Insert for an augmented reality viewing device - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a visual perception device.SOLUTION: A visual perception device is described. The visual perception device has corrective optics for viewing virtual and real-world content. An insert for the corrective optics is attached using a magnetic set, pins and / or a nose piece. Interchangeable nose pieces allow height adjustments to accommodate different users. The visual perception device has pliable components to absorb forces exerted on a nose piece, and a protective barrier for limiting electric shock or ingress of dirt.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 608,054, filed December 20, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a visual perception device. [Background technology]

[0003] Modern computing and display technology has facilitated the development of visual perception devices such as "virtual reality" viewing devices. A virtual reality viewing device is a wearable device that presents two images to the user, one for the left eye and the other for the right eye. The objects in the images differ from each other in ways that allow the brain to process the objects as three-dimensional objects. When the images are constantly changing, movement in three dimensions can be simulated. Virtual reality viewing devices typically involve the display of digital or virtual images with no transparency to other real-world objects.

[0004] Other visual perception devices, so-called "augmented reality" viewing devices, typically include technology that allows the display of digital or virtual image information as an augmentation to the visualization of the real world around the user.

[0005] The above types of visual perception devices often have straps that fit around the user's head or other structures that fit on the user's head. These straps or structures are often adjustable to suit the user. Other user-specific adjustability features are not typically included in such visual perception devices. For example, a user may require corrective optics to view rendered images (in a virtual reality viewing device or an augmented reality viewing device) or to view real objects in the real world around the user (in an augmented reality viewing device).

[0006] Visual perception devices, such as augmented reality viewing devices, virtual reality viewing devices, prescription and non-prescription glasses, etc., typically have a nose piece that fits over the user's nose and helps to carry the weight of the visual perception device. The nose pieces of visual perception devices are typically not interchangeable to fit different users. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a visual perception device comprising a viewing device frame including at least a first viewing device frame component, an insert frame including at least a first viewing component and at least a first corrective component secured to the viewing device frame, and a mounting system including at least a first magnetic set having first and second connecting components secured to the first viewing device frame component and the insert frame, respectively, wherein the first and second connecting components of the first magnetic set are attracted to each other by north / south magnetic attraction when positioned in close proximity to each other, securing the insert frame to the first viewing device frame component.

[0008] The present invention further provides a method of visually perceiving light, comprising: positioning first and second connecting components adjacent to one another, the connecting components being attracted to one another by north / south magnetic attraction, affixing a corrective component to a frame component and assembling a visual perception device; and positioning the visual perception device over the eye with light being transmitted from the viewing component affixed to the frame component, the corrective component being positioned in the path of the light to correct refractive error of the eye's lens and improve focusing of the light on the retina of the eye.

[0009] The present invention also provides a visual perception device comprising a viewing device frame, at least a first viewing component secured to the viewing device frame, an insert having at least a first viewing edge, and an attachment system including at least a first magnetic set including first and second connecting components secured to the viewing device frame and the insert, respectively, wherein the connecting components of the first set are attracted to each other by north / south magnetic attraction when positioned in close proximity to each other, thereby securing the insert to the viewing device frame with the first viewing component visible through the first viewing edge.

[0010] The present invention further provides a method of visually perceiving light, comprising positioning first and second connection components adjacent to one another, the connection components being attracted to one another by north / south magnetic attraction, affixing an insert to a viewing device frame, and assembling a visual perception device with a first viewing component mounted to the viewing device frame visible through a first viewing edge of the insert, and positioning the visual perception device over the eye with light transmitted from the viewing component affixed to the frame component, passing through the first viewing edge and focused on the retina of the eye.

[0011] The present invention also provides a visual perception device including a viewing device frame including first and second viewing components and at least a viewing device frame bridge interconnecting the first and second viewing components; a viewing device frame including first and second corrective components and an insert frame including at least an insert frame bridge interconnecting the first and second corrective components and forming an insert; and an attachment system including a nose piece, wherein the nose piece and the viewing device frame bridge have first and second interengaging locking arrangements, respectively, which are connectable to each other, the nose piece is mounted to the viewing device frame bridge, and the nose piece has an upper surface that contacts the insert frame bridge and holds the insert frame bridge in a fixed position relative to the viewing device frame bridge.

[0012] The present invention further provides a method of visually perceiving light, comprising removably mounting a nose piece to a viewing device frame bridge and affixing a corrective component to the frame bridge to assemble a visual perception device, and positioning the visual perception device over the eye with light being transmitted from the viewing component, which is affixed to the frame component and the corrective component in an optical path, to correct refractive error of the eye's lens and improve focusing of light onto the retina of the eye.

[0013] The present invention also provides a visual perception device including a first nose piece, the first nose piece may include a separate locking component, a separate nose pad having a separate nose bridge portion and separate first and second nose tabs defining separate inverted channel shapes, a separate stem connecting the separate second locking component to the separate nose bridge portion, a separate first locking arrangement on the separate locking component, a first and second viewing component, a viewing device frame including at least a viewing device frame bridge connecting the first and second viewing components to each other, and a second locking arrangement on the viewing device frame bridge, the second locking arrangement and the separate first locking arrangement being first and second interengaging locking arrangements, respectively, the first and second interengaging locking arrangements being interconnectable and removably mounting the first nose piece to the viewing device frame bridge.

[0014] The present invention further provides a method of visually perceiving light comprising: removably mounting a nose pad to a viewing device frame bridge; and positioning the nose pad on a user's nose, the nose pad having a nose bridge portion and first and second nose tabs defining an inverted channel shape, the nose bridge portion forming part of a viewing device frame including a viewing device frame bridge connecting the first and second viewing components.

[0015] The present invention also provides a visual perception device including a BIONICLE frame, a visual component mounted to the BIONICLE frame, a shell piece, a nose piece mounted to the shell piece, the nose piece having first and second nose pads, and a flexible member, the shell piece connected to the BIONICLE frame through the flexible member.

[0016] The present invention further provides a visual perception device including a BIONICLE frame, a visual component mounted to the BIONICLE frame, a shell piece, a nose piece mounted to the shell piece, the nose piece having first and second nose pads, and a barrier component positioned between the BIONICLE frame and the nose piece.

[0017] The present invention also provides a visual perception device including a data channel for holding data representing an image, a projector connected to the data channel, converting the data into light representing the image and transmitting light representing the image as at least a first component of light, wherein at least a second component of light is transmitted from a surface of a real object simultaneously with the first component of light, and a corrective component through which at least one of the first component of light and the second component of light is refracted by the lens of the eye and then transmitted before reaching the retina of the eye, the corrective component correcting refractive errors of the lens of the eye and improving the focusing of the at least one component of light on the retina of the eye.

[0018] The present invention further provides a method for visually perceiving light, comprising: converting data representing an image into a first component of light representing the image; transmitting at least the first component of light, wherein the at least first component of light is transmitted through a lens of the eye and wherein at least a second component of light is transmitted from a surface of a real object through the lens of the eye simultaneously with the first component of light; and placing a corrective component in the path of the light to correct for refractive error of the lens of the eye and improve focusing of at least one of the first and second components of light onto the retina of the eye.

[0019] The present invention also provides a visual perception device including a data channel for holding data representing an image, a projector connected to the data channel for converting the data into at least a first component of light representing the image and transmitting the at least first component of light, and a corrective component through which the at least first component of light is refracted by the lens of the eye and then transmitted before reaching the retina of the eye, the corrective component correcting refractive errors of the lens of the eye and improving the focusing of the at least first component of light on the retina of the eye.

[0020] The present invention further provides a method for visually perceiving light, comprising: converting data representing an image into at least a first component of light representing the image; transmitting the at least first component of light through a lens of the eye; and placing a corrective component in a path of the at least first component of light to correct for a refractive error of the lens of the eye and improve focusing of the at least first component of light onto the retina of the eye.

[0021] The present invention also provides a visual device including a lens and at least a first infrared pass filter on the lens, where the lens uses the first infrared pass filter to pass more infrared light than without the infrared pass filter. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A visual perception device, comprising: a viewing device frame including at least a first viewing device frame component; at least a first viewing component secured to the viewing device frame; an insertion frame including at least a first orthodontic component; a mounting system including at least a first magnetic set having first and second connection components secured to the first viewing device frame component and the insert frame, respectively, the first and second connection components of the first magnetic set being attracted to each other by a north / south magnetic attraction when positioned adjacent to each other, securing the insert frame to the first viewing device frame component; A device comprising: (Item 2) Item 1 , the device according to item 1 , wherein the first corrective component is a lens. (Item 3) Item 3. The device of item 2, wherein the lens has a concave surface on its side facing the first viewing component. (Item 4) Item 4. The device of item 3, wherein the lens has a flat surface on its side facing the first viewing component. (Item 5) Item 1, wherein the first corrective component corrects at least one of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. (Item 6) a viewing device frame bridge forming a portion of the viewing device frame, the first viewing device frame component forming a portion of the viewing device frame bridge; a second viewing component, the first and second viewing components being affixed to the viewing device frame and interconnected by the viewing device frame bridge; and a second orthodontic component secured to the insert frame, the attachment system securing the insert frame to the viewing device frame; and Item 1. The device of item 1, further comprising: (Item 7) 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the insert frame includes at least an insert frame bridge that interconnects the first and second orthodontic components and forms an insert. (Item 8) 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the insert frame has at least a first insert frame edge that surrounds the first corrective component. (Item 9) 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first insert frame edge and the first corrective component have complementary shapes that allow the corrective component to be inserted into the first insert frame edge in a first orientation with a first side of the first corrective component facing toward the first viewing component and prohibit the first corrective component from being inserted into the first insert frame edge in a second orientation with the first side of the first corrective component facing away from the first viewing component. (Item 10) 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the shape of the first insert frame edge includes first and second curvatures having different radii, the different radii matching an individual radius of the first correction component to the first orientation and preventing insertion of the first correction component into the first insert frame edge when the first correction component is rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation about a vertical axis. (Item 11) 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first insert frame edge has a flat section and a line at a right angle from a center point of the flat section is offset from a center point of the first correction component. (Item 12) The mounting system comprises: a nose piece, the nose piece and the viewing device frame bridge having inter-engaging formations that are connectable to one another and removably mount the nose piece to the viewing device frame bridge, the nose piece having a surface that contacts the insert frame bridge and holds the insert frame bridge in a fixed position relative to the viewing device frame bridge. 8. The device according to item 7, comprising: (Item 13) The mounting system further comprises: a pin configured to engage an opening when the insert frame engages the viewing device frame; 8. The device according to item 7, comprising: (Item 14) Item 14. The device of item 13, wherein the pin has a tip and a body, the tip having a smaller cross-section than the body. (Item 15) Item 14. The device of item 13, wherein the opening is located in the viewing device frame and the pin is mounted to the insert frame. (Item 16) Item 1 , the device wherein one of the connection components is a permanent magnet and another of the connection components is a ferromagnetic component. (Item 17) Item 16. The device of item 15, wherein the permanent magnet is affixed to the first viewing device frame component and the ferromagnetic component is affixed to the first corrective component. (Item 18) The device of item 1, wherein the viewing device frame includes a second viewing device frame component and the mounting system includes at least a second magnetic set including third and fourth connection components, the third and fourth connection components being secured to the second viewing device frame component and the insert frame, respectively, and the connection components of the second set are attracted to each other by north / south magnetic attraction when positioned in close proximity to each other, securing the insert frame to the second viewing device frame component. (Item 19) The first viewing component includes: Item 1, the device being configured to transmit light through the first corrective component toward the lens of the eye, the first corrective component being configured to adjust the light according to a refractive error of the lens of the eye. (Item 20) 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the first corrective component is configured to receive at least a component of the light from a surface of a real object. (Item 21) 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the first correction component is configured to correct a component of the light received from a surface of the real object. (Item 22) a data channel for holding data representative of the virtual image; a projector connected to the data channel, the projector configured to convert the data into light representing the image and project the light representing the image onto the first viewing component; Item 1. The device of item 1, further comprising: (Item 23) The first corrective component comprises: receiving the light representing the virtual image from the first viewing component; transmitting light through the first corrective component toward a lens of the eye, the first corrective component configured to adjust the light representing the virtual image according to a refractive error of the lens of the eye; 23. The device of item 22, configured to perform the steps of: (Item 24) 1. A method for visually perceiving light, comprising: positioning first and second connection components adjacent to each other, the connection components being attracted to each other by north / south magnetic attraction to secure the correction component to the frame component and assemble the visual perception device; positioning the visual perception device over the eye with light being transmitted from a viewing component affixed to the frame component, the corrective component being in the path of the light to correct for refractive error of the eye's lens and improve focusing of light onto the retina of the eye; A method comprising: (Item 25) A visual perception device, comprising: A viewing device frame; at least a first viewing component secured to the viewing device frame; an insert having at least a first viewing edge; a mounting system including at least a first magnetic set including first and second connection components, the first and second connection components being secured to the viewing device frame and the insert, respectively, the first set of connection components being attracted to each other by north / south magnetic attraction when positioned adjacent to each other, securing the insert to the viewing device frame with the first viewing component visible through the first viewing edge; A device comprising: (Item 26) 1. A method for visually perceiving light, comprising: positioning first and second connection components adjacent to one another, the connection components being attracted to one another by north / south magnetic attraction to secure an insert to a viewing device frame and assemble a visual perception device with a first viewing component mounted to the viewing device frame viewable through a first viewing edge of the insert; positioning the visual perception device over the eye with light transmitted from a viewing component affixed to the frame component, the light passing through a first viewing edge and focused onto a retina of the eye; A method comprising: (Item 27) A visual perception device, comprising: First and second viewing components; a viewing device frame including at least a viewing device frame bridge interconnecting the first and second viewing components; First and second orthodontic components; an insert frame including at least an insert frame bridge, the insert frame bridge interconnecting the first and second orthodontic components and forming an insert; an attachment system including a nose piece, the nose piece and the viewing device frame bridge having first and second interengaging locking arrangements, respectively, the first and second interengaging locking arrangements being connectable to each other, mounting the nose piece to the viewing device frame bridge, the nose piece having an upper surface, the upper surface contacting the insert frame bridge and holding the insert frame bridge in a fixed position relative to the viewing device frame bridge; A device comprising: (Item 28) The nose piece is a nose pad having an inverted channel shape with a nose bridge portion and first and second nose tabs; a locking component connected to the nose bridge portion, the first interengaging locking formation being formed on the locking component; 28. The device according to item 27, comprising: (Item 29) Item 30. The device of item 28, wherein the first locking component extends from an upper surface of the nose bridge portion. (Item 30) 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the insert frame includes a tab extending from the insert frame bridge, the tab having a through opening, the locking component being insertable through the through opening. (Item 31) The first locking arrangement comprises: A stem portion and first and second lever arms, respectively, connected to the stem; a first and second clip arrangement, the first and second clip arrangements on the first and second lever arms, respectively, the clip arrangements being pressed down by the second locking arrangement, bending the first and second lever arms towards each other when the first and second clip arrangements are inserted into the second locking arrangement, the first and second lever arms expanding when the first and second clip arrangements exit the second locking arrangement, and the first and second clip arrangements resisting disengagement of the first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement; 28. The device according to item 27, comprising: (Item 32) Item 32. The device of item 31 , wherein each clip configuration has an angled surface that engages with the second locking configuration and presses the first and second clip configurations toward each other to enable insertion of the first locking configuration into the second locking configuration. (Item 33) Item 32. The device of item 31 , wherein each clip arrangement has an inclined surface that engages with the second locking arrangement and presses the first and second clip arrangements toward each other to enable removal of the first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement. (Item 34) The locking component comprises: A force transmission member connected to the stem; an elastic pad on the force transmitting member, the elastic pad engaging and compressing against a stop portion of the viewing device while the first locking arrangement is inserted into the second locking arrangement; 28. The device according to item 27, comprising: (Item 35) 1. A method for visually perceiving light, comprising: removably mounting a nose piece to a vision device frame bridge and affixing a correction component to the frame bridge to assemble a vision perception device; positioning the visual perception device over an eye with light being transmitted from a viewing component affixed to the frame component and the correction component in a path of the light to correct refractive errors of a lens of the eye and improve focusing of light onto the retina of the eye; A method comprising: (Item 36) A visual perception device, comprising: A first nose piece, the first nose piece comprising: a separate first locking component; and a separate nose pad having a separate nose bridge portion and separate first and second nose tabs defining a separate inverted channel shape; a respective stem connecting the respective first anchor component to the respective nose bridge portion; a respective first locking arrangement on the respective first locking component; and First and second viewing components; a viewing device frame including at least a viewing device frame bridge interconnecting the first and second viewing components; a second locking arrangement on the viewing device frame bridge, the second locking arrangement and the respective first locking arrangement being first and second interengaging locking arrangements, respectively, the first and second interengaging locking arrangements being connectable to one another and removably mounting the first nose piece to the viewing device frame bridge; Including the first nose piece A device comprising: (Item 37) A second nose piece, the second nose piece comprising: A separate locking component; a separate nose pad having a separate nose bridge portion and separate first and second nose tabs defining a separate inverted channel shape; a respective stem connecting said respective first anchoring component to said respective nose bridge portion; a first individual locking feature on the individual locking component, the second locking feature and the first individual locking feature being first and second interengaging locking features, respectively, the first and second interengaging locking features being connectable to one another, removably mounting the first nose piece to the viewing device frame bridge, a stem of the second nose piece being longer than a stem of the first nose piece; Includes a second nose piece Item 37. The device of item 36, further comprising: (Item 38) The individual first locking arrangements include: first and second lever arms, each connected to a respective one of the stems; a first and second clip arrangement, the first and second clip arrangements being on the first and second lever arms, respectively, the respective clip arrangements being pressed down by the second locking arrangement, bending the respective first and second lever arms towards each other when the clip arrangements are inserted into the second locking arrangement, the respective first and second lever arms expanding when the respective first and second clip arrangements exit the second locking arrangement, the respective first and second clip arrangements resisting disengagement of the respective first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement; Item 37. The device according to item 36, comprising: (Item 39) Item 39. The device of item 38, wherein each individual clip configuration has an angled surface that engages with the locking configuration and presses the individual first and second clip configurations toward each other to enable insertion of the individual first locking configuration into the second locking configuration. (Item 40) 40. The device of claim 39, wherein each individual clip arrangement has an inclined surface that engages with the second locking arrangement and presses the individual first and second clip arrangements toward each other to enable removal of the individual first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement. (Item 41) The individual first locking components include: a respective force transmission member connected to said respective stem; a separate elastic pad on the force transmitting member, the separate elastic pad engaging and compressing against a stop portion of the viewing device while the separate first locking arrangement is inserted into the second locking arrangement; Item 37. The device according to item 36, comprising: (Item 42) 1. A method for visually perceiving light, comprising: Removably mounting a nose pad to a viewing device frame bridge; positioning the nose pad on the user's nose, the nose pad having a nose bridge portion and first and second nose tabs defining an inverted channel shape, the nose bridge portion forming a part of a viewing device frame including the viewing device frame bridge connecting first and second viewing components; A method comprising: (Item 43) A visual perception device, comprising: Bionicle frame, a visual component mounted on said bionicle frame; Shell pieces and a nose piece mounted to the shell piece, the nose piece having first and second nose pads; a flexible member, the shell piece being connected to the bionicle frame through the flexible member; A device comprising: (Item 44) Item 44. The device of item 43, wherein the flexible member is an elastically movable member. (Item 45) the shell pieces include front and rear housings on opposite sides of the bionicle frame, the bionicle frame defining fastener openings; a fastener configured to be inserted through the fastener opening, the fastener having opposing ends, the opposing ends being secured to the front and rear housings, respectively, the bionicle frame configured to move over the fastener, and the flexible member configured to compress and allow movement of the bionicle frame relative to the fastener; Item 44. The device of item 43, further comprising: (Item 46) the bionicle frame defining a guide pin opening; a guide pin configured to be inserted through the guide pin opening, the guide pin having opposing ends, the opposing ends being secured to the front and rear housings, respectively, the guide portions configured to move relative to the front and rear housings to allow movement of the BIONICLE frame relative to the front and rear housings; Item 46. The device of item 45, further comprising: (Item 47) a barrier component located between the bionicle frame and the nose piece, the flexible member being between the shell piece and the barrier component; Item 44. The device of item 43, further comprising: (Item 48) A visual perception device, comprising: Bionicle frame, a visual component mounted on said bionicle frame; Shell pieces and a nose piece mounted to the shell piece, the nose piece having first and second nose pads; a barrier component positioned between the bionicle frame and the nose piece; A device comprising: (Item 49) Item 49. The device of item 48, wherein the bionicle frame is made from metal and the barrier components are made from an electrically insulating material. (Item 50) Item 49. The device of item 48, wherein the barrier component forms a seal between the nose piece and the bionicle frame. (Item 51) Item 49. The device of item 48, further comprising a flexible member between the shell piece and the barrier component. (Item 52) A visual perception device, comprising: a data channel for holding data representing an image; a projector connected to the data channel, the projector configured to convert the data into light representative of the image and to project the light representing the image as at least a first component of the light, the at least a second component of the light including light from a surface of a real object; a corrective component configured to refract at least one of the first component of light and the second component of light towards an eye, the corrective component configured to correct at least one of the first component of light and the second component of light according to a refractive error of a lens of the eye; A device comprising: (Item 53) Item 53. The device of item 52, further comprising a viewing component configured to direct and diffract the first component of light from the projector toward the eye. (Item 54) Item 54. The device of item 53, wherein the corrective component is a lens. (Item 55) Item 55. The device of item 54, wherein the lens is positioned between the viewing component and the eye. (Item 56) Item 55. The device of item 54, wherein the lens has a concave surface on the side facing the eye. (Item 57) Item 55. The device of item 54, wherein the lens has a flat surface on the side facing the viewing component. (Item 58) Item 55. The device of item 54, further comprising an eye tracking camera positioned to capture the movement of the eye. (Item 59) at least one infrared emitter configured to emit electromagnetic waves in the form of infrared waves onto the eye, the infrared waves traveling through the lens before being captured by the eye tracking camera; an infrared pass filter on the lens, the lens being configured with the infrared pass filter to transmit more of the infrared light than without the infrared pass filter; Item 59. The device of item 58, further comprising: (Item 60) Item 60. The device of item 59, wherein the infrared light emitter is configured to transmit infrared light through the infrared pass filter toward the eye. (Item 61) Item 60. The device of item 59, wherein the eye tracking camera is configured to receive infrared light reflected by the eye and transmitted through the infrared pass filter. (Item 62) Item 53. The device of item 52, wherein the correction component is configured to correct a second component of the light received from a surface of the real object. (Item 63) Item 53. The device of item 52, wherein the correction component is configured to correct a first component of the light received from the projector. (Item 64) Item 53. The device of item 52, wherein the corrective component is configured to correct at least one of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. (Item 65) 1. A method for visually perceiving light, comprising: converting data representative of an image into a first component of light representative of said image; transmitting at least a first component of the light, the first component of the light being transmitted through a lens of the eye and at least a second component of the light being transmitted from a surface of a real object through the lens of the eye simultaneously with the first component of the light; placing a corrective component in the path of the light to correct for refractive error of a lens of the eye and improve focusing of at least one of the first and second components of the light onto the retina of the eye; A method comprising: (Item 66) A visual perception device, comprising: a data channel for holding data representing an image; a projector connected to the data channel, the projector configured to convert the data into at least a first component of light representing the image, and further configured to project the at least first component of light; a correction component configured to transmit and refract at least a first component of the light toward a lens of the eye, the correction component configured to correct the at least a first component of the light according to a refractive error of the lens of the eye; A device comprising: (Item 67) 1. A method for visually perceiving light, comprising: converting data representative of an image into at least a first component of light representative of said image; transmitting at least a first component of the light through a lens of the eye; placing a corrective component in a path of the at least a first component of light to correct a refractive error of a lens of the eye and improve focusing of the at least a first component of light onto a retina of the eye; A method comprising: (Item 68) 1. A visual device, comprising: Lenses and at least a first infrared pass filter on the lens, the lens allowing more infrared light to pass with the first infrared pass filter than without the infrared pass filter; A device comprising: (Item 69) Item 70. The device of item 68, wherein the lens has a concave surface on its first side. (Item 70) 70. The device of claim 69, wherein the lens has a flat surface on the side facing the viewing component. (Item 71) at least a second infrared pass filter on the lens, the lens allowing more infrared light to pass with the second infrared pass filter than without the infrared pass filter; Item 69. The device of item 68, further comprising: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] The invention will further be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a visual perception device according to one embodiment of the present invention, including a viewing device, a prescription insert, and an attachment system for securing the prescription insert to the viewing device.

[0024] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a viewing device using the mounting system of FIG. 1 with a prescription insert in place.

[0025] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the visual perception device.

[0026] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the optical components of the visual perception device.

[0027] [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are side views illustrating the correction of myopia using prescription insert lenses when viewing a real object.

[0028] [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are side views illustrating myopic correction of rendered images.

[0029] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a side view and block diagram illustrating the image generation and eye tracking components of a visual perception device.

[0030] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of a non-prescription insert that may be used in place of the prescription insert of FIG.

[0031] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a visual perception device having an attachment system, including a nose piece, used to attach non-prescription inserts to the viewing device.

[0032] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the nose piece and the anchor piece.

[0033] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a portion of the nose piece and anchor piece after they have been attached to one another.

[0034] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the use of a short nose piece.

[0035] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating the use of a longer nose piece than in FIG.

[0036] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cross section taken along line AA in FIG.

[0037] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cross section on BB in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a visual perception device 10 that includes a viewing device 12 , a prescription insert 14 , and an attachment system 16 used to secure the prescription insert 14 to the viewing device 12 .

[0039] The viewing device 12 includes a viewing device frame 18, a first viewing component 20, and a second viewing component 22. The first and second viewing components 20 and 22 may include lenses, waveguides, and other optical components or assemblies thereof. The first and second viewing components 20 and 22 are preferably partially or fully transparent to allow a user to view the scene therethrough.

[0040] The viewing device frame 18 includes a viewing device frame bridge 24, a first viewing device edge 26, a second viewing device edge 28, and a first temple piece 30. The viewing device frame bridge 24 interconnects the first and second viewing device edges 26 and 28. Each viewing device edge 26 and 28 defines a separate opening. The first viewing component 20 is mounted within the opening of the first viewing device edge 26. The second viewing component 22 is mounted within the opening of the second viewing device edge 28. The first temple piece 30 is attached to the second viewing device edge 28 on a side of the second viewing component 22 opposite the viewing device frame bridge 24. The first temple piece 30 extends from the viewing device frame 18 toward the user and may contact at least a portion of the user's head. In the given embodiment, the first temple piece 30 extends in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the plane of the first and second viewing components 20 and 22, although a range of angles are also possible depending on the width of the user's head.

[0041] A second temple piece (not shown) is attached to the first viewing device edge 26 on the side of the first viewing component 20 opposite the viewing device frame bridge 24. The second temple piece extends in a direction that is generally parallel to the first temple piece 30.

[0042] In use, a user wears the viewing device 12 on their head. The first and second viewing components 20 and 22 are positioned in front of the user's right and left eyes, respectively. The temple pieces 30 may form part of or be attached to a strap or rigid or semi-rigid band around the back of the user's head to secure the viewing device frame 18 to the user's head. The user can then view content transmitted to their eyes from the first and second viewing components 20 and 22. Because the viewing device 12 is secured to their head, the user can move their head and the viewing device 12 moves with them such that the first and second viewing components 20 and 22 remain in front of their eyes at all times.

[0043] Although one embodiment has been described in which the first temple piece 30 forms part of a strap or band around the user's head, alternative systems can also be used to attach the viewing device to the user's head. For example, instead of a strap or band that goes around the user's head, an ear piece can be provided that anchors over the user's ear. Furthermore, although first and second viewing components 20 and 22 have been described, aspects of the present invention may find use in designs in which only a single viewing component is provided.

[0044] The prescription insert 14 includes an insert frame 32 , a first corrective component in the form of a first lens 34 , and a second corrective component in the form of a second lens 36 .

[0045] The insert frame 32 has an insert frame bridge 38 and first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42. The insert frame edges 40 and 42 are interconnected via the insert frame bridge 38. The insert frame edges 40 and 42 define respective openings. The first and second lenses 34 and 36 are inserted into the respective openings of the first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42. The first and second lenses 34 and 36 are secured to the first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42 using conventional mechanisms such as an interference fit or the like.

[0046] The viewing device 12 and the prescription insert 14 are separate assemblies that can be obtained separately by a user. The first and second lenses 34 and 36 can be prescription lenses with corrections that are prescribed by an optician and are unique to a particular user. By providing the user with the viewing device 12 and the prescription insert 14 separately, a unique corrective optical system for the user does not need to be built into the viewing device 12. As the user's vision changes over time, the user can replace the first and second lenses 34 and 36 with new lenses based on new correction recommendations of a new prescription. In another scenario, multiple users, each with different vision, can have unique prescription inserts customized for each user's specific vision while sharing a single viewing device. In the latter scenario, the prescription inserts of different users can be removably attached to the viewing device 12 using interchangeably similar attachment systems as described herein.

[0047] The attachment system 16 includes first and second magnetic sets 50 and 52. The magnetic sets 50 and 52 are used, among other features, to removably secure the prescription insert 14 to the viewing device 12.

[0048] The first magnetic set 50 includes a first connector component in the form of a ferromagnetic component 54 and a second connector component in the form of a permanent magnet 56. The permanent magnet 56 is affixed to the viewing device frame 18. The area where the permanent magnet 56 is affixed to the viewing device frame 18 is referred to herein as the "first viewing device frame component 58." The permanent magnet 56 is inserted into an opening in the first viewing device frame component 58. The permanent magnet 56 may be affixed to the first viewing device frame component 58 using an interference fit, adhesive, or the like. The permanent magnet may alternatively be disposed from the opposing side and affixed using an adhesive.

[0049] The permanent magnet 56 is located in a fixed position relative to the viewing device frame 18. Its location and flux density may be taken into account when calculating potential electromagnetic interference between the permanent magnet 56 and electronics residing within the viewing device frame 18. Thus, it is possible to have the permanent magnet placed on the prescription insert and the ferromagnetic components placed on the frame, but such an arrangement may require recalibration of the electronic components integrated on the board when the prescription insert is installed and removed to account for changes in nearby magnetic fields depending on the presence or absence of the permanent magnet on the prescription insert.

[0050] The ferromagnetic component 54 is inserted into an opening in the insert frame bridge 38. The ferromagnetic component 54 may be secured to the insert frame bridge 38 using an interference fit, adhesive, or the like. The ferromagnetic component 54 is not a permanent magnet and therefore is not capable of attracting magnetic particles when it is separated from the viewing device 12. A user who wears the first and second lenses 34 and 36 may therefore do so without magnetic dust accumulating on the ferromagnetic component 54.

[0051] The second magnetic set 52 includes a first connector component in the form of a ferromagnetic component 60 and a second connector component in the form of a permanent magnet 62. The permanent magnet 62 is secured to a second viewing device frame component 64 that forms part of the viewing device frame 18. The ferromagnetic component 60 is secured to the insert frame bridge 38.

[0052] The ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 are located on either side of a centerline that divides the insert frame bridge 38 in half. The center points of the ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 are spaced apart from each other the same distance as the center points of the permanent magnets 56 and 62. The position of the ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 relative to the first and second lenses 34 and 36 is the same as the relative position of the permanent magnets 56 and 62 relative to the first and second viewing components 20 and 22 such that when the prescription insert is attached to the viewing device, the first and second viewing components 20 and 22 are approximately concentric with the first and second lenses 34 and 36, and the permanent magnets 56 and 62 are approximately concentric with the ferromagnetic components 54 and 60. For example, the distance from the center point of the ferromagnetic component 54 to the center point of the first lens 34 is the same as the distance from the center point of the permanent magnet 56 to the center point of the first viewing component 20.

[0053] 2 further illustrates a first pin 78 and a first guide opening 80. The first pin 78 is secured to and extends from the insert frame bridge 38. The first guide opening 80 is located within the viewing device frame bridge 24. The first pin 78 has a tip 82 and a body 84. The tip 82 has a slightly smaller cross-section than the body 84.

[0054] In use, the user roughly aligns the prescription insert 14 with the viewing device 12 so that the first lens 34 is located over the first viewing component 20 and the second lens 36 is located over the second viewing component 22. The user then moves the prescription insert 14 closer to the viewing device 12. The first pin 78 is inserted into the first guide opening 80 as the insert frame bridge 38 approaches the viewing device frame bridge 24 and before the ferromagnetic component 54 contacts the permanent magnet 56. The smaller cross-section of the tip 82 allows for slight misalignment between the centerline of the first pin 78 and the centerline of the first guide opening 80. As the first pin 78 is inserted further into the first guide opening 80, the body 84 also enters the first guide opening 80. The body 84 is only slightly smaller than the first guide opening 80 , which aligns the centerline of the first pin 78 with the centerline of the first guide opening 80 .

[0055] As the prescription insert 14 approaches the viewing device 12, the ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 enter the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets 56 and 62, respectively. The magnetic fields of the permanent magnets 56 and 62 cause the ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 to become magnetic. The ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 are then attracted to the permanent magnets 56 and 62, respectively, by north / south magnetic attraction. As the user places the prescription insert 14 relative to the viewing device 12, the magnetic fields created through the permanent magnet 56 and the ferromagnetic component 54 assist in further alignment of the ferromagnetic component 54 with the permanent magnet 56. Similarly, the ferromagnetic component 60 aligns with the permanent magnet 62. The magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic component 54 and the permanent magnet 56 brings the ferromagnetic component 54 into contact with the permanent magnet 56, at which point the first pin 78 is fully inserted into the first guide opening 80. The user then removes the prescription insert 14. The prescription insert 14 is secured to the viewing device 12 using permanent magnets 56 and 62 and ferromagnetic components 54 and 60. The first lens 34 is then aligned with the first viewing component 20 and the second lens 36 is aligned with the second viewing component 22.

[0056] The interaction between the first pin 78 and the inner surface of the first guiding opening 80 prevents movement of the insert frame bridge 38 in the direction 86 relative to the viewing device frame bridge 24. The insert frame bridge 38 is thus locked in place against movement in the direction 86 relative to the viewing device frame bridge 24. If the viewing device 12 is crashed or dropped and a relative force is created between the insert frame bridge 38 and the viewing device frame bridge 24 in a direction parallel to the direction 86, the interaction between the first pin 78 and the first guiding opening 80 will prevent movement of the insert frame bridge 38 relative to the viewing device frame bridge 24 in a direction in the same plane as the direction 86. For example, the interaction between the first pin 78 and the first guiding opening 80 may substantially prevent relative movement between the prescription insert and the viewing device in any direction perpendicular to the axis of the first pin 78.

[0057] When the user desires to remove the prescription insert 14, the user holds onto a portion of the insert frame 32 and then moves the prescription insert 14 away from the viewing device 12. Such movement causes the ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 to separate from the permanent magnets 56 and 62 until their magnetic attraction is broken.

[0058] The advantages of having a permanent magnet on the viewing device 12 and a ferromagnetic component on the prescription insert 14 are detailed above. Aspects of the invention may not be limited to such an arrangement. For example, it may be possible to have a permanent magnet on the prescription insert 14 and a ferromagnetic component on the viewing device 12. It may also be possible to have only a permanent magnet and no ferromagnetic component. In each case, there would be no north / south magnetic attraction between the first and second connector components on the prescription insert 14 and the viewing device 12 to secure the prescription insert 14 to the viewing device 12.

[0059] The present invention has been described as an example with first and second magnetic sets 50 and 52. More than one magnetic set allows forces to be distributed across the prescription insert 14 and also aids in the angular alignment of the prescription insert 14 relative to the viewing device 12. Aspects of the present invention may find use in devices having more than two magnetic sets or only a single magnetic set. In addition, while a symmetrical system is shown, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the magnetic sets 50 and 52 may be arranged in any advantageous configuration that provides sufficient attractive forces between the prescription insert 14 and the viewing device 12. Also, while the magnetic sets 50 and 52 are shown positioned midway relative to the viewing components 20 and 22 and the lenses 34 and 36, it is possible to position the magnetic sets 50 and 52, or additional magnetic sets, above, below, or to the sides of the viewing components 20 and 22 and the lenses 34 and 36, as may be found to be advantageous for reduced electrical interference, a more favorable form factor, or other reasons.

[0060] The viewing device 12 further includes a head pad 70 secured to the viewing device frame bridge 24. The head pad 70 rests against the forehead of a user wearing the viewing device 12. The head pad 70 provides comfort to the user because it is generally made from a softer material than the viewing device frame 18 and also helps insulate the user from heat generated by electrical components integrated into the substrate. The head pad 70 also helps secure the viewing device 12 to the user's head, especially when the first temple piece 30 forms part of a strap that encircles the user's head. The head pad 70 extends outward from the viewing device frame 18 toward the head of the user wearing the viewing device 12, which advantageously provides a shield for light that may otherwise get between the viewing device frame bridge 24 from above and the forehead of the user wearing the viewing device 12.

[0061] The prescription insert 14 further includes first and second eyecups 72 and 74. The first eyecup 72 is secured to the first insert frame rim 40 and extends from the first insert frame rim 40 toward the head of a user wearing the viewing device 12. The first eyecup 72 blocks light that may enter between the first insert frame rim 40 and the head of a user wearing the viewing device 12 from about the 12 o'clock position to about the 2 o'clock position. The shape of the first eyecup 72 cooperates with the shape of the head pad 70 to minimize or substantially eliminate light from entering from above.

[0062] The second eyecup 74 is secured to and extends from the second insert frame rim 42. The second eyecup 74 prevents light from entering between the second insert frame rim 42 and the head of a user wearing the viewing device 12 from about the 10 o'clock position to about the 12 o'clock position. The second eyecup 74 cooperates with the head pad 70 to minimize or substantially eliminate light from entering from above.

[0063] FIG. 2 shows the first magnetic set 50 after the ferromagnetic component 54 has been magnetically attached to the permanent magnets 56 of the first magnetic set 50. The magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic component 54 and the permanent magnets 56 resists removal of the insert frame bridge 38 in a direction 76 away from the viewing device frame bridge 24. The magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic component 54 and the permanent magnets 56 of the first magnetic set 50, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and between the ferromagnetic component 60 and the permanent magnets 62 of the second magnetic set 52, shown in FIG. 1, is sufficient to hold the insert frame bridge 38 against the viewing device frame bridge 24 unless, for example, the viewing device 12 is bumped excessively or dropped on the ground. The magnetic attraction is still weak enough to allow a user to remove the prescription insert 14 from the viewing device 12. The magnets are typically grade N52 magnets, each having a diameter of 4 mm and a height of 2 mm, exerting a force of approximately 0.94 pounds.

[0064] The mounting system 16 thus secures the insert frame bridge 38 to the viewing device frame bridge 24 and prevents movement of the insert frame bridge 38 in the directions 76 and 86 relative to the viewing device frame bridge 24. The first pin 78 and the first guiding opening 80 have a centerline that extends in a direction that allows a user to remove the insert frame bridge 38 from the viewing device frame bridge 24. When the user thus breaks the magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic component 54 and the permanent magnet 56, the first pin 78 detaches from the first guiding opening 80 as the insert frame bridge 38 is removed from the viewing device frame bridge 24.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, a second guide opening 88 is provided in the viewing device frame bridge 24. The first and second guide openings 80 and 88 are located on either side of the vertical centerline of the viewing device frame bridge 24. The first pin 78 is aligned with the first guide opening 80. The prescription insert 14 further includes a second pin 90. The first and second pins 78 and 90 are located on either side of the vertical centerline of the insert frame bridge 38. The distance between the center points of the first and second guide openings 80 and 88 is the same as the distance between the centerlines of the first and second pins 78 and 90. The first and second pins 78 and 90 simultaneously engage with the first and second guide openings 80 and 88, respectively, when the prescription insert 14 is moved toward the viewing device 12.

[0066] The inclusion of two pins 78 and 90 helps distribute forces across the prescription insert 14 and prevents angular misalignment between the prescription insert 14 and the viewing device 12. However, it should be understood that a single pin and a single guide opening may provide an interlocking arrangement, and that more than two such arrangements may further distribute stress across the prescription insert 14. It should also be understood that the number of pins need not match the number of magnetic sets. For example, there may be more or fewer pins than magnetic sets.

[0067] The viewing device 12 further includes a nose piece 92 that is secured to the viewing device frame bridge 24. The nose piece 92 is connected to the viewing device frame bridge 24 before or after the prescription insert 14 is attached to the viewing device 12. The lower surface of the insert frame bridge 38 and the upper surface of the nose piece 92 are complementary in shape, which allows the insert frame bridge 38 to be positioned over the nose piece 92 during installation. The lower surface of the nose piece 92 is shaped to fit over the nose of a user wearing the visual perception device 10. The material of the nose piece 92 may be selected to have a certain elasticity or extensibility so that various nose shapes may be accommodated while maintaining a desired level of comfort. The nose piece 92 has first and second nose tabs 94 and 96 that contact opposite sides of the nose of a user wearing the visual perception device 10.

[0068] 3, the second insert frame edge 42 and the second lens 36 have complementary shapes that allow the second lens 36 to be inserted into the second insert frame edge 42 in a first orientation, with a first side of the second lens 36 facing toward the second viewing component 22 (see FIG. 1), and prohibit the second lens 36 from being inserted into the second insert frame edge 42 in a second orientation, with the first side of the second lens 36 facing away from the second viewing component 22. The second lens 36 therefore cannot be rotated in a direction 104 about a vertical centerline 106 and still fit. In particular, the shape of the second insert frame edge 42 includes first and second curvatures 100 and 102 having different radii R1 and R2 that match the radius of the second lens 36 in the first orientation and prevent insertion of the second lens 36 into the second insert frame edge 42 when the second lens 36 is rotated in a certain direction in the second orientation about a vertical axis. The second insert frame 42 has a flat section 108. A line 110 extending perpendicularly from a center point of the flat section is offset a distance 112 from a center point 114 of the second lens 36. The position of the flat section 108 relative to the center point 114 further prevents insertion of the second lens 36 into the second insert frame edge 42 when in the second orientation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various asymmetries and / or geometries can be built into the lens and insert frame edges to prevent improper orientation of the lens, i.e., either upside down or swapped between left and right.

[0069] Proper alignment of the spherical and cylindrical corrective features of the second lens 36 is ensured by allowing the second lens 36 to be inserted in a first orientation (but not in a second orientation) into the second insert frame edge 42. The first lens 34 and the first insert frame edge 40 have complementary shapes that allow the first lens 34 to be inserted into the first insert frame edge 40 when the first lens 34 is in the first orientation, but prohibit insertion of the first lens 34 into the first insert frame edge 40 when the first lens 34 is in the second orientation with its surface that should face toward the first viewing component 20 (see FIG. 1 ) facing away from the first viewing component 20.

[0070] The complementary features of the first and second lenses 34 and 36 relative to the first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42 thus prevent reverse insertion of the first and second lenses 34 and 36. The feature is particularly useful because the first and second lenses 34 and 36 are pre-manufactured to the prescribed ratios and cannot be easily reshaped after they are inserted into the first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42. However, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may find application where corrective components other than lenses with fixed corrective dimensions are used. For example, aspects of the invention may find application using corrective components such as adaptive lenses or corrective components that use liquid crystal display technology. Such corrective components may or may not have the ability to adjust the corrective characteristics after they are disposed. The complementary shapes between such correction components and the insert frame edges in which they are disposed may or may not require complementary shapes that prevent reverse disposition, depending on whether such correction components can accommodate the spherical and cylindrical alignment of the correction features.

[0071] The viewing device 12 includes a number of infrared emitters 118 and two eye tracking cameras 120. The infrared emitters 118 are positioned to emit infrared light through the first and second lenses 34 and 36. The eye tracking cameras 120 are positioned to receive infrared light through the first and second lenses 34 and 36. The ferromagnetic components 54 and 60 and the first and second pins 78 and 90 are located behind the insert frame bridge 38 and are not visible in the view of FIG. 3. The insert frame 32 is shaped to allow light to transmit from the infrared emitters 118 through the first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42, and infrared light to transmit through the first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42 to the eye tracking cameras 120, while concealing the first and second pins 78 and 90 and the ferromagnetic components 54 and 60.

[0072] 4 illustrates the relative positions of one of the infrared emitters 118, one of the eye tracking cameras 120, the first lens 34, the first viewing component 20, and the eye 122. The first lens 34 has a first side 124 and a second side 126 opposite the first side 124. The infrared emitter 118 and the eye tracking camera 120 are located on the first side 124 of the first lens 34. The eye 122 is located on the second side 126 of the first lens 34.

[0073] The first lens 34 is made of acrylic glass, a thermosetting or thermoplastic material, or another material that reflects infrared light or a large portion of infrared light. The first and second infrared pass filters 128 and 130 are made of a material that contributes to passing infrared light.

[0074] The first viewing component 20 has first and second opposing surfaces 132 and 134. The first and second opposing surfaces 132 and 134 are planar, lying in planes parallel to one another, such that light entering the user's eye through the viewing component 20 has little or no distortion. The first side 124 of the first lens 34 is planar. Because the first side 124 of the first lens 34 is planar and the second surface 134 of the first viewing component 20 is also planar, the first lens 34 can be positioned as close as possible to the first viewing component 20.

[0075] The second side 126 of the first lens 34 has a concave shape that can be adjusted to accommodate various myopia vision correction prescriptions. The concave shape of the second side 126 allows the first lens 34 to be positioned between the eye 122 and the first viewing component 20 while still allowing sufficient space between the eye 122 and the first lens 34 without risking that the first lens 34 may contact the eye 122 or eyelashes during blinking.

[0076] The combination of the planar first side 124 and concave second side 126 of the first lens 34 thus allows the first lens 34 to be added between the first viewing component 20 and the eye 122. For example, an alternative lens shape in which the first side 124 is convex may result in a lens shape that may be too close to the eye 122.

[0077] In use, the infrared emitter 118 emits electromagnetic waves in the form of infrared light 138. The first infrared pass filter 128 absorbs the infrared light 138. The infrared light 138 is transmitted through the first infrared pass filter 128 and into the first lens 34. The first lens 34 absorbs more of the infrared light 138 due to the first infrared pass filter 128 than it would without it.

[0078] The infrared light 138 then transmits from the first lens 34 through the second infrared pass filter 130 and then through the air gap between the second infrared pass filter 130 and the eye 122. The infrared light 138 then reflects off the surface of the eye 122 as infrared light 140.

[0079] The infrared light 140 then travels through the gap between the eye 122 and the second infrared pass filter 130. The second infrared pass filter 130 absorbs the infrared light 140. The infrared light 140 travels through the second infrared pass filter 130 and into the first lens 34. The first lens 34 absorbs more of the infrared light 140 due to the second infrared pass filter 130 than it would without it.

[0080] The infrared light 140 then travels out of the first lens 34 through the first infrared pass filter 128 to the eye tracking camera 120. The eye tracking camera 120 then detects the infrared light 140. The eye tracking camera 120 also receives infrared light from other locations on the eye 122, as represented by infrared rays 142 and 144. The infrared light received by the eye tracking camera 120 comes from the infrared emitter 118 shown in FIG. 4, or other infrared emitters 118 visible through the first inset frame edge 40 of FIG. 3. Eye movement is tracked through changes in the infrared light source that reflects off the eye. The eye tracking camera 120 captures an image of the eye 122 from the reflected infrared light. The image of the eye 122 as captured by the eye tracking camera 120 and the movement of the infrared light reflection from the eye may change as the eye 122 moves. Varying infrared light reflection correlates to the movement and position of the eye 122 such that the position of the eye can be inferred from the reflection pattern captured by the eye tracking camera 120 .

[0081] 5A and 5B illustrate how the first lens 34 corrects myopia when viewing a real object. In FIG. 5A, the first lens 34 is not disposed. A first component of light 146 travels from a real object (not shown) through the first viewing component 20 to the eye 122. The lens 148 of the eye 122 refracts the first component of light 146 to focus the first component of light 146 at a focal point 150. In an eye with perfect vision, the focal point is precisely on the retina in such an eye. In myopic vision, such as the eye 122, the focal point 150 is located between the retina 152 and the lens 148 of the eye 122. When the first component of light 146 reaches the retina 152, the light begins to fan out as it moves from the focal point 150 toward the retina 152, such that the retina 152 detects an out-of-focus, blurred image.

[0082] Figure 5B illustrates the effect of the first lens 34 to correct the myopic vision of Figure 5A. The first lens 34 refracts the first component of light 146 before it reaches the lens 148 of the eye 122. As the lens 148 of the eye 122 refracts the light, the lens 148 focuses the light to a focal point 154 on the retina 152. The first lens 34 thus corrects the myopic vision such that the first component of light 146 is focused on the viewer.

[0083] 6A illustrates additional components of viewing device 12, including a data channel 158 and a projector 160. Projector 160 is affixed to viewing device frame 18 of FIG.

[0084] In use, the data channel 158 carries data representing an image. The projector 160 is connected to the data channel 158 and converts the data presenting the image into a second component of light 162. The projector 160 is positioned to direct the second component of light 162 into the first viewing component 20. The second component of light 162 enters the first viewing component 20, which then acts as a waveguide through which the second component of light 162 travels as it is reflected within the first viewing component 20. The second component of light 162 exits the first viewing component 20 through the pupil 164 towards the lens 148 of the eye 122. The lens 148 refracts the second component of light 162 and focuses it to a focal point 166. Due to the myopic condition of the eye 122 , the focal point 166 is spaced away from the retina 152 and is located between the retina 152 and the lens 148 of the eye 122 .

[0085] The user perceives the rendered image at a distance behind the first viewing component 20 due to the shaped wavefront of the image being transmitted from the pupil 164 towards the eye 122. The shape of the wavefront determines the distance of the virtual image that the user will perceive. As the user focuses on the virtual image, a natural accommodation / vergence-divergence response occurs, focusing the virtual image at the perceived depth. However, if the distance of the virtual image is outside the range that the crystalline lens 148 of the eye 122 can correct due to the myopic condition of the eye 122, an out-of-focus and blurred virtual image will be seen by the user.

[0086] 6B, the second lens 36 refracts the second component 162 of the light before it reaches the lens 148 of the eye 122. The lens 148 of the eye 122 again refracts the light so that it is focused to a focal point 166 on the retina 152.

[0087] The first and second components of light 146 and 162 arrive simultaneously on the retina 152. As a result, the user sees the real object and the image simultaneously. The first lens 34 focuses both the real object and the image simultaneously, assuming that the light originates, or appears to originate, from the same depth from the eye.

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates additional components of the viewing device 12, including an image generator 170, an image source 172, an eye tracking calibration module 174, and eye tracking calibration data 176.

[0089] The image generator 170 is connected to the eye tracking camera 120 and to an image source 172. The image source may be, for example, a static image, a video feed, or image data captured in real time. The image generator 170 utilizes the images from the image source 172 and the data from the eye tracking camera 120 to generate image data. The image generator 170 provides the image data to the projector 160 over the data channel 158.

[0090] The eye tracking camera 120 tracks the movement of the eye 122 for purposes of determining the orientation of the eye 122. The image generator 170 modifies the image from the image source 172 based on the data from the eye tracking camera 120. The first viewing component 20 may, for example, have multiple pupils, and the image generator 170 may provide more light to one pupil than another pupil of the first viewing component 20 depending on the orientation of the eye 122. The eye tracking cameras 120 of both eyes 122 can together determine the orientation of both eyes 122 relative to one another. Such data can facilitate reducing accommodation and vergence misalignment by rendering images at specific depth fields.

[0091] The eye tracking calibration module 174 is used to generate eye tracking calibration data 176 before the image generator 170 is used to generate images for a user. The eye tracking calibration module 174 utilizes data from the eye tracking camera 120 to generate the eye tracking calibration data 176. The eye tracking camera 120 receives image data of the eye 122 through the first lens 34. The image data received at the eye tracking camera 120 when the first lens 34 is included is different than when the first lens 34 is not present. The eye tracking calibration module 174 generates the eye tracking calibration data 176 without the inclusion of the first lens 34, which is configured to compensate for the inclusion of the first lens 34 when present. The image generator 170 utilizes the eye tracking calibration data 176 to generate image data for purposes of providing to the data channel 158. The image generator 170 therefore generates substantially identical image data regardless of whether the eye tracking calibration data 176 is generated in the absence of the first lens 34 or when it is included.

[0092] The first lens 34 is a plano-concave lens. As explained above, plano-concave lenses are suitable for correcting refractive errors due to myopia, and can easily fit between the first viewing component 20 and the eye 122 without much risk that the first lens 34 will contact the eye 122. Aspects of the invention may find use when other lenses are used, for example, biconvex, plano-convex, convexo-concave, meniscus, or biconcave lenses. In addition to myopia, lenses that correct refractive errors due to astigmatism may also easily fit between the first viewing component 20 and the eye 122. Aspects of the invention may also find use for the correction of other refractive errors, such as hyperopia or presbyopia, without departing from such aspects of the invention.

[0093] 8 illustrates a non-prescription insert 180 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The non-prescription insert 180 includes an insert frame 182, ferromagnetic components 188 and 190, first and second pins 192 and 194, and first and second eyecups 196 and 198. The non-prescription insert 180 is similar to the prescription insert 14 of FIG. 1 in these features.

[0094] The non-prescription insert 180 does not have any lenses installed. Therefore, there is no risk that any lenses may be unintentionally reversed during installation. The insert frame 182 has first and second insert frame edges 200 and 202 that do not have the features of the first and second insert frame edges 40 and 42 of FIG. 1 that prevent reverse insertion of the first and second lenses 34 and 36.

[0095] The prescription insert 14 and the non-prescription insert 180 are completely interchangeable. A user can remove the prescription insert 14 from the viewing device 12 by overcoming the magnetic connection force, and then place the non-prescription insert 180 in place of the prescription insert 14.

[0096] 9 illustrates a visual perception device 210 according to another embodiment of the present invention, including the viewing device 12 of FIG. 1, a non-prescription insert 214, and a nose piece 216 used to secure the non-prescription insert 214 to the viewing device 212. The non-prescription insert 214 is shown as an example, however, it should be understood that a prescription insert could be illustrated instead.

[0097] The non-prescription insert 214 includes an insert frame 218. The insert frame 218 includes an insert frame bridge 226 and first and second insert frame edges 228 and 230, respectively. The non-prescription insert 214 is similar in construction and function to the non-prescription insert 180 of FIG. 8 with respect to the insert frame 218.

[0098] The non-prescription insert 214 further includes a tab 232 extending from the insert frame bridge 226. The tab 232 has a curved lower surface 234. A through opening 236 is formed through the tab 232. The through opening 236 is formed through only a portion of the tab 232, thus leaving a substantial portion of the lower surface 234 of the tab 232 in place.

[0099] The nose piece 216 includes a nose pad 240 and a locking component 242 .

[0100] The nose pad 240 includes a nose bridge 244 and first and second nose tabs 246 and 248. The nose bridge 244 extends into the first and second nose tabs 246 and 248 and defines an inverted channel shape.

[0101] The locking component 242 is secured to the nose bridge 244 and extends from an upper surface 250 of the nose bridge 244. The locking component 242 defines a first locking arrangement 252. The nose piece 216 further has a resilient pad 254 on the locking component 242.

[0102] 10 shows the nose piece 216 and the anchor piece 256 in more detail. The anchor piece 256 has a backing plate 258, a second locking arrangement 260, and a stop portion 262. The second locking arrangement 260 and the stop portion 262 are integrally formed with the backing plate 258. The backing plate 258 further has a retention opening 264.

[0103] 9 , the anchor piece 256 fits into a complementary recess in the viewing device frame bridge 24. A fastener 280 is inserted through the retention opening 264. The fastener 280 is then threaded into the viewing device frame bridge 24, which secures the anchor piece 256 to the viewing device frame bridge 24. The anchor piece 256 thus forms part of the viewing device 12, and is mounted to the viewing device frame bridge 24 before the non-prescription insert 214 and nose piece 216 are mounted to the viewing device 12.

[0104] The viewing device frame bridge 24 has a lower surface 288 that defines a through opening 290. The through opening 290 occupies only a portion of the area of ​​the lower surface 288.

[0105] In use, the user positions the non-prescription insert 214 relative to the viewing device 12 with the first and second insert frame edges 228 and 230 positioned across the first and second viewing components 20 and 22, respectively. The upper surface of the insert frame bridge 226 and the lower surface 288 of the viewing device frame bridge 24 lie relative to one another. The through opening 236 in the insert frame bridge 226 is aligned with the through opening 290 in the viewing device frame bridge 24. The user then inserts the locking component 242 of the nose piece 216 through the through openings 236 and 290.

[0106] 10, the first locking arrangement 252 includes first and second lever arms 294 and 296. Each lever arm 294 or 296 has a respective corner surface 298 and a respective clip arrangement 300. The corner surface 298 contacts an inner surface of the second locking arrangement 260. Further insertion of the first and second lever arms 294 and 296 into the second locking arrangement 260 causes the first and second lever arms 294 and 296 to bend toward each other. As the first and second lever arms 294 and 296 are further inserted into the second locking arrangement 260, the resilient pad 254 contacts the stop portion 262. The resilient pad 254 then compresses, allowing further insertion of the first and second lever arms 294 and 296 into the second locking arrangement 260.

[0107] 11 , as the clip configuration 300 exits the second locking arrangement 260, the first and second lever arms 294 and 296 expand outwardly due to their resilient nature. The clip configuration 300 then resides across the second locking arrangement 260. The clip configuration 300 resists removal of the locking component 242 out of the second locking arrangement 260.

[0108] The resilient pad 254 exerts a force F on the force transmitting member 302 of the locking component 242. The force F holds the clip arrangement 300 against the second locking arrangement 260 and prevents the nose piece 216 from rattling.

[0109] 9, an upper surface 250 of the nose pad 240 rests against a lower surface 234 of the tab 232. With the nose piece 216 securely affixed to the viewing device 12, the nose pad 240 of the nose piece 216 holds the non-prescription insert 214 in place with the tab 232 sandwiched between the upper surface 250 of the nose pad 240 and the lower surface 288 of the viewing device frame bridge 24. A similar arrangement can be used for prescription inserts of the type described above.

[0110] 9 also illustrates the permanent magnet 56. The permanent magnet 56 forms part of a first magnetic set that includes the permanent magnet 56 and a ferromagnetic component 304. The embodiment of FIG. 9 may include a second magnetic set that includes the permanent magnet 62 of FIG. 1 and a ferromagnetic component 306. The non-prescription insert may also have first and second pins 308 and 310 that engage with the first and second guide openings 80 and 88. The magnetic set together with the first and second pins 308 and 310, the first and second guide openings 80 and 88, and the nose piece 216 form an attachment system that secures the non-prescription insert 214 to the viewing device 12.

[0111] 11 , each clip arrangement 300 has an angled surface 316. The angled surface 316 is sufficient to hold the clip arrangement 300 in place relative to the second locking arrangement 260. A slight pulling motion on the nose piece 216 will not cause the clip arrangement 300 to move. The clip arrangement 300 therefore resists disengagement of the first locking arrangement 252 from the second locking arrangement 260.

[0112] A greater force exerted by the user on the nose piece 216 causes the ramp 316 to slide over the second locking arrangement 260. Such sliding movement of the ramp presses the clip arrangement 300 toward one another, bending the first and second lever arms 294 and 296. The user can then remove the first locking arrangement 252 from the second locking arrangement 260.

[0113] 12 and 13 show two nose pieces, the nose piece 216 of FIG. 9 and the nose piece 320. The nose pieces 216 and 320 have similar elements and like reference numbers indicate like or similar components. Each nose piece 216 and 320 has a respective stem 322 that connects the nose pad 240 to its locking component 242. The first and second viewing components 20 and 22 have a calibration target that is typically at the center of the respective viewing component. When the nose pieces 216 and 320 are disposed, a vertical distance d is defined between the calibration point of the first viewing component 20 and the lower surface of the nose pad 240 of the respective nose piece 216 or 320. The vertical distance d is smaller when the nose piece 216 is disposed than when the nose piece 320 is disposed. The user's facial features, including their eyes 122 and their nose 324, are shown in dotted lines. The nose piece 216 or 320 is selected so that the vertical distance d matches the vertical distance between the center of the individual user's eye 122 and the bridge of their nose on which the nose pad 240 rests.

[0114] Multiple nose pieces may be provided for the visual perception device 10. For example, four nose pieces may each have a stem with a different length. The different nose pieces accommodate different facial feature shapes of different users. The calibration locations on the first and second viewing components 20 and 22 are aligned with the center points of the eyes 122 of an individual user regardless of the facial features of that user, thus resulting in more accurate calibration. The nose pieces accommodate a range of facial features, shapes, and sizes while maintaining an optimal eyepiece position for each user so that visual content can be perceived by the user.

[0115] FIG. 14 illustrates further components of the viewing device 12, including a shell consisting of a front housing 330 and a rear housing 332, a BIONICLE frame 334, fasteners 336, guide pins 338, and flexible members 340.

[0116] The Bionicle frame 334 is made from metal. The first and second viewing components 20 and 22 are affixed to the Bionicle frame 334. The first and second viewing components 20 and 22, along with the Bionicle frame 334 and other components such as electronic sensors and the like, constitute a subassembly that is separate from the other components shown in FIG. 14. The components affixed to the Bionicle frame 334 are sensitive to sudden impact stresses that may cause damage to these components or move them out of position. The Bionicle frame 334 defines a fastener opening 342 and a guide pin opening 344.

[0117] The anchor piece 256 mounts directly to the front housing 330. The front housing 330 has fastener openings 346 and guide pin openings 348.

[0118] The back housing 332 has a threaded fastener opening 350 and a guide pin opening 352 .

[0119] The flexible member 340 is a resiliently movable member made from an elastomeric material. The flexible member 340 has a guide pin opening 352 and a fastener opening 354.

[0120] Guide pin 338 is inserted through guide pin openings 344 and 352. An interference fit is created between guide pin opening 344 and guide pin 338. Flexible member 340 is positioned adjacent to Bionicle frame 334 with guide pin opening 352 aligned with guide pin opening 344 and with fastener openings 354 aligned with fastener openings 342.

[0121] A rear end of guide pin 338 is inserted into guide pin opening 352 in rear housing 332. A front end of guide pin 338 is inserted into guide pin opening 348 in front housing 330. Front housing 330 and rear housing 332 are thus brought together and contact each other along their perimeter. BIONICLE frame 334 is held within a shell defined by front housing 330 and rear housing 332. Flexible member 340 is located between front housing 330 and BIONICLE frame 334. Opposite sides of flexible member 340 contact front housing 330 and BIONICLE frame 334.

[0122] The fastener 336 has a threaded end 356 that is inserted through the fastener openings 346, 354, and 342. The threaded end 356 is then threaded into the threaded fastener opening 350. The fastener 336 has a shank 358 that is located within the fastener opening 342. A relatively large tolerance is provided between the fastener opening 342 and the shank 358. The fastener 336 has a head 360 that is larger than the fastener opening 346 so that it rests on a surface of the front housing 330. The threaded end 356 and head 360 at opposite ends of the fastener 336 secure the fastener 336 to the front and rear housings 330, 332, thus securing the front and rear housings 330, 332 to one another with the bionicle frame 334 between the front and rear housings 330, 332, and the flexible member 340.

[0123] As mentioned above, the nose piece is secured to the anchor piece 256. When the user moves their head, they transfer forces from their nose through the nose piece to the anchor piece 256. These forces are created due to acceleration and jerk. The anchor piece 256 transfers the force to the front housing 330. The front housing 330 transfers the force to the flexible member 340. The flexible member 340 compresses or expands to prevent or reduce the force transferred from the front housing 330 to the Bionicle frame 334. Due to the relatively large tolerance between the fastener openings 342 and the fasteners 336, the Bionicle frame 334 is allowed to move relative to the fasteners 336. The Bionicle frame 334 is secured to the guide pins 338 through an interference fit, which causes the guide pins 338 to move with the Bionicle frame 334 relative to the front housing 330. The length of guide pin 338 is less than the distance defined between the outer limits of guide pin openings 348 and 352 , which allows guide pin 338 to move relative to front housing 330 and rear housing 332 .

[0124] 15 illustrates additional components of the viewing device 12, including a fastener 364, a flexible member 366, and a barrier component 368. The fastener 364 is used to secure the anchor piece 256 to the front housing 330.

[0125] The flexible member 366 is secured in place between the barrier component 368 and the Bionicle frame 334. When the nose piece 216 is positioned, the underside of the stem 322 contacts the barrier component 368. The barrier component 368 is made from an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material of the barrier component 368 stops electrical conduction between the user's nose area and the Bionicle frame 334 as a means to protect against electric shock or the like. The barrier component 368 forms a seal between the nose piece 216 and the Bionicle frame 334 and prevents the ingress of dust into the area 370 between the nose piece 216 and the Bionicle frame 334.

[0126] When a user creates a force on nose piece 216, such force is transmitted through barrier component 368 to flexible member 366. Flexible member 366 is an elastically movable member made from an elastomeric material. The elastic nature of flexible member 366 allows flexible member 366 to compress and expand, absorbing the force and limiting the transmission of the force to bionicle frame 334.

[0127] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are illustrative only and do not limit the invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since modifications may occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A visual perception device, comprising: first and second viewing components; a viewing device frame including at least a viewing device frame bridge interconnecting the first and second viewing components; First and second correction components; an insert frame including at least an insert frame bridge and a tab, the insert frame bridge interconnecting the first and second orthodontic components to form an insert, the tab extending from the insert frame bridge, the tab having an opening therethrough; an attachment system including a nose piece, the nose piece including a nose pad having an inverted channel shape with a nose bridge portion and first and second nose tabs, and a locking component connected to the nose bridge portion, the nose piece and the viewing device frame bridge having first and second interengaging locking arrangements, respectively, the first interengaging locking arrangement formed on the locking component, the first and second interengaging locking arrangements being connectable to each other and mounting the nose piece to the viewing device frame bridge, the nose piece having an upper surface, the upper surface contacting the insert frame bridge and holding the insert frame bridge in a fixed position relative to the viewing device frame bridge, the locking component extending from the upper surface of the nose bridge portion, the locking component being insertable through the through opening; A device comprising:

2. The first interengaging locking arrangement comprises: A stem portion and first and second lever arms, respectively, connected to the stem; a first and second clip arrangement, the first and second clip arrangements being on the first and second lever arms, respectively, the clip arrangements being pressed towards each other by the second locking arrangement, bending the first and second lever arms towards each other when the first and second clip arrangements are inserted into the second locking arrangement, the first and second lever arms expanding when the first and second clip arrangements exit the second locking arrangement out of the second locking arrangement, the first and second clip arrangements resisting disengagement of the first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement, and the first and second clip arrangements residing across the second locking arrangement when the first and second clip arrangements exit the second locking arrangement; The device of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein each clip configuration has an angled surface that engages with the second locking configuration and presses the first and second clip configurations toward each other to enable insertion of the first locking configuration into the second locking configuration.

4. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein each clip arrangement has an inclined surface that engages with the second locking arrangement and presses the first and second clip arrangements toward each other to enable removal of the first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement.

5. The interengaging locking arrangement comprises: A force transmission member connected to the stem; an elastic pad on the force transmission member, the elastic pad engaging and compressing against a stop portion of the viewing device frame while the first locking arrangement is inserted into the second locking arrangement; The device of claim 2 , comprising:

6. A visual perception device, comprising: first and second viewing components; a viewing device frame including at least a viewing device frame bridge interconnecting the first and second viewing components; First and second correction components; an insert frame including at least an insert frame bridge, the insert frame bridge interconnecting the first and second orthodontic components and forming an insert; 1. An attachment system including a nose piece, the nose piece and the viewing device frame bridge having first and second interengaging locking arrangements, respectively, the first and second interengaging locking arrangements being connectable to one another and mounting the nose piece to the viewing device frame bridge, the nose piece having an upper surface, the upper surface contacting the insert frame bridge and holding the insert frame bridge in a fixed position relative to the viewing device frame bridge, the first interengaging locking arrangement comprising: A stem portion and first and second lever arms, respectively, connected to the stem; a first and second clip arrangement, the first and second clip arrangements being on the first and second lever arms, respectively, the clip arrangements being pressed toward each other by the second locking arrangement, bending the first and second lever arms toward each other when the first and second clip arrangements are inserted into the second locking arrangement, the first and second lever arms expanding when the first and second clip arrangements are withdrawn from the second locking arrangement out of the second locking arrangement, the first and second clip arrangements resisting disengagement of the first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement; a mounting system including: Equipped with The nose piece is a nose pad having an inverted channel shape with a nose bridge portion and first and second nose tabs; a locking component connected to the nose bridge portion; Including, the first interengaging locking formation is formed on the locking component; the locking component extends from the upper surface of the nose bridge portion; the insert frame includes a tab extending from the insert frame bridge, the tab having a through opening, the locking component being insertable through the through opening; A device, wherein when said first and second clip configurations exit said second locking configuration, said first and second clip configurations reside across said second locking configuration.

7. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein each clip configuration has an angled surface that engages with the second locking configuration and presses the first and second clip configurations toward each other to enable insertion of the first locking configuration into the second locking configuration.

8. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein each clip arrangement has an inclined surface that engages with the second locking arrangement and presses the first and second clip arrangements toward each other to enable removal of the first locking arrangement from the second locking arrangement.

9. The interengaging locking arrangement comprises: A force transmission member connected to the stem; an elastic pad on the force transmission member, the elastic pad engaging and compressing against a stop portion of the viewing device frame while the first locking arrangement is inserted into the second locking arrangement; The device of claim 6 , comprising:

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