. Personal information from users should be collected for legal and reasonable entity purposes and should not be shared or sold outside these legal purposes. In addition, such collection / sharing should be carried out after receiving the user's informed consent. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data, and ensure that other entities with access to personal information data comply with the privacy policies and procedures of other entities. In addition, such entities can subject themselves to third-party assessments to prove that they comply with widely accepted privacy policies and privacy practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted to specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including considerations of special jurisdictions. For example, in the United States, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be advocated for different types of personal data in each country.
[0065] 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 also contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that the user's personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then the user may be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.
[0066] In addition, it is the intention of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting the data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than at the address level), controlling how the data is stored (e.g., aggregating data between users), and / or other methods when appropriate.
[0067] 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 requiring 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.
[0068] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the disclosed precise forms. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are feasible.
Claims
1. A head-mounted electronic device, comprising: frame; a window coupled to the frame; a projector configured to direct light for display at the window; and A fixed arm extending from the frame, the fixed arm comprising: a proximal portion connected to the frame; a distal portion connected to the proximal portion; and An expansion mechanism connects the proximal portion to the distal portion, the expansion mechanism being configured to extend the distal portion away from the proximal portion, the distal portion having a greater mass than the proximal portion. 2 . The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the distal portion is configured to be disposed behind an ear of a user when the head-mounted electronic device is worn by the user.
3. The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first electronic component disposed in the distal portion; and A second electronic component is disposed in the proximal portion. The head-mountable electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the expansion mechanism comprises an electric actuator. The head-mountable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the expansion mechanism comprises a manual actuator.
6. The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed arm is a first fixed arm; The distal portion is a first distal portion; The expansion mechanism is a first expansion mechanism; and The head-mounted electronic device further includes: A second fixation arm includes a second proximal portion connected to a second distal portion at a second expansion mechanism. 7 . The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 6 , further comprising a connection band, the connection band comprising the first distal portion and the second distal portion, the connection band extending from the first proximal portion to the second proximal portion.
8. A head-mounted electronic device, comprising: frame; a window coupled to the frame; a waveguide configured to guide light displayed at the window; and A fixed arm extending from the frame, the fixed arm comprising: a proximal portion connected to the frame, the proximal portion comprising a first electronic component; a distal portion connected to the proximal portion, the distal portion comprising a second electronic component electrically coupled to the first electronic component; and An adjustment mechanism is configured to move the distal portion distally relative to the frame.
9. The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The adjustment mechanism includes a dial coupled to the distal portion and the proximal portion; and The dial is configured to adjust an angle of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion when the dial is manipulated.
10. The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The adjustment mechanism includes a dial coupled to the distal portion or the proximal portion; and The dial is configured to adjust a distance between the distal portion and the proximal portion when the dial is manipulated.
11. The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The adjustment mechanism comprises a notched strap coupled to the distal portion and the proximal portion; and The notched strip is configured to adjust a distance between the distal portion and the proximal portion when the distal portion is manipulated relative to the proximal portion.
12. The head mountable electronic device of claim 8, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a friction hinge pivotally attaching the distal portion to the proximal portion.
13. The head-mountable electronic device of claim 8, wherein an inner surface of the distal portion comprises a hair coupler.
14. The head-mounted electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The fixed arm is a first fixed arm; The head-mountable electronic device further includes a second fixed arm extending from the frame; and The distal portion extends from the first fixation arm to the second fixation arm.
15. A head-mounted display device, comprising: frame; a window coupled to the frame; a projector configured to direct light for display at the window; a first fixation arm extending from the frame, the first fixation arm comprising a first distal end; a second fixation arm extending from the frame, the second fixation arm including a second distal end; an adjustable ballast extending between and secured to the first distal end and the second distal end; and An adjustment mechanism is configured to change a position of the ballast relative to the frame. 16 . The head-mountable display device of claim 15 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust an angle of the adjustable ballast relative to the first fixed arm and the second fixed arm. 17 . The head mountable display device of claim 15 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to extend the adjustable ballast distally away from the first distal end and the second distal end.
18. The head mountable display device of claim 17, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a friction fit between the adjustable ballast and the first distal end.
19. The head-mountable display device according to claim 15, wherein: The adjustment mechanism is a first adjustment mechanism; and The head mountable display device also includes a second adjustment mechanism coupling the first fixed arm to the frame.
20. The head-mountable display device of claim 19, wherein the second adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust an angle of the frame relative to the first fixed arm.