Positioning, stabilization, and interface structures, as well as systems incorporating them.

Abstract

The interface structure of the head-mounted display unit includes a chassis portion that is attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit. The interface structure also includes a face engagement portion supported by a cushion support portion of the chassis portion. The face engagement portion is flexible and elastic and is configured to engage with the user's face when the head-mounted display unit is worn. The face engagement portion includes a cushion and a face engagement membrane that at least partially encloses the cushion and forms a face contact area configured to contact the user's face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Part of the disclosure of this patent document contains content protected by copyright. The copyright owner has no objection if someone copies this patent document or this patent disclosure for the purposes described in the patent files or records of the Patent Office, but retains all copyrights for other purposes.

[0002] (Cross - References to Related Applications) This application claims priority from Australian Patent Application No. 2023900508 filed on February 28, 2023, Australian Patent Application No. 2023901157 filed on April 19, 2023, Australian Patent Application No. 2023902403 filed on July 28, 2023, Australian Patent Application No. 2023904204 filed on December 22, 2023, Australian Patent Application No. 2023904193 filed on December 22, 2023, and Australian Patent Application No. 2024900344 filed on February 14, 2024, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This technology generally relates to head - mounted displays, positioning and stabilization structures, user interface structures, and other components for use in head - mounted displays, display units, and related head - mounted display assemblies and systems, and methods that include positioning and stabilization structures, interface structures, and / or components. This technology is particularly applied in the use of immersive reality head - mounted displays and is described herein in that context. It is understood that this technology has a broader scope of application and can be used in any type of head - mounted display configuration, including but not limited to virtual reality displays, augmented reality displays, and / or mixed reality displays.

Background Art

[0004] (Explanation of related technologies) Where prior art is referenced in this book, please understand that such references do not constitute an admission that the prior art constitutes part of the general common sense in the relevant field in Australia or any other country. 2.2.1 Immersive Technology

[0005] Immersive technology refers to technologies that create a sense of surroundings and replicate or extend the physical environment through a digital or virtual environment, thereby generating a feeling of immersion.

[0006] In particular, immersive technologies provide users with a visual sense of immersion and create virtual objects and virtual environments. Immersive technologies can also provide immersion in at least one of the other five senses. 2.2.2 Virtual Reality

[0007] Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated three-dimensional image or environment presented to a user. In other words, the environment may be entirely virtual. Specifically, the user observes an electronic screen to view virtual images or computer-generated images within a virtual environment. Because the created environment is entirely virtual, the user may have their interaction with the physical environment blocked or hindered (for example, they may not be able to hear or see the sounds of physical objects in the physical environment they are currently in).

[0008] The electronic screen may be supported in the user's line of sight (for example, mounted on the user's head). While observing the electronic screen, the visual feedback output by the screen and observed by the user may generate a virtual environment intended to simulate a real environment. For example, the user may be able to pivot their head or entire body to look around (e.g., 360°) or interact with virtual objects that the user can observe through the electronic screen. This can provide the user with an immersive experience in which the virtual environment stimulates at least one of the user's five senses and replaces the corresponding stimuli of the physical environment while the user is using the VR device. Typically, the stimuli relate to at least the user's vision (i.e., because they are looking at the electronic screen), but other senses may also be involved. Since the electronic screen is usually mounted on the user's head and may be located near the user's eyes, the user can easily observe the virtual environment.

[0009] VR devices may generate other forms of feedback in addition to, or separate from, visual feedback. For example, a VR device may include or be connected to speakers to provide auditory feedback. A VR device may also include haptic feedback (e.g., in the form of haptic responses) that can correspond to visual and / or auditory feedback. This can create a more immersive virtual environment because the user receives stimuli that correspond to two or more of their senses.

[0010] While using a VR device, users may want to restrict their exposure to ambient stimuli. For example, a user might want to avoid seeing or hearing their surroundings in order to better process stimuli from the VR device within the virtual environment. Therefore, a VR device may restrict or prevent the user's eyes from receiving ambient light. In some examples, this may be done by providing a shield to the user's face. In some examples, the shield may be placed near the user's face (e.g., in contact or in close proximity), but not in close contact with the user's face. In either example, since ambient light does not need to reach the user's eyes, the only light the user can observe is the light from the electronic screen.

[0011] In other examples, VR devices may limit and / or prevent the user's ears from hearing ambient noise. In some examples, this may be done by providing the user with headphones (e.g., noise-canceling headphones) that may output sound from the VR device or limit the user from hearing noise from the physical environment. In some examples, the VR device may output sound at a volume sufficient to prevent the user from hearing ambient noise.

[0012] In either example, the user does not necessarily want to be overstimulated (for example, by both the physical and virtual environments). Therefore, blocking and / or limiting ambient noise that distracts the user helps them concentrate on the virtual environment without being distracted by ambient sounds.

[0013] The following describes various types of VR devices. Typically, a single VR device may encompass at least two different classifications. For example, VR devices may be classified by portability or by how the display unit is coupled with the rest of the interface. These classifications may be independent, so that a classification within one group (e.g., unit portability) is not predetermined to belong to another group. Additional categories for classifying VR devices may also exist, but these are not explicitly listed below. 2.2.2.1 Portability 2.2.2.1.1 Fixed Unit

[0014] In some forms, VR devices may be used in combination with other devices such as computers or video game consoles. These types of VR devices may be fixed in place because they cannot be used without a computer or video game console, thus limiting their location of use (for example, the location of the computer or video game console). 2.2.2.1.2 Portable Unit

[0015] In some forms, VR devices may be self-contained units containing power and sensors, eliminating the need to connect them to a computer or video game console. This allows users greater freedom of use and mobility. For example, users are not limited to using VR devices near a computer or video game console, but can use them outdoors or in other environments without a computer or television.

[0016] Because VR devices are not connected to the computer or video game console being used, they need to support all the necessary electronic components. These include batteries, sensors, and processors. These components add weight to the VR device, which the user must support with their body. Proper weight distribution may be necessary to prevent this additional weight from increasing discomfort for the user wearing the VR device.

[0017] In some configurations, the electrical components of the VR device may be housed in a single housing that is positioned directly in front of the user's face during use. This configuration may be called a “brick.” In this configuration, the center of gravity of the VR device, which lacks positioning and stabilization structures, is directly in front of the user's face. To counteract the moment caused by gravity, the positioning and stabilization structures coupled to the brick configuration need to provide forces directed toward the user's face, such as those generated by the tension of the headgear straps. While brick configurations are advantageous in manufacturing (e.g., all electrical components are in close proximity) and may allow for the compatibility of positioning and stabilization structures (e.g., the absence of electrical connections), the forces required to maintain the position of the VR device (e.g., headgear tension) can be uncomfortable for the user. Specifically, the VR device may dig into the user's face, potentially causing irritation or scarring of the user's skin. Because the user's head experiences forces from the display housing on the face and from the headgear at the back of the head, the combination of these two forces may feel like it is “tightening.” This may cause the user to stop wearing the VR device.

[0018] VR and other mixed reality devices may be used in ways that involve vigorous movement of the user's head or entire body (for example, during gaming), potentially generating significant forces or moments that tend to disrupt the device's position on the user's head. Simply pressing the device firmly against the user's head to withstand such strong forces may be unacceptable, as it could be uncomfortable or quickly become uncomfortable for the user.

[0019] In some configurations, electrical components may be spaced out across the entire VR device rather than across the entire front of the user's face. For example, some electrical components (e.g., batteries) may be located in the positioning and stabilization structure, particularly in the rear contact area. In this way, the weight of the battery (or other electrical components) may generate a moment in the opposite direction to the moment generated by the rest of the VR device (e.g., the display). Therefore, the positioning and stabilization structure may only need to apply a lower clamping force, resulting in less force on the user's face (e.g., fewer marks left on the skin). However, in some existing devices, the electrical connections may make cleaning and replacing the positioning and stabilization structure more difficult. In some configurations, separating electrical components requires positioning some electrical components separately from the rest of the VR device. For example, the battery and / or processor may be electrically connected but carried separately from the rest of the VR device. Unlike the “fixed unit” described above, the battery and / or processor may be carried together with the rest of the VR device. For example, the battery and / or processor may be carried on the user’s belt or in a pocket. This may have the advantage of reducing the weight on the user’s head, but it does not provide a reaction moment. Because the total weight supported by the head is less, the tension provided by the positioning and stabilization structure may be less than in a “brick” configuration. 2.2.2.2 Display Connection 2.2.2.2.1 Integrated Display Screen

[0020] In some forms, the display screen is an integral component of the VR device and usually cannot be removed or detached from the rest of the VR device.

[0021] The display screen may be fixed within the housing and protected from damage. For example, the display screen may be completely covered by the housing, reducing the likelihood of damage. Additionally, integrating the display screen with the rest of the VR device eliminates the possibility of the display screen being lost.

[0022] In these forms, the display screen functions purely as an immersive technology display. Most of the "fixed unit" includes the integrated display screen. The "portable unit" may include the integrated display screen or a removable display screen (explained below). 2.2.2.2.2 Removable Display Screen

[0023] In some forms, the display screen is a separate structure that can be removed from the VR device and used separately.

[0024] In some forms, a portable electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) may be selectively inserted into the housing of the VR device. The portable electronic device may include most or all of the sensors and processors and may create a virtual environment through a downloadable app.

[0025] Portable electronic devices are generally lightweight and may not require a positioning and stabilization structure to apply a large force to the user's head. 2.2.3 Augmented Reality

[0026] In some forms, augmented reality (AR) is a computer-generated three-dimensional image or environment presented to a user.

[0027] While similar to VR, AR differs in that a virtual environment created at least in part by an electronic screen is observed in combination with the user's physical environment. In other words, AR creates virtual objects and uses elements of the virtual environment to modify and / or enhance the user's physical environment. The result of AR is a composite environment that includes physical and virtual objects and is thus both a physical and a virtual environment.

[0028] For example, an image created by an electronic screen can be overlaid on the user's physical environment. Only a portion of the AR composite environment presented to the user includes virtual objects. Thus, a user may wish to continue to receive ambient stimuli from the physical environment while using an AR device (e.g., to continuously observe the physical or non-virtual components of the combined environment).

[0029] Because AR may be used in the user's physical environment, an AR device cannot be electrically connected to a computer or video game console or connected in some other way. Instead, an AR device may include a battery or other power source. This may allow the user to have maximum freedom of movement and be able to explore various physical environments while using the AR device.

[0030] This crucial difference between VR and AR can lead to variations in the type of wearable electronic screen used. As mentioned earlier, users of VR devices may want to block out ambient light, so the electronic screen housing may be opaque to limit or prevent ambient light from reaching the user. Users of AR devices, however, may want to see the virtual environment fused with the real environment. While the electronic screen of an AR device is similarly supported in front of the user's eyes, the screen of an AR device may be transparent or translucent, and the screen may not be supported by an opaque housing (or the opaque material may not substantially obstruct the user's line of sight). This allows the user to continue to receive ambient stimuli if the virtual environment is present simultaneously. However, some VR devices that do not include a transparent screen that allows the user to observe their surroundings in the real world may be configured for AR by capturing real-time video of the user's surroundings in the real world from the user's point of view (e.g., using a camera on the display housing) and displaying it on the display screen.

[0031] Furthermore, (for example, because AR users can observe their physical environment or are not tied to a computer or video game console) people using AR devices may be more mobile than people using VR devices. Therefore, people using AR devices may want to wear the device for extended periods while moving around (for example, walking, running, cycling, etc.). Including components such as batteries in AR devices may cause discomfort to the user's head and neck, potentially discouraging users from wearing AR devices for long periods. 2.2.4 Mixed Reality

[0032] Mixed reality (MR) is similar to augmented reality (AR), but MR devices allow users to interact with virtual objects and environments in more ways than AR devices, potentially leading to a more immersive experience. MR's virtual reality can also be superimposed on or merged with the user's physical environment. However, unlike AR, users may be able to interact with the virtual environment in a similar way to what happens in virtual reality (VR). In other words, while AR only presents computer-generated images in the physical environment, MR presents the user with the same or similar computer-generated images, allowing interaction with the images in the physical environment (such as "grabbing" a virtually generated object with your hands). Thus, the virtual environment merges even more with the physical environment, and the combined environment can better replicate the real environment. 2.2.5 Head-mounted display interface

[0033] Head-mounted display interfaces enable users to have immersive experiences in virtual environments and have a wide range of applications in fields such as communications, training, medical and surgical procedures, engineering, and video games.

[0034] Head-mounted display interfaces can offer different levels of immersion. For example, some head-mounted display interfaces can provide users with complete immersion. Virtual reality (VR) is an example of complete immersion. Head-mounted display interfaces can also offer partial immersion, which is aligned with the use of augmented reality (AR) devices.

[0035] A VR head-mounted display interface is typically provided as a system including a display unit configured to be held in an operable position in front of the user's face. The display unit typically includes a housing that contains the display and a user interface structure constructed and positioned to face the user's face. The user interface structure may extend around the display and, in conjunction with the housing, define the viewing opening of the display. The user interface structure may include cushions that engage with the face and enhance user comfort, and / or a light-shielding structure to block ambient light from the display. The head-mounted display system further includes positioning and stabilization structures that are positioned on the user's head to hold the display unit in place.

[0036] Other head-mounted display interfaces may not provide complete immersion. In other words, users can experience elements of the physical environment as well as the virtual environment. Examples of experiences that do not provide complete immersion include augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR).

[0037] AR and / or MR head-mounted display interfaces are also typically provided as a system that includes a display unit configured to be held in an interactive position in front of the user's face. Similarly, the display unit typically includes a housing containing the display and a user interface structure built and positioned to face the user's face. The head-mounted display system of an AR and / or MR head-mounted display is similar to VR in that it further includes a positioning and stabilization structure that is located on the user's head to hold the display unit in place. However, AR and MR head-mounted displays do not include a cushion to completely block out ambient light from the display. This is because these experiences, which do not provide complete immersion, require elements of the physical environment. Instead, augmented and / or hybrid head-mounted displays allow the user to see a combination of the physical and virtual environments.

[0038] In all types of immersive technologies, it is crucial that the interface of the head-mounted display is comfortable so that users can wear it for extended periods. Furthermore, it is important that the display can provide images that change in accordance with changes in the user's head position and orientation in order to create partially or fully virtual environments that are similar to or replicate the physical environment perfectly. 2.2.5.1 Interface Structure

[0039] The head-mounted display may include a user interface structure. Since the seal-forming structure comes into direct contact with the patient's face, its shape and configuration directly affect the effectiveness and comfort of the patient interface.

[0040] Designing user interface structures presents many challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of the nose and head vary greatly from person to person. Because the head contains bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different areas of the face respond differently to mechanical forces.

[0041] One type of interface structure extends around the display unit and is intended to seal against the user's face when force is applied to the user interface while the interface structure is facing and engaged with the user's face. The interface structure may include a polyurethane (PU) pad. In this type of interface structure, a gap may exist between the interface structure and the surface, and additional force may be required to press the display unit against the surface to achieve the desired contact.

[0042] In areas where the user interface is not involved at all, a gap can form between the facial interface and the user's face, potentially allowing undesirable light pollution to enter the display unit (for example, especially when using virtual reality). Light pollution and "light leaks" can reduce the effectiveness and enjoyment of the user's overall immersion. In addition, conventional systems can be difficult to adapt to various head sizes. Furthermore, the display unit and associated stabilization structures are often relatively heavy and can be difficult to clean, which can further limit the comfort and usability of the system.

[0043] Another type of interface structure incorporates a flap seal made of thin material positioned around part of the display unit, providing a sealing effect against the user's face. As with previous styles of interface structures, if the match between the surface and the interface structure is not good, additional force may be required to achieve the seal, or light may leak into the display unit during use. Furthermore, if the shape of the interface structure does not match the shape of the user, it may crease or distort during use, resulting in undesirable light transmission.

[0044] The user interface may be partially characterized according to the design intent of where the interface structure engages with the face during use. Some interface structures may be restricted to engaging with areas of the user's face that protrude beyond the curvature arc of the interface structure's face engagement surface. These areas may typically include the user's forehead and cheekbones. This may cause discomfort to the user at localized stress points. Other facial areas may not engage at all or only negligibly with the interface structure, and therefore may be insufficient to increase the distance traveled by the clamping pressure. These areas may typically include the sides of the user's face or the area adjacent to and surrounding the user's nose. When there is a mismatch between the shape of the user's face and the interface structure, it is advantageous that the interface structure or related components are adaptable so that appropriate contact or other relationship is formed. 2.2.5.2 Positioning and Stabilization

[0045] To hold the display unit in the correct, operable position, the head-mounted display system further includes positioning and stabilization structures positioned on the user's head. These structures may also serve to provide counteracting forces against gravity for the head-mounted display and / or interface structure. Traditionally, these structures have been formed from expandable, rigid structures typically applied to the head under tension to hold the display unit in an operable position. Such systems tend to exert constricting pressure on the user's face, potentially causing discomfort at localized stress points. Furthermore, conventional systems can be difficult to adjust to accommodate a wide range of application head sizes. In addition, the display unit and associated stabilization structures are often heavy and difficult to clean, further limiting the comfort and usability of the system.

[0046] Other specific head-mounted display systems may not be functionally suitable for this field. For example, positioning and stabilization structures designed for decorative or visual aesthetics may not have the structural ability to maintain appropriate pressure around the face. For instance, excessive clamping pressure may cause discomfort to the user. Alternatively, insufficient clamping pressure on the user's face may prevent the display from effectively blocking ambient light.

[0047] Other specific head-mounted display systems may be uncomfortable or impractical with current technology, for example, when the system is used for extended periods.

[0048] As a result of these challenges, some head-mounted displays have problems such as being visually distracting, aesthetically unappealing, expensive, having a poor fit, being difficult to use, and being uncomfortable, especially when worn for extended periods or when the user is unfamiliar with the system. Inappropriate sizing of the positioning and stabilization structures can reduce comfort and shorten the lifespan of the device.

[0049] Therefore, the interface portion of the user interface used for a fully immersive virtual environment experience is affected by forces that correspond to the user's movements during the experience. 2.2.5.3 Materials

[0050] Materials used in head-mounted display assemblies include high-density foam for contact surfaces of interface structures, rigid shells for housings, and positioning and stabilizing structures formed from rigid plastic clamp structures. These materials have various drawbacks, such as preventing skin from breathing, lacking flexibility, being difficult to clean, and being prone to bacterial adhesion. As a result, products made from such materials can become uncomfortable with prolonged wear, cause skin irritation in some individuals, and limit the range of applications for the product. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0051] This technology aims to provide positioning and stabilization structures used for supporting, stabilizing, mounting, utilizing, and / or fixing head-mounted displays, with improvements in one or more of the following: comfort, cost, effectiveness, ease of use, and manufacturability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0052] A first aspect of this technology relates to an apparatus used for supporting, stabilizing, mounting, utilizing, and / or fixing a head-mounted display.

[0053] Another aspect of this technology relates to a method used for supporting, stabilizing, mounting, utilizing, and / or fixing a head-mounted display.

[0054] Another embodiment is a positioning and stabilization structure for a head-mounted display, which includes a rear (or rear) support structure (or portion) positioned to contact the rear region of the user's head when in use.

[0055] In some configurations, the rear support, or at least a portion thereof, is positioned behind the user's upper earlobe.

[0056] In some configurations, the rear support is deflected to make contact with the user's head.

[0057] In some embodiments, the positioning and stabilization structure further includes a facing connector positioned opposite the user's head, extending along the temporal region of the user's head, and interconnecting the rear support to a head-mounted display unit. In some embodiments, the positioning and stabilization structure includes a front support that connects the rear support to the head-mounted display unit.

[0058] This technology may also include providing an interface structure used to support, buffer, stabilize, position, and / or seal a head-mounted display that is in a position opposite to the user's face.

[0059] Another aspect relates to a device used to support, cushion, stabilize, position, and / or seal a head-mounted display that is in a position opposite to the user's face.

[0060] Another aspect relates to a method used to support, cushion, stabilize, position, and / or seal a head-mounted display that is in a position opposite to the user's face.

[0061] An interface structure for a head-mounted display system includes a face engagement portion which includes a cushion and a face engagement membrane that at least partially encloses the cushion and forms a face engagement area configured to come into contact with the user's face during use; and a chassis portion for supporting the face engagement portion which is adapted to be mounted on a display unit housing.

[0062] In the embodiment, a) the face engagement portion forms a first spring structure, and / or b) the chassis portion forms a second spring structure.

[0063] An interface structure for a head-mounted display system including a head-mounted display unit, configured to be attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit, constructed and positioned to face the user's face, and provided around the user's eye area during use, wherein the interface structure is: It is adapted to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and includes a chassis part with a cushion support part, A face engagement portion supported by a chassis portion, the face engagement portion being flexible and elastic, configured to engage with the user's face during use, and the face engagement portion being attached to a cushion support portion of the chassis portion, includes: The face engagement portion includes a cushion and a face engagement membrane that at least partially encloses the cushion and forms a face engagement area configured to come into contact with the user's face during use. The chassis portion includes at least one pair of elastically deformable spacer portions provided around at least a portion of the user's eye area, each of which spacer portions separates the cushion support portion from the display unit housing. Each spacer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face during use, and the spacers do not intersect the sagittal plane of the user's head during use.

[0064] In the embodiment, The interface structure includes an interface structure clip that is attached to the display unit housing when in use, and the chassis is attached to the interface structure clip. • The face engagement portion is elastically compressible to conform to the user's face surface during use. The chassis is elastically deformable to allow movement of the face engagement portion relative to the display unit housing. The chassis allows the face engagement portion to rotate relative to the head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the face engagement portion along the length of the face engagement portion around the user's face. The chassis allows the face engagement portion to translate relative to the head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the face engagement portion along the length of the face engagement portion around the user's face. Each spacer is configured to be positioned in the respective cheek area of ​​the user's face during use. The cushion support section includes a cushion support flange having a first end and a second end, the second end being movable relative to the first end and the head-mounted display unit during use. • In the region of the chassis that includes the spacer portion, the first end of the cushion support flange is connected to the spacer portion. The face engagement membrane includes a first end and a second end, the face engagement region is located between the first end and the second end, and the first end is attached to the chassis portion. The first end of the facial engagement membrane is attached to the cushion support portion. The first end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the first end of the cushion support flange. The facial engagement membrane curls around the cushion between the facial engagement region and the second end of the facial engagement membrane. The second end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the cushion support flange at the second end of the cushion support flange, or in close proximity to the second end of the cushion support flange. • The cushion is made of foam, and / or • The facial engagement membrane is made of elastomer material. Another aspect of this technology relates to an interface structure for a head-mounted display system including a head-mounted display unit, which is configured to be attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit, constructed and positioned to face the user's face, and provided around the user's eye area when in use, wherein the interface structure is It is adapted to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and includes a chassis part with a cushion support part, A face engagement portion supported by a chassis portion, the face engagement portion being flexible and elastic, configured to engage with the user's face during use, and the face engagement portion being attached to a cushion support portion of the chassis portion, includes: The face engagement portion includes a cushion and a face engagement membrane that at least partially encloses the cushion and forms a face contact area configured to come into contact with the user's face during use. The chassis portion includes at least one pair of elastically deformable spacer portions provided around at least a portion of the user's eye area, each of which spacer portions separates the cushion support portion from the display unit housing. Each spacer is configured to be at least partially positioned within the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face during use, and the spacers do not intersect the sagittal plane of the user's head during use.

[0065] In the embodiment, • The face engagement portion is elastically compressible to conform to the user's face surface during use. The chassis is elastically deformable to allow movement of the face engagement portion relative to the display unit housing. The chassis allows the face engagement portion to rotate relative to the head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the face engagement portion along the length of the face engagement portion around the user's face. The chassis allows the face engagement portion to translate relative to the head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the face engagement portion along the length of the face engagement portion around the user's face. Each spacer is configured to be at least partially positioned in the respective cheek area of ​​the user's face when in use. Each spacer extends along the length of the chassis around the user's eye area during use, from an intermediate position relative to one of the user's cheeks to at least the upper part of each sphenoid bone. Each spacer extends along the chassis to at least the lateral area of ​​the user's forehead on each lateral side of the user's forehead during use. Each spacer section terminates at a point substantially aligned above one side edge of the user's eye. Each spacer portion tapers in cross-sectional length at or near the lateral side of the user's forehead. The cushion support section includes a cushion support flange having a first end and a second end, the second end being movable relative to the first end and the head-mounted display unit during use. • In the region of the chassis that includes the spacer portion, the first end of the cushion support flange is connected to the spacer portion. The interface structure includes an interface structure clip configured to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and the chassis is attached to the interface structure clip. In the region of the chassis that does not include the spacer portion, the first end of the cushion support flange is directly connected to the interface structure clip. The chassis section is overmolded onto the interface structure clips. The face engagement membrane includes a first end and a second end, the face contact area is located between the first end and the second end, and the first end is attached to the chassis portion. The first end of the facial engagement membrane is attached to the cushion support portion. The first end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the first end of the cushion support flange. The facial engagement membrane curls around the cushion between the facial engagement region and the second end of the facial engagement membrane. The second end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the cushion support flange at the second end of the cushion support flange, or in close proximity to the second end of the cushion support flange. • The cushion is made of foam, The face engagement membrane is formed separately from the chassis and then attached to the chassis. The chassis is made of elastomer material. The chassis is made of silicone. • The facial engagement membrane is formed from an elastomer material, and / or The facial engagement membrane is formed from silicone.

[0066] In further embodiments, The facial engagement portion includes a pair of sphenoid bone portions, each configured to engage with the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face during use. The facial engagement portion further includes a forehead portion configured to engage with the user's forehead during use. The facial engagement membrane is thicker in the forehead area than in the sphenoid area. The facial engagement membrane is thicker in the cheeks than in the forehead. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 mm in the sphenoid region. The facial engagement membrane has a cross-sectional shape, and the thickness of the cross-sectional shape decreases from the outer part to the inner part of the cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane shows a decrease in thickness in each sphenoid bone region, from a thickness in the range of 1.15 mm to 1.25 mm to a thickness in the range of 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.8 to 1.8 mm in the forehead area. • The cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane decreases in thickness from a range of 1.55 mm to 1.65 mm in the forehead area to 1 mm. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.8 to 3 mm in the cheek area. The cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane decreases in thickness from a range of 2.45 mm to 2.55 mm to a range of 0.95 mm to 1.05 mm in each cheek area. The middle portion of each cheek area has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, preferably within the range of 0.4 to 0.8 mm. The facial engagement portion includes a pair of ear portions located on the inside of the cheeks, each ear portion configured to be in contact with or close to the respective lateral side of the user's nose during use. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness of 0.2 to 0.6 mm in the ear area, preferably about 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm. Another aspect of the present technology relates to an interface structure including a facial engagement portion, the facial engagement portion comprising a forehead portion, a pair of sphenoid bone portions, and a pair of cheek portions, wherein the thickness of the facial engagement portion in one of 1) the forehead portion, 2) the pair of sphenoid bone portions, and 3) the pair of cheek portions is different from the thickness of the facial engagement membrane in at least one of the forehead portion, the pair of cheek portions, and / or the pair of cheek portions.

[0067] In the embodiment, the thickness of the facial engagement membrane in a pair of sphenoid bones is smaller than the thickness of the facial engagement membrane in the forehead and / or a pair of cheeks.

[0068] Another aspect of this technology relates to an interface structure for a head-mounted display system including a head-mounted display unit, which is configured to be attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit, constructed and positioned to face the user's face, and provided around the user's eye area when in use, wherein the interface structure is It is adapted to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and includes a chassis part with a cushion support part, A face engagement portion supported by a chassis portion, the face engagement portion being flexible and elastic, configured to engage with the user's face during use, and the face engagement portion being attached to a cushion support portion of the chassis portion, includes: The face engagement portion includes a cushion and a face engagement membrane that at least partially encloses the cushion and forms a face contact area configured to come into contact with the user's face during use. The facial engagement portion includes a pair of sphenoid bone portions, each configured to engage with the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face during use, and the facial engagement portion further includes a forehead portion configured to engage with the user's forehead during use. The facial engagement membrane is thicker in the forehead area than in the sphenoid area.

[0069] In the embodiment, The facial engagement membrane is thicker in the cheek area than in the sphenoid area. The facial engagement membrane is thicker in the cheeks than in the forehead. The facial engagement membrane has an outer circumference and an inner circumference, and the facial engagement membrane includes an outer circumference thickness in the forehead area and an outer circumference thickness in the sphenoid bone area, with the outer circumference thickness in the forehead area being greater than the outer circumference thickness in the sphenoid bone area. • The facial engagement membrane includes an outer thickness in the cheek area that is greater than the outer thickness in the forehead area. The facial engagement membrane includes an inner circumferential thickness in the forehead region and an inner circumferential thickness in the sphenoid region, with the inner circumferential thickness in the forehead region being greater than the inner circumferential thickness in the sphenoid region. The facial engagement membrane includes an inner circumferential thickness in the cheek region that is greater than the inner circumferential thickness in the sphenoid region. • The inner circumference thickness at the forehead is substantially the same as the inner circumference thickness at the cheek. The facial engagement membrane includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion in each sphenoid bone region, the outer thickness in the sphenoid bone region is within the first portion of the sphenoid bone region, the inner thickness in the sphenoid bone region is within the third portion of the sphenoid bone region, and the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second portion of the sphenoid bone region that is less than the thickness in the first portion of the sphenoid bone region and greater than the thickness in the third portion of the sphenoid bone region. The facial engagement membrane includes a first portion of the forehead, a second portion of the forehead, and a third portion of the forehead, wherein the outer thickness of the forehead is within the first portion of the forehead, the inner thickness of the forehead is within the third portion of the forehead, and the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second portion of the forehead that is smaller than the thickness in the first portion of the forehead and larger than the thickness in the third portion of the forehead. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second part of the forehead that is greater than the thickness in the second part of each sphenoid bone. The facial engagement membrane includes a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion in each cheek, with the outer thickness in each cheek being within the first portion, and the inner thickness in each cheek being within the fourth portion. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second portion of each cheek that is greater than the thickness in the second portion of each sphenoid bone. • The thickness of the second portion of each cheek is greater than the thickness of the second portion of the forehead. The thickness of the second portion of each cheek is substantially the same as the thickness of the first portion of the forehead. • The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the third portion of each cheek that is greater than the thickness in the second portion of each sphenoid bone, and / or The thickness of the third portion of each cheek is substantially the same as the thickness of the second portion of the forehead.

[0070] In the embodiment, The facial engagement membrane has a cross-sectional shape, and the thickness of the cross-sectional shape decreases from the outer part to the inner part of the cross-sectional shape. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 mm in the sphenoid region. The cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane shows a decrease in thickness in each sphenoid bone region, from a thickness in the range of 1.15 mm to 1.25 mm to a thickness in the range of 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.8 to 1.8 mm in the forehead area. The cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane shows a decrease in thickness in the forehead area, from a thickness in the range of 1.55 mm to 1.65 mm to a thickness in the range of 0.95 mm to 1.05 mm. The facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.8 to 3 mm in the cheek area. The cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane decreases in thickness from a range of 2.45 mm to 2.55 mm to a range of 0.95 mm to 1.05 mm in each cheek area. The middle portion of each cheek area has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, preferably within the range of 0.4 to 0.8 mm. • The facial engagement portion includes a pair of ear portions located on the inside of the cheeks, each ear portion configured to be in contact with or close to the respective lateral side of the user's nose during use, and / or The facial engagement membrane has a thickness of 0.2 to 0.6 mm in the ear area, preferably about 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm. Another aspect of this technology relates to an interface structure for a head-mounted display system including a head-mounted display unit, which is configured to be attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit, constructed and positioned to face the user's face, and provided around the user's eye area when in use, wherein the interface structure is It is configured to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and includes a chassis part with a cushion support part, A face engagement portion supported by a chassis portion, the face engagement portion being flexible and elastic, configured to engage with the user's face during use, and the face engagement portion being attached to a cushion support portion of the chassis portion, includes: A nose portion configured to engage with the user's nose during use and configured to at least partially block light from reaching the user's eyes from the user's nasal area, The nose section includes a lower part positioned close to the user's nasal tip during use, and the nose section includes an opening at its foremost portion.

[0071] In the embodiment, The nose section includes a first flap and a second flap, respectively connected to the lower part, the first flap configured to engage with a first lateral side of the user's nose during use, and the second flap configured to engage with a second lateral side of the user's nose during use, the first flap and the second flap are separated by a slot. The nose section is connected to the chassis section of the interface structure. The nose section is integrally formed with the chassis section. The nasal portion is connected to the facial engagement membrane of the interface structure. • The nasal portion is integrally formed with the facial engagement membrane. • The opening is partially defined by the lower part of the nose. • The lower part of the nose defines the upper and lateral sides of the opening. • The upper part of the opening curves backward on either the lateral side of the midline sagittal plane of the user's head when in use. The interface structure includes an interface structure clip configured to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and the chassis is attached to the interface structure clip. • The opening is partially defined by the interface structure clip. • Interface structure clips define the lower side of the opening, and / or • The lower side of the opening curves backward on one of the lateral sides of the sagittal midline of the user's head when in use.

[0072] Another aspect of this technology relates to a head-mounted display system, wherein the head-mounted display system is A head-mounted display unit including a display unit housing including a display, the head-mounted display unit further includes an interface structure that is attached to the display unit housing and constructed and positioned to face the user's face when in use, It includes a positioning and stabilization structure structured and positioned to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operable position on the user's head during use, The interface structure is provided around the user's eye area when in use, and Including the first part supported by the second part, The second part is attached to the display unit housing when in use and includes a support for the first part. The first part is flexible and elastic and is configured to engage with the user's face when in use, and the first part is attached to the support portion of the second part. The first and second parts are each configured to elastically deform in response to the contact force between the interface structure and the user's face during use, and the first and second parts have different responses to the contact force.

[0073] In the embodiment, The first and second parts have different compressive stiffnesses. The first part has less compressive stiffness than the second part. The first part is elastically compressible to conform to the surface of the user's face during use, and the second part is elastically deformable to allow the first part to move relative to the display unit housing. The second part allows the first part to rotate around the user's face along the length of the first part, relative to a head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the first part. The second part enables the first part to translate around the user's face along the length of the first part with respect to a head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the first part. The second part includes one or more spacer portions provided around the user's eye area, each of which separates the cushion support portion from the display unit housing. Each of the one or more spacer sections is elastically deformable during use. • One or more spacer sections include a pair of spacer sections, each spacer section configured to be positioned in the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face when in use. Each spacer is configured to be at least partially positioned in the respective cheek area of ​​the user's face when in use. Each spacer portion extends along the length of the second portion around the user's eye area during use, from an intermediate position relative to one of the user's cheeks to at least the upper part of each sphenoid bone. Each spacer extends to at least the lateral portion of the user's forehead on each lateral side of the user's forehead when in use. • One or more spacer sections do not intersect with the sagittal plane of the user's head during use. Each spacer section terminates at a point substantially aligned above one side edge of the user's eye. Each spacer portion tapers in cross-sectional length at or near the lateral side of the user's forehead. The cushion support section includes a cushion support flange having a first end and a second end, the second end being movable relative to the first end and the head-mounted display unit during use. • In the region of the second part, which includes the spacer portion, the first end of the cushion support flange is connected to the spacer portion. The interface structure includes an interface structure clip that is attached to the display unit housing when in use, and the second part is attached to the interface structure clip. In the region of the second part that does not include the spacer portion, the first end of the cushion support flange is directly connected to the interface structure clip. • The second part is overmolded onto the interface structure clip. The second part includes the chassis, and the support section includes the cushion support section. The facial engagement membrane includes a first end and a second end, the facial contact area is located between the first end and the second end, and the first end is attached to the second part. The first end of the facial engagement membrane is attached to the cushion support portion. The first end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the first end of the cushion support flange. The facial engagement membrane curls around the cushion between the facial engagement region and the second end of the facial engagement membrane. The second end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the cushion support flange at the second end of the cushion support flange, or in close proximity to the second end of the cushion support flange. • The cushion is made of foam, and / or • The facial engagement membrane is made of elastomer material. Another aspect of this technology includes a head-mounted display system, the head-mounted display system is A head-mounted display unit including a display unit housing, A positioning and stabilization structure structured and positioned to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operable position on the user's head during use, The interface structure includes one or more of the embodiments or examples described above.

[0074] Another form of this technology includes a human head-mounted display system, which is a human head-mounted display system. A head-mounted display unit including a display, A control system for operating a head-mounted display system, Includes a positioning and stabilization structure configured to hold a head-mounted display unit in front of the user's eyes so that the user can view the display during use.

[0075] Head-mounted display systems may be mounted on helmets, configured for virtual reality displays, configured for augmented reality displays, or configured for mixed reality displays.

[0076] Another form of this technology includes a human head-mounted display system, which is a human head-mounted display system. A head-mounted display unit including a display, A control system for operating a head-mounted display system, A positioning and stabilization structure including a front support and a rear support, The rear portion is configured to engage with the rear region of a person's head when in use. The front support section is, A left lateral portion configured to interconnect the rear support section and the head-mounted display system, It includes a rear section and a right lateral section configured to interconnect with a head-mounted display system.

[0077] In some embodiments, a) the head-mounted display device further includes a light shield, b) the light shield is constructed and positioned to substantially block the reception of ambient light to the eye area of ​​a person when in use, c) the light shield is configured for use with a virtual reality display, d) the head-mounted display system includes an interface structure constructed and positioned to contact the eye area of ​​a person's face when in use, e) the interface structure includes foam, silicone, and / or gel, f) the interface structure includes a light-absorbing material, and / or g) the interface structure is configured to function as a light shield.

[0078] Another aspect of one form of this technology is a positioning and stabilizing structure constructed in a shape complementary to the shape of the intended wearer.

[0079] Another aspect of this technology is an interface structure constructed in a shape complementary to the shape of the intended wearer.

[0080] The methods, systems, devices, and apparatus described may be implemented to improve the functionality of head-mounted displays such as electronic displays or computers. Furthermore, the methods, systems, devices, and apparatus described may provide improvements in the fields of virtual reality, augmented reality, and / or mixed reality.

[0081] Of course, some aspects of the technology may form sub-aspects of the technology. Furthermore, sub-aspects and / or various aspects of the technology may be combined in various ways to constitute additional aspects or sub-aspects of the technology.

[0082] Other features of this technology will become apparent by considering the information contained in the embodiments, abstract, drawings, and claims for carrying out the invention described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0083] This technology is shown in the drawings as an example, not an limitation, and similar reference numbers in the drawings refer to similar elements, including the following: 4.1 Head-mounted display systems

[0084] [Figure 1A] The diagram shows a system including a user 100 wearing a head-mounted display system 1000 in the form of a face-mounted virtual reality (VR) headset, with various images displayed to the user 100. The user is standing while wearing the head-mounted display system 1000. [Figure 1B] The diagram shows a system including a user 100 wearing a head-mounted display system 1000 in the form of a floating virtual reality (VR) headset, with various images displayed to the user. The user is seated while wearing the head-mounted display system 1000. [Figure 1C] The diagram shows a system including a user 100 wearing a head-mounted display system 1000 in the form of a floating augmented reality (AR) headset, with various images displayed to the user. The user is standing while wearing the head-mounted display system 1000. 4.2 Display System and Facial Anatomy [Figure 2A] This shows the human upper respiratory tract, including the nasal cavity, nasal bones, lateral nasal cartilage, greater alar cartilage, nostrils, upper lip, lower lip, larynx, hard palate, soft palate, oropharynx, tongue, epiglottis, vocal cords, esophagus, and trachea. [Figure 2B] This is a frontal view of a face with several surface anatomical features identified, including the upper lip, upper lip red, upper lip rouge, lower lip, mouth width, medial canthus, nasal wings, nasolabial folds, and cairion. The upward, downward, radially medial, and radially lateral directions are also indicated. [Figure 2C] This is a lateral view of the head with identified surface anatomical features, including the glabella, therion, nasal tip, subnasal point, upper lip, lower lip, supramenton, nasal ridge, ala apex, superior base of ear, and inferior base of ear. The view also shows the top and bottom, and front and back directions. [Figure 2D] This is another lateral view of the head. The approximate positions of the Frankfort horizontal and the nasolabial angle are shown. The coronal plane is also shown. [Figure 2E] This diagram shows the base of the nose with several features identified, including the nasolabial folds, lower lip, upper lip, nostrils, subnasal point, columella, nasal tip, long axis of the nostrils, and median sagittal plane. [Figure 2F] The surface features of the nose are shown from the side. [Figure 2G] This shows the subcutaneous structure of the nose, which includes the lateral nasal cartilage, nasal septal cartilage, greater alar cartilage, lesser alar cartilage, nasal sesamoid cartilage, nasal bone, epidermis, adipose tissue, frontal process of the maxilla, and fibrous adipose tissue. [Figure 2H] This diagram shows the anatomy of the inside of the nose, located a few millimeters from the median sagittal plane, and in particular, the medial crura of the nasal septum cartilage and the greater alar cartilage. [Figure 2I] This shows a frontal view of the skull, including the frontal bone, nasal bone, and zygomatic bone. The nasal conchae, maxilla, and mandible are also shown. [Figure 2J]This diagram shows a lateral view of the skull, the contour of the head surface, and several muscles. The following bones are shown: frontal bone, sphenoid bone, nasal bone, zygomatic bone, maxilla, mandible, parietal bone, temporal bone, and occipital bone. The mental protuberance is shown. The following muscles are shown: digastric muscle, masseter muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle, and trapezius muscle. [Figure 2K] An anterolateral view of the nose is shown. The following bones are shown: frontal bone, supraorbital foramen, nasal bone, nasal septal cartilage, lateral nasal cartilage, orbit, and infraorbital foramen. [Figure 2L] Another frontal view of the face is shown, with several surface anatomical features identified, including the skull, sphenoid bone, nasal ridge, lateral and medial buccal regions, zygomatic arch, and nasal ala apex. [Figure 2M] Another lateral view of the face is shown, with several surface anatomical features identified, including the skull, sphenoid bone, nasal bridge, lateral and medial buccal regions, zygomatic arch, and nasal ala apex. 4.3 Structural Morphology [Figure 3A] A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the structure at a certain point is shown. The outward normal to that point is indicated. The curvature of the point has a positive sign and is relatively large compared to the magnitude of curvature shown in Figure 3B. [Figure 3B] A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the structure at a certain point is shown. The outward normal to that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a positive sign and is relatively small compared to the magnitude of curvature shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 3C] A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the structure at a certain point is shown. The outward normal to that point is indicated. The curvature of that point is zero. [Figure 3D] A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the structure at a certain point is shown. The outward normal to that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a negative sign and is relatively small compared to the magnitude of curvature shown in Figure 3E. [Figure 3E] A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the structure at a certain point is shown. The outward normal to that point is indicated. The curvature at that point has a negative sign and is relatively large compared to the magnitude of curvature shown in Figure 3D. [Figure 3F] This shows the surface of a structure with one-dimensional holes on its surface. The planar curves shown form the boundaries of the one-dimensional holes. [Figure 3G] Figure 3F shows a cross-section of the structure. The illustrated surface surrounds the two-dimensional hole in the structure of Figure 3F. [Figure 3H] Figure 3F shows a perspective view of the structure, including two-dimensional and one-dimensional holes. The surface surrounding the two-dimensional holes in the structure of Figure 3F is also shown. [Figure 3I] The seal-forming structure is shown. The outer surface of the cushion is shown. The edge of the surface is shown. The path on the surface between points A and B is shown. The straight-line distance between A and B is shown. Two saddle regions and one dome region are shown. [Figure 3J] The seal-forming structure is shown. The outer surface of the cushion is shown. The edge of the surface is shown. The path on the surface between points A and B is shown. The straight-line distance between A and B is shown. Two saddle regions and one dome region are shown. [Figure 3K] This demonstrates the left-hand rule. [Figure 3L] I will demonstrate the right-hand rule. [Figure 3M] This shows the left ear and the helix of the left ear. [Figure 3N] Shows the right ear and the helix of the right ear. [Figure 3O] Shows the helix of the right ear. 4.4 Head-mounted virtual reality display [Figure 4A] This shows a front perspective view of a head-mounted display interface based on one embodiment of this technology. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows a rear perspective view of the head-mounted display. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the positioning and stabilization structure used in a head-mounted display. [Figure 4D] This shows a front view of the user's face, indicating the location of the interface structure in use. 4.5 Head-mounted Augmented Reality Display [Figure 5A] This shows a front perspective view of a head-mounted display interface according to one embodiment of this technology. [Figure 5B]Figure 5A shows a side view of the head-mounted display interface. 4.6 Control [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of a control system representing one form of this technology is shown. 4.7 Interface Structure [Figure 7] This shows a top view of an interface structure based on an example of this technology. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A shows a rear view of the interface structure. [Figure 7C] Figure 7A shows a top view of the interface structure. [Figure 7D] Figure 7A shows a bottom view of the interface structure. [Figure 7E] Figure 7A shows a side view of the interface structure. [Figure 7F] Figure 7B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the interface structure along line 7F-7F. [Figure 7G] Figure 7B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the interface structure along line 7G-7G. [Figure 7H] Figure 7F shows a detailed diagram of the interface structure. [Figure 7I] Figure 7F shows a detailed diagram of the interface structure. [Figure 7J] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the interface structure along line 7J-7J. [Figure 7K] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the interface structure along line 7K-7K. [Figure 7L] Figure 7K shows a detailed diagram of the interface structure. [Figure 7M] Figure 7K shows a detailed diagram of the interface structure. [Figure 7N] Figure 7E is a cross-sectional perspective view of the interface structure along line 7N-7N. [Figure 7O] Figure 7E is a cross-sectional perspective view of the interface structure along line 70-70. [Figure 7P] Figure 7O shows a detailed diagram of the interface structure. [Figure 7Q]Figure 7O shows a detailed diagram of the interface structure. [Figure 8A] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the forehead region of the interface structure shown, illustrating one way in which the chassis portion 1102 may deform during use, as an example of this technology. [Figure 8B] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the forehead region of the interface structure shown, illustrating one way in which the chassis portion 1102 may deform during use, as an example of this technology. [Figure 9] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cheek region of the interface structure shown, illustrating another way in which the chassis portion 1102 can deform during use, as an example of this technology. [Figure 10A] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sphenoid bone region of the interface structure shown, illustrating another way in which the chassis portion 1102 can deform during use, as an example of this technology. [Figure 10B] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sphenoid bone region of the interface structure shown, illustrating another way in which the chassis portion 1102 can deform during use, as an example of this technology. [Figure 10C] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sphenoid bone region of the interface structure shown, illustrating another way in which the chassis portion 1102 can deform during use, as an example of this technology. [Figure 11A] This is a diagram of an interface structure using another example of this technology. [Figure 11B] This is a diagram of an interface structure using another example of this technology. [Figure 11C] This is a diagram of an interface structure using another example of this technology. [Figure 11D] This is a diagram of an interface structure using another example of this technology. [Figure 11E] This is a diagram of an interface structure using another example of this technology. [Figure 11F] This is a diagram of an interface structure using another example of this technology. [Figure 11G] Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view of the interface structure along line 11G-11G. [Figure 11H]Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view of the interface structure along line 11H-11H. [Figure 11I] Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view of the interface structure along the line 11I-11I. [Figure 11J] Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view of the interface structure along the line 11J-11J. [Figure 12] Figures 11A to 11F are perspective views of a head-mounted display system including the interface structure shown. [Figure 13A] This is a rear view of a facial engagement membrane as an example of this technology, along with the associated legend. The facial engagement membrane is indicated by a pattern showing its thickness, as shown in the legend. [Figure 13B] Figure 13A shows a posterolateral view of the facial engagement membrane and its associated legend. The facial engagement membrane is indicated by a pattern showing its thickness according to the legend. [Figure 13C] Figure 13A shows a rear-downward view of the facial engagement membrane and its associated legend. The facial engagement membrane is indicated by a pattern showing its thickness according to the legend. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0085] Before describing the technology in further detail, please understand that the technology is not limited to the specific examples described herein and is subject to change. Also, please understand that the terms used in this disclosure are intended to illustrate only the specific examples described herein and are not intended to limit them.

[0086] The following explanation is provided in relation to various examples that may share one or more common characteristics and / or features. It should be understood that one or more features in any one example may be combined with one or more features in another example or even more examples. In addition, a single feature or combination of features in any example may constitute further examples.

[0087] The following detailed description refers to drawings that constitute part of the detailed description. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings, and defined in the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily apparent that the aspects of the disclosure generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are assumed in the disclosure. 5.1 Immersive Technology

[0088] Immersive technologies may present users with a combination of a virtual environment and their physical environment, i.e., the real world. Users may then interact with the resulting immersive or mixed reality.

[0089] The device immerses the user by enhancing or replacing a stimulus associated with one of the user's five senses with a virtual stimulus. While this is usually a virtual stimulus, there may also be an additional stimulus that enhances or replaces a stimulus associated with one of the four additional senses.

[0090] In some forms, a combination of a virtual environment and the user's environment may be presented to the user through certain immersive technologies. At least a portion of the resulting environment may include the virtual environment. In some examples, the entire resulting environment may be the virtual environment (i.e., the user's environment may be blocked from view or otherwise obstructed). In other forms, at least a portion of the user's physical environment may be visually observable.

[0091] In some forms, users may use various types of immersive technologies, including but not limited to virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Each type of immersive technology may present users with different environments and different ways of interacting with those environments.

[0092] In some forms, a display system may be used with each type of immersive technology. The display screen of the display system may provide virtual environment components to a combined environment (i.e., a combination of a virtual environment and a user environment). In certain forms, the display screen may be an electronic screen.

[0093] In at least some types of immersive technologies (e.g., VR, AR, MR), the positioning and stabilization of the electronic screen may contribute to the operation of each device. For example, a user may want to position the electronic screen close to their eyes for easy viewing, but at a distance that does not cause discomfort. Furthermore, the electronic screen may need to be positioned at a sufficient distance to allow the user to wear corrective lenses such as glasses at the same time. In addition, the user may try to maintain the orientation of the electronic screen relative to their eyes. In other words, a user who walks or makes other movements while using these devices may not want the device to bounce or move around on their head (e.g., particularly relative to their eyes), as this could cause dizziness or discomfort. Therefore, these devices may be supported to fit snugly against the user's head in order to limit the relative movement between the user's eyes and the device.

[0094] In one form, the technology includes a method of using a VR device, which involves supporting the device on the user's head near at least one of the user's eyes and within the user's line of sight.

[0095] In a specific example of this technology, a head-mounted display unit is supported in front of the user's eyes and blocks, interferes with, and / or limits ambient light reaching the user's eyes.

[0096] Features disclosed below in the context of a device configured for VR are understood to be applicable to a device configured for AR unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Similarly, features disclosed below in the context of a device configured for AR are understood to be applicable to a device configured for VR unless the context clearly requires otherwise. To avoid doubt, features disclosed in the context of a device that does not have a transparent display through which the user can observe the real world are understood to be applicable to a device with such a transparent display unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Similarly, features disclosed in the context of a device that includes a transparent display through which the user can observe the real world are understood to be applicable to a device where the display is electronic and the real world cannot be directly seen through transparent material. 5.2 Virtual Reality Display System

[0097] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a display device, display system, display interface, or head-mounted display system 1000 according to one aspect of the present technology includes a functional configuration comprising an interface structure 1100, a head-mounted display unit 1200, and a positioning and stabilization structure 1300. In some aspects, the functional configuration may provide one or more physical components. In some aspects, one or more physical components may provide one or more functional configurations. The head-mounted display unit 1200 may include a display. When in use, the head-mounted display unit 1200 is positioned near and in front of the user's eyes so that the user can observe the display.

[0098] In other embodiments, the head-mounted display system 1000 may also include a display unit housing 1205, an optical lens 1240, a controller 1270, a speaker 1272, a power supply 1274, and / or a control system 1276. In some examples, these may be integral parts of the head-mounted display system 1000, while in other examples, they may be modular and incorporated into the head-mounted display system 1000 according to the user's preference. 5.2.1 Head-mounted display unit

[0099] The head-mounted display unit 1200 may include a structure for providing an observable output to the user. Specifically, the head-mounted display unit 1200 may be positioned to be held in an operable position in front of the user's face (for example, manually, by positioning and stabilizing structures).

[0100] In some examples, the head-mounted display unit 1200 may include a display screen 1220, a display unit housing 1205, an interface structure 1100, and / or an optical lens 1240. In some forms, a protective layer 1242 may be formed around at least a portion of the optical lens 1240. These components may be permanently assembled into a single head-mounted display unit 1200, or they may be separable and selectively connected by the user to form the head-mounted display unit 1200. Furthermore, the display screen 1220, the display unit housing 1205, the interface structure 1100, and / or the optical lens 1240 may be included in the head-mounted display system 1000, but may not be part of the head-mounted display unit 1200. 5.2.1.1 Display Screen

[0101] In some forms of the head-mounted display unit 1200, although not shown in Figure 4B, a display, such as a display screen, is included within the display unit housing 1205. The display screen may include electrical components that provide an output observable to the user.

[0102] In one embodiment of this technology, a display screen provides a light output observable by the user. This light output allows the user to observe a virtual environment and / or virtual objects.

[0103] The display screen may be positioned close to the user's eyes so that the user can observe it. For example, the display screen may be positioned directly in front of the user's eyes. The display screen can output computer-generated images or virtual environments. 5.2.1.2 Display Housing

[0104] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, in some embodiments of this technology, the display unit housing 1205 can provide a support structure for the display screen to maintain the relative positions of at least some components of the display screen and can further protect the display screen and / or other components of the head-mounted display unit 1200. The display unit housing 1205 may include a material suitable for protecting the display screen from impact forces. The display unit housing 1205 may come into contact with the user's face and may include a biocompatible material suitable for limiting irritation to the user.

[0105] The display unit housing 1205 according to some embodiments of this technology may include a hard, rigid, or semi-rigid material such as plastic.

[0106] In certain configurations, a rigid or semi-rigid material may be covered at least partially with a soft and / or flexible material (e.g., textile, silicone, etc.). This may improve biocompatibility and / or user comfort because at least a portion of the display unit housing 1205 that the user operates (e.g., grasps with their hand) contains the soft and / or flexible material.

[0107] Display unit housings 1205 in other embodiments of this technology may include soft, flexible, and elastic materials such as silicone rubber. 5.2.1.3 Interface Structure

[0108] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, some embodiments of this technology include an interface structure 1100 positioned and / or arranged to conform to the shape of the user's face, which may provide the user with additional comfort when wearing and / or using the head-mounted display system 1000.

[0109] In some configurations, the interface structure 1100 is coupled to the surface of the display unit housing 1205.

[0110] In some forms, the interface structure 1100 may extend at least partially around the display unit housing 1205 and may form a viewing opening. The viewing opening may at least partially accommodate the user's face when in use. Specifically, the user's eyes may be accommodated within the viewing opening formed by the interface structure 1100.

[0111] In some forms, the interface structure 1100 according to this technology may include biocompatible materials.

[0112] In some forms, the interface structure 1100 according to this technology may include a soft, flexible, and / or elastic material.

[0113] In certain forms, the interface structure 1100 according to this technology may include silicone rubber and / or foam.

[0114] In some configurations, the interface structure 1100 may come into contact with sensitive areas of the user's face, which may be areas of discomfort. The materials forming the interface structure 1100 may buffer these sensitive areas, potentially limiting user discomfort while wearing the head-mounted display system 1000.

[0115] In certain configurations, these sensitive areas may include the user's forehead. Specifically, this may include areas of the user's head close to the frontal bone, such as the ocular bone and blepharocele. This area may be sensitive because it has limited natural cushioning from muscles and fat between the user's skin and bone. Similarly, the user's nasal bridge may have little to no natural cushioning.

[0116] In some forms, the interface structure 1100 may include a single element. In some embodiments, the interface structure 1100 may be designed for mass production. For example, the interface structure 1100 may be designed to comfortably fit a variety of face shapes and sizes.

[0117] In some forms, the interface structure 1100 may include different elements that cover different areas of the user's face. The different parts of the interface structure 1100 may include different materials, providing the user with different textures and / or cushioning in different areas. 5.2.1.3.1 Light Shield

[0118] Some forms of the head-mounted display system 1000 may be made of an opaque material and may include a light shield to prevent ambient light from reaching the user's eyes. The light shield may be part of the interface structure 1100 or a separate element. In some examples, the interface structure 1100 may form a light shield by shielding the user's eyes from ambient light, in addition to providing a comfortable contact area for contact between the head-mounted display unit 1200 and the user's face. In some examples, multiple components may work together to block ambient light and form a light shield.

[0119] In certain forms, the light shield can block ambient light from reaching the eye area, which is formed in the skull, the user's sphenoid bone, the lateral cheek region between the sphenoid bone and the left or right zygomatic arch, above the zygomatic arch, the medial cheek region from the zygomatic arch towards the nasal ala, and the nasal ridge below the selion, encircling a portion of the user's face in between.

[0120] In one configuration, the light shield does not need to be in contact with the user's face all the way around. For example, the light shield may be spaced away from the user's nose bridge. The width of this gap may be substantially small enough to substantially limit the intrusion of ambient light. However, the user's nose bridge is sensitive and can be easily irritated. Therefore, avoiding direct contact with the user's nose bridge may improve the user's comfort while wearing the head-mounted display system 1000.

[0121] In certain embodiments, the optical shield may be part of the display unit housing 1205, or it may be integrally or detachably coupled to the display unit housing 1205. In one embodiment, if the display unit housing 1205 can be used with a display screen that outputs AR or MR and VR, the optical shield is detachable from the display unit housing 1205 and is coupled to the display unit housing 1205 only while VR is in use. 5.2.2 Positioning and Stabilization Structure

[0122] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the display screen 1220 and / or display unit housing 1205 of the head-mounted display system 1000 of this technology may be held in place during use by a positioning and stabilization structure 1300.

[0123] To hold the display screen 1220 and / or display unit housing 1205 in the correct, operable position, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 is ideally comfortable to the user's head to accommodate the load from the weight of the display unit and minimize facial marks and pain from prolonged use. It also needs to enable a universal fit without sacrificing comfort, ease of use, or manufacturing cost. Design criteria may include adjustable features within a given range, through a low-touch, simple setup solution with a low dexterity threshold. Further considerations include accommodating the dynamic environments in which the head-mounted display system 1000 may be used. As part of an immersive virtual environment experience, the user may communicate, i.e., converse, while using the head-mounted display system 1000. In this way, the user's jaw or mandible may move relative to other bones of the skull. Furthermore, the entire head may move when using the head-mounted display system 1000, such as the movement of the user's upper body, possibly the lower body, and especially the movement of the head relative to the upper and lower body.

[0124] In one embodiment, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 provides a holding force to overcome the effects of gravity on the display screen 1220 and / or the display unit housing 1205.

[0125] In one embodiment of this technology, a positioning and stabilization structure 1300 is provided that is configured to be worn comfortably by the user. In one example, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 has a low profile or cross-sectional thickness to reduce the apparent or actual bulkiness of the device. In one example, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 includes at least one strap having a rectangular cross-section. In one example, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 includes at least one flat strap.

[0126] In one embodiment of this technology, a positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 is provided that is not so large or bulky as to hinder the user from comfortably moving their head from side to side.

[0127] In one embodiment of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a strap comprising a laminate of a textile user contact layer, a foam inner layer, and a textile outer layer. In one embodiment, the foam is porous, allowing moisture (e.g., sweat) to pass through the strap. In one embodiment, the skin contact layer of the strap is formed of a material that helps to wick moisture away from the user's face. In one embodiment, the textile outer layer includes a loop material that engages with a hook material portion.

[0128] In certain embodiments of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a retractable, for example, elastically retractable strap. For example, the strap may be configured to be under tension when in use and to guide a force that pulls the display screen 1220 and / or display unit housing 1205 towards a portion of the user's face, particularly near the user's eyes and along their field of vision. In one example, the strap may be configured as a tie.

[0129] In one embodiment of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a first tie, which is constructed and positioned such that, when in use, at least a portion of its lower edge passes above the base of the upper ear on the user's head and covers a portion of the parietal bone without covering the occipital bone.

[0130] In one embodiment of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a second tie, which is constructed and positioned such that, when in use, at least a portion of its upper edge passes below the base of the ear on the underside of the user's head and overlaps with or is positioned below the occipital bone of the user's head.

[0131] In one embodiment of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a third tie that interconnects the first tie and the second tie, and is constructed and positioned to reduce the tendency for the first tie and the second tie to move away from each other.

[0132] In certain embodiments of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a flexible, for example, non-rigid strap. An advantage of this embodiment is that the strap is more comfortable against the user's head.

[0133] In a particular embodiment of this technology, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a strap configured to be breathable so that water vapor can pass through the strap.

[0134] In certain embodiments of this technology, a system is provided comprising multiple positioning and stabilizing structures 1300, each structure configured to provide holding forces corresponding to a range of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, the system may include one form of positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 that is suitable for a large head rather than a small head, and another form that is suitable for a small head rather than a large head.

[0135] In some forms, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 may include a cushioning material (e.g., a foam pad) for contact with the user's skin. The cushioning material may further enhance the wear resistance of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300, especially if the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 includes a rigid or semi-rigid material. 5.2.2.1 Side-head connector

[0136] As shown in Figure 4C, some embodiments of the head-mounted display system 1000 or positioning and stabilization structure 1300 include temporal connectors 1250 or arms, each connector which may overlap each of the user's temporal bones during use. A portion of the temporal connector 1250 in use is in contact with a region of the user's head near the superior base of the ear, i.e., above both of the user's ears. In some examples, the temporal connector is a strap portion of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300. In other examples, the temporal connector is an arm of the head-mounted display unit 1200. In some examples, the temporal connector of the head-mounted display system 1000 may be partially formed by a strap portion of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 (e.g., a lateral strap portion 1330) and partially formed by an arm 1210 of the head-mounted display unit 1200.

[0137] Since each temporal connector 1250 is positioned on either the left or right side of the user's head, the temporal connector 1250 may be located on the side of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300.

[0138] In some forms, the lateral connector 1250 may extend in the front-rear direction and be substantially parallel to the sagittal plane.

[0139] In some configurations, the lateral connector 1250 may be coupled to the display unit housing 1205. For example, the lateral connector 1250 may be connected to the lateral side of the display unit housing 1205. For instance, each lateral connector 1250 may be coupled to one of the lateral left side 1234 and the lateral right side 1236 of the display unit housing.

[0140] In certain configurations, the side connectors 1250 may be pivotably connected to the display unit housing 1205, providing relative rotation between each side connector 1250 and the display unit housing 1205.

[0141] In certain configurations, the side connector 1250 may be detachably connected to the display unit housing 1205 (for example, via a magnet, mechanical fastener, hook-and-loop material, etc.).

[0142] In some configurations, the temporal connector 1250 may be positioned above the cheekbone (for example, above the user's cheekbone) when in use, generally along or parallel to the Frankfurt horizontal plane of the head.

[0143] In some configurations, the temporal connector 1250 may be positioned relative to the user's head, similar to the temples of eyeglasses, and may be positioned above the anti-helix of each ear.

[0144] In some forms, the side connector 1250 may have a generally elongated and flat configuration. In other words, each side connector 1250 is much longer and wider (in the direction from top to bottom of the paper) than it is thick (in the direction of the paper).

[0145] In some configurations, each temporal connector 1250 may have a three-dimensional shape with curvature along all three axes (X, Y, Z). The thickness of each temporal connector 1250 is approximately uniform, but its height may vary along its length. The purpose of the shape and dimensions of each temporal connector 1250 is to fit snugly to the user's head in an inconspicuous, low-profile manner (i.e., not appearing excessively bulky).

[0146] In some forms, the temporal connector 1250 may include a rigid or semi-rigid material, which may include plastic, Hytrel (thermoplastic polyester elastomer), or other similar materials. The rigid or semi-rigid material may be self-supporting or retain its shape without wear. This may allow the user to understand how to use the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 more intuitively or obviously, in contrast to a positioning and stabilization structure 1300 that is completely flexible and does not retain its shape. Maintaining the temporal connector 1250 in a working state before use prevents or limits distortion while the user is wearing the positioning and stabilization structure 1300, allowing the user to quickly fit or wear the head-mounted display system 1000.

[0147] In certain configurations, the side connector 1250 may be a rigidizer, which may allow for more effective (e.g., direct) transmission of tension through the side connector 1250 in order to limit the extent of extension or deformation of the arm in use.

[0148] In certain configurations, the lateral connector 1250 may be at least partially flexible in one direction and more rigid in another direction. The user may be able to bend or flex the lateral connector in one direction more than in another. For example, the lateral connector 1250 may be at least partially flexible along an axis substantially parallel to the user's sagittal plane (e.g., vertically during use). This may allow the lateral connector 1250 to conform to the shape of the user's head by moving laterally toward or away from the user's head. The user may also be able to make multiple adjustments along the length of the lateral connector 1250 to accommodate various structures along the user's head. However, bending along an axis substantially parallel to the user's coronal plane (e.g., stretching laterally during use) may be more difficult. The lateral connector 1250 may resist bending in the vertical direction.

[0149] In certain configurations, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 may be designed to be in its typical use configuration when removed from the box. In addition, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 may be positioned to retain its use shape after being removed from the box (for example, a rigidizer may be formed to maintain the shape of part of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300). Advantageously, the shape of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 is curved to be roughly the same as the back of the user's head, so the orientation of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 is clearly indicated to the user. In other words, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 is roughly dome-shaped.

[0150] In certain embodiments, flexible and / or elastic materials may be placed around the rigid or semi-rigid material of the temporal connector 1250. The flexible material may be more comfortable against the user's head in order to improve wearability and provide a softer contact with the user's face. In one embodiment, the flexible material is a textile sleeve permanently or detachably bonded to each temporal connector 1250.

[0151] In one embodiment, the textile may be overmolded onto at least one side of the rigidizer. In another embodiment, the rigidizer may be formed separately from the elastic component, and a sock of user contact material (e.g., Breath-O-Prene®) may then be wrapped around or slid onto the rigidizer. In an alternative embodiment, the user contact material may be supplied to the rigidizer by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, sewing, hook and loop material, and / or stud connectors.

[0152] In some configurations, the user contact material may be located on both sides of the rigidizer, or, to reduce material volume and cost, it may be located only on the user contact side of the rigidizer (e.g., the user contact side).

[0153] In some forms, the temporal connector 1250 may include a flexible material (e.g., textile) that is comfortable against the user's skin and may not require an additional layer to enhance comfort. 5.2.2.2 Rear support section

[0154] As shown in Figure 4C, some forms of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 may include a rear support 1350 to help support the display screen 1220 and / or display unit housing 1205 (shown in Figure 4B) near the user's eyes. The rear support 1350 helps to secure the display screen and / or display unit housing 1205 to the user's head and orient the display screen appropriately near the user's eyes.

[0155] In some configurations, the rear support portion 1350 may be coupled to the display unit housing 1205 via the side connector 1250.

[0156] In certain configurations, the side connector 1250 may be directly coupled to the display unit housing 1205 and the rear support portion 1350.

[0157] In some forms, the posterior support portion 1350 may have a three-dimensional contour curve that conforms to the shape of the user's head. For example, the three-dimensional shape of the posterior support portion 1350 may be a generally circular shape that is adapted to cover a portion of the user's parietal and occipital bones when in use.

[0158] In certain embodiments, the rear support 1350 may include an upper section 1310 and a lower section 1320. The upper section 1310 and the lower section 1320 are continuous and may form a rounded shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.) of the rear support.

[0159] In certain configurations, the rear support portion 1350 can be at least partially rigidified so that it can maintain its rounded shape even when not being worn by a user. This rigidity can help the user put on the rear support portion 1350, as it can limit entanglement.

[0160] In one embodiment, rigidity may provide “elasticity” to the rear support 1350. For example, the rear support 1350 may “remain elastic” after being compressed. In other words, the rear support 1350 may be flexible enough to be folded, but when the force is removed, the rear support 1350 returns to its original shape (e.g., a three-dimensional circle).

[0161] In some forms, the rear support portion 1350 may be at the rear of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300. The rear support portion 1350 can provide a fixing force that is at least partially directed forward.

[0162] In certain configurations, the lower section 1320 of the posterior support 1350 is the lowest part of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300. For example, the posterior support 1350 may contact the area of ​​the user's head between the occipital bone and the trapezius muscle. The posterior support 1350 may hook onto the lower edge of the occipital bone (e.g., the back of the head). The posterior support 1350 may provide upward and / or forward-directed forces to maintain contact with the back of the user's head.

[0163] In certain configurations, the lower section 1320 of the rear support 1350 is at the very bottom of the entire head-mounted display system 1000. For example, the rear support 1350 may be positioned at the base of the user's neck (e.g., overlapping the occipital bone and trapezius muscle below the user's eyes), and the rear support 1350 may be positioned below the display screen 1220 and / or the display unit housing 1205.

[0164] In certain configurations, the upper section 1310 may cover the parietal bone when in contact with the user's head. The rounded shape of the rear support 1350 may allow the rear support 1350 to sit substantially flat on the user's head, while the lower section 1320 contacts the user's head as described above.

[0165] In some configurations, the posterior support 1350 may include padded material that may come into contact with the user's head (for example, covering the area between the occipital bone and the trapezius muscle). The padded material may provide the user with additional comfort and may limit the marks caused by the posterior support 1350 pulling on the user's head.

[0166] In certain configurations, the rear support section 1350 may be constructed from a woven material and / or a foamed material. The material may be biocompatible and comfortable for the user's head.

[0167] In one embodiment, the rear support portion 1350 may be constructed of a foamed material at least partially covered with a fabric material. The outer fabric material may provide a comfortable feel to the user's skin. The inner foamed layer may allow the rear support portion 1350 to compress, improving comfort. 5.2.2.3 Forehead support

[0168] Some forms of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 may include an anterior support or forehead support 1360 configured to contact the user's head above the user's eyes during use. The positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 shown in Figure 5B includes a forehead support 1360. In some examples, the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 shown in Figure 4A may include a forehead support 1360. The forehead support 1360 may be located above the frontal bone of the user's head. In certain forms, the forehead support 1360 may be located above the sphenoid bone and / or temporal bone. This allows the forehead support 1360 to be located above the user's eyebrows.

[0169] In some configurations, the forehead support 1360 may be the front portion of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 and may be positioned further forward of the user's head than the rest of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300. The rear support portion 1350 may provide a force directed at least partially backward.

[0170] In some configurations, the forehead support 1360 may include cushioning material (e.g., textile, foam, silicone, etc.) that may come into contact with the user, and may contribute to limiting marks caused by the straps of the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300. The forehead support 1360 and the interface structure 1100 may work together to provide comfort to the user.

[0171] In some configurations, the forehead support 1360 may be separate from the display unit housing 1205 and may contact the user's head at a different location (for example, higher up) than the display unit housing 1205.

[0172] In some configurations, the forehead support 1360 may be adjusted so that the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 can accommodate the shape and / or configuration of the user's face.

[0173] In some embodiments, the temporal connector 1250 may be coupled to the forehead support 1360 (for example, the lateral side of the forehead support 1360). The temporal connector 1250 may extend at least partially downward to be coupled to the rear support 1350.

[0174] In certain configurations, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 may include multiple pairs of lateral connectors 1250. For example, one pair of lateral connectors 1250 may be connected to the forehead support 1360, and the other pair of lateral connectors 1250 may be connected to the display unit housing 1205.

[0175] In some configurations, the forehead support 1360 can be positioned at an angle nearly parallel to the user's forehead, which can improve user comfort. For example, the forehead support 1360 may be positioned so that it overlaps the frontal bone and is substantially parallel to the coronal plane. Positioning the forehead support substantially parallel to the coronal plane may reduce the likelihood of pressure ulcers resulting from uneven posture.

[0176] In some configurations, the forehead support 1360 may be offset from the rear support or posterior support that contacts the posterior region of the user's head (e.g., the region covering the occipital bone and trapezius muscle). In other words, the axis along the posterior strap does not intersect the forehead support 1360, and the forehead support 1360 may be positioned below and forward of the axis along the posterior strap. The offset between the forehead support 1360 and the posterior strap may create a moment that counteracts the weight force of the display screen 1220 and / or the display unit housing 1205. The larger the offset, the larger the moment, which further contributes to maintaining the proper position of the display screen 1220 and / or the display unit housing 1205. The offset can be increased by moving the forehead support 1360 closer to the user's eyes (e.g., by moving it forward and downward along the user's head) or by increasing the angle of the posterior strap to make it vertical.

[0177] In some forms, the forehead support 1360 may be constructed of a compressible material that can provide support to the user during use.

[0178] In certain configurations, the forehead support 1360 may be constructed from silicone, foam, and / or fabric. For example, any of the materials may be used independently, while the fabric may be used in combination with either silicone or foam. When used together, the fabric may be the outer layer of the forehead support 1360 and may come into contact with the user's head. The foam and / or silicone may be the inner layer that compresses when the forehead support 1360 is subjected to tension on the user's head. 5.2.2.4 Adjustable Straps

[0179] As shown in FIG. 4C, a portion of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 may be adjustable to apply a selective tensile force to the display screen 1220 and / or the display unit housing 1205 to fix the position of the display screen 1220 and / or the display unit housing 1205.

[0180] In some forms, the display unit housing 1205 may include at least one loop or eyelet 1254 (as shown in FIG. 4B), and at least one ear connector 1250 may be passed through and folded back through the loop. The length of the ear connector 1250 passed through each eyelet 1254 may be selected by the user to adjust the tensile force provided by the positioning and stabilization structure 1300. For example, increasing the length of the ear connector 1250 passed through the eyelet 1254 may result in a greater tensile force.

[0181] In some forms, at least one ear connector 1250 may include an adjustment portion 1256 and a receiving portion 1258 (as shown in FIG. 4C). The adjustment portion 1256 may be disposed through an eyelet 1254 on the display unit housing 1205 and coupled to the receiving portion 1258 (e.g., by folding back). The adjustment portion 1256 may include hook material, the receiving portion 1258 may include loop material (or vice versa), and the adjustment portion 1256 may be removably held in a desired position. In some examples, the hook material and the loop material may be Velcro®.

[0182] In certain embodiments, by adjusting the position of the adjustment part 1256 relative to the receiving part 1258, a rearward force may be applied to the display screen 1220 and / or the display unit housing 1205, and the sealing force of the light shield against the user's head may increase or decrease (for example, when the light shield functions as a sealing formation structure).

[0183] In certain embodiments, the adjustment part 1256 may include a flexible and / or elastic material, may conform to the shape of the user's head, and / or may be configured to pass through the eyelet 1254. For example, the adjustment part(s) 1256 may include an elastic textile that can provide an elastic tensile force. The remaining part of the lateral connector 1250 may include the above rigid or semi-rigid material (although it is contemplated that an additional section of the lateral connector 1250 may also include a flexible material). 5.2.2.4.1 Top Strap

[0184] In some embodiments, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 may include a top strap portion that can cover the upper region of the user's head. The head-mounted display system 1000 shown in FIG. 1A, for example, has a top strap portion.

[0185] In some embodiments, the top strap portion may extend between the front portion of the head-mounted display system 1000 and the rear region of the head-mounted display system 1000.

[0186] In some embodiments, the top strap portion may include a flexible material and may be configured to conform to the shape of the user's head.

[0187] In certain configurations, the top strap portion may be connected to the display unit housing 1205. For example, the top strap portion may be coupled to the upper surface 1230 of the display unit housing. The top strap portion may be coupled to the display unit housing 1205 near its rear end.

[0188] In certain configurations, the top strap portion may be coupled to the forehead support 1360. For example, the top strap portion may be coupled to the forehead support 1360 near the upper edge. The top strap portion may be connected to the display unit housing 1205 via the forehead support 1360.

[0189] In some configurations, the top strap portion may be connected to the rear support portion 1350. For example, the top strap portion may be connected near the upper edge of the rear support portion 1350.

[0190] In some configurations, the top strap may overlap the frontal and parietal bones of the user's head.

[0191] In certain configurations, the top strap may extend along the sagittal plane as it extends between the front and rear of the head-mounted display system 1000.

[0192] In certain configurations, the top strap may be subjected to a tensile force directed at least partially upward, and may also resist gravity.

[0193] In certain configurations, the top strap portion may be subjected to a tensile force directed at least partially backward, thereby pulling the interface structure 1100 toward the user's face (and potentially supplying part of the sealing force when the light shield functions as a seal-forming structure).

[0194] In some configurations, the top strap portion may be adjustable to apply selective tensile force to the display screen 1220 and / or display unit housing 1205 to fix the position of the display screen 1220 and / or display unit housing 1205.

[0195] In certain configurations, the display unit housing 1205 and / or the forehead support 1360 (if applicable) may include at least one loop or eyelet 1254 through which the top strap portion passes and folds back. The length of the top strap portion passing through the eyelet 1254 may be selected by the user to adjust the tension provided by the positioning and stabilization structure 1300. For example, a longer top strap portion passing through the eyelet 1254 may provide greater tension.

[0196] In some forms, the top strap portion may include an adjustment portion and a receiving portion. The adjustment portion may be located through the eyelet 1254 and may be coupled to the receiving portion (for example, by folding back to itself). The adjustment portion may include a hook material and the receiving portion may include a loop material (or vice versa), and the adjustment portion may be detachably held in the desired position. In some examples, the hook material and loop material may be Velcro. 5.3 Augmented Reality Display Interface

[0197] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a display device or head-mounted display system 1000 according to one aspect of the present technology includes a display screen 1220 configured for augmented reality, a display unit housing 1205, and a positioning and stabilization structure 1300 as functional aspects. In some aspects, the functional aspects may provide one or more physical components. In some aspects, one or more physical components may provide one or more functional aspects. When in use, the display screen 1220 is positioned near and in front of the user's eyes so that the user can observe the display screen 1220.

[0198] In other embodiments, the head-mounted display system 1000 may also include an interface structure 1100, a controller 1270, a speaker 1272, a power supply 1274, and / or a control system 1276. In some examples, these may be integrated components of the head-mounted display system 1000, while in other examples, they may be modular and incorporated into the head-mounted display system 1000 according to the user's preference. 5.4 Interface Structure

[0199] Figures 7A-7Q show diagrams of interface structures 1100 according to further examples of the present technology. Interface structures 1100 are used in a head-mounted display system 1000 which includes a head-mounted display unit 1200 including a display unit housing 1205 containing a display. In this example, the head-mounted display unit 1200 includes the interface structure 1100. The interface structure 1100 may be attached to the display unit housing 1205 when in use and may be constructed and positioned to face the user's face when in use. The head-mounted display system 1000 may have any of the features, configurations, aspects, functions, etc., described elsewhere in this specification. For example, the head-mounted display system 1000 may include a positioning and stabilization structure 1300 structured and positioned to hold the head-mounted display unit 1200 in an operable position on the user's head when in use. 5.4.1 Chassis and Face Engagement Sections

[0200] The interface structure 1100 may further include a face engagement portion configured to engage with the user's face during use. The face engagement portion 1110 may be flexible and elastic. The face engagement portion 1110 may be at least partially formed of an elastomer material such as silicone or TPE.

[0201] Unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that any features of the interface structures and / or face engagement parts described elsewhere in this specification (for example, those described with reference to Figures 4A-4B or 5A-5B) may be applied to interface structures 1100, such as those shown in Figures 7A-7Q. This interface structure 1100 may be particularly suitable for use in a head-mounted display system 1000 configured for VR, such as those described with reference to Figures 4A-4B. However, it should be understood that the interface structures 1100, or any of their individual features, described with reference to Figures 7A-7O may be applied to a head-mounted display system 1000 configured for use in VR, MR, AR, or any other artificial reality.

[0202] The interface structure 1100 may further include a chassis portion 1102 that is attached to the display unit housing 1205 during use. The chassis portion 1102 may be harder than the face engagement portion 1110 (e.g., may have higher rigidity). The face engagement portion 1110 may be attached to the chassis portion 1102 and may be supported by the chassis portion 1102. The chassis portion 1102 may be configured to attach the interface structure 1100 to the head-mounted display unit 1200. For example, the chassis portion 1102 may be configured to attach to the display unit housing 1205 of the head-mounted display unit 1200. In some examples, the chassis portion 1102 may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material such as silicone or TPE. In other examples, the chassis portion 1102 may be at least partially formed of a thermoplastic material such as polycarbonate, ABS, nylon. The face engagement portion 1110 may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material such as silicone or TPE. In some examples, the face engagement portion 1110 may be at least partially formed of foam. The chassis portion 1102 may additionally include a shape that requires a greater force to deform than the face engagement portion 1110. The face engagement portion 1110 may be formed separately from the chassis portion 1102 and then attached to the chassis portion 1102.

[0203] The face engagement portion 1110 may be configured to engage the user's face around the user's eyes during use. The face engagement portion 1110 may be configured to engage the side of the user's face outside the user's eyes and engage the user's forehead during use. The face engagement portion 1110 may be engaged with the user's cheek, the side of the user's face outside the user's eyes, and the user's forehead. The face engagement portion 1110 may be engaged with the user's face in an area above the user's nose, upper jaw, cheekbones, sphenoid bone, and frontal bone. The face engagement portion 1110 may be engaged with the user's face, for example, in the area shown in Fig. 4D.

[0204] In some examples, the face engagement portion 1110 and the chassis portion 1102 may include a single component that can be removably fixed to the head-mounted display unit 1200. The chassis portion 1102 may be configured to attach the interface structure 1100 to the head-mounted display unit 1200, for example, by snap-fitting. In other examples, the chassis portion 1102 may be attached to the head-mounted display unit 1200 by snap-fitting, hook-and-loop fastening connections, magnetic connections, with interface structure clips or retainers that allow friction fit, interlocking fit, snap-fitting, or any other suitable connection. In this example of the Art, the interface structure 1100 includes an interface structure clip 1101 configured to attach to the display unit housing 1205 of the head-mounted display unit 1200 when in use. The interface structure clip 1101 may be removably attached to the display unit housing 1205, for example, by snap-fitting connections, press-fitting connections, or other suitable connections as disclosed elsewhere herein. In this example, the chassis portion 1102 of the interface structure 1100 is attached to the interface structure clip 1101, for example, by overmolding. In other examples, the chassis portion 1102 may be attached to the interface structure clip 1101 by adhesive and / or press-fitting. In other examples, there may be no interface structure clip 1101, and the chassis portion 1102 itself may form a releasable or permanent connection to the display unit housing 1205, such as by snap-fitting, press-fitting, adhesive connection, or other suitable connection method.

[0205] In the examples shown in Figures 7A to 7Q, the chassis portion 1102 includes the cushion support portion 1103. The face engagement portion 1110 may be attached to the cushion support portion 1103 of the chassis portion 1102.

[0206] The face engagement portion 1110 may include a cushion 1130 and a face engagement membrane 1114. In this example, the face engagement membrane 1114 at least partially encloses the cushion. The face engagement membrane 1114 may form a face contact area 1112 configured to come into contact with the user's face during use. 5.4.2 Behavior of Interface Structure

[0207] The face engagement portion 1110 is elastically compressible to conform to the surface of the user's face during use. The chassis portion 1102 may be elastically deformable to allow movement of the face engagement portion 1110 relative to the display unit housing 1205. In the examples shown in Figures 7A-7Q, the face engagement portion 1110 may be identified as a first part of the interface structure 1100, and may include or form a first spring structure, and the chassis portion 1102 may also be identified as a second part of the interface structure 1100, and may include or form a second spring structure. The face engagement portion 1110 may tolerate small variations in the shape of the user's face surface, and the chassis portion 1102 may tolerate larger variations in the distance between the display unit housing 1205 and the user's face surface. The two parts / spring structures may form a spring system and cooperate to provide good engagement with a wide variety of shapes / sizes of the user's head and face. The two spring structures can operate in series to provide a large amount of available "movement" in the spring system to accommodate different distances between the display unit housing 1205 and the user's face (for example, primarily using the second spring structure), while also accommodating smaller details of the shape of the user's face surface (for example, primarily using the first spring structure).

[0208] More generally, it should be understood that the interface structure 1100 in this and other examples of the Technology includes a first part (e.g., a face engagement part 1110 in the examples shown in Figures 7A-7Q) supported by a second part (e.g., a chassis part 1102 in the examples shown in Figures 7A-7Q). The second part may be attached to the display unit housing 1205 when in use and may form or include a support for the first part. The first part is flexible and elastic and may be configured to engage with the user's face when in use. The first part may be attached to the support for the second part. In the specific examples shown in Figures 7A-7Q, the support for the second part is a cushion support 1103 to which the face engagement part 1110 is attached. The first and second parts are each configured to deform elastically in response to the contact force between the interface structure 1100 and the user's face when in use.

[0209] In some examples, the first and second parts have different responses to contact forces. In certain examples, the first part (i.e., the first spring structure) and the second part (i.e., the second spring structure) have different compressive stiffnesses. For example, the first part may have less compressive stiffness than the second part. The first part may be elastically compressible to conform to the surface of the user's face during use, which may facilitate the first part conforming to small variations in the surface of the user's face, which may advantageously allow the first part to conform to a wide variety of face surface shapes. On the other hand, the second part may be elastically deformable to allow the first part to move relative to the display unit housing. This may allow the interface structure 1100 to conform well to a range of face shapes and sizes.

[0210] The first and second parts may, in some examples, cooperate simultaneously as a series spring. In some examples, the first part / spring structure may be deformed primarily by elastic material compression. The second part / spring structure may be deformed primarily by elastic structural deformation. In some examples, the second part may include multiple deformation modes. For example, the second part may exhibit one or more of controlled hinge, bending, buckling, and material compression. As a mere example, in the example shown in Figures 7A-7Q, the first part is a cushion 1130 that deforms by compression of cushioning material (e.g., foam). The second part is a chassis 1102, which in this example is an elastomer structure that can be deformed in one or more of various modes, all of which are described below, including controlled buckling of the spacer 1104, bending of the spacer 1104, rotation of the spacer 1104 around its connection to the interface structure clip 1101, bending of the cushion support flange, and rotation of the cushion support flange relative to the spacer 1104. More generally, the second part may allow the first part to translate and / or rotate relative to the head-mounted display unit 1200 in one or more regions of the first part along the length of the first part around the user's face. The following description focuses on the example shown in Figures 7A-7Q, referring to the chassis part 1102 and the face engagement part 1110, but more generally, it should be understood that the face engagement part 1110 forms the first part / spring structure and the chassis part 1102 forms the second part / spring structure. The physical configuration of the first part / spring structure and the second part / spring structure may differ in other examples, while exhibiting the spring structure behavior described herein.

[0211] The chassis 1102 may allow the face engagement portion 1110 to rotate relative to the head-mounted display unit 1200 in one or more regions of the face engagement portion 1110 along the length of the face engagement portion 1110 around the user's face. In particular, the chassis 1102 may allow the face engagement portion 1110 to rotate inward relative to the head-mounted display unit 1200, for example, when the interface structure 1100 comes into contact with the user's face during use.

[0212] The chassis portion 1102 may additionally or alternatively allow the face engagement portion 1110 to translate relative to the head-mounted display unit 1200 in one or more regions of the face engagement portion 1110 along the length of the face engagement portion 1110 around the user's face. For example, the sphenoid bone portion 1170 of the face engagement portion 1110 may translate laterally when the face engagement portion 1110 engages with the user's face.

[0213] As specifically shown in certain cross-sectional views such as Figures 7I, 7P, and 7Q, the chassis portion 1102 in this example includes one or more spacer portions 1104 provided around the user's eye area, each of which separates the cushion support portion 1103 from the display unit housing 1205. Each of the one or more spacer portions 1104 may be elastically deformable during use. The one or more spacer portions 1104 may function as struts configured to bend, for example, to deform in a controllable manner to allow movement of the face engagement portion 1110.

[0214] One or more spacer portions 1104 may include a pair of spacer portions 1104, each spacer portion configured to be at least partially positioned in the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face when in use. Alternatively or additionally, each spacer portion 1104 may be configured to be at least partially positioned in the respective cheek region of the user's face when in use.

[0215] In the illustrated example, the chassis portion 1102 includes spacer portions 1104 configured to be positioned in the cheek and sphenoid regions of the user's face during use. In this particular example, the spacer portions 1104 are not located within part or all of the forehead portion 1175. For example, one or more spacer portions 1104 do not intersect the sagittal plane of the user's head during use. More specifically, in this example, each spacer portion 1104 extends along the length of the chassis portion around the user's eye region during use, from an intermediate position relative to each of the user's cheeks to at least the upper part of each sphenoid region. Furthermore, each spacer portion 1104 extends along the chassis portion to at least the lateral region of the user's forehead on each lateral side of the user's forehead during use. In particular, each spacer portion 1104 terminates at a location substantially aligned above the lateral edge of each of the user's eyes.

[0216] In some examples, the cross-sectional length of the spacer portion 1104 varies. The cross-sectional length may be the length of the spacer portion 1104 when measured in a cross section perpendicular to the length of the chassis portion 1102 around the user's eye area during use. For example, as shown in Figures 7C, 7E, and 7J, each spacer portion 1104 may taper in cross-sectional length at or near the lateral side of the user's forehead. As shown in Figure 7E, for example, the spacer portion 1104 may have its maximum length at or near the midpoint of the lateral side of the interface structure 1100, which may correspond to the midpoint of the height of the sphenoid bone region. The spacer portion 1104 may taper in length from those midpoints towards the forehead region. In some examples, the spacer portion 1104 may taper in length between the sphenoid bone region and the cheek region (for example, along the tapering region of the spacer portion). In other examples, the chassis portion 1102 may include a spacer portion only in the sphenoid bone region of the interface structure 1100, or only in the cheek region of the interface structure 1100.

[0217] In this example of the technology, the cushion support portion 1103 may be formed as a cushion support flange having a first end 1103a and a second end 1103b, the second end 1103b being movable relative to the first end 1103a and the head-mounted display unit 1200 during use. The second end 1103b may be a free end so that the cushion support flange is cantilevered from the spacer portion 1104. The cantilever structure of the cushion support flange may allow it to bend relative to the spacer portion 1104. This ability of the cushion support flange to bend may form part of the behavior of the chassis portion 1102 as a second spring structure. In particular, the ability of the cushion support flange to bend relative to the spacer portion 1104 may allow the face engagement portion 1110 to rotate relative to the head-mounted display unit 1200. In this way, the chassis portion 1102 allows the face engagement portion 1110 to perform both translation and rotation. Therefore, the second part / spring structure in this example (for example, the chassis part 1102 in the illustrated example) allows the first part / spring structure to perform both translation and rotation. In the region of the chassis part 1102 that includes the spacer part 1104, the first end 1103a of the cushion support flange is connected to the spacer part 1104. However, in the region of the chassis part 1102 that does not include the spacer part 1104, the first end of the cushion support flange is connected directly to the interface structure clip 1101. The chassis part 1102 may be overmolded onto the interface structure clip 1101. Alternatively, the chassis part 1102 may be removably attached to the interface structure clip 1101, for example, by a press-fit attachment.

[0218] The chassis portion 1102 may be configured to accommodate different head ratios by hinge connections, bending, and / or buckling. Along the forehead region, the chassis portion 1102 may be deformed primarily by hinge connections. The cushion support portion 1103 may be bent (additionally or alternatively) in some examples, as will be described in more detail below, but may be primarily hinged around its connection to the interface structure clip 1101.

[0219] Figures 8A, 8B, and 9 illustrate how the chassis portion 1102 may allow the face engagement portion 1110 to rotate relative to the head-mounted display unit 1200. The face engagement portion 1110 is not shown in these drawings for clarity in order to illustrate how the cushion support portion 1103 may move or deform. In these drawings, 1103 is shown as the original “stationary” shape of the cushion support portion 1103, indicated by a dashed line, and 1103' is shown as the deformed shape of the cushion support portion 1103 in use, indicated by a solid line. Reference numerals 1103a and 1103b indicate the first and second ends of the cushion support flange in the non-deformed state, while reference numerals 1103a' and 1103b' indicate the positions of the first and second ends of the cushion support flange in the deformed state.

[0220] Figures 8A and 8B show cross-sections of the interface structure 1100 in the forehead region, illustrating two different modes in which the face engagement portion 1110 is omitted and the cushion support portion 1103 may be deformed. In these examples, the cushion support portion 1103 may be bent in proximity to its connection to the interface structure clip 1101. As shown in Figure 8A, the cushion support portion 1103, for example, the cushion support flange in this example, may be bent such that the second end 1103b of the cushion support flange moves relative to the first end 1103a. The first ends 1103a and 1103a' are substantially in the same location, but the second end 1103b' of the deformed cushion support flange has moved away from the position of the second end 1103b of the undeformed cushion support flange. In the example shown in Figure 8B, the cushion support portion 1103 or at least a large portion thereof may rotate (for example, deform to rotate). In the illustrated example, the cushion support portion 1103 may rotate relative to the display unit housing 1205 or the interface structure clip 1101. As shown in Figure 8B, the cushion support portion 1103, for example, the cushion support flange in this example, may rotate such that the second end 1103b of the cushion support flange moves relative to the first end 1103a. In this example, the rotation occurred substantially around the first end 1103a. In some examples, the cushion support portion 1103 may deform simultaneously in use in both of the deformation modes shown in Figures 8A and 8B. In other examples, the cushion support portion 1103 may deform according to the first mode in at least one region of the interface structure (e.g., the forehead) and according to the second mode in at least one other region of the interface structure (e.g., the cheek and / or sphenoid bone).

[0221] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the interface structure 1100 in the cheek region. In this example, the cushion support portion 1103 (in this example, the cushion support flange) hinges at its connection to the spacer portion 1104. As shown in Figure 9, the second end 1103b' of the deformed cushion support flange has moved from the position of the second end 1103b in the undeformed state. Meanwhile, the first end 1103a remains substantially in the same location. In some examples, the spacer portion may also be deformed, for example, by bending along its length and / or by rotating / hinging around its connection to the display unit housing 1205 (for example, at or near the interface structure clip 1101 in the illustrated example).

[0222] Along the sphenoid bone, the chassis portion 1102 can be deformed primarily by bending. In some examples, the chassis portion 1102 or one or more portions thereof can be bent, for example, to accommodate the width of the user's head and / or to provide elastic cushioning to keep the face engagement portion 1110 comfortable in contact with the user's face. In some examples, the chassis portion 1102 may be configured to allow buckling (e.g., controllably controlled backing / buckling) in close proximity to the user's sphenoid bone within one or more portions of the chassis portion 1102, such as within the spacer portion 1104 or the cushion support portion 1103. This controlled buckling may occur, for example, when the head-mounted display system 1000 is worn by a user with a particularly wide head.

[0223] In some embodiments of this technology, the chassis portion 1102 (or either its spacer portion 1104 or cushion support portion 1103) may deform by bending / curving with a lower force, but then deform by buckling (e.g., controlled buckling) in response to a predetermined level of force. After buckling has begun, the force required to further deform the chassis portion 1102 or one or more of its parts may be the same as, or less than, the predetermined level of force required to initiate buckling. Once buckling has begun, the reduction in force (or reduction / prevention of force increase) may, advantageously, allow the chassis portion 1102 to deform over a large distance (e.g., a large "movement") without the restoring force on the face engagement portion 1110 becoming uncomfortably large with greater compression. This may allow the interface structure 1100 to comfortably fit a wide range of face shapes and sizes.

[0224] Figures 10A-10C show how the chassis portion 1102 or its spacer portion 1104 may deform during use in the manner described above. The face engagement portion 1110 is also not shown in these drawings for clarity. Figure 10A shows the initial method / mode of deformation. In this figure, the undeformed shape of the chassis portion 1102 is shown by a dashed line and is given reference numerals 1103 for the cushion support portion and 1104 for the spacer portion, respectively, in their undeformed state. The deformed shape of the chassis portion 1102 is shown by a solid line and is given reference numerals 1103' and 1104' for the cushion support portion and spacer portion, respectively. As shown, in response to an initial or lower level of force, the spacer portion 1104 may curve or bend into the shape of the deformed spacer portion 1104'. This may allow the cushion support portion 1103 to move by translation, etc., as shown in Figure 10A.

[0225] Figure 10B illustrates a second mode / method of deformation that may occur after an additional force is applied to the interface structure 1100, which may occur when the head-mounted display system 1000 is used by a user with a particularly large or wide head. In Figure 10B, the moderately deformed spacer portion 1104' is shown by a dashed line and has the same shape as shown by a solid line in Figure 10A. Upon additional force, the spacer portion 1104 may buckle to the shape of the buckled spacer portion 1104' shown by a solid line in Figure 10B and deform further. As described above, during or before buckling, the reaction force exerted on the user's face by the interface structure 1100 may be reduced (or, in some examples, remain at least constant) to allow for a large "movement" of the face engagement portion 1110 without excessive spring return force exerted on the user's face.

[0226] Figure 10C shows three shapes of the chassis portion 1102 throughout the deformation process described above. As shown, the spacer portion in the first undeformed state is shown by a dashed line and given reference numeral 1104. In the second state, the spacer portion is curved / bent outward and is shown by a dashed line and given reference numeral 1104'. Finally, in the third state, the spacer portion buckles, resulting in further deformation and is shown by a solid line and given reference numeral 1104'. As shown in Figure 10C, in this example, the continuous deformation of the chassis portion 1102 allows the cushion support portion 1103 to move continuously outward (e.g., laterally and partially backward). The position of the cushion support portion is indicated by reference numerals 1103, 1103', and 1103''. In some examples, the cushion support portion 1103 may also be deformed, for example, by bending along its length or by hinge coupling around its connection to the spacer portion 1104.

[0227] In the examples shown in Figures 7A to 7Q, the face engagement membrane 1114 includes a first end 1111 and a second end 1113, the face contact area 1112 is located between the first end 1111 and the second end 1113, and the first end is attached to the chassis portion 1102. The first end 1111 and the second end 1113 may be the ends of the cross-sectional shape of the face engagement membrane 1114. In particular, the first end 1111 of the face engagement membrane 1114 is attached to the cushion support portion 1103. As shown in Figures 7H, 7I, 7L, 7M, 7P and 7Q, the first end 1111 of the face engagement membrane 1114 is attached to the first end 1103a of the cushion support flange. The face engagement membrane 1114 may curl around the cushion 1130 between the face contact area 1112 and the second end 1113 of the face engagement membrane 1114. The second end 1113 of the face engagement membrane 1114 may be attached to the cushion support flange at or near the second end 1103b of the cushion support flange. In the illustrated example, the face engagement membrane 1114 may contact the user's face on the same side of the membrane attached to the cushion support flange. The face engagement membrane 1114 may curl between the cushion support flange and the cushion 1130, around the cushion 1130, far enough away to be attached to the cushion support flange. The face engagement membrane 1114 may curl at both the first end 1111 and the second end 1113. This may advantageously provide a soft or inconspicuous joint between the face engagement membrane 1114 and the cushion support flange.

[0228] In the illustrated example, the cushion 1130 is formed of foam. In other examples, the cushion 1130 may be formed of gel, silicone or another suitable material. The face engagement membrane 1114 may be formed of an elastomer material. In other examples, the face engagement membrane 1114 is formed of silicone. In other examples, it may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. The use of an elastic material (e.g., an elastomer material) may be advantageous when used in conjunction with an elastically deformable chassis portion 1102. In particular, if the chassis portion 1102 deforms outward in the sphenoid region, the material forming the face engagement membrane 1114 may be stretched due to the overall expansion of the face engagement portion 1110. Forming the face engagement membrane 1114 of an elastic material may be advantageous as it allows the face engagement membrane 1114 to stretch in the forehead region to accommodate this expansion, which may allow the face engagement portion 1110 to better maintain a given curvature in the forehead region and promote a good fit. 5.4.3 Thickness of the facial engagement membrane

[0229] Referring here to Figures 11A-11J, the facial engagement portion 1110 in this example includes a pair of cheek portions 1140 configured to engage with the user's cheeks during use. In this example, the facial engagement portion 1110 is also configured to engage with the side of the user's face outside the user's eyes during use, and also to engage with the user's forehead. The portion that engages with the side of the user's face outside the user's eyes may be identified as the sphenoid portion 1170. That is, the facial engagement portion 1110 may include a pair of sphenoid portions 1170, each configured to engage with the respective sphenoid region of the user's face during use. The portion that engages with the user's forehead may be identified as the forehead portion 1175. That is, the facial engagement portion 1110 may include a forehead portion 1175 configured to engage with the user's forehead. In this example, the interface structure 1100 may include any one, two, or three of the cheek portions 1140, sphenoid portions 1170, and forehead portions 1175.

[0230] The interface structure 1100 shown in Figures 11A to 11J includes a face engagement portion 1110, which includes a face engagement membrane 1114 and a cushion 1130. It should be understood that the face engagement portion 1110 can be applied to the interface structure 1100, such as those shown in Figures 7A to 7Q. The interface structure 1100 may exhibit some or all of the same behavior as described above with reference to Figures 8A to 80C.

[0231] In some examples, the face engagement membrane 1114 has different thicknesses in different areas of the user's face. In some examples, the face engagement membrane 1114 changes thickness from the first end 1111 to the second end 1113. For example, the face engagement membrane 1114 may decrease in thickness from the first end 1111 to the second end 1113.

[0232] The face engagement membrane 1114 shown in Figures 11A-11J has different thicknesses in different regions. Additionally, Figures 13A-13C show a diagram of the face engagement membrane 1114 according to another example of the art, which also has different thicknesses in different regions. In some embodiments of the art, the face engagement membrane 1114 in the example shown in Figures 11A-11J can be used instead of the face engagement membrane 1114 shown in Figures 13A-13C. In Figures 13A-13C, the diagram of the face engagement membrane 1114 uses dots according to the legend in each of Figures 13A-13C to show the difference in thickness. For example, the facial engagement membrane 1114 may have thicknesses in the following ranges: first thickness range A (approximately 0.01 mm to approximately 0.61 mm), second thickness range B (approximately 0.61 mm to approximately 1.0 mm), third thickness range C (approximately 1.0 mm to approximately 1.21 mm), fourth thickness range D (approximately 1.21 mm to approximately 1.55 mm), fifth thickness range E (approximately 1.55 mm to approximately 2.20 mm), and sixth thickness range F (approximately 2.20 mm to approximately 3.10 mm). Figures 13A to 13C show multiple distinct regions with defined boundaries, but it should be understood that the facial engagement membrane 1114 may include thicknesses that taper between regions. The distinct regions shown in Figures 13A to 13C correspond to the intervals (or thickness ranges A, B, C, D, E, and F) shown in the legend, and do not necessarily correspond to stepped changes in thickness. The difference in thickness within the face engagement membrane 1114 may, in this example, be formed by a tapered change in thickness or a step change in thickness.

[0233] In some examples, the facial engagement membrane 1114 is thicker in the forehead area 1175 than in the sphenoid bone area 1170. In some examples, the facial engagement membrane is thicker in the cheek area 1140 than in the forehead area 1175. The facial engagement membrane 1114 may be thicker in the outer portion of the facial engagement membrane 1114 relative to the user's eye area than in the inner portion of the facial engagement membrane 1114 relative to the user's eye area.

[0234] In one example, the facial engagement membrane 1114 has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 mm in the sphenoid bone portion 1170. Figure 11J shows a cross-sectional view of the facial engagement portion 1110 through one of the sphenoid bone portions 1170, with the cushion 1130 omitted. As shown, the facial engagement membrane 1114 in this example has a cross-sectional shape in which the thickness decreases from the outer portion 1114a to the inner portion 1114b of the cross-sectional shape. That is, the facial engagement membrane 1114 has a thickness that decreases from the outer portion 1114a to the inner portion 1114b of the cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane 1114. In this example and others, the thickness of the facial engagement membrane 1114 may decrease by tapering, tapering continuously, or tapering in a stepwise manner. In this particular example, the cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane 1114 decreases in thickness from approximately 1.2 mm to approximately 0.5 mm in each of the sphenoid bone portions 1170. In one example, the facial engagement membrane 1114 may have four different thicknesses around the cross-sectional shape of the sphenoid bone portion 1170, such as a first thickness of approximately 1.2 mm, a second thickness of approximately 0.8 mm, a third thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, and a fourth thickness of approximately 0.5 mm.

[0235] As shown in Figures 13A-13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114, in this example, includes a first portion 1170a, a second portion 1170b, and a third portion 1170c in the sphenoid bone portion 1170. The facial engagement membrane 1114 may have a greater thickness in the first portion 1170a than in the second portion 1170b, and a greater thickness in the second portion 1170b than in the third portion 1170c. The first portion 1170a may also be identified as the rearmost or outermost portion of each sphenoid bone portion 1170 (for example, the radially outermost portion or the portion on the outer circumference). The third portion 1170c may also be identified as the anteriormost or innermost portion of each sphenoid bone portion 1170 (for example, the radially innermost portion or the portion on the inner circumference). The second portion 1170b may be located between the outermost and innermost portions. In this example, the first portion 1170a may have a thickness of approximately 1.25 mm, the second portion 1170b may have a thickness of approximately 0.8 mm, and the third portion 1170c may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. In some examples, the third portion 1170c may also have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm at or near the innermost circumference of the face engagement membrane 1114.

[0236] At the forehead portion 1175, the face engagement membrane 1114 may have a thickness in the range of 0.8 to 1.8 mm. Figure 11G is a cross-sectional view of the face engagement portion 1110 through the forehead portion 1175, with the cushion 1130 omitted. As shown, in this example, the face engagement membrane 1114 has a cross-sectional shape in which the thickness decreases from the outer portion 1114a to the inner portion 1114b of the cross-sectional shape. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the face engagement membrane 1114 gradually decreases in thickness at the forehead portion 1175 from about 1.6 mm to about 1 mm. In some examples, the face engagement membrane 1114 may have three different thicknesses around the cross-sectional shape of the forehead portion 1175, such as a first thickness of about 1.6 mm, a second thickness of about 1.2 mm, and a third thickness of about 1 mm.

[0237] As shown in Figures 13A-13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114 in this example includes a first portion 1175a, a second portion 1175b, and a third portion 1175c in the forehead portion 1175. The facial engagement membrane 1114 may have a greater thickness in the first portion 1175a than in the second portion 1175b, and a greater thickness in the second portion 1175b than in the third portion 1175c. The first portion 1175a may also be identified as the uppermost or outermost portion of the forehead portion 1175 (for example, the outermost portion in the radial direction or the portion on the outer circumference). The third portion 1175c may be identified as the lowermost or innermost portion of the forehead portion 1175 (for example, the innermost portion in the radial direction or the portion on the inner circumference). The second portion 1175b may be located between the outermost and innermost portions. In this example, the first portion 1175a may have a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm, the second portion 1175b may have a thickness of approximately 1.2 mm, and the third portion 1175c may have a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0238] In some examples, the facial engagement membrane 1114 may have a thickness ranging from 0.8 mm to 3 mm in each of the cheek portions 1140. Figure 11I shows a cross-sectional view of the facial engagement portion 1110 through one of the cheek portions 1140, with the cushion 1130 omitted. As shown, the facial engagement membrane 1114 in this example has a cross-sectional shape in which the thickness decreases from the outer portion 1114a of the cross-sectional shape to the inner portion 1114b of the cross-sectional shape. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane 1114 decreases in thickness from approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 1 mm in each of the cheek portions 1140. In some examples, the facial engagement membrane 1114 may have five different thicknesses around the cross-sectional shape of the cheek portion 1140, such as a first thickness of approximately 2.5 mm, a second thickness of approximately 2.1 mm, a third thickness of approximately 2 mm, a fourth thickness of approximately 1.5 mm, and a fifth thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0239] As shown in Figures 13A-13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114 in this example includes a first portion 1140a, a second portion 1140b, a third portion 1140c, and a fourth portion 1140d in each cheek portion 1140. The facial engagement membrane 1114 may have a greater thickness in the first portion 1140a than in the second portion 1140b, a greater thickness in the second portion 1140b than in the third portion 1140c, and a greater thickness in the third portion 1140c than in the fourth portion 1140d. The first portion 1140a may also be identified as the lowest or outermost portion of each cheek portion 1140 (e.g., the radially outermost portion or the portion on the outer circumference). The fourth portion 1140d may be identified as the highest or innermost portion of each cheek portion 1140 (e.g., the radially innermost portion or the portion on the inner circumference). The second portion 1140b and the third portion 1140c may be located between the outermost and innermost portions. In this example, the first portion 1140a may have a thickness of about 2.5 mm, the second portion 1140b may have a thickness of about 1.7 mm, the third portion 1140c may have a thickness of about 1.2 mm, and the fourth portion may have a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0240] In the above description, it should be understood that when a portion of the face engagement membrane 1114 "has" a particular thickness (for example, a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, etc.), it means that somewhere within that particular portion, the face engagement membrane 1114 has that thickness. It should not be understood to exclusively mean that the entire portion has a uniform thickness. In some examples, the face engagement membrane 1114 may be continuously tapered but still have portions disclosed above.

[0241] In some examples, the facial engagement membrane 1114 in the intermediate portion of each cheek portion 1140 may have a thickness in the range of 0.4 to 0.8 mm, for example, 0.5 to 0.7 mm, for example, about 0.6 mm. The aforementioned intermediate portion of each cheek portion 1140 may be located in an intermediate position along the cheek portion 1140 and in the inner portion of the cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane 1114. Figure 11H shows a cross-sectional view through one of the intermediate portions of the cheek portion 1140. At this position, the cheek portion 1140 may transition into the ear portion 1145, which will be described below.

[0242] Reducing the thickness of the face engagement membrane 1114 from the outer portion 1114a to the inner portion 1114b of the cross-sectional shape can advantageously allow for a thicker, stiffer region in the outer portion 1114a that does not need to contact the user's face, and a thinner, more flexible region in the inner portion 1114b at the inner edge of the contact area between the face engagement membrane 1114 and the user's face. The thicker outer portion 1114a can provide good support to the cross-sectional shape of the face engagement membrane 1114 to resist buckling and excessive compression, while the thinner inner portion 1114b can allow for a comfortable feel against the user's face. That is, the relatively small thickness in the radially inner portion allows the face engagement membrane 1114 to flex easily when engaging with the user's skin, providing a comfortable fit and engagement to the user's face. The relatively large thickness in the radially outer portion provides support for the radially inner portion and has sufficient rigidity / stiffness (e.g., resistance to deformation of the overall shape of the interface structure) to enable stable engagement between the interface structure and the user's face.

[0243] In the examples shown in Figures 11A to 11F, particularly with reference to Figures 11B and 11F, the facial engagement portion 1110 may further include a pair of ear portions 1145. The ear portions 1145 may be located inside the cheek portion 1140 and may be configured to be adjacent to or near each lateral side of the user's nose. For example, the ear portions 1145 may be located on two lateral sides of the user's nose during use and may be close to or in contact with the sides of the user's nose, depending on the shape and size of the user's nose. Preferably, the ear portions 1145 are close to the sides of the user's nose but do not engage with them. The ear portions 1145 may be located close to the lower circumference of the user's nose during use, for example, close to the alae of the nose.

[0244] The facial engagement membrane 1114 may have a thinner thickness in the ear portion 1145 than in the cheek portion 1140, the sphenoid bone portion 1170, and / or the forehead portion 1175. In particular, the facial engagement membrane 1114 within the ear portion 1145 may have a thinner thickness than within the cheek portion 1140. In some examples, the thickness within the ear portion 1145 may be less than half the minimum thickness of the cheek portion 1140. As just one example, the facial engagement membrane 1114 may have a thickness in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 mm, for example, in the range of 0.25 to 4 mm, or in some examples, about 0.3 mm or about 0.5 mm.

[0245] The thickness of the face engagement membrane 1114 in the ear portion 1145 is advantageously low, and may be as low as, for example, about 0.3 mm as described above, so that any contact between the ear portion 1145 and the user's nose that may occur is not uncomfortable and so as not to add unnecessary weight to the interface structure 1100 (for example, the ear portion 1145 can be thin and light as it does not need to withstand much compression during use). The face engagement membrane 1114 in the cheek portion 1140 may be manufactured to be thicker than the ear portion 1145 because the cheek portion 1140 needs to resist compression when it engages with the user's cheek during use and supports the head-mounted display unit 1200 on the user's face. In the example shown in Figures 13A-13C, the face engagement membrane 1114 includes the ear portion 1145, which in this particular example has a thickness of about 0.5 mm.

[0246] As is evident from Figures 13A-13C and the related descriptions above, there is a specific relationship between the thickness of the face engagement membrane 1114 in different regions of the interface structure 1100. These relationships can provide advantages such as those described below (e.g., good support with resistance to bottoming out even when the top strap portion is not incorporated, usability with eyeglasses, good stability during vigorous movement, and the ability to adapt to a wide range of face shapes and sizes, all of which are comfortable for a wide range of users). In particular, the face engagement membrane 1114 may be thicker at the forehead portion 1175 than at the sphenoid bone portion 1170. Additionally, the face engagement membrane may be thicker at the cheek portion 1140 than at the forehead portion 1175. Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 11A-11J and 13A-13C, the face engagement membrane 1114 has an outer circumference 1176 (e.g., an outer circumference further away from the user's eyes when in use) and an inner circumference 1177 (e.g., an outer circumference closer to the user's eyes when in use).

[0247] In particular, as shown in Figures 13A to 13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114 includes an outer thickness at the forehead 1175 and an outer thickness at the sphenoid bone 1170, where the outer thickness at the forehead 1175 is greater than the outer thickness at the sphenoid bone 1170. The facial engagement membrane 1114 may also include an outer thickness at the cheek 1140 that is greater than the outer thickness at the forehead 1175.

[0248] The facial engagement membrane 1114 may include an inner circumferential thickness at the forehead portion 1175 and an inner circumferential thickness at the sphenoid bone portion 1170, wherein the inner circumferential thickness at the forehead portion 1175 is greater than the inner circumferential thickness at the sphenoid bone portion 1170. The facial engagement membrane 1114 may also include an inner circumferential thickness at the cheek portion 1140 that is greater than the inner circumferential thickness at the sphenoid bone portion 1170. The inner circumferential thickness at the forehead portion 1175 may be substantially the same as the inner circumferential thickness at the cheek portion 1140.

[0249] The above relationship demonstrates that in each of the sphenoid bone region 1170, forehead region 1175, and cheek region 1140, the facial engagement membrane 1114 is thicker on the outer circumference than on the inner circumference. Furthermore, the thickness in the sphenoid bone region 1170 is generally thinner than the thickness in the forehead region 1175 and the cheek region 1140. For example, the facial engagement membrane 1114 in the sphenoid bone region 1170 can decrease from moderate to very thin, while the facial engagement membrane 1114 in the cheek region 1140 can decrease from very thick to moderately thin. References to the facial engagement membrane 1114 where the thickness decreases from the outer circumference to the inner circumference at a particular location should be understood as references to the thickness of the facial engagement membrane 1114 where the cross-section decreases (for example, the cross-section traverses the path through which the interface structure around the user's eyes passes during use). To avoid misunderstanding, Figures 11G and 11J show cross-sectional views through the facial engagement membrane 1114.

[0250] As described above with reference to Figures 13A-13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114 includes a first portion 1170a, a second portion 1170b, and a third portion 1170c in each sphenoid bone portion 1170. In this example, the outer circumference thickness of each sphenoid bone portion 1170 is within the first portion 1170 of the sphenoid bone portion 1170, and the inner circumference thickness of each sphenoid bone portion 1170 is within the third portion 1170c of the sphenoid bone portion 1170. The facial engagement membrane 1114 may have a thickness in the second portion 1170b of the sphenoid bone portion 1170 that is thinner than the first portion 1170a and thicker than the third portion 1170c of the sphenoid bone portion 1170.

[0251] Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figures 13A to 13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114 includes a first portion 1175a, a second portion 1175b, and a third portion 1175c of the forehead portion 1175. In this example, the outer circumference thickness of the forehead portion 1175 is within the first portion 1175a, and the inner circumference thickness of the forehead portion 1175 is within the third portion 1175c. The facial engagement membrane 1114 has a thickness in the second portion 1175b of the forehead portion 1175 that is thinner than the thickness in the first portion 1175a and thicker than the thickness in the third portion 1175c.

[0252] As shown in Figures 13A to 13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114 has a thickness in the second portion 1175b of the forehead portion 1175 that is greater than the thickness in the second portion 1170b of each sphenoid bone portion 1170.

[0253] Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figures 13A-13C, the facial engagement membrane 1114 includes a first portion 1140a, a second portion 1140b, a third portion 1140c, and a fourth portion 1140d of the cheek portion 1140 in each cheek portion 1140. In this example, the outer circumference thickness of each cheek portion 1140 is within the first portion 1140a, and the inner circumference thickness of each cheek portion 1140 is within the fourth portion 1140d. The facial engagement membrane 1114 has a thickness in the second portion 1140b of each cheek portion 1140 that is greater than the thickness in the second portion 1170b of each sphenoid bone portion 1170. As shown in Figure 13A, for example, the thickness of the second portion 1140b of each cheek portion 1140 is greater than the thickness of the second portion 1175b of the forehead portion 1175. The thickness of the second portion 1140b of each cheek portion 1140 may be substantially the same as the thickness of the first portion 1175a of the forehead portion 1175. In the illustrated example, the facial engagement membrane 1114 has a thickness in the third portion 1140c of each cheek portion 1140 that is greater than the thickness of the second portion 1170b of each sphenoid bone portion 1170. The thickness of the third portion 1140c of each cheek portion 1140 is substantially the same as the thickness of the second portion 1175b of the forehead portion 1175.

[0254] The facial engagement membranes 1114 at the cheeks 1140 and forehead 1175, provided with sufficient thickness, advantageously provide good support to the head-mounted display unit 1200 during use and can help prevent the interface structure 1100 from "bottoming out" in a compressed state when the positioning and stabilizing structure 1300 is tightened. The relatively high thickness at the cheeks 1140 and forehead 1175 (relative to the sphenoid bone 1170 and ear 1145) may allow the head-mounted display system 1000 to be used without a top strap covering the top of the user's head. Figure 12 shows an example of a head-mounted display system 1000 including the interface structure 1100 shown in Figures 11A-11J. In this example, the head-mounted display system 1000 includes a positioning and stabilizing structure 1300, which includes a top strap portion 1340 and a lateral strap portion 1330. The top strap portion 1340 and the lateral strap portion 1330 connect the rear support portion 1350 of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 to the display unit housing 1205, to which the interface structure 1100 is also attached. However, in other examples, the top strap portion 1340 may be omitted. If the top strap is not incorporated into the positioning and stabilization structure 1300, the lateral support portion 1330 must pull the head-mounted display unit 1200 backward relative to the user's face with sufficient force to hold the head-mounted display unit 1200 in a stable position. The interface structure 1100 then needs to withstand this force, preferably without bottoming out (which may be uncomfortable for the user). The heavier the head-mounted display unit 1200, the greater the force that the interface structure 1100 must withstand. Sufficient thickness at the forehead portion 1175 and cheek portion 1140 helps withstand this force, allowing the head-mounted display system 1000 to be used advantageously without a top strap.

[0255] The sphenoid bone portion 1170 may be provided with a thinner thickness than the cheek portion 1140 and forehead portion 1175, allowing the face engagement portion 1110 to be flexible on its lateral side. The sphenoid bone portions 1170 do not resist much of the rearward-directed "clamping" force because they face inward over a larger area than the cheek portion 1140 and forehead portion 1175, and therefore can be made thinner. Additionally, the additional flexibility of the sphenoid bone portion 1170 allows the face engagement portion 1110 to withstand eyeglasses better, enabling the head-mounted display system 1000 to be used more conveniently by users who require eyeglasses. Furthermore, the flexibility of the sphenoid bone portion 1170 allows the face engagement portion 1110 to spread laterally to fit a wider face / larger head, enabling the interface structure 1100 to be used comfortably and stably by a wide range of users. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the interface structure 1100 may advantageously provide good support even in the absence of the top strap portion 1340, while accommodating eyeglasses and a wide range of user head shapes and sizes. In some examples, the sphenoid portion 1170 may include the minimum thickness of the face contact area 1112 of the face engagement membrane 1114. The relatively small thickness in the sphenoid portion 1170 (e.g., particularly the inner circumferential thickness) compared to other portions (e.g., the forehead portion 1175 and / or the cheek portion 1140) allows the face engagement membrane 1114 in the sphenoid portion to bend to adapt to the curvature of this area of ​​the face, while also accommodating anthropometric variations between users. 5.4.4 Nose

[0256] Referring particularly to Figures 7A-7E and 11A-11F, the facial engagement portion 1110 may, in some embodiments, include a nose portion 1180 configured to engage with the user's nose during use. The nose portion 1180 may be configured to at least partially block light from reaching the user's eyes from the user's nasal region (for example, blocking light traveling through a path close to the surface of the user's nose). The nose portion 1180 may be configured to engage with, for example, the anterior, upper, and / or lateral sides of the user's nose during use. The nose portion 1180 may be positioned between the cheek portions 1140 of the interface structure 1100.

[0257] As shown in Figures 11A–11F, the nose portion 1180 in this example includes a lower portion 1182 which can be positioned close to the user's nasal tip during use. Additionally, the nose portion 1180 in this example includes a first flap 1186 and a second flap 1187, respectively, connected to the lower portion 1182. The first flap 1186 may be configured to engage with a first lateral side of the user's nose during use, and the second flap 1187 may be configured to engage with a second lateral side of the user's nose during use. In this example, the first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 are separated by a slot 1188, which is labeled in Figures 11A, 11C, and 11F. The lower portion 1182 may be concave, although it may not be perfectly spherical and may include complex curvatures. In the illustrated example, the lower section 1182 may occupy space above and / or to the side of the user's nasal tip when in use.

[0258] The first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 may contact the user's nose along the nasal ridge and may extend toward the user's nasal root. The first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 may extend to the user's nasal root or may extend only partially along the user's nasal ridge. In some examples, the nasal portion 1180 may contact a large portion of the user's nasal ridge during use. The first flap 1186 may be located on a first lateral side of the median sagittal plane of the user's head, and the second flap 1187 may be located on a second lateral side of the median sagittal plane of the user's head. In the examples shown in Figures 11A-11F, the first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 bridge between a portion of the interface structure 1100 adjacent to the cheek portion 1140 and the respective lateral sides of the user's nose.

[0259] For example, as shown in Figure 11A, the slot 1188 may extend from the posterior edge of the nose portion 1180 toward the lower part 1182 between the first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187. The first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 may be configured to engage with the respective lateral sides of the user's nose when in use. For example, they may abut against the lateral sides of the user's nose. The first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 may be lifted by the user's nose when the user wears the head-mounted display system 1000. Lifting the first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 so that they abut against the surface of the user's nose may facilitate a good fit of the flaps to the user's nose and provide a good light-shielding effect. For example, the flaps may contact the user's nose with little to no wrinkles as a result of the slot 1188.

[0260] The material forming the first flap 1186 and the second flap 1187 may be thin so that the flaps can at least partially conform to the user's nose. In the examples shown in Figures 11A-11F, the nose portion 1180 is connected to the chassis portion 1102 of the interface structure 1100. For example, the nose portion 1180 may be formed integrally with the chassis portion 1102. In the examples shown in Figures 7A-7Q, the nose portion 1180 is connected to the facial engagement membrane 1114 and may be formed integrally with the facial engagement membrane 1114. By forming the nose portion 1180 integrally with the chassis portion 1102 instead of the facial engagement membrane 1114, it may be possible to make the facial engagement membrane 1114 more complex than could be separately possible, or it may be possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of a complex facial engagement membrane 1114 that is very stable and / or very comfortable in use and can be well adapted to a wide range of users.

[0261] As shown in Figures 11A–11F, the nose portion includes a lower section 1182 that is positioned close to the user's nasal tip during use. In this example, the lower section 1182 may be the foremost and lowest parts of the nose portion 1180. The nose portion may generally extend posteriorly and upward from the lower section 1182.

[0262] As shown in Figures 11A-11D, the nose portion 1180 in this example includes an opening 1185 at its foremost portion. In this example, the opening 1185 is partially defined by the lower portion 1182 of the nose portion 1180. Also in this example, the opening is partially defined by the interface structure clip 1101 such that the opening is positioned between the interface structure clip 1101 and the lower portion 1182. The lower portion 1182 of the nose portion 1180 may define the upper and lateral sides of the opening 1185, and the interface structure clip 1101 may define the lower side of the opening 1185. As shown in Figure 11A, in this example, the lower side of the opening 1185 curves backward on either lateral side of the midline sagittal plane of the user's head when in use. The upper side of the opening 1185 in this example also curves backward on either lateral side of the midline sagittal plane of the user's head when in use.

[0263] The opening 1185 may, advantageously, provide ventilation and / or heat dissipation benefits, as well as improve versatility, by enabling the head-mounted display system 1000 to which the interface structure 1100 is attached to be used with a docking station or the like. 5.5 Cleaning

[0264] In some configurations, the head-mounted display system 1000 or at least a part of it is designed for use by a single user and can be cleaned (e.g., with soapy water) at the user's home without requiring special equipment for disinfection and sterilization. Specifically, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 and the interface structure 1100 are both designed to be cleaned as they come into direct contact with the user's head.

[0265] In other configurations, the components of the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 and the interface structure 1100 are used in laboratories, clinics, and hospitals where a single head-mounted display can be reused by multiple people or used during medical procedures. In each laboratory, clinic, and hospital, the head-mounted display or its associated components may be reprocessed and subjected to processes such as thermal disinfection, chemical disinfection, or sterilization. Therefore, the design of the positioning and stabilization structure and the interface structure may need to be validated for disinfection and sterilization of the mask in accordance with ISO 17664.

[0266] Materials that can withstand reprocessing may be selected. For example, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 may be made of a robust material that can withstand exposure to high levels of disinfectant and agitation by brushing. Furthermore, some components of the positioning and stabilization structure may be separable and can be removed during use to improve the effectiveness of reprocessing.

[0267] In some cases, the interface structure 1100 may come into contact with the user's head during use and may therefore become soiled (e.g., by sweat). The interface structure 1100 is designed to be removable from the display unit housing 1205 so that it can be removed for cleaning or replacement. It may be desirable to clean the interface structure 1100 without wetting the positioning and stabilization structure 1300. Alternatively, or in addition to, the positioning and stabilization structure 1300 may become soiled by contact with the user's head and may be removed for cleaning and / or replacement independently of the interface structure 1100. In either case, this work is facilitated by making these components separable for such purposes.

[0268] In some examples, a cover (including, for example, fabric or silicone) is detachably positioned on the interface structure so that it can be removed, cleaned, and / or replaced after use. The cover provides a surface that can be easily cleaned after use while the interface structure 1100 remains fixed to the display unit housing 1205.

[0269] In some configurations, the overlap between the cushion mounting portion 1120 and the cushion support flange 1164 can limit the cleaning fluid from coming into contact with the adhesive 1124 and / or the cushion 1130 during the cleaning process. 5.6 External Computer

[0270] In some forms, the head-mounted display system 1000 (e.g., VR, AR, and / or MR) may be used in combination with another device, such as a computer or a video game console. For example, the display interface may be electrically connected to a separate device.

[0271] In some forms, at least some of the processing of the head-mounted display system 1000 may be performed by a separate device. The separate device may contain a processor that is larger or more powerful than the user can comfortably support (for example, the processor in the separate device may be too heavy for the user to comfortably support on their head). 6 Glossary

[0272] For the purposes of disclosing this technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply in certain forms of this technology. In other forms of this technology, alternative definitions may apply. 6.1 General

[0273] Surroundings: In certain forms of this technology, the term surroundings is understood to mean (i) the area outside the treatment system or patient, and (ii) the area directly surrounding the treatment system or patient.

[0274] For example, ambient light for a display interface may be light immediately surrounding the user, such as light from the same room or an adjacent room, and / or natural light from the sun.

[0275] In certain forms, ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise may be considered to be the background noise level of the room in which the user is located, excluding noise generated by, for example, a display device or emitted from speakers connected to a display device. Ambient noise may also be generated by sound sources outside the room.

[0276] Leakage: The term "leakage" refers to unintended exposure to light. For example, leakage may occur as a result of an incomplete seal between the display unit and the user's face.

[0277] Radiated noise (acoustic): In this specification, radiated noise refers to noise transmitted to the user by the surrounding air. In one form, radiated noise can be quantified by measuring the acoustic power / pressure level of the object in question in accordance with ISO 3744.

[0278] User: A person who operates a display interface or views images provided by a display interface. For example, a person may wear, put on, or take off a display interface. 6.1.1 Materials

[0279] Silicone or silicone elastomer: synthetic rubber. In this specification, silicone means liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC (included in the range of products sold under this trademark), manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker. Unless otherwise specified, exemplary forms of LSR have a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness in the range of about 35 to about 45, as measured using ASTM D2240.

[0280] Polycarbonate: A thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate. 6.1.2 Mechanical properties

[0281] Elasticity: The ability of a material to absorb energy during elastic deformation and release energy when unloaded.

[0282] Elasticity: When unloaded, virtually all energy is released. This includes, for example, certain silicones and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0283] Hardness: The ability of a material itself to resist deformation (e.g., expressed by Young's modulus or an indentation hardness scale measured on a standardized sample size).

[0284] • "Soft" materials may include silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which can be easily deformed, for example, under finger pressure.

[0285] "Hard" materials may include polycarbonate, polypropylene, steel, or aluminum, and are not easily deformed, for example, under finger pressure.

[0286] Stiffness (or rigidity) of a structure or component: the ability of a structure or component to resist deformation in response to an applied load. The load may be a force or moment (e.g., compression, tension, bending, or torsion). A structure or component may provide different resistances in different directions. The opposite of rigidity is flexibility.

[0287] Floppy structure or component: A structure or component whose shape changes (e.g., curves) within a relatively short period of time (e.g., 1 second) when it becomes necessary to support its own weight.

[0288] Rigid structures or components: Structures or components whose shape does not substantially change when subjected to loads typically encountered during use. Examples of such uses include setting up and maintaining user interfaces with sealing relationships.

[0289] For example, an I-beam may have different curvature stiffness (resistance to curvature load) in the first direction compared to the second orthogonal direction. In another example, a structure or component may be flexible in the first direction and rigid in the second direction. 6.2 Materials

[0290] A foam containing completely encapsulated bubbles, i.e., closed bubbles.

[0291] Elastane: A polymer made from polyurethane.

[0292] Elastomer: A polymer that exhibits elastic properties. For example, silicone elastomer.

[0293] A copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.

[0294] Textiles: Filaments (mono or poly), strands, yarns, threads, or twists that are considerably longer than their width. Textiles may include animal-derived materials such as wool and silk, plant-derived materials such as linen and cotton, and synthetic materials such as polyester and rayon. Textiles specifically refer to materials that can be woven or interwoven (for example, in a network) with other textiles of the same or different materials.

[0295] Materials such as polyurethane in which gas bubbles are introduced during manufacturing to create a lightweight, cellular shape.

[0296] A synthetic rubber produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene is used in products such as: Breath-O-Prene.

[0297] A synthetic polyamide with elastic properties that can be used, for example, to form textiles / filaments for textile applications.

[0298] Open-cell foam: A foam containing bubbles, i.e., bubbles that are not completely encapsulated, i.e., open-cell foam.

[0299] Polycarbonate: A typical transparent thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate.

[0300] Polyethylene: A thermoplastic plastic that is resistant to chemicals and moisture.

[0301] Polyurethane (PU): A plastic material made by copolymerizing isocyanate and polyhydric alcohol, which can take the form of foam (polyurethane foam) or rubber (polyurethane rubber), for example.

[0302] Semi-continuous foam: A foam containing a combination of closed and open (encapsulated) bubbles.

[0303] Silicone or silicone elastomer: synthetic rubber. In this specification, silicone means liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC (included in the range of products sold under this trademark), manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker. Unless otherwise specified, typical forms of LSR have a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness in the range of approximately 35 to approximately 45, as measured using ASTM D2240.

[0304] Spacer fabric: A composite structure in which two outer textile base materials are bonded together and separated by a monofilament intermediate layer.

[0305] Spandex: An elastic textile or textile primarily containing polyurethane. Spandex is used in commercial products. Lycra.

[0306] Textile: A material comprising at least one natural or artificial textile. In this specification, textile means any material formed as a network of woven and / or intertwined textiles. Types of textiles may include cloths constructed by intertwining textiles using a particular technique. These may include weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, tatting, tufting, or braiding. Cloth may be used as a synonym for fabric, but may also refer to a particularly processed fabric. Other types of textiles may be constructed using bonding (e.g., chemical, mechanical, thermal, etc.), felting, or other nonwoven processes. Textiles created by any of these processes are cloth-like and can be considered synonymous with cloth in this application.

[0307] Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are generally low-elasticity, flexible materials that can be stretched at room temperature and return to almost their original length when stress is released. Commercial products using TPEs include Hytrel, Dynaflex, and Medalist.

[0308] Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU): A thermoplastic elastomer with excellent durability and flexibility. 6.3 Mechanical properties

[0309] Elasticity: The ability of a material to absorb energy during elastic deformation and release energy when unloaded.

[0310] Elasticity: When unloaded, virtually all energy is released. This includes, for example, certain silicones and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0311] Hardness: The ability of a material itself to resist deformation (e.g., expressed by Young's modulus or an indentation hardness scale measured on a standardized sample size).

[0312] • "Soft" materials may include silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and can be easily deformed, for example, under finger pressure.

[0313] "Hard" materials may include polycarbonate, polypropylene, steel, or aluminum, and are not easily deformed, for example, under finger pressure.

[0314] Stiffness of a structure or component: The ability of a structure or component to resist deformation in response to an applied load. The load may be a force or moment (e.g., compression, tension, bending, or torsion). A structure or component may provide different resistance in different directions.

[0315] Floppy structure or component: A structure or component whose shape changes (e.g., curves) within a relatively short period of time (e.g., 1 second) when it becomes necessary to support its own weight.

[0316] Rigid structure or component: A structure or component whose shape does not substantially change when subjected to loads typically encountered during use.

[0317] For example, an I-beam may have different curvature stiffness (resistance to curvature load) in the first direction compared to the second orthogonal direction. In another example, a structure or component may be flexible in the first direction and rigid in the second direction. 6.4 Anatomy

[0318] The following definitions correspond to the references shown in Figures 1 and 2. 6.4.1 Facial Anatomy

[0319] Nasal alae: The outer wall of each nostril or "wing" (plural: AlAR) Nasal ridge: The nasal ridge is a projection along the midline of the nose, extending from the root to the tip.

[0320] Frankfort horizontal plane: A line extending from the lowest point of the orbital rim to the left tragus point. The tragus point is the deepest point of the depression above the tragus of the atrial appendage.

[0321] Nasal tip: The most prominent point or tip of the nose, which can be identified when viewed from the side of the rest of the head.

[0322] Nasal ridge: The nasal ridge is a projection along the midline of the nose, extending from the root to the tip.

[0323] Sagittal plane: The vertical plane from front (forward) to back (backward). The mesosagittal plane is the sagittal plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

[0324] Nasal root: The most concave point located on soft tissue, covering the frontonasal suture region. 6.4.2 Anatomy of the Skull

[0325] Frontal bone: The frontal bone contains a large vertical section called the frontal scale, which corresponds to the area known as the forehead.

[0326] Occipital bone: The occipital bone is located at the back and base of the skull. The skull has an oval-shaped opening called the foramen magnum, through which the cranial cavity and the spinal canal are connected. The curved plate behind the foramen magnum is the occipital squama.

[0327] Parietal bone: The parietal bones are connected bones that, when fused together, form the top and sides of the skull.

[0328] Sphenoid bone: A wedge-shaped bone at the base of the skull.

[0329] Temporal bone: The temporal bone is located at the base and sides of the skull and supports the part of the face known as the temple.

[0330] Cheekbones: The face contains two cheekbones, located on the upper and sides of the face, forming the cheek protrusions. 6.5 User Interface

[0331] Frame: The frame is a mask structure that receives tensile loads between two or more connection points with the headgear. The frame may be tightly fitted to the user's face to limit and / or prevent the ingress and / or egress of light.

[0332] FUNCTIONAL DEAD SPACE:(DESCRIPTION TO BE INSERTED HERE) Hoop: A hoop refers to a type of positioning and stabilizing structure designed for use on the head. For example, a hoop may include an assembly of one or more struts, ties, and reinforcing members configured to position and hold a user interface in a predetermined location on the user's face in order to hold a display unit in an operating position in front of the user's face. Some ties are formed from a flexible, pliable, and resilient material, such as a laminated composite of foam and fabric. In some forms, the term headgear is synonymous with the term hoop.

[0333] Membrane: The term "membrane" is typically used to mean a thin-walled element, preferably one that offers little resistance to bending and resistance to stretching.

[0334] Seal: When used as a noun ("seal"), it can refer to a structure; when used as a verb ("to seal"), it can refer to its effect. The two elements can be constructed and / or arranged to achieve a "seal" or a "seal" between them without requiring a separate "seal" element itself.

[0335] Shell: A shell is understood as a relatively thin, curved structure with bending, tensile, and compressive rigidity. For example, the curved structural walls of a mask can be a shell. In some forms, a shell can be faceted. In some forms, a shell can be airtight. In some forms, a shell may not be airtight.

[0336] Stiffener: A stiffener can be understood as a structural component designed to increase the bending resistance of another component in at least one direction.

[0337] Support: A support can be understood as a structural component designed to increase the compressive strength of another component in at least one direction.

[0338] Swivel section (noun): A subassembly of components configured to rotate preferably independently and preferably under low torque around a common axis. In another embodiment, the swivel section may be configured to rotate at an angle of 360 degrees or more. In another embodiment, the swivel may be configured to rotate at an angle of less than 360 degrees.

[0339] Thai (noun): A structure designed to withstand tension. 6.6 Structure Shape

[0340] Products relating to this technology may include one or more three-dimensional mechanical structures, such as mask cushions or impellers. The three-dimensional structure may be bounded by two-dimensional surfaces. These surfaces may be distinguished using labels to describe the orientation, position, function or any other characteristic of the associated surface. For example, the structure may include one or more of a front, back, inner, and outer surface. In another example, a seal-forming structure may include a face-contacting (e.g., outer) surface and a separate non-face-contacting (e.g., lower or inner) surface. In yet another example, the structure may include a first surface and a second surface.

[0341] To facilitate the description of the three-dimensional structure and surface shape, the inventors first consider a cross-section of the structure at point p. Referring to Figures 3A to 3E, examples of the cross-section at point p on the surface and the resulting planar curve are shown. Figures 3A to 3E also show the outward normal vector at p. The outward normal vector at point p points away from the surface. In some embodiments, the inventors describe the surface from the perspective of a hypothetical small person standing upright on the surface. 6.6.1 Curvature in one dimension

[0342] The curvature of a plane curve at p can be described as having a sign (e.g., positive, negative) and magnitude (e.g., 1 / (radius of the circle exactly tangent to the curve at p).

[0343] Positive curvature: When a curve at point p curves toward the outward normal, the curvature at that point is interpreted as positive (a hypothetical small person would have to walk uphill to leave point p). See Figure 3A (relatively large positive curvature compared to Figure 3B) and Figure 3B (relatively small positive curvature compared to Figure 3A). Such curves are generally called concave curves.

[0344] Zero curvature: If the curve at point p is a straight line, the curvature is considered zero (a hypothetical small person leaving point p can walk horizontally without going up or down). See Figure 3.

[0345] Negative curvature: If the curve at point p deviates from its outer normal, the curvature at that point in that direction is considered negative (if a hypothetical small person leaves point p, they must walk downhill). See Figure 3D (relatively small negative curvature compared to Figure 3E) and Figure 3E (relatively large negative curvature compared to Figure 3F). Such curves are generally called convex curves. 6.6.2 Curvature of a two-dimensional surface

[0346] The description of the shape at a given point on a two-dimensional surface according to this technology may include multiple normal cross-sections. These cross-sections may cut the surface in a plane containing an outward normal ("normal plane"), and each cross-section may be taken in a different direction. Each cross-section produces a planar curve with a corresponding curvature. The different curvatures at that point may have the same or different signs. Each curvature at that point may have a relatively small magnitude, for example. The planar curves in Figures 3B to 3F may be examples of such multiple cross-sections at a particular point.

[0347] Principal curvature and direction: The direction of the normal plane in which the curvature of a curve takes its maximum and minimum values ​​is called the principal direction. In the example in Figures 3A to 3E, the maximum curvature occurs in Figure 3A and the minimum occurs in Figure 3E; therefore, Figures 3A and 3E are cross-sections in the principal direction. The principal curvature at p is the curvature in the principal direction.

[0348] A surface region: A set of connected points on a surface. A set of points within a region may have similar properties, such as curvature or sign.

[0349] Saddle region: A region where the principal curvatures have opposite signs at each point (i.e., one is positive and the other is negative) (depending on the direction a fictional character is facing, they may be walking uphill or downhill).

[0350] Dome region: A region where the principal curvatures at each point have the same sign, for example, both are positive ("concave dome") or negative ("convex dome").

[0351] Cylindrical region: A region where one principal curvature is zero (or, for example, zero within manufacturing tolerances) and the other principal curvature is non-zero.

[0352] Planar region: A region of a surface where both principal curvatures are zero (or, for example, zero within manufacturing tolerances).

[0353] Surface edge: The boundary or limit of a surface or area.

[0354] Path: In certain forms of this technology, “path” is interpreted as a path in the mathematical-topological sense (e.g., a continuous space curve from f(0) to f(1) on a surface). In certain forms of this technology, “path” may be described, for example, as a route or course involving a set of points on a surface. (For a hypothetical person, a path is where they walk on the surface, analogous to a garden path).

[0355] Path length: In certain forms of this technology, "path length" refers to the distance along the surface from f(0) to f(1), i.e., the distance along the path on the surface. Multiple paths may exist between two points on a given surface, and each of these paths may have a different path length. (The path length of a fictional character would be the distance they would need to walk along the surface along that path.)

[0356] Straight-line distance: Straight-line distance is the distance between two points on a surface, regardless of the surface itself. In a planar region, there should be a path on the surface whose path length is equal to the straight-line distance between two points. On a non-planar surface, there may not be a path whose path length is equal to the straight-line distance between two points. (For a hypothetical person, straight-line distance corresponds to the "shortest" distance). 6.6.3 Hole

[0357] A surface can have one-dimensional holes (for example, holes bounded by a planar or spatial curve). A thin-walled structure with holes (for example, a film) can be described as having one-dimensional holes. See, for example, how one-dimensional holes in the surface of the structure shown in Figure 3I are bounded by a planar curve.

[0358] A structure may have a two-dimensional hole (for example, a hole bounded by a surface). For example, an inflatable tire has a two-dimensional hole bounded by the inner surface of the tire. In another example, a bladder having a cavity for air or gel may have a two-dimensional hole. In yet another example, a conduit may include a one-dimensional hole (for example, at its inlet or outlet) and a two-dimensional hole bounded by the inner surface of the conduit. See also the two-dimensional hole bounded by a surface as shown in Figure 3H, which is found through the structure. 6.7 Other remarks

[0359] Unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the context, if a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that each intervening value up to one-tenth of the lower limit unit between the upper and lower limits of that range, and any other stated values ​​or intervening values ​​within that range, are included in this technique. Even if the upper and lower limits of these intervention ranges, independently included within the intervention range, specifically exceed the limits in the stated range, they are also included in this technique. If the stated range includes one or both of these limits, the range exceeding one or both of these stated limits is also included in this technique.

[0360] In addition, where one or more values ​​are described herein as being implemented as part of the technology, it should be understood that these values ​​can be approximated unless otherwise stated and may be used for any appropriate valid number to the extent that the actual technical implementation may be permissible or required.

[0361] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. Any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of this art, but only a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0362] While certain materials are described as suitably used for constructing components, obvious alternative materials with similar properties may be used as substitutes. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any and all components described herein are understood to be manufacturable and therefore can be manufactured collectively or individually.

[0363] Note that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include their plural equivalents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0364] All published documents mentioned herein are used for disclosure and description and reference to the methods and / or materials covered by those documents. The published documents mentioned herein are provided solely for their disclosures prior to the filing date of this application. Nothing in this specification should be construed as acknowledging or acknowledging that the present technology is not prior to such published documents for the purpose of prior patents. Furthermore, the dates of the published documents mentioned herein may differ from the actual publication dates and may require individual verification.

[0365] The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive sense, indicating that the listed elements, components, or steps may exist, be used, or be combined with other elements, components, or steps not explicitly stated.

[0366] The headings used in the detailed descriptions are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit what is found in this disclosure or the claims as a whole. These headings should not be used in the interpretation of the scope of the claims or the limitations of the claims.

[0367] While the techniques described herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the techniques. In some cases, terms and symbols may indicate specific details that are not necessary for carrying out the techniques. For example, the terms “first” and “second” are used, but unless otherwise specified, these terms are not intended to indicate any order and are used to distinguish distinct elements. Furthermore, while the descriptions or examples of process steps in the methods may be given in order, such order is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such order is changeable and / or that such actions can be performed simultaneously or even synchronously.

[0368] Therefore, it should be understood that many modifications can be made to the illustrative examples, and other configurations can be designed without deviating from the spirit and scope of the technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0369] 100 users 1000 Head-Mounted Display Systems 1101 Interface Structure Clip 1102 Chassis section 1103 Cushion support part 1103a First end 1103a' First end 1103b Second end 1103b' Second end 1104 Spacer section 1104' Spacer section 1110 Face engagement part 1111 First end 1112 Facial contact area 1113 Second end 1114 Facial engagement membrane 1114a outer part 1114b Inner part 1120 Cushion attachment part 1124 Adhesive 1130 Cushion 1140 Cheek 1140a Part 1 1140b Part 2 1140c Third part 1140d Part 4 1145 Ears 1164 Cushion support flange 1170 Sphenoid bone 1170 Part 1 1170a Part 1 1170b Part 2 1170c Third part 1175 Forehead 1175a Part 1 1175b Part 2 1175c Third part 1176 Outer perimeter 1177 Inner circumference 1180 Nose 1182 Lower part 1185 Opening 1186 First flap 1187 Second flap 1188 slots 1200 Head-mounted display unit 1205 Display Unit Housing 1210 Arm 1220 Display Screen 1230 Top 1234 Lateral left side 1236 Right side (lateral view) 1240 Optical Lens 1242 Protective layer 1250 side-head connector 1254 Eyelet 1256 Adjustment section 1258 Receptor part 1270 Controller 1272 speakers 1274 Power supply 1276 Control System 1300 Positioning and stabilization structure 1310 Upper section 1320 Lower section 1330 Lateral support section 1330 Horizontal strap portion 1330 Horizontal strap section 1340 Top strap section 1350 Rear support section 1350 Rear support section 1360 Forehead support

Claims

1. An interface structure for a head-mounted display system including a head-mounted display unit, configured to be attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit, constructed and positioned to face the user's face, and provided around the user's eye area when in use, wherein the interface structure is: The chassis portion, which includes a cushion support portion, is adapted to be attached to the display unit housing when in use. A face engagement portion supported by the chassis portion, wherein the face engagement portion is flexible and elastic and configured to engage with the user's face when in use, and the face engagement portion is attached to the cushion support portion of the chassis portion, including a face engagement portion, The face engagement portion includes a cushion and a face engagement membrane that at least partially encloses the cushion and forms a face engagement area configured to come into contact with the user's face during use. The chassis portion includes at least one pair of elastically deformable spacer portions provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the user's eye area, each of the spacer portions separating the cushion support portion from the display unit housing. Each spacer portion is configured to be at least partially positioned in the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face during use, and the interface structure is such that the spacer portion does not intersect with the sagittal plane of the user's head during use.

2. The interface structure according to claim 1, wherein the face engagement portion is elastically compressible to conform to the surface of the user's face during use.

3. The interface structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chassis portion is elastically deformable to allow movement of the face engagement portion relative to the display unit housing.

4. The interface structure according to claim 3, wherein the chassis portion allows the face engagement portion to rotate relative to the head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the face engagement portion along the length of the face engagement portion around the user's face.

5. The interface structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the chassis portion allows the face engagement portion to translate relative to the head-mounted display unit in one or more regions of the face engagement portion along the length of the face engagement portion around the user's face.

6. The interface structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each spacer portion is configured to be at least partially positioned in the respective cheek area of ​​the user's face when in use.

7. The interface structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cushion support portion includes a cushion support flange having a first end and a second end, the second end being movable relative to the first end and the head-mounted display unit during use.

8. The interface structure according to claim 7, wherein in the region of the chassis portion including the spacer portion, the first end of the cushion support flange is connected to the spacer portion.

9. The interface structure according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the interface structure includes an interface structure clip configured to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and the chassis portion is attached to the interface structure clip.

10. The interface structure according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the face engagement membrane includes a first end and a second end, the face contact area is located between the first end and the second end, and the first end is attached to the chassis portion.

11. The interface structure according to claim 10, wherein the first end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the cushion support portion.

12. The interface structure according to claim 11, wherein the first end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the first end of the cushion support flange.

13. The interface structure according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the face engagement membrane curls around the cushion between the face engagement region and the second end of the face engagement membrane.

14. The interface structure according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second end of the face engagement membrane is attached to the second end of the cushion support flange, or to the cushion support flange in close proximity to the second end of the cushion support flange.

15. The interface structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cushion includes foam.

16. The interface structure according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the face engagement membrane comprises an elastomer material.

17. A head-mounted display system, A head-mounted display unit including a display unit housing, A positioning and stabilization structure structured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operable position on the user's head during use, A head-mounted display system comprising an interface structure according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. An interface structure for a head-mounted display system including a head-mounted display unit, configured to be attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit, constructed and positioned to face the user's face, and provided around the user's eye area when in use, wherein the interface structure is: The chassis portion, which includes a cushion support portion, is adapted to be attached to the display unit housing when in use. A face engagement portion supported by the chassis portion, wherein the face engagement portion is flexible and elastic and configured to engage with the user's face when in use, and the face engagement portion is attached to the cushion support portion of the chassis portion, including a face engagement portion, The face engagement portion includes a cushion and a face engagement membrane that at least partially encloses the cushion and forms a face contact area configured to come into contact with the user's face during use. The facial engagement portion includes a pair of sphenoid bone portions, each configured to engage with the respective sphenoid bone region of the user's face during use, and the facial engagement portion further includes a forehead portion configured to engage with the user's forehead during use. The aforementioned facial engagement membrane has an interface structure in which the forehead area is thicker than the sphenoid bone area.

19. The interface structure according to claim 18, wherein the facial engagement portion further includes a pair of cheek portions, and the facial engagement membrane is thicker in the cheek portions than in the sphenoid bone portion.

20. The interface structure according to claim 19, wherein the facial engagement membrane is thicker in the cheek area than in the forehead area.

21. The interface structure according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the facial engagement membrane has an outer circumference and an inner circumference, and the facial engagement membrane includes an outer circumference thickness in the forehead area and an outer circumference thickness in the sphenoid bone area, and the outer circumference thickness in the forehead area is greater than the outer circumference thickness in the sphenoid bone area.

22. The interface structure according to claim 21, wherein the facial engagement membrane includes an outer thickness in the cheek area that is greater than the outer thickness in the forehead area.

23. The interface structure according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the facial engagement membrane includes an inner circumferential thickness in the forehead area and an inner circumferential thickness in the sphenoid bone area, and the inner circumferential thickness in the forehead area is greater than the inner circumferential thickness in the sphenoid bone area.

24. The interface structure according to claim 23, wherein the facial engagement membrane includes an inner circumferential thickness in the cheek portion that is greater than the inner circumferential thickness in the sphenoid bone portion.

25. The interface structure according to claim 24, wherein the inner circumferential thickness in the forehead portion is substantially the same as the inner circumferential thickness in the cheek portion.

26. The interface structure according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the facial engagement membrane includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion in each sphenoid bone portion, the outer circumference thickness of the sphenoid bone portion is within the first portion of the sphenoid bone portion, the inner circumference thickness of the sphenoid bone portion is within the third portion of the sphenoid bone portion, and the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second portion of the sphenoid bone portion that is smaller than the thickness in the first portion of the sphenoid bone portion and larger than the thickness in the third portion of the sphenoid bone portion.

27. The interface structure according to claim 26, wherein the facial engagement membrane includes a first portion of the forehead, a second portion of the forehead, and a third portion of the forehead, the outer thickness of the forehead is within the first portion of the forehead, the inner thickness of the forehead is within the third portion of the forehead, and the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second portion of the forehead that is smaller than the thickness in the first portion of the forehead and larger than the thickness in the third portion of the forehead.

28. The interface structure according to claim 27, wherein the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second portion of the forehead that is greater than the thickness in the second portion of each sphenoid bone portion.

29. The interface structure according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the facial engagement membrane includes a first portion of the cheek, a second portion of the cheek, a third portion of the cheek, and a fourth portion of the cheek, the outer circumferential thickness of each cheek is within the first portion of each cheek, and the inner circumferential thickness of each cheek is within the fourth portion of each cheek.

30. The interface structure according to claim 29, wherein the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the second portion of each cheek that is greater than the thickness in the second portion of each sphenoid bone.

31. The interface structure according to claim 30, wherein the thickness of the second portion of each cheek is greater than the thickness of the second portion of the forehead.

32. The interface structure according to claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the thickness of the second portion of each cheek is substantially the same as the thickness of the first portion of the forehead.

33. The interface structure according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the third portion of each cheek that is greater than the thickness in the second portion of each sphenoid bone.

34. The interface structure according to claim 33, wherein the thickness of the third portion of each cheek is substantially the same as the thickness of the second portion of the forehead.

35. The interface structure according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the face engagement membrane has a cross-sectional shape, and the thickness of the cross-sectional shape decreases from the outer portion of the cross-sectional shape of the face engagement membrane toward the inner portion of the cross-sectional shape.

36. The interface structure according to claim 35, wherein the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 mm in the sphenoid bone portion.

37. The interface structure according to claim 36, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane decreases in thickness from a range of 1.15 mm to 1.25 mm to a range of 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm in each of the sphenoid bone portions.

38. The interface structure according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.8 to 1.8 mm in the forehead area.

39. The interface structure according to claim 38, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the face engagement membrane decreases in thickness in the forehead area from a thickness in the range of 1.55 mm to 1.65 mm to a thickness in the range of 0.95 mm to 1.05 mm.

40. The interface structure according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.8 to 3 mm in the cheek area.

41. The interface structure according to claim 40, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the facial engagement membrane decreases in thickness from a range of 2.45 mm to 2.55 mm to a range of 0.95 mm to 1.05 mm in each of the cheek portions.

42. The interface structure according to any one of claims 35 to 41, wherein the intermediate portion of each cheek area has a thickness in the range of 0.4 to 0.8 mm.

43. The interface structure according to any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the facial engagement portion includes a pair of ear portions located on the inside of the cheek portion, and each ear portion is configured to be in contact with or close to the respective lateral sides of the user's nose when in use.

44. The interface structure according to claim 43, wherein the facial engagement membrane has a thickness in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 mm in the ear portion.

45. A head-mounted display system, A head-mounted display unit including a display unit housing, A positioning and stabilization structure structured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operable position on the user's head during use, A head-mounted display system comprising an interface structure according to any one of claims 18 to 44.

46. An interface structure for a head-mounted display system including the head-mounted display unit, configured to be attached to the display unit housing of the head-mounted display unit, constructed and positioned to face the user's face, and provided around the user's eye area when in use, wherein the interface structure is The chassis portion, which includes a cushion support portion, is adapted to be attached to the display unit housing when in use. A face engagement portion supported by the chassis portion, wherein the face engagement portion is flexible and elastic and configured to engage with the user's face when in use, and the face engagement portion is attached to the cushion support portion of the chassis portion, A nose portion configured to engage with the user's nose during use and configured to at least partially block light from reaching the user's eyes from the user's nasal area, The nose portion includes a lower part positioned close to the tip of the user's nose during use, and the nose portion includes an opening in the foremost part of the nose portion, forming an interface structure.

47. The interface structure according to claim 46, wherein the nose portion includes a first flap and a second flap connected to the lower part, the first flap being configured to engage with a first lateral side of the user's nose when in use, the second flap being configured to engage with a second lateral side of the user's nose when in use, and the first flap and the second flap being separated by a slot.

48. The interface structure according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the nose portion is connected to the chassis portion of the interface structure.

49. The interface structure according to claim 48, wherein the nose portion is formed integrally with the chassis portion.

50. The interface structure according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the nose portion is connected to the face engagement membrane of the interface structure.

51. The interface structure according to claim 50, wherein the nose portion is integrally formed with the facial engagement membrane.

52. The interface structure according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the opening is partially defined by the lower part of the nose.

53. The interface structure according to claim 52, wherein the lower part of the nose defines the upper and lateral sides of the opening.

54. The interface structure according to claim 52 or claim 53, wherein the upper side of the opening curves backward on any lateral side of the midline sagittal plane of the user's head when in use.

55. The interface structure according to any one of claims 46 to 54, wherein the interface structure includes an interface structure clip configured to be attached to the display unit housing when in use, and the chassis portion is attached to the interface structure clip.

56. The interface structure according to claim 55, wherein the opening is partially defined by the interface structure clip.

57. The interface structure according to claim 56, wherein the interface structure clip defines the lower side of the opening.

58. The interface structure according to claim 57, wherein the lower side of the opening curves backward on any lateral side of the midline sagittal plane of the user's head when in use.

59. A head-mounted display system, A head-mounted display unit including a display unit housing, A positioning and stabilization structure structured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operable position on the user's head during use, A head-mounted display system comprising an interface structure according to any one of claims 46 to 58.

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