Hinged head-mounted display device

Abstract

The disclosed hinge assembly for a head-mounted display device includes a four-bar linkage. A first linkage (112) of the four-bar linkage is attachable to or forms part of a wearable article for a user's head. A second linkage (114) and a third linkage (116) of the four-bar linkage each rotatably connect the first linkage (112) to a fourth linkage (118) of the four-bar linkage. The fourth linkage (118) of the four-bar linkage is attachable to or forms part of a display device. The disclosed head-mounted display device includes a display device, a rear mount (174) to which the head-mounted display device is attachable to a wearable article for a user's head, and a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the display device to the rear mount. The hinge assembly includes the four-bar linkage that provides a path of movement for the display device along a curved path from a deployed state to a stowed state.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] background Head-mounted display (HMD) devices can be used to present graphical content in the environments of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) user experiences. HMD devices can be attached to a wearable article such as a helmet, hat, visor, headband, or other head covering. Some HMD devices can be attached to the wearable article via a hinge that allows the display device of the HMD device to move into or out of the user's line of sight. HMD devices feature adjustment mechanisms that allow adjustment of the positioning of the display device of the HMD device relative to the user's eyes. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002] overview This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

[0003] According to one example, a disclosed hinge assembly for a head-mounted display device includes a four-bar linkage. A first linkage of the four-bar linkage is attachable to or forms part of a wearable article for a user's head. A second linkage and a third linkage of the four-bar linkage each rotatably connect the first linkage to a fourth linkage of the four-bar linkage. The fourth linkage of the four-bar linkage is attachable to or forms part of the display device.

[0004] According to another example, a head-mounted display device is disclosed that includes a display, a rear mount by which the head-mounted display device is attachable to a wearable article for a user's head, and a hinge assembly that rotatably couples the display device to the rear mount, the hinge assembly including a four-bar linkage that provides a path of movement for the display device along a curved path between a deployed state and a stowed state.

[0005] According to another example, a head-mounted display device is disclosed that includes a wearable article for a user's head, a display device, and a hinge assembly that rotatably couples the display device to the wearable article. The hinge assembly includes a four-bar linkage that provides a path of movement for the display device along a curved path between a deployed state and a stowed state. In the stowed state, the display is positioned rearward of the deployed state and above the wearable article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Figure 1] 1 depicts an HMD device that includes a hinge assembly that rotatably couples a front component of the HMD device to a rear component of the HMD device. [Figure 2] 2 depicts the HMD device of FIG. 1 in a deployed state and in an upright viewing mode. [Figure 3]1 is depicted rotated along a path of movement between the deployed state of FIG. 2 and the stowed state of FIG. 4. [Figure 4] 2 depicts the HMD device of FIG. 1 in a stowed state. [Figure 5] 2 depicts the HMD device of FIG. 1 in upright and prone viewing modes with additional components. [Figure 6] 1 depicts an exemplary eccentric rotating bracket. [Figure 7] 1 depicts an exemplary eccentric rotating bracket. [Figure 8] 1 depicts an exemplary eccentric rotating bracket. [Figure 9] 1 depicts an exemplary eccentric rotating bracket. [Figure 10] 1 depicts an exemplary eccentric rotating bracket. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an exemplary friction mechanism. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates another exemplary friction mechanism. [Figure 13] 1 depicts an exemplary detent mechanism. [Figure 14A] 1 depicts another exemplary HMD device that includes a hinge assembly that rotatably couples a front component of the HMD device to a rear component of the HMD device. [Figure 14B] 1 depicts another exemplary HMD device that includes a hinge assembly that rotatably couples a front component of the HMD device to a rear component of the HMD device. [Figure 15] 14A and 14B depict in greater detail a portion of the hinge assembly, including the first adjustment mechanism; [Figure 16] 14A and 14B depict in greater detail a portion of the hinge assembly, including a second adjustment mechanism. [Figure 17] 14A and 14B depict in greater detail a portion of the hinge assembly, including a third adjustment mechanism. [Figure 18] 1 depicts an exemplary joint utilizing a tilting mechanism. [Figure 19] 19 illustrates another view of the tilting mechanism of FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Detailed Description HMD devices can be used to present graphical content in AR, VR, and MR user experience environments. HMD devices can be attached to a wearable article such as a helmet, hat, visor, headband, or other head covering. Some HMD devices can be attached to the wearable article via a hinge that allows the display device of the HMD device to move into or out of the user's line of sight. HMD devices feature adjustment mechanisms that allow adjustment of the positioning of the display device of the HMD device relative to the user's eyes.

[0008] A potential drawback of HMD devices featuring hinges is that the display device extends outward and away from the user's head. As an example, some HMD devices feature hinges that allow forward-facing and outward rotation of the display device to a horizontal position above and in front of the user's eyes. In this configuration, the majority of the display device extends forward and outward from the user's head. As the center of mass of the display device moves further away from the user's head, specifically in the horizontal dimension perpendicular to the gravity vector, mechanical effects can increase the forces experienced by the user (e.g., torque at the user's neck). These additional forces can be relatively noticeable from the user's perspective in scenarios where the user's head is experiencing acceleration, such as during walking, running, head movement, vehicle transport, etc. Furthermore, changes in inertial response produced by repositioning the display device of an HMD device can interfere with the user's natural movement and control of head motion, especially when the center of mass of the display device extends outward in the horizontal dimension perpendicular to the gravity vector.

[0009] A hinge assembly for an HMD device is disclosed that allows the display device of the HMD device to move into or out of the user's line of sight by rotating between a deployed state, in which the display device is positioned in the user's line of sight, and a stowed state, in which the display device is positioned at or near the upper portion of the user's head. Positioning the display device of the HMD device at or near the upper portion of the user's head can reduce the forces and changes in inertial response experienced by the user in the stowed state. Additionally, positioning the display device further back and above the user's head can reduce impact events between the display device or other forward components and foreign objects near the user's eyebrow line.

[0010] In at least some examples, the disclosed hinge assemblies include a four-bar linkage that defines a path of movement of the display device between a deployed state and a stowed state. In one example, the four-bar linkage couples the display device to a wearable device, such as a helmet, hat, visor, headband, or other suitable head covering. In at least some examples, the four-bar linkage is one of two or more four-bar linkages of the disclosed hinge assemblies that operate parallel to one another to support and define the path of movement of the display device.

[0011] In at least some examples, the path of movement of the display device between the deployed state and the stowed state corresponds to the use of a brimmed helmet, brimmed hat, brimmed visor, brimmed headband, or other brimmed head covering. As one example, to move from the deployed state to the stowed state, the display plane of the display device, from which light is emitted toward the user's eyes, is translated outward from the user's face along the path of movement to clear an area that may be occupied by the brim of the wearable article before rotating upward and backward to the stowed state at or near the upper portion of the user's head. The path of movement can be reversed to move the display device from the stowed state to the deployed state.

[0012] Furthermore, in at least some examples, the path of movement of the display device between the deployed and stowed states supports the concept of light security by continuing to face the display plane of the display device toward the user's head throughout the path of movement and while positioned in the stowed state. Light security, in this context, means the reduction or minimization of light emitted outward or away from the user. The path of movement can be reversed to move the display device from the stowed state to the deployed state, while continuing to face the display plane of the display device toward the user's head throughout the path of movement.

[0013] In at least some examples, the disclosed hinge assemblies include one or more adjustment mechanisms that allow the positioning of the display device, at least in a deployed state, to be adjusted relative to a rear mount that is attachable to or integrated with a wearable article such as a helmet, hat, visor, headband, or other head covering. The adjustments to the positioning of the display device can include translation in one, two, or even more dimensions and rotation in at least one plane.

[0014] By way of example, one or more adjustment mechanisms of the disclosed hinge assemblies allow the display device to be adjusted in one or more degrees of freedom, including translation and rotation in various dimensions. As the positioning of the display device is adjusted relative to the rear mount, the positioning of the display device relative to the user's eyes can likewise be adjusted to accommodate various body configurations and user fit configurations.

[0015] In at least some examples, rotational adjustment can be used to provide two or more viewing angles of the display device in the deployed state that are appropriate for two or more viewing modes. In the deployed upright viewing mode, which is appropriate for a seated or upright body position, the display device has a first viewing angle or range of viewing angles. In the deployed prone viewing mode, which is appropriate for a prone body position of a user in which the neck and head are tilted backward relative to the body, the display device has a second viewing angle or range of viewing angles. As an example, in the prone viewing mode, the display plane of the display device may be tilted backward (e.g., by 8 degrees or another suitable angle) relative to the upright viewing mode.

[0016] 1 depicts an HMD device 100 that includes a hinge assembly 102 that rotatably couples a front component 104 of the HMD device to a rear component 106 of the HMD device. The hinge assembly 102 of FIG. 1 is an example of a disclosed hinge assembly in a deployed state and an upright viewing mode.

[0017] The front component 104 has the form of an electronic device that includes, by way of example, a display device 108, such as a near-eye graphical display on which graphical content may be presented. The front component 104 may include additional components, including a camera, sensors, a user input interface, an audio output device, a battery, a computing device, electronic circuitry, etc. The front component 104 is represented schematically in wireframe in FIG. 1 to illustrate the features of the hinge assembly 102. It should therefore be understood that the front component 104 may have other suitable forms.

[0018] The rear component 106 may be integrated with, attached to, or attachable to a wearable article that may be worn on a user's head. Examples of wearable articles include a helmet, hat, visor, headband, or other head covering. By way of example, the rear component 106 may have the form of a shroud that may be attached to a helmet, as depicted schematically in Figures 2, 3, and 4.

[0019] The hinge assembly 102 includes a first four-bar linkage 110. In this example, the first four-bar linkage 110 is located on a left-hand side of the hinge assembly 102 from the perspective of a user wearing the HMD device 100. The hinge assembly 100 further includes a second four-bar linkage 120 located on a right-hand side of the hinge assembly from the perspective of a user wearing the HMD device 100. Although the hinge assembly 102 includes two four-bar linkages that are operable parallel to one another, it should be understood that a single four-bar linkage could be used to provide the same or similar path of movement relative to the front component 104. In this configuration, the four-bar linkage could be centered about a midplane (e.g., the YZ plane) of the HMD device 100.

[0020] First four-bar linkage 110 includes first linkage 112, second linkage 114, third linkage 116, and fourth linkage 118. In this example, first linkage 112 forms the ground linkage of first four-bar linkage 110, second linkage 114 and third linkage 116 each form a rocker linkage of first four-bar linkage 110, and fourth linkage 118 forms the coupler linkage of first four-bar linkage 110. First linkage 112 is rotatably coupled to second linkage 114 via coupling 130, and first linkage 112 is rotatably coupled to third linkage 116 via coupling 132, which is spaced from coupling 130 to define the effective length dimension of first linkage 112. Fourth linkage 118 is rotatably coupled to second linkage 114 via coupling 134, which is spaced from coupling 130 to define the effective length dimension of the second linkage, and fourth linkage 118 is rotatably coupled to third linkage 116 via coupling 136, which is spaced from coupling 132 to define the effective length dimension of third linkage 116. Coupling 134 is spaced from coupling 136 to define the effective length dimension of fourth linkage 118.

[0021] Second four-bar linkage 120 includes a first linkage 122, a second linkage 124, a third linkage 126, and a fourth linkage 128. In this example, first linkage 122 forms the ground linkage of second four-bar linkage 120, second linkage 124 and third linkage 126 each form a rocker linkage of second four-bar linkage 120, and fourth linkage 128 forms the coupler linkage of second four-bar linkage 120. First linkage 122 is rotatably coupled to second linkage 124 via coupling 140, and first linkage 122 is rotatably coupled to third linkage 126 via coupling 142 that is spaced from coupling 140 to define the effective length dimension of first linkage 122. The fourth linkage 128 is rotatably coupled to the second linkage 124 via a coupling portion 144 that is spaced from the coupling portion 140 to define the effective length dimension of the second linkage 124, and the fourth linkage 128 is rotatably coupled to the third linkage 126 via a coupling portion 146 that is spaced from the coupling portion 142 to define the effective length dimension of the third linkage 126. The coupling portion 144 is spaced from the coupling portion 146 to define the effective length dimension of the fourth linkage 128.

[0022] In this example, fourth linkage 118 of first four-bar linkage 110 and fourth linkage 128 of second four-bar linkage 120 are integrated together to form coupler bracket 150. As another example, fourth linkage 118 of first four-bar linkage 110 and fourth linkage 128 of second four-bar linkage 120 can instead form separate or separable components. In this separate or separable configuration, fourth linkage 118 of first four-bar linkage 110 and fourth linkage 128 of second four-bar linkage 120 may be attached to or integrated with a separate coupler bracket or a shared component, such as forward component 104, by way of example.

[0023] Forward component 104 may be attached to the fourth linkage 118 of first four-bar linkage 110 and to the fourth linkage 128 of second four-bar linkage 120 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate components. In this example, forward component 104 is attached to the fourth linkage 118 of first four-bar linkage 110 and to the fourth linkage 128 of second four-bar linkage 120 via an adjustment mechanism 152. Adjustment mechanism 152, in this example, includes a coupler bracket 150 and a forward mount 154 to which forward component 104 is attached.

[0024] Adjustment mechanism 152 is operable to adjust the positioning of forward mount 154 relative to coupler bracket 150, thereby allowing the positioning of forward component 104 relative to fourth linkage 118 of first four-bar linkage 110 and fourth linkage 128 of second four-bar linkage 120 to be adjusted. In this example, adjustment mechanism 152 allows adjustment in the Y-axis dimension by translational movement of forward mount 154 and attached forward component 104 relative to coupler bracket 150.

[0025] Translational adjustment in the Y-axis dimension is provided, in this example, by an adjustment mechanism 152 including a threaded shaft 156 (e.g., a bolt or screw) that is rotatable by a user via an adjustment interface element 158 (e.g., a knob, lever, tool, etc.) to change a standoff distance 160 in the Y-axis dimension between the coupler bracket 150 and the front mount 154. The front mount 154 defines a threaded receptacle that corresponds to corresponding threads on the threaded shaft 156, for example. The threaded shaft 156 can be held in a fixed position in the Y-axis dimension within the receptacle of the coupler bracket 150 via a retaining clip, an annular ring, or other suitable structure. It should be understood that other suitable adjustment mechanisms may be used, as described further herein.

[0026] Additionally, in this example, adjustment mechanism 152 features a track system 162 oriented along the Y-axis dimension formed by coupler bracket 150 and front mount 154 to constrain movement of the front mount relative to the coupler bracket to translational movement along the Y-axis dimension. In this example, track system 162 is formed by a channel 164 defined by coupler bracket 150 and a corresponding rail 166 defined by front mount 164 mounted within the channel. In another example, track system 162 can be formed by a channel defined by front mount 164 and a corresponding rail defined by coupler bracket 150 mounted within the channel.

[0027] First linkage 112 of first four-bar linkage 110 and first linkage 122 of second four-bar linkage 120 are integrated together in this example to form ground bracket 170. In another example, first linkage 112 of first four-bar linkage 110 and first linkage 122 of second four-bar linkage 120 can instead form separate or separable components. In this separate or separable configuration, first linkage 112 of first four-bar linkage 110 and first linkage 122 of second four-bar linkage 120 may be attached to or integrated with a shared component, such as a separate ground bracket, aft component 106, or a wearable article, for example.

[0028] First linkage 112 of first four-bar linkage 110 and first linkage 122 of second four-bar linkage 120 may be attached to aft component 106 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate components. In this example, first linkage 112 of first four-bar linkage 110 and first linkage 122 of second four-bar linkage 120 are attached to aft component 106 via adjustment mechanism 172. Adjustment mechanism 172 includes a ground bracket 170 and an aft mount 174 attached to or attachable to aft component 106.

[0029] As an example, the rear side of the rear mount 174 may define a first portion of a latch, and the rear component 106 may define a second portion of the latch, thereby allowing the rear mount to be selectively attached to or removed from the rear component 106. This configuration allows the HMD device 100 to be selectively attached to or removed from a wearable article such as a helmet, hat, visor, headband, or other suitable head covering.

[0030] The adjustment mechanism 172 is operable to adjust the positioning of the ground bracket 174, and thus the first four-bar linkage 110 and the second four-bar linkage 120, relative to the rear mount 174 and thus to the rear component 106. In this example, the adjustment mechanism 172 allows adjustment of the ground bracket 170 by translation in the Z-axis dimension (e.g., the depth dimension relative to the user) relative to the rear mount 174.

[0031] Translational adjustment in the Z-axis dimension is provided, in this example, by an adjustment mechanism 172 including a follower 176 (e.g., a shaft) that is translationally movable within a slot 178 defined by the ground bracket 170. Movement of the ground bracket 170 is constrained in the Z-axis dimension, in this example, by a track system 180. In this example, the track system 180 is formed by a channel 182 defined by the ground bracket 170 and a corresponding rail 184 defined by the aft mount 174 that is seated within the channel. The position of the follower 176 along the slot 178 can be maintained by tightening a head 186 of the follower 176 against a surface of the ground bracket 170 (e.g., via one or more intermediate washers).

[0032] 1, follower 176 has the form of a threaded shaft (e.g., a bolt or screw). The position of follower 176 along slot 178 can be changed by loosening head 186 of the threaded shaft to allow translational movement of ground bracket 170 in the Z-axis dimension. The threaded shaft of follower 176, in this example, engages with corresponding threads in a threaded receptacle (not shown) defined by aft mount 174.

[0033] In another example, track system 180 can be formed by a channel defined by aft mount 174 and a corresponding rail defined by ground bracket 170 that rests within the channel. Moreover, in at least some examples, aft mount 174 instead defines a slot, and the threaded shaft of adjustment mechanism 172 engages with corresponding threads provided by a threaded receptacle defined by ground bracket 170. It should be understood that other suitable adjustment mechanisms can be used, as described in more detail herein.

[0034] 1 , adjustment mechanism 172 for adjustment in the Z-axis dimension is disposed aft of first four-bar linkage 110 and second four-bar linkage 120, and adjustment mechanism 152 for adjustment in the Y-axis dimension is disposed forward of first four-bar linkage 110 and second four-bar linkage 120. In another example, adjustment mechanism 172 for adjustment in the Z-axis dimension may be disposed forward of first four-bar linkage 110 and second four-bar linkage 120, and adjustment mechanism 152 for adjustment in the Y-axis dimension may be disposed aft of first four-bar linkage 110 and second four-bar linkage 120. As yet another example, adjustment mechanisms for adjustment in the Z-axis dimension and Y-axis dimension may be disposed forward of first four-bar linkage 110 and second four-bar linkage 120, respectively, or aft of first four-bar linkage 110 and second four-bar linkage 120, respectively.

[0035] Figures 2, 3, and 4 depict side views of the HMD device 100 of Figure 1 as it may be viewed along the X-axis of Figure 1 at different positions along a path of movement 200 between the deployed state shown in Figure 2 and the stowed state shown in Figure 4. In Figures 2, 3, and 4, the path of movement 200 is depicted relative to the coupling 134 as an example reference point for the HMD device 100.

[0036] 2, 3, and 4, the rear component 106 is attached to a helmet 210 as an example of a wearable article, a partial outline of which is shown schematically for illustrative purposes. In FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, a display plane 220 of the display device 108 of the front component 104 is shown schematically, along with an example display vector 222, to indicate the general direction of light emitted by the display device. By way of example, in the deployed state of FIG. 2, the display vector 222 is generally oriented at the location of the eyes of a user wearing the helmet 210.

[0037] 2, the HMD device 100 is positioned in a deployed state and in an upright viewing mode, in which a display plane 220 is generally represented in FIG. 2 as having a first angle 224 relative to a reference frame 226 of the rear component 106 (e.g., the XZ plane in FIG. 1).

[0038] Referring to Figure 3, the front component 104 of the HMD device 100 rotates via the hinge assembly 102 along a path of movement 200 away from the deployed state of Figure 2 and towards the stowed state of Figure 4. In this example, the display plane 220 moves outward from the helmet 210 in Figure 3 compared to Figure 2, thereby allowing the front component 104 and its display device to clear the brim 212 of the helmet 210 as the front component rotates away from the deployed state towards the stowed state.

[0039] In Figure 3, a second angle 324 between the display plane 220 of the rear component 106 and the reference frame 226 is depicted as being greater than the first angle 224 in Figure 2, thereby representing a rotation of the display plane. Despite this rotation of the display plane 220, the display vector 222 remains generally oriented toward the user, thereby maintaining optical security with respect to the light emitted by the display device.

[0040] 4, the front component 104 of the HMD device has been rotated upward and backward from the position of FIG. 3 to a stowed state along a path of travel 200. In the stowed state of FIG. 4, the front component 104 is positioned above and along the upper portion of the helmet 210. The stowed state of FIG. 4 positions the center of mass of the front component 104 above the head of a user wearing the helmet 210, thereby reducing the force (torque) on the user that would otherwise result if the center of mass of the front component was cantilevered further outward and forward of the helmet.

[0041] In Figure 3, a third angle 424 between the display plane 220 and the reference frame 226 of the rear component 106 is depicted as being greater than the second angle 324 in Figure 3, thereby representing a further rotation of the display plane. Despite this rotation of the display plane 220, the display vector 222 remains oriented generally toward the user and the helmet, thereby maintaining optical security with respect to the light emitted by the display device.

[0042] In at least some examples, an adjustment mechanism may be included with the HMD device to allow rotational adjustment of the front portion 104 to provide two or more viewing angles of the display device suitable for two or more viewing modes in the deployed state. In Figure 5, an example of the HMD device described above in Figure 1 is depicted as HMD device 100-5, further including an adjustment mechanism 510 operable to provide rotational adjustment of the front portion 104 relative to the rear portion 106.

[0043] As described above, in a deployed, upright viewing mode shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , which is appropriate for a seated or upright body position, the display device 108 has a first viewing angle or range of viewing angles. In a deployed, prone viewing mode, which is appropriate for a user's prone body position in which the neck and head are tilted backward relative to the body, the display device has a second viewing angle 504 or range of viewing angles. By way of example, in the prone viewing mode corresponding to the second viewing angle 504, the upper edge of the display device's display plane may be tilted backward relative to the lower edge of the display plane by a greater amount than the first viewing angle 502 in the upright viewing mode. By way of example, the viewing angle adjustment 506 between the first viewing angle 502 and the second viewing angle 504 is 8 degrees. By way of another example, the viewing angle adjustment 506 between the first viewing angle 502 and the second viewing angle 504 is in the range of 6 to 10 degrees. However, it should be understood that other viewing angle adjustments may be used or otherwise supported by the adjustment mechanism.

[0044] The adjustment mechanism 510, in this example, includes an eccentric rotation bracket 512 that is integrated with the coupling portion 134 of the first four-bar linkage 110. An example of the eccentric rotation bracket 512 will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 6-9. The adjustment mechanism 510 further includes an observation angle selector element 514 that allows a user to select between at least the first observation angle 502 and the second observation angle 504 by manipulating the eccentric rotation bracket 512. In this example, the observation angle selector element 514 has the form of a lever. However, the observation angle selector element 514 can have any other suitable form. As another example, the observation angle selector element 514 has the form of a knob.

[0045] In at least some examples, adjustment of the viewing angle between at least the first viewing angle 502 in the upright viewing mode and the second viewing angle 504 in the prone viewing mode can be enabled by an additional adjustment mechanism 520 associated with the second four-bar linkage 120. In this example, the adjustment mechanism 520 includes a separate eccentric rotation bracket 522 integrated with the coupling of the second four-bar linkage 120. An example of the eccentric rotation bracket 522 will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 6-10 . The adjustment mechanism 520 further includes a viewing angle selector element 524 that allows a user to select between at least the first viewing angle 502 and the second viewing angle 504 by manipulating the eccentric rotation bracket 522. In this example, like the eccentric rotation bracket 512, the viewing angle selector element 524 also has the form of a lever. However, the viewing angle selector element 524 can have any other suitable form. As another example, the viewing angle selector element 524 has the form of a knob.

[0046] Although eccentric rotation brackets 512 and 522 are described as being integral with joints 134 and 144, in other examples, the eccentric rotation brackets may be integral with other joints of first four-bar linkage 110 and second four-bar linkage 120. Furthermore, it should be understood that other suitable adjustment mechanisms may be used to enable adjustment of the viewing angle.

[0047] In at least some examples, the disclosed hinge assemblies include one or more detent mechanisms and / or one or more friction mechanisms at the joints of the hinge assembly that assist in maintaining a current state or positioning of the hinge assembly during user activities, including walking, running, head movement, and the like.

[0048] 5 schematically illustrates joint 130 of first four-bar linkage 110 and joint 140 of second four-bar linkage 110, including integrated mechanisms 530 and 540, respectively. Integrated mechanisms 530 and 540 can have the form of detent and / or friction mechanisms. While integrated mechanisms 530 and 540 are described as being contained within joints 130 and 140, respectively, it should be understood that some or all of the joints of hinge assembly 102 can include integrated mechanisms, such as detent and / or friction mechanisms. For example, a first coupling portion (e.g., 130) of the first four-bar linkage 110 can include a detent mechanism, a second coupling portion (e.g., 132) of the first four-bar linkage 110 can include a friction mechanism, a first coupling portion (e.g., 140) of the second four-bar linkage 120 can include a detent mechanism, and a second coupling portion (e.g., 142) of the second four-bar linkage 120 can include a friction mechanism.

[0049] The detent mechanism of the hinge assembly 102, when engaged in the deployed state of the HMD device 100, can maintain the front component 104, including the display device 108, in the deployed state until it is disengaged. Additionally or alternatively, the detent mechanism, when engaged in the stowed state of the HMD device 100, can maintain the front component 104, including the display device 108, in the stowed state until it is disengaged. An example of a detent mechanism that can be integrated with a joint of the hinge assembly 102 is described in further detail with reference to FIG. 13 .

[0050] Friction mechanisms may be tuned or otherwise selected to provide specific levels of friction at particular joints of the hinge assembly 102, thereby defining an appropriate level of torque required to overcome the friction introduced by one or more friction mechanisms when adjusting the positioning of the front component 104 relative to the rear component 106 via the hinge assembly 10s2. As one example, the appropriate torque level may be defined so that the front component 104, including the display device 108, does not rotate via the hinge assembly 102 relative to the rear component 106 under its own weight. As another example, the appropriate torque level may be defined so that the front component 104, including the display device 108, does not rotate via the hinge assembly 102 relative to the rear component 106 under defined dynamic loading scenarios, such as head movement (e.g., nodding), walking, running, jumping, etc. Examples of friction mechanisms that may be integrated into the joints of the hinge assembly 102 are described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 .

[0051] 6-10 depict an example of an eccentric rotating bracket 600 having an observation angle selector element 610 that can be used for the eccentric rotating brackets 512 and 522 of FIG. 5. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the eccentric rotating bracket 600 integrated with a coupling 616 between a first linkage 612 and a second linkage 614. In FIG. 6, the eccentric rotating bracket 600 and observation angle selector element 610 have a first angular position that defines a first axis of rotation of the coupling 616. In FIG. 7, the eccentric bracket 600 and observation angle selector element 610 have been rotated to a second angular position relative to the first angular position of FIG. 6, which moves the axis of rotation of the coupling 616 relative to a second axis of rotation that is parallel to and displaced from the first axis of rotation.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows a rear view of eccentrically rotating bracket 600 showing the threaded fastener 810 (eg, a bolt or screw) and pair of washers 812 and 814 of the eccentrically rotating bracket.

[0053] 9 and 10 show exploded views of eccentric rotating bracket 600 including a first circular bearing portion 910 having a circular bearing surface 912 and a second circular bearing portion 914 disposed off-center from the center point of circular bearing surface 912. Second circular bearing portion 914 defines a threaded receptacle for receiving threaded fastener 810. First circular bearing portion 910 fits within a first opening 920 formed in linkage 612, and second circular bearing portion 914 fits within a second opening 922 formed in linkage 614, which has a smaller diameter than first opening 920. In this configuration, second opening 922 is off-center from the center point of first opening 920. Threaded fastener 810 passes through washers 812 , 814 and opening 922 and engages threaded receptacle 916 to secure bracket 600 to linkages 612 and 614 .

[0054] 11 illustrates an example friction mechanism 1100 that may be integrated with a joint of the hinge assembly 102. The friction mechanism 1100 includes a shaft 1110 to which a first linkage 1102 and a second linkage 1104 are attached. A spring element 1112 is attached on the shaft 1110 to apply a compressive force on the first linkage 1102 and the second linkage 1104. In this example, the spring element 1112 is attached on the shaft 1110 between a first retaining element 1114 and the first linkage 1102, a spacer 1116 is attached on the shaft 1110 between the first linkage 1102 and the second linkage 1104, and the second linkage 1104 is attached on the shaft 1110 between the spacer 1116 and the second retaining element 1118.

[0055] The compressive force applied by the spring 1112 to the first linkage 1102 creates friction against rotation of the first linkage about the shaft 1110 at friction interfaces 1120 and 1122. The compressive force applied by the spring 1112 to the second linkage 1104 creates friction against rotation of the second linkage about the shaft 1110 at friction interfaces 1124 and 1126. In at least some examples, the compressive force applied by the spring 1112 can be adjusted by adjusting the position (e.g., distance) of the first retaining element 1114 relative to the second retaining element 1118 along the shaft 1110. As one example, the first retaining element 1114 can have the form of a threaded nut, and the shaft 1110 can have corresponding threads that allow the first retaining element 1114 to reciprocate along the axis of the shaft 1110 by rotation of the threaded nut relative to the shaft.

[0056] FIG. 12 depicts another exemplary friction mechanism 1200 that may be integrated with a joint of the hinge assembly 102. As an example, a first linkage may be rotatably coupled to a second linkage via a friction shaft 1210 of the friction mechanism 1200. The friction mechanism 1200 further includes a clip 1212 through which the friction shaft 1210 passes. The clip 1212 exerts a circumferential force on the friction shaft 1210. Rotation of the friction shaft 1210 relative to the clip 1212 creates friction at the friction interface between the friction shaft and an inner surface of the clip 1212 interfacing with the friction shaft. The friction mechanism 1200 may be integrated with a joint in which two linkages are rotatably coupled by securing the friction shaft 1210 to the first linkage and securing the clip 1212 to the second linkage.

[0057] 13 depicts an example detent mechanism 1300 that may be integrated with a joint of the hinge assembly 102. The detent mechanism 1300 includes a first cam 1310 and a second cam 1312 that may rotate relative to one another on opposite sides of a ball 1314. The second cam 1312 includes a receptacle that receives a portion of the ball 1314. The ball 1314 remains within the receptacle of the second cam 1312 throughout the engaged and disengaged states of the detent mechanism 1300.

[0058] The first cam 1310 and the second cam 1312 are mounted on a pin or shaft 1316 by a disk spring 1318. The first cam 1310, the second cam 1312, and the disk spring 1318 may be retained on the shaft 1316 by a nut 1330 and a washer 1332. For example, the pin or shaft 1316 may include threads that engage with corresponding threads on the nut 1330. The disk spring 1318 applies a compressive force to the first cam 1310 and the second cam 1312, compressing the first cam 1310 and the second cam 1312 onto the ball 1314.

[0059] In a joint environment where two linkages are rotatably coupled, such as in hinge assembly 102, the first cam 1310 is fixed to or forms part of the first linkage, and the second cam 1312 is fixed to or forms part of the second linkage.

[0060] The first cam 1310 can have a variety of configurations, examples of which are depicted as 1310-1 and 1310-2 in Figure 13. As an example, cam 1310-1 can be used at the connection (e.g., 130) of the first four-bar linkage 110 in one example of detent mechanism 1300, and cam 1310-2 can be used at the connection (e.g., 140) of the second four-bar linkage 120 in another example of detent mechanism 1300.

[0061] The first cam defines a circular track 1320 along which the ball 1314 may move. The first cam 1310 further defines one or more receptacles along the circular track 1320 that receive a portion of the ball 1314 that projects outward from the second cam 1312. The presence of the ball 1314 in the receptacle of the second cam 1312, along with the presence of the ball 1314 in the receptacle of the first cam 1310, restrains rotation of the first cam relative to the second cam about the pin 1316, thereby providing an engaged detent function. When the compressive force provided by the disc spring 1318 is overcome (e.g., by the user pulling the head of the pin or shaft 1316 away from the nut 1330), the first cam 1310 is able to rotate relative to the second cam 1312, and the ball 1314 is released from its receptacle in the first cam into the circular track 1320, thereby disengaging the detent feature.

[0062] Referring to the first cam 1310-1, as an example, the first receptacle 1322 is positioned at a different angular position along the circular track 1320 than the second receptacle 1320. For example, the first receptacle 1322 may be positioned at 0 degrees within the radial reference frame of the circular track 1320, and the second receptacle 1324 may be positioned at 190 degrees (or other suitable angle) measured in a clockwise direction in FIG. 13. In this example, the first receptacle 1322 corresponds to the deployed state and upright viewing mode, and the second receptacle 1324 corresponds to the stowed state of the HMD device. In another example, the first receptacle 1322 may correspond to a deployed state having a first viewing angle of the display device and an upright viewing mode, and the second receptacle 1324 may correspond to a deployed state having a second viewing angle of the display device different from the first viewing angle and a prone viewing mode.

[0063] Referring to the first cam 1301-1, as another example, the first receptacle 1326 is positioned at a different angular position along the circular track 1320 than the second receptacle 1328. For example, the first receptacle 1322 may be positioned at −8 degrees within the radial reference frame of the circular track 1320, and the second receptacle 1328 may be positioned at 190 degrees (or another suitable angle) measured in a clockwise direction in FIG. 13 . In this example, the first receptacle 1326 corresponds to the deployed state and the prone viewing mode, and the second receptacle 1328 corresponds to the stowed state of the HMD device. The receptacle 1326 is offset from the receptacle 1322 by 8 degrees in this example to provide an 8-degree angular offset between the upright and prone viewing modes. It should be understood that other suitable angular offsets may be used, such as angles in the range of 6-10 degrees, for example, and in this example, receptacles 1324 and 1328 are provided at the same angular positions, with each receptacle corresponding to a stowed state.

[0064] The adjustment mechanisms disclosed herein allow for adjustment of the positioning of the front component 104, including the display device 108, relative to the display mount 174 and the rear component 106 in one or more degrees of freedom. Such adjustment may include translation and / or rotation of the front component relative to the display mount and / or the rear component. It should be understood that the example adjustment mechanisms disclosed herein are provided for illustrative purposes, as other suitable adjustment mechanisms may be used to adjust the positioning of the front component 104, including the display device 108, relative to the display mount 174 and the rear component 106. Other example adjustment mechanisms may allow for adjustment by translation and / or rotation of the front component relative to the display mount and / or the rear component by changing the effective length dimension of the linkage of the hinge assembly 102 (e.g., in a four-bar linkage). Alternatively or additionally, other examples of adjustment mechanisms may allow adjustment by changing the angle of a linkage of the hinge assembly 102 relative to another linkage (e.g., in a four-bar linkage), thereby allowing for translation and / or rotation of the front component relative to the display mount and / or the rear component.

[0065] In the preceding examples of FIGS. 1-5, a hinge assembly featuring one or more four-bar linkages rotatably couples a front component of the HMD device to a rear component of the HMD device. In these examples, one or more adjustment mechanisms of the hinge assembly are operable to adjust the positioning of the front component relative to the rear component. FIGS. 14A and 14B depict another example HMD device 1400 including a hinge assembly 1402 rotatably coupling a front component 1404 to a rear component 106 (described above with reference to FIG. 1). FIG. 14A depicts the HMD device 1400 from a first side with the positive X-axis (X+) pointing out from the page. FIG. 14B depicts the HMD device 1400 from a second side with the positive X-axis (X+) pointing into the page.

[0066] As also described with reference to HMD 100 of Figure 1, a front component, such as front component 1404, can have the form of an electronic device that includes a display device 1408, such as a near-eye graphical display, on which graphical content can be presented. The front component 1404 can include additional components, including a camera, sensors, a user input interface, an audio output device, a battery, a computing device, electronic circuitry, etc. The front component 1404 is represented schematically in Figures 14A and 14B. It should therefore be understood that the front component 1404 can have other suitable forms.

[0067] As described above with reference to Figure 1, the rear component 106 may be integrated with, attached to, or attachable to a wearable article that may be worn on a user's head. Examples of wearable articles include a helmet, hat, visor, headband, or other head covering. By way of example, the rear component 106 may have the form of a shroud that may be attached to a helmet, as depicted schematically in Figures 2, 4, and 5.

[0068] The hinge assembly 1402 includes one or more four-bar linkages that provide a path of movement for the display device 1408 along a curved path between the deployed and stowed states. Figures 14A and 14B depict the HMD device 1400 and hinge assembly 1402 in the deployed state.

[0069] 14A , hinge assembly 1402 includes a first four-bar linkage 1410. First four-bar linkage 1410 includes a first linkage 1412, a second linkage 1414, a third linkage 1416, and a fourth linkage 1418. In this example, first linkage 1412 forms the ground linkage of first four-bar linkage 1410, second linkage 1414 and third linkage 1416 each form a rocker linkage of first four-bar linkage 1410, and fourth linkage 1418 forms the coupler linkage of first four-bar linkage 1410. The first linkage 1412 is rotatably coupled to the second linkage 1414 via a coupling 1430, and the first linkage 1412 is rotatably coupled to the third linkage 1416 via a coupling 1432 spaced from the coupling 1430 to define the effective length dimension of the first linkage 1412. The fourth linkage 1418 is rotatably coupled to the second linkage 1414 via a coupling 1434 spaced from the coupling 1430 to define the effective length dimension of the second linkage 1414, and the fourth linkage 1418 is rotatably coupled to the third linkage 1416 via a coupling 1436 spaced from the coupling 1432 to define the effective length dimension of the third linkage 1416. The coupling 134 is spaced from the coupling 136 to define the effective length dimension of the fourth linkage 1418.

[0070] 2-4, the four-bar linkage of the linkage assembly can provide a path of movement of the display device along a curved path between the deployed and stowed states. Figure 14A schematically illustrates an example path of movement 1470 for coupling 1434 from the deployed state to the stowed state at 1434' and the orientation of an example display device 1408 in the deployed state at 1408'.

[0071] 14B, the hinge assembly 1402 can further include a second four-bar linkage 1420 that operates in parallel with the first four-bar linkage 1410. For example, the second four-bar linkage 1420 can include a first linkage 1422 that forms a ground linkage of the second four-bar linkage, a third linkage 1424 and a third linkage 1426 that each form a rocker linkage of the second four-bar linkage, and a fourth linkage 1428 that forms a coupler linkage of the second four-bar linkage. In this example, the first linkage 1422 is rotatably coupled to the second linkage 1424 via a coupling 1440, and the first linkage is rotatably coupled to the third linkage 1426 via a coupling 1442 that is spaced from the coupling 1440 to define the effective length dimension of the first linkage. Furthermore, in this example, fourth linkage 1428 is rotatably coupled to second linkage 1424 via coupling 1444 spaced from coupling 1440 to define the effective length dimension of the second linkage, and fourth linkage is rotatably coupled to third linkage 1426 via coupling 1446 spaced from coupling 1444 to define the effective length dimension of the third linkage. The effective length dimension of fourth linkage 1428 is defined in this example by the distance between coupling 1444 and coupling 1446.

[0072] 1, the fourth linkage 1418 of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the fourth linkage 1428 of the second four-bar linkage 1420 of the HMD device 1400 may, for example, be attached to or integral with a coupler bracket or forward component 1404. In this example, the fourth linkage 1418 and the fourth linkage 1428 are combined together to form a coupler bracket 1450 to which the forward component 1404, including the display device 1408, is attached.

[0073] As similarly described with reference to HMD 100 of Figure 1, first linkage 1412 of first four-bar linkage 1410 and first linkage 1422 of second four-bar linkage 1420 may be attached to or integrated with a shared component such as a separate ground bracket, a rear mount, rear component 106, or a wearable article, by way of example. In this example, HMD 1400 includes a rear mount 1474 that is attached to or attachable to rear component 106, as similarly described with reference to rear mount 174 of Figure 1.

[0074] The hinge assembly 1402 of the HMD device 1400 includes an adjustment mechanism 1452 (schematically represented in FIGS. 14A and 14B ) operable, in this example, to adjust the positioning of the front component 1404 relative to the fourth linkage 1418 of the first linkage assembly 1410 and the fourth linkage 1428 of the second linkage assembly 1420 in at least the Z-axis dimension (e.g., toward or away from the user's eyes and the wearable article to which the HMD is attached) by translational movement. 14A and 14B) operable to adjust the positioning of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the second four-bar linkage 1420 relative to the rear component 1406 in at least the Y-axis dimension (upward or downward in relation to the rear component 1406), and adjustment mechanism 1456 (represented schematically in FIGS. 14A and 14B) operable to adjust the viewing angle of the display device 1408 by changing the effective length of the second linkage 1414 and the second linkage 1424.

[0075] In contrast to the configurations of HMD 100 of Figure 1 and HMD 100-5 of Figure 5, the hinge assembly 1402 of HMD 1400 allows adjustment in the Z-axis dimension via an adjustment mechanism 1452 located in front of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the second four-bar linkage 1420, and adjustment in the Y-axis dimension via an adjustment mechanism 1454 located in rear of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the second four-bar linkage 1420. An example of adjustment mechanism 1452 is described in more detail with reference to Figure 15. An example of adjustment mechanism 1454 is described in more detail with reference to Figure 16.

[0076] Additionally, adjustment mechanism 1456 of linkage assembly 1402 allows adjustment of the viewing angle of display device 1408 by varying the effective lengths of the rocker linkages of first four-bar linkage 1410 and second four-bar linkage 1420, which in this example correspond to second linkages 1414 and 1424. As an example, the viewing angle of display device 1408 can be adjusted from a first viewing angle 1460 to a second viewing angle 1462 by reducing the effective lengths of second linkages 1414 and 1424, as shown schematically. An example of adjustment mechanism 1456 is described in further detail with reference to FIG. 17 . In other examples, an adjustment mechanism can be provided that allows for adjustment of the viewing angle by changing the effective length of the third linkages 1416 and 1426, which are another example of rocker linkages for the first 1410 and second 1420 four-bar linkages.

[0077] 14A and 14B depict the HMD device 1400 in a deployed, upright viewing mode suitable for a seated or upright body position, in which the display device 1408 has a first viewing angle 1460 or range of viewing angles. In a deployed, prone viewing mode suitable for a user's prone body position, in which the neck and head are tilted backward relative to the body, the display device 1408 has a second viewing angle 1462 or range of viewing angles. In one example, in the prone viewing mode corresponding to the second viewing angle 1462, the upper edge of the display device's display plane may be tilted backward relative to the lower edge of the display plane by a greater amount than the first viewing angle 1460 in the upright viewing mode. As one example, the viewing angle adjustment 1464 between the first viewing angle 1460 and the second viewing angle 1462 is 8 degrees. As another example, the viewing angle adjustment 1464 between the first viewing angle 1460 and the second viewing angle 1462 is in the range of 6 to 10 degrees. However, it should be understood that other suitable viewing angle adjustments may be used or supported by an adjustment mechanism, such as adjustment mechanism 1456, by way of example.

[0078] 14A and 14B schematically depict adjustment mechanisms 1452, 1454, and 1456. It should be understood that the adjustment mechanism of the hinge assembly 1402 can have a variety of forms and utilize a variety of configurations, as described in more detail herein.

[0079] As described above with reference to the HMD device 100-5 of FIG. 5, one or more joints of the hinge assembly may feature an integrated adjustment device operable to adjust the viewing angle of the display device. In at least some examples, the HMD device 1400 may include an adjustment device operable to adjust the viewing angle of the display device 1408 located at or integrated with one or more joints of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and / or the second four-bar linkage 1420. The eccentric rotating bracket 600 described above with reference to FIGS. 6-10 is one example of an adjustment device that may be integrated with one or more joints of the hinge assembly 1402 to enable viewing angle adjustment. As another example of an adjustment mechanism, FIGS. 18 and 19 depict a tilt mechanism that may be located at or integrated with one or more joints of the hinge assembly 1402 to enable viewing angle adjustment.

[0080] In at least some examples where one or more adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the viewing angle are located at or integrated with the joints of the hinge assembly 1402, adjustment mechanism 1456 can be omitted. However, in further examples, adjustment mechanisms located at or integrated with the joints of the hinge assembly for adjusting the viewing angle can be used in addition to adjustment mechanism 1456 to provide greater flexibility for adjusting the viewing angle of the display device.

[0081] As described above with reference to the HMD device 100-5 of FIG. 5, one or more joints of the hinge assembly may feature an integrated detent mechanism and / or friction mechanism. In at least some examples, the HMD device 1400 may include a detent mechanism and / or friction mechanism located at or integrated with one or more joints of the hinge assembly 1402. As one example, the friction mechanisms 1100 and / or 1200 described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 may be integrated with one or more joints of the hinge assembly 1402. As another example, the detent mechanism 1300 described above with reference to FIG. 13 may be integrated with one or more joints of the hinge assembly 1402.

[0082] Figure 15 illustrates in more detail a portion of the hinge assembly 1402 of Figures 14A and 14B, including one example of an adjustment mechanism 1452. In this example, the adjustment mechanism 1452 features a track system 1500 oriented along an axis parallel to or having a component in the Z-axis dimension shown in Figures 14A and 14B. A first portion of the track system 1500 forms a pair of rails 1504 and 1506 that constrain movement of a carriage 1508 of the track system along an axis of the track system, including in a direction having a component in the Z-axis dimension, as indicated by arrow 1520. The forward component 1404, in this example, is attached to or integral with the carriage 1508. Furthermore, in this example, the first portion 1502 of the track system 1500, including the rails 1504 and 1506, forms part of a coupler bracket 1450 attached to or integral with the fourth linkage 1418 of the first four-bar linkage and the fourth linkage 1428 of the second four-bar linkage 1420.

[0083] In this example, the first portion 1502 includes a set of teeth 1510 disposed along the rails 1504 and 1506. As depicted in FIG. 15 , the teeth of the rail 1504 oppose the teeth of the rail 1506. The carriage 1508 receives corresponding sets of teeth that interface with the teeth of the rail 1504 and the rail 1506. As an example, the teeth of the carriage 1508 that interface with the teeth of the rail 1504 and the teeth of the carriage 1508 that interface with the teeth of the rail 1506 can be spring biased outward to maintain the position of the carriage 1508 in a fixed position relative to the first portion 1502, thereby maintaining the position of the forward component 1404 relative to the fourth linkage 1418 and the fourth linkage 1428 of the hinge assembly 1402.

[0084] The carriage 1508 further includes actuators 1516 and 1518 operable to counteract the spring bias force applied to the tines of the carriage 1508 by urging the actuators inwardly toward each other, thereby moving the tines of the carriage 1508 to a position where they are not interfacing with the tines of the first portion 1502. When the tines of the carriage 1508 are not interfacing with the tines of the first portion 1502, the carriage is allowed to move in translation along the first portion 1502 of the track system 1500, as indicated by arrow 1520, thereby allowing a user to move the front component 1404 forward and backward in the Z-axis dimension relative to the user's eyes.

[0085] The particular configuration of adjustment mechanism 1452 described with reference to Figure 15 is one example of an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the anterior component 1404 relative to the hinge assembly 1402, and thus relative to the posterior component 1406. It should be understood that the adjustment mechanism 1452 may have other suitable configurations, including, by way of example, the configuration of the adjustment mechanism of Figure 1.

[0086] Figure 16 illustrates in more detail a portion of the hinge assembly 1402 of Figures 14A and 14B, including one example of an adjustment mechanism 1454. In this example, the adjustment mechanism 1454 features a track system 1600 oriented along an axis parallel to or having components in the Y-axis dimension shown in Figures 14A and 14B. The track system 1600 includes a ground bracket 1602 that is movable along rails 1604 and 1606 of the aft mount 1474, as indicated by arrow 1610.

[0087] In this example, the first linkage 1412 of the first linkage assembly 1410 and the first linkage 1422 of the second linkage assembly 1420 are integral with the ground bracket 1602. The aft mount 1474 can be attached to the aft component 106, such as a shroud (as depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B ), or can be attached directly to the wearable article. Thus, movement of the ground bracket 1602 along the rails 1604 and 1606 of the aft mount 1474 allows the positioning of the hinge assembly 1402, and therefore the forward component 1404, to be adjusted in at least the Y-axis dimension relative to the aft mount and therefore the aft component 1406.

[0088] The aft mount 1474 includes sets of teeth 1620 disposed along the rails 1604 and 1606. As depicted in FIG. 16 , the teeth of the rail 1604 oppose the teeth of the rail 1606. The ground bracket 1602 receives corresponding sets of teeth that interface with the teeth of the rail 1604 and the teeth of the rail 1606. By way of example, the teeth of the ground bracket 1602 that interface with the teeth of the rail 1604 and the teeth of the ground bracket 1602 that interface with the teeth of the rail 1606 can be spring biased outward to maintain the position of the ground bracket 1602 (and thus the first linkage 1412 and the first linkage 1422) in a fixed position relative to the aft mount 1474, thereby maintaining the position of the forward component 1404 relative to the aft component 1406.

[0089] The ground bracket 1602 further includes actuators 1616 and 1618 operable to counteract the spring bias force applied to the ground bracket teeth by urging the actuators inward toward each other, thereby moving the ground bracket teeth to a position where they do not interface with the teeth of the rails 1604 and 1606. When the ground bracket 1602 teeth are not interfacing with the teeth of the rails 1604 and 1606, the ground bracket is permitted to translate along the rear mount 1474 of the track system 1600, as shown by arrow 1610, thereby allowing a user to move the hinge assembly 1602 and front component 1404 upward and downward in the Y-axis dimension relative to the user's eyes.

[0090] The particular configuration of adjustment mechanism 1454 described with reference to Figure 16 is one example of an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the hinge assembly 1402 and the anterior component 1404 relative to the posterior component 1406. It should be understood that adjustment mechanism 1452 may have other suitable configurations, including, by way of example, the configuration of adjustment mechanism 152 of Figure 1.

[0091] Figure 17 illustrates in more detail a portion of the hinge assembly 1402 of Figures 14A and 14B, including one example of an adjustment mechanism 1456. The adjustment mechanism 1456 is operable to adjust the effective length 1700 of the second linkage 1414 of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the second linkage 1424 of the second four-bar linkage 1420 depicted in Figures 14A and 14B.

[0092] In this example, the second linkage 1414 of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the second linkage 1424 of the second four-bar linkage 1420 are integrated within a shared linkage 1710 formed by a first portion 1712 and a second portion 1714. The first portion 1712 has the form of a first tube, and the second portion 1714 has the form of a second tube having an external profile that can be received by an internal bore 1716 of the first portion 1712. The second portion 1714 can translate along the internal bore 1716 of the first portion 1712 to change the effective length 1700.

[0093] The adjustment mechanism 1456 further includes a control element 1720 that is user accessible along the exterior of the shared linkage 1710 to vary the effective length 1700. In this example, the control element 1720 has the form of a rotary wheel that is rotatable about an axis 1722 to vary the effective length 1700. By way of example, the control element 1720 can include a threaded internal bore 1724 that accommodates a threaded shaft 1730 attached to or housed within the second portion 1714.

[0094] By rotating the control element 1720 about axis 1722, the threaded shaft 1730 can be driven in a first direction to increase the effective length 1700 or a second direction to decrease the effective length, thereby changing the angle of the fourth linkage 1418 of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the fourth linkage 1424 of the second four-bar linkage 1420 relative to the first linkage 1412 of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the first linkage 1424 of the second four-bar linkage 1420. Because the forward component 1404 is attached to or integral with the fourth linkage 1418 of the first four-bar linkage 1410 and the fourth linkage 1424 of the second four-bar linkage 1420, adjusting the effective length 1700 results in adjusting the viewing angle of the display device 1408 of the forward component.

[0095] The particular configuration of adjustment mechanism 1456 described with reference to FIG. 17 is one example of an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the viewing angle. It is understood that adjustment mechanism 1456 may have other suitable configurations. As one example, second portion 1714 may be maintained in a fixed position within bore 1716 of first portion 1712 by a post clamp featuring a quick-release lever (or other suitable clamping mechanism) that allows a user to selectively release the clamping pressure via the lever, which allows second portion 1714 to translate within bore 1716 to the desired effective length 1700. As another example, shared linkage 1710 may include or have the form of a turnbuckle that allows a user to achieve the desired effective length 1700. As another example, a threaded shaft received by a threaded opening through the side wall of the first portion 1712 can be operated to apply a retaining force on the exterior wall of the second portion 1714 to maintain the second portion 1714 in a fixed position within the bore 1716 of the first portion 1712, and can be loosened (e.g., using a knob on the threaded shaft or an appropriate tool) to allow translational movement of the second portion 1714 within the bore 1716 to achieve the desired effective length. As yet another example, a threaded collar can be used to apply an appropriate clamping pressure to hold the second portion 1714 in a fixed position relative to the first portion 1712. In yet another example, the first portion 1712 and the second portion 1714 can form a track system utilizing the configuration of adjustment mechanism 1452 of FIG. 15 , 1454 of FIG. 16 , or 172 of FIG. 1 . In further examples, other suitable gear configurations operable to allow second portion 1714 to move in translation within bore 1716 while maintaining the desired effective length 1700 after adjustment can be used.

[0096] 18 schematically depicts an example coupling 1800 featuring a tilt mechanism 1802 as one example of an adjustment mechanism operable to change the viewing angle of a display device. The tilt mechanism 1802 may be used with any of the HMD devices disclosed herein. The coupling 1800 is one example implementation of any of the couplings disclosed herein as part of a hinge assembly.

[0097] In this example, coupling 1800 rotatably couples linkage 1804 to another linkage 1806. Coupling 1800 includes a main shaft 1808 that allows movement between a deployed position and a stowed position. Coupling 1800 also includes a cam 1810 pinned to main shaft 1808. Cam 1810 includes a hard stop configured to limit angular movement of coupling 1800 when the hard stop engages a corresponding feature on linkage 1804, such as in the deployed position. In some examples, the hard stop can include hills and valleys that interact with corresponding features on linkage 1804. Coupling 1800 also includes a spring 1812 that provides a compressive force to engage cam 1810 with linkage 1804. As shown, coupling 1800 also includes a nut 1814 that is operable to adjust the torque on cam 1810.

[0098] The tilt mechanism 1802 is configured to allow a second angular adjustment of the coupling portion 1800 between a first observation angle and a second observation angle in the deployed state. Specifically, the tilt mechanism 1802 adjusts the angular position of a hard stop of a cam 1810 relative to the axis of rotation of the coupling portion 1800. The tilt mechanism 1802 includes a control mechanism in the form of a control lever 1816. The control lever 1816 is configured to rotate about a secondary shaft 1818. As the control lever 1816 rotates about the secondary shaft 1818, a linkage 1820 transfers the rotational motion to the main shaft 1808. When the main shaft 1808 rotates, the cam 1810 also rotates relative to the axis of rotation of the main shaft 1808. As a result, the location of the hills and valleys of the cam 1810 can be adjusted by angular movement relative to the axis of rotation of the coupling portion 1800. This changes the location where the linkage 1804 is held for the deployed position, thereby allowing movement between the first and second observation angles. The tilt mechanism 1802 further includes a friction torque in the form of a friction washer 1822. The friction washer 1822 is configured to provide resistance to rotational movement of the control lever 1816 relative to the secondary shaft 1818. Such a configuration can help reduce accidental movement of the coupling 1800. In the depicted example, a portion of the friction washer 1822 is connected to the secondary shaft 1818, and a remaining portion of the friction washer 1822 is connected to the control lever 1816. FIG. 18 is for illustrative purposes. In other examples, the pivot 1800 may include additional components not shown and / or omit depicted components.

[0099] 19 depicts another view of the tilt mechanism 1802. The tilt mechanism 1802 has an eccentric pin 1900 connected to a control lever 1816. As the control lever 1816 rotates, the eccentric pin 1900 moves within a slot 2102 in a linkage 1820, thereby rotating the linkage 1820. The linkage 1820 is further configured to engage with the main shaft 1808 such that rotation of the linkage 1820 is transmitted to the main shaft 1808. As a result, the tilt mechanism 1802 allows movement of the coupling 1800 in a manner that provides different viewing angles in the deployed state while using a smaller area than a separate pivot to move between the stowed position, the deployed position, and the different viewing angles in the deployed state.

[0100] The hinge assemblies disclosed herein have various moving components. Mechanical clearances between the various moving components can result in undesired free movement of the hinge assembly, commonly referred to as backlash movement. Therefore, any suitable interface between the various moving components of the hinge assembly can have one or more adjustment features. As one example, the adjustment feature can have an interference fit, such as a scalloped cut, to help reduce the mechanical clearance. The scalloped cut can help reduce pressure between the moving components and, therefore, frictional forces. As yet another example, an adjustment mechanism featuring a track system can have one or more jibs to create tight tolerances and reduce backlash movement. Specifically, the jib can have one or more tapered components that interface with each other to reduce the distance between the two components of the hinge assembly. In some examples, the jib is adjustable, such as by an adjustment screw. The jib can be adjusted in a factory environment and / or in the field. As a further example, an adjustment mechanism having an interlocking feature can further include an anti-backlash nut to reduce backlash movement. In other examples, any other suitable feature that reduces mechanical clearance can be used with any of the moving components disclosed herein. It should be understood that the example adjustment features disclosed herein are provided for illustrative purposes, as other suitable adjustment features can be used to reduce mechanical clearance and reduce backlash movement.

[0101] According to one example of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly for a head-mounted display device includes a four-bar linkage, wherein a first linkage of the four-bar linkage is attachable to or forms a part of a wearable article for a user's head, and wherein a second linkage and a third linkage of the four-bar linkage each rotatably couple the first linkage to a fourth linkage of the four-bar linkage, wherein the fourth linkage of the four-bar linkage is attachable to or forms a part of the display device. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the hinge assembly can further include an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the fourth linkage relative to the first linkage between a first viewing mode in which the fourth linkage has a first angle relative to the first linkage and a second viewing mode in which the fourth linkage has a second angle relative to the first linkage that is different from the first angle. In this and other examples disclosed herein, the hinge assembly can further include a front mount to which a display device can be attached to the fourth linkage, and an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the front mount relative to the fourth linkage. In this and other examples disclosed herein, the hinge assembly can further include a rear mount to which the first linkage can be attached to the wearable article, and an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the rear mount relative to the first linkage. In this and other examples disclosed herein, the hinge assembly can further include a rear mount to which the first linkage can be attached to the wearable article, a first adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the rear mount relative to the first linkage in at least a first dimension, a front mount to which a display device can be attached to the fourth linkage, and a second adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the front mount relative to the fourth linkage in at least a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension.In this and any other example disclosed herein, the hinge assembly can further include a third adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the fourth linkage relative to the first linkage between a first viewing mode in which the fourth linkage has a first angle relative to the first linkage and a second viewing mode in which the fourth linkage has a second angle relative to the first linkage different from the first angle. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the hinge assembly can further include a detent mechanism integrated with the linkage that rotatably couples the bar to another bar of the four-bar linkage. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the detent mechanism, when engaged, maintains the fourth linkage in a first position relative to the first linkage corresponding to a deployed state and in a second position relative to the first linkage corresponding to a stowed state. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the detent mechanism, while engaged, maintains the fourth linkage at a first angle relative to the first linkage corresponding to a first viewing angle of the display device or at a second angle relative to the first linkage corresponding to a second viewing angle of the display device that is different from the first viewing angle. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the hinge assembly can further include a friction mechanism integrated with a coupling that rotatably couples the bar to another bar of the four-bar linkage.

[0102] According to another example of the present disclosure, a head-mounted display device includes a display device, a rear mount to which the head-mounted display device is attachable to a wearable article for a user's head, and a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the display device to the rear mount, wherein the hinge assembly includes a four-bar linkage that provides a path of movement for the display device along a curved path between a deployed state and a stowed state. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the head-mounted display device can further include an adjustment mechanism by which the positioning of the display device relative to the rear mount is adjustable in the deployed state. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the head-mounted display device can further include an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the angle of the display device relative to the rear mount between a first viewing mode in which the display device has a first angle relative to the rear mount and a second viewing mode in which the display device has a second angle relative to the rear mount that is different from the first angle. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the head-mounted display device may further include a detent mechanism at the joint of the hinge assembly where a bar of the four-bar linkage is rotatably coupled to another bar of the four-bar linkage, wherein the detent mechanism maintains the deployed or stowed state while engaged. In this or any other example disclosed herein, the head-mounted display device may further include a detent mechanism at the joint of the hinge assembly where a bar of the four-bar linkage is rotatably coupled to another bar of the four-bar linkage, wherein the detent mechanism maintains the display device at a first angle relative to the rear mount corresponding to a first viewing angle of the display device or at a second angle relative to the rear mount corresponding to a second viewing angle of the display device different from the first viewing angle.In this or any other example disclosed herein, the head-mounted display device may further include a friction mechanism at the joint of the hinge assembly where a bar of the four-bar linkage is rotatably connected to another bar of the four-bar linkage.

[0103] According to another example of the present disclosure, a head-mounted display device includes a wearable article for a user's head, a display device, and a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the display device to the wearable article, where the hinge assembly includes a four-bar linkage that provides a path of movement for the display device along a curved path between a deployed state and a stowed state, and where the display device in the stowed state is located rearward of the deployed state and above the wearable device. In this example or any other example disclosed herein, the wearable article includes a helmet, where the hinge assembly is attached to the helmet via a rear mount that forms a first portion of a latch, and a shroud attached to the helmet that forms a second portion of the latch, and where the rear mount is selectively detached from the shroud via release of the latch. In this example or any other example disclosed herein, a display vector of the display device is directed toward an upper portion of the helmet in the stowed state. In this or other examples disclosed herein, the head-mounted display device may further include an adjustment mechanism that allows the positioning of the display device relative to the wearable article to be adjusted in the deployed state.

[0104] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, since numerous variations are possible.

[0105] The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various systems and configurations and other features, functions, acts, and / or properties disclosed herein as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for a head-mounted display device, It has a four-bar linkage comprising a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage, The first linkage is rotatably coupled to the second and third linkages and is attachable to or forms part of a wearable item for the user's head. The second linkage and the third linkage are rotatably coupled to the first linkage and the fourth linkage, respectively. A hinge assembly in which the fourth linkage is rotatably coupled to the second and third linkages and is attachable to or forms part of a display device.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the positioning of the fourth linkage in relation to the first linkage between a first observation mode in which the fourth linkage has a first angle in relation to the first linkage and a second observation mode in which the fourth linkage has a second angle in relation to the first linkage that is different from the first angle.

3. The display device includes a front mount to which the fourth linkage can be attached, An adjustment mechanism that is operable to adjust the positioning of the front mount in relation to the fourth linkage, The hinge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

4. The first linkage includes a rear mount that can be attached to the wearable item, An adjustment mechanism that is operable to adjust the positioning of the rear mount in relation to the first linkage, The hinge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

5. The first linkage includes a rear mount that can be attached to the wearable item, A first adjustment mechanism that is operable to adjust the positioning of the rear mount in relation to the first linkage in at least a first dimension, The display device includes a front mount to which the fourth linkage can be attached, A second adjustment mechanism that is operable to adjust the positioning of the front mount in relation to the fourth linkage in at least a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension, The hinge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a third adjustment mechanism that is operable to adjust the positioning of the fourth linkage in relation to the first linkage between a first observation mode in which the fourth linkage has a first angle in relation to the first linkage and a second observation mode in which the fourth linkage has a second angle in relation to the first linkage that is different from the first angle.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a detent mechanism integrated with a coupling portion that rotatably connects a bar to another bar of the four-bar linkage.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein the detent mechanism maintains the fourth linkage in a first position in relation to the first linkage corresponding to the deployed state or in a second position in relation to the first linkage corresponding to the stowed state while engaged.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein the detent mechanism maintains the fourth linkage at a first angle in relation to the first linkage corresponding to a first observation angle of the display device, or at a second angle in relation to the first linkage corresponding to a second observation angle of the display device that is different from the first observation angle, while engaged.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a friction mechanism integrated with a coupling portion that rotatably connects a bar to another bar of the four-bar linkage.

11. A head-mounted display device, Display device and The head-mounted display device includes a rear mount that can be attached to a wearable item for the user's head, A hinge assembly that rotatably connects the display device to the rear mount, It has, The hinge assembly includes a four-bar linkage that provides a path for movement for the display device along a curved path between the deployed and retracted states. The aforementioned four-bar linkage comprises a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. The first linkage is rotatably coupled to the second linkage and the third linkage. The second linkage and the third linkage are rotatably coupled to the first linkage and the fourth linkage, respectively. The device wherein the fourth linkage is rotatably coupled to the second linkage and the third linkage.

12. The head-mounted display device according to claim 11, further comprising an adjustment mechanism that allows the positioning of the display device in relation to the rear mount to be adjusted in the deployed state.

13. The head-mounted display device according to claim 11, further comprising an adjustment device that is operable to adjust the angle of the display device in relation to the rear mount between a first observation mode in which the display device has a first angle in relation to the rear mount and a second observation mode in which the display device has a second angle in relation to the rear mount that is different from the first angle.

14. The hinge assembly further comprises a detent mechanism at the joint where one bar of the four-bar linkage is rotatably connected to another bar of the four-bar linkage. The head-mounted display device according to claim 11, wherein the detent mechanism maintains the deployed state or the stored state while engaged.

15. The hinge assembly further comprises a detent mechanism at the joint where one bar of the four-bar linkage is rotatably connected to another bar of the four-bar linkage. The head-mounted display device according to claim 11, wherein the detent mechanism maintains the display device at a first angle in relation to the rear mount corresponding to a first observation angle of the display device, or at a second angle in relation to the rear mount corresponding to a second observation angle of the display device different from the first observation angle, while engaged.

16. The head-mounted display device according to claim 11, further comprising a friction mechanism in the joint of the hinge assembly in which a bar of the four-bar linkage is rotatably coupled to another bar of the four-bar linkage.

17. A head-mounted display device, A wearable device for the user's head, Display device and A hinge assembly that rotatably connects the display device to the wearable item, It has, The hinge assembly includes a four-bar linkage that provides a path for movement for the display device along a curved path between the deployed and stored states, and The aforementioned four-bar linkage comprises a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. The first linkage is rotatably coupled to the second linkage and the third linkage. The second linkage and the third linkage are rotatably coupled to the first linkage and the fourth linkage, respectively. The fourth linkage is rotatably coupled to the second linkage and the third linkage, The display device in the stored state is located behind the deployed state and above the wearable item.

18. The wearable item is a helmet, and The hinge assembly is attached to the helmet via a rear mount that forms the first part of the latch and a shroud attached to the helmet that forms the second part of the latch, and The head-mounted display device according to claim 17, wherein the rear mount is selectively removed from the shroud via the release of the latch.

19. The head-mounted display device according to claim 17, wherein the display vector of the display device is directed toward the upper part of the helmet in the stored state.

20. The head-mounted display device according to claim 17, further comprising an adjustment mechanism that allows the positioning of the display device in relation to the wearable article to be adjusted in the deployed state.

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