Varifocal eyewear device

Abstract

An eyewear device is described in which the focal distance may be dynamically adjusted to mitigate conflict between vergence and accommodation. In some examples, an eyewear device comprises a guide shaft and a display system comprising a display module and a lens module. The display module and / or a lens module of the device comprises a through hole arranged with the guide shaft passing through the through hole. One or more actuators of the eyewear device may be operated dynamically to move the display module (or one or more elements therein) and / or the lens module (or one or more elements therein) along the guide shaft and thereby adjust a focal distance of the images produced by the display system.

Description

[0001] VARIFOCAL EYEWEAR DEVICE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] [1] This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 651 ,391 filed May 23, 2024..

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] [2] The present disclosure relates to artificial-reality systems and devices arranged to present stereoscopic images to a user’s eyes that together appear to represent three-dimensional objects.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] [3] Some artificial-reality systems, such as head-mounted displays (“HMDs”) may simulate virtual reality environments and / or may overlay visual content onto a view of the real world. These devices include an optical module, typically including one or lenses, and one or more displays. The displays show images to a wearer’s eye or eyes, and lenses are arranged between the display and the eye to present the images to the wearer in a desired manner.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] [4] According to a first aspect, there is provided an eyewear device comprising: a display module having at least a first through hole; a guide shaft arranged to pass through the first through hole; at least one actuator configured to move the display module along the guide shaft; and at least one controller configured to operate the at least one actuator, based on eye tracking data of a user wearing the eyewear device, to move the display module along the guide shaft.

[0010] [5] The eyewear device may further comprise at least one image sensor configured to capture image data of an eye of the user. The at least one controller may be further configured to generate the eye tracking data of the user based at least in part on the image data captured by the at least one image sensor.

[0011] [6] The eyewear device may further comprise one or more bushings. The guide shaft may be arranged to pass through the one or more bushings.

[0012] [7] The one or more bushings may be rigidly attached to the display module.

[0013] [8] The eyewear device may further comprise a lens module and a particle seal structure attached to and extending between the display module and the lens module. The particle seal structure may be configured to expand or compress as the display module moves along the guide shaft.

[0014] [9] The particle seal structure may comprise a bellows.

[0015]

[0010] The particle seal structure may be configured to encapsulate a space between the display module and the lens module and to maintain an essentially constant, or constant, volume within the space between the display module and the lens module as the display module moves along the guide shaft.

[0016]

[0011] For at least some positions of the display module along the guide shaft, the particle seal structure may be compressed and may apply a force against the display module.

[0017]

[0012] The display module may comprise a frame and a display screen coupled to the frame. The first through hole may be arranged within the frame of the display module.

[0018]

[0013] The at least one actuator may include a motor. The eyewear device may further comprise: a lead screw coupled to the motor; and a nut coupled to the display module and engaged with the lead screw.

[0019]

[0014] The eyewear device may further comprise a spring attached to the nut and configured to apply a clamping force on the nut against the lead screw.

[0020]

[0015] The eyewear device may further comprise: a compression spring coupled to the nut; and a plunger arranged at least partially within the compression spring and in contact with the display module.

[0021]

[0016] The eyewear device may further comprise at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the display module.

[0022]

[0017] The at least one sensor may include a Hall Effect sensor.

[0023]

[0018] The display module may have a second through hole. The eyewear device may further comprise a lay shaft arranged to pass through the second through hole.

[0024]

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method comprising: dynamically adjusting a focal distance between a lens module and a display module of an eyewear device worn by a user by: obtaining, by at least one controller of the eyewear device, eye tracking data of the user; and operating, by the at least one controller based on the eye tracking data, at least one actuator to move the lens module and / or the display module to adjust the focal distance between the lens module and the display module, wherein the display module has at least a first through hole, and wherein a guide shaft is arranged to pass through the first through hole.

[0025]

[0020] The at least one actuator may move the display module along the guide shaft.

[0026]

[0021] The method may further comprise: capturing image data of an eye of the user by at least one image sensor; and generating, by the at least one controller, the eye tracking data of the user based at least in part on the image data.

[0027]

[0022] The eyewear device may comprise a particle seal structure extending between the display module and the lens module that encapsulates a space between the display module and the lens module. The particle seal structure may expand or compress while maintaining an essentially constant, or constant, internal volume as the at least one actuator moves the lens module and / or the display module.

[0028]

[0023] The method may further comprise detecting, by the at least one controller based on the eye tracking data, a change in a focal distance of eyes of the user, and operating the at least one actuator to move the lens module and / or the display module in response to detecting the change in the focal distance of the eyes of the user.

[0029]

[0024] The foregoing apparatus and method embodiments may be implemented with any suitable combination of aspects, features, and acts described above or in further detail below. These and other aspects, examples, and features of the present teachings can be more fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]

[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of examples and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure.

[0032]

[0026] FIGs. 1A and 1 B depict vergence and accommodation of the eyes during view real-world and artificial objects.

[0033]

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a varifocal eyewear device.

[0034]

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a technique for moving a display module in a varifocal eyewear device.

[0035]

[0029] FIGs. 4A-4B depict a first illustrative nut for a varifocal eyewear device.

[0036]

[0030] FIGs. 5A-5C depict a second illustrative nut for a varifocal eyewear device.

[0037]

[0031] FIGs. 6A-6C depict an illustrative particle seal structure for a varifocal eyewear device.

[0038]

[0032] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an illustrative varifocal eyewear device.

[0039]

[0033] FIG. 8 depicts a three-dimensional perspective view of an illustrative a varifocal eyewear device.

[0040]

[0034] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for controlling a varifocal eyewear device based on eye tracking data of a user.

[0041]

[0035] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example artificial-reality system.

[0042]

[0036] FIG. 1 1 is an illustration of an example artificial-reality system with a handheld device.

[0043]

[0037] FIG. 12A is an illustration of example user interactions within an artificial- reality system.

[0044]

[0038] FIG. 12B is an illustration of example user interactions within an artificial- reality system.

[0045]

[0039] FIG. 13A is an illustration of example user interactions within an artificial- reality system.

[0046]

[0040] FIG. 13B is an illustration of example user interactions within an artificialreality system.

[0047]

[0041] FIG. 14 is an illustration of an example wrist-wearable device of an artificialreality system.

[0048]

[0042] FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example wearable artificial-reality system.

[0049]

[0043] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example augmented-reality system.

[0050]

[0044] FIG. 17A is an illustration of an example virtual-reality system.

[0051]

[0045] FIG. 17B is an illustration of another perspective of the virtual-reality systems shown in FIG. 17A.

[0052]

[0046] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing system components of example artificial- and virtual-reality systems.

[0053]

[0047] FIG. 19 an illustration of an example system that incorporates an eyetracking subsystem capable of tracking a user’s eye(s).

[0054]

[0048] FIG. 20 is a more detailed illustration of various aspects of the eye-tracking subsystem illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0055]

[0049] Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the examples described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples have been shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the examples described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057]

[0050] As described above, some artificial-reality systems, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality, or mixed artificial-reality systems, may be realized using headmounted wearable eyewear devices. These devices present stereoscopic images to a user’s eyes that together appear to represent three-dimensional objects.

[0058]

[0051] While stereoscopic images can replicate the vergence of viewing a three- dimensional (3D) object - that is, the rotation of the eyes that is engaged to fixate on objects - some systems cannot simulate the accommodation of the eyes that also occurs when viewing real objects. When viewing real objects, a portion of the human eye shifts to change the focal length of the eye, which allows the eye to focus on nearby as well as distant objects. This changing focus is referred to as accommodation. Some stereoscopic images may be displayed on a display that is, however, at a fixed position relative to the eye. As a result, the accommodation of the eye is focused on the display while the vergence of the eyes changes in response to stereoscopic images being displayed. This conflict between vergence and accommodation that can result from viewing stereoscopic images can lead to eye strain, fatigue and headaches in users.

[0059]

[0052] This vergence accommodation conflict (VAC) is depicted in FIGs. 1A-1 B. In the example of FIG. 1A, the eyes 101 L and 101 R are viewing an object 1 10 in the real world. In this instance, the vergence of the eyes (the direction in which they are pointing), represented by the solid lines extending from the eyes to the object, matches the accommodation of the eyes, which is represented by the shaded triangles. That is, the eyes are focused through accommodation, and pointed through vergence, at the same point.

[0060]

[0053] In contrast, in the example of FIG. 1 B, a stereoscopic image of the object 110 is displayed via a display screen 120. In this instance, due to the presentation of a stereoscopic image, the vergence of the eyes remain as in the example of FIG. 1A, pointed at the (in this case virtual) position of the object. The eyes in this instance, however, focus on the display screen 120, as represented by the shorted shaded triangles in FIG. 1 B. As such, some artificial-reality systems may produce a conflict between vergence and accommodation of the eye.

[0061]

[0054] The present disclosure is generally directed to a varifocal eyewear device. As will be explained in greater detail below, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an eyewear device in which a focal length of a display system may be dynamically adjusted to mitigate the above-described conflict between vergence and accommodation. In some examples, an eyewear device comprises a guide shaft and a display system comprising a display module and a lens module. The display module and / or a lens module of the device comprises a through hole arranged with the guide shaft passing through the through hole. One or more actuators of the eyewear device may be operated dynamically to move the display module (or one or more portions thereof) and / or the lens module (or one or more portions thereof) along the guide shaft and thereby adjust a focal distance of the images produced by the display system. By arranging the display module and / or lens module on a guide shaft, the relative positions of the display module and lens module may remain fixed aside from the motion produced by the one or more actuators. As a result, the images produced by the display system of the eyewear device may appear stable to a high degree of accuracy.

[0062]

[0055] In some examples, the eyewear device may comprise a particle seal structure that extends between the display module and the lens module. In some cases, particles (e.g., dust) may become attached to the display module or lens module as a result of the motion described above, or otherwise. The eyewear device may comprise a particle seal structure that seals a space between the display module and lens module to inhibit particles that originate outside of the particle seal structure from reaching the lens module or display module. The particle seal structure may, for instance, include a flexible structure such as a bellows, which allows the particle seal structure maintain a seal the space between the display module and lens module while also allowing relative motion of the display module and lens module. In some examples, the particle seal structure may be configured to maintain a constant, or essentially constant, inner volume as the dimensions of the particle seal structure change.

[0063]

[0056] In some examples, the eyewear device may comprise a motor coupled to a lead screw, and a nut coupled to the display module where the nut is engaged with the lead screw. Operating the motor may rotate the lead screw, causing the nut, and thereby the display module, to move linearly. Rotational motion of the lead screw by the motor in opposing directions may produce corresponding linear motion of the display module in opposing directions. Alternately, or additionally, a nut may be coupled to the lens module and engaged with a lead screw of a motor, thereby allowing the lens module to be moved linearly. In either case, by arranging the direction of the lead screw to be parallel (or substantially parallel) to the desired direction of motion of the display module and / or lens module, the focal length of the display system may be increased or decreased through operation of the motor in either direction.

[0064]

[0057] According to some examples, a nut coupled to a display module or lens module, and engaged with a lead screw, may include separate surfaces in which teeth are formed and have at least one opening between these surfaces. Some nuts may be formed as closed shapes with teeth that make a complete loop around the nut. In contrast, in some examples a nut may include multiple surfaces with teeth separated by any number of nontoothed surfaces and / or openings. A nut may in some cases be formed as a clip such that two opposing toothed surfaces are connected by a non-toothed surface on one side and by an opening on the other side, and be formed of a material that may flex at least to some extent such that the opposing toothed surfaces have some range of motion toward and away from each other. A spring, clip or other structure may be arranged in contact with the nut and configured to push the toothed surfaces towards one another. Since a lead screw may be arranged between the toothed surfaces, applying force in this way may increase engagement of the nut to the lead screw and reduce backlash.

[0065]

[0058] Features from any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other examples, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

[0066]

[0059] The following will provide, with reference to FIGs. 2 to FIG. 20, detailed descriptions of varifocal devices, and systems and methods for controlling varifocal devices.

[0067]

[0060] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a display system of a varifocal eyewear device. In the example of FIG. 2, display system 200 includes a display module 202, lens module 204, and a particle seal structure 203 that extends between the display module and lens module. The actuator 210 is configured to be operated to move the display module 202 along the guide shaft 208 and thereby adjust the focal length of the display system. The position of a user’s eye 299 relative to the components of the display system is also shown in FIG. 2.

[0068]

[0061] While the example of FIG. 2 depicts a display system configured to adjust its focal length by moving a display module, it will be appreciated that, as described above, other components of a display system can be moved in addition, or as alternatives, to adjust the focal length. As non-limiting examples, the following elements could be moved individually or in any combination by operating a suitable actuator: display module 202, lens module 204, a single lens within the lens module 204 (e.g., if the lens module comprises multiple lenses), and an optical layer within the lens module (e.g., a reflective polarizer or a half-mirror). As such, it will be appreciated that FIG. 2 is provided as an illustrative example and is not intended to be limiting. In some cases in which the eye tracking module 240 is mechanically coupled to the lens module, however, it may be advantageous to move the display module 202 rather than the lens module 204 so that the eye tracking module need not compensate for a frequently-changing position relative to the eye 299.

[0069]

[0062] As further examples of components of a display system that can be moved, either alone or in combination with other elements, to adjust the focal length, the following elements may be provided as part of the lens module 204 and arranged to be operated (e.g., by coupling to one or more actuators) to move towards and away from the display module: (i) a lens comprising a reflective polarizer on its surface; (ii) a lens comprising a half mirror on its surface; (iii) a reflective polarizer and a lens arranged on either side of a thin substrate; and / or (iv) a half mirror and a lens arranged on either side of a thin substrate.

[0070]

[0063] In the example of FIG. 2, display module 202 includes a display screen 202a arranged facing the lens 205 and eye 299. The display module is configured to generate images on the display screen 202a based on data received from the controller 220. Examples of such a process are described below. In some examples, the display screen 202a may be a uOLED display or an LCD display. In some examples, the display module may comprise a rigid frame on which the display screen 202a is mounted or otherwise rigidly attached. Such a rigid frame may, for instance, may formed from, or may comprise a high stiffness material such as a glass-filled polycarbonate.

[0071]

[0064] In the example of FIG. 2, the display module 202 comprises a through hole that the guide shaft 208 passes through. The display module may comprise multiple such through holes as needed to allow the display module to move along the guide shaft. In some cases, the display module includes additional through holes, through which other structures, such a lay shaft, are arranged to pass.

[0072]

[0065] In the example of FIG. 2, particle seal structure 203 is arranged to extend between the display module and the lens module. As described above, particles (e.g., dust) may become undesirably attached to the display module 202 or lens module 204 as a result of motion of the display module, or otherwise. The particle seal structure seals a space between the display module and lens module to inhibit particles that originate outside of the particle seal structure from reaching the lens module or display module. In some cases, the particle seal structure may encapsulate such a space, and may produce a hermetic seal of such a space.

[0073]

[0066] In some examples, the particle seal structure is formed with a plurality of folds such that the structure can extend, compress or collapse in the folds. For example, the particle seal structure 203 may be formed as a bellows. Such a configuration allows the particle seal structure to extend and compress along the direction of motion of the display module 202 while retaining a seal between the display module and lens module. In some examples, the particle seal structure is a bellows formed from, or comprising, a silicone. However, other structures may be envisioned for which the particle seal structure 203 undergoes some kind of dimensional change as the display module and lens module move relative to one another. According to some examples, the particle seal structure 203 may be, or may comprise, a foam gasket, a foam ring, tape, an edge seal, a film, a tortuous path and / or a rigid enclosure. The particle seal structure 203 may be fabricated, for instance, through injection molding, thermoforming and / or additive fabrication.

[0074]

[0067] According to some examples, the particle seal structure 203 may provide a spring force when compressed such that, for some positions of the display module 202 relative to the lens module 204, the particle seal structure 203 applies a force pushing the display module and lens module away from one another. In some cases, such a force may be desirable to apply load to the display module to aid in motion of the display module by the actuator 210.

[0075]

[0068] According to some examples, the particle seal structure 203 may be configured to maintain a constant volume, or essentially constant internal volume, as the display module 202 and lens module 204 move relative to one another. If the open space within the particle seal structure 203 were to change substantially when it expands or compresses, this may produce undesired suction or pressure forces against the display module and / or lens module. As such, the particle seal structure 203 may be configured to expand and compress (or otherwise undergo a dimensional change) such that its internal volume is constant, or essentially constant. As referred to herein, an “essentially constant” internal volume refers to an internal volume of the particle seal structure 203 that changes by less than 10% over the full range of motion of the display module and / or lens module.

[0076]

[0069] According to some examples, the full range of motion of the display module and / or lens module when moved by the actuator 210 may be between 400 pm and 3 mm, or between 500 pm and 2 mm. In some examples, a position resolution of the display module and / or lens module may be less than 1 Diopter (D). As used herein, a diopter may generally refer to an optical unit of measure to quantity a distance where a light is focused. In some examples, position resolution may be less than 0.5D. In further examples, position resolution may be less than 0.25D. In further examples, position resolution may be less than 0.125D. In some examples, the velocity of the display module and / or lens module when moved by the actuator 210 is greater than or equal to 1 D / s, 5 D / s, 10 D / s, 25 D / s, or 50 D / s. In some examples, the velocity of the display module and / or lens module when moved by the actuator 210 is less than or equal to 100 D / s, 50 D / s, 25 D / s, 10 D / s, or 5 D / s. Any suitable combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., the velocity of the display module and / or lens module when moved by the actuator 210 is greater or equal to 25 D / s and less than or equal to 100 D / s, etc.).

[0077]

[0070] In the example of FIG. 2, lens module 204 includes lens 205, which may be any suitable type of lens through which the eye 299 may view the display screen 202a (or a part thereof). For instance, lens 205 may be a so-called pancake lens. Other examples of lenses suitable for use in an eyewear device are described below.

[0078]

[0071] In some examples, lens module 204 comprises multiple lenses, one of which is lens 205. The lenses may be of the same or different types, and each may optionally include one or more laminated films or other layers. In some cases, the lens module 204 comprises one or more optical layers laminated onto glass. In examples in which a component of the lens module 204 is moved by a suitable actuator, any such layer and / or lenses may be moved within the lens module (which may optionally move or remain stationary). For example, the lens module 204 may comprise a lens 205 with a reflective polarizer surface, and the lens is configured to move, or the lens itself is configured to move, via operation of a suitable actuator.

[0079]

[0072] In the example of FIG. 2, actuator 210 is configured to be operated to move the display module 202 along the guide shaft 208 based on signals received from the controller 220. Operation of the actuator 210 may cause such motion via any suitable structure or structures coupled to the actuator and the display module 202. In some cases, the display system 200 may comprise an actuator controller arranged to receive signals from controller 220, and to operate actuator 210 in response to those signals. Such an actuator controller is not shown in FIG. 2 for clarity, but may be provided in display system 200.

[0080]

[0073] According to some examples, actuator 210 may be, or may comprise, a motor, a stepper motor, a stepper motor with a gearbox, an ultrasonic piezoelectric actuator, a linear stacked and amplified piezoelectric actuator, a voice coil actuator, a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, a linear actuator, or combinations thereof.

[0081]

[0074] In some examples, the actuator 210 is coupled to one or more structures that are configured to produce linear motion of the display module 202 from rotational or other non-linear motion of the actuator. For instance, the actuator 210 may be a motor attached to a threaded lead screw, and the display module may be coupled to a nut that is engaged with the lead screw. If rotational motion of the nut is suitable constrained, operation of the motor will cause the nut to travel along the lead screw, thereby moving the display module. Examples of such structures are described in greater detail below.

[0082]

[0075] In the example of FIG. 2, the guide shaft 208 is arranged to allow for smooth linear motion of the display module 202 towards and away from the lens module 204. The guide shaft may limit tipping, tilting and / or decentering of the display module 202 as it moves by restricting its range of motion in all but the intended direction of motion toward the lens module. In some examples, the display module may comprise one or more bushings arranged around the guide shaft 208 so that when the display module moves, the bushings travel along the guide shaft. These bushings may further limit undesired motion of the display module when operating the actuator 210. In some examples, the one or more bushings may be arranged within a through hole within the display module. Additionally, or alternatively, the display system 200 may comprise bushings outside of the display module and which are arranged around the guide shaft 208. Suitable guidance components other than bushings may include linear bearings, flexures and / or telescoping housings.

[0083]

[0076] In some examples, the display system 200 comprises a lay shaft that passes through the display module, which may provide yet further stability during motion of the display module. Bushings may additionally, or alternatively, be included in the display module arranged around a lay shaft.

[0084]

[0077] According to some examples, the guide shaft 208 (and lay shaft, if included) may be formed from, or may comprise, a metal- and / or glass-filled polycarbonate, or other rigid material.

[0085]

[0078] In the example of FIG. 2, the optional position sensor 230 is configured to detect a position of the display module 202 and provide data indicative of the position of the display module to the controller 220. The controller may track the position of the display module 202 to ensure the expected position and actual position match, which may not be the case if, for example, a nut of the display module skips on a threaded lead screw coupled to the actuator. The controller may be configured to operate the actuator based on the detected position indicated by the data received from the position sensor 230 to correct such a mismatch, or otherwise.

[0086]

[0079] According to some examples, the position sensor 230 may be, or may comprise, a Hall Effect sensor configured to produce a signal (e.g., voltage signal) indicative of the position of the display module 202. Other suitable sensors may include a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, a linear encoder, and / or a photo-interrupter. In some examples, the position sensor 230 may also sense a temperature within the display system 200 and provide data indicative of temperature to the controller. Because the mechanics of the actuator and coupled structures may behave differently at different temperatures, such data may be beneficial to perform operation of the actuator based on temperature.

[0087]

[0080] In the example of FIG. 2, the eye tracking module 240 is configured to image the eye 299 and provide eye tracking data to the controller 220. Illustrative examples of eye tracking modules are described below in relation to FIGs. 19 and 20.

[0088]

[0081] In the example of FIG. 2, the controller 220 is configured to determine how to operate the actuator 210 based on, and in response to, eye tracking data received from the eye tracking module 240. In some cases, the controller 220 may receive eye tracking data from multiple eye tracking modules (e.g., each tracking a different eye) and determine how to operate the actuator based on, and in response to, such eye tracking data. Eye tracking data may be indicative of positioning of the eye 299, such as its rotational position, a direction in which the eye is pointing, etc. As one example of operating the actuator 210, when the eye tracking data received by controller 220 indicates that the user’s eyes are pointing at a distant object, and the eye tracking data previously indicated the user’s eyes were pointing at a closer object, the controller 220 may operate the actuator 210 to move the display module 202 away from the lens module 204.

[0089]

[0082] In some examples, the controller 220 is configured to control the actuator 210 based on received eye tracking data (whether representing one eye ortwo eyes) as a PID controller, or with open loop or closed loop control. In some examples, the controller 220 is configured to control the actuator 210 to set a distance between the display module 202 and lens module 204 to a default distance (e.g., when an application on the display system 200 first loads). In some examples, the display system 200 is configured to measure an angular gaze direction of a user’s eyes and triangulate the distance where the user is looking (e.g., based on eye tracking data), and control the actuator 210 based on the determined distance. In some examples, the display system 200 is configured to determine a direction in which a user is looking and obtain a depth of that location from a graphics engine rendering 3D content, then control the actuator 210 based on that determined depth.

[0083] In some examples, the controller 220 may be configured to generate image data and provide said image data to the display module 202, which displays images on the display screen 202a based on the received image data. In such cases, the controller 220 may adjust how image data is generated based on the position of the display module (whether detected by the position sensor 230 or otherwise). For instance, when the display module and lens module are comparatively closer together, the controller 220 may generate image data to represent a given object at a smaller scale compared to the scale of image data representing the same object when the display module and lens module are comparatively further apart (because the apparent size of an object to the user will change as the focal length changes). Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 220 may generate image data by applying corrections to image positions based on a measured misalignment of the optical axis of the display module 202 with the guidance axis along the guide shaft 208 (because the image may shift slightly when the focal length changes if the two axes are not aligned). Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 220 may generate image data based on a parallax change of the optical system that will be produced when the focal length changes. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 220 may generate image data based on a measured eye relief of the user’s eyes (e.g., measured based on eye tracking data), as the eye relief distance may affect the magnification of images generated by the controller. Additionally, or alternatively, potential distortion of the image data may be corrected based on a relative position of the display module and lens module (and / or of components therein) and a measured gaze angle of the user (e.g., measured based on eye tracking data). Any one or more of the above techniques for generating image data by the controller 220 may be combined in any suitable combination.

[0090]

[0084] Various other configurations of artificial-reality devices may be configured with the elements shown in the example of FIG. 2, and FIG. 2 is not intended to limit the techniques described herein to use with the configuration shown. As one example, the an artificial-reality device may comprise two instances of each of the display module 202, particle seal structure 203, lens module 204, eye tracking module 240, guide shaft 208, and actuator 210, with controller 220 controlling both actuators 210 and display modules 202 as described above. Similarly, an artificial-reality device may comprise a single display module 202 with two display screens, and two particle seal structures 203 coupled to the single display module, each also coupled to a respective lens module 204, and each lens module with respective eye tracking modules 240.

[0091]

[0085] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a technique for moving a display module in a varifocal eyewear device. As described above, one way in which an actuator of a display system of a varifocal eyewear device may be operated to move a display module (and / or lens module and / or a component thereof) is to couple the actuator to a lead screw engaged with a nut. System 300 depicts an example of such a configuration for purposes of illustration.

[0092]

[0086] In the example of FIG. 3, a portion of a display system, such as display system 200, is shown schematically in cross-section. Controller 320 is configured to control the actuator 310 as described above in relation to controller 220 and actuator 210. In the example of FIG. 3, the actuator may be a motor, such as a stepper motor. Threaded lead screw 311 is attached to the actuator 310, and the actuator is configured to operate to rotate the lead screw about its long axis as shown. Nut 315 is engaged with the lead screw 31 1 and housed within the display module 302 so that its rotational motion about the lead screw is restricted, so that when the lead screw rotates, the nut travels linearly along axis 334 along the lead screw.

[0093]

[0087] In the example of FIG. 3, the display module 302, display screen 302a and guide shaft 308 may be configured in any of the ways described above in relation to display module 202, display screen 202a and guide shaft 208, respectively.

[0094]

[0088] In the example of FIG. 3, the guide shaft 308 is arranged to pass through a channel within the display module 302 (e.g., within a portion of a frame or housing of the display module). In some examples, the bushings 318 are rigidly attached or otherwise mechanically coupled to the display module so that the display module 302 moves along the guide shaft 308 along axis 335 by the bushings sliding along the guide shaft. Alternatively, the guide shaft 308 may be rigidly attached or otherwise mechanically coupled to the display module so that the guide shaft moves with the display module and slide through the bushings, which are fixed in place. In either case, the bushings may be configured with a very small clearance between the bushings and guide shaft, such as less than 20 pm, less than 10 pm, or less than 8 pm. Such a small clearance may allow the display module to travel in a linear direction without tilting. The approach in which the bushings 318 are fixed and the guide shaft 308 moves, may exhibit better tip and tilt control and / or lower binding forces than the approach in which the bushings move and the guide shaft is fixed. However, the approach in which the bushings move and the guide shaft is fixed may be easier to manufacture, and may allow for better packaging, than the approach in which the bushings are fixed and the guide shaft moves.

[0095]

[0089] In the example of FIG. 3, the nut 315 is configured to move along axis 334. In some cases, the axis 334 and axis 335 may not always be perfectly aligned due to backlash between the nut and the display module. In some examples, the nut 315 is configured to apply a force against the display module using a component within the nut that has multiple degrees of freedom. That may allow the nut to provide an effective force against the display module even when the nut tips, tilts and / or rotates as a result of the lead screw’s rotation. As a result, the axis of the guide shaft (labeled “y” in FIG. 3) may be decoupled from the axis of the lead screw to allow for component and assembly tolerances while reducing or eliminating backlash between the nut and the display module.

[0096]

[0090] In some examples, the nut 315 comprises at least one spring arranged to apply a force to at least part of the nut that pushes the nut against the lead screw 31 1 . The nut may, for instance comprise one or more torsion springs and / or one or more spring clips. Such a force provided by a spring may reduce backlash between the nut and the lead screw.

[0097]

[0091] In some examples, the nut may be formed from, or may comprise, a plastic such as polyoxymethylene (POM), one or more metals, and / or one or more metal alloys.

[0098]

[0092] In the example of FIG. 3, the guide shaft 308 may be rigidly attached to a housing or other structure that is part of the eyewear device and separate from the display module. In some examples, the guide shaft 308 is arranged within a groove (e.g., a v-groove) of the structure, and held in the groove by a spring clip and / or other fastener. Additionally, or alternatively, the guide shaft 308 may be press fit into a recess (e.g., a hole) within the structure and / or glued onto or into a structure such as a cap. Any other approach in which the guide shaft is rigidly attached to the eyewear device, allowing the display module 302 to move along it, may also be used.

[0099]

[0093] In the example of FIG. 3, it may be highly desirable for the guide shaft 308 to be aligned perpendicularly to the surface of the display screen 302a. The alignment vector of these two components are shown in FIG. 3 as “x” and “y,” where “x” is parallel to the display surface of the display screen 302a, and where “y” is parallel to the primary axis of the guide shaft 308. Preferably, the angle between these two vectors is 90°. In some examples, the angle between the vectors “x” and “y” is greater than or equal to 88°, 89°, 89.5°, 89.75°, 89.85°, 89.9°, 89.95°, or 89.99°. In some examples, the angle between the vectors “x” and “y” is less than or equal to 90°, 89.99°, 89.95°, 89.9°, 89.85°, 89.75°, 89.5°, or 89°. Any suitable combinations of the above-referenced ranges are also possible (e.g., the angle between the vectors “x” and “y” is greater or equal 89.75° and less than or equal to 90°, etc.).

[0100]

[0094] FIGs. 4A-4B depict a first illustrative nut for a varifocal eyewear device. Nut 400 is provided as an illustrative example of nut 315 described above in relation to FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 4A, the nut 400 includes teeth 401 (which include teeth on opposing surfaces, one of which is not visible in FIG. 4A), torsion spring 410, compression spring 420, plunger 430 with plunger tip 431 .

[0101]

[0095] As described above, in some cases a nut may comprise at least one spring arranged to apply a force to at least part of the nut that pushes the nut against a lead screw (or other threaded component coupled to an actuator). In the example of FIG. 4A, torsion spring 410 is arranged to apply a force to the wings of the nut 400 to push teeth 401 toward each other, or to push one of the wings toward the other wing. In both cases, the torsion spring 410 increases the clamping force of the nut against a lead screw arranged between the teeth 401 , and may reduce backlash.

[0102]

[0096] In the example of FIG. 4A, the nut 400 also includes compression spring 420, and plunger 430, which is seated at least partially within the compression spring so that extension of the spring pushes the plunger upwards. As described above in relation to the example of FIG. 3, the axes 334 and 335 may not always be perfectly aligned due to backlash between the nut and the display module. That is, when the nut begins to push against the display module, it may not immediately cause motion of the display module (e.g., if the direction of force produced by the nut does not align with the direction of motion of the display module along the guide shaft). The plunger 430 in the example of FIGs. 4A-4B is one approach to reduce or eliminate this backlash. The nut 400 may be arranged so that the tip 431 of the plunger 430 contacts the display module. Due to the spring force provided by the compression spring 420, the nut may more provide a more consistent force against the display module while also allowing some amount of tipping or tilting of the nut relative to the display module. These axes of motion are shown in FIG. 4B, along with additional degrees of freedom that the nut may exhibit. The plunger may also reduce backlash when the nut moves along any of these other degrees of freedom.

[0103]

[0097] FIGs. 5A-5C depict a second illustrative nut for a varifocal eyewear device. Nut 500 is provided as an illustrative example of nut 315 described above in relation to FIG. 3. In the example of FIGs. 5A, 5B, and 5C, which depict perspective, top and side views of nut 500, respectively, a clamping force is applied to teeth 501 by spring clip 510, which wraps around the nut, to push the teeth towards each other and increase engagement of the teeth with a threaded lead screw arranged between and engaged with the teeth. Nut 500 also includes a plunger 530, which may be configured in any of the ways described above in relation to plunger 430. Spring clip 510 may, for instance, be formed from, or may comprise, stainless steel or copper.

[0104]

[0098] FIGs. 6A-6C depict an illustrative particle seal structure for a varifocal eyewear device. In the example of FIGs. 6A-6C, the illustrative particle seal structure is a bellows and is shown in perspective view in FIG. 6A, front view in FIG. 6B, and exploded view in FIG. 6C. Particle seal structure 600 includes frames 620, which provide a rigid structure for the ends of the particle seal structure, and which are attached to adhesive layers 630 for attachment to other parts of a display system. For instance, one adhesive layer may be attached to the display module 202, and the other adhesive layer may be attached to the lens module 204.

[0105]

[0099] According to some examples, the particle seal structure 600 may be formed from, or may comprise, a silicone such as an elastomeric silicone rubber. In some examples, the adhesive layers 630 may be, or may comprise, a pressure sensitive adhesive and / or a liquid adhesive.

[0106]

[0100] As shown in the example of FIGs. 6A-6C, the illustrative particle seal structure 600 comprises a plurality of folds such that the bellows are provided as a concertina shape. This allows the bellows to extend (lengthen in the vertical direction in FIG. 6B) or compress (shorten in the vertical direction in FIG. 6B) while maintaining a constant, or essentially constant, inner volume.

[0107]

[0101] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an illustrative varifocal eyewear device. Display system 700 is an illustrative example of implementing portions of the display system 200 shown in FIG. 2. In particular, lens housing 704b and lens 705 provide a lens module 204; eye tracking light 740a and eye tracking camera 740b, arranged on opposing sides of the lens housing 704b, provide an eye tracking module 240; particle seal structure 703 provides a particle seal structure 203; and display frame 702b and display screen 702a provide a display module 202. The particle seal structure 703 may be attached (e.g., via adhesive layers) to the lens housing 704b and the display frame 702b.

[0108]

[0102] In the example of FIG. 7, a motor 710 provides an actuator 210 coupled to a lead screw (not shown) via a nut 715 which has a spring clip 716 attached to it as in the example of FIGs. 5A-5C. Guide shaft 708 provides a guide shaft 208 arranged to pass through a first through hole in the display frame 702b. Display system 700 also includes a lay shaft 71 1 arranged to pass through a second through hole in the display frame 702b. A sensor 712 provides a position sensor 230.

[0109]

[0103] FIG. 8 depicts a three-dimensional cross-sectional perspective view of an illustrative varifocal eyewear device. Display system 800 is an illustrative example of implementing portions of the display system 300 shown in FIG. 3. In particular, display module 802, guide shaft 808, actuator 810, lead screw 811 , nut 815, and bushings 818 provide examples of display module 302, guide shaft 308, actuator 310, lead screw 311 , nut 315, and bushings 318, respectively. In addition, particle seal structure 803 and lens module 804 provide examples of particle seal structure 203 and lens module 204 shown in FIG. 2, respectively. In the example of FIG. 8, a cap 819 is provided to, at least in part, affix the guide shaft 808 to a structure of the eyewear device in which display system 800 is arranged, as described above. Teeth 816 of the nut 815 are also shown in cross-section.

[0110]

[0104] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary computer-implemented method 900 for operating an actuator to move a display module based on eye tracking data. The steps shown in FIG. 9 may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and / or computing system, including the controllers 220 and 320 illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3. In one example, each of the steps shown in FIG. 9 may represent an algorithm whose structure includes and / or is represented by multiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detail below.

[0111]

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 9 at step 910 one or more of the systems described herein obtains eye tracking data of a user of an eyewear device. For example, the controller 220 may receive eye tracking data from the eye tracking module 240, and / or the controller 220 may operate the eye tracking module 240 to generate eye tracking data.

[0112]

[0106] At step 920, one or more of the systems described herein operates an actuator of the eyewear device to move a display module, a lens module and / or one or more components of a lens module and thereby change the focal length of a display system of the eyewear device. Examples of operating an illustrative display system in this manner are described above, and any such approaches may be employed in method 900.

[0113]

[0107] At step 930, operation of the actuator in step 920 produces motion of the display module, lens module and / or one or more components of a lens module.

[0114]

[0108] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include or be implemented in conjunction with various types of Artificial-Reality (AR) systems. AR may be any superimposed functionality and / or sensory-detectable content presented by an artificial-reality system within a user’s physical surroundings. In other words, AR is a form of reality that has been adjusted in some manner before presentation to a user. AR can include and / or represent virtual reality (VR), augmented reality, mixed AR (MAR), or some combination and / or variation of these types of realities. Similarly, AR environments may include VR environments (including non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive VR environments), augmented-reality environments (including marker-based augmented-reality environments, markerless augmented-reality environments, location-based augmented-reality environments, and projection-based augmented-reality environments), hybrid-reality environments, and / or any other type or form of mixed- or alternative-reality environments.

[0115]

[0109] AR content may include completely computer-generated content or computergenerated content combined with captured (e.g., real-world) content. Such AR content may include video, audio, haptic feedback, or some combination thereof, any of which may be presented in a single channel or in multiple channels (such as stereo video that produces a three-dimensional (3D) effect to the viewer). Additionally, In some examples, AR may also be associated with applications, products, accessories, services, or some combination thereof, that are used to, for example, create content in an artificial reality and / or are otherwise used in (e.g., to perform activities in) an artificial reality.

[0116]

[0110] AR systems may be implemented in a variety of different form factors and configurations. Some AR systems may be designed to work without near-eye displays (NEDs). Other AR systems may include a NED that also provides visibility into the real world (such as, e.g., augmented-reality system 1600 in FIG. 16) or that visually immerses a user in an artificial reality (such as, e.g., virtual-reality system 1700 in FIGS. 17A and 17B). While some AR devices may be self-contained systems, other AR devices may communicate and / or coordinate with external devices to provide an AR experience to a user. Examples of such external devices include handheld controllers, mobile devices, desktop computers, devices worn by a user, devices worn by one or more other users, and / or any other suitable external system.

[0117]

[0111] FIGS. 10-13B illustrate example artificial-reality (AR) systems. FIG. 10 shows a first AR system 1000 and first example user interactions using a wrist-wearable device 1002, a head-wearable device (e.g., AR glasses 1600), and / or a handheld intermediary processing device (HIPD) 1006. FIG. 11 shows a second AR system 1 100 and second example user interactions using a wrist-wearable device 1102, AR glasses 1104, and / or an HIPD 1 106. FIGS. 12A and 12B show a third AR system 1200 and third example user 1208 interactions using a wrist-wearable device 1202, a head-wearable device (e.g., VR headset 1250), and / or an HIPD 1206. FIGS. 13A and 13B show a fourth AR system 1300 and fourth example user 1308 interactions using a wrist-wearable device 1330, VR headset 1320, and / or a haptic device 1360 (e.g., wearable gloves).

[0118]

[0112] A wrist-wearable device 1400, which can be used for wrist-wearable device 1002, 1102, 1202, 1330, and one or more of its components, are described below in reference to FIGS. 14 and 15; head-wearable devices 1600 and 1700, which can respectively be used for AR glasses 1004, 1104 or VR headset 1250, 1320, and their one or more components are described below in reference to FIGS. 16-18.

[0119]

[0113] Referring to FIG. 10, wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 can communicatively couple via a network 1025 (e.g., cellular, near field, Wi-Fi, personal area network, wireless LAN, etc.). Additionally, wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 can also communicatively couple with one or more servers 1030, computers 1040 (e.g., laptops, computers, etc.), mobile devices 1050 (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.), and / or other electronic devices via network 1025 (e.g., cellular, near field, Wi-Fi, personal area network, wireless LAN, etc.).

[0120]

[0114] In FIG. 10, a user 1008 is shown wearing wrist-wearable device 1002 and AR glasses 1004 and having HIPD 1006 on their desk. The wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and HIPD 1006 facilitate user interaction with an AR environment. In particular, as shown by first AR system 1000, wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 cause presentation of one or more avatars 1010, digital representations of contacts 1012, and virtual objects 1014. As discussed below, user 1008 can interact with one or more avatars 1010, digital representations of contacts 1012, and virtual objects 1014 via wristwearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006.

[0121]

[0115] User 1008 can use any of wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 to provide user inputs. For example, user 1008 can perform one or more hand gestures that are detected by wrist-wearable device 1002 (e.g., using one or more EMG sensors and / or IMUs, described below in reference to FIGS. 14 and 15) and / or AR glasses 1004 (e.g., using one or more image sensor or camera, described below in reference to FIGS. 16-10) to provide a user input. Alternatively, or additionally, user 1008 can provide a user input via one or more touch surfaces of wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, HIPD 1006, and / or voice commands captured by a microphone of wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006. In some examples, wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 include a digital assistant to help user 1008 in providing a user input (e.g., completing a sequence of operations, suggesting different operations or commands, providing reminders, confirming a command, etc.). In some examples, user 1008 can provide a user input via one or more facial gestures and / or facial expressions. For example, cameras of wristwearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 can track eyes of user 1008 for navigating a user interface.

[0122]

[0116] Wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 can operate alone or in conjunction to allow user 1008 to interact with the AR environment. In some examples, HIPD 1006 is configured to operate as a central hub or control center for the wristwearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or another communicatively coupled device. For example, user 1008 can provide an input to interact with the AR environment at any of wristwearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006, and HIPD 1006 can identify one or more back-end and front-end tasks to cause the performance of the requested interaction and distribute instructions to cause the performance of the one or more back-end and frontend tasks at wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006. In some examples, a back-end task is a background processing task that is not perceptible by the user (e.g., rendering content, decompression, compression, etc.), and a front-end task is a userfacing task that is perceptible to the user (e.g., presenting information to the user, providing feedback to the user, etc.). HIPD 1006 can perform the back-end tasks and provide wristwearable device 1002 and / or AR glasses 1004 operational data corresponding to the performed back-end tasks such that wrist-wearable device 1002 and / or AR glasses 1004 can perform the front-end tasks. In this way, HIPD 1006, which has more computational resources and greater thermal headroom than wrist-wearable device 1002 and / or AR glasses 1004, performs computationally intensive tasks and reduces the computer resource utilization and / or power usage of wrist-wearable device 1002 and / or AR glasses 1004.

[0117] In the example shown by first AR system 1000, HIRD 1006 identifies one or more back-end tasks and front-end tasks associated with a user request to initiate an AR video call with one or more other users (represented by avatar 1010 and the digital representation of contact 1012) and distributes instructions to cause the performance of the one or more back-end tasks and front-end tasks. In particular, HIPD 1006 performs back-end tasks for processing and / or rendering image data (and other data) associated with the AR video call and provides operational data associated with the performed back-end tasks to AR glasses 1004 such that the AR glasses 1004 perform front-end tasks for presenting the AR video call (e.g., presenting avatar 1010 and digital representation of contact 1012).

[0123]

[0118] In some examples, HIPD 1006 can operate as a focal or anchor point for causing the presentation of information. This allows user 1008 to be generally aware of where information is presented. For example, as shown in first AR system 1000, avatar 1010 and the digital representation of contact 1012 are presented above HIPD 1006. In particular, HIPD 1006 and AR glasses 1004 operate in conjunction to determine a location for presenting avatar 1010 and the digital representation of contact 1012. In some examples, information can be presented a predetermined distance from HIPD 1006 (e.g., within 5 meters). For example, as shown in first AR system 1000, virtual object 1014 is presented on the desk some distance from HIPD 1006. Similar to the above example, HIPD 1006 and AR glasses 1004 can operate in conjunction to determine a location for presenting virtual object 1014. Alternatively, In some examples, presentation of information is not bound by HIPD 1006. More specifically, avatar 1010, digital representation of contact 1012, and virtual object 1014 do not have to be presented within a predetermined distance of HIPD 1006.

[0124]

[0119] User inputs provided at wrist-wearable device 1002, AR glasses 1004, and / or HIPD 1006 are coordinated such that the user can use any device to initiate, continue, and / or complete an operation. For example, user 1008 can provide a user input to AR glasses 1004 to cause AR glasses 1004 to present virtual object 1014 and, while virtual object 1014 is presented by AR glasses 1004, user 1008 can provide one or more hand gestures via wristwearable device 1002 to interact and / or manipulate virtual object 1014.

[0125]

[0120] FIG. 1 1 shows a user 1108 wearing a wrist-wearable device 1102 and AR glasses 1 104, and holding an HIPD 1 106. In second AR system 1 100, the wrist-wearable device 1 102, AR glasses 1 104, and / or HIPD 1 106 are used to receive and / or provide one or more messages to a contact of user 1 108. In particular, wrist-wearable device 1 102, AR glasses 1 104, and / or HIPD 1 106 detect and coordinate one or more user inputs to initiate a messaging application and prepare a response to a received message via the messaging application.

[0126]

[0121] In some examples, user 1 108 initiates, via a user input, an application on wrist- wearable device 1102, AR glasses 1104, and / or HIPD 1 106 that causes the application to initiate on at least one device. For example, in second AR system 1 100, user 1 108 performs a hand gesture associated with a command for initiating a messaging application (represented by messaging user interface 1 1 16), wrist-wearable device 1102 detects the hand gesture and, based on a determination that user 1108 is wearing AR glasses 1 104, causes AR glasses 1104 to present a messaging user interface 1 116 of the messaging application. AR glasses 1104 can present messaging user interface 11 16 to user 1108 via its display (e.g., as shown by a field of view 11 18 of user 1 108). In some examples, the application is initiated and executed on the device (e.g., wrist-wearable device 1102, AR glasses 1 104, and / or HIPD 1106) that detects the user input to initiate the application, and the device provides another device operational data to cause the presentation of the messaging application. For example, wrist-wearable device 1102 can detect the user input to initiate a messaging application, initiate and run the messaging application, and provide operational data to AR glasses 1 104 and / or HIPD 1106 to cause presentation of the messaging application. Alternatively, the application can be initiated and executed at a device other than the device that detected the user input. For example, wrist-wearable device 1 102 can detect the hand gesture associated with initiating the messaging application and cause HIPD 1106 to run the messaging application and coordinate the presentation of the messaging application.

[0127]

[0122] Further, user 1 108 can provide a user input provided at wrist-wearable device 1102, AR glasses 1 104, and / or HIPD 1 106 to continue and / or complete an operation initiated at another device. For example, after initiating the messaging application via wrist-wearable device 1 102 and while AR glasses 1 104 present messaging user interface 1 116, user 1 108 can provide an input at HIPD 1 106 to prepare a response (e.g., shown by the swipe gesture performed on HIPD 1 106). Gestures performed by user 1 108 on HIPD 1106 can be provided and / or displayed on another device. For example, a swipe gestured performed on HIPD 1 106 is displayed on a virtual keyboard of messaging user interface 1 1 16 displayed by AR glasses 1104.

[0128]

[0123] In some examples, wrist-wearable device 1 102, AR glasses 1104, HIPD 1 106, and / or any other communicatively coupled device can present one or more notifications to user 1 108. The notification can be an indication of a new message, an incoming call, an application update, a status update, etc. User 1 108 can select the notification via wristwearable device 1 102, AR glasses 1104, and / or HIPD 1106 and can cause presentation of an application or operation associated with the notification on at least one device. For example, user 1 108 can receive a notification that a message was received at wrist-wearable device 1102, AR glasses 1 104, HIPD 1 106, and / or any other communicatively coupled device and can then provide a user input at wrist-wearable device 1 102, AR glasses 1 104, and / or HIPD 1106 to review the notification, and the device detecting the user input can cause an application associated with the notification to be initiated and / or presented at wrist-wearable device 1 102, AR glasses 1 104, and / or HIPD 1 106.

[0129]

[0124] While the above example describes coordinated inputs used to interact with a messaging application, user inputs can be coordinated to interact with any number of applications including, but not limited to, gaming applications, social media applications, camera applications, web-based applications, financial applications, etc. For example, AR glasses 1 104 can present to user 1108 game application data, and HIPD 1 106 can be used as a controller to provide inputs to the game. Similarly, user 1108 can use wrist-wearable device 1 102 to initiate a camera of AR glasses 1104, and user 1 108 can use wrist-wearable device 1 102, AR glasses 1104, and / or HIPD 1 106 to manipulate the image capture (e.g., zoom in or out, apply filters, etc.) and capture image data.

[0130]

[0125] Users may interact with the devices disclosed herein in a variety of ways. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a user 1208 may interact with an AR system 1200 by donning a VR headset 1250 while holding HIPD 1206 and wearing wrist-wearable device 1202. In this example, AR system 1200 may enable a user to interact with a game 1210 by swiping their arm. One or more of VR headset 1250, HIPD 1206, and wrist-wearable device 1202 may detect this gesture and, in response, may display a sword strike in game 1210. Similarly, in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a user 1308 may interact with an AR system 1300 by donning a VR headset 1320 while wearing haptic device 1360 and wrist-wearable device 1330. In this example, AR system 1300 may enable a user to interact with a game 1310 by swiping their arm. One or more of VR headset 1320, haptic device 1360, and wrist-wearable device 1330 may detect this gesture and, in response, may display a spell being cast in game 1210.

[0131]

[0126] Having discussed example AR systems, devices for interacting with such AR systems and other computing systems more generally will now be discussed in greater detail. Some explanations of devices and components that can be included in some or all of the example devices discussed below are explained herein for ease of reference. Certain types of the components described below may be more suitable for a particular set of devices, and less suitable for a different set of devices. But subsequent reference to the components explained here should be considered to be encompassed by the descriptions provided.

[0132]

[0127] In some examples discussed below, example devices and systems, including electronic devices and systems, will be addressed. Such example devices and systems are not intended to be limiting, and one of skill in the art will understand that alternative devices and systems to the example devices and systems described herein may be used to perform the operations and construct the systems and devices that are described herein.

[0133]

[0128] An electronic device may be a device that uses electrical energy to perform a specific function. An electronic device can be any physical object that contains electronic components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, and integrated circuits. Examples of electronic devices include smartphones, laptops, digital cameras, televisions, gaming consoles, and music players, as well as the example electronic devices discussed herein. As described herein, an intermediary electronic device may be a device that sits between two other electronic devices and / or a subset of components of one or more electronic devices and facilitates communication, data processing, and / or data transfer between the respective electronic devices and / or electronic components.

[0134]

[0129] An integrated circuit may be an electronic device made up of multiple interconnected electronic components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors. These components may be etched onto a small piece of semiconductor material, such as silicon. Integrated circuits may include analog integrated circuits, digital integrated circuits, mixed signal integrated circuits, and / or any other suitable type or form of integrated circuit. Examples of integrated circuits include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), processing units, central processing units (CPUs), co-processors, and accelerators.

[0135]

[0130] Analog integrated circuits, such as sensors, power management circuits, and operational amplifiers, may process continuous signals and perform analog functions such as amplification, active filtering, demodulation, and mixing. Examples of analog integrated circuits include linear integrated circuits and radio frequency circuits.

[0136]

[0131] Digital integrated circuits, which may be referred to as logic integrated circuits, may include microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory chips, interfaces, power management circuits, programmable devices, and / or any other suitable type or form of integrated circuit. In some examples, examples of integrated circuits include central processing units (CPUs),

[0137]

[0132] Processing units, such as CPUs, may be electronic components that are responsible for executing instructions and controlling the operation of an electronic device (e.g., a computer). There are various types of processors that may be used interchangeably, or may be specifically required, by examples described herein. For example, a processor may be: (i) a general processor designed to perform a wide range of tasks, such as running software applications, managing operating systems, and performing arithmetic and logical operations; (ii) a microcontroller designed for specific tasks such as controlling electronic devices, sensors, and motors; (iii) an accelerator, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), designed to accelerate the creation and rendering of images, videos, and animations (e.g., virtual-reality animations, such as three-dimensional modeling); (iv) a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed and reconfigured after manufacturing and / or can be customized to perform specific tasks, such as signal processing, cryptography, and machine learning; and / or (v) a digital signal processor (DSP) designed to perform mathematical operations on signals such as audio, video, and radio waves. One or more processors of one or more electronic devices may be used in various examples described herein.

[0138]

[0133] Memory generally refers to electronic components in a computer or electronic device that store data and instructions for the processor to access and manipulate. Examples of memory can include: (i) random access memory (RAM) configured to store data and instructions temporarily; (ii) read-only memory (ROM) configured to store data and instructions permanently (e.g., one or more portions of system firmware, and / or boot loaders) and / or semipermanently; (iii) flash memory, which can be configured to store data in electronic devices (e.g., USB drives, memory cards, and / or solid-state drives (SSDs)); and / or (iv) cache memory configured to temporarily store frequently accessed data and instructions. Memory, as described herein, can store structured data (e.g., SQL databases, MongoDB databases, GraphQL data, JSON data, etc.). Other examples of data stored in memory can include (i) profile data, including user account data, user settings, and / or other user data stored by the user, (ii) sensor data detected and / or otherwise obtained by one or more sensors, (iii) media content data including stored image data, audio data, documents, and the like, (iv) application data, which can include data collected and / or otherwise obtained and stored during use of an application, and / or any other types of data described herein.

[0139]

[0134] Controllers may be electronic components that manage and coordinate the operation of other components within an electronic device (e.g., controlling inputs, processing data, and / or generating outputs). Examples of controllers can include: (i) microcontrollers, including small, low-power controllers that are commonly used in embedded systems and Internet of Things (loT) devices; (ii) programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that may be configured to be used in industrial automation systems to control and monitor manufacturing processes; (iii) system-on-a-chip (SoC) controllers that integrate multiple components such as processors, memory, I / O interfaces, and other peripherals into a single chip; and / or (iv) DSPs.

[0140]

[0135] A power system of an electronic device may be configured to convert incoming electrical power into a form that can be used to operate the device. A power system can include various components, such as (i) a power source, which can be an alternating current (AC) adapter or a direct current (DC) adapter power supply, (ii) a charger input, which can be configured to use a wired and / or wireless connection (which may be part of a peripheral interface, such as a USB, micro-USB interface, near-field magnetic coupling, magnetic inductive and magnetic resonance charging, and / or radio frequency (RF) charging), (iii) a power-management integrated circuit, configured to distribute power to various components of the device and to ensure that the device operates within safe limits (e.g., regulating voltage, controlling current flow, and / or managing heat dissipation), and / or (iv) a battery configured to store power to provide usable power to components of one or more electronic devices.

[0141]

[0136] Peripheral interfaces may be electronic components (e.g., of electronic devices) that allow electronic devices to communicate with other devices or peripherals and can provide the ability to input and output data and signals. Examples of peripheral interfaces can include (i) universal serial bus (USB) and / or micro-USB interfaces configured for connecting devices to an electronic device, (ii) Bluetooth interfaces configured to allow devices to communicate with each other, including Bluetooth low energy (BLE), (iii) near field communication (NFC) interfaces configured to be short-range wireless interfaces for operations such as access control, (iv) POGO pins, which may be small, spring-loaded pins configured to provide a charging interface, (v) wireless charging interfaces, (vi) GPS interfaces, (vii) Wi-Fi interfaces for providing a connection between a device and a wireless network, and / or (viii) sensor interfaces.

[0142]

[0137] Sensors may be electronic components (e.g., in and / or otherwise in electronic communication with electronic devices, such as wearable devices) configured to detect physical and environmental changes and generate electrical signals. Examples of sensors can include (i) imaging sensors for collecting imaging data (e.g., including one or more cameras disposed on a respective electronic device), (ii) biopotential-signal sensors, (iii) inertial measurement units (e.g., IMUs) for detecting, for example, angular rate, force, magnetic field, and / or changes in acceleration, (iv) heart rate sensors for measuring a user’s heart rate, (v) SpO2 sensors for measuring blood oxygen saturation and / or other biometric data of a user, (vi) capacitive sensors for detecting changes in potential at a portion of a user’s body (e.g., a sensor-skin interface), and / or (vii) light sensors (e.g., time-of-flight sensors, infrared light sensors, visible light sensors, etc.).

[0143]

[0138] Biopotential-signal-sensing components may be devices used to measure electrical activity within the body (e.g., biopotential-signal sensors). Some types of biopotential-signal sensors include (i) electroencephalography (EEG) sensors configured to measure electrical activity in the brain to diagnose neurological disorders, (ii) electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) sensors configured to measure electrical activity of the heart to diagnose heart problems, (iii) electromyography (EMG) sensors configured to measure the electrical activity of muscles and to diagnose neuromuscular disorders, and (iv) electrooculography (EOG) sensors configure to measure the electrical activity of eye muscles to detect eye movement and diagnose eye disorders.

[0144]

[0139] An application stored in memory of an electronic device (e.g., software) may include instructions stored in the memory. Examples of such applications include (i) games, (ii) word processors, (iii) messaging applications, (iv) media-streaming applications, (v) financial applications, (vi) calendars, (vii) clocks, and (viii) communication interface modules for enabling wired and / or wireless connections between different respective electronic devices (e.g., IEEE 1602.15.4, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6L0WPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11 a, WirelessHART, or MiWi), custom or standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet or HomePlug), and / or any other suitable communication protocols).

[0145]

[0140] A communication interface may be a mechanism that enables different systems or devices to exchange information and data with each other, including hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software. For example, a communication interface can refer to a physical connector and / or port on a device that enables communication with other devices (e.g., USB, Ethernet, HDMI, Bluetooth). In some examples, a communication interface can refer to a software layer that enables different software programs to communicate with each other (e.g., application programming interfaces (APIs), protocols like HTTP and TCP / IP, etc.).

[0146]

[0141] A graphics module may be a component or software module that is designed to handle graphical operations and / or processes and can include a hardware module and / or a software module.

[0147]

[0142] Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may be physical devices or storage media that can be used to store electronic data in a non-transitory form (e.g., such that the data is stored permanently until it is intentionally deleted or modified).

[0148]

[0143] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an example wrist-wearable device 1400 and an example computer system 1500, in accordance with some examples. Wrist-wearable device 1400 is an instance of wearable device 1002 described in FIG. 10 herein, such that the wearable device 1002 should be understood to have the features of the wrist-wearable device 1400 and vice versa. FIG. 15 illustrates components of the wrist-wearable device 1400, which can be used individually or in combination, including combinations that include other electronic devices and / or electronic components.

[0149]

[0144] FIG. 14 shows a wearable band 1410 and a watch body 1420 (or capsule) being coupled, as discussed below, to form wrist-wearable device 1400. Wrist-wearable device 1400 can perform various functions and / or operations associated with navigating through user interfaces and selectively opening applications as well as the functions and / or operations described above with reference to FIGS. 10-13B.

[0150]

[0145] As will be described in more detail below, operations executed by wristwearable device 1400 can include (i) presenting content to a user (e.g., displaying visual content via a display 1405), (ii) detecting (e.g., sensing) user input (e.g., sensing a touch on peripheral button 1423 and / or at a touch screen of the display 1405, a hand gesture detected by sensors (e.g., biopotential sensors)), (iii) sensing biometric data (e.g., neuromuscular signals, heart rate, temperature, sleep, etc.) via one or more sensors 1413, messaging (e.g., text, speech, video, etc.); image capture via one or more imaging devices or cameras 1425, wireless communications (e.g., cellular, near field, Wi-Fi, personal area network, etc.), location determination, financial transactions, providing haptic feedback, providing alarms, providing notifications, providing biometric authentication, providing health monitoring, providing sleep monitoring, etc.

[0151]

[0146] The above-example functions can be executed independently in watch body 1420, independently in wearable band 1410, and / or via an electronic communication between watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410. In some examples, functions can be executed on wrist-wearable device 1400 while an AR environment is being presented (e.g., via one of AR systems 1000 to 1300). The wearable devices described herein can also be used with other types of AR environments.

[0152]

[0147] Wearable band 1410 can be configured to be worn by a user such that an inner surface of a wearable structure 141 1 of wearable band 1410 is in contact with the user’s skin. In this example, when worn by a user, sensors 1413 may contact the user’s skin. In some examples, one or more of sensors 1413 can sense biometric data such as a user’s heart rate, a saturated oxygen level, temperature, sweat level, neuromuscular signals, or a combination thereof. One or more of sensors 1413 can also sense data about a user’s environment including a user’s motion, altitude, location, orientation, gait, acceleration, position, or a combination thereof. In some example, one or more of sensors 1413 can be configured to track a position and / or motion of wearable band 1410. One or more of sensors 1413 can include any of the sensors defined above and / or discussed below with respect to FIG. 14.

[0153]

[0148] One or more of sensors 1413 can be distributed on an inside and / or an outside surface of wearable band 1410. In some examples, one or more of sensors 1413 are uniformly spaced along wearable band 1410. Alternatively, In some examples, one or more of sensors 1413 are positioned at distinct points along wearable band 1410. As shown in FIG. 14, one or more of sensors 1413 can be the same or distinct. For example, In some examples, one or more of sensors 1413 can be shaped as a pill (e.g., sensor 1413a), an oval, a circle a square, an oblong (e.g., sensor 1413c) and / or any other shape that maintains contact with the user’s skin (e.g., such that neuromuscular signal and / or other biometric data can be accurately measured at the user’s skin). In some examples, one or more sensors of 1413 are aligned to form pairs of sensors (e.g., for sensing neuromuscular signals based on differential sensing within each respective sensor). For example, sensor 1413b may be aligned with an adjacent sensor to form sensor pair 1414a and sensor 1413d may be aligned with an adjacent sensor to form sensor pair 1414b. In some examples, wearable band 1410 does not have a sensor pair. Alternatively, In some examples, wearable band 1410 has a predetermined number of sensor pairs (one pair of sensors, three pairs of sensors, four pairs of sensors, six pairs of sensors, sixteen pairs of sensors, etc.).

[0154]

[0149] Wearable band 1410 can include any suitable number of sensors 1413. In some examples, the number and arrangement of sensors 1413 depends on the particular application for which wearable band 1410 is used. For instance, wearable band 1410 can be configured as an armband, wristband, or chest-band that include a plurality of sensors 1413 with different number of sensors 1413, a variety of types of individual sensors with the plurality of sensors 1413, and different arrangements for each use case, such as medical use cases as compared to gaming or general day-to-day use cases.

[0155]

[0150] In accordance with some examples, wearable band 1410 further includes an electrical ground electrode and a shielding electrode. The electrical ground and shielding electrodes, like the sensors 1413, can be distributed on the inside surface of the wearable band 1410 such that they contact a portion of the user’s skin. For example, the electrical ground and shielding electrodes can be at an inside surface of a coupling mechanism 1416 or an inside surface of a wearable structure 141 1. The electrical ground and shielding electrodes can be formed and / or use the same components as sensors 1413. In some examples, wearable band 1410 includes more than one electrical ground electrode and more than one shielding electrode.

[0156]

[0151] Sensors 1413 can be formed as part of wearable structure 141 1 of wearable band 1410. In some examples, sensors 1413 are flush or substantially flush with wearable structure 1411 such that they do not extend beyond the surface of wearable structure 141 1. While flush with wearable structure 141 1 , sensors 1413 are still configured to contact the user’s skin (e.g., via a skin-contacting surface). Alternatively, In some examples, sensors 1413 extend beyond wearable structure 141 1 a predetermined distance (e.g., 0.1 - 2 mm) to make contact and depress into the user’s skin. In some example, sensors 1413 are coupled to an actuator (not shown) configured to adjust an extension height (e.g., a distance from the surface of wearable structure 141 1) of sensors 1413 such that sensors 1413 make contact and depress into the user’s skin. In some examples, the actuators adjust the extension height between 0.01 mm - 1 .2 mm. This may allow a the user to customize the positioning of sensors 1413 to improve the overall comfort of the wearable band 1410 when worn while still allowing sensors 1413 to contact the user’s skin. In some examples, sensors 1413 are indistinguishable from wearable structure 1411 when worn by the user.

[0157]

[0152] Wearable structure 1411 can be formed of an elastic material, elastomers, etc., configured to be stretched and fitted to be worn by the user. In some examples, wearable structure 1411 is a textile or woven fabric. As described above, sensors 1413 can be formed as part of a wearable structure 141 1. For example, sensors 1413 can be molded into the wearable structure 141 1 , be integrated into a woven fabric (e.g., sensors 1413 can be sewn into the fabric and mimic the pliability of fabric and can and / or be constructed from a series woven strands of fabric).

[0158]

[0153] Wearable structure 1411 can include flexible electronic connectors that interconnect sensors 1413, the electronic circuitry, and / or other electronic components (described below in reference to FIG. 15) that are enclosed in wearable band 1410. In some examples, the flexible electronic connectors are configured to interconnect sensors 1413, the electronic circuitry, and / or other electronic components of wearable band 1410 with respective sensors and / or other electronic components of another electronic device (e.g., watch body 1420). The flexible electronic connectors are configured to move with wearable structure 1411 such that the user adjustment to wearable structure 141 1 (e.g., resizing, pulling, folding, etc.) does not stress or strain the electrical coupling of components of wearable band 1410.

[0159]

[0154] As described above, wearable band 1410 is configured to be worn by a user. In particular, wearable band 1410 can be shaped or otherwise manipulated to be worn by a user. For example, wearable band 1410 can be shaped to have a substantially circular shape such that it can be configured to be worn on the user’s lower arm or wrist. Alternatively, wearable band 1410 can be shaped to be worn on another body part of the user, such as the user’s upper arm (e.g., around a bicep), forearm, chest, legs, etc. Wearable band 1410 can include a retaining mechanism 1412 (e.g., a buckle, a hook and loop fastener, etc.) for securing wearable band 1410 to the user’s wrist or other body part. While wearable band 1410 is worn by the user, sensors 1413 sense data (referred to as sensor data) from the user’s skin. In some examples, sensors 1413 of wearable band 1410 obtain (e.g., sense and record) neuromuscular signals.

[0160]

[0155] The sensed data (e.g., sensed neuromuscular signals) can be used to detect and / or determine the user’s intention to perform certain motor actions. In some examples, sensors 1413 may sense and record neuromuscular signals from the user as the user performs muscular activations (e.g., movements, gestures, etc.). The detected and / or determined motor actions (e.g., phalange (or digit) movements, wrist movements, hand movements, and / or other muscle intentions) can be used to determine control commands or control information (instructions to perform certain commands after the data is sensed) for causing a computing device to perform one or more input commands. For example, the sensed neuromuscular signals can be used to control certain user interfaces displayed on display 1405 of wrist-wearable device 1400 and / or can be transmitted to a device responsible for rendering an artificial-reality environment (e.g., a head-mounted display) to perform an action in an associated artificial-reality environment, such as to control the motion of a virtual device displayed to the user. The muscular activations performed by the user can include static gestures, such as placing the user’s hand palm down on a table, dynamic gestures, such as grasping a physical or virtual object, and covert gestures that are imperceptible to another person, such as slightly tensing a joint by co-contracting opposing muscles or using sub- muscular activations. The muscular activations performed by the user can include symbolic gestures (e.g., gestures mapped to other gestures, interactions, or commands, for example, based on a gesture vocabulary that specifies the mapping of gestures to commands).

[0161]

[0156] The sensor data sensed by sensors 1413 can be used to provide a user with an enhanced interaction with a physical object (e.g., devices communicatively coupled with wearable band 1410) and / or a virtual object in an artificial-reality application generated by an artificial-reality system (e.g., user interface objects presented on the display 1405, or another computing device (e.g., a smartphone)).

[0162]

[0157] In some examples, wearable band 1410 includes one or more haptic devices 1546 (e.g., a vibratory haptic actuator) that are configured to provide haptic feedback (e.g., a cutaneous and / or kinesthetic sensation, etc.) to the user’s skin. Sensors 1413 and / or haptic devices 1546 (shown in FIG. 15) can be configured to operate in conjunction with multiple applications including, without limitation, health monitoring, social media, games, and artificial reality (e.g., the applications associated with artificial reality).

[0163]

[0158] Wearable band 1410 can also include coupling mechanism 1416 for detachably coupling a capsule (e.g., a computing unit) or watch body 1420 (via a coupling surface of the watch body 1420) to wearable band 1410. For example, a cradle or a shape of coupling mechanism 1416 can correspond to shape of watch body 1420 of wrist-wearable device 1400. In particular, coupling mechanism 1416 can be configured to receive a coupling surface proximate to the bottom side of watch body 1420 (e.g., a side opposite to a front side of watch body 1420 where display 1405 is located), such that a user can push watch body 1420 downward into coupling mechanism 1416 to attach watch body 1420 to coupling mechanism 1416. In some examples, coupling mechanism 1416 can be configured to receive a top side of the watch body 1420 (e.g., a side proximate to the front side of watch body 1420 where display 1405 is located) that is pushed upward into the cradle, as opposed to being pushed downward into coupling mechanism 1416. In some examples, coupling mechanism 1416 is an integrated component of wearable band 1410 such that wearable band 1410 and coupling mechanism 1416 are a single unitary structure. In some examples, coupling mechanism 1416 is a type of frame or shell that allows watch body 1420 coupling surface to be retained within or on wearable band 1410 coupling mechanism 1416 (e.g., a cradle, a tracker band, a support base, a clasp, etc.).

[0164]

[0159] Coupling mechanism 1416 can allow for watch body 1420 to be detachably coupled to the wearable band 1410 through a friction fit, magnetic coupling, a rotation-based connector, a shear-pin coupler, a retention spring, one or more magnets, a clip, a pin shaft, a hook and loop fastener, or a combination thereof. A user can perform any type of motion to couple the watch body 1420 to wearable band 1410 and to decouple the watch body 1420 from the wearable band 1410. For example, a user can twist, slide, turn, push, pull, or rotate watch body 1420 relative to wearable band 1410, or a combination thereof, to attach watch body 1420 to wearable band 1410 and to detach watch body 1420 from wearable band 1410. Alternatively, as discussed below, In some examples, the watch body 1420 can be decoupled from the wearable band 1410 by actuation of a release mechanism 1429.

[0165]

[0160] Wearable band 1410 can be coupled with watch body 1420 to increase the functionality of wearable band 1410 (e.g., converting wearable band 1410 into wrist-wearable device 1400, adding an additional computing unit and / or battery to increase computational resources and / or a battery life of wearable band 1410, adding additional sensors to improve sensed data, etc.). As described above, wearable band 1410 and coupling mechanism 1416 are configured to operate independently (e.g., execute functions independently) from watch body 1420. For example, coupling mechanism 1416 can include one or more sensors 1413 that contact a user’s skin when wearable band 1410 is worn by the user, with or without watch body 1420 and can provide sensor data for determining control commands.

[0166]

[0161] A user can detach watch body 1420 from wearable band 1410 to reduce the encumbrance of wrist-wearable device 1400 to the user. For examples in which watch body 1420 is removable, watch body 1420 can be referred to as a removable structure, such that in these examples wrist-wearable device 1400 includes a wearable portion (e.g., wearable band 1410) and a removable structure (e.g., watch body 1420).

[0167]

[0162] Turning to watch body 1420, in some examples watch body 1420 can have a substantially rectangular or circular shape. Watch body 1420 is configured to be worn by the user on their wrist or on another body part. More specifically, watch body 1420 is sized to be easily carried by the user, attached on a portion of the user’s clothing, and / or coupled to wearable band 1410 (forming the wrist-wearable device 1400). As described above, watch body 1420 can have a shape corresponding to coupling mechanism 1416 of wearable band 1410. In some examples, watch body 1420 includes a single release mechanism 1429 or multiple release mechanisms (e.g., two release mechanisms 1429 positioned on opposing sides of watch body 1420, such as spring-loaded buttons) for decoupling watch body 1420 from wearable band 1410. Release mechanism 1429 can include, without limitation, a button, a knob, a plunger, a handle, a lever, a fastener, a clasp, a dial, a latch, or a combination thereof.

[0168]

[0163] A user can actuate release mechanism 1429 by pushing, turning, lifting, depressing, shifting, or performing other actions on release mechanism 1429. Actuation of release mechanism 1429 can release (e.g., decouple) watch body 1420 from coupling mechanism 1416 of wearable band 1410, allowing the user to use watch body 1420 independently from wearable band 1410 and vice versa. For example, decoupling watch body 1420 from wearable band 1410 can allow a user to capture images using rear-facing camera 1425b. Although release mechanism 1429 is shown positioned at a corner of watch body 1420, release mechanism 1429 can be positioned anywhere on watch body 1420 that is convenient for the user to actuate. In addition, In some examples, wearable band 1410 can also include a respective release mechanism for decoupling watch body 1420 from coupling mechanism 1416. In some examples, release mechanism 1429 is optional and watch body 1420 can be decoupled from coupling mechanism 1416 as described above (e.g., via twisting, rotating, etc.).

[0169]

[0164] Watch body 1420 can include one or more peripheral buttons 1423 and 1427 for performing various operations at watch body 1420. For example, peripheral buttons 1423 and 1427 can be used to turn on or wake (e.g., transition from a sleep state to an active state) display 1405, unlock watch body 1420, increase or decrease a volume, increase or decrease a brightness, interact with one or more applications, interact with one or more user interfaces, etc. Additionally or alternatively, In some examples, display 1405 operates as a touch screen and allows the user to provide one or more inputs for interacting with watch body 1420.

[0170]

[0165] In some examples, watch body 1420 includes one or more sensors 1421. Sensors 1421 of watch body 1420 can be the same or distinct from sensors 1413 of wearable band 1410. Sensors 1421 of watch body 1420 can be distributed on an inside and / or an outside surface of watch body 1420. In some examples, sensors 1421 are configured to contact a user’s skin when watch body 1420 is worn by the user. For example, sensors 1421 can be placed on the bottom side of watch body 1420 and coupling mechanism 1416 can be a cradle with an opening that allows the bottom side of watch body 1420 to directly contact the user’s skin. Alternatively, In some examples, watch body 1420 does not include sensors that are configured to contact the user’s skin (e.g., including sensors internal and / or external to the watch body 1420 that are configured to sense data of watch body 1420 and the surrounding environment). In some examples, sensors 1421 are configured to track a position and / or motion of watch body 1420.

[0171]

[0166] Watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410 can share data using a wired communication method (e.g., a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), a USB transceiver, etc.) and / or a wireless communication method (e.g., near field communication, Bluetooth, etc.). For example, watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410 can share data sensed by sensors 1413 and 1421 , as well as application and device specific information (e.g., active and / or available applications, output devices (e.g., displays, speakers, etc.), input devices (e.g., touch screens, microphones, imaging sensors, etc.).

[0167] In some examples, watch body 1420 can include, without limitation, a frontfacing camera 1425a and / or a rear-facing camera 1425b, sensors 1421 (e.g., a biometric sensor, an IMU, a heart rate sensor, a saturated oxygen sensor, a neuromuscular signal sensor, an altimeter sensor, a temperature sensor, a bioimpedance sensor, a pedometer sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., imaging sensor 1563), a touch sensor, a sweat sensor, etc.). In some examples, watch body 1420 can include one or more haptic devices 1576 (e.g., a vibratory haptic actuator) that is configured to provide haptic feedback (e.g., a cutaneous and / or kinesthetic sensation, etc.) to the user. Sensors 1521 and / or haptic device 1576 can also be configured to operate in conjunction with multiple applications including, without limitation, health monitoring applications, social media applications, game applications, and artificial reality applications (e.g., the applications associated with artificial reality).

[0172]

[0168] As described above, watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410, when coupled, can form wrist-wearable device 1400. When coupled, watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410 may operate as a single device to execute functions (operations, detections, communications, etc.) described herein. In some examples, each device may be provided with particular instructions for performing the one or more operations of wrist-wearable device 1400. For example, in accordance with a determination that watch body 1420 does not include neuromuscular signal sensors, wearable band 1410 can include alternative instructions for performing associated instructions (e.g., providing sensed neuromuscular signal data to watch body 1420 via a different electronic device). Operations of wrist-wearable device 1400 can be performed by watch body 1420 alone or in conjunction with wearable band 1410 (e.g., via respective processors and / or hardware components) and vice versa. In some examples, operations of wrist-wearable device 1400, watch body 1420, and / or wearable band 1410 can be performed in conjunction with one or more processors and / or hardware components.

[0173]

[0169] As described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 15, wearable band 1410 and / or watch body 1420 can each include independent resources required to independently execute functions. For example, wearable band 1410 and / or watch body 1420 can each include a power source (e.g., a battery), a memory, data storage, a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), communications, a light source, and / or input / output devices.

[0174]

[0170] FIG. 15 shows block diagrams of a computing system 1530 corresponding to wearable band 1410 and a computing system 1560 corresponding to watch body 1420 according to some examples. Computing system 1500 of wrist-wearable device 1400 may include a combination of components of wearable band computing system 1530 and watch body computing system 1560, in accordance with some examples.

[0175]

[0171] Watch body 1420 and / or wearable band 1410 can include one or more components shown in watch body computing system 1560. In some examples, a single integrated circuit may include all or a substantial portion of the components of watch body computing system 1560 included in a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, In some examples, components of the watch body computing system 1560 may be included in a plurality of integrated circuits that are communicatively coupled. In some examples, watch body computing system 1560 may be configured to couple (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) with wearable band computing system 1530, which may allow the computing systems to share components, distribute tasks, and / or perform other operations described herein (individually or as a single device).

[0176]

[0172] Watch body computing system 1560 can include one or more processors 1579, a controller 1577, a peripherals interface 1561 , a power system 1595, and memory (e.g., a memory 1580).

[0177]

[0173] Power system 1595 can include a charger input 1596, a power-management integrated circuit (PMIC) 1597, and a battery 1598. In some examples, a watch body 1420 and a wearable band 1410 can have respective batteries (e.g., battery 1598 and 1559) and can share power with each other. Watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410 can receive a charge using a variety of techniques. In some examples, watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410 can use a wired charging assembly (e.g., power cords) to receive the charge. Alternatively, or in addition, watch body 1420 and / or wearable band 1410 can be configured for wireless charging. For example, a portable charging device can be designed to mate with a portion of watch body 1420 and / or wearable band 1410 and wirelessly deliver usable power to battery 1598 of watch body 1420 and / or battery 1559 of wearable band 1410. Watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410 can have independent power systems (e.g., power system 1595 and 1556, respectively) to enable each to operate independently. Watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410 can also share power (e.g., one can charge the other) via respective PMICs (e.g., PMICs 1597 and 1558) and charger inputs (e.g., 1557 and 1596) that can share power over power and ground conductors and / or over wireless charging antennas.

[0178]

[0174] In some examples, peripherals interface 1561 can include one or more sensors 1521. Sensors 1521 can include one or more coupling sensors 1562 for detecting when watch body 1420 is coupled with another electronic device (e.g., a wearable band 1410). Sensors 1521 can include one or more imaging sensors 1563 (e.g., one or more of cameras 1525, and / or separate imaging sensors 1563 (e.g., thermal-imaging sensors)). In some examples, sensors 1521 can include one or more SpO2 sensors 1564. In some examples, sensors 1521 can include one or more biopotential-signal sensors (e.g., EMG sensors 1565, which may be disposed on an interior, user-facing portion of watch body 1420 and / or wearable band 1410). In some examples, sensors 1521 may include one or more capacitive sensors 1566. In some examples, sensors 1521 may include one or more heart rate sensors 1567. In some examples, sensors 1521 may include one or more IMU sensors 1568. In some examples, one or more IMU sensors 1568 can be configured to detect movement of a user’s hand or other location where watch body 1420 is placed or held.

[0179]

[0175] In some examples, one or more of sensors 1521 may provide an example human-machine interface. For example, a set of neuromuscular sensors, such as EMG sensors 1565, may be arranged circumferentially around wearable band 1410 with an interior surface of EMG sensors 1565 being configured to contact a user’s skin. Any suitable number of neuromuscular sensors may be used (e.g., between 2 and 20 sensors). The number and arrangement of neuromuscular sensors may depend on the particular application for which the wearable device is used. For example, wearable band 1410 can be used to generate control information for controlling an augmented reality system, a robot, controlling a vehicle, scrolling through text, controlling a virtual avatar, or any other suitable control task.

[0180]

[0176] In some examples, neuromuscular sensors may be coupled together using flexible electronics incorporated into the wireless device, and the output of one or more of the sensing components can be optionally processed using hardware signal processing circuitry (e.g., to perform amplification, filtering, and / or rectification). In other examples, at least some signal processing of the output of the sensing components can be performed in software such as processors 1579. Thus, signal processing of signals sampled by the sensors can be performed in hardware, software, or by any suitable combination of hardware and software, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0181]

[0177] Neuromuscular signals may be processed in a variety of ways. For example, the output of EMG sensors 1565 may be provided to an analog front end, which may be configured to perform analog processing (e.g., amplification, noise reduction, filtering, etc.) on the recorded signals. The processed analog signals may then be provided to an analog-to- digital converter, which may convert the analog signals to digital signals that can be processed by one or more computer processors. Furthermore, although this example is as discussed in the context of interfaces with EMG sensors, the examples described herein can also be implemented in wearable interfaces with other types of sensors including, but not limited to, mechanomyography (MMG) sensors, sonomyography (SMG) sensors, and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) sensors.

[0182]

[0178] In some examples, peripherals interface 1561 includes a near-field communication (NFC) component 1569, a global-position system (GPS) component 1570, a long-term evolution (LTE) component 1571 , and / or a Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth communication component 1572. In some examples, peripherals interface 1561 includes one or more buttons 1573 (e.g., peripheral buttons 1423 and 1427 in FIG. 14), which, when selected by a user, cause operation to be performed at watch body 1420. In some examples, the peripherals interface 1561 includes one or more indicators, such as a light emitting diode (LED), to provide a user with visual indicators (e.g., message received, low battery, active microphone and / or camera, etc.).

[0183]

[0179] Watch body 1420 can include at least one display 1405 for displaying visual representations of information or data to a user, including user-interface elements and / or three-dimensional virtual objects. The display can also include a touch screen for inputting user inputs, such as touch gestures, swipe gestures, and the like. Watch body 1420 can include at least one speaker 1574 and at least one microphone 1575 for providing audio signals to the user and receiving audio input from the user. The user can provide user inputs through microphone 1575 and can also receive audio output from speaker 1574 as part of a haptic event provided by haptic controller 1578. Watch body 1420 can include at least one camera 1525, including a front camera 1525a and a rear camera 1525b. Cameras 1525 can include ultra-wide-angle cameras, wide angle cameras, fish-eye cameras, spherical cameras, telephoto cameras, depth-sensing cameras, or other types of cameras.

[0184]

[0180] Watch body computing system 1560 can include one or more haptic controllers 1578 and associated componentry (e.g., haptic devices 1576) for providing haptic events at watch body 1420 (e.g., a vibrating sensation or audio output in response to an event at the watch body 1420). Haptic controllers 1578 can communicate with one or more haptic devices 1576, such as electroacoustic devices, including a speaker of the one or more speakers 1574 and / or other audio components and / or electromechanical devices that convert energy into linear motion such as a motor, solenoid, electroactive polymer, piezoelectric actuator, electrostatic actuator, or other tactile output generating components (e.g., a component that converts electrical signals into tactile outputs on the device). Haptic controller 1578 can provide haptic events to that are capable of being sensed by a user of watch body 1420. In some examples, one or more haptic controllers 1578 can receive input signals from an application of applications 1582.

[0185]

[0181] In some examples, wearable band computing system 1530 and / or watch body computing system 1560 can include memory 1580, which can be controlled by one or more memory controllers of controllers 1577. In some examples, software components stored in memory 1580 include one or more applications 1582 configured to perform operations at the watch body 1420. In some examples, one or more applications 1582 may include games, word processors, messaging applications, calling applications, web browsers, social media applications, media streaming applications, financial applications, calendars, clocks, etc. In some examples, software components stored in memory 1580 include one or more communication interface modules 1583 as defined above. In some examples, software components stored in memory 1580 include one or more graphics modules 1584 for rendering, encoding, and / or decoding audio and / or visual data and one or more data management modules 1585 for collecting, organizing, and / or providing access to data 1587 stored in memory 1580. In some examples, one or more of applications 1582 and / or one or more modules can work in conjunction with one another to perform various tasks at the watch body 1420.

[0186]

[0182] In some examples, software components stored in memory 1580 can include one or more operating systems 1581 (e.g., a Linux-based operating system, an Android operating system, etc.). Memory 1580 can also include data 1587. Data 1587 can include profile data 1588A, sensor data 1589A, media content data 1590, and application data 1591.

[0187]

[0183] It should be appreciated that watch body computing system 1560 is an example of a computing system within watch body 1420, and that watch body 1420 can have more or fewer components than shown in watch body computing system 1560, can combine two or more components, and / or can have a different configuration and / or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in watch body computing system 1560 are implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, including one or more signal processing and / or application-specific integrated circuits.

[0188]

[0184] Turning to the wearable band computing system 1530, one or more components that can be included in wearable band 1410 are shown. Wearable band computing system 1530 can include more or fewer components than shown in watch body computing system 1560, can combine two or more components, and / or can have a different configuration and / or arrangement of some or all of the components. In some examples, all, or a substantial portion of the components of wearable band computing system 1530 are included in a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, In some examples, components of wearable band computing system 1530 are included in a plurality of integrated circuits that are communicatively coupled. As described above, In some examples, wearable band computing system 1530 is configured to couple (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) with watch body computing system 1560, which allows the computing systems to share components, distribute tasks, and / or perform other operations described herein (individually or as a single device).

[0189]

[0185] Wearable band computing system 1530, similar to watch body computing system 1560, can include one or more processors 1549, one or more controllers 1547 (including one or more haptics controllers 1548), a peripherals interface 1531 that can includes one or more sensors 1513 and other peripheral devices, a power source (e.g., a power system 1556), and memory (e.g., a memory 1550) that includes an operating system (e.g., an operating system 1551), data (e.g., data 1554 including profile data 1588B, sensor data 1589B, etc.), and one or more modules (e.g., a communications interface module 1552, a data management module 1553, etc.).

[0190]

[0186] One or more of sensors 1513 can be analogous to sensors 1521 of watch body computing system 1560. For example, sensors 1513 can include one or more coupling sensors 1532, one or more SpO2 sensors 1534, one or more EMG sensors 1535, one or more capacitive sensors 1536, one or more heart rate sensors 1537, and one or more IMU sensors 1538.

[0191]

[0187] Peripherals interface 1531 can also include other components analogous to those included in peripherals interface 1561 of watch body computing system 1560, including an NFC component 1539, a GPS component 1540, an LTE component 1541 , a Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth communication component 1542, and / or one or more haptic devices 1546 as described above in reference to peripherals interface 1561. In some examples, peripherals interface 1531 includes one or more buttons 1543, a display 1533, a speaker 1544, a microphone 1545, and a camera 1555. In some examples, peripherals interface 1531 includes one or more indicators, such as an LED.

[0192]

[0188] It should be appreciated that wearable band computing system 1530 is an example of a computing system within wearable band 1410, and that wearable band 1410 can have more or fewer components than shown in wearable band computing system 1530, combine two or more components, and / or have a different configuration and / or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in wearable band computing system 1530 can be implemented in one or more of a combination of hardware, software, or firmware, including one or more signal processing and / or application-specific integrated circuits.

[0193]

[0189] Wrist-wearable device 1400 with respect to FIG. 14 is an example of wearable band 1410 and watch body 1420 coupled together, so wrist-wearable device 1400 will be understood to include the components shown and described for wearable band computing system 1530 and watch body computing system 1560. In some examples, wrist-wearable device 1400 has a split architecture (e.g., a split mechanical architecture, a split electrical architecture, etc.) between watch body 1420 and wearable band 1410. In other words, all of the components shown in wearable band computing system 1530 and watch body computing system 1560 can be housed or otherwise disposed in a combined wrist-wearable device 1400 or within individual components of watch body 1420, wearable band 1410, and / or portions thereof (e.g., a coupling mechanism 1416 of wearable band 1410).

[0194]

[0190] The techniques described above can be used with any device for sensing neuromuscular signals but could also be used with other types of wearable devices for sensing neuromuscular signals (such as body-wearable or head-wearable devices that might have neuromuscular sensors closer to the brain or spinal column).

[0195]

[0191] In some examples, wrist-wearable device 1400 can be used in conjunction with a head-wearable device (e.g., AR glasses 1600 and VR system 1710) and / or an HIPD, and wrist-wearable device 1400 can also be configured to be used to allow a user to control any aspect of the artificial reality (e.g., by using EMG-based gestures to control user interface objects in the artificial reality and / or by allowing a user to interact with the touchscreen on the wrist-wearable device to also control aspects of the artificial reality). Having thus described example wrist-wearable devices, attention will now be turned to example head-wearable devices, such AR glasses 1600 and VR headset 1710.

[0196]

[0192] FIGS. 16 to 18 show example artificial-reality systems, which can be used as or in connection with wrist-wearable device 1400. In some examples, AR system 1600 includes an eyewear device 1602, as shown in FIG. 16. In some examples, VR system 1710 includes a head-mounted display (HMD) 1712, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. In some examples, AR system 1600 and VR system 1710 can include one or more analogous components (e.g., components for presenting interactive artificial-reality environments, such as processors, memory, and / or presentation devices, including one or more displays and / or one or more waveguides), some of which are described in more detail with respect to FIG. 18. As described herein, a head-wearable device can include components of eyewear device 1602 and / or head-mounted display 1712. Some examples of head-wearable devices do not include any displays, including any of the displays described with respect to AR system 1600 and / or VR system 1710. While the example artificial-reality systems are respectively described herein as AR system 1600 and VR system 1710, either or both of the example AR systems described herein can be configured to present fully-immersive virtual-reality scenes presented in substantially all of a user’s field of view or subtler augmented-reality scenes that are presented within a portion, less than all, of the user’s field of view.

[0197]

[0193] FIG. 16 show an example visual depiction of AR system 1600, including an eyewear device 1602 (which may also be described herein as augmented-reality glasses, and / or smart glasses). AR system 1600 can include additional electronic components that are not shown in FIG. 16, such as a wearable accessory device and / or an intermediary processing device, in electronic communication or otherwise configured to be used in conjunction with the eyewear device 1602. In some examples, the wearable accessory device and / or the intermediary processing device may be configured to couple with eyewear device 1602 via a coupling mechanism in electronic communication with a coupling sensor 1824 (FIG. 18), where coupling sensor 1824 can detect when an electronic device becomes physically or electronically coupled with eyewear device 1602. In some examples, eyewear device 1602 can be configured to couple to a housing 1890 (FIG. 18), which may include one or more additional coupling mechanisms configured to couple with additional accessory devices. The components shown in FIG. 16 can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, including one or more signal-processing components and / or applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0198]

[0194] Eyewear device 1602 includes mechanical glasses components, including a frame 1604 configured to hold one or more lenses (e.g., one or both lenses 1606-1 and 1606- 2). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that eyewear device 1602 can include additional mechanical components, such as hinges configured to allow portions of frame 1604 of eyewear device 1602 to be folded and unfolded, a bridge configured to span the gap between lenses 1606-1 and 1606-2 and rest on the user’s nose, nose pads configured to rest on the bridge of the nose and provide support for eyewear device 1602, earpieces configured to rest on the user’s ears and provide additional support for eyewear device 1602, temple arms configured to extend from the hinges to the earpieces of eyewear device 1602, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that some examples of AR system 1600 can include none of the mechanical components described herein. For example, smart contact lenses configured to present artificial reality to users may not include any components of eyewear device 1602.

[0199]

[0195] Eyewear device 1602 includes electronic components, many of which will be described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 10. Some example electronic components are illustrated in FIG. 16, including acoustic sensors 1625-1 , 1625-2, 1625-3, 1625-4, 1625-5, and 1625-6, which can be distributed along a substantial portion of the frame 1604 of eyewear device 1602. Eyewear device 1602 also includes a left camera 1639A and a right camera 1639B, which are located on different sides of the frame 1604. Eyewear device 1602 also includes a processor 1648 (or any other suitable type or form of integrated circuit) that is embedded into a portion of the frame 1604.

[0200]

[0196] FIGS. 17A and 17B show a VR system 1710 that includes a head-mounted display (HMD) 1712 (e.g., also referred to herein as an artificial-reality headset, a headwearable device, a VR headset, etc.), in accordance with some examples. As noted, some artificial-reality systems (e.g., AR system 1600) may, instead of blending an artificial reality with actual reality, substantially replace one or more of a user’s visual and / or other sensory perceptions of the real world with a virtual experience (e.g., AR systems 1200 and 1300).

[0201]

[0197] HMD 1712 includes a front body 1714 and a frame 1716 (e.g., a strap or band) shaped to fit around a user’s head. In some examples, front body 1714 and / or frame 1716 include one or more electronic elements for facilitating presentation of and / or interactions with an AR and / or VR system (e.g., displays, IMUs, tracking emitter or detectors). In some examples, HMD 1712 includes output audio transducers (e.g., an audio transducer 1718), as shown in FIG. 17B. In some examples, one or more components, such as the output audio transducer(s) 1718 and frame 1716, can be configured to attach and detach (e.g., are detachably attachable) to HMD 1712 (e.g., a portion or all of frame 1716, and / or audio transducer 1718), as shown in FIG. 17B. In some examples, coupling a detachable component to HMD 1712 causes the detachable component to come into electronic communication with HMD 1712.

[0202]

[0198] FIGS. 17A and 17B also show that VR system 1710 includes one or more cameras, such as left camera 1739A and right camera 1739B, which can be analogous to left and right cameras 1639A and 1639B on frame 1604 of eyewear device 1602. In some examples, VR system 1710 includes one or more additional cameras (e.g., cameras 1739C and 1739D), which can be configured to augment image data obtained by left and right cameras 1739A and 1739B by providing more information. For example, camera 1739C can be used to supply color information that is not discerned by cameras 1739A and 1739B. In some examples, one or more of cameras 1739A to 1739D can include an optional IR cut filter configured to remove IR light from being received at the respective camera sensors.

[0203]

[0199] FIG. 18 illustrates a computing system 1820 and an optional housing 1890, each of which show components that can be included in AR system 1600 and / or VR system 1710. In some examples, more or fewer components can be included in optional housing 1890 depending on practical restraints of the respective AR system being described.

[0204]

[0200] In some examples, computing system 1820 can include one or more peripherals interfaces 1822A and / or optional housing 1890 can include one or more peripherals interfaces 1822B. Each of computing system 1820 and optional housing 1890 can also include one or more power systems 1842A and 1842B, one or more controllers 1846 (including one or more haptic controllers 1847), one or more processors 1848A and 1848B (as defined above, including any of the examples provided), and memory 1850A and 1850B, which can all be in electronic communication with each other. For example, the one or more processors 1848A and 1848B can be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 1850A and 1850B, which can cause a controller of one or more of controllers 1846 to cause operations to be performed at one or more peripheral devices connected to peripherals interface 1822A and / or 1822B. In some examples, each operation described can be powered by electrical power provided by power system 1842A and / or 1842B.

[0205]

[0201] In some examples, peripherals interface 1822A can include one or more devices configured to be part of computing system 1820, some of which have been defined above and / or described with respect to the wrist-wearable devices shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. For example, peripherals interface 1822A can include one or more sensors 1823A. Some example sensors 1823A include one or more coupling sensors 1824, one or more acoustic sensors 1825, one or more imaging sensors 1826, one or more EMG sensors 1827, one or more capacitive sensors 1828, one or more IMU sensors 1829, and / or any other types of sensors explained above or described with respect to any other examples discussed herein.

[0206]

[0202] In some examples, peripherals interfaces 1822A and 1822B can include one or more additional peripheral devices, including one or more NFC devices 1830, one or more GPS devices 1831 , one or more LTE devices 1832, one or more Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth devices 1833, one or more buttons 1834 (e.g., including buttons that are slidable or otherwise adjustable), one or more displays 1835A and 1835B, one or more speakers 1836A and 1836B, one or more microphones 1837, one or more cameras 1838A and 1838B (e.g., including the left camera 1839A and / or a right camera 1839B), one or more haptic devices 1840, and / or any other types of peripheral devices defined above or described with respect to any other examples discussed herein.

[0207]

[0203] AR systems can include a variety of types of visual feedback mechanisms (e.g., presentation devices). For example, display devices in AR system 1600 and / or VR system 1710 can include one or more liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode (LED) displays, organic LED (OLED) displays, and / or any other suitable types of display screens. Artificial-reality systems can include a single display screen (e.g., configured to be seen by both eyes), and / or can provide separate display screens for each eye, which can allow for additional flexibility for varifocal adjustments and / or for correcting a refractive error associated with a user’s vision. Some examples of AR systems also include optical subsystems having one or more lenses (e.g., conventional concave or convex lenses, Fresnel lenses, or adjustable liquid lenses) through which a user can view a display screen.

[0208]

[0204] For example, respective displays 1835A and 1835B can be coupled to each of the lenses 1606-1 and 1606-2 of AR system 1600. Displays 1835A and 1835B may be coupled to each of lenses 1606-1 and 1606-2, which can act together or independently to present an image or series of images to a user. In some examples, AR system 1600 includes a single display 1835A or 1835B (e.g., a near-eye display) or more than two displays 1835A and 1835B. In some examples, a first set of one or more displays 1835A and 1835B can be used to present an augmented-reality environment, and a second set of one or more display devices 1835A and 1835B can be used to present a virtual-reality environment. In some examples, one or more waveguides are used in conjunction with presenting artificial-reality content to the user of AR system 1600 (e.g., as a means of delivering light from one or more displays 1835A and 1835B to the user’s eyes). In some examples, one or more waveguides are fully or partially integrated into the eyewear device 1602. Additionally, or alternatively to display screens, some artificial-reality systems include one or more projection systems. For example, display devices in AR system 1600 and / or VR system 1710 can include micro-LED projectors that project light (e.g., using a waveguide) into display devices, such as clear combiner lenses that allow ambient light to pass through. The display devices can refract the projected light toward a user’s pupil and can enable a userto simultaneously view both artificial-reality content and the real world. Artificial-reality systems can also be configured with any other suitable type or form of image projection system. In some examples, one or more waveguides are provided additionally or alternatively to the one or more display(s) 1835A and 1835B.

[0209]

[0205] Computing system 1820 and / or optional housing 1890 of AR system 1600 or VR system 1710 can include some or all of the components of a power system 1842A and 1842B. Power systems 1842A and 1842B can include one or more charger inputs 1843, one or more PMICs 1844, and / or one or more batteries 1845A and 1844B.

[0210]

[0206] Memory 1850A and 1850B may include instructions and data, some or all of which may be stored as non-transitory computer-readable storage media within the memories 1850A and 1850B. For example, memory 1850A and 1850B can include one or more operating systems 1851 , one or more applications 1852, one or more communication interface applications 1853A and 1853B, one or more graphics applications 1854A and 1854B, one or more AR processing applications 1855A and 1855B, and / or any other types of data defined above or described with respect to any other examples discussed herein.

[0211]

[0207] Memory 1850A and 1850B also include data 1860A and 1860B, which can be used in conjunction with one or more of the applications discussed above. Data 1860A and 1860B can include profile data 1861 , sensor data 1862A and 1862B, media content data 1863A, AR application data 1864A and 1864B, and / or any other types of data defined above or described with respect to any other examples discussed herein.

[0212]

[0208] In some examples, controller 1846 of eyewear device 1602 may process information generated by sensors 1823A and / or 1823B on eyewear device 1602 and / or another electronic device within AR system 1600. For example, controller 1846 can process information from acoustic sensors 1625-1 and 1625-2. For each detected sound, controller 1846 can perform a direction of arrival (DOA) estimation to estimate a direction from which the detected sound arrived at eyewear device 1602 of AR system 1600. As one or more of acoustic sensors 1825 (e.g., the acoustic sensors 1625-1 , 1625-2) detects sounds, controller 1846 can populate an audio data set with the information (e.g., represented in FIG. 10 as sensor data 1862A and 1862B).

[0213]

[0209] In some examples, a physical electronic connector can convey information between eyewear device 1602 and another electronic device and / or between one or more processors 1648, 1848A, 1848B of AR system 1600 or VR system 1710 and controller 1846. The information can be in the form of optical data, electrical data, wireless data, or any other transmittable data form. Moving the processing of information generated by eyewear device 1602 to an intermediary processing device can reduce weight and heat in the eyewear device, making it more comfortable and safer for a user. In some examples, an optional wearable accessory device (e.g., an electronic neckband) is coupled to eyewear device 1602 via one or more connectors. The connectors can be wired or wireless connectors and can include electrical and / or non-electrical (e.g., structural) components. In some examples, eyewear device 1602 and the wearable accessory device can operate independently without any wired or wireless connection between them.

[0214]

[0210] In some situations, pairing external devices, such as an intermediary processing device (e.g., HIPD 1006, 1 106, 1206) with eyewear device 1602 (e.g., as part of AR system 1600) enables eyewear device 1602 to achieve a similar form factor of a pair of glasses while still providing sufficient battery and computation power for expanded capabilities. Some, or all, of the battery power, computational resources, and / or additional features of AR system 1600 can be provided by a paired device or shared between a paired device and eyewear device 1602, thus reducing the weight, heat profile, and form factor of eyewear device 1602 overall while allowing eyewear device 1602 to retain its desired functionality. For example, the wearable accessory device can allow components that would otherwise be included on eyewear device 1602 to be included in the wearable accessory device and / or intermediary processing device, thereby shifting a weight load from the user’s head and neck to one or more other portions of the user’s body. In some examples, the intermediary processing device has a larger surface area over which to diffuse and disperse heat to the ambient environment. Thus, the intermediary processing device can allow for greater battery and computation capacity than might otherwise have been possible on eyewear device 1602 standing alone. Because weight carried in the wearable accessory device can be less invasive to a user than weight carried in the eyewear device 1602, a user may tolerate wearing a lighter eyewear device and carrying or wearing the paired device for greater lengths of time than the user would tolerate wearing a heavier eyewear device standing alone, thereby enabling an artificial-reality environment to be incorporated more fully into a user’s day-to-day activities.

[0215]

[0211] AR systems can include various types of computer vision components and subsystems. For example, AR system 1600 and / or VR system 1710 can include one or more optical sensors such as two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) cameras, time-of- flight depth sensors, structured light transmitters and detectors, single-beam or sweeping laser rangefinders, 3D LiDAR sensors, and / or any other suitable type or form of optical sensor. An AR system can process data from one or more of these sensors to identify a location of a user and / or aspects of the use’s real-world physical surroundings, including the locations of real- world objects within the real-world physical surroundings. In some examples, the methods described herein are used to map the real world, to provide a user with context about real- world surroundings, and / or to generate digital twins (e.g., interactable virtual objects), among a variety of other functions. For example, FIGS. 17A and 17B show VR system 1710 having cameras 1739A to 1739D, which can be used to provide depth information for creating a voxel field and a two-dimensional mesh to provide object information to the user to avoid collisions.

[0216]

[0212] In some examples, AR system 1600 and / or VR system 1710 can include haptic (tactile) feedback systems, which may be incorporated into headwear, gloves, body suits, handheld controllers, environmental devices (e.g., chairs or floormats), and / or any other type of device or system, such as the wearable devices discussed herein. The haptic feedback systems may provide various types of cutaneous feedback, including vibration, force, traction, shear, texture, and / or temperature. The haptic feedback systems may also provide various types of kinesthetic feedback, such as motion and compliance. The haptic feedback may be implemented using motors, piezoelectric actuators, fluidic systems, and / or a variety of other types of feedback mechanisms. The haptic feedback systems may be implemented independently of other artificial-reality devices, within other artificial-reality devices, and / or in conjunction with other artificial-reality devices.

[0217]

[0213] In some examples of an artificial reality system, such as AR system 1600 and / or VR system 1710, ambient light (e.g., a live feed of the surrounding environment that a user would normally see) can be passed through a display element of a respective headwearable device presenting aspects of the AR system. In some examples, ambient light can be passed through a portion less that is less than all of an AR environment presented within a user’s field of view (e.g., a portion of the AR environment co-located with a physical object in the user’s real-world environment that is within a designated boundary (e.g., a guardian boundary) configured to be used by the user while they are interacting with the AR environment). For example, a visual user interface element (e.g., a notification user interface element) can be presented at the head-wearable device, and an amount of ambient light (e.g., 15-50% of the ambient light) can be passed through the user interface element such that the user can distinguish at least a portion of the physical environment over which the user interface element is being displayed.

[0218]

[0214] In some examples, the systems described herein may also include an eyetracking subsystem designed to identify and track various characteristics of a user’s eye(s), such as the user’s gaze direction. The phrase “eye tracking” may, in some examples, refer to a process by which the position, orientation, and / or motion of an eye is measured, detected, sensed, determined, and / or monitored. The disclosed systems may measure the position, orientation, and / or motion of an eye in a variety of different ways, including through the use of various optical-based eye-tracking techniques, ultrasound-based eye-tracking techniques, etc. An eye-tracking subsystem may be configured in a number of different ways and may include a variety of different eye-tracking hardware components or other computer-vision components. For example, an eye-tracking subsystem may include a variety of different optical sensors, such as two-dimensional (2D) or 3D cameras, time-of-flight depth sensors, singlebeam or sweeping laser rangefinders, 3D LiDAR sensors, and / or any other suitable type or form of optical sensor. In this example, a processing subsystem may process data from one or more of these sensors to measure, detect, determine, and / or otherwise monitor the position, orientation, and / or motion of the user’s eye(s).

[0219]

[0215] FIG. 19 is an illustration of an example system 1900 that incorporates an eyetracking subsystem capable of tracking a user’s eye(s). As depicted in FIG. 19, system 1900 may include a light source 1902, an optical subsystem 1904, an eye-tracking subsystem 1906, and / or a control subsystem 1908. In some examples, light source 1902 may generate light for an image (e.g., to be presented to an eye 1901 of the viewer). Light source 1902 may represent any of a variety of suitable devices. For example, light source 1902 can include a two-dimensional projector (e.g., a LCoS display), a scanning source (e.g., a scanning laser), or other device (e.g., an LCD, an LED display, an OLED display, an active-matrix OLED display (AMOLED), a transparent OLED display (TOLED), a waveguide, or some other display capable of generating light for presenting an image to the viewer). In some examples, the image may represent a virtual image, which may refer to an optical image formed from the apparent divergence of light rays from a point in space, as opposed to an image formed from the light ray’s actual divergence.

[0220]

[0216] In some examples, optical subsystem 1904 may receive the light generated by light source 1902 and generate, based on the received light, converging light 1920 that includes the image. In some examples, optical subsystem 1904 may include any number of lenses (e.g., Fresnel lenses, convex lenses, concave lenses), apertures, filters, mirrors, prisms, and / or other optical components, possibly in combination with actuators and / or other devices. In particular, the actuators and / or other devices may translate and / or rotate one or more of the optical components to alter one or more aspects of converging light 1920. Further, various mechanical couplings may serve to maintain the relative spacing and / orthe orientation of the optical components in any suitable combination.

[0221]

[0217] In one example, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may generate tracking information indicating a gaze angle of an eye 1901 of the viewer. In this example, control subsystem 1908 may control aspects of optical subsystem 1904 (e.g., the angle of incidence of converging light 1920) based at least in part on this tracking information. Additionally, in some examples, control subsystem 1908 may store and utilize historical tracking information (e.g., a history of the tracking information over a given duration, such as the previous second or fraction thereof) to anticipate the gaze angle of eye 1901 (e.g., an angle between the visual axis and the anatomical axis of eye 1901). In some examples, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may detect radiation emanating from some portion of eye 1901 (e.g., the cornea, the iris, the pupil, or the like) to determine the current gaze angle of eye 1901. In other examples, eyetracking subsystem 1906 may employ a wavefront sensor to track the current location of the pupil.

[0222]

[0218] Any number of techniques can be used to track eye 1901. Some techniques may involve illuminating eye 1901 with infrared light and measuring reflections with at least one optical sensor that is tuned to be sensitive to the infrared light. Information about how the infrared light is reflected from eye 1901 may be analyzed to determine the position(s), orientation(s), and / or motion(s) of one or more eye feature(s), such as the cornea, pupil, iris, and / or retinal blood vessels.

[0223]

[0219] In some examples, the radiation captured by a sensor of eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may be digitized (i.e., converted to an electronic signal). Further, the sensor may transmit a digital representation of this electronic signal to one or more processors (for example, processors associated with a device including eye-tracking subsystem 1906). Eyetracking subsystem 1906 may include any of a variety of sensors in a variety of different configurations. For example, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may include an infrared detector that reacts to infrared radiation. The infrared detector may be a thermal detector, a photonic detector, and / or any other suitable type of detector. Thermal detectors may include detectors that react to thermal effects of the incident infrared radiation.

[0224]

[0220] In some examples, one or more processors may process the digital representation generated by the sensor(s) of eye-tracking subsystem 1906 to track the movement of eye 1901. In another example, these processors may track the movements of eye 1901 by executing algorithms represented by computer-executable instructions stored on non-transitory memory. In some examples, on-chip logic (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit or ASIC) may be used to perform at least portions of such algorithms. As noted, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may be programmed to use an output of the sensor(s) to track movement of eye 1901. In some examples, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may analyze the digital representation generated by the sensors to extract eye rotation information from changes in reflections. In one example, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may use corneal reflections or glints (also known as Purkinje images) and / or the center of the eye’s pupil 1922 as features to track overtime.

[0225]

[0221] In some examples, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may use the center of the eye’s pupil 1922 and infrared or near-infrared, non-collimated light to create corneal reflections. In these examples, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may use the vector between the center of the eye’s pupil 1922 and the corneal reflections to compute the gaze direction of eye 1901. In some examples, the disclosed systems may perform a calibration procedure for an individual (using, e.g., supervised or unsupervised techniques) before tracking the user’s eyes. For example, the calibration procedure may include directing users to look at one or more points displayed on a display while the eye-tracking system records the values that correspond to each gaze position associated with each point.

[0226]

[0222] In some examples, eye-tracking subsystem 1906 may use two types of infrared and / or near-infrared (also known as active light) eye-tracking techniques: bright-pupil and dark-pupil eye tracking, which may be differentiated based on the location of an illumination source with respect to the optical elements used. If the illumination is coaxial with the optical path, then eye 1901 may act as a retroreflector as the light reflects off the retina, thereby creating a bright pupil effect similar to a red-eye effect in photography. If the illumination source is offset from the optical path, then the eye’s pupil 1922 may appear dark because the retroreflection from the retina is directed away from the sensor. In some examples, bright-pupil tracking may create greater iris / pupil contrast, allowing more robust eye tracking with iris pigmentation, and may feature reduced interference (e.g., interference caused by eyelashes and other obscuring features). Bright-pupil tracking may also allow tracking in lighting conditions ranging from total darkness to a very bright environment.

[0227]

[0223] In some examples, control subsystem 1908 may control light source 1902 and / or optical subsystem 1904 to reduce optical aberrations (e.g., chromatic aberrations and / or monochromatic aberrations) of the image that may be caused by or influenced by eye 1901. In some examples, as mentioned above, control subsystem 1908 may use the tracking information from eye-tracking subsystem 1906 to perform such control. For example, in controlling light source 1902, control subsystem 1908 may alter the light generated by light source 1902 (e.g., by way of image rendering) to modify (e.g., pre-distort) the image so that the aberration of the image caused by eye 1901 is reduced.

[0228]

[0224] The disclosed systems may track both the position and relative size of the pupil (since, e.g., the pupil dilates and / or contracts). In some examples, the eye-tracking devices and components (e.g., sensors and / or sources) used for detecting and / or tracking the pupil may be different (or calibrated differently) for different types of eyes. For example, the frequency range of the sensors may be different (or separately calibrated) for eyes of different colors and / or different pupil types, sizes, and / or the like. As such, the various eye-tracking components (e.g., infrared sources and / or sensors) described herein may need to be calibrated for each individual user and / or eye.

[0229]

[0225] The disclosed systems may track both eyes with and without ophthalmic correction, such as that provided by contact lenses worn by the user. In some examples, ophthalmic correction elements (e.g., adjustable lenses) may be directly incorporated into the artificial reality systems described herein. In some examples, the color of the user’s eye may necessitate modification of a corresponding eye-tracking algorithm. For example, eye-tracking algorithms may need to be modified based at least in part on the differing color contrast between a brown eye and, for example, a blue eye.

[0230]

[0226] FIG. 20 is a more detailed illustration of various aspects of the eye-tracking subsystem illustrated in FIG. 19. As shown in this figure, an eye-tracking subsystem 2000 may include at least one source 2004 and at least one sensor 2006. Source 2004 generally represents any type or form of element capable of emitting radiation. In one example, source 2004 may generate visible, infrared, and / or near-infrared radiation. In some examples, source 2004 may radiate non-collimated infrared and / or near-infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum towards an eye 2002 of a user. Source 2004 may utilize a variety of sampling rates and speeds. For example, the disclosed systems may use sources with higher sampling rates in order to capture fixational eye movements of a user’s eye 2002 and / or to correctly measure saccade dynamics of the user’s eye 2002. As noted above, any type or form of eye-tracking technique may be used to track the user’s eye 2002, including optical-based eye-tracking techniques, ultrasound-based eye-tracking techniques, etc.

[0231]

[0227] Sensor 2006 generally represents any type or form of element capable of detecting radiation, such as radiation reflected off the user’s eye 2002. Examples of sensor 2006 include, without limitation, a charge coupled device (CCD), a photodiode array, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) based sensor device, and / or the like. In one example, sensor 2006 may represent a sensor having predetermined parameters, including, but not limited to, a dynamic resolution range, linearity, and / or other characteristic selected and / or designed specifically for eye tracking.

[0232]

[0228] As detailed above, eye-tracking subsystem 2000 may generate one or more glints. As detailed above, a glint 2003 may represent reflections of radiation (e.g., infrared radiation from an infrared source, such as source 2004) from the structure of the user’s eye. In various examples, glint 2003 and / or the user’s pupil may be tracked using an eye-tracking algorithm executed by a processor (either within or external to an artificial reality device). For example, an artificial reality device may include a processor and / or a memory device in order to perform eye tracking locally and / or a transceiver to send and receive the data necessary to perform eye tracking on an external device (e.g., a mobile phone, cloud server, or other computing device).

[0233]

[0229] FIG. 20 shows an example image 2005 captured by an eye-tracking subsystem, such as eye-tracking subsystem 2000. In this example, image 2005 may include both the user’s pupil 2008 and a glint 2010 near the same. In some examples, pupil 2008 and / or glint 2010 may be identified using an artificial-intelligence-based algorithm, such as a computer-vision-based algorithm. In one example, image 2005 may represent a single frame in a series of frames that may be analyzed continuously in order to track the eye 2002 of the user. Further, pupil 2008 and / or glint 2010 may be tracked over a period of time to determine a user’s gaze.

[0234]

[0230] In one example, eye-tracking subsystem 2000 may be configured to identify and measure the inter-pupillary distance (IPD) of a user. In some examples, eye-tracking subsystem 2000 may measure and / or calculate the IPD of the user while the user is wearing the artificial reality system. In these examples, eye-tracking subsystem 2000 may detect the positions of a user’s eyes and may use this information to calculate the user’s IPD.

[0235]

[0231] As noted, the eye-tracking systems or subsystems disclosed herein may track a user’s eye position and / or eye movement in a variety of ways. In one example, one or more light sources and / or optical sensors may capture an image of the user’s eyes. The eye-tracking subsystem may then use the captured information to determine the user’s inter-pupillary distance, interocular distance, and / or a 3D position of each eye (e.g., for distortion adjustment purposes), including a magnitude of torsion and rotation (i.e., roll, pitch, and yaw) and / or gaze directions for each eye. In one example, infrared light may be emitted by the eye-tracking subsystem and reflected from each eye. The reflected light may be received or detected by an optical sensor and analyzed to extract eye rotation data from changes in the infrared light reflected by each eye.

[0236]

[0232] The eye-tracking subsystem may use any of a variety of different methods to track the eyes of a user. For example, a light source (e.g., infrared light-emitting diodes) may emit a dot pattern onto each eye of the user. The eye-tracking subsystem may then detect (e.g., via an optical sensor coupled to the artificial reality system) and analyze a reflection of the dot pattern from each eye of the user to identify a location of each pupil of the user. Accordingly, the eye-tracking subsystem may track up to six degrees of freedom of each eye (i.e., 3D position, roll, pitch, and yaw) and at least a subset of the tracked quantities may be combined from two eyes of a user to estimate a gaze point (i.e., a 3D location or position in a virtual scene where the user is looking) and / or an IPD.

[0237]

[0233] In some cases, the distance between a user’s pupil and a display may change as the user’s eye moves to look in different directions. The varying distance between a pupil and a display as viewing direction changes may be referred to as “pupil swim” and may contribute to distortion perceived by the user as a result of light focusing in different locations as the distance between the pupil and the display changes. Accordingly, measuring distortion at different eye positions and pupil distances relative to displays and generating distortion corrections for different positions and distances may allow mitigation of distortion caused by pupil swim by tracking the 3D position of a user’s eyes and applying a distortion correction corresponding to the 3D position of each of the user’s eyes at a given point in time. Thus, knowing the 3D position of each of a user’s eyes may allow for the mitigation of distortion caused by changes in the distance between the pupil of the eye and the display by applying a distortion correction for each 3D eye position. Furthermore, as noted above, knowing the position of each of the user’s eyes may also enable the eye-tracking subsystem to make automated adjustments for a user’s IPD.

[0238]

[0234] In some examples, a display subsystem may include a variety of additional subsystems that may work in conjunction with the eye-tracking subsystems described herein. For example, a display subsystem may include a varifocal subsystem, a scene-rendering module, and / or a vergence-processing module. The varifocal subsystem may cause left and right display elements to vary the focal distance of the display device. In one example, the varifocal subsystem may physically change the distance between a display and the optics through which it is viewed by moving the display, the optics, or both. Additionally, moving or translating two lenses relative to each other may also be used to change the focal distance of the display. Thus, the varifocal subsystem may include actuators or motors that move displays and / or optics to change the distance between them. This varifocal subsystem may be separate from or integrated into the display subsystem. The varifocal subsystem may also be integrated into or separate from its actuation subsystem and / or the eye-tracking subsystems described herein.

[0239]

[0235] In one example, the display subsystem may include a vergence-processing module configured to determine a vergence depth of a user’s gaze based on a gaze point and / or an estimated intersection of the gaze lines determined by the eye-tracking subsystem. Vergence may refer to the simultaneous movement or rotation of both eyes in opposite directions to maintain single binocular vision, which may be naturally and automatically performed by the human eye. Thus, a location where a user’s eyes are verged is where the user is looking and is also typically the location where the user’s eyes are focused. For example, the vergence-processing module may triangulate gaze lines to estimate a distance or depth from the user associated with intersection of the gaze lines. The depth associated with intersection of the gaze lines may then be used as an approximation for the accommodation distance, which may identify a distance from the user where the user’s eyes are directed. Thus, the vergence distance may allow for the determination of a location where the user’s eyes should be focused and a depth from the user’s eyes at which the eyes are focused, thereby providing information (such as an object or plane of focus) for rendering adjustments to the virtual scene.

[0240]

[0236] The vergence-processing module may coordinate with the eye-tracking subsystems described herein to make adjustments to the display subsystem to account for a user’s vergence depth. When the user is focused on something at a distance, the user’s pupils may be slightly farther apart than when the user is focused on something close. The eyetracking subsystem may obtain information about the user’s vergence or focus depth and may adjust the display subsystem to be closer together when the user’s eyes focus or verge on something close and to be farther apart when the user’s eyes focus or verge on something at a distance.

[0241]

[0237] The eye-tracking information generated by the above-described eye-tracking subsystems may also be used, for example, to modify various aspect of how different computer-generated images are presented. For example, a display subsystem may be configured to modify, based on information generated by an eye-tracking subsystem, at least one aspect of how the computer-generated images are presented. For instance, the computergenerated images may be modified based on the user’s eye movement, such that if a user is looking up, the computer-generated images may be moved upward on the screen. Similarly, if the user is looking to the side or down, the computer-generated images may be moved to the side or downward on the screen. If the user’s eyes are closed, the computer-generated images may be paused or removed from the display and resumed once the user’s eyes are back open.

[0242]

[0238] The above-described eye-tracking subsystems can be incorporated into one or more of the various artificial reality systems described herein in a variety of ways. For example, one or more of the various components of system 1900 and / or eye-tracking subsystem 2000 may be incorporated into any of the augmented-reality systems in and / or virtual-reality systems described herein in to enable these systems to perform various eye-tracking tasks (including one or more of the eye-tracking operations described herein).

[0243]

[0239] As detailed above, the computing devices and systems described and / or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions, such as those contained within the modules described herein. In their most basic configuration, these computing device(s) may each include at least one memory device and at least one physical processor.

[0244]

[0240] In some examples, the term “memory device” generally refers to any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and / or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device may store, load, and / or maintain one or more of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable storage memory.

[0245]

[0241] In some examples, the term “physical processor” generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and / or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor may access and / or modify one or more modules stored in the above-described memory device. Examples of physical processors include, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable physical processor.

[0246]

[0242] Although illustrated as separate elements, the modules described and / or illustrated herein may represent portions of a single module or application. In addition, in certain examples one or more of these modules may represent one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks. For example, one or more of the modules described and / or illustrated herein may represent modules stored and configured to run on one or more of the computing devices or systems described and / or illustrated herein. One or more of these modules may also represent all or portions of one or more special-purpose computers configured to perform one or more tasks.

[0247]

[0243] In addition, one or more of the modules described herein may transform data, physical devices, and / or representations of physical devices from one form to another. For example, one or more of the modules recited herein may receive eye tracking data to be transformed, transform the eye tracking data, output a result of the transformation to a controller, and use the result of the transformation to operate an actuator. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form to another by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and / or otherwise interacting with the computing device.

[0248]

[0244] In some examples, the term “computer-readable medium” generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, without limitation, transmissiontype media, such as carrier waves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical-storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems.

[0249]

[0245] The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0250]

[0246] The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the examples disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The examples disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the present disclosure.

[0251]

[0247] Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An eyewear device comprising: a display module having at least a first through hole; a guide shaft arranged to pass through the first through hole; at least one actuator configured to move the display module along the guide shaft; and at least one controller configured to operate the at least one actuator, based on eye tracking data of a user wearing the eyewear device, to move the display module along the guide shaft.

2. The eyewear device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one image sensor configured to capture image data of an eye of the user, and wherein the at least one controller is further configured to generate the eye tracking data of the user based at least in part on the image data captured by the at least one image sensor.

3. The eyewear device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more bushings, and wherein the guide shaft is arranged to pass through the one or more bushings; preferably wherein the one or more bushings are rigidly attached to the display module.

4. The eyewear device of any preceding claim, further comprising a lens module and a particle seal structure attached to and extending between the display module and the lens module, wherein the particle seal structure is configured to expand or compress as the display module moves along the guide shaft.

5. The eyewear device of claim 4, wherein the particle seal structure comprises a bellows; preferably wherein the particle seal structure is configured to encapsulate a space between the display module and the lens module and to maintain an essentially constant volume within the space between the display module and the lens module as the display module moves along the guide shaft.

6. The eyewear device of claim 4 or 5, wherein, for at least some positions of the display module along the guide shaft, the particle seal structure is compressed and applies a force against the display module.

7. The eyewear device of any preceding claim, wherein the display module comprises a frame and a display screen coupled to the frame, and wherein the first through hole is arranged within the frame of the display module.

8. The eyewear device of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator includes a motor, and wherein the eyewear device further comprises: a lead screw coupled to the motor; and a nut coupled to the display module and engaged with the lead screw; preferably further comprising: a spring attached to the nut and configured to apply a clamping force on the nut against thelead screw; or a compression spring coupled to the nut, and a plunger arranged at least partially within the compression spring and in contact with the display module.

9. The eyewear device of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the display module; preferably wherein the at least one sensor includes a Hall Effect sensor.

10. The eyewear device of any preceding claim, wherein the display module has a second through hole, and wherein the eyewear device further comprises a lay shaft arranged to pass through the second through hole.

11. A method comprising: dynamically adjusting a focal distance between a lens module and a display module of an eyewear device worn by a user by: obtaining, by at least one controller of the eyewear device, eye tracking data of the user; and operating, by the at least one controller based on the eye tracking data, at least one actuator to move the lens module and / or the display module to adjust the focal distance between the lens module and the display module, wherein the display module has at least a first through hole, and wherein a guide shaft is arranged to pass through the first through hole.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the at least one actuator moves the display module along the guide shaft.

13. The method of claim 1 1 or 12, further comprising: capturing image data of an eye of the user by at least one image sensor; and generating, by the at least one controller, the eye tracking data of the user based at least in part on the image data.

14. The method of any of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the eyewear device comprises a particle seal structure extending between the display module and the lens module that encapsulates a space between the display module and the lens module, and wherein the particle seal structure expands or compresses while maintaining an essentially constant internal volume as the at least one actuator moves the lens module and / or the display module.

15. The method of any of claims 1 1 to 14, further comprising detecting, by the at least one controller based on the eye tracking data, a change in a focal distance of eyes of the user, and operating the at least one actuator to move the lens module and / or the display module in response to detecting the change in the focal distance of the eyes of the user.

Images