Compact varifocal configuration

Abstract

One embodiment is directed to a head-mountable viewing component for presenting virtual image information to a user, the head-mountable viewing component comprising: a head-mountable frame; a left optical element for the user's left eye, the left optical element comprising a left fluid / membrane lens coupled to the head-mountable frame and configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the user's left eye; a right optical element for the user's right eye, the right optical element comprising a right fluid / membrane lens coupled to the head-mountable frame and configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the user's right eye; and a controller operably coupled to the left optical element and the right optical element and configured to provide one or more commands.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related application data) This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 678,234, filed May 30, 2018. The foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to viewing optical assemblies, and more particularly to compact variable focus configurations. [Background technology]

[0003] It is desirable for a mixed reality or augmented reality eyepiece display to be lightweight, low-cost, have a small form factor, have a wide virtual image field of view, and be as transparent as possible. Additionally, it is desirable to have a configuration that presents virtual image information in multiple focal planes (e.g., two or more) to be practical for a wide variety of use cases without exceeding acceptable tolerances for mismatch between vergence and accommodation. Referring to Figure 1, an augmented reality system is illustrated featuring a head-mounted viewing component (2), a handheld controller component (4), and an interconnected auxiliary computing or controller component (6), which may be configured to be worn as a beltpack or equivalent on the user. Each of these components may be operatively coupled (10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18) to each other and to other connected resources (8), such as cloud computing or cloud storage resources, via wired or wireless communication configurations, such as those defined by IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth (RTM), and other connectivity standards and configurations. Various aspects of such components are described, such as various embodiments of two depicted optical elements (20) through which users may view the world around them, in addition to viewing components that may be generated by associated system components for augmented reality experiences, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 14 / 555,585, 14 / 690,401, 14 / 331,218, 15 / 481,255, and 62 / 518,539 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In some variations, a true variable focus component may be utilized as a component of the optical element (20), providing not only one or two focal planes, but also their spectrum, selectable or adjustable by an integrated control system.2A-2C and 3, one category of variable focus configurations comprises a fluid-type lens coupled to and adjustably housed in a membrane such that, in response to rotation of a motor (24), an associated mechanical drive assembly (26) rotationally drives a cam member (28) relative to a lever assembly (30), which is configured to rotate two opposing neighborhood The plates (38, 40) are rotated (48, 46) relative to the main housing assembly (41) and rotated about their associated rotary pin joints (32, 34) such that the fluid / membrane lens (36) is squeezed (44 / 42 or released depending on the orientation / positioning of the motor 24 / cam 28) as shown in FIG. neighborhood This squeezing / releasing and reorientation of the plates (38, 40) changes the focus of the fluid / membrane lens (36), thus providing an electromechanically adjustable variable focus assembly. One of the challenges of such an arrangement is that it is relatively bulky from a geometrical point of view for integration into a head-mounted type system component (2). Another challenge is that with such an arrangement, the opposing plates (38, 40) are too large to accommodate the lens elements (36) as they each pivot at their bottom relative to the frame that joins the assembly. neighborhood Due to the nature of the system that reorients the plates (38, 40) relative to one another, there is a concomitant change in image position as the focus is varied, which introduces another undesirable complicating variable that must be handled in calibration or other steps or configurations. A need exists for compact variable focus lens systems and assemblies that are optimized for use in wearable computing systems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One embodiment is directed to a head-mountable viewing component for presenting virtual image information to a user, the head-mountable viewing component comprising: a head-mountable frame; a left optical element for the user's left eye, the left optical element being coupled to the head-mountable frame and comprising a left fluid / membrane lens configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the user's left eye; a right optical element for the user's right eye, the left optical element being coupled to the head-mountable frame and comprising a right fluid / membrane lens configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the user's right eye; and a controller operably coupled to the left and right optical elements and configured to provide one or more commands thereto to modify the focal lengths of the left and right optical elements. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 1, wherein at least one of the left and right optical elements comprises an actuation motor interconnected between two frame members. The actuation motor may be configured to provide linear actuation. The actuation motor may be configured to provide rotational actuation. The two frame members may be coupled to the left fluid / membrane lens and configured to change the focal length for a user by moving relative to one another. The two frame members may be rotatable relative to one another to modify the focal length for a user. The two frame members may be displaceable relative to one another in a non-rotational manner. The actuation motor may include a stepper motor. The actuation motor may include a servo motor. The actuation motor may include a piezoelectric actuator. The actuation motor may include an ultrasonic motor. The actuation motor may include an electromagnetic actuator. The actuation motor may include a shape memory metal alloy actuator. The controller may be configured to command the left and right optical elements to adjust to one of two selectable predetermined focal lengths. The controller may be configured to command the left and right optical elements to adjust to one of three or more selectable predetermined focal lengths. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) 1. A head-mountable viewing component for presenting virtual image information to a user, comprising: a. a head-mountable frame; b. a left optical element for the left eye of the user, the left optical element being coupled to the head-mountable frame and comprising a left fluid / membrane lens configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the left eye of the user; and c. a right optical element for the user's right eye, the right optical element being coupled to the head-mountable frame and comprising a right fluid / membrane lens configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the user's right eye; and d. a controller operatively coupled to the left and right optical elements and configured to provide one or more commands thereto to modify focal lengths of the left and right optical elements; and 1. A head-mountable viewing component comprising: (Item 2) Item 1, wherein at least one of the left and right optical elements comprises an actuation motor interconnected between two frame members. (Item 3) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor is configured to provide linear actuation. (Item 4) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor is configured to provide rotational actuation. (Item 5) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the two frame members are coupled to the left fluid / membrane lens and configured to change the focal length for the user by moving relative to one another. (Item 6) 3. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2, wherein the two frame members are rotatable relative to one another to modify the focal length for the user. (Item 7) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the two frame members are displaceable relative to each other in a non-rotational manner. (Item 8) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor comprises a stepper motor. (Item 9) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor comprises a servo motor. (Item 10) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor includes a piezoelectric actuator. (Item 11) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor comprises an ultrasonic motor. (Item 12) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor includes an electromagnetic actuator. (Item 13) Item 3. The head-mountable visual component of item 2, wherein the actuation motor comprises a shape memory metal alloy actuator. (Item 14) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the controller is configured to command the left and right optical elements to adjust to one of two selectable predetermined focal lengths. (Item 15) Item 3. The head-mountable viewing component of item 2, wherein the controller is configured to command the left and right optical elements to adjust to one of three or more selectable predetermined focal lengths. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a system configuration featuring a head-mountable component with left and right optical elements in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 2A] 2A-2c and 3 illustrate various aspects of a fluid lens system. [Figure 2B] 2A-2c and 3 illustrate various aspects of a fluid lens system. [Figure 2C] 2A-2c and 3 illustrate various aspects of a fluid lens system. [Figure 3] 2A-2c and 3 illustrate various aspects of a fluid lens system. [Figure 4A] 4A-4B illustrate various aspects of a single-motor compact fluid lens configuration in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4A-4B illustrate various aspects of a single-motor compact fluid lens configuration in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 5] 5, 6, and 7A-7B illustrate various aspects of a multi-motor compact flow lens configuration in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 6] 5, 6, and 7A-7B illustrate various aspects of a multi-motor compact flow lens configuration in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 7A] 5, 6, and 7A-7B illustrate various aspects of a multi-motor compact flow lens configuration in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 7B] 5, 6, and 7A-7B illustrate various aspects of a multi-motor compact flow lens configuration in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 8A] 8A and 8B illustrate various aspects of a system configuration featuring a head-mountable component with left and right optical elements in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 8B] 8A and 8B illustrate various aspects of a system configuration featuring a head-mountable component with left and right optical elements in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Referring to FIG. 4A, the two main components of one variable focus assembly (50) of the present invention are two relatively rigid neighborhood The fluid / membrane lens (36) is inserted between the frame members (70, 72). In the depicted embodiment, the fluid / membrane lens (36) and the rigid neighborhood Between each of the frame members (70, 72) is a rotatable adjustment, as shown. neighborhood Using a coupling assembly such as that depicted in FIG. 4B, which features a shaft (62) coupled to a barrel member (60), which is coupled to a pin (61) that interfaces with the members (52, 54), a rigid neighborhood A rotatable adjustment mechanism is coupled to the frame members (56, 58). neighborhood A small actuation motor (64), such as a stepper motor, servo motor, ultrasonic motor (i.e., comprising multiple piezoelectric material components comprising one or more piezoelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate, lithium niobate, or other single crystal materials, arranged in a generally circular array and operably coupled to a stator and rotor to generate activation for a rotational ultrasonic motor, or operably coupled to a stator and slider to generate activation for a linear translational ultrasonic motor), or other electromechanical actuator, may also be coupled to the members (52, 54). neighborhood Rotatable adjustment that can be controllably and rotatably adjusted relative to the frame members (70, 72) neighborhood In one embodiment, the rotatable adjustment members (52, 54) are provided by interconnected pins (61). neighborhood The members (52, 54) are rigidly arranged about an axis generally parallel to the central axis (65), which is perpendicular to the center of the interconnected fluid / membrane lens (36). neighborhood The motor (64) may be configured to generate controlled linear motion of the shaft (62) and interconnected barrel member (60) relative to the depicted cylindrical housing (63) of the motor (64) as rotated relative to the frame members (70, 72). In another embodiment, the interconnected pin (61) provides a rotatable adjustment. neighborhoodThe members (52, 54) are rigidly arranged about an axis generally parallel to the central axis (65), which is perpendicular to the center of the interconnected fluid / membrane lens (36). neighborhood The motor (64) may be configured to generate rotational movement of the shaft (62) relative to the depicted cylindrical housing (63) of the motor (64) so ​​as to be rotated relative to the frame members (70, 72), and the mechanical coupling between the shaft (62) and the barrel member (60) may include a threaded interface. neighborhood Members (52, 54) and rigidity neighborhood The mechanical interface between the frame members (70, 72) may be formed by a ramp, bulge, or step, etc. neighborhood This allows the interconnected fluid / membrane lens (36) to be configured with a grouping of three or more interface features (i.e., rotatable adjustment). neighborhood Members (52, 54) and rigidity neighborhood 360 degrees between the frame members (70, 72) neighborhood Substantially uniform, such as by one every 120 degrees around the interface neighborhood In other words, the fluid / membrane lens (36) can be released or tightened relatively uniformly, preferably without substantial movement or reorientation of the image position relative to the plane of the lens. neighborhood The interface may be configured so that a range of levels of tightness or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36 can be predictably obtained. For example, in one embodiment, the motor may be operably coupled to a controller, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, so that a desired or commanded tightness or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36, which may be correlated with a predetermined focal length for the fluid / membrane lens 36, can be reliably obtained via commands from the controller to the motor, preferably with relatively low latency. One advantage of such a configuration as shown and described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B is that a single motor may be utilized to control the focal length of the fluid / membrane lens 36.

[0007] Referring to Figures 5-7B, a substantially uniform, variable-focus configuration is achieved for a compact design featuring interconnected fluid / membrane lenses (36). neighborhood Other embodiments are illustrated that are configured to provide loading (and therefore focus adjustment without substantial movement or reorientation of the image position).

[0008] Referring to FIG. 5, a compact variable focus assembly (68) provides substantially uniform focusing of the fluid / membrane lens (36) provided by a plurality of electromagnetic actuators (76, 77, 78). neighborhood Two stiffnesses with load neighborhood The lens features frame members (70, 72) and an interconnected fluid / membrane lens (36), which has two rigid neighborhood Electromagnetic actuators (76, 77, 78) are preferably used to controllably urge or move the frame members (70, 72) toward or away from one another to provide controllable focus adjustment, as shown. neighborhood The electromagnetic actuators (76, 77, 78) are spaced equidistant from one another (i.e., approximately 120 degrees from one another) to provide a uniform load for a three-actuator configuration. Other embodiments may include more actuators, such as four actuators, spaced apart, such as 90 degrees apart. In one embodiment, each of the electromagnetic actuators (76, 77, 78) provides a linear actuation upon actuation. neighborhood To urge the frame members (70, 72) toward or away from each other, neighborhood In another embodiment, electromagnetic actuators (76, 77, 78) may each be operatively coupled between frame members (70, 72) such that, upon actuation, they cause rotational movement of an interconnection member, such as an interconnection member similar to shaft member (62) of the assembly of FIG. 4B. neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) may be operably coupled between the frame members (70, 72), which may include: neighborhood coupled to one of the frame members (70, 72) and translated, for example, into linear motion; neighborhoodThe frame members (70, 72) may be interfaced with threaded members, such as threaded members similar to the barrel member (60) of the assembly of FIG. 4B, that may urge the frame members (70, 72) toward or away from one another. In other words, the electromagnetic actuators (76, 77, 78) may be configured to generate either linear or rotational actuation motion, which may be achieved by the actuation of two rigid members. neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) can be urged toward or away from each other and utilized to provide controllable focus adjustment.

[0009] Preferably, one or more predictable levels of tightening or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36 can be obtained through operation of the electromagnetic actuators 76, 77, 78. For example, in one embodiment, the electromagnetic actuators 76, 77, 78 can be operatively coupled to a controller, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, such that a desired or commanded tightening or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36, which can be correlated with a predetermined focal length for the fluid / membrane lens 36, can be reliably obtained, preferably with relatively low latency, via commands from the controller to the electromagnetic actuators 76, 77, 78.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 6, a compact variable focus assembly (74) is provided by a plurality of shape memory metal alloy actuators (80, 82, 84) to achieve substantially uniform focusing of the fluid / membrane lens (36). neighborhood Two stiffnesses with load neighborhood The lens features frame members (70, 72) and an interconnected fluid / membrane lens (36), which has two rigid neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) can be utilized to controllably urge or move away from one another to provide controllable focusing. Shape memory metal alloy actuators (80, 82, 84) preferably move away from one another as shown. neighborhoodThe actuators (80, 82, 84) are spaced equidistant from one another (i.e., approximately 120 degrees from one another) to provide a uniform load for a three-actuator configuration. Other embodiments may include more actuators, such as four actuators spaced apart, such as 90 degrees apart. In one embodiment, each of the shape memory metal alloy actuators (80, 82, 84) undergoes a linear actuation upon actuation. neighborhood To urge the frame members (70, 72) toward or away from each other, neighborhood In another embodiment, shape memory metal alloy actuators (80, 82, 84) may each be operatively coupled between the frame members (70, 72), such that upon actuation they cause rotational movement of an interconnection member, such as an interconnection member similar to shaft member (62) of the assembly of FIG. 4B. neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) may be operably coupled between the frame members (70, 72), which may include: neighborhood coupled to one of the frame members (70, 72) and translated, for example, into linear motion; neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) may be interfaced with threaded members, such as threaded members similar to the barrel member (60) of the assembly of FIG. 4B, that may urge the frame members (70, 72) toward or away from one another. In other words, the shape memory metal alloy actuators (80, 82, 84) may be configured to generate either linear or rotational actuation motion, which may be achieved by the actuation of two rigid members. neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) can be urged toward or away from each other and utilized to provide controllable focus adjustment.

[0011] Preferably, one or more predictable levels of tightening or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36 can be obtained through operation of the shape memory metal alloy actuators 80, 82, 84. For example, in one embodiment, the shape memory metal alloy actuators 80, 82, 84 can be operably coupled to a controller, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, such that a desired or commanded tightening or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36, which can be correlated with a predetermined focal length for the fluid / membrane lens 36, can be reliably obtained, preferably with relatively low latency, via commands from the controller to the shape memory metal alloy actuators 80, 82, 84.

[0012] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, a compact variable focus assembly (76) provides substantially uniform focusing of a fluid / membrane lens (36) provided by a plurality of piezoelectric actuators (86, 88, 90). neighborhood Two stiffnesses with load neighborhood The lens features frame members (70, 72) and an interconnected fluid / membrane lens (36), which has two rigid neighborhood The piezoelectric actuators (80, 82, 84) may each comprise one or more piezoelectric cells configured to generate a given load and change in displacement in response to actuation, or may comprise a so-called "ultrasound" or "ultrasonic" actuator configuration (i.e., comprising multiple piezoelectric material components including one or more piezoelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate, lithium niobate, or other single crystal materials, arranged in a generally circular array and operably coupled to a stator and rotor to generate activation of a rotary ultrasonic motor, or operably coupled to a stator and slider to generate activation of a linear translational ultrasonic motor). The piezoelectric actuators (80, 82, 84) preferably are rotatable relative to one another as shown. neighborhoodThe actuators (80, 82, 84) are spaced equidistant from one another (i.e., approximately 120 degrees from one another) to provide a uniform load for a three-actuator configuration. Other embodiments may include more actuators, such as four actuators, spaced apart, such as 90 degrees apart. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuators (80, 82, 84) each undergo a linear actuation upon actuation. neighborhood To urge the frame members (70, 72) toward or away from each other, neighborhood In another embodiment, piezoelectric actuators (80, 82, 84) may each be operatively coupled between frame members (70, 72) such that, upon actuation, they cause rotational movement of an interconnection member, such as an interconnection member similar to shaft member (62) of the assembly of FIG. 4B. neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) may be operably coupled between the frame members (70, 72), which may include: neighborhood coupled to one of the frame members (70, 72) and translated, for example, into linear motion; neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) may be interfaced with threaded members, such as threaded members similar to the barrel member (60) of the assembly of FIG. 4B, that may urge the frame members (70, 72) toward or away from one another. In other words, the piezoelectric actuators (80, 82, 84) may be configured to generate either linear or rotational actuation motion, which may be achieved by the actuation of two rigid members. neighborhood The frame members (70, 72) can be urged toward or away from each other and utilized to provide controllable focus adjustment.

[0013] Preferably, one or more predictable levels of tightening or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36 can be obtained through operation of the piezoelectric actuators 80, 82, 84. For example, in one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuators 80, 82, 84 can be operatively coupled to a controller, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, such that a desired or commanded tightening or release of the fluid / membrane lens 36, which can be correlated with a predetermined focal length for the fluid / membrane lens 36, can be reliably obtained, preferably with relatively low latency, via commands from the controller to the piezoelectric actuators 80, 82, 84.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 7B, depending on the amount of mechanical distance required in each of the piezoelectric actuators for a given variable focus lens configuration, each piezoelectric actuator may comprise an assembly of a series of individual piezoelectric devices (92, 94, etc.) interconnected such that activation of each produces a given mechanical distance that is added to the others in the assembly to produce an overall assembly distance that is suitable for the application.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 8A, an assembly configuration featuring components such as those discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B is illustrated, along with a head-mountable component (2) comprising a frame (130) mountable on a user's head so that a user's left (100) and right (102) eyes are exposed to optical elements (20, here, left optical element 110 and right optical element 112 are separately labeled, featuring left fluid / membrane lens 36 and right fluid / membrane lens 37, respectively). Left (114) and right (116) motors are configured to electromechanically adjust the focal length of each optical element, for example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. A controller (108), such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, may be utilized to issue commands to the motors (114, 116) to adjust the focal lengths. In various embodiments, the cameras (104, 106) may be coupled to the frame (130) and configured to capture data regarding the respective positions of the eyes (100, 102), and this information may be utilized by the controller (108) in determining how to command the motors (114, 116) in terms of a desired focal length. For example, if it is determined that the user is focused on an object that is close to the wearable component (2), the system may be configured to cause the controller to utilize the motors to switch to a closer focal length. FIG. 8B illustrates a configuration similar to that of FIG. 8A but with an electromechanical actuation configuration similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 5-7B, in which multiple motors or actuators (118, 120, 122; 124, 126, 128) are operably coupled to the controller (108) and may be utilized to adjust the focal length of the optical elements (110, 112).

[0016] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein. These examples are referred to in a non-limiting sense. They are provided to illustrate the more broadly applicable aspects of the present invention. Various changes may be made to the invention described, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process acts, or steps to the objective, spirit, or scope of the present invention. Moreover, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, each of the individual variations described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features that can be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims associated with this disclosure.

[0017] The present invention includes methods that may be practiced using the subject devices. The methods may include the act of providing such a suitable device. Such provisioning may be performed by an end user. In other words, the act of "providing" merely requires the end user to obtain, access, approach, locate, configure, activate, launch, or otherwise act to provide the device needed in the subject method. The methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events, and in the recited order of events, that is logically possible.

[0018] Exemplary aspects of the invention, along with details regarding material selection and manufacturing, have been described above. As for other details of the invention, these can be understood in connection with the patents and published documents referenced above and generally understood or understood by those skilled in the art. The same can be true with respect to method-based aspects of the invention in terms of additional acts as generally or theoretically adopted.

[0019] Additionally, while the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments that optionally incorporate various features, the present invention should not be limited to those described or shown as contemplated for each variation of the invention. Various modifications and equivalents that can be made to the described invention (whether listed herein or not included for purposes of brevity) may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, when a range of values ​​is provided, it is to be understood that each intervening value between the upper and lower limits of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the scope of the invention.

[0020] It is also contemplated that any optional features of the described inventive variations may be set forth or claimed independently or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. Reference to a singular item includes the possibility that there are plural identical items. More specifically, as used in this specification and the claims associated herewith, the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" include plural references unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, the use of articles in the above description and in the claims associated with this disclosure allows for "at least one" of the subject item. Furthermore, it should be noted that such claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. Accordingly, this description is intended to serve as a predicate for the use of such exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and equivalents, or the use of "negative" limitations in connection with the recitation of claim elements.

[0021] Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term "comprising" in claims associated with this disclosure shall permit the inclusion of any additional elements, regardless of whether a given number of elements are recited within such claim, or the addition of features may be considered as changing the nature of the elements recited in such claim. Except as specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein should be given the broadest possible, commonly understood meaning while maintaining claim legitimacy.

[0022] The scope of the present invention should not be limited to the examples provided and / or this specification, but rather should be limited only by the scope of the claim language associated with this disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A head-mountable viewing component for presenting an image to a user, comprising: a. a head-mountable frame; a left optical element for presenting an image to the left eye of the user, the left optical element being coupled to the head-mountable frame, the left optical element comprising two left frame members, a left electromechanical device connected between the two left frame members, and a left fluid / membrane lens between the two left frame members, the left fluid / membrane lens having an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the left eye of the user, the electromechanically adjustable focal length of the left fluid / membrane lens being adjustable by squeezing directly opposed sides on a periphery of the left fluid / membrane lens between the two left frame members towards each other, the two left frame members being positioned on the periphery of the left fluid / membrane lens to provide a substantially uniform peripheral load when the two left frame members are moved relative to each other by the left electromechanical device, causing the adjustment of the focal length without movement or reorientation of the image relative to the plane of the left optical element; c) a right optical element for presenting the image to the right eye of the user, the right optical element being coupled to the head-mountable frame, the right optical element comprising two right frame members, a right electromechanical device connected between the two right frame members, and a right fluid / membrane lens between the two right frame members, the right fluid / membrane lens having an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the right eye of the user, the electromechanically adjustable focal length of the right fluid / membrane lens being adjustable by squeezing directly opposed sides on a periphery of the right fluid / membrane lens between the two right frame members towards each other, the two right frame members being positioned on the periphery of the right fluid / membrane lens to provide a substantially uniform peripheral load when the two right frame members are moved relative to each other by the right electromechanical device, causing the adjustment of the focal length without movement or reorientation of the image relative to the plane of the right optical element; d. a controller operatively coupled to the left and right electromechanical devices, the controller configured to provide one or more commands thereto to modify focal lengths of the left and right fluid / membrane lenses; 1. A head-mountable visibility component comprising:

2. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the left and right electromechanical devices comprises an actuation motor interconnected between the two frame members of a respective optical element.

3. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor is configured to provide linear actuation.

4. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor is configured to provide rotational actuation.

5. 3. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2, wherein the frame members of the respective optical elements are coupled to frame members of the fluid / membrane lenses of the respective optical elements, and the frame members of the respective optical elements are configured to change the focal length for the user by linearly moving relative to one another.

6. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the two frame members of the respective optical elements are rotatable relative to one another to modify the focal length for the user.

7. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the two frame members of the respective optical elements are displaceable relative to one another in a non-rotational manner.

8. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor comprises a stepper motor.

9. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor comprises a servo motor.

10. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor comprises a piezoelectric actuator.

11. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor comprises an ultrasonic motor.

12. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor comprises an electromagnetic actuator.

13. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 2 , wherein the actuation motor comprises a shape memory metal alloy actuator.

14. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to command the left and right optical elements to adjust to one of two selectable predetermined focal lengths.

15. The head-mountable viewing component of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to command the left and right optical elements to adjust to one of three or more selectable predetermined focal lengths.

Images