Eye patch

By designing an eye mask with soft materials and a stable structure, the shortcomings of existing eye masks in terms of comfort and ease of use have been solved, improving user comfort and sleep quality, and providing better sleep monitoring and improvement functions.

CN122396519APending Publication Date: 2026-07-14RESMED ASIA PTE LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
RESMED ASIA PTE LTD
Filing Date
2024-12-13
Publication Date
2026-07-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing eye masks are inadequate in terms of comfort, fit, and ease of use, especially for side sleepers, as they may be uncomfortable or too heavy, making them difficult to use for extended periods.

Method used

An eye mask has been designed, which includes an eye component and a face contact structure, has a cavity and a positioning stabilization structure, can fit the user's head, and can be optionally equipped with a noise reduction component, a sensor module and a cooling component. It uses soft materials and magnetic connections to provide comfort and stability.

Benefits of technology

It improves user comfort and ease of use, enhances the ability to screen, diagnose and monitor breathing and sleep disorders, and improves sleep quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to eyewear. The eyewear includes an eye assembly positionable over at least an orbital region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, a face contact structure connected to or with the eye assembly, and a positioning and stabilizing structure for attaching the eyewear to the user's face and a functional module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an eye mask. Background Technology

[0002] Sleep is a vital component of personal health, growth, and vitality. This is especially true in today's overstimulated and stressful world. Specifically, maintaining the integrity and health of daily and monthly sleep / wake cycles is crucial for individual health and well-being, as well as for productivity and good order in society as a whole. Ideally, the rhythm of the sleep / wake cycle is governed by the natural order of sunrise and sunset each day. However, the artificial daily routines of modern personal and social life obscure these natural rhythms, making it more difficult to wake up and fall asleep at the designated times due to the greater the conflict between the pressing matters in our daily lives and the natural cycles of all things.

[0003] It is well known that eye masks with an opaque design that provide complete darkness help stimulate the production of melatonin, and thus promote sleep. However, current eye masks may not be very comfortable, especially for side sleepers, or may be too heavy or bulky to use.

[0004] Some eye masks may be uncomfortable or impractical if used for extended periods. For users, attaching and properly positioning certain eye masks on the head for effective use can be complex.

[0005] Due to these challenges, some eye masks face one or more of the following problems: awkward appearance, poor aesthetics, high cost, poor fit, difficulty in use, and discomfort, especially when worn for extended periods or when the user is unfamiliar with the system.

[0006] The goal is to overcome or improve at least one of the problems described above, or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This technology aims to provide devices for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory and / or sleep disorders and / or generally monitoring and / or improving sleep health, such devices having one or more of improved comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0008] The first aspect of this technology relates to a device for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory and / or sleep disorders.

[0009] Another aspect of this technology relates to methods for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating, or preventing respiratory and / or sleep disorders.

[0010] Some aspects of this technology are providing methods and / or devices to improve user adherence to breathing and / or sleep therapy.

[0011] Some aspects of this technology include providing methods and / or devices for improving a user's sleep quality.

[0012] The following describes some forms of the technology regarding eye masks, wherein the features disclosed below are provided in any combination or selection.

[0013] In some forms, this technology includes an eye mask comprising: a) An eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes; and b) A facial contact structure that is connected to or associated with the eye assembly; The facial contact structure includes a cavity for accommodating the module.

[0014] The positioning and stabilizing structure may be attached to the eye component and / or the face contact structure, and / or extend from or be connected to the eye component and / or the face contact structure.

[0015] In one form of this technology, the goggle includes at least one cavity such that the inner surface of the eye assembly is spaced apart from the user's eyes during use.

[0016] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure includes a nose bridge for stabilizing the goggles on the nasal region of the user's face.

[0017] In one form of the technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes a circumferential band for adapting to the user's head during use, wherein the eye assembly is attached circumferentially to a portion of the circumferential band, or a portion of the circumferential band.

[0018] In one form of this technology, the size of the eye component is designed to cover the user's forehead when in use.

[0019] In one embodiment of this technology, the goggles also include a noise-canceling component configured to fit over and / or at least partially within the user's ear. In some embodiments, the noise-canceling component is modularly coupled to the eye assembly.

[0020] In one form of this technology, the noise reduction component is connected to the eye area.

[0021] In one form of this technology, the noise reduction component includes a noise cancellation component.

[0022] In one form of this technology, the eye mask may include one or more speakers for generating sounds such as white noise to aid sleep. These one or more speakers may be provided as part of the noise-canceling component (if present).

[0023] In one form of this technology, the noise cancellation component includes active noise cancellation electronics.

[0024] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is configured to rest on the ear base point of the user's head during use.

[0025] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is configured to cover the user's head at the supra-auricular and sub-auricular base points during use.

[0026] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes at least one rigid element.

[0027] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure bifurcates to form a first bifurcated segment and a second bifurcated segment, wherein the first bifurcated segment and the second bifurcated segment together support the top of the user's head during use.

[0028] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in use, the user's eyes are uncovered in the open position and the user's eyes are covered in the closed position.

[0029] In one form, the eye mask includes a pivot mechanism for pivoting the eye assembly between the open and closed positions. For example, the eye assembly may be connected to the positioning and stabilizing structure via the pivot mechanism.

[0030] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes a circumferential band for adapting to the user's head during use, wherein the eye assembly is attached circumferentially to the circumferential band.

[0031] In one form of the technology, the goggles also include a sensor module embedded, attached, or otherwise disposed therein and / or thereon, the sensor module being used to measure user data and / or equipment-related data for screening, monitoring, and / or diagnostic purposes.

[0032] In one form of this technology, the sensor module is integrated with the eye component and / or the facial contact structure.

[0033] In one form of this technology, the sensor module is integrated with the positioning and stabilization structure.

[0034] In one form of this technology, the sensor module is integrated into the functional module.

[0035] In one form of this technology, the sensor module is configured to sense EEG, PPG, EMG, EOG, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In one form of this technology, the goggles also include a cooling component. For example, the cooling component may be integrated into or attached to the eye assembly.

[0037] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly is formed of a material selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, elastic fabric materials, or combinations thereof.

[0038] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is formed of a material selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, elastic fabric materials, or combinations thereof.

[0039] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is formed of a material selected from perforated textiles, elastic fabrics, or combinations thereof.

[0040] In one form of this technology, the goggles also include a pocket for housing an electronic module, the pocket being configured to rest on the user's forehead during use.

[0041] In one form of this technology, the eye mask also includes a pull tab.

[0042] Other forms of the present technology include an eye mask comprising: An eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, the eye assembly having a front surface and an opposing rear surface; A face contact structure connected to the rear surface of the eye assembly, the face contact structure including a user-facing surface on the user-facing side of the face contact structure, and a groove and a cavity formed in the user-facing surface, the perimeter of each of the groove and the cavity being defined by a wall extending at least from a base portion of each of the groove and the cavity to the user-facing surface; The groove can be positioned on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region of the user's face during use, and the cavity can be positioned on the orbital region of the user's face during use; A positioning and stabilizing structure configured to provide forces for holding the eye assembly and face contact structure of the goggles in a position on the user's head during use; and A functional module is housed within the recess in a removable manner.

[0043] In one form, the wall includes a first sidewall portion extending from the perimeter of the recessed base portion to the user-facing surface and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion.

[0044] In one form, the second sidewall portion forms part of the perimeter of the goggles.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first raised sidewall portion of the groove is the second raised sidewall portion of the cavity.

[0046] In one embodiment, the second raised sidewall portion of the groove is the first raised sidewall portion of the cavity.

[0047] In one embodiment, the overall curvature of the eye assembly makes the front surface of the eye assembly substantially convex and the rear surface of the eye assembly substantially concave.

[0048] In one form, the facial contact structure has an overall curvature that complements the substantially concave rear surface of the eye assembly.

[0049] In one form, the groove is sized to substantially traverse at least between the left and right supraorbital foramina during use, and / or across the central region of the frontal bone of the user's head.

[0050] In one form, the cavity is larger than the groove.

[0051] In one form, the cavity is designed to be substantially transverse between the left and right cheekbone regions of the user's head during use.

[0052] In one configuration, the groove is positioned above the cavity.

[0053] In one embodiment, the wall of the groove includes: a first raised wall section extending laterally along the top edge of the groove, close to the top edge of the goggles; and a second raised wall section spaced apart from the first raised wall section and extending laterally along the bottom edge of the groove, away from the top edge of the goggles.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first raised wall section includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion.

[0055] In one embodiment, the second raised wall section includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first raised wall section extends a greater distance from the base portion of the groove than the second raised wall section, such that the user-facing surface portion of the first raised wall section abuts against the user's face when the goggles are in use.

[0057] In one form, the depth from the base portion of the groove to the user-facing surface of the wall near the center of the groove is greater than the depth at the lateral edge of the groove, and the wall extends at least from the base portion of each groove in the groove to the user-facing surface.

[0058] In one embodiment, the combined thickness of the eye assembly and the face contact structure between the base of the groove and the adjacent front surface of the eye assembly is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm.

[0059] In one form, the combined thickness extends from 3 mm to 10 mm at or near the center of the groove, and from 10 mm to 30 mm at or near the lateral side of the eye mask.

[0060] In one embodiment, the height of the first sidewall portion and / or the second sidewall portion of the second protruding wall section can vary along the length of the second protruding wall section.

[0061] In one embodiment, the height of the first sidewall portion and / or the second sidewall portion of the second protruding wall section can vary along the length of the first protruding wall section.

[0062] In one form, the first and second sidewall portions of the second protruding wall section each have a height reduction region compared to the height of the first and second sidewall portions along the remainder of the second protruding wall section.

[0063] In one form, the recess and wall of the goggles include a shaped eye assembly and a complementary shaped facial contact structure / formed by both. In other forms, the recess and wall include a shaped facial contact structure / formed by a shaped facial contact structure.

[0064] In one form, the facial contact structure comprises thermoformed textiles.

[0065] In one form, the eye component comprises textiles and / or foam.

[0066] In some other forms, the eye assembly comprises a laminate of textiles and foam. In some forms, the laminate can be thermoformed.

[0067] In one form, the eye assembly comprises a laminate of textile and foam, and is formed such that the first front surface of the eye assembly comprises textile and the opposing inner surface of the eye assembly comprises foam.

[0068] In one form, the eye assembly includes a textile layer on the front surface of the eye assembly, the textile layer being attached to the periphery or edge of the eye assembly and / or facial contact structure.

[0069] In one form, the textile layer is not attached to the front surface of the eye assembly.

[0070] In one form, the textile layer is a stretchable textile, such as a knitted fabric or a stretchable nonwoven fabric. In some forms, the stretchable fabric is a two-way or four-way elastic fabric.

[0071] In one form, the eye component or a portion thereof is compressible.

[0072] In one form, the facial contact structure or a portion thereof is compressible.

[0073] In one form, the density, compressibility, elasticity, resilience, or stiffness of the eye assembly may vary in different regions of the eye assembly.

[0074] In one form, the density, compressibility, elasticity, flexibility, resilience, or stiffness of the facial contact structure may vary in different areas of the facial contact structure.

[0075] In one form, the user-facing surface of the facial contact structure is compressible.

[0076] In other forms, the face-contact structure is a wall-sealed air bag.

[0077] In one form, the base portion of the groove includes one or more connectors for engaging with a complementary connector on the functional module.

[0078] In other forms, the first sidewall portion of the wall includes one or more connectors for engaging with complementary connectors on the functional module.

[0079] In one form, the connector can be any one or more of the following: mechanical connection, hook and / or ring material, friction-fit connection, press-fit stud, conductive fastener, spring-release engagement, textile pocket or male / female connector, or a combination thereof.

[0080] In one form, the connector may be one or more magnets. In some forms, the connector includes two magnets with opposite polarities.

[0081] In one form, the one or more connectors used to engage with the complementary connector on the functional module are magnetic connectors.

[0082] In one form, the magnetic connector is in the form of a magnetic or partially magnetic support or cage.

[0083] In one embodiment, the base portion of the groove or the first sidewall portion of the wall includes a sensor pad.

[0084] In one embodiment, the eye assembly and the face contact structure are joined together at a seam or connecting edge, and the seam or connecting edge is not positioned on the user-facing surface of the face contact structure. In some embodiments, the seam or connecting edge is formed on the first or second sidewall portion of the wall to prevent contact with the user's face.

[0085] Other forms of the present technology include an eye mask comprising: An eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, the eye assembly having a front surface and an opposing rear surface; A facial contact structure connected to the rear surface of the eye assembly, the facial contact structure including a user-facing surface on the user-facing side of the facial contact structure, and a groove and / or cavity formed in the user-facing surface, the periphery of the groove and / or cavity being defined by a wall extending at least from a base portion of the groove and / or cavity to the user-facing surface, the base portion of the groove being able to be positioned in use on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region and / or orbital region of the user's face; A positioning and stabilizing structure configured to provide forces for holding the eye assembly and face contact structure of the goggles in a position on the user's head during use; and A functional module that can be removably connected to the base portion of the groove; The facial contact structure also includes a bridge of the nose that can be positioned on the nose area of ​​the user's face. The bridge of the nose is connected to the eye component and its shape is designed to define a compression area between the facial contact structure and the eye component.

[0086] In one embodiment, the wall of the groove and / or cavity includes: a first raised wall section extending laterally along the top edge of the groove and / or cavity, close to the top edge of the goggles; and a second raised wall section spaced apart from the first raised wall section and extending laterally along the bottom edge of the groove and / or cavity, away from the top edge of the goggles.

[0087] In one configuration, the first raised wall section is more resilient and flexible than the second raised wall section.

[0088] In some forms, the eye mask includes a groove that can be positioned on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region during use, and the first raised wall section extends from the base portion of the groove by a greater distance than the second raised wall section extends from the base portion of the groove, such that the user-facing surface wall portion of the first raised wall section abuts against the user's face when the eye mask is used.

[0089] In one embodiment, the facial contact structure includes walls defining the periphery of base portions of two separate recesses, each wall having a user-facing wall portion bridging a first sidewall portion extending toward the eye assembly and an opposing second sidewall portion extending toward the eye assembly. The first sidewall portion of each wall defines the periphery of the base portion of each recess, the base portion of each recess being formed by the facial contact structure. The base portion of the recess is capable of being positioned in use on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region of the user's face, and the base portion of the cavity is capable of being positioned in use on the orbital region of the user's face.

[0090] In one embodiment, the bridge of the nose includes a third raised wall segment, the third raised wall segment including...

[0091] A first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion are connected by a user-facing surface wall portion, and a third raised wall section is located near the lower edge of the goggles.

[0092] In other forms, the third raised wall section includes a compression region defined by the first sidewall portion of the wall, the second sidewall portion, the user-facing surface wall portion, and the rear surface of the eye assembly.

[0093] In one form, the compressed area is an air bag.

[0094] In other forms, the third raised wall section includes a compressible or deformable member that is wrapped by the first sidewall portion, the second sidewall portion, the user-facing surface wall portion, and the rear surface of the eye assembly.

[0095] In some forms, the compressible or deformable component is open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, low-density foam, memory foam, gel, or beads.

[0096] In one form, the third protruding wall section is formed of a compressible material to provide a comfortable fit around the nose area.

[0097] In one embodiment, the third protruding wall section further includes a hinge feature in the form of a crease, channel, groove, fold, or pleat, which can function as a hinge when the eye mask is used to apply force to the bridge of the nose, thereby deforming the bridge of the nose.

[0098] In one form, the hinge feature is formed in the second sidewall portion of the third protruding wall section.

[0099] In one form, the third protruding wall section has a substantially "C" shaped cross-section.

[0100] In one embodiment, the third raised wall section is adapted to change its cross-sectional shape from a first undeformed cross-sectional shape when the goggles are not in use to a second deformed cross-sectional shape when the goggles are in use and held against the user's face under the force of the positioning and stabilizing structure.

[0101] In some forms, the bridge of the nose is characterized by a height-to-width ratio of approximately 1:1 to approximately 5:1.

[0102] Other forms of the present technology include an eye mask comprising: An eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, the eye assembly having a first front surface and an opposing rear surface; A facial contact structure connected to the rear surface of the eye assembly, the facial contact structure including a user-facing surface on the user-facing side of the facial contact structure and a groove formed in the user-facing surface, the periphery of the groove being defined by a wall extending at least from a base portion of the groove to the user-facing surface, the base portion of the groove being able to be positioned in use on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region and / or orbital region of the user's face; A positioning and stabilizing structure configured to provide forces for holding the eye assembly and face contact structure of the goggles in a position on the user's head during use; and A functional module, which is removably connected to the base portion of the recess, is arc-shaped and its dimensions are designed to substantially traverse at least between the left and right supraorbital foramina during use, and / or span the central region of the frontal bone of the user's head.

[0103] In one form, the functional module includes a convex side and a concave side, the concave side including a user contact layer, the user contact layer including textiles, fabric composites, silicone pads, padding areas, fragrance delivery mechanisms, sensors, cooling materials, gripping materials, massage components, light sources, or combinations thereof.

[0104] In one form, the user contact layer includes moisture-wicking fabric, antimicrobial fabric, breathable fabric, or a combination thereof.

[0105] In one form, the user contact layer also includes a conductive material used as an electrode.

[0106] In one form, the conductive material is conductive silicone or conductive wire.

[0107] In one form, the conductive material is incorporated into the user contact layer as one or more shapes or patterns.

[0108] In one form, the functional module includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion on both sides of the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the widths of the first end portion, the second end portion, and the middle portion are substantially the same.

[0109] In one form, the first end portion and the second end portion have rounded edges.

[0110] In one form, the concave side of the functional module includes foam adjacent to the user contact layer.

[0111] In one form, the functional module includes a cavity for accommodating at least one component, wherein the cavity includes at least one component retaining structure for engaging the component.

[0112] In one form, the component retaining structure is selected from friction fit, snap fit, spring release fit, magnetic coupling, or a combination thereof.

[0113] In one form, the user contact layer includes a window that exposes a portion of the component.

[0114] In one form, the functional module includes a connector for engaging with a complementary connector in or on the groove of the goggles.

[0115] In one form, the connector can be any one or more of the following: mechanical connection, hook and / or ring material, friction-fit connection, press-fit stud, conductive fastener, spring-release engagement, textile pocket or male / female connector, or a combination thereof.

[0116] In one form, the connector may be one or more magnets. In some forms, the connector includes two magnets with opposite polarities.

[0117] In one form, the functional module includes at least one of the following components selected from: a sensor component, a noise reduction component, a pivot component, a cooling component, an imaging component, a massage component, a vision component, an audio component, a charging component, and a power supply.

[0118] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly is selected from electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, electromyography (EMG) sensors, electrooculography (EOG) sensors, pulse oximeter (SpO2) sensors, respiratory rate (RR) sensors, heart rate (HR) sensors, and heart rate variability (HRV) sensors.

[0119] In one form, the functional module also includes a magnetic charging port configured to engage with a magnetic cover.

[0120] In one form, the depth of the functional module represents the distance between the concave side and the convex side of the functional module, and the depth of the functional module is greater than the distance between the base of the groove and the user-facing wall portion of the wall surrounding the perimeter of the groove.

[0121] Other forms of this technology include a functional module for use with an eye mask, the module comprising: an eye covering assembly positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes; and a face contact assembly connected to or attached to the eye covering assembly, the face contact structure including a groove. The functional module is designed to fit within a narrow, elongated cavity recess, so that it substantially traverses the user's head, at least between the left and right supraorbital foramina, during use; and The functional module is elastic and flexible so that it fits the user's head when the user wears the goggles.

[0122] In some forms, the functional module includes one or more ports located on the concave side or one or more sides of the functional module.

[0123] In some forms, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes at least one rigid element.

[0124] This technology also includes an eye mask comprising: An eye cover assembly that can be positioned on at least the eye socket area of ​​a user's face and is configured to block light from entering the user's eyes; A facial contact structure connected to or associated with the eye cover assembly, the facial contact structure including a groove capable of being positioned on the forehead area of ​​the user's face during use; A positioning and stabilizing structure for attaching the goggles to the user's face; The functional modules disclosed herein are housed within this groove.

[0125] This technology includes a system for screening, monitoring, and / or diagnosing a user's physical condition, the system comprising: As disclosed herein, the functional module includes a processor integrated into a single circuit along with the component within the functional module; The processor is configured to receive data from at least one component within the functional module in order to determine the user’s physical condition and perform intervention. Attached Figure Description

[0126] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0127] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A The back view of the eye mask.

[0128] Figure 2A The eye mask is shown in its pre-use position.

[0129] Figure 2B The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0130] Figure 2C The eye mask is shown in its pre-use position.

[0131] Figure 3A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0132] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A The eye mask's eye components and face contact structure face the user side.

[0133] Figure 4A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0134] Figure 4BIt shows Figure 4A A perspective view of the eye mask.

[0135] Figure 4C An exploded view of the noise reduction components is shown.

[0136] Figure 5A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0137] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A side view of the eye mask.

[0138] Figure 6A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0139] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A side view of the eye mask.

[0140] Figure 7A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0141] Figure 7B shows Figure 7A The back view of the eye mask.

[0142] Figure 7C It shows Figure 7A The back view of the eye mask.

[0143] Figure 8A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0144] Figure 8B It shows Figure 8A The back view of the eye mask.

[0145] Figure 9A The eye mask is shown in its pre-use position.

[0146] Figure 9B The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0147] Figure 9C It shows Figure 9A A top view of the eye mask.

[0148] Figure 10A The eye mask is shown in its pre-use position.

[0149] Figure 10B The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0150] Figure 11A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0151] Figure 11B It shows Figure 11A The back view of the eye mask.

[0152] Figure 12A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0153] Figure 12B An exploded view of an eye mask with a cooling component is shown.

[0154] Figure 13A The eye mask is shown in its use position.

[0155] Figure 13B It shows Figure 13A The back view of the eye mask.

[0156] Figure 14 The front and back views of the eye mask are shown.

[0157] Figure 15A A front view of the eye mask is shown.

[0158] Figure 15B It shows Figure 15A The back view of the eye mask.

[0159] Figure 16A The eye mask is shown in its pre-use position.

[0160] Figure 16B The location of use is shown. Figure 16A The eye mask.

[0161] Figure 17 The image shows the position of the eye mask in use and its position before use.

[0162] Figure 18A The back view of the eye mask is shown.

[0163] Figure 18B It shows Figure 18A Another back view of the eye mask.

[0164] Figure 19 A front perspective view of the functional modules used for the eye mask is shown.

[0165] Figure 20A A rear perspective view of another functional module used for the eye mask is shown.

[0166] Figure 20B It shows Figure 20A Front view of the functional modules.

[0167] Figure 20C It shows Figure 20A A bottom view of the functional modules.

[0168] Figure 20D It shows Figure 20A A cross-sectional view of the functional modules.

[0169] Figure 21A A rear perspective view of a functional module without a backing is shown.

[0170] Figure 21B Examples Figure 21A Side perspective view of the functional modules.

[0171] Figure 21C A side perspective view of another embodiment of the functional module is shown.

[0172] Figure 21D It shows Figure 21A A cross-sectional view of the functional modules.

[0173] Figure 22 A block diagram of a system for implementing various aspects of this technology is shown.

[0174] Figure 23 An architectural block diagram of a system used to implement various aspects of this technology is shown.

[0175] Figure 24 An architectural block diagram of a system used to implement various aspects of this technology is shown.

[0176] Figure 25 A flowchart is shown for a process of sleep intervention using audio and / or light.

[0177] Figure 26 A flowchart is shown for a process of sleep intervention using audio and / or light.

[0178] Figure 27 This is an exploded diagram of the functional modules according to an example of this technology.

[0179] Figure 28 Is it through Figure 27 A longitudinal sectional view of the functional modules. Figure 29 yes Figure 27 A bottom view of the functional modules.

[0180] Figure 30 A front perspective view of the goggles in their use position is shown.

[0181] Figure 31 A front view of an eye mask representing one form of the invention is shown.

[0182] Figure 32 A side view of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0183] Figure 33 A rear perspective view of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0184] Figure 34An eye mask in use by a user, representing one form of the invention, is shown.

[0185] Figure 35 A frontal view of the skull bones (including the frontal bone, nasal bone, and zygomatic bone) is shown.

[0186] Figure 36 A side view of the head is shown, which identifies several features of the surface anatomy, including the glabella, the root of the nose, the tip of the nose, and the nasal ridge, as well as the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior directions.

[0187] Figure 37 A view showing the face contact structure of the goggles after the functional modules have been removed.

[0188] Figure 38 and Figure 39 A perspective view showing a configuration of an eye component representing one form of the present invention is shown.

[0189] Figure 40 A perspective view showing a configuration of an eye assembly representing another form of the present invention is shown.

[0190] Figure 41 The configuration of the face contact structure of the eye mask, which is a form of the present invention, is shown.

[0191] Figure 42 A cross-section of the eye assembly and face contact structure of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0192] Figure 43 A cross-section of an eye assembly and face contact structure in one form of the present invention is shown, the eye assembly and face contact structure including an air bag.

[0193] Figure 44 A vertical cross-section of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0194] Figure 45 and Figure 46 A cross-section of an air pocket in the bridge of the nose portion of a facial contact structure in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0195] Figure 47 and Figure 48 A cross-section of an air pocket in the bridge of the nose portion of a facial contact structure representing another form of the present invention is shown.

[0196] Figure 49 A functional module connector on the face contact structure of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0197] Figure 50 A top view is shown of a functional module connected to a face contact structure of an eye mask, representing one form of the present invention.

[0198] Figure 51 The illustration shows a user wearing an eye mask formed in one form of the present invention.

[0199] Figure 52 A top view of an eye mask in one form of the invention is shown, the top view indicating Figures 52A to 52C Placed in the cross-section.

[0200] Figure 52A A cross-section AA of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0201] Figure 52B A cross-section BB of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0202] Figure 52C A cross-section CC of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown.

[0203] Figure 53 A rear perspective view of an eye mask in one form of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0204] Before describing the present technology in further detail, it should be understood that the present technology is not limited to the specific examples described herein, which may vary. It should be understood that many further modifications and arrangements can be made to various aspects of the described embodiments. Therefore, the described aspects are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing only the specific examples discussed herein and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0205] The following description provides various examples of objects that may share one or more common characteristics and / or features. It should be understood that one or more features of any one example can be combined with one or more features of another example or other examples. Furthermore, any single feature or combination of features from any of these examples can constitute yet another example.

[0206] Throughout the specification and the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” shall be understood to imply inclusion of the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0207] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the phrase "consisting essentially of" and variations such as "consists essentially of" will be understood to indicate that the listed elements are essential (i.e., necessary) elements of the invention. This phrase allows for the presence of other unlisted elements that do not substantially affect the characteristics of the invention, but excludes additional unspecified elements that would affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the defined method.

[0208] References to any prior publications (or information derived therefrom) or any known content in this specification are not and should not be construed as endorsement or acknowledgment or any form of advice that such prior publications (or information derived therefrom) or known content form part of the general knowledge in the field of effort covered by this specification.

[0209] 5.1 Eye mask

[0210] According to one aspect of the present technology, the goggles include the following functional aspects: an eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes; a face contact structure connected to or linked to the eye assembly; a positioning and stabilizing structure configured to provide a force for holding the goggles on the user's face; and optionally, a functional module housed within the face contact structure. In use, the eye assembly blocks light from entering the user's eyes, and the face contact structure and functional module can further block light from entering the user's eyes.

[0211] One form of eye mask according to this technology is constructed and arranged to provide comfort to the user during use by blocking light and optionally blocking sound, and optionally by providing additional comfort, light blocking, or additional functionality through functional modules or eye components and / or facial contact structures or positioning and stabilization structures of the eye mask. The geometry of the eye mask can be designed to fit the head based on anthropological data. The eye mask can be sized based on nationality, race, gender, and / or ethnicity. In some forms, the geometry of the eye mask is designed to fit the head of Asians. One or more geometric parameters of the eye mask, such as the width, height, and / or curvature of the facial contact structure in one or more regions (e.g., the bridge of the nose region, the region across the levator labii superioris muscle, and / or the region across the zygomaticus minor muscle), can be calculated based on anthropological data of Asian populations.

[0212] One form of eye mask according to this technology can be constructed and arranged to monitor and diagnose a user's sleep patterns or sleep states. In some forms, the eye mask can provide corrective output to the user based on sleep patterns or sleep states. In some forms of this technology, the eye mask also includes comfort modules, sensor modules, cooling modules, flipping modules, massage modules, noise reduction components, imaging modules, or combinations thereof, which may be integrated into or separated from the functional modules. The eye mask may also include electronic modules for sensing and / or sensory intervention, such as interventional light modules, interventional audio modules, interventional tactile modules, cooling / heating (thermal) modules, electro-neural stimulation (massage) modules, fluid (air movement) modules, or combinations thereof. The electronic modules may be integrated into or separated from the functional modules.

[0213] 5.2 Eye Components

[0214] At least a portion of the eye assembly may be elastically stretchable to easily fit the user's head and accommodate various head sizes. In some embodiments, the entire eye mask may be stretchable and / or resiliently flexible / bendable, at least in the radial direction.

[0215] In one form of this technology, the size of the eye component is designed to block light from entering the user's eyes. In this regard, during use, the size of the eye component is designed such that it covers at least the eye socket region of the user's face. The eye socket region includes the supraorbital region. The eye component can be configured to block light from entering the user's eyes. The size of the eye component can be designed to cover areas of the user's face other than the eye socket region. The size of the eye component can be designed to further cover a portion of the user's infraorbital region during use. The size of the eye component can be designed to further cover a portion of the user's nasal region. The size of the eye component can be designed to further cover a portion of the user's cheekbone region. The size of the eye component can be designed to further cover the user's forehead. An oversized eye component can also function as a pillow, providing comfort to the user.

[0216] In one form of this technology, the size of the eye component is designed to cover at least a portion of the forehead region, eye socket region, cheekbone region, and bridge of the nose of the user's face.

[0217] In one form of this technology, the goggles include at least one cavity on the user-facing side. The eye assembly can function in combination with a face contact structure to form the cavity. In this respect, the cavity can be defined by an edge of the face contact structure and an inner surface of the eye assembly. The cavity can be configured to space the eye assembly from the user's eyes. Therefore, during use, the inner surface of the eye assembly is spaced from the user's eyes.

[0218] The cavity can be characterized by depths of approximately 1 cm to approximately 15 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 14 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 13 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 12 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 11 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 2 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 3 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 4 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 5 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 6 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 7 cm to approximately 10 cm, or approximately 8 cm to approximately 10 cm. The depth of the cavity can be constructed by varying the height of the facial contact structure. Furthermore, the cavity depth can vary depending on the width of the goggles, and the cavity depth can vary across both the width and length of the cavity.

[0219] In one form of this technology, the eye component has a curved shape. The curved shape can be relative to the user's forehead and / or the user's cross-section. The curved shape of the eye component conforms to the user's face and provides better skin contact and light shielding. For example, the eye component can be a hyperbolic paraboloid.

[0220] In one form of this technology, the eye component is resilient and flexible so as to conform to the user's head during use.

[0221] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly is configured to have greater flexibility at the lateral edges of the eye assembly compared to the central region of the eye assembly.

[0222] In one form of this technology, the eye component is formed as a ring or band, and the eye component is configured to surround the user's head in the circumferential direction.

[0223] In one embodiment of this technology, the eye assembly includes a left segment capable of being positioned on the left eye socket region of the user's face and a right segment capable of being positioned on the right eye socket region of the user's face. The left and right segments may have similar dimensions. The left and right segments can be held in place relative to each other by facial contact structures.

[0224] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly includes at least one pocket or recess. The pocket or recess can be sized to accommodate a sensor module, a cooling module, a flip module, a noise reduction component, an imaging module, or a combination thereof. The pocket may further accommodate an intervening optical module, an intervening audio module, an intervening haptic module, a heating module, a massage module, an airflow module, or a combination thereof.

[0225] In one form, the outer or front surface of the eye assembly is substantially smooth. In other forms, the front surface may include curves, ridges, or bumps corresponding to structural components formed on the rear or user-facing side of the eye patch.

[0226] In some implementations, the window can be integrated into the eye component.

[0227] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly is formed of a perforated light-blocking fabric or composite material. In this case, as light travels along a tortuous path through the fabric or composite material, it is blocked from directly penetrating the eyes through light scattering and absorption. The eye assembly can be made breathable to provide comfort for the user. For example, silk, cotton, or wool can be used. The eye assembly can be formed of materials selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, and / or fibers. Naturally thick and tightly woven fabrics, such as velvet, heavy cotton, or jacquard fabrics, can also be used. These fabrics have a tighter weave or are heavier, which helps to minimize the amount of light that can penetrate the material. Alternatively, a fabric composite material can be used. The composite material can be a laminated material. The composite material can include an inner fabric and an outer fabric. An intermediate layer can be sandwiched between the inner and outer fabrics. The intermediate layer can be a soft, flexible foam, fiber filler, elastomer / flexible lattice structure, flexible aggregate / beads, or a combination thereof.

[0228] In some forms of this technology, the eye assembly is formed of an elastic fabric material. For example, polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can be used, and the polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can also be laminated with another fabric to increase its light-blocking properties.

[0229] 5.3 Facial Contact Structure

[0230] The goggles include a facial contact structure. Since the facial contact structure comes into direct contact with the user's face, its shape and configuration can directly affect the goggles' effectiveness and comfort.

[0231] Designing facial contact structures presents numerous challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of the nose and head vary greatly between individuals. Because the head comprises bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different areas of the face respond differently to mechanical forces.

[0232] One type of face contact structure extends around the periphery of the goggles and is designed to seal against the user's face when force is applied to the goggles, wherein the face contact structure engages opposite to the user's face. The face contact structure may include a pad made of polyurethane (PU). The face contact structure may be PU foam.

[0233] Research has found that by using more flexible materials shaped to conform to the user's facial contours (based on anthropological data) and / or by using flap seals, the facial contact structure provides a better light-blocking seal compared to earlier eye masks. In earlier eye masks, areas where the facial contact structure did not engage at all could create gaps between the structure and the user's face, allowing unwanted light pollution to enter the eye mask. Light pollution, or "light leakage," could reduce the effectiveness and enjoyment of the user's overall immersive experience, or decrease the eye mask's effectiveness as a sleep aid. Furthermore, previous systems may have been difficult to adjust and could not be applied to a wide variety of head sizes. Additionally, previously known eye masks and their associated stabilization structures were often relatively heavy and difficult to clean, which could further limit the system's comfort and usability.

[0234] Another type of face contact structure incorporates a flap seal made of thin material positioned around a portion of its periphery to provide a seal against the user's face. Similar to previous types of face contact structures, additional force may be required to achieve a seal if the fit between the face and the face contact structure is poor; otherwise, light may leak into the goggles during use. Furthermore, if the shape of the face contact structure does not match the user's shape, it may wrinkle or buckle during use, causing undesirable light penetration.

[0235] Some facial contact structures may be limited to engaging regions of the user's face that protrude beyond the curvature of the facial contact structure's engagement surface. These regions typically include the user's forehead and cheekbones. This may cause discomfort at localized stress points for the user. Other facial areas may not be engaged by the facial contact structure at all, or may only be engaged in a negligible manner, which may therefore be insufficient to increase the transmission distance of clamping pressure. These areas typically include the sides of the user's face, or areas adjacent to and surrounding the user's nose. In cases where there is a mismatch between the shape of the user's face and the shape of the facial contact structure, it is advantageous for the facial contact structure or related components to be adaptable to form a proper contact or other relationship.

[0236] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure provides a target mating area and may additionally provide a cushioning function. The target mating area is the region on the facial contact structure where contact between the facial contact structure and the user's face is likely to occur. The area where actual contact occurs can vary from day to day and from user to user during a given sleep period, depending on a range of factors, including, for example, the position of the eye mask on the face, the tension in the positioning and stabilizing structure, and the shape of the user's face.

[0237] The facial contact structure is attached to or connected to the eye assembly. The facial contact structure works in conjunction with the eye assembly to block light from entering the user's eyes. For example, the facial contact structure can be laminated to the eye assembly.

[0238] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is configured to contact at least the eye socket area of ​​the user's face. In other forms, the facial contact structure may also contact the user's eyes, thereby providing slight pressure to the eyes to aid sleep.

[0239] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is configured to contact the supraorbital region of the user's face. The facial contact structure may be formed to contact areas of the user's face other than the orbital region. The facial contact structure may further contact the user's infraorbital region. The facial contact structure may further contact a portion of the user's nasal region. In this respect, the facial contact structure may overlap with the bridge or ridge of the nose of the user's face. The facial contact structure may further contact a portion of the cheekbone region of the user's head. The facial contact structure may further contact the user's forehead.

[0240] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is configured to surround at least the eye socket region of the user's face. The facial contact structure may include at least one opening for receiving the user's eyes. In this respect, the eye mask does not contact the user's eye socket region and eyes when it obstructs light from entering the eyes. The facial contact structure may further avoid contact with the user's eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0241] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is configured to surround the supraorbital region of the user's face. The facial contact structure may be formed to surround an area of ​​the user's face other than the orbital region. The facial contact structure may further surround the user's infraorbital region. The facial contact structure may further surround a portion of the user's nasal region. The facial contact structure may further surround a portion of the user's cheekbone region. The facial contact structure may further surround the user's forehead.

[0242] In one form of this technology, the dimensions of the facial contact structure are designed to contact at least a portion of the forehead region, eye socket region, cheekbone region, and bridge of the nose of the user's face.

[0243] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is characterized by a height of approximately 1 cm to approximately 15 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 14 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 13 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 12 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 11 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 2 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 3 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 4 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 5 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 6 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 7 cm to approximately 10 cm, or approximately 8 cm to approximately 10 cm. The height of the facial contact structure forms a cavity that separates the user's eyes from the eye component.

[0244] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure includes a bridge of the nose or a saddle-shaped region for supporting the nasal region of the user's face. The bridge of the nose is positioned between the left and right orbital segments of the eye assembly. The bridge of the nose can be configured to form a seal on the nasal bridge or ridge region of the user's face during use. The bridge of the nose can be made of a different material (e.g., a harder material) than the rest of the facial contact structure to provide stability to the eye mask during use. For example, the bridge of the nose can be made of a thermoformed material.

[0245] In one form of this technology, the bridge of the nose is formed as a single solid. In this respect, the bridge of the nose is formed by bending the material to create a parabola. In one form of this technology, the bridge of the nose is characterized by a height-to-width ratio of approximately 1:1 to approximately 5:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 4:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 3:1, approximately 1:1 to approximately 2:1, or approximately 1.5:1 to approximately 2:1.

[0246] In one form of this technology, the contour of the facial contact structure is designed to conform to the user's face. For example, the facial contact structure may be a hyperbolic paraboloid. In another form of this technology, the contour of the facial contact structure is designed to conform to the user's face during use. For example, the facial contact structure may be resilient and flexible.

[0247] In one form of this technology, the size of the facial contact structure is substantially similar to, or smaller than, the size of the eye assembly. In this respect, the facial contact structure is invisible when the goggles are worn. For example, when the eye assembly and the facial contact structure together form a loop or band, the facial contact structure may be invisible when the goggles are worn.

[0248] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is larger than the eye assembly. The facial contact structure can be formed as a border around the eye assembly. Furthermore, various portions of the facial contact structure can be visible when the goggles are worn. For example, when the eye assembly includes a left orbital segment and a right orbital segment, the bridge of the nose portion of the facial contact structure can be exposed and visible when the goggles are worn.

[0249] In some forms of this technology, the facial contact structure is made of a biocompatible material (e.g., silicone rubber). The facial contact structure can also be made of a soft, flexible, resilient material (such as silicone). The facial contact structure can be made of permeable bubble wrap. The bubble wrap can have a thickness of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm. The facial contact structure can have a thickness gradient that decreases towards the opening, which is configured to accommodate the user's eyes, to improve the breathability of the goggles. The facial contact structure can be further perforated to further improve the breathability of the goggles.

[0250] In other forms of this technology, the face contact structure is constructed from a perforated light-blocking fabric or composite material. The face contact structure can be made breathable to provide user comfort. The face contact structure can be formed from materials selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, and / or fibers. Natural, thick, and tightly woven fabrics, such as velvet, heavy cotton, or jacquard fabrics, can also be used. The tighter weave or heavier weight of these fabrics helps to minimize the amount of light that can penetrate the material. Alternatively, fabric composites can be used. The composite material can be a laminate.

[0251] In some forms of this technology, the face contact structure is formed of an elastic fabric material. For example, polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can be used, and the polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can also be laminated with another fabric to increase its light-blocking properties.

[0252] In one form of this technology, the face contact structure is made of a composite material. The composite material may include an outer fabric (or fabric composite) layer surrounding the inner foam. The fabric layer may be thermoformed with the foam material. For example, the fabric may be laminated to one or all sides of the foam and placed in a two-piece mold. Heat and pressure are then applied, permanently molding the laminate into a semi-rigid product. The foam material may be memory foam, high-density foam, low-density foam, or a combination thereof. The foam may be selected from silicone, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, nylon, thermoplastic elastomers, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), latex, or a combination thereof. For example, memory foam may be used, which comprises polyurethane and chemicals that increase its viscosity and density. This memory foam is commonly referred to as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu).

[0253] Foam can have a pore structure that responds to body heat and weight, which helps relieve pressure points and prevent pressure sores. The density and layer thickness of foam can provide different sensations to the user. High-density foam can have a better compression rating over the life of the eye mask. Lower-density foam typically has a slightly shorter lifespan due to compression after repeated use. The pore structure can vary from very open pores to almost closed pores. Open-cell foam structures consist of multiple interconnected pores, where the windows between adjacent pores are broken and / or removed. In contrast, closed-cell foam has virtually no interconnected pores, and the windows between adjacent pores are largely intact. The denser the pore structure, the less airflow passes through the foam. Permeable foam will have a more open pore structure, allowing for higher airflow, better resilience, and less odor retention.

[0254] In one form of this technology, the foam includes an open-cell honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure may be about 10 to about 40 cells per inch, about 15 to about 40 cells per inch, about 20 to about 40 cells per inch, about 25 to about 40 cells per inch, or about 30 to about 40 cells per inch.

[0255] In one form of this technology, the foam is characterized by a stiffness of about 35 psi to about 100 psi, about 35 psi to about 90 psi, about 35 psi to about 80 psi, about 35 psi to about 70 psi, about 35 psi to about 60 psi, or about 35 psi to about 50 psi.

[0256] In one form of this technology, the foam is characterized by a density of about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 2.0 lbs / ft, about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 1.8 lbs / ft, or about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 1.6 lbs / ft.

[0257] In one form of this technology, the composite material includes at least one air pocket. The air pocket may be located between the outer fabric and the inner foam. This can be formed, for example, by laminating one side of the foam to the fabric and providing excess fabric to achieve a loose fit around the foam during thermoforming. Studies have found that the air pocket provides flexibility during use because the goggles can further conform to the individual's facial contours without excessive pressure. The air pocket also increases the contact surface area between the outer fabric and the user's face, thus providing better light-blocking and stability during use.

[0258] In one form of the present invention, the composite material is characterized by the air pocket occupying about 1% to about 30% of the cross-sectional area. In other forms of the present invention, the air pocket accounts for about 5% to about 30%, about 10% to about 30%, about 12% to about 30%, about 14% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 30% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the composite material.

[0259] 5.4 Pockets or recesses for accommodating functional modules

[0260] As mentioned above, the eye mask may include one or more pockets or recesses. The size of the pockets or recesses may be designed to accommodate functional modules. The pockets or recesses may substantially traverse between the left and right supraorbital foramina of the user's head during use. Functional modules may include components such as sensor assemblies, sensory intervention assemblies, cooling assemblies, flipping assemblies, noise reduction assemblies, imaging assemblies, massage assemblies, comfort assemblies, or combinations thereof.

[0261] In some forms, the pocket or recess can accommodate electronic devices such as sensor components, sensory intervention components (such as those using light, touch, or audio), cooling / heating (thermal) components, noise reduction components, electrostimulation (massage) components, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the pocket or recess can accommodate electronic devices such as EEG sensors, PPG sensors, cooling devices, and batteries.

[0262] Pockets or recesses may be associated with eye components or with positioning and stabilization structures. Pockets or recesses can be positioned on any part of the eye mask, as long as the components can properly perform their functions. For example, a pocket or recess may be positioned near the user's ear to accommodate noise-canceling components; or near the user's forehead area to accommodate cooling components.

[0263] In some forms, the pocket includes at least one window for exposing a portion of the electronic module. This portion may be electrodes of the electronic module. The electrodes can be used to contact the user's skin to collect bioelectrical signals from the user. This portion may also be an outlet for a cooling module to provide cooling for the user's covered eyes. Therefore, the size of the window can be appropriately designed.

[0264] In some forms, the pocket includes at least one electrode located on the user-facing side of the goggles. The electrode may traverse the cross-section of the pocket to provide electrical contact between the electronic module and the user's skin.

[0265] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure includes a groove formed within the surface of the facial contact structure. In use, the groove can be positioned on the user's forehead or forehead region. The groove can be sized to extend substantially between the user's eye socket regions. The groove can be sized to substantially traverse at least between the left and right supraorbital foramina of the user's head during use. The groove can be elongated. The groove can be configured to accommodate functional modules. As discussed herein, the functional modules can be electronic modules, cooling modules, massage modules, comfort modules, or combinations thereof, with the electronic module used for sensing and / or sensory intervention. The facial contact structure including the groove allows for modularity of the eye mask, as the user can select the desired functionality based on their needs. This also allows the functional modules to be removed for cleaning the eye mask.

[0266] In one form of this technology, the groove includes a connector for engaging with a complementary connector on a functional module. For example, the connector and the complementary connector may be hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), snap-fit ​​joints, snap fasteners (such as push-in buttons), magnetic latches, and / or grooves with complementary protrusions.

[0267] In some forms, the connector takes the form of a magnetic connector that is coupled within the base and / or sides of a recess. The magnetic connector can be one or more discrete magnetic snaps, buttons, or magnetic shapes, wherein the positively or negatively charged components of the magnetic connector are embedded in or around the recess or connected to the recess or surrounding it, and complementary positively or negatively charged components are embedded in or connected to the functional module. The required number of magnetic connectors can vary depending on the weight of the functional module and the strength of the individual magnets. In some forms, the magnetic connectors can be spaced along the width of the recess, and therefore spaced across the width of the functional module.

[0268] In other forms, the magnetic connector can be formed as a bracket or cage that is combined with a recess and face contact structure and / or eye assembly, providing both magnetic connection to the functional module and structural support for the goggles or their components.

[0269] In some forms, the magnetic support or cage extends along at least a portion of the length of the base of the groove and extends at least partially within or on one or more perimeter walls of the groove.

[0270] In some forms, the pocket is formed of substantially the same material as the eye components and / or positioning and stabilizing structure of the goggles. A slit may be incorporated into a portion of the eye components and / or positioning and stabilizing structure of the goggles to form the pocket. In some forms, the pocket also includes material for reinforcing the pocket. For example, this material may be a polymer sheet or foam. The polymer may be flexible yet strong. The material may be a thicker fabric.

[0271] In some forms, the pocket or recess includes an engagement member for releasable engagement with a functional module. The engagement member may be a frictional engagement with an outer surface of the functional module, or a snap-fit ​​engagement with a corresponding component on the functional module, such as a ring.

[0272] Hook and loop fasteners or cantilever hook and loop fasteners. In some embodiments, non-mechanical coupling (such as magnetic coupling) can be used to hold the functional module in a pocket or recess.

[0273] In some forms, a recess can be characterized by a depth or distance of approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 5 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 4 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 3 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 2 cm, approximately 0.75 cm to approximately 2 cm, or approximately 1 cm to approximately 2 cm from the base portion of the recess to the user-facing surface of the surrounding face contact structure or the user-facing surface of the perimeter wall. The depth of the recess varies across the width or length of the recess to accommodate functional modules of different shapes and / or to facilitate connections between components.

[0274] In some forms, the depth of the groove near its center is greater than the depth at the lateral edges of the groove.

[0275] In some areas of the groove, the depth will be approximately 1 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 2 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 3 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 4 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 5 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 6 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 7 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 8 mm to approximately 20 mm, or approximately 9 mm to approximately 20 mm.

[0276] In some designs, increasing the depth of the groove reduces the thickness of the eye assembly and / or face contact structure formed within it, while a shallow groove increases the thickness of the eye assembly and / or face contact structure. In some designs, the combined thickness of the eye assembly and face contact structure between the base of the groove (or the rear surface of the face contact structure) and the front surface of the eye assembly ranges from 3 mm to 50 mm. In some designs, the thickness extends from 3 mm to 10 mm near the center of the groove to 10 mm to 30 mm closer to the lateral side of the eye patch.

[0277] Effectively thermoforming thinner areas of the goggles (e.g., where the combined thickness of the eye components and face contact structure is less than 10 mm) presents specific challenges in ensuring the goggles have the required strength while maintaining flexibility. This is achieved by using three layers of material in the thermoforming process (discussed further below), and optionally by including structural mesh elements or magnetic or non-magnetic cages or supports (as discussed above).

[0278] The ability to change the depth of the groove without compromising the structural integrity of the goggles allows the functional modules to be adapted to a range of different shapes that may be required to incorporate various electronic or sensor components, and thus allows the goggles to be designed to effectively accommodate the modules.

[0279] 5.5 Functional Modules

[0280] The components described above can be housed individually in the goggles, or alternatively, can be housed as a single entity within a functional module.

[0281] In some forms of this technology, a functional module is provided. The functional module may, during use, substantially traverse between the left and right supraorbital foramina of the user's head. As mentioned above, functional components such as sensor components, cooling components, imaging components, pivot components, massage components, or combinations thereof may be housed within the functional module. Specifically, the functional module may house sensor components, noise reduction components, pivot components, cooling components, imaging components, massage components, visual components, audio components, charging components, power supplies, or combinations thereof. For example, the sensor component may be selected from one or more of the following: electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, electromyography (EMG) sensor, electrooculogram (EOG) sensor, pulse oximeter (SpO2) sensor, respiratory rate (RR) sensor, heart rate (HR) sensor, and heart rate variability (HRV) sensor.

[0282] The functional module can be removably attached to or housed within a pocket or recess of the goggles. This provides convenience for the user, as the goggles can be cleaned without damaging the electrical components. The functional module can be removed to recharge the battery assembly. Because the components are housed within a casing formed by the functional module, less interference with the surrounding environment provides better sensing and / or readout. The fact that the functional module is provided as a single entity and / or is difficult to remove also discourages users from attempting to remove it, thus extending its lifespan.

[0283] In some forms, the functional module is configured to conform to the contours of the user's forehead region during use. Therefore, the functional module can be formed to be elongated and curved so that it is adjacent to and / or in contact with the user's forehead region during use. In other forms, the functional module has a crescent or banana shape. In other forms, the functional module has a tapering shape towards its ends. In other forms, the functional module is arc-shaped. In some forms, the functional module is sized to substantially traverse the user's frontal bone during use. In some forms, the functional module is sized to substantially traverse at least between the user's left and right supraorbital foramina during use. In some forms, the functional module is flexible to conform to the user's head during use.

[0284] In other forms, the functional module includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion is sandwiched between the first end portion and the second end portion. The functional module may include convex sides and concave sides. The end portions may have a first width. The middle portion may have a second width. The width is the vertical distance (relative to the length of the functional module) from the upper surface to the lower surface of the functional module (and relative to gravity) across the convex or concave side. The width may be parallel to the user's sagittal plane. In some forms, the end portions and the middle portion may have substantially similar widths. Alternatively, the width of the middle portion may be wider than the width of the end portions, or the width of the end portions may be wider than the width of the middle portion.

[0285] In some forms, the functional modules include end portions with rounded edges. Research has found that this helps to distribute the pressure felt by the user during use.

[0286] In some forms, the functional module includes a convex (outer-facing) side or a first side and a concave (user-facing) side or a second side. The convex surface may include a backing formed of a flexible material. The backing may be curved, crescent-shaped, or arc-shaped. The material may be characterized by stiffness. Stiffness refers to how much weight a material can support without deforming or breaking. The material may be characterized by flexibility. Flexibility refers to the degree to which a material can be bent, deformed, or compressed and return to its original shape without breaking. A stiff backing is used to protect components within the functional module. The material may be flexible to conform to the ergonomic shape of the user's head.

[0287] In some forms, functional modules include ridges, ribs, bends, channels, or bumps on the convex side of the module.

[0288] In some forms, the material is characterized by its hardness. Hardness can be characterized by Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell, Mohs, Knoop, and / or Shore scales. For example, the material can have a Shore hardness of about 60 to about 90. In other forms, the Shore hardness is about 65 to about 90, about 70 to about 90, about 75 to about 90, about 80 to about 90, or about 85 to about 90. For example, a material that interfaces with a user can have a Shore A hardness of about 5 to about 80; or preferably about 20 to about 40.

[0289] In some forms, the material is characterized by its Young's modulus. For example, the material may have a Young's modulus of about 0.0001 GPa to about 5 GPa. In other forms, the Young's modulus is about 0.0001 GPa to about 4.5 GPa, about 0.0001 GPa to about 4 GPa, about 0.0001 GPa to about 3.5 GPa, about 0.0001 GPa to about 3 GPa, about 0.0001 GPa to about 2.5 GPa, about 0.0001 GPa to about 2 GPa, about 0.001 GPa to about 2 GPa, or about 0.1 GPa to about 2 GPa. For example, textiles or fabrics used for goggles may have a Young's modulus of about 0.5 GPa to about 5 GPa. Silicone may have a Young's modulus of about 0.0005 GPa to about 0.1 GPa.

[0290] In some forms, the material is characterized by a flexural strength of about 30 MPa to about 300 MPa. In other forms, the flexural strength is about 30 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 50 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 70 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 100 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 120 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 140 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 160 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 180 MPa to about 300 MPa, or about 200 MPa to about 300 MPa.

[0291] In some forms, the convex side also includes fabric. The fabric may be adjacent to the backing. The fabric may be adjacent to the outward-facing side of the backing. The fabric provides the user with a soft touch and comfort. For example, elastomer nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, spacer fabrics, or combinations thereof can be used. Such materials have already been described above.

[0292] In some forms, the concave side includes a user contact layer. This user contact layer can be formed from fabric, fabric composites, or silicone padding. These materials can provide a soft touch and comfort to the user during use. For example, elastomeric nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, spacer fabrics, or combinations thereof can be used.

[0293] In some forms, the fabric on the convex side and the fabric on the user contact layer are connected, or formed from a single material.

[0294] In some forms, the concave side includes at least one electrode. In some forms, the user contact layer includes at least one conductive material used as an electrode. The electrode may be adhered to the outer-facing side of the user contact layer such that it can contact the user's head during use. Alternatively, the electrode may be printed on the user contact layer.

[0295] The conductive material can be conductive silicone or a soft polymer. Such materials can be composited with conductive materials such as carbon. The conductive silicone can be molded together with a silicone liner, forming an outer surface with a concave side. In this respect, the conductive silicone is exposed so that it can contact the user's head during use. During use, the conductive silicone contacts the user's head, enabling the reception and transmission of biosignals to the component, and / or the transmission of outputs from the component to the user. Therefore, the conductive silicone or soft polymer serves as a dry electrode when electrically connected to the component.

[0296] In some forms, the conductive material is formed as a strip. The strip can be positioned perpendicular to the length of the concave side. In some forms, the conductive material is characterized by a length substantially similar to the width of the concave side. The conductive material can be positioned at regular intervals along the length of the concave side of the functional module. Components (e.g., sensors) can be positioned between the two conductive materials and electrically connected to both. This helps ensure the reliability of receiving and transmitting data and / or signals.

[0297] In some forms, the conductive material is characterized by its width. In others, the width of the conductive material in the middle portion of the functional module is relatively smaller than its width at the ends. Studies have found that a relatively larger width at the ends allows for better contact with the user's head, and therefore better signal reception and transmission. The study also found that, taking into account anthropological differences, this method provides more reliable signal acquisition from the target area on the head.

[0298] In some forms, the width of the conductive material adjacent to the end portion is approximately 4:1 to approximately 1.1:1 relative to the width of the conductive material adjacent to the middle portion. In other forms, the ratio is approximately 3:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 2:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.9:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.8:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.7:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.6:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.5:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.4:1 to approximately 1.1:1, or approximately 1.3:1 to approximately 1.1:1.

[0299] In some forms, the conductive material includes electrical contacts that extend inward toward the cavity of the functional module. These electrical contacts may penetrate the user contact layer to make contact with components housed within the functional module. In other forms, the electrical contacts extend onto the top and / or bottom sides of the functional module and extend toward a convex side. In this way, the electrical contacts bypass the user contact layer to make contact with components housed within the functional module. When multiple electrical contacts are present, they may be aligned parallel to each other to facilitate connection with components. Because the electrical contacts are electrically connected to the conductive material, by connecting the electrical contacts to the components, the components are electrically connected to the conductive material and can therefore receive and / or send signals to the user. For example, the electrical contacts may be inserted into mating ports in the components for electrical connection.

[0300] In some forms, the functional module includes foam. The foam may be adjacent to the user contact layer on a concave side and housed within the cavity of the functional module. The foam may also be adjacent to the inward-facing side of the user contact layer. The foam provides additional support and comfort to the user during use.

[0301] In some forms, the functional module includes a cavity for receiving a component. The cavity may include at least one component retaining structure for engaging the component. The component may be detachable from the component retaining structure, allowing a particular component to be replaced with another component having different functionality, or to replace a component that has ceased operation or reached the end of its lifespan. For example, the component (and / or its electrically coupled circuitry, if applicable) may be releasably attached to the component retaining structure. For this purpose, the outer surface of the component may form a frictional engagement with the inner surface of the wall of the component retaining structure, or a snap-fit ​​engagement (such as a ring snap-fit ​​or cantilever snap-fit) with the wall or other internal or external portion of the component retaining structure, or a spring-release engagement. In some embodiments, non-mechanical coupling (such as magnetic coupling) may be used to retain the component in the respective retaining structure.

[0302] In some forms, the components are fixedly attached to the component retaining structure. For example, the components may be attached to the component retaining structure via co-molding, adhesives, or a combination thereof.

[0303] In some forms, the functional module includes supports within its cavity. These supports provide reinforcement and protection for the component.

[0304] In some forms, the functional module includes silicone or soft polymer materials within its cavity. The soft material absorbs vibrations caused by impacts (such as in the event of a drop), thus providing some protection for the component.

[0305] In some forms, the user contact layer includes a window for exposing a portion of the component. This portion can be electrodes of a sensor component. The electrodes can be used to contact the user's skin to pick up bioelectrical signals from the user. This portion can also be an outlet for a cooling component to provide cooling for the user's covered eyes. Therefore, the size of the window can be appropriately designed.

[0306] In some forms, the functional module includes a connector for engaging with a complementary connector in a recess within the goggles. Thus, the connector and the complementary connector mate with each other. The connector and the complementary connector can be friction-fit, hook-and-loop fasteners, latch-fit joints, snap-on fasteners, magnetic latches, grooves with complementary protrusions, spring-release engagements, or combinations thereof. The connector can be positioned in the middle of the functional module, or at either or both ends of the functional module. The connector ensures that the functional module remains in place during use.

[0307] In some forms, the functional module includes a magnetic charging port. The magnetic charging port can be configured to engage with a magnetic cover.

[0308] In some forms, the functional module includes one or more ports, such as communication ports or power connection ports, including but not limited to USB ports and charging ports. In some forms, the ports may be located on a concave surface or one or more sides of the functional module to allow for easy connection when the goggles and functional module are not in use on the user's face. The positioning of the charging port can be carefully chosen to ensure that the goggles cannot be worn while the functional module's battery is charging or otherwise connected to an external communication or power source. This reduces the risk of overheating that may occur if the product is being charged while the user is sleeping.

[0309] In some forms, the functional module is characterized by a weight of about 40g to about 200g. In other forms, the weight is about 40g to about 180g, about 40g to about 160g, about 40g to about 150g, about 40g to about 140g, about 40g to about 130g, about 40g to about 120g, about 40g to about 110g, about 40g to about 100g, about 40g to about 90g, or about 40g to about 80g.

[0310] In one form of this technology, the goggles also include a functional module in the form of an insert. The insert is sized to fit into a recess and functions to improve the comfort, stability, or light-blocking ability of the goggles. The insert may be formed of a material similar to the face contact structure. Therefore, the insert may also include a complementary connector for mating with a connector located within / on or adjacent to the recess.

[0311] Compared to other functional modules disclosed herein, the insert may not contain any additional functional components within its main body. In other words, the insert can be a "blank" component that can be used to fill the recess. The insert can also be sized to fit into the pocket of the eye cover component.

[0312] In one form of this technology, the insert includes a surface formed of an adhesive or grippy material. This surface may be a user-facing surface. The adhesive material increases friction between the material and the user's face to improve the stability of the goggles when worn. The friction makes the goggles more resistant to movement relative to the user's head. This contrasts with sticky materials, which, while feeling slightly sticky, leave no residue after removal. One way to impart adhesiveness to the surface is to polish different areas of the surface to provide the required grip while avoiding excessive stickiness.

[0313] The gripping material may cover at least a portion of the user-facing surface, or it may cover the entire user-facing surface. Covering only a portion of the user-facing surface reduces the user's "sticky" sensation, which can lead to discomfort. Specifically, the gripping material may be formed as at least one patch or at least one strip spanning the user-facing surface. Alternatively, an array of various shapes (such as circles, dots, lines, wavy lines, triangles, herringbone patterns) may be used. Alternatively, patterns such as concentric circles or squares may be used.

[0314] Examples of gripping materials include, but are not limited to, silicone, PVC foam, and / or vulcanized rubber. Fabrics made using nanofibers to increase their friction when in contact with another surface can also be used as gripping materials. Fabrics or gripping materials with gripping materials can be textured using dots, lines, and / or other patterns. For example, gripping materials can be micro-patterned using an array of dots or squares.

[0315] Gripping materials can be characterized by static friction or sliding friction. Gripping materials can be characterized by a coefficient of friction ranging from about 0.1 µm to about 0.9 µm.

[0316] 5.6 Positioning and Stabilizing Structure

[0317] The goggles may include positioning and stabilizing structures for holding the goggles on the user's head. These structures may be removable from the goggles. The positioning and stabilizing structures may be responsible for providing forces to counteract the gravity of the eye components and / or face contact structures. In the past, such structures have included rigid structures, typically applied to the head under tension to hold the goggles in their operating position. Such systems tend to apply clamping pressure to the user's face, which can cause discomfort at localized stress points. Furthermore, previous goggles may have been difficult to adjust, preventing wide applicability to different head sizes. Additionally, known goggles may have been heavy and difficult to clean, further limiting comfort and usability.

[0318] The face contact structure of the goggles in this technology can be kept in contact position during use through a positioning and stabilizing structure.

[0319] In one form, the positioning and stabilizing structure provides a holding force sufficient to keep the goggles in contact with the user's face.

[0320] In one form, positioning and stabilizing structures provide holding forces to overcome the effects of gravity on the goggles.

[0321] In one form, positioning and stabilizing structures provide holding forces as a safety margin to overcome the potential effects of destructive forces, such as accidental interference with the goggles.

[0322] In one form of this technology, a positioning and stabilizing structure is provided, constructed in a manner consistent with a user wearing the device while sleeping. In one example, the positioning and stabilizing structure has a low profile or small cross-sectional thickness to reduce the perceived or actual volume of the device. In one example, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes at least one strap with a rectangular cross-section. In one example, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes at least one flat strap.

[0323] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is constructed to be neither too large nor too bulky so as not to hinder the user from lying in a supine sleeping position, wherein the back area of ​​the user's head rests on the pillow.

[0324] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is constructed to be neither too large nor too bulky so as not to hinder the user from lying in a side-lying position, wherein the side area of ​​the user's head rests on the pillow.

[0325] In one embodiment of this technology, the width of the positioning and stabilizing structure is substantially similar to the width of the eye assembly. In other embodiments of this technology, the width of the positioning and stabilizing structure is smaller than the width of the eye assembly.

[0326] For example, the positioning and stabilizing structure may have a width of about 10 mm to about 100 mm, about 10 mm to about 90 mm, about 10 mm to about 80 mm, about 10 mm to about 70 mm, about 10 mm to about 60 mm, about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or about 10 mm to about 40 mm. The positioning and stabilizing structure may have a thickness of about 1 mm to about 100 mm.

[0327] For example, the positioning and stabilizing structure may have a length of about 100 mm to about 800 mm, about 100 mm to about 750 mm, about 100 mm to about 700 mm, about 100 mm to about 650 mm, about 100 mm to about 600 mm, about 100 mm to about 550 mm, about 100 mm to about 500 mm, about 100 mm to about 450 mm, or about 100 mm to about 400 mm.

[0328] The positioning and stabilizing structures are attached to the eye assembly and provide a resilient force that allows the facial contact structure to press against the user's face. For example, the positioning and stabilizing structures may be attached to opposite ends of the eye assembly. Alternatively, the positioning and stabilizing structures may form a loop or band that can be positioned circumferentially on the user's head.

[0329] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is formed as a flexible headband capable of being positioned circumferentially on the user's head. The eye assembly may be attached to at least a portion of the band along its length, or at least to the face-facing portion of the band. Alternatively, the eye assembly may be attached to the band circumferentially along its entire length, or to a portion of the circumferential band. In this respect, the positioning and stabilizing structure is connected to the eye assembly so that the eye mask can be worn as a headband on the user's head when not in use.

[0330] The positioning and stabilizing structure can be placed over at least the supra-auricular base area of ​​the user's head during use. The positioning and stabilizing structure can be configured to cover both the supra-auricular and sub-auricular base areas of the user's head during use. In this respect, it can cover the user's ears. This can reduce noise affecting the user.

[0331] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes a strap. The eye assembly can be attached to the positioning and stabilizing structure at its ends. The strap can be composed of a laminated material consisting of a fabric user contact layer, an inner foam layer, and an outer fabric layer. In one form, the foam is porous to allow moisture (e.g., sweat) to escape through the strap. Alternatively or additionally, the strap may include fiber filler (e.g., polyester fiber filler), non-woven padding, foam padding, high-density upholstery foam, compressed polyester, medium-density antimicrobial polyurethane foam, high-density polyurethane foam, quick-drying open-cell foam, or combinations thereof. Therefore, the strap is neither too large nor too bulky to prevent the user from lying in a side-lying position. Furthermore, the strap is stretchy and soft.

[0332] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes an extendable (e.g., elastically extendable) strap. For example, the strap may be configured to be in a tensile state during use. The positioning and stabilizing structure may include adjustable components for extending the strap. In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure includes a left strap, a right strap, and a connector. The connector may be a buckle.

[0333] In one form of this technology, one or more rigid elements can be provided to selectively alter the rigidity of the positioning and stabilizing structure. These rigid elements can be attached to the outer surface of the fabric or inserted within fabric layers. For example, the rigid elements can be laminated to or embedded between fabric layers. Thermosetting yarns can be used to provide selective rigidification. The textile can also be rigidified at other parts of the positioning and stabilizing structure, such as along the sides of sections that will contact the user's face during use, for example, using coatings, laminates, rigidifying threads sewn into the textile, or any similar means.

[0334] Rigid components can be semi-rigid. In other words, rigid components can be more rigid than the textile material used to form the positioning and stabilizing structure, but not completely rigid. Thus, rigid components provide structure for positioning and stabilizing structures while also being flexible enough to bend. Users and / or medical professionals can adjust or bend rigid components to provide customized support for individual users. Rigid components can also begin as semi-rigid (in other words, a rigid component may be semi-rigid at the beginning or initially) and become rigid over time. For example, a medical professional can adjust the shape of a rigid component so that the positioning and stabilizing structure fits an individual user's face. The rigid component is then treated (e.g., heat-treated) to shape it. In other words, the rigidity of a rigid component can change. Therefore, rigidity can also change and can be selectively increased to provide customized support for an individual user (or individual).

[0335] In some forms of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure branches into a first segment and a second segment. The positioning and stabilizing structure may branch at opposite ends, or, during use, at a location adjacent to the temporal region of the user's head. The first and second branching segments may jointly support the top of the user's head during use. The first segment may be movable relative to the second segment. Alternatively, the first and second segments branch at a fixed angle. The angle may be approximately 60° to approximately 120°.

[0336] When the positioning and stabilizing structure is formed into a headband, it can be made of fabric or composite material. The positioning and stabilizing structure can be made breathable to provide comfort for the user.

[0337] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is configured to hang on the user's ear. The positioning and stabilizing structure may have a curved shape, such that it arcs across the supraacus aponeurotic region and the suboccipital region of the user's head. The positioning and stabilizing structure may include rigid elements to maintain the curvature.

[0338] The positioning and stabilizing structure can be formed from materials selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, and / or fibers. Alternatively, fabric composites can be used. The composite material can be a laminate.

[0339] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is an elastic fabric material. For example, polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can be used, and the polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can also be laminated with another fabric.

[0340] 5.7 Materials

[0341] Various materials can be used to provide users with a soft touch and comfort. For example, elastomeric nonwovens can provide a soft, airtight surface and can be used as a material for forming positioning and stabilizing structures. Elastomeric nonwovens can be further used as padding materials on positioning and stabilizing structures. Furthermore, elastomeric nonwovens can be combined with a variety of materials commonly used in goggles. Elastomeric nonwovens provide better elastic recovery for positioning and stabilizing structures, thus providing less deformation and a longer lifespan. Nonwoven materials are soft and flexible. The material is soft because it can bend under pressure. The material is flexible because it can flex or bend without breaking. Nonwoven materials can be formed as a layer on the user-facing side, i.e., the outer surface that comes into contact with the user's skin during use. Nonwoven materials can be used as is without adding any additional support by adding other more resilient materials; or they can be constructed to provide sufficient structural support so that they can be used alone. Alternatively, for further structural support, nonwoven materials can be combined with flexible and / or resilient materials.

[0342] Elastomer nonwovens refer to elastomers formed into woven-like materials. Elastomers are polymers that exhibit rubber-like elasticity. Elastomers combine viscous and elastic properties, have weak intermolecular forces, and low Young's modulus. Nonwoven fabrics are woven-like materials made of chopped fibers (short) and long fibers (continuous long), which are bonded together by entanglement through chemical, mechanical, or solvent treatment. Nonwoven fabrics are neither woven nor knitted.

[0343] Elastomer polymers consist of hard segments and soft segments. Hard segments provide strength and stiffness, while soft segments provide elasticity but can produce a sticky feel in fabrics. A balance between hard and soft segments is needed to maximize the desired properties of both.

[0344] Elastomer nonwovens can be meltblown. Meltblown nonwovens are produced by extruding molten polymer fibers through a spinning web or die consisting of up to 40 holes per inch to form long, fine fibers. As the fibers fall from the die, they are stretched and cooled by passing hot air over them. The resulting web is collected and woven into a fabric. Fibers used in the meltblowing process can be made extremely fine. Meltblown fibers can also be combined with other types of elastomeric nonwovens, such as staple fibers, spunbond, and / or flash-spun fibers, to form fabric-like materials with different properties.

[0345] In one embodiment of this technology, the elastomeric nonwoven layer is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. In another embodiment of this technology, the elastomeric nonwoven layer is selected from polyolefin-based elastomers, copolyester elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, styrene block copolymers, or combinations thereof. The elastomeric nonwoven layer may have a hard segment:soft segment ratio of 1:0.1 to approximately 1:10.

[0346] In one form of this technology, the elastomeric nonwoven fabric is selected from polyether block amide (Pebax), thermoplastic elastomer ether ester (Hytrel), thermoplastic polyurethane (Elastolan), styrene-rubber block copolymer (Kraton), or combinations thereof. For example, Pebax includes nylon 11 as a hard segment, while Hytrel includes polybutylene terephthalate as a hard segment.

[0347] In one form of this technology, the nonwoven fabric is calendered. Calendering is a finishing process used to smooth, coat, or thin materials. The fabric passes between rollers under high temperature and pressure. This process flattens the rounded fibers on the surface and reduces the inter-fiber distance and the fabric's pore size. This polishes the fabric surface and makes it smoother and shinier.

[0348] In one form of this technology, the nonwoven fabric is bonded to a flexible and / or resilient material. The flexible and / or resilient material may be foam. The flexible and / or resilient material may be selected from silicone, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, nylon, thermoplastic elastomers, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof. The bond strength can be measured using ASTM S1876-08. In one form of this technology, the nonwoven fabric is ultrasonically bonded to the flexible material. Alternatively, the nonwoven fabric may be bonded to the flexible material via adhesives, lamination, heat sealing, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, and / or welding.

[0349] Other types of fabrics can also be used. For example, knitted fabrics, such as cotton fabrics, can be used. Braided fabrics can also be used. The difference between knitted and braided fabrics lies in the yarns they consist of. Knitted fabrics are made from single yarns wound continuously in loops to provide a knitted pattern. Depending on the direction of the loops, knitted fabrics can be classified as warp-knitted or weft-knitted. Knitted fabrics stretch easily along their width but less along their length. Braided fabrics consist of multiple yarns wound at right angles to each other, creating a cross-shaped pattern. Braided fabrics stretch along their length but less along their width. Therefore, knitted fabrics are generally softer than braided fabrics.

[0350] Knitted or woven fabrics can be made from yarns selected from natural and / or synthetic fibers. Examples of such fibers include, but are not limited to, cotton, wool, entsert, jute, viscose, polyester, nylon, and spandex.

[0351] In one form of this technology, the knitted fabric is a weft-knitted fabric. In another form of this technology, the knitted fabric is a warp-knitted fabric.

[0352] Fabrics can be combined using techniques such as lamination, adhesives, heat sealing, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, and / or welding.

[0353] In one form of this technology, at least two fabrics are joined together. These fabrics can be joined continuously to each other. In this respect, one fabric transitions seamlessly to another. Alternatively, the fabrics can be joined together via seams, stitches, and / or adhesives. This allows the use of different types of fabrics to form the body to achieve a variety of functionalities.

[0354] In one form of this technology, the eye mask is formed of a spacer fabric. The spacer fabric comprises a combination of two separate textile pieces interconnected by spacer yarns (forming spacer layers), giving the fabric a 3D appearance. The spacer fabric may comprise two knitted fabrics separated by spacer yarns. Due to the spacer yarns, a defined distance can be established between the textile pieces. The textile pieces may be constructed similarly or differently to achieve a variety of functionalities. The spacer layer may comprise monofilaments and / or multifilaments. A monofilament refers to a single solid filament. A multifilament refers to a yarn having multiple filament fibers twisted together. While spacer fabrics with monofilaments can be stiffer, resistant to high pressure, and allow for the directional transport of fluids and heat, spacer fabrics with multifilaments allow for greater movement and flexibility. Therefore, a combination of monofilaments and multifilaments can be used. The filaments may be formed from materials selected from polyester, nylon, and / or recycled yarns. Other materials include, but are not limited to, cotton, viscose, rayon, acrylic, elastic fibers, and blended yarns including polyester with cotton / viscose, cotton / acrylic, and polyacrylonitrile fibers in different proportions or combinations.

[0355] In one form of this technology, the spacer fabric is characterized by a thickness of about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

[0356] Other types of fabrics can be used, such as plain weave fabrics, warp-knitted fabrics, circular knitted fabrics with large and small rollers, spaced mesh fabrics, and quilted fabrics with filling. Any material used to manufacture the fabric can be used. For example, the material can be selected from virgin and / or recycled polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, various spandex or stretch materials, poly(lactic acid), wool, cotton, bamboo, jute, or combinations thereof. In one form of this technology, the material is an elastic material.

[0357] In addition to fabric materials, other materials such as fabric fiber fillers (e.g., polyester fiber fillers), non-woven pads, foam pads, high-density upholstery foam, compressed polyester, medium-density antimicrobial polyurethane foam, high-density polyurethane foam, quick-drying open-cell foam, or combinations thereof can be used to provide support and comfort to users.

[0358] 5.8 Noise Reduction Components

[0359] The goggles may include noise-canceling components. These components may be located on one side of the goggles' eye assembly, adjacent to the user's ear. A pair of noise-canceling components may be located on opposite sides of the goggles and may be configured to fit over the user's respective ears (e.g., headphones). In one form of this technology, additionally or alternatively, a portion of the noise-canceling components may at least partially fit inside the user's ear (e.g., earplugs).

[0360] The noise-canceling components can be connected by straps. The noise-canceling components can be positioned at corresponding ends of the straps. The straps at least partially encircle the user's head. It should be understood that in these embodiments, the noise-canceling components can be detached from the goggles. For example, the noise-canceling components can be attached and removed via tabs. This facilitates modular coupling of the noise-canceling components to the eye components, allowing the goggles to be washed while removing the electronic components within the noise-canceling components before washing. Alternatively, the noise-canceling components can be integrated with the eye components. For example, the noise-canceling components can be formed on the eye components, such that the noise-canceling components are connected to the eye components. The noise-canceling components and the eye components can also be formed from a single material or a composite material. Alternatively, the noise-canceling components can be integrated with positioning and stabilizing structures. As another example, the eye components can include a pair of leaf structures integral with and / or extending from the eye components to accommodate the noise-canceling components. The eye components can include inner and / or outer layers of textile material, with the noise-canceling components sandwiched between these layers.

[0361] In one form of this technology, each blade structure housing the respective noise-canceling component can be larger (e.g., wider) than the eye component. This can create a visual difference to help the user wear the goggles. Additionally, the larger size of the noise-canceling component allows the blade structure to fit around the user's ears.

[0362] Each noise-canceling component may include a laminated structure comprising at least one sound-reflecting layer and at least one sound-absorbing layer. The at least one sound-absorbing layer is located closer to the user's ear (when worn) than the at least one sound-reflecting layer.

[0363] In one form of this technology, at least a portion of the eye assembly may be made of a different material than the noise-canceling assembly. For example, a laminated structure may be present only in the noise-canceling assembly and may not be included in the rest of the eye assembly. Similarly, the eye assembly may include an elastic material to help stretch for different head sizes. The elastic material may not be present in the noise-canceling assembly.

[0364] In one form of this technology, noise-reducing material is present in both the noise-reducing component and the eye component. In this respect, the laminated material extends as a single, integral material from one noise-reducing component to the eye component and towards the other noise-reducing component.

[0365] In one form of this technology, the noise-canceling component has an outer sound-reflecting layer and an inner sound-absorbing layer. For example, the sound-absorbing layer may be formed of a foam material, such as a closed-cell PE foam sheet. The sound-absorbing layer may be attached to an annular pad, which in some examples may be formed of memory foam and its shape is designed to substantially surround the user's ears (e.g., extending around the helix and earlobe) when the eye mask is worn.

[0366] The sound-reflecting layer is used to at least partially reflect sound waves from external noise sources. Since some sound will still be transmitted through the sound-reflecting layer in most cases, the sound-absorbing layer is used to at least partially absorb the sound transmitted through the sound-reflecting layer, while also absorbing the sound reflected from the surface of the user's ear (e.g., scaphoid, antihelix, concha, etc.) after transmission, thus reducing reverberation.

[0367] The sound-absorbing layer has a roughly the same two-dimensional shape as the sound-reflecting layer. In another example, the sound-reflecting layer may extend beyond the sound-absorbing layer to wrap around the user's ear (e.g., around the user's helix and earlobe), thus providing a larger reflective surface area to further reduce transmission. In these examples, the sound-reflecting layer and the sound-absorbing layer may be laminated on top of each other.

[0368] Additionally, the sound-absorbing layer can be flexible and / or deformable. In some forms, tension in the straps when the user wears the goggles may deform the sound-absorbing layer and / or the sound-reflecting layer. This allows the sound-absorbing layer to be positioned at least partially inside the ear during use (e.g., near the concha). Alternatively, the sound-absorbing layer may extend partially into the user's ear without needing to deform.

[0369] In one form of this technology, the sound-absorbing layer may include an extension or flap configured to engage correspondingly with at least the auricle of the ear. As will become clear from the discussion below, the sound-absorbing layer may also include a protrusion at least partially disposed within the ear. The protrusion may take the form of a central protrusion on the user-facing surface of the noise-reducing component. The central protrusion is configured such that the ear surrounds a central pad. The central protrusion is configured to extend into a cavity formed by the ear (e.g., within the concha). The central protrusion is slightly smaller than the ear cavity to fit snugly within the ear.

[0370] The sound-absorbing layer can be bonded to the sound-reflecting layer using an adhesive (such as glue) and / or thermally bonded in a lamination process. The protrusions can be formed by molding or thermoforming. Alternatively or additionally, the protrusions can be attached as separate pieces via an adhesive or bonding process (e.g., thermal or ultrasonic).

[0371] In one form of this technology, the noise-canceling component does not have a ring-shaped pad. Instead, a pad is provided, shaped to fit inside the user's ear. This provides sound absorption functionality in addition to that provided by the sound-absorbing layer. The pad may contact (e.g., directly contact) the sound-absorbing layer. For example, the pad and the sound-absorbing layer may be stacked relative to each other. The pad and the sound-absorbing layer may be frictionally bonded to each other. In one form of this technology, the pad may be removable for cleaning if desired. Alternatively, the pad and the sound-absorbing layer may be laminated together (via adhesive lamination or by thermal bonding) such that they fit inside the user's ear as a single solid or integral unit.

[0372] In one form of this technology, the sound-absorbing layer can be positioned outside the user's ear (e.g., to cover the user's ear). A pad and the sound-absorbing layer can protrude from the sound-absorbing layer and extend into the ear canal. The pad can fit inside the user's ear without deformation.

[0373] In one form of this technology, the sound-absorbing layer is thermally bonded to the sound-reflecting layer during a lamination process or bonded using an adhesive (e.g., glue).

[0374] In one form of this technology, the noise-canceling component includes an annular pad. The pad may have a non-circular cross-section to provide a closer fit of the noise-canceling component on the ear (e.g., around the helix and earlobe).

[0375] In one form of this technology, the sound-reflecting layer is formed of one or more of the following: aluminized PET sheet, TPU film, metallized polymer film and / or metallized fabric, polypropylene (PP) nonwoven material, polyester nonwoven material, or nonwoven material including natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0376] In one embodiment of this technology, the sound-absorbing layer is composed of a foam material such as a PE closed-cell foam sheet, a fabric-foam-TPU-PU foam laminate, a UBL foam laminate, or an EVA foam sheet layer. In other embodiments of this technology, the sound-absorbing layer is: a polymer film; a metallized polymer film; a metallized fabric; and / or a non-woven material. The non-woven material may be a polypropylene (PP) non-woven material, a polyester non-woven material, or a non-woven material comprising natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers.

[0377] A nonwoven layer can be sandwiched between a sound-reflecting layer and a sound-absorbing layer. The nonwoven material can include one or more different types of nonwoven materials to form a multilayer nonwoven material. One or more different types of nonwoven materials can include synthetic fibers, such as polyester fibers. Various methods can be used to manufacture nonwoven materials. For example, multilayer nonwoven materials can be manufactured by air-laid or spunbond processes, or by a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) process. Nonwoven materials can include fine fibers and / or fibers with a high surface area. Advantageously, nonwoven materials are capable of effectively reflecting and / or absorbing sound. Fibers with a high surface area can include engineered fibers with various cross-sectional geometries, such as trefoil or multilobed shapes. Preferably, the nonwoven material can include fine fibers, which results in a larger surface area and therefore better sound reflection and absorption.

[0378] In one form of this technology, the fabric layer contacts the user's ear and / or may extend beyond the noise-canceling components. The fabric layer may be an unbroken loop (UBL) fabric. For optimal comfort, the fabric layer may be designed to have a soft touch against the user's skin.

[0379] In one form of this technology, a buffer layer forms an edge around the periphery of the noise-canceling component. For example, the edge may be formed of memory foam. The material of the buffer layer can contact the user's temporal sulcus and postauricular sulcus to provide comfort on sensitive parts of the user's ear.

[0380] Each noise-canceling component can effectively block sounds with frequencies of 500Hz or lower and intensity of 25dB or higher.

[0381] In one form of this technology, the noise cancellation component includes a speaker. The speaker can provide white noise and / or music to help the user sleep. The speaker can be high-fidelity. The noise cancellation component can also be integrated and can provide AI-assisted intelligent sound blocking or active noise cancellation electronics while ensuring that important sounds such as a baby crying can still be heard. The noise cancellation component may include active noise cancellation electronics. In one form, the noise cancellation function can be decoupled from the speaker function. For example, when wearing an eye mask, the noise cancellation component can always be active, but the speaker can be coupled to an external device (such as a baby monitor) so that the user can still hear sounds from the external device. The coupling can be performed via any suitable known component (such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, etc.).

[0382] 5.9 Sensor Assembly

[0383] In one form of this technology, the goggles may include one or more sensors and / or actuators for measuring a user's physiological and sleep data. The sensors and actuators may be embedded within the goggles or functional modules, or attached to the internal and / or external surfaces of the goggles or functional modules. The sensors may be provided as modules that can be attached to the goggles.

[0384] Sensors embedded in the eye mask or functional modules can help collect sleep-related data and physiological indicators, such as vital signs; this can be used to determine sleep quality and also to control one or more integrated actuators or external devices to help improve sleep quality. Physiological and sleep data can be transmitted (e.g., via wireless communication) to external computing devices (such as the user's smartphone) and / or to monitoring servers operated or accessible by clinicians or other healthcare providers.

[0385] The sensor module may include multiple electronic modules (actuators and / or sensors). A processor module may also be integrated into the goggles. The processor module may have an integrated transceiver for sending and receiving data from an external computing device. Energy storage devices such as batteries and battery charging circuitry may also be included to power the various electronic components (sensors / actuators and processor modules) and / or functional modules. In some forms of this technology, other energy storage devices such as supercapacitors may be used.

[0386] Sensors and associated electronics may be at least partially integrated between fabric layers of the positioning and stabilizing structure or eye assembly. For example, various sensors / actuators and / or associated circuitry, processor modules, and battery modules may be located between the inner and outer fabric layers in contact with the skin. Alternatively, the eye assembly or positioning and stabilizing structure may include a pocket for accommodating the sensor module.

[0387] For example, sensor and / or actuator modules integrated in the goggles and / or functional modules can communicate electrically with the processor and battery via a bus. The bus can be positioned between two insulating layers that provide electrical insulation and also prevent moisture (e.g., from sweat absorbed by the inner fabric layer) from entering. The insulating layers can be, for example, non-conductive polymers or elastomer films; however, it should be understood that other electrically insulating materials may also be used.

[0388] In one form of this technology, a thermally insulating layer may be disposed between at least some electronic components in the positioning and stabilizing structure, as these components tend to generate heat during use. Therefore, the thermally insulating layer helps improve user comfort. For example, the layer closest to the user-contacting inner layer may be both thermally and electrically insulating, or an additional thermally insulating layer may be inserted between the electrically insulating layer and the inner layer. In some examples, the inner layer itself may be thermally insulating.

[0389] In one form of this technology, sensor and / or actuator assemblies, their associated circuitry, and other components including a processor and battery can be housed within retaining structures secured to an insulating layer and / or an inner fabric layer. Each retaining structure, for example, communicates electrically with a bus and may contain electrical contacts to electrically connect the (associated with the sensor assembly) circuitry of the sensor assembly to the bus, and thus also to the battery and processor. In some examples, communication between the components and the bus may be via conductive ink traces and / or conductive wires woven into or otherwise integrated with the fabric layer. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts and / or circuitry traces may be contained only in the outer layer to avoid the effects of sweat from the user.

[0390] In one form of this technology, the sensor assembly includes a sensor holding structure. The assembly can be detached from the sensor holding structure, allowing a particular module to be replaced with another component having different functionality, or to replace a component that has ceased operation or reached the end of its lifespan. For example, components (and / or their electrically coupled circuit modules, if applicable) can be releasably attached to the sensor holding structure. For this purpose, the outer surface of the component can form a frictional engagement with the inner surface of the wall of the sensor holding structure, or it can form a snap-fit ​​engagement with the wall or other internal or external portion of the sensor holding structure, such as a ring snap-fit ​​or a cantilever snap-fit. In some embodiments, non-mechanical coupling (such as magnetic coupling) can be used to hold the assembly in the respective holding structure.

[0391] In one form of this technology, the goggles include a pocket into which a functional component (or its associated circuitry) can be inserted for electrical coupling with a bus.

[0392] The battery assembly of the goggle system may include a rechargeable battery. The battery can be recharged by connecting it to an external power source (e.g., via a micro-USB or USB-C port on the battery module, e.g., the port is exposed via an outer fabric layer) or by inductive charging. In one form of this technology, the battery may be a disposable battery and can be removed by the user for replacement with a new battery.

[0393] As discussed above regarding functional modules, the location of the recharging port can be selected to improve safety by preventing users from wearing goggles while connecting the charging cable. For example, the port can be placed within the face contact structure of the goggles, so that any connected cable will not uncomfortablely press against the user's eyes, cheeks, or face when the goggles are in use.

[0394] In one form of this technology, one or more sensor components (and / or actuator modules) can be completely encapsulated between fabric layers, such that no part of the one or more sensor components is exposed. For example, the actuator module can be coupled to associated circuitry housed within a sensor holding structure. Both the actuator and the circuitry are entirely situated between the fabric layers. In another example, the sensor components and associated circuitry can be entirely situated between the fabric layers. An example of a sensor module that can be fully embedded is an accelerometer or gyroscope.

[0395] In one form of this technology, the sensor assembly or actuator assembly may be at least partially exposed. For example, a humidity sensor coupled to the circuit may be at least partially exposed to the surrounding environment through an outer fabric layer to measure the humidity of the user's environment. For this purpose, the outer fabric layer may include openings through which the surface of the humidity sensor is exposed. In another example, the sensor coupled to the circuit may have a surface exposed through an inner fabric layer (e.g., through openings formed therein), such that the sensor surface can contact the user's skin when the user is wearing goggles and / or functional modules. For example, the sensor may be a pulse oximeter.

[0396] Although the electronic components are described above as having a modular configuration and being replaceable with other components in at least some cases, in some forms of this technology, one or more electronic components (such as sensors or actuators) can be woven or otherwise integrated into the goggles. This allows sensors to be distributed over a larger area for more informative and / or more accurate measurements.

[0397] Some forms of this technology may include one or more sensors for determining a user's sleep posture and movement. In one form of this technology, the determined sleep posture and movement can be used to provide sensory stimulation to the user to cause them to change position. For example, if one or more sensors detect that the number of apnea and / or hypopnea events exceeds a certain threshold, and / or detect a decrease in blood oxygen levels, this can instruct the user to sleep in a supine position (supine sleeping). One or more actuators may receive activation signals based on the detections, and the activation signals may cause one or more actuators to generate vibrations or other tactile stimuli to sufficiently stimulate the user, thereby causing the user to switch to another sleep posture.

[0398] The sensor assembly can incorporate an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope. In one form of this technology, accelerometer and / or gyroscope measurements can be used to determine a user's sleep stage.

[0399] In one form of this technology, a pulse oximeter integrated into a sensor assembly can be used to assess sleep health. The pulse oximeter can be exposed through the user-facing side of an eye mask, allowing it to contact the user's forehead skin. Measurements recorded by the pulse oximeter can be used to determine blood oxygen saturation and heart rate during the wearing of the eye mask and / or functional modules, and this data can be transmitted to an external computing device, such as the user's smartphone, other mobile computing device, or a laptop or desktop computing system. This communication can occur wirelessly (e.g., using Wi-Fi), although wired communication is also possible. Time-series data can be combined to provide users with feedback on their health levels, and follow-up recommendations (e.g., from a clinician).

[0400] In one form of this technology, an EEG sensor can be housed within an eye mask. The EEG sensor can be partially exposed, allowing it to contact the user's forehead skin. Typically, the EEG sensor includes multiple EEG electrodes that generate signals that can be analyzed to detect sleep stages. These signals can be transmitted (via a transceiver) to an external device, such as the user's smartphone, and information on sleep stages, cycles, and duration can be used to provide the user with feedback on sleep quality and suggestions for improving health. For example, EEG sensor measurements can be used for accurate sleep staging, enabling more precise determination of when sleep apnea or sleep awakenings occur, for instance, during sleep studies.

[0401] In one form of this technology, sleep stage information can be used to activate sleep-enhancing white / pink noise and / or binaural beats. Other light-based interventions (e.g., using LEDs) can also be used, such as pulses, respiratory cycles, slow intensity increases, steady, rhythmic respiratory cycles, slow or refreshing wakefulness, and circadian rhythm correction. These can be generated by audio devices embedded in the eye mask itself, or by external devices (such as in-ear speakers or headphones) that receive trigger signals from the sensor assembly via a transceiver. For example, one or more miniature bone conduction speakers can be incorporated into the noise-canceling assembly.

[0402] In one form of this technology, the eye mask may incorporate an electromyography (EMG) sensor and / or an electrooculography (EOG) sensor. EMG and EOG sensor signals can be analyzed to determine the occurrence of REM sleep stages. The EOG sensor collects electrical signals associated with eye movements. The EOG sensor measures voltage changes generated by the muscles around the eyes, thereby providing information about horizontal and vertical eye movements and blink artifacts. In a manner similar to the example incorporating an EEG sensor, the sleep stage information determined by the EMG / EOG sensors can be used to provide feedback to the user regarding sleep quality or to activate one or more audio, light, and / or tactile devices to generate a sleep-enhancing intervention.

[0403] In one form of this technology, the goggles may be combined with a pulse oximeter (SpO2) sensor. The SpO2 sensor is used to measure the oxygen saturation in red blood cells.

[0404] In one form of this technology, the goggles may be combined with a respiratory rate (RR) sensor.

[0405] In one form of this technology, the eye mask may incorporate a heart rate (HR) sensor and / or a heart rate variability (HRV) sensor. In some examples, a single-wavelength HR sensor may be considered for assessing both HR and HRV. For instance, an HR / HRV sensor emitting green wavelength (~500 nm) light may be used, as this is effective for HR measurements. In some examples, an HR / HRV sensor using one or more IR wavelengths may be deployed, as this is less likely to disturb the user during sleep.

[0406] In one form of this technology, the goggles may be combined with an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU sensors collect data related to motion and orientation. It typically includes a combination of sensors for measuring various aspects of movement, position, and / or orientation.

[0407] In one form of this technology, the goggles may be combined with a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor collects data related to changes in blood volume in the tissue's microvascular bed. It typically measures changes in light absorption or reflection caused by blood flow.

[0408] In one form of this technology, the eye mask may be combined with a microphone. The microphone acts as a sensor by detecting sounds from the user's surrounding environment. For example, when snoring is detected, a physical or visual cue can be activated to prompt the user to turn to a side-lying position.

[0409] For example, grounding and reference electrodes can be positioned on the user-facing side of the goggles and exposed through corresponding openings to allow contact with the user's forehead. In another example, the grounding electrode can be located within the noise-canceling assembly, positioned behind the user's ear during use. Additional electrodes can be provided, each with a cable attached at one end to the goggles and / or extending within the goggles and attached at the other end to an external electrode patch, which can be positioned by the user on the temples and below their eyes to provide two additional measurement channels.

[0410] The eye mask and / or functional modules may include sensory intervention components. These components receive signals from sensor components and, based on predetermined algorithms, provide light, tactile, and / or audio outputs to the user. For example, LEDs may be shone into the user's eyes and / or eyelids to address sleep onset delay, promote rhythmic breathing, provide meditation cues, reduce anxiety, aid wakefulness (simulating sunrise / warm white light), and / or provide circadian rhythm correction (through the use of steady or pulsed blue light).

[0411] In one form of this technology, a combination of sensors and actuators can be provided to achieve localized temperature changes to improve user comfort. For example, an EEG sensor and / or pulse oximeter can be provided, along with a temperature sensor and / or humidity sensor. Signals from the EEG and / or PPG sensors can be analyzed to detect sleep state, and signals from the temperature and / or humidity sensors can be used to assess environmental comfort levels. One or more Peltier elements can be disposed, for example, in a wearable form on a wristband and can be coupled to circuitry that: communicates with the EEG / PPG and temperature / humidity sensors to receive signals indicating sleep state and environmental comfort levels; and activates the Peltier elements to locally heat or cool the body (e.g., at the forehead or wrist), thereby helping the user maintain a comfortable sleep state.

[0412] In one form of this technology, a haptic feedback element (such as a miniature vibration motor) can be integrated into the eye mask, for example, placed in the user's temple area during use. The haptic feedback element can deliver vibrations to the user to produce a calming effect. For example, the processor can monitor heart rate data from a pulse oximeter and, if the heart rate data exceeds a threshold, send a trigger signal to the haptic feedback element to cause it to vibrate at a frequency a few beats lower than the user's current heart rate, thereby helping to slow the heart rate. In another example, as mentioned above, if the user is detected to be in a sleep posture associated with an apnea or hypopnea event, the haptic feedback element can be used to influence the user's sleep posture.

[0413] In one form of this technology, one or more miniature thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can be incorporated into the goggles, such that the difference between the user's body temperature and the ambient temperature can be used to generate a potential difference and thus provide power to various electronic components of the goggles (sensors, actuators, processors, etc.).

[0414] In one form of this technology, multiple sensors can be combined into a single module. For example, an accelerometer and a gyroscope can be combined into a single package.

[0415] 5.10 Pivot Assembly

[0416] In some versions, the eye mask can pivot between an open position (where the user's eyes are not covered) and a closed position (where the user's eyes are covered). The user can initially place the eye mask on their forehead in the pre-use position (corresponding to the open position). In some versions, when the user is ready to sleep, they can pull down the eye components and face contact structure to bring the eye mask to the closed position, with the eye components covering their eyes.

[0417] The pivot assembly allows the positioning and stabilization structure to remain in constant contact with the user's skin, while allowing freedom of vision when the eye mask is not in use. For example, the positioning and stabilization structure could be an inner (base) band that carries the EEG electrodes and remains in constant contact with the user's skin, while the eye assembly (and face contact structure) is an outer (top) band that can move between an open and closed position. This eliminates the need for EEG recalibration when the user is preparing to sleep.

[0418] In some forms, the eye mask may include a flipping mechanism for pivoting between an open (before use) position and a closed (use) position. The flipping mechanism may be attached to a positioning and stabilizing structure and positioned near the user's forehead. The flipping mechanism is further attached to an eye assembly. In the open position, the eye assembly is positioned away from the user's eyes. For example, the eye assembly may be kept near the user's forehead. In the closed position, the eye mask is moved downwards to cover at least the eye socket area of ​​the user's face. In the closed position, the face contact structure contacts the user's face to block light.

[0419] In one form of this technology, the flipping mechanism includes a spring. The spring can be a leaf spring. This provides tactile feedback and automatically springs back to the open or closed position.

[0420] 5.11 Cooling Components

[0421] The eye mask may also include a cooling component. The cooling component may be positioned on or adjacent to the eye assembly and near the user's forehead. The cooling component may be modular and may be located in a pocket of the eye assembly or inserted into a recess in the face contact structure. The cooling component may include a Peltier element. The cooling component may also include a heat sink and / or a miniature fan for dissipating heat. Alternatively, a gel pack may be used for cooling. A temperature sensor may also be integrated into or adjacent to the cooling component.

[0422] In one form of this technology, an air-moving device or blower can be integrated into the goggles or functional module. The blower allows air circulation, thus cooling and / or ventilating the user's forehead or eye area.

[0423] 5.12 Imaging Components

[0424] Immersive technology can present users with a combination of virtual and physical environments or the real world. Users can interact with the resulting immersive or composite reality. Users can use imaging components to aid sleep and / or waking, such as rhythmic breathing cues, simulated sunrises, or slow / refreshing awakenings.

[0425] In one form of this technology, the eye mask immerses the user by using virtual stimuli to enhance or replace the stimulus associated with one of the user's five senses. Typically, this is a virtual stimulus, although additional stimuli may be present that enhance or replace the stimulus associated with one of the other four senses.

[0426] In some forms, specific immersive technologies can present a combination of a virtual environment and the user's physical environment. At least a portion of the resulting environment may include a virtual environment. In some examples, the entire resulting environment may be a virtual environment (e.g., meaning the user's environment may be obstructed or otherwise hindered). In other forms, at least a portion of the user's physical environment remains visually observable.

[0427] In some forms, users can use different types of immersive technologies, which may include, but are not limited to, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR). Each type of immersive technology can present users with different environments and / or different ways of interacting with those environments.

[0428] In some forms, the display system can be used with each type of immersive technology. The display screen of the display system can provide virtual environment components to the combined environment (i.e., a combination of a virtual environment and the user's environment). In some forms, the display screen can be an electronic screen. The display screen can be coupled to the inner surface of the eye assembly.

[0429] In at least some types of immersive technologies (e.g., VR, AR, MR, etc.), positioning and stabilizing electronic screens can be useful for operating the corresponding devices. For example, users might want the electronic screen positioned close enough to their eyes for easy viewing, but far enough away to avoid discomfort. Additionally, the screens may need to be spaced far enough so that users can wear corrective lenses, such as glasses, simultaneously. Furthermore, users can manage to maintain the orientation of the electronic screen relative to their eyes. In other words, users walking or otherwise moving while using these devices may not want the device to wobble or otherwise move (e.g., particularly relative to their eyes) on their heads, as this could cause dizziness and / or discomfort. Therefore, these devices can be supported close to the user's head to limit relative movement between the user's eyes and the device.

[0430] In one form, the technology includes a method for using a VR device, the method comprising supporting the device on the user's head, close to at least one of the user's eyes, and within the user's line of sight.

[0431] In some examples of this technology, the head-mounted display unit is supported in front of the user's eyes in order to block, impede, and / or limit ambient light from reaching the user's eyes.

[0432] Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, any features disclosed below in the context of a device configured for VR will be understood to apply to a device configured for AR. Similarly, unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, any features disclosed below in the context of a device configured for AR will be understood to apply to a device configured for VR. To avoid ambiguity, unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, features disclosed in the context of a device that does not have a transparent display (through which the user can view the real world) will be understood to apply to a device that has such a transparent display. Similarly, features disclosed in the context of a device that has a transparent display (through which the real world can be viewed) will be understood to apply to a device where the display is electronic and the real world cannot be viewed directly through a transparent material.

[0433] In one form of this technology, the eye mask includes a head-mounted display unit. In some forms, the functional aspects may provide one or more physical components. In some forms, one or more physical components may provide one or more functional aspects. The head-mounted display unit may include a display screen. In use, the head-mounted display unit is arranged close to and positioned in front of the user's eyes to allow the user to view the display screen.

[0434] In other respects, the display unit may also include a display unit housing, an optical lens, a controller, a speaker, a power supply and / or a control system.

[0435] The head-mounted display unit may include structures for providing observable output to a user. Specifically, the head-mounted display unit is arranged (e.g., manually, through positioning and stabilization structures, etc.) in an operating position in front of the user's face.

[0436] In some examples, a head-mounted display unit may include a display screen, a display unit housing, a facial contact structure, and / or optical lenses. These components may be permanently assembled in a single head-mounted display unit, or they may be detachable and selectively connected by the user to form a head-mounted display unit.

[0437] Some forms of head-mounted display units include a display, such as a screen, but the display is housed within a display housing. The screen may include electrical components that provide observable output to the user.

[0438] In one form of this technology, the display screen provides optical output that is observable by the user. This optical output allows the user to observe a virtual environment and / or virtual objects.

[0439] The display screen can be positioned close to the user's eyes to allow for viewing. For example, the display screen can be positioned directly in front of the user's eyes. The display screen can output computer-generated images and / or virtual environments.

[0440] In some forms, the display screen is an electronic display. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) screen.

[0441] In some forms, the display may include a backlight, which helps illuminate the screen. This can be especially beneficial when viewing the display in a dark environment.

[0442] In some forms, the display can extend a wider distance between the user's pupils. The display can also be wider than the distance between the user's cheeks.

[0443] In some forms, the display screen can display at least one image that is observable by the user. For example, the display screen can display an image that changes based on predetermined conditions (e.g., the passage of time, user movement, input from the user, etc.).

[0444] In some forms, portions of the display screen may be visible to only one of the user's eyes. In other words, a portion of the display screen may be positioned close to and in front of only one of the user's eyes (e.g., the right eye) and obstructed from being seen by the other eye (e.g., the left eye).

[0445] For example, the display screen can be divided into two sides (e.g., left and right sides) and can display two images at a time (e.g., one image on each side).

[0446] Similar images can be displayed on each side of the screen. In some examples, the images may be identical, while in others they may be slightly different.

[0447] Two images on a display screen can work together to form a binocular display, which can provide users with a more realistic VR experience. In other words, the user's brain can process the two images from the display screen together into a single image. Providing two (e.g., different) images allows users to view virtual objects in their surroundings and expands their field of vision in the virtual environment.

[0448] In some configurations, the display can be positioned so that it is visible to both of the user's eyes. The display can output a single image at a time, visible to both eyes. This simplifies processing compared to multi-image displays.

[0449] In some forms, the imaging module may include a camera. The camera may be externally oriented (not user-facing). The camera may allow the imaging module to interface with the external environment.

[0450] 5.13 Massage Components

[0451] In one form of this technology, the eye mask includes a massage component. The massage component may be positioned on an eye assembly. The massage component may provide compressive and / or vibratory force to the user's eye socket area via electromechanical components (motor / solenoid valve) or fluid components (inflation / deflation). The compressive and / or vibratory force may be pulsed or follow a sinusoidal pattern. The massage component may also include an LED that can provide light as a stable output or pulsate / synchronize with the massage pattern.

[0452] 5.14 Nose mask

[0453] In one form of this technology, the eye mask includes a nasal mask. The nasal mask can be attached to the eye assembly. The nasal mask can be positioned on the bridge or ridge of the user's nose. The nasal mask can provide a barrier around the user's nasal airway inlet. The nasal mask may include a filter. The filter can be used to filter out microorganisms and / or dust. The nasal mask may also include a humidifier.

[0454] 5.15 Pairing with external devices

[0455] In some forms, the modules and components disclosed herein can be paired with smartphones or other electronic devices. For example, a user can use an application on a smartphone or other electronic device to select the sound output. This application may allow the user to select white noise, music, sleep meditation, or any other sound that can help the user fall asleep.

[0456] In some forms, noise cancellation electronics can operate without a smartphone app or other external electronic devices. For example, noise cancellation electronics can be incorporated into eye protection. In some forms, a speaker can be connected to an external device. For example, home alarm systems (triggered by fire, carbon monoxide, intrusion, etc.) and / or car alarms can be wirelessly connected to the speaker. Activation of any alarm can play an sound on the speaker to alert the user. The sound can override other noises selected by the user. When using the noise cancellation electronics, activation of an alarm can automatically deactivate noise cancellation, allowing the user to hear the alarm.

[0457] 5.16 Film Analysis

[0458] In some forms, the goggles include a pull tab. The pull tab can be positioned adjacent to the user's forehead area during use. The pull tab can be positioned on the eye components of the goggles or on the positioning and stabilizing structure. For example, the pull tab can be adjacent to the user's nose bone during use, or positioned in the area between the user's eyes. The pull tab allows the user to adjust the goggles forward, thus creating enough space for the eye components to avoid being pulled down to accommodate electronic modules, and / or to insert the electronic modules into a pocket. The user can also use the pull tab to adjust the position of the goggles, thereby improving comfort. When attached to the eye components, the pull tab can also be used to detach the eye components from the positioning and stabilizing structure.

[0459] 5.17 Embodiments of this technology

[0460] Embodiments of this technology are described below.

[0461] Figure 1AAn eye mask 1000 is shown. The eye mask 1000 includes an eye assembly 1010 positioned on at least a region of the user's eye socket. The eye socket region includes a supraorbital region. The eye assembly 1010 is further positioned on a portion of the user's infraorbital region. The eye assembly 1010 is configured to block light from entering the eyes. The eye assembly 1010 is further positioned on a portion of the user's nose region. The eye assembly 1010 is further positioned on a portion of the user's cheekbone region. The eye mask 1000 includes a facial contact structure 1020 attached to the eye assembly 1010. The facial contact structure 1020 is configured and arranged to engage with the user's face. This prevents stray light from entering the interior space of the eye mask 1000 and reaching the eyes. A positioning and stabilizing structure 1030 is attached to the eye assembly 1010 for attaching the eye mask 1000 to the user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure 1030 may be laminated to the eye assembly 1010. The positioning and stabilizing structure 1030 can be formed as an elastic headband and includes a front section 1030A and a rear section 1030B. This can provide additional support to prevent the goggles 1000 from shifting during use.

[0462] Figure 1B The user-facing side of the goggles 1000 is shown. The eye assembly 1010 includes at least one cavity configured to space the eye assembly from the user's eyes. The cavities on each of the user's eyes are connected via a bridge of the nose. The face contact structure 1020 also includes a nose bridge 1040 for stabilizing the goggles 1000 on the nasal region of the user's face. The nose bridge 1040 may be made of a different material than the face contact structure 1020 (e.g., a harder material).

[0463] Figure 2A Another goggles 2000 is illustrated. Goggles 2000 includes an eye assembly 2010. A face contact structure 2020 is located below the eye assembly 2010. A positioning and stabilizing structure 2030 is attached to the eye assembly 2010. The positioning and stabilizing structure 2030 is formed as a flexible headband capable of being positioned circumferentially on a user's head. The positioning and stabilizing structure 2030 may be further connected to the eye assembly 2010 so that the goggles can be worn as a headband on the user's head when not in use. The eye assembly 2010 is attached circumferentially to at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure 2030. Alternatively, the eye assembly 2010 may be formed as a flexible headband attached circumferentially to the positioning and stabilizing structure 2030. In this position, the eye assembly 2010 covers the positioning and stabilizing structure 2030. The positioning and stabilizing structure 2030 and the eye assembly 2010 may be formed of different materials. Alternatively, the face contact structure 2020 may be formed of a different material than that of the eye component 2010.

[0464] When in use, the eye component 2010 can be pulled down to cover the user's eyes. Figure 2B The facial contact structure 2020 contacts at least the eye socket area of ​​the user's face to block light from entering the eyes. The pull-down eye assembly 2010 exposes a sensor module 2050 positioned on the positioning and stabilization structure 2030. The sensor module 2050 may be detachable and can be configured to measure EEG.

[0465] exist Figure 3A The image shows an eye mask 3000. The eye mask 3000 includes an eye assembly 3010 and a face contact structure 3020. The eye assembly 3010 may be a perforated light-blocking material or a composite material. The eye assembly 3010 may be made breathable to provide user comfort. The face contact structure 3020 may be permeable bubble wrap. The eye assembly 3010 may be laminated to the face contact structure 3020. The eye assembly 3010 is attached at its ends to a positioning and stabilizing structure 3030. The positioning and stabilizing structure 3030 may be a strap, which may be elastic. The positioning and stabilizing structure 3030 may also include adjustable components for adapting the eye mask 3000 to the user's head.

[0466] Figure 3B The user-facing side of the eye assembly 3010 and face contact structure 3020 of the goggles 3000 is shown. The eye assembly (and face contact structure 3020) can be further positioned on the user's forehead. The eye assembly 3010 may be a light-shielding material or composite material laminated to the perforations of the face contact structure 3020. The face contact structure 3020 includes at least one opening for receiving the eye assembly 3010. The face contact structure 3020 includes foam having a thickness of about 1 cm to 10 cm. The face contact structure 3020 may have a thickness gradient decreasing towards the opening to improve the breathability of the goggles 3000. The face contact structure 3020 may be further perforated to improve the breathability of the goggles 3000.

[0467] Figure 4A The goggles 400 include an eye assembly 4010, a face contact structure 4020, and a positioning and stabilizing structure. For example... Figure 4BAs shown, the positioning and stabilizing structure can branch into a first segment 4070A and a second segment 4070B. The positioning and stabilizing structure can branch at opposite sides of the eye assembly 4010, or at a location adjacent to the temporal region of the user's head during use. The goggles 4000 include a noise-canceling component 4060 configured to fit over and / or at least partially within the user's ear. The noise-canceling component 4060 can be coupled to the eye assembly 4010. The noise-canceling component 4060 can be connected to the eye assembly 4010. In this respect, the noise-canceling component 4060 and the eye assembly 4010 can be formed from a single material or a composite material. Alternatively, the noise-canceling component 4060 can be a modular component capable of being attached to the goggles 4000 at opposite ends of the eye assembly 4010 via tabs.

[0468] Figure 4C The components of noise cancellation assembly 4060 are shown. Noise cancellation assembly 4060 includes sound-absorbing material 4210, sound-absorbing foam 4220, speaker housing 4230, speaker 4240, second sound-absorbing foam 4250, and mesh material 4260. Sound-absorbing material 4210, second sound-absorbing foam 4250, and mesh material 4260 can be laminated together and provide passive sound blocking. Speaker 4240 can provide white noise to help the user sleep. Noise cancellation components can also be combined and can provide AI-assisted intelligent sound blocking or active noise cancellation electronics while ensuring that important sounds such as a baby crying can still be heard.

[0469] Figure 5A This is another embodiment of the eye mask 5000. The eye assembly 5010 and the face contact structure 5020 are similar in size and cover a portion of the forehead and nose area of ​​the user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure 5030 has a similar width to the eye assembly 5010 and, in use, covers at least the area above the ear base point on the user's head. The positioning and stabilizing component 5030 can be configured to cover both the area above and below the ear base point on the user's head in use.

[0470] Figure 5B An eye mask 5000 with a wrinkled configuration is shown. The positioning and stabilizing structure 5030 may be pre-tensioned and made of soft, elastic textile to evenly distribute contact pressure across the face. The curved shape of the eye assembly 5010 conforms to the user's face and provides better skin contact and light protection.

[0471] Figure 6A and Figure 6BAn eye mask 6000 is shown. The eye assembly 6010 and the face contact structure 6020 are similar in size and cover part of the forehead and nose area of ​​the user's face. The contour of the face contact structure 6020 is further designed to fit the user's face for a better fit. In this respect, the eye mask 6000 also includes a bridge of the nose portion 6040 located between the left and right eye socket areas of the eye assembly 6010. This provides better stability for the eye mask 6000 during use. A positioning and stabilizing structure 6030 rests on the upper ear base area of ​​the user's head during use. The positioning and stabilizing structure 6030 includes a rigid member 6080. The rigid member 6080 may extend throughout the positioning and stabilizing structure 6030 or in at least a portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure 6030. The rigid member 6030 provides stability to the eye mask 6000 during use.

[0472] Figure 7A An eye mask 7000 is shown. The eye assembly 7010 and the face contact structure 7020 are similar in size and cover part of the user's forehead and nose area. The contour of the face contact structure 7020 is further designed to fit the user's face for a better fit. In this respect, the eye mask 7000 also includes a bridge of the nose portion 7040 located between the left and right eye socket areas of the eye assembly 7010. This provides better stability for the eye mask 7000 during use. A positioning and stabilizing structure 7030 rests on the upper ear base area of ​​the user's head during use. The positioning and stabilizing structure 7030 may include adjustable parts for tightening the eye mask 7000 to the user's head.

[0473] Figure 7B and Figure 7C A positioning and stabilizing structure 7030 is shown, which branches off on opposite sides of the eye assembly 7010, or, during use, in the temporal region adjacent to the user's head. The positioning and stabilizing structure 7030 branches to form a first branch segment 7070A and a second branch segment 7070B, wherein the first and second branch segments jointly support the top of the user's head during use. The first branch segment 7070A and the second branch segment 7070B can move relative to each other, allowing the user to adjust the positioning and stabilizing structure 7030 to a comfortable position.

[0474] Figure 8AAn eye mask 8000 is shown. The eye assembly 8010 and the face contact structure 8020 are similar in size and cover part of the forehead and nose area of ​​the user's face. The contour of the face contact structure 8020 is further designed to fit the user's face for a better fit. In this respect, the eye mask 8000 also includes a bridge of the nose portion 8040 located between the left and right eye socket areas of the eye assembly 8010. This can provide better stability for the eye mask 8000 during use. A positioning and stabilizing structure 8030 covers the area above the ears on the user's head during use. The positioning and stabilizing structure 8030 may include adjustable parts for tightening the eye mask 8000 to the user's head.

[0475] Figure 8B A positioning and stabilizing structure 8030 is shown, which branches off on opposite sides of the eye assembly 8010, or, during use, in the temporal region adjacent to the user's head. The positioning and stabilizing structure 8030 branches to form a first branch segment 8070A and a second branch segment 8070B, wherein the first and second branch segments jointly support the top of the user's head during use. In this case, the angle at which the first branch segment 8070A and the second branch segment 8070B intersect each other is fixed and can be from about 60° to about 120°. The positioning and stabilizing structure 8030 can have a width or thickness from about 10 mm to about 50 mm and can be formed from a fabric composite material. The positioning and stabilizing structure 8030 may include foam sandwiched between fabric layers.

[0476] Figure 9A and Figure 9B An eye mask 9000 is shown. The eye assembly 9010 and the face contact structure 9020 are similar in size. The contour of the face contact structure 9020 is further designed to fit the user's face for a better fit. The eye mask 9000 also includes a bridge of the nose 9040 located between the left and right eye socket regions of the eye assembly 9010. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a first segment 9072 serving as a headband, which is configured to be circumferentially and elastically secured to the user's head. A second segment 9074 is connected to the eye assembly 9010 and is movably attached to the first segment 9072. The eye mask 9000 also includes a flip member 9080 for movably connecting the eye assembly to the positioning and stabilizing structure between an open position and a closed position. The flip member 9080 can be positioned adjacent to the user's forehead. In the open position, the eye assembly 9010 is positioned away from the user's eyes. For example, the eye assembly 9010 can be kept adjacent to the user's forehead. Figure 9A In the closed position, move the eye mask downwards by 9000 to cover part of the user's forehead, eye socket area, and nose area. Figure 9B The facial contact structure 9020 is designed to contact the user's face.

[0477] Figure 9C The eye mask 9000 is shown. The flipping component 9080 can be a spring, such as a leaf spring. This provides tactile feedback and automatically springs back to the open or closed position.

[0478] Figure 10A An eye mask 10000 is shown. When a user is not yet ready to sleep, the eye mask 10000 can be placed on the user's forehead. The eye mask 10000 includes an eye assembly 10010, a facial contact structure, and a positioning and stabilizing structure. The facial contact structure is designed to be similar in size to the eye assembly 10010. The eye assembly 10010 and the facial contact structure can be formed from a single material or a composite material. The facial contact structure may also include a thermoformed nose bridge portion to fit the nose and further aid in light blocking. The eye assembly 10010 forms an outer band around the user's head. The eye assembly 10010 is connected to the positioning and stabilizing structure, for example, via a textile cover. For example, the positioning and stabilizing structure can form an inner band located within a loop around the user's head. The inner band can be circumferentially connected to the outer band. In this position, the positioning and stabilizing structure is concealed behind the eye assembly 10010. The eye assembly 10010 is movable to at least cover the user's eyes.

[0479] Figure 11A An eye mask 11000 is shown, which includes an eye assembly 11010, a face contact structure 11020, and a positioning and stabilization structure 11030. The eye mask 11000 also includes a sensor module 11090. The sensor module 11090 is positioned on the eye assembly 11010 and adjacent to the user's forehead for positioning. The sensor module can be configured to sense EEG and / or PPG. Figure 11B As shown, the goggles 11000 also includes electrodes 11100 located on its inner surface or on the user-facing surface. Electrodes 11100 receive signals from the user and transmit these signals or derivative signals to the sensor module 11090. Electrodes 11100 may be disposed on fabric or pad 11110, which may be removable.

[0480] Figure 12A An eye mask 12000 is shown, which includes an eye assembly 12010, a face contact structure 12020, and a positioning and stabilization structure 12030. The eye mask 12000 also includes a cooling module 12090. The cooling module 12090 is positioned on the eye assembly 12010 and adjacent to the user's forehead. The cooling module may include a Peltier element. The cooling module may also include heat sinks and / or a miniature fan for dissipating heat. Figure 12BThe temperature sensor can also be integrated into or adjacent to the cooling module 12090.

[0481] Figure 13A An eye mask 13000 is shown, which includes an eye assembly 13010 and a positioning and stabilization structure 13030. The eye assembly 13010 and the positioning and stabilization structure 13030 overlap at the user's forehead area. Figure 13B A rear view of the goggles 13000 is shown. A pocket 13120 is positioned such that it is adjacent to the user's forehead during use. The pocket 13120 is formed of substantially the same material as the positioning and stabilizing structure 13030. The pocket includes a window 13130 ​​for exposing at least one electrode of an electronic module that can be housed within the pocket and is detachable from the goggles 13000. When the electronic module is housed, it is not visible from the external side of the goggles (non-user-facing side). The goggles 13000 also includes a pull tab 13140. The pull tab 13140 is attached to the eye assembly 13010. During use, the pull tab 13140 is positioned in the forehead region and in the region between the user's eyes.

[0482] Figure 14 A front view and a rear view of an eye mask 14000, including an eye assembly 14010 and a positioning and stabilizing structure 14030, are shown. The eye assembly 14010 and the positioning and stabilizing structure 14030 overlap at the user's forehead region, and particularly at the brow bone. As shown in the rear view, the inner side of the eye assembly 14010 is demarcated by a face contact structure that also acts as a pad. A pocket 14120 is positioned such that it is adjacent to the user's forehead during use, and particularly at the brow bone. The pocket 14120 is formed of substantially the same material as the positioning and stabilizing structure 14030. The pocket 14120 includes a window 14130 for exposing at least one electrode of an electronic module that can be housed within the pocket 14120 and is detachable from the eye mask 14000. When the electronic module is housed, it is not visible from the outer side (non-user-facing side) of the eye mask 14000. Pocket 14120 can form a protrusion on the outer side (non-user-facing side) of goggles 14000. This provides more space for accommodating electronic modules. Other modules, such as cooling modules, can be incorporated into pocket 14120. Goggles 14000 also includes a pull tab 14140. Pull tab 14140 is attached to eye assembly 14010. In use, pull tab 14140 is positioned in the forehead area and between the user's eyes.

[0483] Figure 15AThe front of the eye mask 15000, including the eye assembly 15010 and the positioning and stabilizing structure 15030, is shown. The eye assembly 15010 and the positioning and stabilizing structure 15030 overlap at the user's forehead area and particularly at the brow bone. Figure 15B A rear view of the goggles 15000 is shown, with the inner side of the eye assembly 15010 demarcated by a face contact structure 15020 that also acts as a pad. A pocket 15120 is positioned such that it is adjacent to the user's forehead during use, particularly at the brow bone. The pocket 15120 is formed of substantially the same material as the positioning and stabilizing structure 15030. The pocket 15120 includes a window 15130 for exposing at least one electrode of an electronic module that can be housed within the pocket 15120 and is detachable from the goggles 15000. When the electronic module is housed, it is not visible from the outer side (non-user-facing side) of the goggles 15000. A protrusion may be formed on the outer side (non-user-facing side) of the pocket 15120. This provides more space for accommodating the electronic module. Other modules, such as a cooling module, may be incorporated into the pocket 15120.

[0484] Figure 16A and Figure 16B An eye mask 16000 is shown, including a flip mechanism 16080 for pivoting between an open (pre-use) position and a closed (in-use) position. The flip mechanism 16080 is attached to a positioning and stabilizing structure 16030 and positioned near the user's temple. The flip mechanism 16080 is further attached to an eye assembly 16010. In the open position, the eye assembly 16010 is positioned away from the user's eyes. Figure 16A For example, the eye component 16010 can be kept close to the user's forehead. In the closed position ( Figure 16B The eye component 16010 is moved downwards to cover at least the eye socket area of ​​the user's face.

[0485] Figure 17 The eye patch 17000 is shown. The eye assembly 17010 can be separated from the positioning and stabilizing structure 17030 via a pull tab 17140.

[0486] Figure 18AA rear view of the goggles 18000 is shown. The goggles 18000 includes an eye assembly 18010 that can be positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face. The eye assembly 18010 can be further positioned on a portion of the user's infraorbital region. The eye assembly 18010 can be further positioned on a portion of the user's nasal region. The eye assembly 18010 can be further positioned on a portion of the user's cheekbone region. The goggles 18000 includes a facial contact structure 18020 connected to the eye assembly 18010. The facial contact structure 18020 is configured and arranged to engage the user's face such that the eye assembly 18010 is spaced apart from the user's eyes. The facial contact structure includes a recess 18150 that can be positioned on the forehead region of the user's face. A module (not shown) can be inserted into the recess 18150. A positioning and stabilizing structure 18030 is attached to the eye assembly 18010 for attaching the goggles 18000 to the user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure 18030 includes a left strap and a right strap. The left and right straps can be connected via connectors such as buckles. The positioning and stabilizing structure 18030 can be adjustable.

[0487] Figure 18B Another rear view of the goggles 18000 is shown. Module 18160 is inserted into recess 18150. Each end of module 18160 includes at least one protrusion for engaging with a complementary groove in recess 18150.

[0488] Figure 19 A perspective view of functional module 19000 is shown. The functional module can be adapted to fit into a recess in an eye mask (such as eye mask 18000). Functional module 19000 is arc-shaped to conform to the curvature of a user's forehead. Functional module 19000 includes a first end portion 19170, a second end portion 19180, and a middle portion 19190. Functional module 19000 includes a convex side 19200 and a concave side 19210. Connector 19220 is positioned at the middle portion 19190 and on the convex side 19200. Connector 19220 may be a magnet for complementary coupling with another magnet in the recess of the eye mask. Backing 19230 is curved and flexible on the convex side 19200, allowing it to be further bent to conform to the curvature of the user's forehead when adapted into the recess of the eye mask. The backing 19230 can be a semi-rigid bracket for PCBs and electronic devices, which is bonded to the fabric of the convex side 19200 to form a seal.

[0489] exist Figure 27 , Figure 28 and Figure 29 Another example of functional module 27000 is shown in the figure.

[0490] Functional module 27000 includes a rigid or semi-rigid bracket 27100, a silicone housing or enclosure 27300, and foam filler 27200. In some examples, the bracket 27100 carries electronic components, such as one or more PCBs. The enclosure 27300 may also carry one or more electronic components, such as a PPG sensor. When module 27000 is adapted to goggles (such as goggles 18000) and a user wears the goggles, 15. Foam 27200 serves as cushioning between the user and any electronic components to prevent discomfort. For this purpose, electronic components can be placed on the bracket 27100 and / or within the housing 27300, and can even be embedded within the foam filling 27200, as long as the foam 27200 provides sufficient cushioning when wearing an eye mask (e.g., eye mask 18000).

[0491] The rigidity of the housing 27300 is less than that of the bracket 27100. In some examples, the rigidity of the housing 27300 can be about half that of the bracket 27100. For example, the housing 27300 has a Shore A hardness of about 40, and the bracket 27100 has a Shore A hardness of about 80.

[0492] The user-facing side 27310 of module 27000 may include multiple electrodes 27250, 27252, 27254, 27256, and 27258 for measuring EEG signals from the user. In some examples, the electrodes are dry electrodes. For example, the electrodes may be conductive silicone electrodes. The silicone housing 27300 may be overmolded with...

[0493] Thirty conductive silicone electrodes ensure a seamless connection. The electrodes can be connected to a PCB using flexible wiring (as noted above, the PCB can be mounted on a 27100 bracket). Dry electrodes can be formed from other suitable materials, such as Ag-AgCl electrodes, provided that such materials are durable and can be used for an extended period without replacement.

[0494] Figure 20A A perspective view of another functional module 20000 is shown. Functional module 20000 is arc-shaped to conform to the curvature of a user's forehead. Functional module 20000 includes a first end portion 20170, a second end portion 20180, a middle portion 20190, a convex side 20200, and a concave side 20210. The convex side 20200 includes a backing, and the concave side 20210 includes a user contact layer 20240. The user contact layer 20240 includes strips of conductive material 20250. For example, the conductive material 20250 extends at least on the top side of functional module 20000 and extends toward the convex side 20200. However, the conductive material 20250 may also be disposed only on the user contact side.

[0495] 10 20240. Each conductive strip 20250 serves as an electrode for the EEG system of the functional module 20000. Therefore, together with suitable signal processing electronics disposed in the module 20000, EEG signals can be measured when a user wears an eye mask (such as eye mask 18000) adapted to the module 20000.

[0496] The width of the corresponding conductive strip 20250 adjacent to the first end portion 20170 or the second end portion 20180 is relatively larger than the width of the conductive strip 20250 adjacent to the middle portion 20190. By providing variable-width electrodes 20250, EEG signals can be collected more reliably from users with different head sizes. This is because, for example, in a 10-20 system, the electrode placement corresponds to...

[0497] There are 20 relative positions on the head, while the position of the electrode 20250 is fixed. Therefore, the variable width of the electrode 20250 ensures that it can make contact at the appropriate relative position on the user's head, regardless of the head size.

[0498] The user contact layer 20240 also includes a window 20260 for exposing one or more sensors that can collect data from the user's forehead. Such sensors may include PPG sensors, etc. The top side of the functional module 20000 includes a charging port 20270.

[0499] In some examples, electrode 20250 includes a central electrode with a pair of auxiliary electrodes on each side. The centerline of the central electrode can approximately correspond to the Fpz position in a 10-20 system. The centerlines of the first pair of auxiliary electrodes can be approximately 30 mm away from the centerline of the central electrode on either side, and these electrodes can correspond to the Fp1 and Fp2 positions, respectively. The centerlines of the second pair of auxiliary electrodes can...

[0500] On either side, the electrodes are approximately 50 mm away from the center line of the central electrode, and these electrodes can correspond to the Fp7 and Fp8 positions respectively.

[0501] Now for reference Figure 29 Similar to electrode 20250, electrode 27250 of functional module 27000... 27252, 27254, 27256, and 27258 may include a central electrode 27250, with a pair of auxiliary electrodes on each side of the central electrode. The centerlines of the first pair of auxiliary electrodes 27252 and 27254 are approximately 30 mm away from the centerline of the central electrode 27250 on either side. In the 10-20 system, electrode 27252 may correspond to the Fp1 position, and electrode 27254 may correspond to... Position Fp2. The centerlines of the second pair of auxiliary electrodes 27256 and 27258 can be approximately 50 mm away from the centerline of the central electrode on either side, and these electrodes can correspond to positions Fp7 (27256) and Fp8 (27258), respectively. For the reasons mentioned above regarding the width variation of electrode 20250, electrodes 27256 and 27258 can be wider than electrodes 27252 and 27254, and electrodes 27252 and 27254 are in turn wider than the central electrode 27250.

[0502] Figure 20B A front view of functional module 20000 is shown. The convex side 20200 includes a cooling assembly 20280, which may be a blower. The cooling assembly 20280 may have vents on the convex side 20200 to dissipate heat generated by the assembly.

[0503] Figure 20C A bottom view of functional module 20000 is shown. Optical elements 20290 (such as LEDs) can be arranged such that light can be emitted from functional module 20000. For example, optical elements 20290 can be used to emit light from above toward the user's eyes.

[0504] It can provide sleep or wake-up reminders, or guide breathing prompts to help users fall asleep.

[0505] For example, the optical element could be a small LED mounted on a PCB (e.g., on bracket 27100 of module 27000) and encapsulated in a silicone cover. The LED could...

[0506] The LEDs are positioned on the lower edge of the electronic module 20000 or 27000 to guide light toward the user's eyes through the gap between the eye mask and the user. For example, the LEDs can be grouped into multiple sets of three colors, such as warm white (3000K), blue (460nm to 480nm), and red (650nm to 700nm), with different colored LEDs activated at different times according to, for example, a sleep intervention algorithm. It should be understood that the number and wavelength of the LEDs can vary.

[0507] Figure 20D A cross-sectional view of functional module 20000 is shown. Conductive material 20250 includes electrical contact 20300, which makes electrical contact with component 20310 (such as a PPG, SpO2 sensor, and / or IMU sensor). Window 20260

[0508] Positioned in proximity to the PPG sensor and / or SpO2 sensor and / or IMU sensor. Other components such as cooling components (e.g., Peltier elements or miniature blowers) 20280, batteries, charging circuitry, and Bluetooth transceivers can be housed in module 20000.

[0509] In some examples, EEG signals are acquired at a sampling rate of 250 Hz. PPG and IMU signals can be sampled at a rate not exceeding 250 Hz and possibly as low as 50 Hz.

[0510] Figure 21A A perspective view of a functional module 21000 without a backing on the convex side is shown. The functional module 21000 is arc-shaped to conform to the curvature of a user's forehead. The functional module 21000 includes a first end portion 21170, a second end portion 21180, a middle portion 21190, and a concave side 21210. The concave side 21210 includes a user contact layer 21240. The user contact layer 21240 includes strips of conductive material 21250. The conductive material 21250 extends onto the top and bottom sides of the functional module 21000 and extends toward the convex side 21200. The width of the conductive strip 21250 adjacent to the first end portion 21170 or the second end portion 21180 is substantially similar to the width of the conductive strip 21250 adjacent to the middle portion 21190. The user contact layer 21240 also includes a window 21260 for exposing the electrodes of a sensor.

[0511] Figure 21B An example is a functional module 21000 that does not have a backing on the convex side. The conductive material 21250 includes electrical contacts 21300. The electrical contacts 21300 extend to the top and bottom sides of the functional module 21000.

[0512] Alternatively, Figure 21C The electrical contact 21300 is shown extending inward toward the cavity of the functional module 21000. The electrical contact 213000 penetrates the user contact layer and foam (if present) and extends into the cavity of the functional module 21000.

[0513] Figure 21D A cross-sectional view of functional module 21000 is shown. Foam 21320 is adjacent to the inward-facing side of user contact layer 21240 and is located within the cavity of functional module 21000. Support member 21330 is present within the cavity of functional module 21000, providing reinforcement and protection for the assembly. This support member may be magnetic to provide connection with a corresponding magnetic connector on the goggles (and in some forms within a recess in the goggles).

[0514] This technology relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for screening and / or monitoring a user's physical condition and / or providing feedback to the user regarding sleep quality. This technology can also diagnose a user's sleep patterns or sleep status and provide remedial actions to help the user fall asleep. For example, an eye mask can detect a user's eye movements, heart-related movements, and oxygen levels while the subject is asleep. Based on such detections, the user's sleep state can be determined.

[0515] Now for reference Figures 22 to 26 An example system suitable for implementing this technology is described.

[0516] The user wears an eye mask 22000, which includes a positioning and stabilization structure 22030 and an eye cover assembly. A functional module 22160 may be located in a recess within the eye mask and maintains contact with the user's forehead via the positioning and stabilization structure 22030. The functional module 22160 may include a charging port for connection to a charger 22340 or an external power source. In this regard, the functional module 22160 may include a rechargeable battery. Once charged, the functional module 22160 can be disconnected from the charger 22340 and inserted into the recess of the eye mask for use.

[0517] Functional module 22160 can wirelessly communicate with mobile device 22350 or mobile electronic device. Mobile device 22350 can be configured with an application for screening and / or monitoring a user's physical condition. Mobile device 22350 can be, for example, a smartphone or tablet with one or more processors. The processor can be configured to perform actions such as... Figures 23 to 26 The functions shown are as well as others. For example, the processor can send audio signals (or music or white noise) to the user via earpiece 22360 to induce sleep. The mobile device may include a speaker and microphone, among other components. The speaker can be used to transmit the generated audio signals, and the microphone can be used to receive the reflected signals. Thus, the processor can be configured to generate audio signals and transmit them, typically through air as a generally open or unrestricted medium, such as in a room near the device, receive reflections of the transmitted signals by sensing the transmitted signals with, for example, a transducer (such as a microphone), and process the sensed signals to determine body movement and respiratory parameters.

[0518] Mobile devices can be adapted to provide efficient and effective methods for monitoring a subject's breathing and / or other movement-related characteristics. When used during sleep, mobile devices and associated methods can be used to detect a user's breathing and identify sleep stages, sleep states, transitions between states, sleep-disordered breathing, and / or other respiratory disorders. When used during wakefulness, mobile devices and associated methods can be used to detect movements such as the subject's breathing (inspiration, expiration, apnea, and derived rates) and / or cardiac waveforms and subsequent derived heart rates. Such parameters can be used to control games (thereby guiding the user to reduce their respiratory rate for relaxation purposes) or to assess the respiratory status of subjects with chronic diseases such as COPD, asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), etc., where the subject's baseline respiratory parameters change before a worsening / decompensated event occurs. Respiratory waveforms can also be processed to detect temporary cessation of breathing (such as central apnea, or slight chest movements against the obstructive airway seen during obstructive apnea) or decreased breathing (such as shallow, rapid breathing and / or decreased respiratory rate associated with hypoventilation).

[0519] Mobile devices may include integrated chips, memory, and / or other control instructions, data, or information storage media. For example, program instructions containing the evaluation / signal processing methods described herein may be encoded on an integrated chip in the memory of the device or apparatus to form an application-specific integrated chip (ASIC). Additionally or alternatively, such instructions may be loaded as software or firmware using a suitable data storage medium. Alternatively, such processing instructions may be downloaded to the mobile device, such as from a server, via a network (e.g., the Internet), so that when the instructions are executed, the processing device functions as a screening or monitoring device.

[0520] Therefore, a mobile device may include many components such as a microphone or sound sensor, a processor, a display interface, a user control / input interface, a speaker, and a memory / data storage device storing processing instructions for the processing methods / modules described herein.

[0521] One or more components of a mobile device may be integrated with or operatively coupled to the mobile device. For example, a microphone or sound sensor may be integrated with or coupled to the mobile device via a wired or wireless link (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0522] The memory / data storage device may include a plurality of processor control instructions for controlling the processor. For example, the memory / data storage device may include processor control instructions for causing an application to be executed by the processing instructions of the processing method / module described herein.

[0523] Mobile devices can optionally connect to the cloud 22370. The cloud can be configured to collect, store, and analyze data generated from the user's sleep.

[0524] Figure 23 A high-level architecture diagram of a system for implementing various aspects of this technology is illustrated. This system can be implemented at least partially in functional modules and / or at least partially in mobile devices. As described herein, the functional modules can communicate wirelessly with mobile devices.

[0525] Functional module 23160 can communicate with a mobile device having a processor. The processor can execute software, such as mobile device application 23380. Mobile device application 23380 can perform various data processing or calculations. Mobile device application 23380 includes user-controllable functions, such as component settings, component selection, and activation of selected components. Therefore, mobile device application 23380 transmits instructions from the user to functional module 23160 via a network. The network can be a short-range wireless communication network or Bluetooth. Mobile device application 23380 may also include instructions, help and support, feedback and suggestions on how to use the functional module and components. Mobile device application 23380 is also able to receive data from functional module 23160 via a network. Once the data is received, it can be processed by mobile device application 23380 for real-time intervention. For example, if the data determines that the user has sleep difficulties, an audio signal (or music or white noise) can be played via speaker 23390-1 (or wirelessly via a Bluetooth speaker). Audio parameters (such as volume, modulation, content, timing, and duration) can be preset by the user. Therefore, audio can be sent to the user to induce sleep. Alternatively, data can be transmitted to the cloud 23370 for storage and / or analysis. Thus, the user can wirelessly control the functional module 23160 via a mobile device application 23380.

[0526] Depending on the battery level in functional module 23160, the user can determine whether to connect functional module 23160 to power source 23400. Functional module 23160 can be connected to power source 23400 via charger 23400, which is used to charge battery 23410 in functional module 23160. In this regard, battery 23410 can be integrated within functional module 23160 as part of a single circuit. Alternatively, functional module 23160 may include a battery slot for receiving the battery.

[0527] Functional module 23160 can wirelessly communicate with mobile device application 23380 for transmitting data and receiving instructions. For example, functional module 23160 can communicate with mobile device application 23380 via Bluetooth. Functional module 23160 may include a microcontroller (MCU) 23420 as part of its single integrated circuit. MCU 23420 may include one or more CPUs (processor cores), as well as memory and programmable input / output peripherals. Therefore, the components of functional module 23160 are connected to MCU 23420 and form part of a single integrated circuit.

[0528] For example, MCU 23420 can load commands or data received from mobile device application 23380 into LED component 23430. The data can be related to the brightness, modulation, color, timing, and duration of LED 23430. MCU 23420 can also load commands or data received from mobile device application 23380 into blower component 23440. Blower component 23440 provides airflow to the user's face and includes brushless DC motor driver 23450. Data can be related to the speed, timing, and duration of motor driver 23450 and / or the phase or pulse sequence of blower component 23440.

[0529] As mentioned above, speaker 23390-1 may be located outside of functional module 23160. Alternatively, speaker 23390-2 may be housed within functional module 23160 and further integrated into a single integrated circuit.

[0530] The MCU 23420 can receive data from components housed within the functional module 23160 and transmit the data to the mobile device application 23380. For example, the functional module 23160 may house an EEG component 23450, a PPG component 23460, an IMU component 23470, and a thermistor component 23480. Data from these components can be processed by the MCU 23420 (such as amplification and / or filtering) before the output is transmitted to the mobile device application 23380. Processing the data from these components can be performed by the signal processor 23490.

[0531] Figure 24 Another block diagram of a system for implementing various aspects of this technology is shown. This embodiment does not include certain components such as the speaker 23390-2, the blower 23440, and the thermistor 23480. Therefore, this embodiment can be more cost-effective and more portable for the user.

[0532] Although not shown, the output of data or signal processing may undergo a second post-processing stage, which provides sleep status, sleep score, fatigue indication, subject identification, chronic disease monitoring and / or prediction, sleep apnea event detection, and other output parameters, such as by evaluating any motion characteristics of the generated motion signal (e.g., respiratory-related motion (or its absence), cardiac-related motion, wakefulness-related motion, periodic leg motion, etc.). In some cases, the functionality of the signal post-processing or second post-processing stage can be performed using any component, device, and / or method described in any of the following patents or patent applications, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference: International Patent Application No. PCT / US2007 / 070196, filed June 1, 2007, entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Monitoring Physiological Signs”; International Patent Application No. PCT / US2007 / 083155, filed October 31, 2007, entitled “System and Method for Monitoring Cardio-Respiratory Parameters”; and International Patent Application No. PCT / US2007 / 083155, filed September 23, 2009, entitled “Contactless and Minimal-ContactMonitoring of Quality of Life Parameters for Assessment and International patent application No. PCT / US2009 / 058020 entitled "Intervention (non-contact and micro-contact monitoring of quality of life parameters for assessment and intervention)" filed on February 4, 2010, entitled "Apparatus, System, and Method for Chronic Disease Monitoring"; and international patent application No. PCT / AU2013 / 000564 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Cardio-Pulmonary Health" filed on March 30, 2013.International patent application No. PCT / AU2015 / 050273, filed May 25, 2015, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Monitoring Chronic Disease"; International patent application No. PCT / AU2014 / 059311, filed October 6, 2014, entitled "Fatigue Monitoring and Management System"; International patent application No. PCT / AU2013 / 060652, filed September 19, 2013, entitled "System and Method for Determining Sleep Stage"; International patent application No. PCT / AU2013 / 060652, filed April 20, 2016, entitled "Detection and Identification of a Human from Characteristic International patent application No. PCT / EP2016 / 058789 entitled "Signals (Detection and Identification of the Human Body Based on Characteristic Signals)" filed on August 17, 2016; International patent application No. PCT / EP2016 / 069496 entitled "Screener for Sleep Disordered Breathing" filed on August 16, 2016; International patent application No. PCT / EP2016 / 069413 entitled "Digital Range Gated Radio Frequency Sensor" filed on August 26, 2016; International patent application No. PCT / EP2016 / 070169 entitled "Systems and Methods for Monitoring and Management of Chronic Disease" filed on August 26, 2016; and International patent application No. PCT / EP2016 / 070169 entitled "Detection of Periodic" filed on March 24, 2016. U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 079,339, entitled "Breathing (Detection of Periodic Breathing)," Therefore, in some examples, the processing of detected movements (including, for example, respiratory movements) can be used as a basis for determining any one or more of the following: (a) a sleep state indicating sleep; (b) a sleep state indicating wakefulness; (c) a sleep stage indicating deep sleep; (d) a sleep stage indicating light sleep; and (e) a sleep stage indicating REM sleep.

[0533] Figure 25 A flowchart illustrating how a user can use the eye mask and functional module is shown. In this example, the user may suffer from insomnia, or feel anxious and / or stressed, which may or may not be caused by the surrounding environment. The user puts on the eye mask and activates the functional module, which in turn activates a mobile device application for data collection, data processing, and real-time intervention. Alternatively, the functional module can be manually paired with the mobile device application. The mobile device application contains user-specific information such as sleep-wake time and type of sleep intervention, which can be preset by the user. If the speaker is located outside the functional module (i.e., provided from the mobile device via Bluetooth), the user wears earplugs to receive audio input such as relaxing music, natural sounds, pink noise pulses, and binaural beats. If a blower is present, it can be activated via preset conditions or when a high ambient / skin temperature is detected. Simultaneously, components receiving biophysical data from the user are activated to collect data. If a long sleep latency (SOL), long wake-up-after-sleep (WASO) time, or high heart rate (HR) is detected, the user is instructed to follow a rhythmic breathing pattern via audio or red LED cues. These components continuously monitor the user's biophysical signals and determine whether sleep stage N1 (sleep onset) has been reached. If so, as the user reaches sleep stage N2 (relaxation; body temperature decreases, and breathing and heart rate slow down), the levels of audio and / or LED cues gradually decrease. If ambient noise is present or if the user is a light sleeper, the audio can continue playing at a low volume. If sleep stage N3 (slow-wave, delta sleep) is detected, the audio can continue playing at a low volume, especially if the user is easily disturbed. If REM sleep is detected, the audio can continue playing at a low volume, especially if the user is easily disturbed or is in a tense REM stage. If a high heart rate (HR) is detected, rhythmic breathing audio can be activated. If REM sleep is detected near the wake-up time, a smart wake-up function is activated, which may activate increased intensity white light and / or audio. If the user has set circadian rhythm correction, blue light is activated near the specified wake-up time. When the eye mask is removed from the user's head, the functional module can automatically shut off after a predetermined time following removal. The functional module can then be recharged. After sleep, users are provided with feedback on their sleep quality. Inferences about past days / weeks based on user settings and interventions, and the resulting sleep patterns, are processed and used to provide a more comprehensive sleep analysis and the required level of intervention. The mobile application can also provide users with suggestions on improving sleep duration, quality, and / or sleep hygiene.

[0534] Figure 26A flowchart illustrating how a user can use the eye mask and functional module is shown. In this example, the user wears the eye mask and functional module for a short nap during the day, in an environment that may or may not be affected by light and / or noise from the surroundings. The user activates the functional module, which in turn activates a mobile device application for data collection, data processing, and real-time intervention. Alternatively, the functional module can be manually paired with the mobile device application. The mobile device application contains user-specific information such as sleep-wake time and type of sleep intervention, which can be preset by the user. If the speaker is located outside the functional module (i.e., provided via Bluetooth from the mobile device), the user wears earplugs to receive audio input such as relaxing music, natural sounds, pink noise pulses, and binaural beats. If a blower is present, it can be activated via preset conditions or when a high ambient / skin temperature is detected. Simultaneously, components receiving biophysical data from the user are activated to collect data. If a long sleep latency (SOL) or high heart rate (HR) is detected, the user is instructed to follow a rhythmic breathing pattern via audio or a red LED cue. These components continuously monitor biophysical signals from the user and determine whether sleep stage N1 (sleep onset) has been reached. If so, the levels of audio and / or LED cues gradually decrease as the user progresses to sleep stage N2 (relaxation; body temperature drops, and breathing and heart rate slow). Audio can continue playing at a low volume if ambient noise is present or if the user is a light sleeper. By using audio and / or light intervention in N2, N3 sleep stage (slow-wave, delta sleep) can be avoided during daytime naps. The intensity of light and / or audio can be increased closer to wakefulness. When the eye mask is removed from the user's head, the functional module automatically shuts off after a predetermined time. The module can then be recharged. Feedback on sleep quality is provided to the user after sleep. The user's settings and interventions, and the resulting sleep patterns extrapolated to past days / weeks, are processed and used to provide a more comprehensive sleep analysis and the required level of intervention. The mobile application can also provide users with suggestions on improving sleep duration, quality, and / or sleep hygiene.

[0535] exist Figures 30 to 34 (include Figure 34 Another form of the goggles 30000 can be seen in the diagram, which shows the goggles covering the user's eyes during use and being held in place by a positioning and stabilizing structure. In some forms, the goggles 30000 includes an eye assembly 30100, a face contact structure 30200, a positioning and stabilizing structure 30600, and a functional module 30500.

[0536] For further illustrative purposes, the goggles 30000 will be described as having a top side as indicated by 30001 and a bottom side 30002 below the top side 30001. When referring to the features of the goggles 30000, the terms front and rear refer to the front and rear positions when the goggles are in place on the user's face. For example, the rear surface of the goggles assembly is the user-facing surface, and the front surface of the goggles assembly will be the non-user-facing surface.

[0537] The eye assembly 30100 forms the front of the eye mask 30000 that is not facing the user, and at least in Figures 30 to 34 , Figures 38 to 40 , Figure 44 , Figure 50 and Figure 51 It can be seen in the middle.

[0538] In some forms, the eye component 30100 is sized and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, and is sized to cover at least the eye socket area of ​​the user's face, and may also cover the supraorbital region, infraorbital region, nasal region, cheekbone region, frontal region, forehead region, glabella region and / or maxillary region, or parts / combinations thereof. The eye component may be sized to further cover a portion of the user's infraorbital region during use. Oversized eye components can also function as a pillow, providing comfort to the user.

[0539] In some forms, the eye assembly 30100 is formed as a curved member having a first front surface 30101 and an opposing rear surface (user-facing surface 30105). The eye assembly 30100 can be formed from a single piece of material, or it can be formed from many different materials or layers joined or laminated together, thereby forming a member having a front surface 30101 and a rear surface 30105. Figure 34 As seen, when in the use position, the eye assembly 30100 can have an overall curvature around the sagittal axis of the eye patch. In some forms, when in the use position, the eye assembly has an overall curvature around the transverse axis of the eye patch, such as... Figure 34 As seen, the eye assembly 30100 may include a single curved front surface and / or rear surface, or a double-curved rear surface and / or front surface. In one form, the overall curvature of the eye assembly is such that the front surface of the eye assembly is substantially convex and the rear surface of the eye assembly is substantially concave. In some forms, the eye assembly 30100 may include a substantially flat rear surface 30105 and a front surface 30101. In other forms, the shape of the eye assembly 30100 may be designed to provide a substantially flat front surface 30101 and a freely shaped rear surface 30105.

[0540] In some forms, the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100 is shaped to define one or more recesses, grooves, channels, pits, or walls. In other forms, the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100 may include one or more molded members 30110 connected to the rear surface 30105 to form raised areas in the form of mounds, walls, contours, or ridges. The molded members 30110 may be configured to correspond to the contours of a user's face to provide additional comfort, improved sealing, and / or light-blocking capabilities. The molded members 30110 may be formed from one or more layers, such as a base layer 30111 and a molded second layer 112. The layers may be thermoformed, laminated, or otherwise joined together.

[0541] In some forms, the periphery of the eye assembly 30100 is designed to include a nasal curve 30710 along the lower bottom side 30002 of the eye assembly 30100. In some forms, the nasal curve 30710 curves around the front / rear axis of the eye mask 30000 to accommodate the user's bridge of the nose. The nasal curve 30710 ensures that the eyes rest comfortably on the user's nasal bone during use, rather than pressing against the softer cartilage area of ​​the nose.

[0542] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nose curve 30710 is formed by bending the eye component material to form a parabola. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nose curve 30710 is characterized by a height-to-width ratio of about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about 4:1, about 1:1 to about 3:1, about 1:1 to about 2:1, or about 1.5:1 to about 2:1.

[0543] In one form of this technology, the eye mask 30000 includes at least one recess on the user-facing / rear side. The eye assembly 30100 may function in combination with the face contact structure 30200 to form the recess. The recess may be configured to space the eye assembly and face contact structure from the user's eyes. Thus, in some forms, at least a portion of the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly is spaced from the user's eyes during use.

[0544] In one embodiment of this technology, the eye assembly 30100 includes a left segment capable of being positioned on the left eye socket region of a user's face and a right segment capable of being positioned on the right eye socket region of a user's face. The left and right segments may have similar dimensions. The left and right segments can be held in place relative to each other by facial contact structures.

[0545] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly 30100 includes a perforated light-blocking fabric or composite material located on the front surface 30101. The fabric or composite material can be made breathable to provide comfort for the user. For example, silk, cotton, or wool can be used. The eye assembly can be formed from a material selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, and / or fibers. Naturally thick and tightly woven fabrics, such as velvet, heavy cotton, or jacquard fabrics, can also be used. These fabrics have a tighter weave or are heavier, which helps to minimize the amount of light that can penetrate the material. Alternatively, a fabric composite material can be used. The composite material can be a laminated material.

[0546] In some forms of this technology, the eye assembly includes an elastic fabric material. For example, polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can be used, and this polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can also be laminated with another fabric to increase its light-blocking properties. In one form, the textile layer is a stretchable textile, such as a knitted fabric or a stretchable nonwoven fabric. In some forms, the stretchable fabric is a two-way or four-way elastic fabric.

[0547] In some forms, the eye assembly comprises a laminate of textiles and foam, and may optionally be thermoformed to achieve a desired shape. In one form, the eye assembly comprises a laminate of textiles and foam, and is formed such that the first front surface of the eye assembly comprises textiles, and the opposing inner surface of the eye assembly comprises foam.

[0548] In one form, the eye assembly includes a textile layer on the front surface of the eye assembly, the textile layer being attached to the periphery or edge of the eye assembly and / or face contact structure. In another form, the textile layer is attached only at the periphery and therefore not to the front surface of the eye assembly, thereby allowing the textile layer to move freely across the front surface of the eye assembly and respond to pressure and movement without forming wrinkles in the textile. Wrinkles in textiles can affect the light-blocking properties of the textile and can also look unsightly, and therefore should be avoided.

[0549] In one form, the textile layer is a stretchable textile, such as a wrinkle-resistant knitted fabric or a stretchable nonwoven fabric. In some forms, the stretchable fabric is a two-way or four-way elastic fabric.

[0550] In one form, the eye assembly or a portion thereof is capable of rebounding or elastic compression. This helps the eye assembly 30100 conform to the user's face during use, or flex in response to compressive forces.

[0551] The following discussion will delve into further details, such as... Figures 30 to 51The goggles 30000 are shown. The goggles 30000 include a rear surface 30105 connected to or associated with an eye assembly 30100 and a face contact structure 30200, and provides a user-facing surface 30229 for direct contact with a user's face. Since the face contact structure 30200 is in direct contact with the user's face, the shape and configuration of this face contact structure and the user-facing surface 30229 can directly affect the effectiveness and comfort of the goggles. The face contact structure is configured to minimize or eliminate gaps between the user-facing surface 30229 and the user's face, thereby reducing unwanted light entering the user's eyes.

[0552] Designing facial contact structures presents numerous challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of the nose and head vary greatly between individuals. Because the head comprises bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different areas of the face respond differently to mechanical forces.

[0553] In one form of this technology, the contour of the facial contact structure is designed to fit the user's face. For example, the facial contact structure can be a hyperbolic paraboloid.

[0554] One type of facial contact structure is a soft, compressible material extending around the periphery of the goggles. This soft, compressible material is designed to seal against the user's face when force is applied to the goggles, wherein the user-facing surface 30229 of the user contact structure engages with the user's face. With this type of facial contact structure, a gap may exist between the facial contact structure and the face, and additional force may be required to force the goggles against the face to achieve the desired contact.

[0555] In some forms of the invention, the face contact structure 30200 includes an outward user-facing surface 30229 and a rear surface 30205 configured to connect with the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100.

[0556] In such Figure 33 , Figure 37 and Figure 44 In the form shown, the face contact structure 30200 is designed to include a groove 30300 and a cavity 30400. The groove 30300 is configured to be positioned on the goggles above and centered on the cavity 30400, near the top of the goggles 30001.

[0557] In some forms, the recess 30300 is configured to accommodate the functional module, and the cavity 30400 is configured to surround the user's eyes, thereby providing space for eye movements and blinking without the risk of the user's eyelashes touching the inner surface 30229 when the eye mask is in place on the user's face.

[0558] In some forms, each of the recesses 30300 and 30400 is defined or partially defined by a wall 30201, which is formed as part of the face contact structure 23000 and optionally as part of the eye assembly 30100. The wall 30201 extends from the base portion of the recesses 30300 and 30400 to the user-facing surface 30229. In some areas around the perimeter of the recesses 30300 and / or 400, the wall 30201 converges towards a flat area of ​​the user-facing surface 30229 (e.g., flat areas 30241A and 30242A of the user-facing surface 30229 that are adjacent to the sidewall segments 30241 and 30242 of the recesses 30300, respectively).

[0559] In other areas of the face contact structure, wall 30201 is formed to form a raised wall segment including a user-facing wall portion 30215 that bridges a first sidewall portion 30216 with an opposing second sidewall portion 30217, the first sidewall portion extending between the base portion of the recesses 30300 and / or 30400 and the user-facing wall portion 30215. The height of the second sidewall portion 30217 may vary depending on its position on the face contact structure. For example, the second sidewall portion 30217 may form part of the outer edge of the eye mask, such as above the nose area or along the top 30001 of the eye mask 30000. In other areas, the second sidewall portion 30217 may form part of the inner wall structure surrounding the recesses 30300 and / or 30400, and therefore the height of the second sidewall portion in these areas may be less than the height of the second sidewall portion near the edge of the eye mask 100. In some forms, grooves 30300 and 30400 share a wall, such that the first sidewall portion 30216 of groove 30300 can be the second sidewall portion 30217 of cavity 30400, and vice versa.

[0560] In one form of this technology, the facial contact structure is configured to surround the supraorbital region of the user's face. The facial contact structure may be formed to surround an area of ​​the user's face other than the orbital region. The facial contact structure may further surround the user's infraorbital region. The facial contact structure may further surround a portion of the user's nasal region. The facial contact structure may further surround a portion of the user's cheekbone region. The facial contact structure may further surround the user's forehead.

[0561] In some forms, the recess 30300 includes a base portion 30320, the periphery of which is defined by a first sidewall portion 30216 of the wall 30201. The base portion 30320 of the recess 30300 is formed such that when the eye mask is in the use position, the recess 30300 can be positioned on the supraorbital and / or frontal / glabellar region of the user's face.

[0562] In some forms, the base portion 30320 of the groove 30300 is an elongated polygon or an elongated polygon with rounded corners, wherein the major axis of the elongated polygon is substantially oriented parallel to the top 30001 and bottom 30002 of the eye patch 30000, and its dimensions are designed to substantially traverse at least between the left and right supraorbital foramina during use, and / or span the central region of the frontal bone of the user's head.

[0563] In some forms, the groove 30300 is shaped to receive or partially receive the functional module 30500 and to connect with the functional module.

[0564] In one embodiment, the wall 30201 of the recess 30300 includes a first raised wall segment 30240 that extends laterally along the top edge of the recess 30300, near the top edge 1001 of the eye mask. The first raised wall segment 30240 includes a first sidewall portion 30216 and a second sidewall portion 30217 opposite to the first sidewall portion 30216, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being bridged by a wall portion 30215 facing the user surface.

[0565] A second raised wall section 30250, spaced apart from the first raised wall section 30240, extends laterally along the bottom edge of the groove 30300, away from the top edge 30001 of the eye mask 30100. The second raised wall section 30250 includes a first sidewall portion 30216 and a second sidewall portion 30217 opposite to the first sidewall portion 30216, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being bridged by a wall portion 30215 facing the user surface. The first raised wall section 30240 and the second raised wall section 30250 are indirectly connected at either end by sidewall sections 30241 and 30242. Wall sections 30240, 30241, 30242 and 30250 together form the boundary of the groove 30300.

[0566] In one embodiment, the first raised wall segment 30240 extends further from the base portion 30320 of the recess 30300 than the second raised wall segment 30250, such that when the eye mask is in place on the user's face, the user-facing surface wall portion 30215 of the first raised wall segment 30240 is closer to the user's face than the user-facing surface wall portion 30215 of the second raised wall segment 30250. The reduced height of the second raised wall segment 30250 compared to the first raised wall segment 30240 allows optional effects produced by the functional module 30500 to reach the user's eyes. For example, the functional module 30500 may include a phototherapy component, and the relatively reduced height of the second raised wall segment 30250 allows light from the functional module 30500 to enter the cavity 30400 and subsequently reach the user's eyes. Furthermore, by making the first raised wall segment 30240 extend further from the base portion 30320 than the second raised wall segment 30250, the retention of the functional module 30500 within the recess 30300 when the user wears the goggles 30000. When the goggles are lowered from above the forehead to the appropriate position, an upward force is applied to the functional module 30500, and the functional module 30500 is prevented from rotating or moving out of position by abutting against the first raised wall segment 30240.

[0567] In some forms, the height of the first sidewall portion 30216 and / or the second sidewall portion 30217 of the second protruding wall section 30250 can vary along the length of the second protruding wall section 30250.

[0568] The size and shape of different wall sections of the face component 30200 may vary depending on the goggles, to accommodate the facial contours of a specific group, for example, by taking into account different forehead inclinations / nose bridge sizes. The height of the wall 30201 in different areas within the goggles may vary relative to each other to ensure optimal light blocking and comfort for the user.

[0569] In one form, the wall 30201 includes both / formed by the curved / shaped rear surface of the eye assembly 30100 and a complementary shaped / curved facial contact structure 30200. In other forms, the wall includes / formed by the shaped / curved facial contact structure 30200 connected to the substantially flat rear surface of the eye assembly 30100.

[0570] The recess 30300 can be characterized by a depth of approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 5 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 4 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 3 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 2 cm, approximately 0.75 cm to approximately 2 cm, or approximately 1 cm to approximately 2 cm from the base portion of the recess to the user-facing surface 30229 or the user-facing surface wall portion 30215. The depth of the recess can be configured by changing the height of the wall 30201 of the face contact structure 30200.

[0571] In some areas of the groove, particularly at the lateral edge of the groove 30300, the depth will be approximately 1 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 2 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 3 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 4 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 5 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 6 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 7 mm to approximately 20 mm, approximately 8 mm to approximately 20 mm, or approximately 9 mm to approximately 20 mm.

[0572] In some forms, the base portion 30420 of the cavity 30400 is defined or partially defined by a wall 30201, which is formed as part of the face contact structure 30200 and optionally as part of the eye assembly 30100. In use, the cavity 30400 covers both eyes, and the wall 30201 surrounding the recessed base 30420 is configured to contact at least the eye socket region of the user's face.

[0573] In one embodiment of the present technology, the cavity 30400 is defined along its top edge by a second raised wall segment 30250, which extends laterally along part or all of the top edge of the cavity 30400. The second raised wall segment 30250 forms a raised wall segment that forms a lateral boundary between the recess 30300 and the cavity 30400.

[0574] The second protruding wall section 30250 includes a first sidewall portion 30216 and a second sidewall portion 30217 opposite to the first sidewall portion 30216, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion 30215.

[0575] Cavity 30400 is defined by a third raised wall section 30270 along the bottom edge 30002 near the bottom edge of eye mask 30000. The third raised wall section is on the side of cavity 30400 opposite to the second raised wall section 30250. The third raised wall section 30270 includes a first sidewall portion 30216 extending from recessed base 30420 and a second sidewall portion 30217 opposite to the first sidewall portion 30216. The first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion are connected by a wall portion 30215 facing the user surface.

[0576] The heights of the second raised wall section 30250 and the third raised wall section 30270 can vary along their length, wherein the variation in the height of the first sidewall portion 30216 causes a corresponding variation in the groove depth. In one form, for example, the variation in groove depth makes the groove around the user's eye area deeper, which tapers to a shallower groove near the side edges 30271, 30272 of the cavity 30400.

[0577] The facial contact structure 30200 is configured to contact or surround the facial region defined by the supraorbital region, infraorbital region and nasal region of the user's face, such that the cavity 30400 provides an area covering the user's eyes, wherein at least a portion of the wall 30201 provides a seal against the user's face to block light.

[0578] In some forms, the periphery of the recessed base 30420, defined by the inner wall portion 30216, has a curved shape that mimics two fluidly connected orbital regions. In some forms, the shape of the recessed base 30420 is designed to mimic two non-fluidly connected orbital regions separated by a raised region in the recessed base 30420, or an extension of a second or third raised wall segment is configured to separate the cavity 30400 into two regions.

[0579] In some forms, the perimeter shape of the groove base 30420 is kidney-shaped or Cassini oval. In other forms, the perimeter shape of the groove base 30420 substantially mimics the perimeter shape of its portion, the eye component 30100.

[0580] The cavity 30400 can be characterized by a depth from the base portion 30420 of the cavity 30400 to the user-facing surface 30229 or the user-facing wall portion 30215, ranging from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 15 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 14 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 13 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 12 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 11 cm, approximately 1 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 2 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 3 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 4 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 5 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 6 cm to approximately 10 cm, approximately 7 cm to approximately 10 cm, or approximately 8 cm to approximately 10 cm. The depth of the recess can be configured by changing the height of the wall 30201 of the face contact structure 30200.

[0581] In some areas of the groove, the depth, particularly at the lateral edge of cavity 30400, will be approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 5 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 4 cm, approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 3 cm, and approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 2 cm.

[0582] The facial contact structure 30200 can further contact a portion of the user's nasal region. In this respect, the facial contact structure can overlap with the bridge or ridge of the nose region of the user's face.

[0583] Such as at least Figure 33 , Figure 37 , Figure 44 and Figure 49 As seen in some forms, the center of the bottom region 30002 of the goggles 30000 includes a bridge of the nose portion 30700. The bridge of the nose portion 30700 is formed by a face contact structure 30200 and optionally an eye assembly 30100. In some forms, both the eye assembly 30100 and the face contact structure 30200 are shaped to include a nose curve 30710, which curves around the front / rear axis of the goggles 30000 to accommodate the user's nose. The nose curve 30710 ensures that the goggles 30000 rests comfortably on the user's nasal bone during use, rather than pressing against the softer cartilage area of ​​the nose.

[0584] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bridge portion 30700 is formed by bending the material to create a parabola. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bridge portion is characterized by a height-to-width ratio of about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about 4:1, about 1:1 to about 3:1, about 1:1 to about 2:1, or about 1.5:1 to about 2:1.

[0585] In one embodiment, the bridge of the nose 30700 includes a third raised wall segment 30270, and is connected to the eye assembly 30100 via an end of a first side wall portion 30216 of wall 30201 (a user-facing surface wall portion 30215 away from wall 30201) and an end of a second portion of wall 30217 (a user-facing surface wall portion 30215 away from wall 30217). In this embodiment, the third raised wall portion is curved to conform to the user's nasal region.

[0586] To improve comfort and light-blocking capabilities, the bridge of the nose 30700 may include a compression region 30720 between the face contact structure and the eye assembly 30100. In some forms where the bridge of the nose 30700 includes a third raised wall section 30270, the first sidewall portion 30216, the user-facing portion 30215, and the second sidewall portion 30217 of the third raised wall section 30270 are formed of a material having a thickness such that when the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion are connected to the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100, the compression region 30720 is formed in the space defined by the first sidewall portion 30216 and the second sidewall portion 30217, the user-facing portion 30215, and the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100.

[0587] In one configuration, the compression area is the airbag 30288, and the third protruding wall section 30270 is deformable. In use, for example, when the third protruding wall section 30270 is pressed against the user's nasal region, a force is applied to the third protruding wall section 30270, compressing the airbag 30288 and allowing the third protruding wall section 30270 to conform to the shape of the user's nasal region.

[0588] In other forms, the third raised wall section 30270 encloses a compressible or deformable member, which is enclosed by the rear surface of the first sidewall portion 30216, the second sidewall portion 30217, the user-facing surface wall portion 30215, and the eye assembly 30105. The compressible or deformable member may extend the length of the third raised wall section 30270 or a portion thereof. In other forms, the compressible or deformable member may be open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, low-density foam, memory foam, or a quantity of gel or beads.

[0589] In one form, the third protruding wall section 30270 or a portion thereof may be formed of a compressible material or a combination of compressible materials to provide a comfortable fit around the nasal region.

[0590] In one embodiment, the third raised wall section 30270 further includes a hinge feature 30730 in the form of a crease, channel, groove, fold, or pleat, which can function as a hinge when force is applied to the bridge of the nose during use, causing deformation of the bridge of the nose. The hinge feature 30730 may extend across the length of the third raised wall section 30270 or across one or more separate regions of the third raised wall section 30270. In other embodiments, the hinge feature 30730 may be integrally formed within the second side wall portion 30216 of the third wall portion 30270.

[0591] In one embodiment, the third protruding wall section 30270 is adapted to change its cross-sectional shape from a first, undeformed cross-sectional shape when the goggles are not in use to a second, deformed cross-sectional shape when the goggles are in use and held against the user's face under the force of the positioning and stabilizing structure. Figures 45 to 48 What I saw. In Figure 45 and Figure 46 In the X direction, a force is applied against the user-facing surface wall portion 215. The first sidewall 30216 and the second sidewall 30217 are each compressed, and the bridge portion 30700 forms a tight seal across the user's nasal area, thereby blocking light and providing a comfortable padding surface to absorb changes in user movement, for example, when sleeping or lying down while wearing the eye mask.

[0592] In some forms, the compression region 30720 takes the form of an airbag 30288. In other forms, the compression region 30720 may include compressible or deformable components or materials. The presence of an airbag or compressible / deformable material in the compression region 30720 allows the first sidewall portion 30216 and the second sidewall portion 30217 and / or the user-facing portion 30215 of the third raised wall section 30270 to compress into a range of different shapes depending on the location of pressure applied to the bridge of the nose portion 30700. This flexibility can accommodate a wider range of different face shapes and can also adapt to different sleeping positions and pressure applied to the eye mask from different directions.

[0593] In some forms, the compressible or deformable component is open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, low-density foam, memory foam, gel, beads, or a combination thereof, to provide comfort and improve light blocking for the user through the bridge section 30700.

[0594] In one form, the bridge portion 30700 of wall 30201 has a substantially “C” or “D” shaped cross section.

[0595] In one form, the bridge portion 30700 of the wall 30201 is adapted to change the cross-sectional shape of the bridge portion 30700 of the wall from a first undeformed cross-sectional shape when the blindfold is not in use to a second deformed cross-sectional shape when the blindfold is in use and is held against the user's face under the force of the positioning and stabilizing structure.

[0596] In such a cross-section Figure 45 and Figure 47 In some of the forms shown, the bridge portion 30700 of the wall 30201 may also include one or more hinges 30730. The hinges 30730 may take the form of channels, grooves, folds, or pleats in the wall 30201. In some forms, the hinges 30730 are formed in the second sidewall portion 30217, near the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100, such that pressure applied to the user-facing portion 30215 of the wall 30201 causes the second sidewall portion 30217 to deform around the hinges 30730, thereby compressing the airbag 720. The hinges 30730 may be located anywhere on the wall 30201 and may be combined in multiple different locations on the wall 30201 to facilitate specific folding patterns that optimize comfort and / or shading effectiveness.

[0597] In some forms of this technology, functional module 30500 is provided and Figure 33 , Figure 37 , Figure 44 , Figure 49 and Figure 50As shown in the diagram, the functional module 30500 is adapted to be received or partially received within the recess 30300 of the facial contact structure 30200. In some forms, the functional module 30500 may be a light-shielding module and / or a comfort module. In other forms, the functional module 30500 may include functional components, such as sensor components, cooling components, imaging components, pivot components, fragrance components, massage components, or combinations thereof, which are housed within or attached to the functional module.

[0598] In one embodiment, the functional module includes a non-user-facing side 30501 and an opposing user-facing side 30502. In some embodiments, the non-user-facing side 30501 is convex, curved about an upper / lower axis, and the user-facing side 30502 is concave, curved about an upper / lower axis. The concave side, the user-facing side 30502, may include an outer user contact layer 30512, which includes woven or non-woven textiles, fabric composites, silicone pads, padding areas, fragrance delivery mechanisms, sensors, cooling materials, gripping materials, light sources, or combinations thereof.

[0599] In one form, the user contact layer 30512 comprises a moisture-wicking fabric, an antibacterial fabric, a breathable fabric, or a combination thereof. In some forms, the user contact layer 30512 also includes a conductive material used as an electrode, the conductive material comprising conductive silicone or conductive wire.

[0600] In one form, conductive material, silicone pads, gripping material, or padding areas are incorporated into the user contact layer as one or more shapes, patterns, or discrete areas.

[0601] In some forms, the user-facing side 30502 of the functional module 30500 is configured to conform to the contour of the user's forehead and / or supraorbital region during use, and the non-user-facing side is configured to conform to the contour of the recessed base 30320 of the facial contact structure 30200. Therefore, the functional module 30500 can be formed such that it is adjacent to and / or in contact with the user's forehead region during use. In some forms, the shape of the functional module is designed to be optionally curved or arc-shaped, elongated ellipse or cuboid, crescent-shaped, or banana-shaped. In some forms, the functional module tapers towards its ends. In some forms, the functional module is sized to substantially traverse the user's frontal bone during use. In some forms, the functional module is sized to substantially traverse at least between the user's left and right supraorbital foramina during use. In some forms, the functional module is flexible to conform to the user's head during use.

[0602] In some forms, the user-facing side 30502 and the non-user-facing side 30501 of the functional module 30500 are spaced apart, and are connected at the upper edges of each side 30501, 30502 by a first edge portion 30550 near the top 30001 of the eye mask 30000, and at the lower edges of each side 30501, 30502 by a relative second edge portion 30551 away from the top 30001 of the eye mask 30000.

[0603] In some forms, the functional module includes a first end portion 30520, a second end portion 30530, and a middle portion 30525 with a first end portion 30520 and an opposing second end portion 30530 on each side, wherein the width of the functional module 30500 between the first edge portion 30550 and the second edge portion 30551 across the first end portion 30520, the second end portion 30530, and the middle portion 30525 is substantially the same. In other forms, the width of the functional module 30500 between the first edge portion 30550 and the second edge portion 30551 through the middle portion 30525 of the functional module 30500 is greater than the width through the first end portion 30520 and the second end portion 30530.

[0604] In some forms, the functional module includes a first end portion 30520, a second end portion 30530, and a middle portion 30525 with a first end portion 30520 and an opposing second end portion 30530 on each side, wherein the depth of the functional module 30500 between the user-facing side 30502 and the non-user-facing side 30501 across the first end portion 30520, the second end portion 30530, and the middle portion 30525 is substantially the same. In other forms, the depth of the functional module 30500 between the user-facing side 30501 and the non-user-facing side 30502 through the middle portion 30525 is greater than the depth through the first end portion 30520 and the second end portion 30530.

[0605] In one embodiment, the depth of the functional module 30500 at one or more locations between the user-facing side 30501 and the non-user-facing side 30502 is greater than the distance between the base 30320 of the recess and the user-facing portion 30215 of the first raised wall segment 30240 and / or the second raised wall segment 30250 surrounding the perimeter of the recess 30300. In other embodiments, the depths of the functional module 30500 and the recess 30300 are such that, when the goggles 30000 is in place, the user contact surface 30512 of the functional module 30500 and the user contact portion 30215 of the face contact structure 30200 are flush and abut against the user's face with equal pressure.

[0606] In some forms, increasing the depth of the functional module 30500 compared to the recess 30300 can improve the comfort of the eye mask, or can improve the light-blocking ability of the eye mask when the functional module is in the proper position in the recess 30300.

[0607] In some forms, the first end portion 30520 and the second end portion 30530 have one or more rounded edges or vertices. Rounded edges or vertices can help distribute the pressure felt by the user when using the goggles 30000.

[0608] In one form, the user-facing side 30502 of the functional module 30500 includes open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, low-density foam, memory foam, gel, beads, or a combination thereof adjacent to the user contact layer 30512.

[0609] In one embodiment, functional module 500 includes connector 30780 for engaging with complementary connector 30785 or face contact structure 30200. In some embodiments, connector 30780 may be positioned on or within the non-user-facing side 30501 of functional module 30500, or positioned on or within the first edge portion 30550 and the second edge portion 30551 of functional module 30500.

[0610] The complementary connector 30785 may be positioned on or formed together with the recessed base 30320 of the face contact structure 30200, or positioned on or formed together with the first sidewall portion 30216 of the face contact structure 30200.

[0611] In some forms, connector 30785 may be adhered to the rear surface 30105 of eye assembly 30100, or placed in the cavity formed between the front surface 30101 and the rear surface 30105 of eye assembly 30100, such that connector 30785 is embedded within eye assembly material. In other forms, connector 30785 may be adhered to the rear surface 30205 of face contact assembly 30200, or placed in the cavity formed between the front surface 30201 and the rear surface 30205 of face contact assembly 30200, such that connector 30785 is embedded within face contact assembly material at the base 30320 of recess 30300.

[0612] In one form, complementary connectors 30780 and 30785 can be any one or more of the following: mechanical connection, hook and / or ring material, friction-fit connection, press-fit stud, conductive fastener, spring-release engagement, textile pocket or male / female connector, magnet, or a combination thereof. In some forms, the connector includes two magnets of opposite polarities in a misaligned configuration.

[0613] In one form, the functional module 30500 includes at least one of the following components selected from: a sensor component, a noise reduction component, a pivot component, a cooling component, an imaging component, a fragrance component, a massage component, a vision component, an audio component, a charging component, and a power supply.

[0614] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly is selected from electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, electromyography (EMG) sensors, electrooculography (EOG) sensors, pulse oximeter (SpO2) sensors, respiratory rate (RR) sensors, heart rate (HR) sensors, and heart rate variability (HRV) sensors.

[0615] In one form, the functional module also includes a magnetic charging port configured to engage with a magnetic cover.

[0616] In some forms, the functional module 30500 can be removably received in one or more pockets or straps formed on or attached to the face contact structure 30200. For example, the pockets or straps provide convenience to the user because the goggles can be washed without damaging the electrical components.

[0617] In some forms, the non-user-facing side 30501 of functional module 30500 includes a backing formed of a protective material. The protective material can be characterized by stiffness. Stiffness refers to how much weight a material can support without deforming or breaking. The protective material can also be characterized by flexibility. Flexibility refers to the degree to which a material can be bent, deformed, or compressed and return to its original shape without breaking. The stiff backing is used to protect components within the functional module. The protective material can be flexible.

[0618] In some forms, the protective material is characterized by its hardness. Hardness can be characterized by Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell, Mohs, Knoop, and / or Shore scales. For example, the protective material may have a Shore hardness of about 60 to about 90. In other forms, the Shore hardness is about 65 to about 90, about 70 to about 90, about 75 to about 90, about 80 to about 90, or about 85 to about 90.

[0619] In some forms, the protective material is characterized by Young's modulus. For example, the material may have a Young's modulus of about 1 GPa to about 5 GPa. In other forms, the Young's modulus is about 1 GPa to about 4.5 GPa, about 1 GPa to about 4 GPa, about 1 GPa to about 3.5 GPa, about 1 GPa to about 3 GPa, about 1 GPa to about 2.5 GPa, or about 1 GPa to about 2 GPa.

[0620] In some forms, the protective material is characterized by a flexural strength of about 30 MPa to about 300 MPa. In other forms, the flexural strength is about 30 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 50 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 70 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 100 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 120 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 140 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 160 MPa to about 300 MPa, about 180 MPa to about 300 MPa, or about 200 MPa to about 300 MPa.

[0621] In some forms, the non-user-facing side 30501 of functional module 30500 also includes fabric. The fabric may be adjacent to the backing. The fabric may be adjacent to the external-facing side of the backing. The fabric provides the user with a soft touch and comfort. For example, elastomeric nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, spacer fabrics, or combinations thereof may be used.

[0622] In some forms, the user-facing side 30502 of functional module 30500 includes a user contact layer 30512. The user contact layer 30512 can be formed of fabric, fabric composite material, or silicone padding. These materials can provide a soft touch and comfort to the user during use. For example, elastomeric nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, spacer fabrics, or combinations thereof can be used.

[0623] In some forms, the fabric at the non-user-facing side 30501 and the fabric at the user contact layer 512 are connected or formed from a single material.

[0624] In some forms, the user-facing side 30502 includes at least one electrode. In some forms, the user contact layer 30512 includes at least one conductive material used as an electrode. The electrode may be adhered to the externally facing side of the user contact layer 30512 such that the electrode can contact the user's head during use. Alternatively, the electrode may be printed on the user contact layer 30512.

[0625] The conductive material can be conductive silicone. This type of silicone is composited with a conductive material such as carbon. The conductive silicone can be molded together with a silicone liner, forming an outer surface with a concave side. In this respect, the conductive silicone is exposed so that it can contact the user's head during use. During use, the conductive silicone contacts the user's head, enabling the reception and transmission of biosignals to the component, and / or the transmission of outputs from the component to the user. Therefore, the conductive silicone serves as a dry electrode when electrically connected to the component.

[0626] In some forms, the conductive material is formed as a strip. This strip can be positioned perpendicular to the length of the user contact layer 30512. In some forms, the conductive material is characterized by a length substantially similar to the width of the user-facing side 30502. The conductive material can be positioned at regular intervals along the length of the user-facing side 30502 of the functional module 30500. Components (e.g., sensors) can be positioned between the two conductive materials and electrically connected to them. This helps ensure the reliability of receiving and transmitting data and / or signals.

[0627] In some forms, the conductive material is characterized by its width. In some forms, the width of the conductive material at the middle portion 30525 of functional module 30500 is relatively smaller than the width of the conductive material at the first end portion 30520 or the second end portion 30530. Studies have found that a relatively larger width of the conductive material at the ends allows for better contact with the user's head, and therefore better signal reception and transmission.

[0628] In some forms, the width of the conductive material adjacent to the end portion is approximately 2:1 to approximately 1.1:1 relative to the width of the conductive material adjacent to the middle portion. In other forms, the ratio is approximately 1.9:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.8:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.7:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.6:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.5:1 to approximately 1.1:1, approximately 1.4:1 to approximately 1.1:1, or approximately 1.3:1 to approximately 1.1:1.

[0629] In some forms, the conductive material includes electrical contacts that extend inward toward the cavity of the functional module. These electrical contacts may penetrate the user contact layer to make contact with components housed within the functional module. In other forms, the electrical contacts extend onto the top or bottom side of the functional module and toward a convex side. In this way, the electrical contacts bypass the user contact layer to make contact with components housed within the functional module. When multiple electrical contacts are present, they may be aligned parallel to each other to facilitate connection with components. Because the electrical contacts are electrically connected to the conductive material, by connecting the electrical contacts to the components, the components are electrically connected to the conductive material and can therefore receive and / or send signals to the user. For example, the electrical contacts may be inserted into mating ports in the components for electrical connection.

[0630] In one embodiment, functional module 30500 may include a cavity 30570 for receiving at least one functional component, wherein the cavity includes at least one functional component retaining structure (not shown) for engaging the component. The component retaining structure is selected from friction fit, snap fit, spring release fit, magnetic coupling, or combinations thereof.

[0631] In one embodiment, the user contact layer includes a window for exposing a portion of a functional component housed within cavity 30570. This portion of the functional component may be electrodes of a sensor assembly. The electrodes may be used to contact the user's skin to pick up bioelectrical signals from the user. This portion may also be an outlet for a cooling assembly to provide cooling for the user's covered eyes. Therefore, the size of the window can be appropriately designed.

[0632] In some forms, cavity 30570 may include at least one component retaining structure for engaging an assembly. The assembly may be detachable from the component retaining structure, allowing a particular assembly to be replaced with another assembly having different functionality, or to replace an assembly that has ceased operation or reached the end of its lifespan. For example, the assembly (and / or its electrically coupled circuitry, if applicable) may be releasably attached to the component retaining structure. For this purpose, the outer surface of the assembly may form a frictional engagement with the inner surface of the wall of the component retaining structure, or a snap-fit ​​engagement (such as a ring snap-fit ​​or cantilever snap-fit) with the wall or other internal or external portion of the component retaining structure, or a spring-release engagement. In some embodiments, non-mechanical coupling (such as magnetic coupling) may be used to retain the assembly in the respective retaining structure.

[0633] In some forms, the functional module is characterized by a weight of about 40g to about 200g. In other forms, the weight is about 40g to about 180g, about 40g to about 160g, about 40g to about 150g, about 40g to about 140g, about 40g to about 130g, about 40g to about 120g, about 40g to about 110g, about 40g to about 100g, about 40g to about 90g, or about 40g to about 80g.

[0634] The eye mask 30000 may include a positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 for holding the eye mask 30000 on the user's head. In some forms, the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 includes straps 30610 that can be removably attached to the eye assembly 30100 and / or the face contact structure 30200 at opposite ends 30611, 30612. The positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 may be responsible for providing forces to counteract the gravity of the eye assembly 30100 and / or the face contact structure 30200, and may provide a holding force that is at least sufficient to keep the eye mask in contact with the user's face and / or overcome the effects of gravity on the eye mask. The holding force may be provided as a safety margin to overcome the potential effects of destructive forces, such as accidental disturbance of the eye mask during sleep.

[0635] In one form of this technology, a positioning and stabilization structure 30600 is provided, constructed in a manner consistent with that worn by a user while sleeping. In one example, the positioning and stabilization structure 30600 includes a strap 30610 having a low profile or small cross-sectional thickness to reduce the perceived or actual volume of the device. In one form, the strap 30610 has a rectangular cross-section. In one form, the positioning and stabilization structure includes at least one flat strap configured to attach at ends 30611 and 30612 to an eye assembly 30100 and / or a face contact structure 30200. In some forms, the strap is formed of an elastic material in at least some areas.

[0636] In one form of the present technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 is a strap 30610, the width of which between the top edge 30601 and the opposite bottom edge 30602 is less than the width of the eye assembly between the top side 30001 and the bottom side 30002 of the eye assembly 30100.

[0637] For example, the positioning and stabilizing structure may have a width of about 10 mm to about 100 mm, about 10 mm to about 90 mm, about 10 mm to about 80 mm, about 10 mm to about 70 mm, about 10 mm to about 60 mm, about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or about 10 mm to about 40 mm. The positioning and stabilizing structure may have a thickness of about 1 mm to about 100 mm.

[0638] For example, the positioning and stabilizing structure may have a length of about 100 mm to about 800 mm, about 100 mm to about 750 mm, about 100 mm to about 700 mm, about 100 mm to about 650 mm, about 100 mm to about 600 mm, about 100 mm to about 550 mm, about 100 mm to about 500 mm, about 100 mm to about 450 mm, or about 100 mm to about 400 mm.

[0639] The positioning and stabilizing structure is attached to the eye assembly and provides a resilient force that allows the face contact structure to press against the user's face. For example, the positioning and stabilizing structure may be attached to opposite ends 30290 / 30295 of the eye assembly and / or the face contact structure.

[0640] The positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 can be configured to be positioned above the user's ear during use. In other forms, the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 can cover at least the supra-auricular base area of ​​the user's head during use. The positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 can be configured to cover both the supra-auricular base area and the sub-auricular base area of ​​the user's head during use. In this respect, it can cover the user's ear. This can reduce noise affecting the user.

[0641] In one form of this technology, the strap 30610 may be composed of a laminate of a fabric user contact layer 30640, a foam inner layer, and a fabric outer layer 30645. In one form, the foam is porous to allow moisture (e.g., sweat) to escape through the strap. Alternatively or additionally, the strap may include fiber filler (e.g., polyester fiber filler), non-woven padding, foam padding, high-density upholstery foam, compressed polyester, medium-density antimicrobial polyurethane foam, high-density polyurethane foam, quick-drying open-cell foam, or combinations thereof. Therefore, the strap 30610 is neither too large nor too bulky to prevent the user from lying in a side-lying position. Furthermore, the strap is stretchy and soft.

[0642] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 includes a strap 30610, which is elastic. For example, the strap can be configured to be in a tensile state during use. Figure 30 In one form of the present technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 can be formed from a plurality of components. In one form, the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 includes a first strap 30620, a second strap 30630, a connector 30625, and an adjuster 30626. The connector 30625 combines the first strap 30620 and the second strap 30630 to form an entire strap and may be a buckle or similar connecting loop, the entire strap extending between a first end 30611 connected to a first attachment region 30290 of the eye assembly 30100 and / or the face contact structure 30200 and a second end 30612 connected to a second attachment region 30295 of the eye assembly 30100 and / or the face contact structure 30200.

[0643] In some forms, the first strap 30620 and the second strap 30630 are of different lengths, and the adjuster 30626 is mounted on the longer of the first strap 30620 and the second strap 30630. Figure 30 In this configuration, the second strap 30630 is longer than the first strap 30620, and an adjuster 30626 is mounted on the second strap 30630 and includes a sliding adjusting buckle or strap adjuster buckle to allow for changing the length of the second strap 30630. In this configuration, the first strap 30620 is held connected to the second strap 30630 via a connector 30625, but its length is not adjustable.

[0644] In one form of this technology, one or more rigid elements may be provided to selectively alter the rigidity of the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600. These rigid elements may be attached to the outer surface of the fabric or inserted within fabric layers. For example, the rigid elements may be laminated to or embedded between fabric layers. Thermosetting yarns may be used to provide selective rigidification. The textile may also be rigidified at other portions of the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600, such as along the sides of sections that will contact the user's face during use, by means such as coatings, laminating materials, rigidifying threads sewn into the textile, or any similar means.

[0645] In some forms of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 branches into a first segment and a second segment. The positioning and stabilizing structure 30600 may branch at its opposite ends, or, during use, at a location adjacent to the temporal region of the user's head. The first and second branching segments may, during use, jointly support the top of the user's head. The first segment may be movable relative to the second segment. Alternatively, the first and second segments branch at a fixed angle. The angle may be approximately 60° to approximately 120°.

[0646] When the positioning and stabilizing structure is formed into a headband, it can be made of fabric or composite material. The positioning and stabilizing structure can be made breathable to provide comfort for the user.

[0647] The positioning and stabilizing structure can be formed from materials selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, and / or fibers. Alternatively, fabric composites can be used. The composite material can be a laminate.

[0648] In one form of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure is an elastic fabric material. For example, polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can be used, and the polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can also be laminated with another fabric.

[0649] In one embodiment of this technology, the configuration of the eye mask 30000 includes forming and connecting an eye component 30100 and a face contact component 30200 together to form an eye covering portion of the eye mask 301000, and then securing the eye covering portion in the appropriate position on the user's face by a positioning and stabilizing structure 30600. Figures 38 to 43 The configuration of the eye mask 30000 can be seen in the picture.

[0650] Figure 38 and Figure 39The formation of the eye component is illustrated. In one form of this technology, the configuration of the eye mask 30000 includes forming and connecting the eye component 30100 and the face contact component 30200 together to form an eye covering portion of the eye mask 30000, which is then secured in place on the user's face by a positioning and stabilizing structure 30600. Figures 38 to 43 The configuration of the eye mask 30000 can be seen in the picture.

[0651] Figure 38 and Figure 39 One example illustrates the formation of an eye assembly 30100, wherein a laminate of textile 30910 and foam 30920 forms the front surface 30101 and rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100. The laminate can be formed as a flat or curved member and can be thermoformed to form a member with an overall curvature, such that the front surface 30101 is convex and the rear surface 30105 is concave. The rear surface 30105 can be configured to include additional areas of laminated or shaped foam that form curved profiles or raised features on the rear surface 30105, such as… Figure 40 As seen. In some forms, for example, foam 30920 and textile 910 can be layered and their shapes are designed to form walls that form or define grooves 30300 and 30400. Multilayer foam and / or textiles can be used to form the desired shape.

[0652] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly 30100 is made of a composite material. The composite material may include an outer fabric (or fabric composite) layer 30910 surrounding an inner foam 30920 or mounted on one side of the inner foam. The fabric layer may be thermoformed with the foam material. For example, the fabric may be laminated to one or all sides of the foam and placed in a two-piece mold. Heat and pressure are then applied, permanently molding the laminated material into a semi-rigid product. The foam material may be memory foam, high-density foam, low-density foam, or a combination thereof. The foam may be selected from silicone, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, nylon, thermoplastic elastomers, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), latex, or a combination thereof. For example, memory foam may be used, which comprises polyurethane and chemicals that increase its viscosity and density. This memory foam is commonly referred to as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu).

[0653] exist Figure 39An outer textile layer 30915 can be seen on the front surface 30101 of the eye assembly. In some forms, the textile layer 30915 may be attached to the eye assembly and / or face contact structure around the periphery of the eye patch, thereby allowing the textile covering the front surface 30101 of the eye assembly 30100 to move freely. In some forms, the outer textile layer 30915 is a smooth knitted or elastic fabric and provides a flexible, wrinkle-resistant outer surface that is aesthetically pleasing and / or has light-blocking properties.

[0654] exist Figure 41 The configuration of a facial contact structure 30200 in one embodiment of the invention can be seen, wherein the facial contact structure 30200 includes a base material 30920 and a user-facing material 30925. The shape of the facial contact structure 30200 is designed to correspond or partially correspond to the curvature of the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100. The thermoformed facial contact structure 30200 includes a wall 30201 and may include a compression region 30720 surrounding a bridge of the nose portion 30700, the dimensions and shape of the wall 30201 being designed to form a nasal curve 30710 extending onto the user's nasal region. In other embodiments, the facial contact structure 30100 may be formed from a single material or may be formed from multiple layers and / or combinations of different materials, as further discussed below.

[0655] In one form of this technology, the face contact structure 30200 is formed as a thermoformed textile or textile laminate, or the face contact structure is made of a biocompatible material (e.g., silicone rubber). The face contact structure can be made of a soft, flexible, resilient material (such as silicone). The face contact structure can be made of permeable bubble foam. The bubble foam can have a thickness of about 1 cm to 10 cm. The face contact structure can have a thickness gradient decreasing towards the opening, which is configured to accommodate the user's eyes, to improve the breathability of the goggles. The face contact structure can be further perforated to improve the breathability of the goggles.

[0656] In other forms of this technology, the face contact structure is constructed from a perforated light-blocking fabric or composite material. The face contact structure can be made breathable to provide user comfort. The face contact structure can be formed from materials selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, and / or fibers. Natural, thick, and tightly woven fabrics, such as velvet, heavy cotton, or jacquard fabrics, can also be used. The tighter weave or heavier weight of these fabrics helps to minimize the amount of light that can penetrate the material. Alternatively, fabric composites can be used. The composite material can be a laminate.

[0657] In some forms of this technology, the face contact structure is formed of an elastic fabric material. For example, polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can be used, which can also be laminated with another fabric to increase its light-blocking properties. The fabric can be non-woven or have moisture-wicking properties.

[0658] In one form of this technology, the face contact structure is made of a composite material. The composite material may include an outer fabric (or fabric composite) layer surrounding the inner foam. The fabric layer may be thermoformed with the foam material. For example, the fabric may be laminated to one or all sides of the foam and placed in a two-piece mold. Heat and pressure are then applied, permanently molding the laminate into a semi-rigid product. The foam material may be memory foam, high-density foam, low-density foam, or a combination thereof. The foam may be selected from silicone, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, nylon, thermoplastic elastomers, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), latex, or a combination thereof. For example, memory foam may be used, which comprises polyurethane and chemicals that increase its viscosity and density. This memory foam is commonly referred to as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu).

[0659] The foam used in eye masks 1000 can have a pore structure that responds to body heat and weight, which helps relieve pressure points and prevent pressure sores. The density and layer thickness of the foam can provide different sensations to the user. High-density foam can have a better compression rating throughout the lifespan of the eye mask. Lower-density foam typically has a slightly shorter lifespan due to compression after repeated use. The pore structure can vary from very open pores to almost closed pores. Open-cell foam structures consist of multiple interconnected pores, where the windows between adjacent pores are broken and / or removed. In contrast, closed-cell foam has virtually no interconnected pores, and the windows between adjacent pores are largely intact. The denser the pore structure, the less airflow passes through the foam. Permeable foam will have a more open pore structure, allowing for higher airflow, better resilience, and less odor retention.

[0660] In one form of this technology, the foam includes an open-cell honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure may be about 10 to about 40 cells per inch, about 15 to about 40 cells per inch, about 20 to about 40 cells per inch, about 25 to about 40 cells per inch, or about 30 to about 40 cells per inch.

[0661] In one form of this technology, the foam is characterized by a hardness of about Shore 0.20 to about Shore 0.70.

[0662] In one form of this technology, the foam is characterized by a density of about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 2.0 lbs / ft, about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 1.8 lbs / ft, or about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 1.6 lbs / ft.

[0663] Figure 42 A cross-section of an eye assembly 30100 and a face contact structure 30200 combined together in one example of this technology is shown. Textiles 30910 and foam 30920 constitute the molded eye assembly 30100, which is directly bonded to the molded face contact structure 200, for example, using a hot melt adhesive or a thermocompression bond. Other adhesives, such as polymer-based adhesives, thermosetting adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, etc., can be used. The final bonding process between the components and / or layers preserves the details and desired geometry in the final eye mask product.

[0664] In one embodiment, the eye assembly and the face contact structure are joined together at a seam or connecting edge, and the seam or connecting edge is offset towards the front of the goggles to prevent the seam from uncomfortablely resting on the user's face when using the goggles 30000, or leaving indentations on the user's skin due to the connecting edge. In some embodiments, the seam or connecting edge is formed on a first or second side portion of the wall to prevent contact with the user's face.

[0665] In one example, 30100, a laminate of textile 30910 and foam 30920 forms the front surface 30101 and rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100. The laminate can be formed as a flat or curved member and can be thermoformed to form a member with an overall curvature, such that the front surface 30101 is convex and the rear surface 30105 is concave. The rear surface 30105 can be configured to include additional areas of laminated or shaped foam that form curved profiles or raised features on the rear surface 30105, such as… Figure 40 As seen. In some forms, for example, foam 30920 and textile 30910 can be layered and their shapes are designed to form walls that form or define grooves 30300 and cavities 30400. Multilayer foam and / or textiles can be used to form the desired shape.

[0666] In one form of this technology, the eye assembly 30100 is made of a composite material. The composite material may include an outer fabric (or fabric composite) layer 30910 surrounding an inner foam 30920 or mounted on one side of the inner foam. The fabric layer may be thermoformed with the foam material. For example, the fabric may be laminated to one or all sides of the foam and placed in a two-piece mold. Heat and pressure are then applied, permanently molding the laminated material into a semi-rigid product. The foam material may be memory foam, high-density foam, low-density foam, or a combination thereof. The foam may be selected from silicone, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, nylon, thermoplastic elastomers, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), latex, or a combination thereof. For example, memory foam may be used, which comprises polyurethane and chemicals that increase its viscosity and density. This memory foam is commonly referred to as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu).

[0667] exist Figure 39 An outer textile layer 30915 can be seen on the front surface 30101 of the eye assembly. In some forms, the textile layer 30915 may be attached to the eye assembly and / or face contact structure around the periphery of the eye patch, thereby allowing the textile covering the front surface 30101 of the eye assembly 30100 to move freely. In some forms, the outer textile layer 30915 is a smooth knitted or elastic fabric and provides a flexible, wrinkle-resistant outer surface that is aesthetically pleasing and / or has light-blocking properties.

[0668] exist Figure 41 The configuration of a facial contact structure 30200 in one embodiment of the invention can be seen, wherein the facial contact structure 30200 includes a base material 30920 and a user-facing material 30925. The shape of the facial contact structure 30200 is designed to correspond or partially correspond to the curvature of the rear surface 30105 of the eye assembly 30100. The thermoformed facial contact structure 30200 includes a wall 30201 and may include a compression region 30720 surrounding a bridge of the nose portion 30700, the dimensions and shape of the wall 30201 being designed to form a nasal curve 30710 extending onto the user's nasal region. In other embodiments, the facial contact structure 30100 may be formed from a single material or may be formed from multiple layers and / or combinations of different materials, as further discussed below.

[0669] In one form of this technology, the face contact structure 30200 is formed as a thermoformed textile or textile laminate, or the face contact structure is made of a biocompatible material (e.g., silicone rubber). The face contact structure can be made of a soft, flexible, resilient material (such as silicone). The face contact structure can be made of permeable bubble foam. The bubble foam can have a thickness of about 1 cm to 10 cm. The face contact structure can have a thickness gradient decreasing towards the opening, which is configured to accommodate the user's eyes, to improve the breathability of the goggles. The face contact structure can be further perforated to improve the breathability of the goggles.

[0670] In other forms of this technology, the face contact structure is constructed from a perforated light-blocking fabric or composite material. The face contact structure can be made breathable to provide user comfort. The face contact structure can be formed from materials selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, and / or fibers. Natural, thick, and tightly woven fabrics, such as velvet, heavy cotton, or jacquard fabrics, can also be used. The tighter weave or heavier weight of these fabrics helps to minimize the amount of light that can penetrate the material. Alternatively, fabric composites can be used. The composite material can be a laminate.

[0671] In some forms of this technology, the face contact structure is formed of an elastic fabric material. For example, polyester, cotton, spandex, or nylon can be used, which can also be laminated with another fabric to increase its light-blocking properties. The fabric can be non-woven or have moisture-wicking properties.

[0672] In one form of this technology, the face contact structure is made of a composite material. The composite material may include an outer fabric (or fabric composite) layer surrounding the inner foam. The fabric layer may be thermoformed with the foam material. For example, the fabric may be laminated to one or all sides of the foam and placed in a two-piece mold. Heat and pressure are then applied, permanently molding the laminate into a semi-rigid product. The foam material may be memory foam, high-density foam, low-density foam, or a combination thereof. The foam may be selected from silicone, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, nylon, thermoplastic elastomers, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), latex, or a combination thereof. For example, memory foam may be used, which comprises polyurethane and chemicals that increase its viscosity and density. This memory foam is commonly referred to as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu).

[0673] The foam used in eye masks 30,000 can have a pore structure that responds to body heat and weight, which helps relieve pressure points and prevent pressure sores. The density and layer thickness of the foam can provide different sensations to the user. High-density foam can have a better compression rating throughout the lifespan of the eye mask. Lower-density foam typically has a slightly shorter lifespan due to compression after repeated use. The pore structure can vary from very open pores to almost closed pores. Open-cell foam structures consist of multiple interconnected pores, where the windows between adjacent pores are broken and / or removed. In contrast, closed-cell foam has virtually no interconnected pores, and the windows between adjacent pores are largely intact. The denser the pore structure, the less airflow passes through the foam. Permeable foam will have a more open pore structure, allowing for higher airflow, better resilience, and less odor retention.

[0674] In one form of this technology, the foam includes an open-cell honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure may be about 10 to about 40 cells per inch, about 15 to about 40 cells per inch, about 20 to about 40 cells per inch, about 25 to about 40 cells per inch, or about 30 to about 40 cells per inch.

[0675] In one form of this technology, the foam is characterized by a hardness of about Shore 0.20 to about Shore 0.70.

[0676] In one form of this technology, the foam is characterized by a density of about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 2.0 lbs / ft, about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 1.8 lbs / ft, or about 1.2 lbs / ft to about 1.6 lbs / ft.

[0677] Figure 42 A cross-section of an eye assembly 30100 and a face contact structure 30200 combined together in one example of this technology is shown. Textiles 30910 and foam 30920 constitute the molded eye assembly 30100, which is directly bonded to the molded face contact structure 30200, for example, using a hot melt adhesive or a thermoforming bond. Other adhesives, such as polymer-based adhesives, thermosetting adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, etc., can be used. The final bonding process between the components and / or layers preserves the details and desired geometry in the final eye mask product.

[0678] In one embodiment, the eye assembly and the face contact structure are joined together at a seam or connecting edge, and the seam or connecting edge is offset towards the front of the goggles to prevent the seam from uncomfortablely resting on the user's face when using the goggles 30000, or leaving indentations on the user's skin due to the connecting edge. In some embodiments, the seam or connecting edge is formed on a first or second side portion of the wall to prevent contact with the user's face.

[0679] Another form of the eye mask of the present invention is Figures 52 to 52C and Figure 53 The eye mask shown is 40000.

[0680] Figure 52 Instructions were given respectively in Figure 52A , Figure 52B and Figure 52C The three vertical sectional views AA, BB, and CC shown pass through the goggles 40000. Each of these sectional views shows the structure and dimensions of the goggles that change starting from the central cross-section AA, which bisects the bridge of the nose that forms the nose curve 40710 along the lower edge of the goggles 40000.

[0681] The goggles 40000 includes a rear surface 40105 connected to or connected to the eye assembly 40100 and a face contact structure 40200, and provides a user-facing surface 40229 for direct contact with the user's face. Since the face contact structure 40200 is in direct contact with the user's face, the shape and configuration of this face contact structure and the user-facing surface 40229 can directly affect the effectiveness and comfort of the goggles. The face contact structure is configured to minimize or eliminate gaps between the user-facing surface 40229 and the user's face, thereby reducing unwanted light entering the user's eyes.

[0682] The 40288 airbag is visible in the center of the bridge of the nose and provides a compression area to increase user comfort. Figure 52A In the illustrated configuration, functional module 40500 is received within a recess 40300 formed by eye component 40100 and face contact structure 40200. In the illustrated configuration, recess 40300 has a depth at 40160 such that the lower eye component and face contact structure directly adjacent to the base of recess 40300 are thinnest; in some configurations, the combined thickness is 3 mm to 7 mm. The shape of recess 40300 at this location is configured to receive the widest portion of functional module 40500, which is held within recess 40300 by connecting members as discussed above.

[0683] Figure 52BA vertical cross-section BB passing through the goggles 40000 is shown, offset from the center of the goggles towards one of the lateral edges. At BB, the shape of the functional module 40500 changes to include a ridge 40501, and the shape of the recess 40300, which accommodates the ridge 40501, changes such that, compared to an equivalent position at the center of the goggles, the height of the eye assembly 40100 and the face contact structure 40200 adjacent to the recess base at 40160 narrows and the thickness increases. The airbag 40288 remains visible at this cross-section, but its size is reduced compared to the central cross-section AA.

[0684] Figure 52C A cross-section CC is shown near the lateral edge of the goggles 40000. The shape of the functional module 40500 tapers as it extends toward the lateral edge of the goggles 40000, and the eye assembly 40100 and the face contact structure 40200 correspondingly thicken at 40160 because the recess 40300 becomes shallower to accommodate the shape change of the functional module 40500. The goggles 40000, extending through the cross-section CC, no longer includes the airbag 40288, and the eye assembly 40100 and the face contact structure 40200 provide a solid area that presses against the user's cheek to block light.

[0685] Figure 53 An eye mask 40000 is shown, in which a functional module 40500 is connected within a recess 40300. In the illustrated form, the functional module 40500 includes multiple ports 40591, such as USB ports for charging the module's battery or for data transfer. The ports 40591 are centrally located on the functional module 40591, and preferably on the underside of the functional module when the eye mask is in place on the user's face. This ensures that the user cannot charge the functional module while wearing the eye mask (when connected to the module), and eliminates the need for cables to pass between the user-facing side of the eye mask and the user's face. This also prevents charging while wearing the eye mask, which could pose a safety risk due to overheating and potential fire hazards.

[0686] 5.18 Anatomical Structure

[0687] 5.18.1 Facial Anatomy

[0688] Auricle: The entire visible external part of the ear.

[0689] (Nose) Skeletal framework: The skeletal framework of the nose includes the nasal bone, the frontal process of the maxilla, and the nasal part of the frontal bone.

[0690] (Nasal) Cartilaginous Framework: The cartilaginous framework of the nose includes the septal cartilage, lateral cartilage, major cartilage, and minor cartilage.

[0691] The glabella is the most prominent point in the central sagittal plane of the forehead, located on the soft tissue.

[0692] Greater alar cartilage: A cartilaginous plate located below the lateral nasal cartilage. It curves around the front of the nostril. Its posterior end connects to the frontal process of the maxilla via a tough fibrous membrane comprising three or four small cartilages, including the alar.

[0693] Sagittal plane: A vertical plane running from front to back. The midsagittal plane is the sagittal plane that divides the body into the right and left halves.

[0694] 5.18.2 Anatomical Structure of the Skull

[0695] The eye socket is the bony cavity in the skull that houses the eyeball.

[0696] Nasal root: The junction of the frontal bone and the two nasal bones, located directly between the eyes and in the groove above the bridge of the nose.

[0697] Nasal bones: The nasal bones are two small, elongated oval or rounded elongated oval bones, the size and shape of which vary between individuals; they are located side by side in the middle and upper part of the face, and their joining forms the "bridge" of the nose.

[0698] Maxilla: The maxilla forms the upper jaw and lies above the lower jaw and below the orbit. The frontal process of the maxilla projects upward from the side of the nose and forms part of its lateral boundary.

[0699] Frontal bone: The frontal bone consists of a large vertical portion (frontal scale), which corresponds to the area called the forehead.

[0700] Cheekbones: The face consists of two cheekbones, which are located in the upper and outer part of the face and form the protrusions of the cheeks.

Claims

1. An eye mask, the eye mask comprising: An eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, the eye assembly having a front surface and an opposing rear surface; A facial contact structure connected to the rear surface of the eye assembly, the facial contact structure including a user-facing surface on the user-facing side of the facial contact structure, and a groove and a cavity formed in the user-facing surface, the perimeter of each of the groove and the cavity being defined by a wall extending at least from a base portion of each of the groove and the cavity to the user-facing surface; and A positioning and stabilizing structure is configured to provide forces for holding the eye components and face contact structure of the goggles in a use position on the user's head during use of the goggles; and A functional module, which is housed in the recess in a removable manner.

2. The eye mask of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a first sidewall portion extending from the periphery of the base portion of the groove to the user-facing surface and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion.

3. The eye mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the overall curvature of the eye assembly is such that the front surface of the eye assembly is substantially convex and the rear surface of the eye assembly is substantially concave.

4. The goggles of claim 3, wherein the face contact structure has an overall curvature complementary to the substantially concave rear surface of the eye assembly.

5. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the size of the groove is designed to substantially traverse at least between the left and right supraorbital foramina during use, and / or across the central region of the frontal bone of the user's head.

6. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cavity is sized to substantially traverse, at least between the left and right cheekbone regions of the user's head, during use.

7. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wall of the groove comprises: A first raised wall section extends laterally along the top edge of the groove, close to the top edge of the eye mask; A second raised wall section, spaced apart from the first raised wall section and extending laterally along the bottom edge of the groove, away from the top edge of the goggles.

8. The eye mask of claim 7, wherein the first raised wall section includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion.

9. The eye mask of claim 7, wherein the second raised wall section includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion.

10. The eye mask of claim 9, wherein the first raised wall section extends from the base portion of the groove by a greater distance than the second raised wall section extends from the base portion of the groove, such that the user-facing surface wall portion of the first raised wall section abuts against the user's face when the eye mask is used.

11. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the depth from the base portion of the groove to the user-facing surface of the wall near the center of the groove is greater than the depth at the lateral edge of the groove, and the wall extends at least from the base portion of the groove to the user-facing surface.

12. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the combined thickness of the eye assembly and the face contact structure between the base portion of the groove and the adjacent front surface of the eye assembly is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm.

13. The eye mask of claim 12, wherein the combined thickness extends from 3 mm to 10 mm at or near the center of the groove and from 10 mm to 30 mm at or near the lateral side of the eye mask.

14. The goggles according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the face contact structure is a wall-sealed air bag.

15. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base portion of the groove includes one or more connectors for engaging with a complementary connector on the functional module.

16. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a first sidewall portion of the wall surrounding the base portion of the groove includes one or more connectors for engaging with a complementary connector on the functional module.

17. The goggles of claim 15 or 16, wherein the one or more connectors for engaging with the complementary connectors on the functional module are magnetic connectors.

18. The goggles of claim 17, wherein the magnetic connector is in the form of a magnetic or partially magnetic bracket or cage.

19. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the base portion of the groove or the first sidewall portion of the wall surrounding the base portion of the groove includes a sensor pad.

20. The eye mask according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the eye assembly and the face contact structure are joined together at a seam or connecting edge, and the seam or connecting edge is not located on the user-facing surface of the face contact structure.

21. An eye mask, the eye mask comprising: An eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, the eye assembly having a front surface and an opposing rear surface; A facial contact structure connected to the rear surface of the eye assembly, the facial contact structure including a user-facing surface on the user-facing side of the facial contact structure, and a groove and / or cavity formed within the user-facing surface, the periphery of the groove and / or the cavity being defined by a wall extending at least from a base portion of the groove and / or the cavity to the user-facing surface, the base portion of the groove and / or the cavity being capable of being positioned in use on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region and / or orbital region of the user's face; A positioning and stabilizing structure configured to provide forces for holding the eye components and the face contact structure of the goggles in a use position on the user's face during use of the goggles; A functional module that can be removably connected to the base portion of the groove; and The facial contact structure further includes a bridge of the nose portion that can be positioned on the nose region of the user's face, the bridge of the nose portion being connected to the eye assembly and its shape being designed to define a compression area between the facial contact structure and the eye assembly.

22. The eye mask of claim 21, wherein the wall of the groove and / or the cavity comprises: A first raised wall section extends laterally along the top edge of the groove and / or the cavity, close to the top edge of the eye mask; A second raised wall section, spaced apart from the first raised wall section and extending laterally along the bottom edge of the groove and / or the cavity, away from the top edge of the goggles.

23. The eye mask of claim 22, wherein the first raised wall section is more resilient and flexible than the second raised wall section.

24. The eye mask of claim 22 or 23, wherein the eye mask includes a groove that can be positioned on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region during use, and the first raised wall section extends from the base portion of the groove by a greater distance than the second raised wall section extends from the base portion of the groove, such that the user-facing surface wall portion of the first raised wall section abuts against the user's face when the eye mask is used.

25. The eye mask according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the eye mask comprises a groove and a cavity, and the facial contact structure comprises a wall defining a periphery of a base portion of each of the groove and the cavity, each wall having a user-facing surface wall portion spanning a first sidewall portion extending from the user-facing surface wall portion toward the eye assembly and an opposing second sidewall portion extending from the user-facing surface wall portion toward the eye assembly, the first sidewall portion of each wall defining the periphery of the base portion of each of the groove and the cavity, the base portion of each of the groove and the cavity being formed by the facial contact structure, the base portion of the groove being positionable in use on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region of the user's face, and the base portion of the cavity being positionable in use on the orbital region of the user's face.

26. The eye mask according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the bridge of the nose portion includes a third raised wall section, the third raised wall section including a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion being connected by a user-facing surface wall portion, the third raised wall section being adjacent to the lower edge of the eye mask.

27. The eye mask of claim 26, wherein the third raised wall section includes a compression region defined by the first sidewall portion, the second sidewall portion, the user-facing surface wall portion, and the rear surface of the eye assembly.

28. The goggles of claim 27, wherein the compression area is an air bag.

29. The eye mask of claim 27, wherein the third raised wall section includes a compressible or deformable member, the compressible or deformable member being wrapped by the first sidewall portion of the wall, the second sidewall portion of the wall, the user-facing surface wall portion of the wall, and the rear surface of the eye assembly.

30. The eye mask of claim 29, wherein the compressible or deformable component is open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, low-density foam, memory foam, gel, or beads.

31. The goggles according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the third protruding wall section of the wall further includes a hinge feature in the form of a crease, channel, groove, fold, or pleat, which can function as a hinge when the goggles are used to deform the bridge of the nose by applying force to the bridge of the nose.

32. The eye mask according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the third raised wall section is adapted to change the cross-sectional shape of the bridge-of-the-nose region of the wall from a first undeformed cross-sectional shape when the eye mask is not in use to a second deformed cross-sectional shape when the eye mask is in use and is held against the user's face by forces from the positioning and stabilizing structure.

33. The eye mask according to any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein the bridge of the nose is characterized by a height-to-width ratio of about 1:1 to about 5:

1.

34. An eye mask, the eye mask comprising: An eye assembly capable of being positioned on at least the eye socket region of a user's face and configured to block light from entering the user's eyes, the eye assembly having a first front surface and an opposing rear surface; A facial contact structure connected to the rear surface of the eye assembly, the facial contact structure including a user-facing surface on the user-facing side of the facial contact structure, and a groove and a cavity formed within the user-facing surface, the periphery of the groove and the cavity being defined by walls extending at least from a base portion of the groove and the cavity to the user-facing surface, the base portion of the groove and the cavity being capable of being positioned in use on the supraorbital and / or frontal bone region and / or orbital region of the user's face; A positioning and stabilizing structure is configured to provide forces for holding the eye components and face contact structure of the goggles in a use position on the user's head during use of the goggles; and A functional module, which is removably connected to the base portion of the groove, is arc-shaped and sized to substantially traverse at least between the left and right supraorbital foramina during use, and / or span the central region of the frontal bone of the user's head.

35. The eye mask of claim 34, wherein the functional module includes a convex side and a concave side, the concave side including a user contact layer, the user contact layer including textiles, fabric composites, silicone pads, padding areas, fragrance delivery mechanisms, sensors, cooling materials, gripping materials, massage components, light sources, or combinations thereof.

36. The goggles of claim 34 or 35, wherein the functional module includes a cavity for receiving at least one component, wherein the cavity includes at least one component retention structure for engaging the component.

37. The eye mask according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the functional module includes a connector for engaging with a complementary connector in or on the groove of the eye mask.

38. The goggles of claim 37, wherein the connector is a magnetic connector configured to engage a corresponding magnetic connector within or on the surface of the groove.

39. The eye mask according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the functional module includes at least one of the following components selected from: a sensor component, a noise reduction component, a pivot component, a cooling component, an imaging component, a comfort component, a massage component, a vision component, an audio component, a charging component, and a power supply.

40. The eye mask of claim 39, wherein the depth of the functional module represents the distance between the concave and convex sides of the functional module, and the depth of the functional module is greater than the distance between the base portion of the groove and the user-facing surface wall portion of the wall surrounding the perimeter of the groove.

41. The eye mask according to any one of claims 34 to 40, wherein the functional module includes one or more ports located on the concave side or one or more side surfaces of the functional module.

42. The goggles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure comprises at least one rigid member.

43. The eye mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eye mask further comprises a noise-canceling component configured to fit over and / or at least partially fit inside the user's ear.

44. The eye mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the noise reduction component is connected to the eye component.

45. The goggles of claim 44, wherein the noise reduction component includes a noise cancellation component.

46. ​​The eye mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eye mask includes one or more speakers for generating sounds such as white noise to aid sleep.

47. The goggles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the noise cancellation component comprises active noise cancellation electronics.

48. The eye mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eye assembly is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in use, in the open position, the user's eyes are not covered, and in the closed position, the user's eyes are covered.

49. The goggles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the goggles further comprises a sensor module embedded, attached, or otherwise disposed therein and / or thereon, the sensor module being used to measure user data and / or equipment-related data for screening, monitoring, and / or diagnostic purposes.

50. The goggles of claim 49, wherein the sensor module is integrated with the eye assembly and / or the face contact structure.

51. The goggles according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the sensor module is integrated with the positioning and stabilization structure.

52. The goggles according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the sensor is integrated in the functional module.

53. The goggles according to any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the sensor module is configured to sense EEG, PPG, EMG, EOG, or combinations thereof.

54. The goggles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eye assembly further comprises a cooling component.

55. The eye mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eye assembly is formed of a material selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble wrap, elastic fabric materials, or combinations thereof.

56. The eye mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the face contact structure is formed of a material selected from perforated textiles, permeable bubble cotton, elastic fabric materials, or combinations thereof.

57. The eye mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning and stabilizing structure is formed of a material selected from perforated textiles, elastic fabrics, or combinations thereof.