Display and vision correction system with removable lens

The head-mounted display system addresses the issue of varying user refractive errors by using interchangeable lenses with magnetic and mechanical coupling mechanisms for precise alignment, enhancing image quality and user comfort.

JP2026012713APending Publication Date: 2026-01-27APPLE INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025168448
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-06-21
Filing Date
2025-10-06
Publication Date
2026-01-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing head-mounted displays do not adequately accommodate the varying ocular refractive errors of different users, requiring different corrective lenses.

Method used

A head-mounted display system with interchangeable lenses that can be removably attached, featuring magnetic and mechanical coupling mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and attachment, allowing for lenses tailored to individual users' prescriptions.

Benefits of technology

Enables accurate vision correction and secure attachment of lenses, ensuring optimal image quality and user comfort by aligning lenses correctly with the user's eyes.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to display systems and, in particular, to head-mounted display systems.SOLUTION: A display and vision correction system includes a head-mounted display unit, an eyeglass frame, and a removable lens assembly. The head-mounted display unit is configured to be worn on a head of a user and includes a display for providing graphical content to the user. The eyeglass frame is configured to be worn on a head of a user. The removable lens assembly is removably coupleable to the head-mounted display unit and the eyeglass frame. The removable lens assembly includes a corrective lens element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18B
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 864,664, filed June 21, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to display systems, and more particularly to head-mounted display systems. [Background technology]

[0003] A head-mounted display (HMD) is a display device worn on a user's head and contains one or more display modules for displaying graphics to the user. Different users may have different ocular refractive errors and therefore require different corrective lenses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a display system. In one embodiment, the display system includes a display, a detachable lens assembly, and a lens detection sensor. The detachable lens is detachably coupleable to the display. The lens detection sensor detects the detachable lens assembly coupled to the display. The display system may further include a head-mounted display unit including the display and the lens detection sensor. The display system may determine lens information from the detachable lens using the lens detection sensor and may provide an indicator of the detachable lens according to the lens information.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for operating a head-mounted display unit is provided, the method including identifying a detachable lens coupled to a display module of the head-mounted display unit and providing an indication according to the identification of the detachable lens. The indication may be a configuration indication that differs between the detachable lens and another detachable lens coupleable to the display module. The method may further include identifying a user, while the indication may be a compatibility indication of compatibility between the detachable lens and the user.

[0006] In another embodiment, a display system includes a head-mounted display unit and a detachable lens assembly. The head-mounted display unit includes a display module. The detachable lens assembly includes a lens element and a frame coupled to the lens element. The detachable lens assembly may be removably coupled to the display module in a single orientation, with a magnetic attachment mechanism coupled to the frame and surrounding the lens element. The detachable lens assembly may be removably coupled to the display module using an interference fit, for example, with the detachable lens including a flexible annular protrusion that axially receives a lens mount of the display module. The detachable lens assembly may be removably coupled to the display module using a spring-activated latch mechanism.

[0007] In one embodiment, a display system includes a head-mounted display unit and a detachable lens assembly. The head-mounted display unit includes a display module and a corresponding mechanical coupling mechanism. The detachable lens assembly includes a corrective lens element, a frame coupled to the corrective lens element, and a mechanical coupling mechanism coupled to the frame. The mechanical coupling mechanism is receivable by the corresponding mechanical coupling mechanism to removably couple the detachable lens assembly to the head-mounted display unit.

[0008] The mechanical coupling mechanism engages with a corresponding mechanical coupling mechanism to prevent the removable lens assembly from moving laterally with respect to, along, and / or about the optical axis of the corrective lens element relative to the head mounted display unit. The removable lens assembly may further include a magnetic coupling mechanism spaced from the mechanical coupling mechanism, whereby the removable lens assembly is magnetically coupleable to the head mounted display unit. The display module may include a lens mount including a corresponding mechanical coupling mechanism, and the removable lens assembly may be removably coupleable to the display module.

[0009] In one embodiment, the display and vision correction system includes a head-mounted display unit, an eyeglass frame, and a removable lens assembly. The head-mounted display unit is configured to be worn on a user's head and includes a display for providing graphical content to the user. The eyeglass frame is configured to be worn on the user's head. The removable lens assembly is removably coupleable to the head-mounted display unit and the eyeglass frame. The removable lens assembly includes a corrective lens element.

[0010] The removable lens assembly may include a magnetic coupling mechanism and a mechanical coupling mechanism for removably coupling the removable lens assembly to the head-mounted display unit and the eyeglass frame. The mechanical coupling mechanism may include a male component receivable by a female component of the head-mounted display unit and a female component of the eyeglass frame, thereby preventing relative lateral and longitudinal movement of the removable lens assembly with respect to the optical axis of the corrective lens element. The head-mounted display unit may engage a first set of facial reference points of the user to position the corrective lens element in a first wearing position relative to the user, including the user's eyebrows. The eyeglass frame may engage a second set of facial reference points of the user to position the corrective lens element in a second wearing position relative to the user, which may be the user's ears.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method for vision correction includes providing a removable lens assembly having a corrective lens element and a first coupling mechanism that corresponds to a second coupling mechanism of a head mounted display unit for coupling the removable lens assembly to the head mounted display unit and a third coupling mechanism of an eyeglass frame for coupling the removable lens assembly to the eyeglass frame.

[0012] In one embodiment, the removable lens assembly includes a corrective lens element and a first mechanical coupling mechanism coupled to the corrective lens element. The first mechanical coupling mechanism is insertable into a second mechanical coupling mechanism of the head mounted display unit and prevents movement of the corrective lens element relative to the head mounted display unit in directions lateral to and along the optical axis of the corrective lens element. The mechanical coupling mechanism is also insertable into a third mechanical coupling mechanism of the eyeglass frame and prevents movement of the corrective lens element relative to the eyeglass frame in directions lateral to the optical axis of the corrective lens element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a display system with hidden components shown in dashed lines. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display system of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit and interchangeable lens assembly of the display system of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and shown assembled. [Figure 3B] 3B is a cross-sectional view of the display unit and interchangeable lens assembly of FIG. 3A shown in an exploded state. [Figure 4] 2 is a rear view of a removable lens of the display system of FIG. 1, with emission points, entrance points, and exit points indicated by dashed lines (i.e., dash-dotted lines). [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a rear view of another embodiment of a removable lens. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a rear view of another embodiment of a removable lens. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a removable lens. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a removable lens. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a removable lens. [Figure 10A] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another display unit and another interchangeable lens assembly of the display system of FIG. 1 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 2 and shown exploded. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the display unit and interchangeable lens assembly of FIG. 10A shown in an assembled state. [Figure 11A] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another display unit and another interchangeable lens assembly of the display system of FIG. 1 shown in an exploded state. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the display unit and interchangeable lens assembly of FIG. 10A shown in an assembled state. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a display module for use in a display system. [Figure 12B] FIG. 1 is a front view of a display module for use in a display system. [Figure 12C] FIG. 1 is a front view of a display module for use in a display system. [Figure 12D] FIG. 1 is a front view of a display module for use in a display system. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a front view of a display module for use in a display system. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a front view of a removable lens assembly for use with the display module of FIG. 13A. [Figure 13C] 13C is a cross-sectional view of the display module of FIG. 13A taken along line 13C-13C. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of the removable lens assembly of FIG. 13B taken along line 13D-13D. [Figure 13E] 13B is a cross-sectional view of the display module of FIG. 13A and the detachable lens assembly of FIG. 13B in a partially joined state. [Figure 13F] 13B. FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the display module of FIG. 13A and the detachable lens assembly of FIG. 13B in a combined state. [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display system. [Figure 14B] 1 is a flowchart of a method for operating a display system. [Figure 15] 1 is a flow chart of a process for determining compatibility between a removable lens and a user. [Figure 16] 1 is a flow chart of a method for determining compatibility between a removable lens and a user. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary hardware configuration of a controller of a display system. [Figure 18A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the eyeglass assembly. [Figure 18B] 18B is a top view of the eyeglass assembly of FIG. 18A with the removable lens assembly separated. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18B is a side view of the eyeglass assembly of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19A] 18B is a schematic front view of a person wearing the eyeglass assembly of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19B] 18B is a schematic side view of a person wearing the eyeglass assembly of FIG. 18A. [Figure 20A] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a person wearing the head-mounted display unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 20B] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a person wearing the head-mounted display unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a top view of another eyeglass assembly with the temples separated. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a person wearing a head mounted display unit in a pulled down configuration. [Figure 22B] 22B is a schematic side view of a person wearing the head-mounted display unit of FIG. 22A in a raised configuration. [Figure 22C] 22C is a cross-sectional view of the eyeglasses assembly and head-mounted display unit of FIG. 22A taken along line 22C-22C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a display system that includes a head-mounted display unit and one or more interchangeable lenses. The interchangeable lenses can be configured according to different ocular characteristics (e.g., according to eyeglass prescriptions) of different users. For example, a pair of interchangeable lenses may be associated with (e.g., prescribed for) one user, while another pair of interchangeable lenses may be associated with another user. The interchangeable lenses can be attached to the head-mounted display unit in an interchangeable manner so that different lenses accommodating different users with different ocular characteristics can be attached to the head-mounted display unit. The interchangeable lenses can be attached to the head-mounted display unit in a variety of different ways. The display system can also identify the interchangeable lenses attached to the head-mounted display unit and / or identify the user and perform various actions accordingly.

[0015] 1 and 2 , display system 100 generally includes a head-mounted display unit 110 and one or more removable lens assemblies 120. Head-mounted display unit 110 generally includes a housing 112, a head support 114, one or more display modules 116 (e.g., two, i.e., one for each eye), and various other electronic devices (e.g., a controller or computing device, a communication interface, an audio input / output device, sensors, a battery, or other power electronic devices; see also FIG. 12 ). Display system 100 is configured to provide computer-generated reality (e.g., virtual reality or mixed reality), in which case display system 100 can be considered a computer-generated reality system or display system, a virtual reality system or display system, or a mixed reality display system or system. The terms computer-generated reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality are discussed in further detail below.

[0016] The housing 112 contains or is otherwise coupled to one or more display modules 116 and other electronic devices. The housing 112 may also include various flexible components (not shown) coupled to the housing 112 for engaging and being supported on the user's face. A head support 114 is coupled to the housing 112 for supporting the head-mounted display unit 110 on the user's head with the one or more display modules 116 in a suitable position relative to the user's eyes. As shown, the head support 114 may be configured as a strap or band configured to extend around the user's head. The display module 116 is coupled to the housing 112 in a fixed position (as shown).

[0017] 3A and 3B, the display module 116 generally includes a display 316a, a primary lens 316b, and a lens mount 316c. The display 316a is configured to display graphics to a user. The display 316a may be a display screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or other suitable display. The display 316a may be coupled to a circuit board or other support.

[0018] The primary lens 316b is coupled to the display 316a. The primary lens 116b is positioned between the display 316a and the user's eye and refracts light emitted from the display 316a before it reaches the user's eye. The primary lens 316b may be omitted depending on the configuration of the display 316a and / or the removable lens assembly 120.

[0019] The lens mount 316c is configured to couple to the removable lens assembly 120 and support the removable lens assembly 120 between the display 316a and the user's eyes (i.e., with the primary lens 316b between the display 316a and the removable lens assembly 120). As shown, the lens mount 316c can be further coupled to and support the primary lens 316b relative to the display 316a, such as by being coupled to a circuit board or other support of the display 316a. The lens mount 316c can surround the primary lens 316b (e.g., forming a bezel or barrel structure for the primary lens 316b).

[0020] The removable lens assembly 120 generally includes a lens element 330 and a lens frame 340. The lens frame 340 is coupled to the lens element 330 and configured to removably couple to a lens mount 316c to support the lens element 330 in a predetermined position on the display module 116 (e.g., relative to the display 316a and / or primary lens 316b). The lens frame 340 is coupled, for example, to a perimeter surface of the lens element 330. Variations of the lens mount 316c and their interaction with the lens frame 340 are discussed in more detail below. The removable lens assembly 120 may also be referred to as an interchangeable lens assembly, an interchangeable lens, a removable lens, or a lens.

[0021] The lens element 330 may be a corrective lens to address a refractive error of the user's eye, such as, for example, myopia, hyperopia, and / or astigmatism. The removable lens assembly 120 and the lens element 330 may be associated with a particular user by having specific lens characteristics to address the specific refractive error (e.g., ocular characteristics) of the particular user's eye. Such lens characteristics and ocular characteristics may each include sphere, cylinder, axis, and / or other parameters conventionally used to define an eyeglass prescription or refractive error of one or more users' eyes.

[0022] The lens characteristics of the lens element 330, and therefore the removable lens assembly 120, may also include a center (e.g., optical axis) that is aligned with the user's pupil. Accordingly, the removable lens assembly 120 can be mounted in predetermined positions (i.e., up / down, left / right, and rotational positions) on the lens mount 316c to ensure proper spatial positioning of the lens element 330 relative to the user's eye.

[0023] Alternatively, lens element 330 may be a non-corrective lens and may protect primary lens 316b from contact by the user and / or debris that may otherwise prevent the user from viewing display 316a (e.g., by scratching or obstructing vision). For example, one pair of removable lens assemblies 120 may include lens elements 330 that are corrective for use by a particular user, while another pair of removable lens assemblies 120 may include non-corrective lens elements 330 for use by other users (e.g., users who do not require corrective lenses).

[0024] 4-6, the periphery of the removable lens assembly 120 may have different shapes. As shown in FIG. 4, the removable lens assembly 120 has a periphery that is formed by the lens frame 340 and is elliptical (i.e., has curved left and right edges as shown). Alternatively, the periphery may be circular (see lens frame 540 of lens assembly 520 in FIG. 5) or rectangular (see lens frame 640 of lens assembly 620 in FIG. 6). As discussed in more detail below, a lens assembly having a periphery that is rotationally symmetric (e.g., oval, circular, rectangular, or other suitable shape) may be further configured to couple to the lens mount 316c at different rotational positions about the optical axis of the lens element 330 for use with the display module 116. Alternatively, the removable lens assembly 120 may have a periphery that is rotationally asymmetric, in which case the lens mount 316c is only matable in one position for use with the display module 116.

[0025] 3A and 4, light is emitted by display 316a, passes through primary lens 316b, and then passes through lens element 330 before reaching the user's eye. For example, light emitted from outer edge 360a of display 316a can generally follow external light path 360 (e.g., a ray trace) whereby the light emitted from display 316a is refracted by primary lens 316b and then refracted by lens element 330. External light path 360 generally passes through primary lens 316b at pass location 360b. External light path 360 enters input side 330a of lens element 330 at input point 360c and exits optical path output side 330b at input point 360c. As the light travels through lens element 330 from input side 330a to output side 330b, external light path 360 narrows, thereby focusing toward the user's eye.

[0026] The areas of the lens element 330 outside of the entrance point 360c and the exit point 360d (i.e., radially outward toward the edge of the lens element 330) do not function to refract light toward the user's eye and may be considered non-functional (e.g., non-refractive). Such non-functional areas of the lens element 330 may be removed and / or blocked by the lens frame 340, thereby allowing for different structural configurations of the lens frame 340. As shown in FIG. 4, the functional area of ​​the lens element 330 may be smaller than the functional area of ​​the primary lens 316b (e.g., smaller in area, width, and / or height than the functional passage location 360b on the entrance side 330a at the entrance point 360c and / or the exit side 330b at the exit point 360d), as shown. As shown, the functional area of ​​lens element 330 may also be smaller than display 316a (e.g., smaller in area, width, and / or height than the emission of display 316a on input side 330a at input point 360c and / or output side 330b at output point 360d). The functional area of ​​primary lens 316b may be larger than display 316a (e.g., larger in area, width, and / or height than the emission area of ​​display 316a), as shown. Additionally, the functional area of ​​primary lens 316b and lens element 330 may enable any eye camera 319 of head mounted display unit 110 (e.g., of display module 116) to observe the user's eye (e.g., light traveling in a direction opposite to that emitted by display 316a).

[0027] 3A-3B, the outer periphery of the lens element 330 is coupled to, e.g., engaged by, and / or glued to, the inner periphery of the lens frame 340. The outer periphery of the lens element 330 and the inner periphery of the lens frame 340 have corresponding shapes and are connectable therebetween. The corresponding shapes may be straight (e.g., having the same cross-sectional shape when moved axially) or tapered (e.g., widening as one moves toward the display module 116). The outer periphery of the lens element 330 may have approximately the same size as the primary lens 316b (e.g., having approximately the same area, width, and / or height), which defines a non-functional region of the lens element 330.

[0028] With reference to Figures 7-9 and as described above, the non-functional area of ​​lens element 330 may be reduced by having lens element 330 be smaller than primary lens 316b.

[0029] 7, removable lens assembly 720 is a variation of removable lens assembly 120 and generally includes a lens element 730 and a lens frame 740. Lens element 730 is a smaller version of lens element 330, e.g., smaller (e.g., smaller area, width, and / or height, etc.) than primary lens 316b. Lens frame 740 is a variation of lens frame 340 that differs from lens frame 340 in that it extends further radially inward than lens frame 340, e.g., by having an inner periphery that is smaller (e.g., smaller area, width, and / or height) than primary lens 316b and / or lens mount 316c.

[0030] 8, removable lens assembly 820 is a variation of removable lens assembly 120 and generally includes lens element 830 and lens frame 840. Lens element 830 is a variation of lens element 830, differing in that it has chamfered (e.g., tapered) ends or a curvature that more closely matches the angle (e.g., the angle of refraction) at which external light path 360 passes through lens element 830. For example, the outer periphery of lens element 830 may extend at an angle greater than zero, e.g., 15 to 75 degrees, e.g., 30 to 60 degrees, measured relative to the optical axis of the lens element. The edges of the outer periphery on the input and output sides of lens element 830 may be smaller (e.g., smaller in area, width, and / or height) than the outer surface dimensions of primary lens 316b. The edge of the peripheral surface on the exit side of lens element 830 may be smaller than the edge of the peripheral surface on its entrance side (e.g., decreasing in size as you move away from primary lens 316b toward the user's eye). Lens frame 840 is a variation of lens frame 340 and extends further radially inward than lens frame 340, such as by having a smaller inner periphery than primary lens 316b on one or both of the entrance and exit sides of lens element 830. Lens frame 840 is coupled to the outer periphery of lens element 830 and can follow or otherwise adapt to the shape of the peripheral surface of lens element 830 (e.g., with a matching chamfer or contour).

[0031] 9, removable lens assembly 920 is a variation of removable lens assembly 120 and generally includes a lens element 930 and a lens frame 940. Lens element 930 is a variation of lens element 330, except that it has a non-functional region on the output side (e.g., or other concave surface) that is bonded to lens frame 940 to form a front surface, which may be planar, surrounding the functional region of lens element 930. Lens frame 940 is a variation of lens frame 340, except that it is bonded to the front surface of output side 930b of lens element 930 and protrudes inward from lens mount 316c.

[0032] 3-4, the lens mount 316c and the removable lens assembly 120 are cooperatively configured such that the removable lens assembly 120 is removably coupled to and supported by the lens mount 316c. As shown, the lens mount 316c and the removable lens assembly 120 each include a cooperative coupling mechanism 316d, 322. The cooperative coupling mechanisms 316d, 322 are magnetic and may be referred to as magnetic coupling mechanisms. The magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322 are positioned at corresponding positions on the lens mount 316c of the removable lens assembly 120 and the removable lens frame 340 such that the lens mount 316c supports the removable lens assembly 120 in one or more predetermined positions (i.e., vertically, laterally, and rotationally) that properly align the lens element 330 with the user's eye.

[0033] For each pair of corresponding magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322, one may be a permanent magnet and the other may be a suitably oriented attractor element (e.g., an attractor plate made of a ferromagnetic material) or another permanent magnet. For example, magnetic coupling mechanism 316d of lens mount 316c may be an attractor plate, while magnetic coupling mechanism 322 of removable lens assembly 120 is a permanent magnet.

[0034] The magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322 are provided in a suitable size, number, and location such that the lens mount 316c adequately supports the removable lens assembly 120 during use, while allowing the removable lens assembly 120 to be easily removed by a user. For example, as shown, the lens mount 316c and the removable lens assembly 120 may include approximately six pairs of magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322.

[0035] The removable lens assembly 120 and lens mount 316c may be configured such that the removable lens assembly 120 is attached to the lens mount 316c in only one predetermined position. For example, the lens element 330 may have an optical axis that is eccentrically located relative to the lens mount 316c, thereby requiring the removable lens assembly 120 to be coupled to the lens mount 316c in one predetermined position. If the removable lens assembly 120 were instead coupled to the lens mount 316c in a different position rotated therefrom, the optical axis would be shifted relative to the lens mount 316c and thus relative to the display 316a and the user's eyes, resulting in a degradation of the image quality perceived by the user.

[0036] The magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322 may be configured to prevent incorrect alignment of the removable lens assembly 120 with respect to the lens mount 316c. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 with the magnetic coupling mechanisms 322 (e.g., recessed, hidden, or otherwise coupled to the lens frame 340) indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 4, the magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322 may be asymmetrically positioned and / or distributed to prevent alignment of corresponding pairs of the magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322, and thus prevent coupling of the removable lens assembly 120 to the lens mount 316c, in another (e.g., rotated 180 degrees) position. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic properties (e.g., orientation and whether they are attractor plates or permanent magnets) of the magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322 may prevent magnetic coupling of non-corresponding magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d in another position (e.g., rotational orientation). For example, if the removable lens assembly 120 is rotated 180 degrees, aligned but non-corresponding magnetic coupling mechanisms 316d, 322 may not attract each other (e.g., two attractor plates) or may repel each other (e.g., permanent magnets with common poles positioned adjacent to each other).

[0037] The lens mount 316c and the removable lens assembly 120 may be further configured to mechanically prevent misalignment therebetween. For example, the lens mount 316c and the removable lens assembly 120 may further include mechanical engagement features 316e, 324, respectively. The mechanical engagement features 316e, 324 mechanically engage with one another to ensure proper positioning and / or alignment between the lens mount 316c and the removable lens assembly 120. The mechanical engagement features 316e, 324 may further engage with one another to further prevent relative movement of the removable lens assembly 120 with respect to the lens mount 316c (e.g., vertically and side-to-side with respect to the optical axis, while the magnetic coupling features 316d, 322 prevent movement along the optical axis).

[0038] The mechanical engagement features 316e, 324 may be, for example, a recess and a protrusion, respectively, received by the recess, or vice versa. If the removable lens assembly 120 is positioned in a different position relative to the lens mount 316c, the protrusion may instead engage another surface of the lens mount 316c, preventing the removable lens assembly 120 from mating therewith. Alternatively, the opposing, axially facing (e.g., mating) surfaces of the display module 116 (e.g., lens mount 316c) and the removable lens assembly 120 (e.g., of the lens frame 340) may have three-dimensional contours that prevent misalignment of the removable lens assembly 120 relative to the lens mount 316c.

[0039] Instead of having only one mounting position, the removable lens assembly 120 and lens mount 316c may be configured such that the removable lens assembly 120 is attached to the lens mount 316c in two or more positions. For example, the lens frame 340 and lens mount 316c, and the coupling mechanism and / or mechanical alignment mechanism may be cooperatively configured such that the removable lens assembly 120 couples to the lens mount 316c in two or more (e.g., three or four) predetermined positions (e.g., two-element rotational symmetry) and does not couple to the lens mount 316c in other positions.

[0040] 10A-11B, variations of the removable lens assembly 120 and lens mount 316c are configured to mechanically couple the removable lens assembly 120 to the lens mount 316c.

[0041] 10A-10B, the display module 1016 includes a lens mount 1016c to which a removable lens assembly 1020 is removably coupleable using a mating structure (e.g., forming an interference fit). The removable lens assembly 1020 includes a lens element 330 and a lens frame 1040, which may be coupled to one another or otherwise configured in the manner described above (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-9). The lens frame 1040 includes a barrel 1042 having an annular protrusion 1044 (e.g., a lip or circumferential lip). The barrel 1042 extends axially rearward (e.g., of the lens element 330), while the annular protrusion 1044 projects radially inward therefrom. The lens frame 1040 may further define an annular recess 1046 (e.g., an unlabeled circumferential channel) that extends radially outward from and is disposed axially outward (i.e., away from the display 316a) of the annular protrusion 1044. The annular protrusion 1044 and the annular recess 1046 extend all or substantially all (e.g., 80% or more) of the circumference of the lens element 330 about its axis.

[0042] The lens mount 1016c includes a barrel 1016d having an annular protrusion 1016e. The barrel 1016d extends axially forward, while the annular protrusion 1016e protrudes radially outward therefrom. The annular protrusion 1016e further defines an annular recess 1016f (e.g., a circumferential channel) disposed axially forward and extending radially inward therefrom. The annular protrusion 1016e and annular recess 1016f thereby defined extend entirely or substantially entirely circumferentially about the axis of the lens element 330.

[0043] The barrel 1042 of the lens frame 1040 is configured to receive the barrel 1016d of the lens mount 1016c therein to removably couple the removable lens assembly 1020 to the lens mount 1016c. The annular protrusion 1044 of the lens frame 1040 is received by and retained within the annular recess 1016f of the lens mount 1016c, while the annular protrusion 1016e of the lens mount 1016c is received by and retained within the annular recess 1046 of the lens frame 1040.

[0044] The inner periphery of the annular protrusion 1044 of the lens frame 1040 is smaller than the outer periphery of the annular protrusion 1016e of the lens mount 1016c, such that the axial surfaces of the annular protrusions 1044, 1016e radially overlap and axially engage one another to prevent unintentional separation of the removable lens assembly 1020 from the display module 1016. The annular protrusion 1044 of the lens frame 1040, as can the barrel 1042, is formed of a flexible material such as rubber or other polymer, thereby allowing the inner periphery of the annular protrusion 1044 to expand and stretch over the annular protrusion 1016e of the lens mount 1016c. The lens frame 1040, formed of or otherwise including the flexible material forming the annular protrusion 1044, may also comprise a soft material that may incidentally come into contact with or otherwise engage a user's face. Alternatively, the barrel 1042 and / or the annular protrusion 1044 may form a bend. In yet a further alternative, the barrel 1042 and the annular protrusion 1044 of the detachable lens assembly 1020 are rigid, while the barrel 1016d and / or the annular protrusion 1016e of the display module 1016 are flexible or form a bend.

[0045] Although the lens frame 1040 and lens mount 1016c are shown and described with the lens mount 1016c (e.g., the barrel 1016d and the annular protrusion 1016e) received within the lens frame 1040, the lens frame 1040 and lens mount 1016c may be arranged in the opposite manner, with the lens frame 1040 receiving the lens mount 1016c.

[0046] 11A and 11B, the display module 1116 includes a lens mount 1116c to which a removable lens assembly 1120 is removably coupled using a spring mechanism. The removable lens assembly 1120 includes a retractable latch 1122 (e.g., a latch component) that is normally spring-loaded radially outward to be received within a corresponding receptacle 1116d of the lens mount 1116c. For example, the retractable latch 1122 extends axially rearward from the rear axial face of the lens frame 1140 and includes an inner end 1124 (e.g., a hooked or outwardly protruding end) that extends radially outward therefrom. When the retractable latch 1122 is retracted (e.g., by a user pressing an exposed end of the protrusion), the retractable latch 1122 is axially insertable into or removable from the corresponding receptacle 1116d in the forward axial face of the lens mount 1116c. The inner end of the retractable latch 1122 is received behind a lip 1116e of the receptacle 1116d. A spring (shown diagrammatically, without labeling) is released by a user to bias the retractable latch 1122 radially outward such that the inner end of the retractable latch 1122 is disposed behind and engages the lip 1116e of the receptacle 1116d, holding the removable lens assembly 1120 against the lens mount 1116c. Although the retractable latch 1122 has been shown and described as being part of the removable lens assembly 1120, the retractable latch may instead be included on the display module 1116 and releasably engage the removable lens assembly 1120 in a similar manner (e.g., engaging a receptacle in the outer periphery of the lens frame 1140).

[0047] 12A-12B, in still further embodiments, variations of the removable lens assembly 120 may be coupled to the lens mount 1216c in other ways. For example, the removable lens assembly 1220 and the lens mount 1216c may include corresponding mating features 1222, 1223 (e.g., tabs and detents or protrusions) that allow the removable lens assembly 1220 to couple to the lens mount 1216c with one or more of an axial movement 1222a, a vertical movement 1222b, or a rotational movement 1222c. The axial movement 1222a, the vertical movement 1222b, or the rotational movement 1222c (e.g., a quarter turn) engages and couples the removable lens assembly 1220 to the lens mount 1216c via the corresponding mating features 1222, 1223.

[0048] 12C, the removable lens assembly 1220′ is coupled to the display unit 1216′ via friction or an interference fit. Specifically, the removable lens assembly 1220 includes a lens frame 1240′ that is received by a lens mount 1216c′ of the display unit 1216′ and is thereby held via friction (e.g., with the lens frame 1240′ compressed radially inward by the lens mount 1216c′).

[0049] 12D , the removable lens assembly 1220′ is coupled to the display unit 1216′ via retractable pins 1216d. For example, the display unit 1216′ includes a lens mount 1216c′ that receives the lens frame 1240′ of the removable lens assembly 1220′ therein, and retractable pins 1216d that selectively extend into corresponding recesses in the lens frame 1240′. For example, the pins 1216d′ may be spring biased radially inward to be received by the lens frame 1240′.

[0050] 13A-13F , in yet a further example, the removable lens assembly 1320 includes a mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 (e.g., a male component or protrusion), which may be referred to as a lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322, while the display module 1310 includes a corresponding mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 (e.g., a female component, recess, or receptacle), which may be referred to as a display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312. The lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 mechanically mate with one another to mechanically couple the removable lens assembly 1320 to the display module 1310. For example, as discussed in further detail below, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 can prevent movement of the removable lens assembly 1320 relative to the display module 1310 in directions generally perpendicular and generally parallel to an optical axis of the removable lens assembly 1320 and / or about an optical axis of the removable lens assembly 1320.

[0051] The removable lens assembly 1320 may further include one or more magnetic coupling mechanisms 1324, which may be referred to as lens magnetic coupling mechanisms 1324, while the display module 1310 includes one or more corresponding magnetic coupling mechanisms 1314, which may be referred to as display magnetic coupling mechanisms 1314. The lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 and the display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 magnetically couple to one another to magnetically couple the removable lens assembly 1320 to the display module 1310. For example, as discussed in more detail below, the lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 and the display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 can prevent movement of the removable lens assembly 1320 relative to the display module 1310 in a direction generally parallel to the optical axis of the removable lens assembly 1320.

[0052] The lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 of the removable lens assembly 1320 may be disposed on a first side thereof (e.g., left side, right side, upper side, lower side, inner side, or outer side), while one or more lens magnetic coupling mechanisms 1324 may be disposed on a second side thereof, away from and / or opposite the first side (e.g., right side, left side, lower side, upper side, outer side, or inner side, respectively), with the lens element 330 disposed therebetween. The lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 may be formed by (e.g., integrally formed with) the lens frame 340, while the one or more lens magnetic coupling mechanisms 1324 are coupled to the lens frame 340. The lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 may be or include one or more permanent magnets and / or attractor materials (e.g., ferromagnetic materials or members).

[0053] The display module 1310 includes a lens mount 1311 having a lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and one or more lens magnetic coupling mechanisms 1324. As discussed in further detail below, the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 of the lens mount 1311 is configured to receive the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 therein. The one or more display magnetic coupling mechanisms 1314 of the lens mount 1311 magnetically couple to the lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 (e.g., permanent magnets of opposite polarity or attractor materials).

[0054] As described above, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 of the removable lens assembly 1320 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 of the display module 1310 are configured to mate with one another, particularly with the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 received by the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312. Once received thereby, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engages with the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 to prevent relative movement therebetween. For example, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engages with the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 to prevent relative shear movement between the removable lens assembly 1320 and the display module 1310, including upward movement, lateral movement (e.g., in a direction generally perpendicular to the optical axis of the removable lens assembly 1320), and / or rotational movement of the removable lens assembly 1320 relative to the display module 1310 (e.g., generally about the optical axis of the removable lens assembly 1320).

[0055] To prevent relative upward movement, the upward-facing surface of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engages with the downward-facing surface of the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312. To prevent relative downward movement, the downward-facing surface of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engages with the upward-facing surface of the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312. For example, the upper and lower ends of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engage with the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). Alternatively, the upward and downward surfaces at mid-height of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 engage with each other to prevent relative upward and downward movement.

[0056] To prevent relative lateral outward movement (e.g., away from the user's nose 20), the laterally outward facing surface of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engages with the laterally inward facing surface of the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 (e.g., the left-facing surface and the right-facing surface, respectively, for the left removable lens assembly 1320). To prevent relative lateral inward movement (e.g., towards the user's nose 20), the laterally inward facing surface of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engages with the laterally outward facing surface of the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 (e.g., the right-facing surface and the left-facing surface, respectively, for the left removable lens assembly 1320), as shown in FIG. For example, as shown, when the outward and inward facing sides (e.g., concave and convex surfaces) of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engage with the respective outward and inward facing sides (e.g., convex and concave surfaces, respectively) of the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 have curved shapes.

[0057] To prevent relative rotational movement, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 engages with the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 at spaced apart locations on both sides (e.g., two on each side). For example, when a clockwise torque is applied to the removable lens assembly 1320, the upper inner and lower outer surfaces of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 engage with each other to inhibit (e.g., prevent) relative clockwise rotation therebetween. When a counterclockwise torque is applied to the removable lens assembly 1320, the upper outer and lower inner surfaces of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 engage with each other to inhibit (e.g., prevent) relative counterclockwise rotation therebetween.

[0058] The lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 may be further configured to prevent normal (e.g., generally in the direction of the optical axis) movement away from the display module 1310. For example, the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 may include a forward-facing surface (e.g., an undercut or toe-in feature) that engages with a rear-facing surface of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 13E, to couple the removable lens assembly 1320 to the display module 1310, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 is first inserted into the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312, and then the removable lens assembly 1320 is rotated to bring the magnetic coupling mechanisms 1324, 1314 closer to each other and magnetically couple them, as discussed in further detail below.

[0060] As described above, the lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 of the detachable lens assembly 1320 and the display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 of the display module 1310 are magnetically coupled to one another. The lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 and the display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 are positioned in corresponding positions and with corresponding magnetic properties (e.g., opposite polarity, or one being a ferromagnetic material and the other being permanently magnetic). The lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 and the display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 are magnetically coupled to one another with a force therebetween applied generally in the direction of the optical axis. The lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 and the display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 are also spaced apart from the pivot axis defined by the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312, such that the magnetic coupling therebetween prevents rotation about the pivot axis defined by the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312. For example, as shown, lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324 and display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 are positioned generally opposite lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312, respectively.

[0061] Variations of the detachable lens assembly 1320 and the display module 1310 are contemplated. For example, the lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 may be different shapes (e.g., straight), may include different numbers (e.g., two or more sets of pins and openings, etc., spaced apart to prevent movement as described above), and / or may be located in different positions (e.g., above, below, or inside thereof). Furthermore, the display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 may be provided by a different portion of the head mounted display unit 110, such as on the housing 112 (e.g., a curtain or other structure surrounding the display module 1310). Furthermore, instead of magnetic coupling mechanisms 1324, 1314, the detachable lens assembly 1320 and the display module 1310 may instead or additionally include mechanical coupling mechanisms (e.g., mating structures or latches, as described above).

[0062] It should be noted that for each of the methods for coupling described above with respect to Figures 3A and 3B and Figures 10A-13F, the lens mount can be coupled to another part of the head-mounted display unit 110, such as the housing 112 (e.g., the chassis), as opposed to the display module 116 or a variation thereof.

[0063] 14A-16, display system 100 and detachable lens assembly 120 are cooperatively configured such that display system 100 detects detachable lens assemblies 120 coupled to head-mounted display unit 110. For example, head-mounted display unit 110 includes one or more lens detection sensors 1418a for detecting one or more detachable lens assemblies 120 coupled thereto. Upon detecting the detachable lens assemblies 120, the display system 100 can determine whether any of the detachable lens assemblies 120 are coupled to the display module 116 (e.g., using proximity sensors, image recognition, and / or mechanical switches), determine whether the detachable lens assemblies 120 are properly coupled (e.g., using proximity sensors, image recognition, or a Hall sensor with a magnet coupled to the detachable lens assemblies 120), and / or determine other information about the detachable lens assemblies 120 to support other functions (e.g., whether they are corrective lenses, serial or model numbers, associated users, and / or lens characteristics using other types of lens detection sensors 1418a discussed below). The display system 100 may provide an indication of whether the detachable lens assemblies 120 are coupled to the display module 116, an indication of whether the detachable lens assemblies 120 are properly positioned relative to the display module 116, and / or other indications (e.g., lens configuration and / or lens compatibility, discussed below).

[0064] Each detachable lens assembly 120 may further include a lens tag 1428 in communication with or otherwise readable by the one or more lens detection sensors 1418a. Detection of a detachable lens assembly 120 may cause the display system 100 to perform one or more subsequent actions, which may include altering the output of the display module 116, providing an indicator of the detachable lens assembly 120, and / or providing an indicator of compatibility of the detachable lens assembly 120 with a user. The display system also includes a controller 1450 that controls operation of the head-mounted display unit 110, e.g., to detect a detachable lens assembly 120 coupled thereto and / or perform subsequent actions accordingly. The controller 1450 may be physically incorporated in whole or in part within the head-mounted display unit 110 (as indicated by the dashed line) or may be provided physically separate therefrom (e.g., in an external computing device). An exemplary hardware configuration of the controller 1450 is described below with reference to FIG. 14 .

[0065] Upon detecting the detachable lens assembly 120, the display system 100 can identify or determine information about the detachable lens assembly 120, which may be referred to as lens information. The lens information may include an identifier and / or technical characteristics of the detachable lens assembly 120. The identifier may be the detachable lens assembly 120 itself (e.g., a serial number or model number, referred to as a lens identifier), the user associated with the lens (e.g., a username or user ID, referred to as an associated user identifier), and / or other identifying information (e.g., a manufacturer, date, referred to as manufacturing information). The technical characteristics may include refractive characteristics such as spherical, cylindrical, and / or axial parameters and / or optical axis position of the detachable lens assembly 120, which may be referred to as lens characteristics, lens characteristic information, or prescription information. The lens information determined by the display system 100 can then be used by the display system 100 to perform subsequent operations referenced above and described in further detail below.

[0066] Display system 100 can determine lens information for removable lens assemblies 120 actively coupled (e.g., to be coupled or currently coupled) to head mounted display unit 110 in a variety of different ways and using different devices. Display system 100 can determine lens information from removable lens assemblies 120 using, for example, lens detection sensor 1418a from lens tag 1428. In a first example, lens tag 1428 is an electronic device that stores or otherwise electronically provides lens information. For example, lens tag 1428 for each removable lens assembly 120 may be an electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory device (EEPROM), a radio frequency identification device (RFID), or an internal resistance device (e.g., an electrical resistance or resistor). The lens detection sensor 1418a is a corresponding electrical device or system configured to receive and / or otherwise receive lens information from the lens tag 1428, such as by wirelessly or physically communicating with an EEPROM, read RFID signals, and / or measure or otherwise determine the resistive signature of a resistive device.

[0067] In a second example, the lens tag 1428 has a magnetic signature. The removable lens assembly 120 includes various magnets (e.g., magnetic coupling mechanism 322) or other magnets, which can have various strengths and / or positions to provide the magnetic signature, and may include one or more Hall sensors or other magnetic sensors that sense the magnetic fields of the magnets, which are detected by the lens detection sensor 1418a. The combination of the magnetic fields detected by the lens detection sensor 1418a provides lens information (e.g., a lens identifier for a particular magnetic signature). The Hall sensors may alternatively or additionally be used to determine whether the removable lens assembly 120 is properly coupled.

[0068] In a third embodiment, the lens tag 1428 is an optical marking that displays or otherwise communicates lens information. For example, the lens tag 1428 may be an optical or infrared (IR) marking on the removable lens assembly 120, such as a quick response code (QR code), a barcode, or alphanumeric characters. The lens detection sensor 1418a of the head mounted display unit 110 is a corresponding optical reading device, such as a camera or a combination illuminator / sensor device (e.g., a QR code scanner), which may be the eye camera 319 that also observes the eye, as described above. In one particular embodiment, the lens tag 1428 is an infrared barcode.

[0069] Display system 100 can determine the lens information needed for one or more further operations directly from detachable lens assembly 120 itself. Alternatively, or in addition, display system 100 may determine additional lens information from other sources to perform subsequent operations. For example, display system 100 may receive only initial lens information (e.g., a lens identifier or associated user identifier) ​​from detachable lens assembly 120, while other lens information (e.g., an associated user identifier and / or lens characteristics) is stored in association therewith by display system 100 (e.g., by storage of controller 1450). Thus, by determining the initial lens information from detachable lens assembly 120, display system 100 can determine (e.g., obtain) other lens information to support subsequent operations.

[0070] The lens information of the detachable lens assembly 120 coupled to the display module 116 may be used to control various functions of the display system 100, which may include operating the display 316a, providing an indication to a user of the detachable lens assembly 120 coupled thereto, and / or determining compatibility with a user of the detachable lens assembly 120. The operation of the display 316a may be performed according to the lens information of the detachable lens assembly 120 coupled to the display module 116, such that the operation of the display 316a may differ between the operation of the detachable lens assembly 120 having one set of lens characteristics and the operation of the detachable lens assembly 120 having another set of lens characteristics (e.g., different brightness and / or pixel output considering the different characteristics of the optical system formed by the primary lens 316b and the lens elements 330, or different lens characteristics).

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, lens information of the removable lens assemblies 120 coupled to the display module 116 can be used to provide a representation of the coupled removable lens assemblies 120 to a user or potential user, which can be referred to as a lens configuration representation. The lens configuration representation can be different for different removable lens assemblies 120, for example, as the removable lens assemblies 120 are associated with different users. A first lens configuration representation is provided for one of the removable lens assemblies 120 (or a pair of removable lens assemblies 120 associated with each other), while a second, different lens configuration representation is provided for another removable lens assembly 120 (or another pair of removable lens assemblies 120 associated with each other). The display representation (e.g., or output instructions) can be stored in association with the lens information (e.g., a lens identifier, an associated user identifier, or lens characteristics) by the display system 100, for example, and retrieved when determining the lens identifier. The configuration representation can be provided independently of the user (e.g., without detecting or identifying the user).

[0072] The lens configuration indication may be provided, for example, as an external light indicator, a display indicator, or an audio indicator. The external light indicator may be provided using an external visual indicator 1418b (e.g., a light-emitting diode) of the head-mounted display unit 110, be visible to a potential user before the head-mounted display unit 110 is worn, and may, for example, change color (e.g., red versus blue to distinguish between a first user and a second user). The display indicator may be provided by the display 316a, and be visible to a user or potential user through the removable lens assembly 120. The display indicator may, for example, be a different color, symbol, or set of letters for different users, and be distinguishable even to potential users with poor eyesight using the removable lens assembly 120 (e.g., the display 316a may appear blurry). The audio indicator may be provided by an audio output device 1418c (e.g., a speaker or headphones) of or associated with the head-mounted display unit 110, and may be audible to a potential user before or after the potential user wears the head-mounted display unit 110. The audible indicator may be, for example, a spoken word (eg, identifying a user associated with removable lens assembly 120 ) or a tone of voice of a different user associated with removable lens assembly 120 .

[0073] 14A and 14B , a method 1400 is provided for indicating a lens configuration, the method generally including a first operation 1410 of identifying a removable lens assembly 120 coupled to a display module 116, a second operation 1420 of obtaining configuration indicator instructions, and a third operation 1430 of providing a configuration indication in accordance with the instructions. The first operation 1410 of identifying an interchangeable lens assembly is performed with a lens detection sensor 1418 a and a controller 1450 determining lens information from lens tags 1428 of one or more removable lens assemblies 120 coupled to one or more display modules 116 of the head-mounted display unit 110. The second operation 1420 of obtaining configuration indication instructions is performed, for example, by the controller 1450 retrieving instructions associated with the lens information from a storage device. The third operation 1430 of providing a configuration indication is provided, for example, by the display module 116, an external vision indicator 1418 b, and / or an audio output device 1418 c operated by the controller 1450.

[0074] 14A-16, alternatively or additionally, display system 100 may use lens information of detachable lens assembly 120 coupled thereto to determine compatibility with the user and provide a compatibility indicator to the user accordingly (e.g., only if incompatibility is determined). In addition to determining lens information of detachable lens assembly 120 coupled to head-mounted display unit 110, display system 100 may identify the current user and compare user information with the lens information to determine compatibility.

[0075] Display system 100 can identify a user in various ways, for example, using biometric sensing, receiving user credentials, and / or authentication by another device. To identify a user via biometrics, display system 100 may include biometric sensor 1418d for identifying the user via biometrics (e.g., facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, iris recognition, and / or recognition of other biometric parameters such as ear geometry, bone conduction or density characteristics, forehead features, or skin). Biometric sensor 1418d may be physically coupled to the head-mounted display unit, for example. For example, if the user is identified via iris detection, biometric sensor 1418d may be the eye camera 319 described above or may be the same sensor as the sensor for identifying removable lens assembly 120. To identify a user via user credentials, display system 100 receives user credentials (e.g., username and password) from an input device of display system 100 or an input device associated with display system 100 (e.g., a microphone on a head-mounted display unit or an external device 1460 in communication with controller 1450 or head-mounted display unit 110). To identify a user through authentication from another device, external device 1460 can authenticate the user (e.g., via biometrics or credentials) and communicate such authentication to controller 1450. External device 1460 may be considered part of display system 100, but may also function independently therefrom (e.g., a smartphone).

[0076] Display system 100 stores or otherwise receives user information, which may include a user identifier (e.g., a username or user number) stored in association with an associated lens identifier (e.g., serial number or model number of one or more removable lens assemblies 120 associated with the user) and / or ocular characteristic information (e.g., spherical, cylindrical, and / or axial parameters, referred to herein as ocular characteristics).

[0077] Display system 100 may receive user information during an initialization process where the user information is associated with lens information. During the initialization process, the user information may be entered by a user or may be received from another source (e.g., external device 1460). The lens information may be obtained from detachable lens assembly 120 (e.g., electronically and / or optically) when coupled to display module 116, as described above, or may be entered by the user (e.g., entering the serial or model number of detachable lens assembly 120) or may be received from another source (e.g., external device 1460).

[0078] 15 , to determine compatibility, the display system 100 compares the lens information 1510 with the user information 1520 using, for example, a compatibility determiner 1500. For example, one or more of: (a) the lens information 1510 for the lens identifier 1512 is compared with the user information 1520 for the associated lens identifier 1522; (b) the lens information 1510 for the associated user identifier 1514 is compared with the user information 1520 for the user identifier 1524; or (c) the lens information 1510 for the lens characteristics 1516 is compared with the user information 1520 for the ocular characteristics 1526. The display system 100 determines that one or more removable lens assemblies 120 are compatible if the lens information matches (e.g., is equal to) the user information, or are not compatible if they do not match.

[0079] If compatibility is determined, the compatibility indicator may provide a positive indication (e.g., that the removable lens assembly 120 is compatible with the user) or may be omitted (e.g., proceed to normal operation). If compatibility is determined to be incompatible, the compatibility indicator is negative (e.g., indicating that the removable lens assembly 120 is incompatible with the user). Such negative indication may include, for example, an icon, textual instructions or information, and / or audio instructions or information that graphically indicate incompatibility.

[0080] 16 , a method 1600 for operating the display system 100 to determine and indicate compatibility of a removable lens assembly 120 with a user is provided. The method includes a first operation 1610 of identifying one or more removable lens assemblies 120 coupled to one or more display modules 116, a second operation 1620 of identifying the user, a third operation 1630 of comparing lens information with user information, and a fourth operation 1640 of indicating compatibility. The first operation 1610 of identifying the one or more removable lens assemblies 120 may be performed by one or more lens detection sensors 1418a in cooperation with the controller 1450. The first operation 1610 may also include determining lens information. The second operation 1620 of identifying the user may be performed biometrically (e.g., by a biometric sensor 1418d in cooperation with the controller 1450) by receiving credentials from the user and / or by user authentication with an external device 1460. The second operation 1620 may also include determining user information. A third operation 1630 of determining lens suitability is performed, for example, by the suitability determiner 1500 using the controller 1450, by comparing the lens information with the user information. A fourth operation 1640 of indicating suitability is performed, for example, using the head-mounted display unit 110 operated by the controller 1450. If there is suitability, a positive indication is provided, which may be normal operation of the display system 100. If there is no suitability, a negative indication is provided (e.g., by the head-mounted display unit 110 operated by the controller 1450) reflecting incompatibility.

[0081] 17, an exemplary hardware configuration of the controller 1450 is shown. The controller 1450 is generally a computing device that may include a processing device 1710 (e.g., a processor or CPU), a memory 1720 (e.g., a volatile short-term memory such as a random access memory module), a storage device 1730 (e.g., a long-term storage device such as a hard disk or solid-state drive), a communication interface 1740 through which the controller sends and receives signals to and from other components (e.g., the display module 116 and various sensors), and a bus 1750 through which other components of the controller 1450 communicate with each other. The controller 1450 may be physically connected to the head-mounted display unit 110 or may otherwise communicate with it. The display system 100 may include additional controllers 1450 or components thereof. The controller 1450 may include software programming (e.g., stored by the storage device 1730) that includes instructions executable by the processing device 1710 to perform the methods and operations described herein.

[0082] 18A-18C , removable lens assembly 120 or variations thereof (e.g., 1020, 1120, 1220, 1120) may be worn by a user independently of head mounted display unit 110. For example, eyeglasses assembly 1870 includes eyeglasses frame 1880 (e.g., two of the removable lens assemblies 120, one for each eye) to which removable lens assemblies 120 are coupleable. That is, one or more removable lens assemblies 120 usable with head mounted display unit 110 are also usable with eyeglasses assembly 1870. Head mounted display unit 110, eyeglasses frame 1880, and one or more (e.g., a pair of) removable lens assemblies 120 coupleable to both head mounted display unit 110 and eyeglasses frame 1880 can be cooperatively referred to as a display and vision correction system.

[0083] The eyeglass frame 1880 generally includes a front portion 1882 that includes, for example, two lens mounts 1882a connected by a nose bridge 1882b. The eyeglass frame 1880 further includes two temples 1884 that are coupled to the front portion 1882 and extend rearwardly from the front portion 1882.

[0084] 19A and 19B , the eyeglass frame 1880 engages with the user's face to support the removable lens assembly 120 in a predetermined position on the user's face for vision correction when viewing the environment therethrough. This position may be referred to as a vision-correcting wearing position. Similar to traditional eyeglasses, the nose piece and two temples 1884 are configured to engage with the user's face, specifically the nose 20 and ears 40, to support the eyeglass frame 1880 and the removable lens assembly 120 in a vision-correcting wearing position on the user's face. Thus, the user's nose 20 and ears 40 both support the eyeglass assembly 1870 thereon and serve as reference points for positioning the removable lens assembly 120 in a vision-correcting wearing position on the user's face (i.e., relative to the user's eyes). It should be noted that although nose bridge 1882b is shown as forming a nose piece, eyeglass frame 1880 may alternatively or additionally engage nose 20 in other ways (e.g., by nose pads, removable lens assembly 120, among others).

[0085] In contrast to eyeglass assembly 1870, head mounted display unit 110 may engage different facial reference points that support head mounted display unit 110 in a predetermined position, sometimes referred to as a display wearing position, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B . Head mounted display unit 110 includes a head support 114 that supports head mounted display unit 110 on a user's head, with a facial interface (not labeled) of housing 112 engaging the user's face. Specifically, the facial interface and / or housing 112 engage features of the user's face (e.g., the eyebrows 50 and / or forehead above the user's eyes 10, along with the nose 20 and / or cheeks 30 below the user's eyes 10) that serve as reference points for positioning head mounted display unit 110, and thus detachable lens assembly 120, in the display wearing position on the user's face.

[0086] The eyeglasses assembly 1870 and the head mounted display unit 110 may use different sets of facial reference points for positioning the removable lens assembly 120 on the user's face. For example, the eyeglasses assembly 1870 may use the nose 20 and ears but not the forehead, eyebrows 50, or cheeks 30 as reference points, while the head mounted display unit 110 may use one or both of the forehead and / or eyebrows 50 and one or more of the nose 20 and / or cheeks 30 but not the ears as reference points. Facial reference points should be understood as facial structures that provide primary reference points against and / or on which the eyeglasses assembly 1870 and / or head mounted display unit 110 are supported. Facial reference points should be distinguished from other facial features with which the eyeglasses assembly 1870 and / or head mounted display unit 110 make incidental and / or generally non-supportive contact. For example, head support 114 may contact the ears but does not support head-mounted display unit 110 due to mechanical properties (e.g., head support 114 includes a flexible fabric) and / or due to discomfort that may otherwise result.

[0087] The head mounted display unit 110 and the eyeglass frame 1880 may be configured to support the removable lens assembly 120 at substantially the same wearing position relative to the user's face (e.g., eye 10) and / or relative to each other. That is, the vision correction wearing position may be the same as the display wearing position. Referring again to FIGS. 18A-18C , the wearing position may be defined according to a vertex distance 1892, a bifocal tilt angle 1894, a wrap angle 1896, and / or an interpupillary lens distance 1898. The vertex distance 1892 is the distance between the surface of the lens element 330 and the anterior surface of the cornea. The bifocal tilt angle 1894 is the vertical angle between the lens plane of the lens element 330 and the horizontal axis of the eye. The lens wrap angle 1896 is the horizontal angle between the lens plane and the horizontal axis of the eye. The interpupillary lens distance 1898 is the horizontal distance between the centers of the lens elements 330, which is a different measurement than the interpupillary distance (i.e., the distance between the pupils of the user's eyes 10), but preferably has the same value.

[0088] Alternatively, considering different usage scenarios and user behaviors, the head mounted display unit 110 and the eyeglass frame 1880 may be configured to have different wearing positions such that the head mounted display unit 110 and the eyeglass frame 1880 hold the removable lens assembly 120 at different positions and / or orientations relative to the user's eye 10. Furthermore, different eyeglass frames 1880 for a single user may be configured to have different wearing positions, for example, depending on the activity.

[0089] In one embodiment, the bifocal tilt angle 1894 of the eyeglass assembly 1870 may be different from that of the head mounted display unit 110, for example, may be larger if intended for use for reading or other activities where the user is expected to look more downward, and smaller if intended for use for sports or other activities where the user is expected to look more upward.

[0090] In another embodiment, the vertex distance 1892 of the eyeglass assembly 1870 may be different from that of the head mounted display unit 110, for example, it may be larger (e.g., to prevent contact between the removable lens assembly 120 and the user's nose 20) or smaller (e.g., because the eyeglass frame 1880 is omitted).

[0091] The eyeglass frame 1880 and the head-mounted display unit 110 are preferably configured to couple to the removable lens assembly 120 in the same manner, which may be any one of the coupling configurations described above (e.g., by using a common coupling mechanism of the removable lens assembly 120). Thus, the eyeglass frame 1880 may include one of the lens mounts 316c, 1016c, 1116c, 1216c, 1311 of the various display modules 116, 1016, 1116, 1216, 1310 described above, while omitting various other features of such display module (e.g., omitting the display 316a and primary lens 316b). By omitting the primary lens 316b, the user can view the environment through the lens element 330, which refracts light to provide vision correction, without further corrective refraction through another lens. Such a (e.g., mechanical and / or magnetic) coupling mechanism may be referred to as an eyeglass coupling mechanism (e.g., eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism and / or eyeglass magnetic coupling mechanism).

[0092] 3A and 3B and 18A-18F, detachable lens assembly 120 and eyeglass frame 1880 are configured to couple in the manner described above with respect to lens mount 316c, as can head mounted display unit 110. Detachable lens assembly 120 includes magnetic coupling mechanism 322 and mechanical engagement mechanism 324, while eyeglass frame 1880 includes lens mount 316c with corresponding magnetic coupling mechanism 316d and mechanical engagement mechanism 316e.

[0093] 10A-10B, the removable lens assembly and eyeglass frame 1880 and head mounted display unit 110 are configured to couple using an interference fit, such as in the manner described with respect to lens mount 1016c and removable lens assembly 1120. The removable lens assembly 1020 includes a lens frame 1040 having a barrel 1042 with an annular protrusion 1044, while the eyeglass frame 1880 includes a barrel 1016d having a corresponding annular protrusion 1016e for coupling therewith.

[0094] In one embodiment, the removable lens assembly and eyeglass frame 1880, and head mounted display unit 110 are configured to mate with a retractable mechanism, such as in the manner described with respect to lens mount 1116c and removable lens assembly 1120. The removable lens assembly includes a retractable latch 1122, while the eyeglass frame 1880 includes a receptacle 1116d having a lip 1116e that engages with the receptacle of the retractable latch 1122. Alternatively, the eyeglass frame 1880 may instead include a retractable latch that engages with a receptacle of the removable lens assembly 1120.

[0095] In other embodiments, the removable lens assembly and eyeglass frame 1880 may be coupled together using tabs / detents (FIGS. 12A-12B), friction (FIG. 12C), and / or retractable pins (FIG. 12D).

[0096] In one embodiment, the detachable lens assembly and eyeglass frame 1880 are configured to couple (e.g., by a toe-in mechanism) as described in connection with Figures 13A-13F, as can the head mounted display unit 110. The detachable lens assembly 1320 includes a lens mechanical coupling mechanism 1322 and a lens magnetic coupling mechanism 1324, while the eyeglass frame includes a corresponding display mechanical coupling mechanism 1312 and a display magnetic coupling mechanism 1314 for coupling therewith.

[0097] 21 , a removable dual lens assembly 2120 includes two of the lens elements 330 (i.e., one for each eye) and a frame 2140 coupled to both of the lens elements 330 (e.g., surrounding both lens elements 330 and joined by a bridge). The frame 2140 generally includes lens support portions 2142 (e.g., rims) coupled to (e.g., surrounding) the lens elements 330 and a bridge 2144 connecting the lens support portions 2142 to one another. Temples 2146 may optionally be provided and are removably coupleable to the frame 2140 to form an eyeglass assembly 2170 that can be supported on a user's head. The bridge 2144 or other portions or components of the frame 2140 and the temples 2146 engage facial reference points (i.e., the nose 20 and ears) to position the lens elements 330 in a corrective wearing position. The temples 2146 can be coupled to the lens support portion 2142 in any suitable manner that facilitates removal, such as with a magnetic coupling mechanism, a latch, and / or a male-female interface. When coupled to the lens support portion 2142, the temples 2146 can be folded relative to the lens support portion 2142, for example, with the lens support portion 2142 and / or the temples 2146 having hinges.

[0098] As indicated by the arrows, the frame 2140 may allow adjustment or other movement between the lens support portions 2142, and therefore between the lens elements 330. Such movement may be generally transverse to the optical axis of the two lens elements 330, allowing the frame 2140 to be adjusted for users with different interpupillary distances (e.g., by fixedly adjusting the spacing therebetween using a lead screw or other mechanism in the bridge 2144). In another example, the lens support portions 2142 may be spring-loaded apart, thereby allowing pressure to be applied between them (e.g., using a spring mechanism in the bridge 2144). In still further embodiments, the lens support portions 2142 may be removably coupleable to one another (e.g., by the bridge 2144, such as magnetically).

[0099] The detachable dual lens assembly 2120 is magnetically and / or mechanically detachably coupleable to the head mounted display unit 110 in one of the ways described above (e.g., magnetic and mechanical mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, mating mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, latches as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, other mechanical mating mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, and / or mechanical coupling mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 13A-13F). In still further embodiments, the detachable dual lens assembly 2120 may be coupleable via the bridge 2144, for example, using a magnetic coupling mechanism that corresponds to another magnetic coupling mechanism on the head mounted display unit 110. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, the removable dual lens assembly 2120 can be spring-loaded and compressed (as described above), inserted into a receptacle 2112 of the head-mounted display unit 110 (shown in dashed lines), and subsequently expanded to be retained therein (e.g., by a friction fit and / or within a recess in the head-mounted display unit 110).

[0100] The bridge 2144 and the corresponding portion of the head-mounted display unit 110 may, for example, provide a magnetic and / or mechanical coupling therebetween, which cooperatively positions the lens element 330 in the display-mounted position.

[0101] 22A-22C, eyeglasses assembly 2270 is coupleable to a reconfigurable head mounted display unit 2210 to enable a user to view an environment or graphical content on eyeglasses assembly 2270. Eyeglasses assembly 2270 generally includes an eyeglasses frame 2280 having a front portion 2282 and two temples 2284 extending rearwardly therefrom, and includes two corrective lens elements 2230 coupled to front portion 2282.

[0102] The head mounted display unit 2210 generally includes a chassis 2212 (see, e.g., 112) having one or more displays 2216 (see, e.g., 116), and a head support 2214 (see, e.g., 114) that engages a user's head and supports the chassis 2212 and one or more displays 2216 on the user's head. The head mounted display unit 2210 is reconfigurable such that the chassis 2212 is movable relative to the head support 2214 in cooperation with the one or more displays 2216 while the head support 2214 remains engaged with the user's head. For example, the chassis 2212 may be pivotally coupled to the head support 2214 such that the chassis 2212 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position (shown in FIG. 22A ), the chassis 2212 covers the user's eye 10 and positions the one or more displays 2216 to display graphical content to the user (i.e., so that the user views the graphical content through the corrective lens elements 2230) with the corrective lens elements 2230 positioned therebetween. In the raised position (shown in FIG. 22B ), the chassis 2212 is positioned above the user's eye 10 and does not cover the user's eye 10, while the corrective lens elements 2230 remain in front of the user's eye 10 (i.e., so that the user views the environment through the corrective lens elements 2230).

[0103] The eyeglass frame 2280 is removably coupleable to the head support 2214. For example, as shown in FIG. 22C , the temples 2284 may be received by receptacles 2214a of the head support 2214. Thus, when the chassis 2212 is moved (e.g., pivoted upward), the eyeglass assembly 2270 remains coupled to the head support 2214 and positioned so that the user views the environment through its corrective lens elements 2230. Alternatively, the eyeglass frame 2280 may be coupled to the head support 2214 in other manners, for example, using magnets or other mechanisms. In still further embodiments, the eyeglass frame 2280 can omit the temples 2284, in which case the front portion is coupled to the head support 2214 in another manner (e.g., to an eyebrow member that engages the user's eyebrow 50 above the user's eye 10). When detached from head support 2214, eyeglass assembly 2270 may be worn by a user as conventional eyeglasses (eg, supported by the user's nose 20 and / or ears 40).

[0104] The physical environment refers to the physical world that people can sense and / or interact with without the aid of electronic systems. A physical environment, such as a physical park, includes physical objects such as physical trees, physical buildings, and physical people. People can directly sense and / or interact with the physical environment through their senses, such as sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.

[0105] In contrast, a computer-generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a wholly or partially simulated environment that people sense and / or interact with via electronic systems. In a CGR, a subset of a person's physical movements or representations thereof are tracked, and one or more properties of one or more virtual objects simulated within the CGR environment are adjusted accordingly to behave according to at least one law of physics. For example, a CGR system may detect a person's head rotation and adjust the graphical content and sound field presented to the person accordingly, just as such views and sounds may change in a physical environment. In some circumstances (e.g., for accessibility reasons), adjustments to the property(ies) of a virtual object(ies) in a CGR environment may be made in response to a representation of a physical movement (e.g., a voice command).

[0106] A person may sense and / or interact with a CGR object using any one of these senses, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person may sense and / or interact with an audio object that creates a 3D or spatially expansive audio environment that provides the perception of a point sound source in 3D space. In another example, an audio object may enable audio transparency, selectively incorporating ambient sounds from the physical environment, with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person may sense and / or interact with only the audio object.

[0107] Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

[0108] A virtual reality (VR) environment refers to a simulated environment designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input for one or more senses. A VR environment includes multiple virtual objects that a person can sense and / or interact with. For example, computer-generated images of trees, buildings, and avatars representing people are examples of virtual objects. A person can sense and / or interact with virtual objects in a VR environment through a simulation of the person's presence in the computer-generated environment and / or through a simulation of a subset of the person's physical movements in the computer-generated environment.

[0109] In contrast to VR environments, which are designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory input, mixed reality (MR) environments refer to simulated environments that are designed to incorporate sensory input from, or representations of, the physical environment in addition to including computer-generated sensory input (e.g., virtual objects). On the virtuality continuum, real environments lie somewhere between, but not including, a fully physical environment at one end and a virtual reality environment at the other.

[0110] In some mixed reality environments, computer-generated sensory inputs can respond to changes in sensory inputs from the physical environment. Also, some electronic systems for presenting mixed reality environments can track the position and / or orientation of virtual objects relative to the physical environment to allow them to interact with real objects (i.e., physical items or representations thereof from the physical environment). For example, the system can account for movement so that a virtual tree appears stationary relative to the physical ground.

[0111] Examples of mixed reality include augmented reality and augmented virtuality.

[0112] An augmented reality (AR) environment refers to a simulated environment in which one or more virtual objects are overlaid on a physical environment or a representation thereof. For example, an electronic system for presenting an AR environment may have a transparent or translucent display through which a person can directly view the physical environment. The system may be configured to present virtual objects on the transparent or translucent display, whereby a person uses the system to perceive the virtual objects overlaid on the physical environment. Alternatively, the system may have an opaque display and one or more imaging sensors that capture images or videos of the physical environment, which are representations of the physical environment. The system composites the images or videos with the virtual objects and presents the composite on the opaque display. A person uses the system to indirectly view the physical environment through the images or videos of the physical environment and perceive the virtual objects overlaid on the physical environment. As used herein, videos of a physical environment shown on an opaque display are referred to as “pass-through video,” meaning that the system captures images of the physical environment using one or more imaging sensors and uses those images in presenting the AR environment on the opaque display. Further alternatively, the system may include a projection system that projects virtual objects into the physical environment, for example as holograms or onto physical surfaces, so that a person using the system perceives the virtual objects as overlaid on the physical environment.

[0113] Augmented reality environments also refer to simulated environments in which a representation of a physical environment is transformed by computer-generated sensory information. For example, in providing pass-through video, a system may transform one or more sensor images to be imposed with a selected perspective (e.g., viewpoint) that differs from the perspective captured by the imaging sensor. As another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically altering (e.g., magnifying) a portion thereof, thereby rendering the altered portion a representative but non-photorealistic version of the originally captured image. As a further example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically removing or obscuring a portion thereof.

[0114] An augmented virtuality (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which the virtual or computer-generated environment incorporates one or more sensory inputs from the physical environment. The sensory inputs may be representations of one or more characteristics of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, while people with faces are realistically recreated from images of physical people. As another example, virtual objects may adopt the shape or color of physical items imaged by one or more imaging sensors. As a further example, virtual objects may adopt shadows that match the position of the sun in the physical environment.

[0115] A wide variety of electronic systems exist that allow humans to sense and / or interact with various CGR environments. Examples include head-mounted systems, projection-based systems, heads-up displays (HUDs), vehicle windshields with integrated display capabilities, windows with integrated display capabilities, displays formed as lenses designed to be placed over a person's eyes (e.g., similar to contact lenses), headphones / earphones, speaker arrays, input systems (e.g., wearable or handheld controllers with or without haptic feedback), smartphones, tablets, and desktop / laptop computers. A head-mounted system may have one or more speaker(s) and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, a head-mounted system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smartphone). A head-mounted system may incorporate one or more imaging sensors for capturing images or video of the physical environment and / or one or more microphones for capturing audio of the physical environment. A head-mounted system may have a transparent or translucent display rather than an opaque display. A transparent or translucent display may have a medium through which light representing an image is directed to a person's eye. The display may utilize digital light projection, OLED, LED, uLED, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may be a light guide, a holographic medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent display may be configured to be selectively opaque. A projection-based system may employ retinal projection technology that projects a graphical image onto a person's retina. A projection system may also be configured to project virtual objects into a physical environment, for example, as a hologram or onto a physical surface.

[0116] As mentioned above, one aspect of the present technology is to collect and use data available from various sources to accommodate different corrective lenses for different users via a head-mounted display unit. This disclosure contemplates that, in some examples, this collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies a particular person or that can be used to contact or locate a particular person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, Twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records regarding a user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), birth date, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0117] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology can be for the benefit of the user. For example, personal information data can be used to accommodate different corrective lenses for different users via a head-mounted display unit. Furthermore, other uses of personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insight into the user's overall wellness, or can be used as proactive feedback to individuals using the technology in pursuit of wellness goals.

[0118] This disclosure contemplates that entities involved in the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage, or other use of such personal information data will adhere to robust privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the strict confidentiality of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data collection and / or use changes. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and reasonable use and should not be shared or sold except for those lawful uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should be carried out after the user's informed consent is obtained. Furthermore, such entities should consider taking all necessary measures to protect and secure access to such personal information data and to ensure that others with access to that personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. Furthermore, such entities may be able to undergo third-party assessments to demonstrate their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be tailored to the specific types of personal data collected and / or accessed and should comply with applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For example, in the United States, the collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be addressed accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained in each country with respect to different types of personal data.

[0119] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user selectively blocks use of or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and / or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, when providing or adapting corrective lenses through a head-mounted display unit, the present disclosure may be configured to allow a user to choose to “opt in” or “opt out” of participating in the collection of personal information data during service registration or at any time thereafter. In another example, a user may choose not to provide personal information during the initialization process. In addition to providing “opt-in” and “opt-out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notice regarding the access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed upon downloading an app, and then be reminded again immediately before the personal information data is accessed by the app.

[0120] Furthermore, it is the intent of this disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data when it is no longer needed. Furthermore, where applicable, de-identification of data can be used to protect user privacy, including in certain health-related applications. De-identification can be facilitated where appropriate by removing certain identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and / or other methods.

[0121] Thus, while this disclosure broadly encompasses the use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, this disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments may be implemented without requiring access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable by the absence of all or part of such personal information data. For example, the configuration indication and / or compatibility indication may be based on non-personal information or a minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to the lens provider, or publicly available information.

Claims

1. a head mounted display unit configured to be worn on a user's head, the head mounted display unit having a controller and a display operated by the controller to provide graphical content to the user; an eyeglass frame configured to be worn on the head of the user; a removable lens assembly removably coupleable to the head mounted display unit and the eyeglass frame, the removable lens assembly having corrective lens elements; A display and vision correction system comprising:

2. The display and vision correction system of claim 1 , wherein the removable lens assembly includes a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the removable lens assembly to the head-mounted display unit and the eyeglass frame.

3. 3. The display and vision correction system of claim 2, wherein a common one of the coupling mechanisms removably couples the removable lens assembly to the head-mounted display unit and removably couples the removable lens assembly to the eyeglass frame.

4. 4. The display and vision correction system of claim 3, wherein the removable lens assembly is removably connectable to the head-mounted display unit and the eyeglass frame, thus providing different wearing positions of the corrective lens element relative to the user.

5. 2. The display and vision correction system of claim 1, wherein the removable lens assembly includes a lens mechanical coupling mechanism, the eyeglass frame includes an eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism, and one of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism or the eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism is receivable by the other of the lens mechanical coupling mechanism or the eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism to couple the removable lens assembly to the eyeglass frame.

6. 6. The display and vision correction system of claim 5, wherein the lens mechanical coupling mechanism of the removable lens assembly is a male component, the eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism of the eyeglass frame is a female component for receiving the male component to couple the removable lens assembly to the eyeglass frame, and the head-mounted display unit includes a display mechanical coupling mechanism that is another female component for receiving the male component to couple the removable lens assembly to the head-mounted display unit.

7. 6. The display and vision correction system of claim 5, wherein the lens mechanical coupling mechanism of the removable lens assembly is a female component, the eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism of the eyeglass frame is a male component that is receivable by the female component to couple the removable lens assembly to the eyeglass frame, and the head-mounted display unit includes an eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism that is another male component that is receivable by the female component to couple the removable lens assembly to the head-mounted display unit.

8. 8. The display and vision correction system of claim 5, wherein the lens mechanical coupling mechanism and the eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism engage with each other to prevent the removable lens assembly from moving laterally to an optical axis of the removable lens assembly relative to the eyeglass frame.

9. 9. The display and vision correction system of claim 8, wherein the lens mechanical coupling mechanism and the eyeglass mechanical coupling mechanism engage with each other to prevent the removable lens assembly from moving along and about the optical axis of the removable lens assembly relative to the eyeglass frame.

10. 8. A display and vision correction system as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the removable lens assembly includes a first magnetic coupling mechanism spaced apart from the lens mechanical coupling mechanism, and the eyeglass frame includes a second magnetic coupling mechanism corresponding to the first magnetic coupling mechanism for magnetically coupling the removable lens assembly to the eyeglass frame.

11. The display and vision correction system of claim 10 , wherein the head-mounted display unit includes a third magnetic coupling mechanism corresponding to the first magnetic coupling mechanism for magnetically coupling the removable lens assembly to the head-mounted display unit.

12. 8. A display and vision correction system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the head-mounted display unit engages with a first set of facial reference points of the user to position the corrective lens element in a first wearing position relative to the user, and the eyeglass frame engages with a second set of facial reference points of the user to position the corrective lens element in a second wearing position relative to the user.

13. The display and vision correction system of claim 12 , wherein the first set of facial reference points includes the user's eyebrows and the second set of facial reference points includes the user's ears.

14. The display and vision correction system of claim 13 , wherein the first set of facial reference points does not include the user's ears and the second set of facial reference points does not include the user's eyebrows.

15. The display and vision correction system of claim 12 , wherein the first wearing position and the second wearing position are different.