Motor temperature sensor for head-mountable device

A head-mountable device can effectively manage heat with a motor assembly that efficiently and accurately senses a temperature of a motor. A temperature sensor can be provided on an outer surface (e.g., case) of the motor. A flex circuit can be operably connect both the motor and the temperature sensor to a controller of the head-mountable device. The flex circuit can have a first side coupled to the outer surface of the case, a second side supporting the temperature sensor, and thermally conductive vias extending from the first side to the second side to conduct heat from the case to the sensor. The flex circuit can further include a memory comprising calibration data of the temperature sensor and a connector for outputting temperature data based on the temperature sensor and the calibration data of the memory.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present description relates generally to motor temperature sensing, and, more particularly, to sensing temperature of a motor of a head-mountable device.

BACKGROUND

A head-mountable device can be worn by a user to display visual information within the field of view of the user. The head-mountable device can be used as a virtual reality (VR) system, an augmented reality (AR) system, and/or a mixed reality (MR) system. A user may observe outputs provided by the head-mountable device, such as visual information provided on a display. The display can optionally allow a user to observe an environment outside of the head-mountable device. Other outputs provided by the head-mountable device can include speaker output and/or haptic feedback. A user may further interact with the head-mountable device by providing inputs for processing by one or more components of the head-mountable device. For example, the user can provide tactile inputs, voice commands, and other inputs while the device is mounted to the user's head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Head-mountable devices, such as head-mounted displays, headsets, visors, smartglasses, head-up display, etc., can perform a range of functions that are managed by the components (e.g., sensors, circuitry, and other hardware) included with the wearable device. The head-mountable device can provide a user's experience that is immersive or otherwise natural so the user can easily focus on enjoying the experience without being distracted by the mechanisms of the head-mountable device.

Components of a head-mountable device can generate heat during operation. For examples, motors can be operated to move components of the head-mountable device as needed to enhance a user's experience. However, motors and other components can generate heat, which can damage the components of the head-mountable device and cause discomfort to the user. It can be desirable to sense, detect, track, and predict the heat output (e.g., temperature) of such components so their operation can be managed and/or mitigation steps can be performed.

Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device that effectively manages heat with a motor assembly that efficiently and accurately senses a temperature of a motor. The motor can be operated, for example, to move display modules relative to a frame and/or each other. Within the motor case, coils can drive a rotor. A temperature sensor can be provided on an outer surface (e.g., case) of the motor. A flex circuit can be operably connect connecting both the motor and the temperature sensor to a controller of the head-mountable device. The flex circuit can have a first side coupled to the outer surface of the case, a second side supporting the temperature sensor, and thermally conductive vias extending from the first side to the second side to conduct heat from the case to the sensor. The flex circuit can further include a memory comprising calibration data of the temperature sensor and a connector for outputting temperature data based on the temperature sensor and the calibration data of the memory.

A motor assembly such as those described herein can provide built-in temperature monitoring of the motor. Accordingly, the assembly can be compact and lightweight with minimal addition of mechanisms to operably connect the components to each other. Additionally, by storing calibration data on a memory of the flex circuit, the resulting output can readily provide temperature data that is already converted to a desired output type.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference toFIGS.1-6.

However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

According to some embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.1, a head-mountable device100includes a frame110that is worn on a head of a user. The frame110can be positioned in front of the eyes of a user to provide information within a field of view of the user. The frame110can provide nose pads or another feature to rest on a user's nose. The frame110can be supported on a user's head with the securement element120. The securement element120can wrap or extend along opposing sides of a user's head. The securement element120can include earpieces for wrapping around or otherwise engaging or resting on a user's ears. It will be appreciated that other configurations can be applied for securing the head-mountable device100to a user's head. For example, one or more bands, straps, belts, caps, hats, or other components can be used in addition to or in place of the illustrated components of the head-mountable device100. By further example, the securement element120can include multiple components to engage a user's head.

The frame110can provide structure around a peripheral region thereof to support any internal components of the frame110in their assembled position. For example, the frame110can enclose and support various internal components (including for example integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices and other circuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for the head-mountable device100, as discussed further herein. While several components are shown within the frame110, it will be understood that some or all of these components can be located anywhere within or on the head-mountable device100. For example, one or more of these components can be positioned within the securement element120of the head-mountable device100.

The frame110can include and/or support one or more camera modules130. The camera modules130can be positioned on or near an outer side122of the frame110to capture images of views external to the head-mountable device100. As used herein, an outer side of a portion of a head-mountable device is a side that faces away from the user and/or towards an external environment. The captured images can be used for display to the user or stored for any other purpose. Each of the camera modules130can be movable along the outer side122. For example, a track or other guide can be provided for facilitating movement of the camera module130therein.

The head-mountable device100can include display modules140that provide visual output for viewing by a user wearing the head-mountable device100. One or more display modules140can be positioned on or near an inner side124of the frame110. As used herein, an inner side124of a portion of a head-mountable device is a side that faces toward the user and/or away from the external environment.

The head-mountable device100can include one or more motors150for moving one or more components of the head-mountable device100. Such components can be moved by a motor150relative to the frame110or another component. For example, a motor150can be operated to move and position a display module140to be within the field of view of a user's eye(s) while the frame110is secured to a head of the user.

The motor150can be operated to move the display module140based on target locations, positions, and/or outcome as well as one or more of a variety of measurements. For example, the display module140can be moved to a target location based on a desired visual effect that corresponds to user's perception of the display module140when it is positioned at the target location. The target location can be determined based on a focal length of the user and/or optical elements of the system. For example, the user's eye and/or optical elements of the system can determine how the visual output of the display module140will be perceived by the user. The distance between the display module140and the user's eye and/or the distance between the display module140and one or more optical elements can be altered to place the display module140at, within, or outside of a corresponding focal distance. Such adjustments can be useful to accommodate a particular user's eye, corrective lenses, and/or a desired optical effect. It will be understood that such movement can be controlled by mechanisms described herein for additional purposes.

The position of the display module140can be measured directly to provide a feedback for control actions taken with respect to the motor150. For example, a sensor can be provided to directly measure the proximity and/or position of the display module140(e.g., with an encoder) with respect to one or more other structures (e.g., the frame110). Additionally or alternatively, the position of the display module140can be inferred and/or calculated based on other measurements.

Referring now toFIG.2, a motor can provide other adjustments to display modules relative to a frame and/or each other. As shown inFIG.2, a display module140can be provided for each eye of the user on the inner side124of the frame110. Each display module140can be adjusted to align with a corresponding eye of the user. For example, each display module140can be moved along one or more axes until a center of each display module140is aligned with a center of the corresponding eye. Accordingly, the distance between the display modules140can be set based on an interpupillary distance of the user. IPD is defined as the distance between the centers of the pupils of a user's eyes.

The pair of display modules140can be mounted to the frame110and separated by a distance. The distance between the pair of display modules140can be designed to correspond to the IPD of a user. The distance can be adjustable to account for different IPDs of different users that may wear the head-mountable device100. For example, either or both of the display modules140may be movably mounted to the frame110to permit the display modules140to move or translate laterally to make the distance larger or smaller. Any type of manual or automatic mechanism may be used to permit the distance between the display modules140to be an adjustable distance. For example, the display modules140can be mounted to the frame110via slidable tracks or guides that permit manual or electronically actuated movement of one or more of the display modules140to adjust the distance there between.

Movement of each of the display modules140can match movement of a corresponding camera. For example, each display module140can be supported on the inner side124of the frame110, and a camera can be coupled to and movable with a corresponding one of the display modules140. The display module140can be adjusted to align with the corresponding eye of the user, and the camera can be correspondingly adjusted so that the field of view provided by the display module140corresponds to a field of view captured by the camera. Accordingly, the display module140is able to accurately reproduce, simulate, or augment a view based on a view captured by the camera with an alignment that corresponds to the view that the user would have naturally without the head-mountable device100.

A display module140can transmit light from a physical environment (e.g., as captured by a camera module) for viewing by the user. Such a display module140can include optical properties, such as lenses for vision correction based on incoming light from the physical environment. Additionally or alternatively, a display module140can provide information as a display within a field of view of the user. Such information can be provided to the exclusion of a view of a physical environment or in addition to (e.g., overlaid with) a physical environment.

Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

It will be understood that controls, adjustments, and movements provided by operation of the motor150can be applied to an entirety of a display module140or a component thereof. For example, the display module140can include light emitters, lenses, filters, polarizers, prisms, beam splitters, diffraction gratings, mirrors, and/or windows that can be moved relative to each other and/or other components (e.g., the frame110).

The motor150can be provided with components that facilitate movement. For example, the motor150can include or be connected to drivetrain components such as gears, clutches, and/or transmissions, to facilitate independent or simultaneous movement of components based on operation of one or more motors150. The movements of one or more components can be facilitated by rails, grooves, pathways, and/or other structures that receive, engage, and/or interact with each other to guide, limit, and/or direct movement.

While the motor150can move a display module140, it will be understood that the motor150can be operated to move other components. For example, a sensor, an input device, and/or an output device can be moved by a motor150to provide a function at and/or to a given location. By further example, a user engagement element, such as a head securement element, can be moved by a motor150to engage and/or release a portion of a user.

Referring now toFIG.3, a motor assembly can be provided with features that provide motor functionality as well as temperature sensing. As shown inFIG.3, the assembly can include a motor150that is operable to provide rotational or other mechanical movement. At least some of the components of the motor150can be contained within a case152. For example, the motor150can include one or more coils154arranged at an inner surface of the case152. The coils154can form part or all of a stator portion of the motor150.

The motor150can further include a rotor156that is rotatable within and with respect to the case152. The rotor156can include or be connected to an output shaft158that extends out the case152. The output shaft158can be connected to a component to be moved, so that rotation of the rotor156and/or the output shaft158accomplishes the desired movement.

The motor150can include one or more other components to facilitate operation thereof. For example, the motor150can include one or more magnets, main poles, and/or interpoles at the stator portion and/or the rotor portion. By further example, the motor150can include an armature, one or more armature windings, a brush, and/or a commutator at the stator portion and/or the rotor portion. The motor150can be a DC motor or an AC motor.

The assembly can include a temperature sensor160positioned on an outer surface of the case152of the motor150. The temperature sensor160can include one or more of a variety of types of temperature sensors, including thermistors, thermocouples, resistance thermometers, bandgap temperature sensors, thermal capacity sensors, infrared sensors, and the like. The temperature sensor160can be configured to detect a temperature of the motor150as determined at the outer surface of the case152, as described further herein.

The assembly can include a flex circuit170that operably connects components of the assembly to each other and/or other components. As used herein, “flexible circuit” or “flex circuit” is a structure that includes a conductive layer, an insulation layer, and optionally a substrate layer. A flex circuit can be provided in electrical communication with at least one electrode, terminal, and/or connector. A flex circuit forms circuitry that includes a pattern of conductors of the conductive layer typically in the form of pads, which are typically formed on a surface of an insulating material of the insulation layer. Such circuitry is typically metallic, such as of a copper or copper alloy. In general, a flex circuit is thin, having a total thickness of from about 1 mm to about 30 mm. A flex circuit is generally flexible, such that it can conform to contours of other components. A flex circuit may be any suitable size, and constructed in any suitable shape. For example, the size of a flex circuit may be determined by the power requirements of the components connected thereto (e.g., motor150), the conductivity of the flex circuit, the distance between operably connected components, or any other suitable criteria.

The flex circuit170can operably connect the temperature sensor160and the motor150to a controller of the head-mountable device. For example, the flex circuit170can have, at an end portion thereof, a connector178for providing electrical communication through the circuitry of the flex circuit170.

The flex circuit170can operably connect to the motor150and the components thereof. For example, the motor150can include one or more terminals172that connect the flex circuit170to the coils154of the motor150. Accordingly, the flex circuit170can provide electrical power and/or control signals from a controller to energize the coils154and drive the rotor156of the motor150. Any number of terminals172can be provided to connect to, for example, a corresponding number of coils154.

The flex circuit170can have an end portion that extends to the temperature sensor160on the outer surface of the case152of the motor150. The temperature sensor160can be positioned a distance away from the terminals172, so that heat generated by electrical power and/or control signals for the coils154is not applied to the temperature sensor160. Additionally, the terminal172can be connected to the flex circuit170at a position between the temperature sensor160and the connector178. It will be understood that the flex circuit170can provide a continuous structure that connects the connector178to the terminals172of the motor150and the temperature sensor160of the assembly.

It will be understood that other mechanisms can be provided in addition to and/or in place of the flex circuit170. For example, operable connections can be made with any conductive circuit, wires, leads, and/or connectors between components.

Referring now toFIG.4, the temperature sensor can be positioned in close thermal contact with the motor. As shown inFIG.4, the temperature sensor160can be provided on an outer surface of the case152. On an inner surface of the case152, one or more coils154can be positioned. As the coils154are operated (e.g., energized with electrical current), the coils154can generate heat. As the temperature of the coils154changes, the resistance in the coils can also change. This change can cause the operation of the motor150to be inaccurate or unpredictable. However, the resistance of the coils154and changes therein can be calculated based on the induced temperature. With such information, the operational parameters of the motor150can be altered so that the motor150continues to operate at an optimal efficiency. Accordingly, sensing the temperature of the motor150can allow the controller to operate the motor150with greater performance.

The flex circuit170can include a memory for storing data. For example, the memory can include EEPROM or another non-volatile memory or storage, as described further herein. The memory can be included in a layer of the flex circuit170. The memory can be positioned between the temperature sensor160and the connector178of the flex circuit170. The memory can include calibration data of the temperature sensor160. For example, the calibration data can allow the flex circuit170to convert sensor data (e.g., signals) from the temperature sensor160into temperature data (e.g., in units of temperature) by applying the calibration data of the memory. Accordingly, the connector178can output temperature data for ready usage by a controller without requiring the controller to convert the data on its own.

As further shown inFIG.4, the temperature sensor160can be coupled to the case152of the motor by one or more thermally conductive materials. For example, a thermal adhesive168(e.g., epoxy) can be provided to affix the flex circuit170and/or the temperature sensor160to the outer surface of the case152. The thermal adhesive168can provide a broad surface for contact with and thermal conduction from the case152. The temperature sensor160can further be coupled to the case152via the flex circuit170, as described further herein. On the side of the temperature sensor160that is facing away from the case152, an encapsulate covering162can be provided. The encapsulate covering162can shield the temperature sensor160from an external environment, such that temperature conditions in the external environment have minimal impact on the temperature sensor160.

While the temperature sensor160as shown on an external surface of the case152, it will be understood that the case152can provide a cavity within which the temperature sensor160can be positioned. Within the cavity, the temperature sensor160can be thermally coupled to the case152, such as with a thermal adhesive168. In such an arrangement, the flex circuit170can optionally be provided on a side of the temperature sensor160that is opposite the case152.

Referring now toFIG.5, a flex circuit can provide efficient thermal conduction there through to thermally connect the temperature sensor to the case of the motor. For example, the flex circuit170can provide an exposed conductive portion164on a side thereof to face the case of the motor and provide a broader interface for thermal contact. The flex circuit170can further provide one or more vias166that connect the exposed conductive portion164on the first side to another layer of the flex circuit170. The vias can thereby thermally couple the temperature sensor to the case of the motor with efficient thermal conduction there between.

Referring now toFIG.6, components of the head-mountable device can be operably connected to provide the performance described herein.FIG.6shows a simplified block diagram of an illustrative head-mountable device100in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that components described herein can be provided on either or both of a frame and/or a securement element of the head-mountable device100. It will be understood that additional components, different components, or fewer components than those illustrated may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

As shown inFIG.6, the head-mountable device100can include a controller180(e.g., control circuitry) with one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory182having instructions stored thereon. The instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the head-mountable device100. The controller180can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the controller180may include one or more of: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processor” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements.

The memory182can store electronic data that can be used by the head-mountable device100. The memory182can include the memory of the flex circuit170described herein. For example, the memory182can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for the various modules, data structures or databases, and so on. The memory182can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory182can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices.

The head-mountable device100can further include a display module140for displaying visual information for a user. The display module140can provide visual (e.g., image or video) output. The display module140can be or include an opaque, transparent, and/or translucent display. The display module140may have a transparent or translucent medium through which light representative of images is directed to a user's eyes. The display module140may utilize digital light projection, OLEDs, LEDs, uLEDs, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may be an optical waveguide, a hologram medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent display may be configured to become opaque selectively. Projection-based systems may employ retinal projection technology that projects graphical images onto a person's retina. Projection systems also may be configured to project virtual objects into the physical environment, for example, as a hologram or on a physical surface. The head-mountable device100can include an optical subassembly configured to help optically adjust and correctly project the image based content being displayed by the display module140for close up viewing. The optical subassembly can include one or more lenses, mirrors, or other optical devices.

The head-mountable device100can include the motor150for moving one or more components of the head-mountable device100, as described herein.

The head-mountable device100can include the temperature sensor160for sensing a temperature of the motor150and/or another component, as described herein.

The head-mountable device100can include an input/output component186, which can include any suitable component for connecting head-mountable device100to other devices. Suitable components can include, for example, audio/video jacks, data connectors, or any additional or alternative input/output components. The input/output component186can include buttons, keys, or another feature that can act as a keyboard for operation by the user.

The head-mountable device100can include the microphone188as described herein. The microphone188can be operably connected to the controller180for detection of sound levels and communication of detections for further processing, as described further herein.

The head-mountable device100can include the speakers190as described herein. The speakers190can be operably connected to the controller180for control of speaker output, including sound levels, as described further herein.

The head-mountable device100can include one or more other sensors. Such sensors can be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic such as, but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and so on. For example, the sensor can be a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a chemical sensor, an ozone sensor, a particulate count sensor, and so on. By further example, the sensor can be a bio-sensor for tracking biometric characteristics, such as health and activity metrics. Other user sensors can perform facial feature detection, facial movement detection, facial recognition, eye tracking, user mood detection, user emotion detection, voice detection, etc. Sensors can include a camera which can capture image based content of the outside world.

The head-mountable device100can include communications circuitry192for communicating with one or more servers or other devices using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry192can support Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, TCP/IP (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. Communications circuitry192can also include an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals.

The head-mountable device100can include a battery, which can charge and/or power components of the head-mountable device100. The battery can also charge and/or power components connected to the head-mountable device100.

While various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated with respect to a head-mountable device, it will be appreciated that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to other devices. For example, a motor assembly and/or temperature sensor arrangement in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can be included with an electronic device that generates heat during operation. Such an electronic device can be or include a desktop computing device, a laptop-computing device, a display, a television, a portable device, a phone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a wearable device, a watch, and/or a digital media player.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a head-mountable device that effectively manages heat with a motor assembly that efficiently and accurately senses a temperature of a motor. The motor can be operated, for example, to move display modules relative to a frame and/or each other. Within the motor case, coils can drive a rotor. A temperature sensor can be provided on an outer surface (e.g., case) of the motor. A flex circuit can be operably connect both the motor and the temperature sensor to a controller of the head-mountable device. The flex circuit can have a first side coupled to the outer surface of the case, a second side supporting the temperature sensor, and thermally conductive vias extending from the first side to the second side to conduct heat from the case to the sensor. The flex circuit can further include a memory comprising calibration data of the temperature sensor and a connector for outputting temperature data based on the temperature sensor and the calibration data of the memory.

Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as clauses for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology.

Clause A: a head-mountable device comprising: a frame; a display module; a motor configured to move the display module relative to the frame; a temperature sensor on an outer surface of the motor; and a conductive circuit operably connecting the motor and the temperature sensor to a controller of the head-mountable device.

Clause B: a motor assembly comprising: a case; coils at an inner surface of the case; and a rotor rotatable within the case based on operation of the coils; a temperature sensor on an outer surface of the case, opposite one of the coils; and a flex circuit comprising: a first side being coupled to the outer surface of the case; a second side supporting the temperature sensor; and thermally conductive vias extending from the first side to the second side to conduct heat from the case to the temperature sensor.

Clause C: a motor assembly comprising: a case containing coils and a rotor; a temperature sensor on an outer surface of the case; and a flex circuit comprising: a first end operably connected to the temperature sensor; a memory comprising calibration data of the temperature sensor; and a second end configured to output temperature data based on the temperature sensor and the calibration data of the memory.

One or more of the above clauses can include one or more of the features described below. It is noted that any of the following clauses may be combined in any combination with each other, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, or C.

Clause 1: the display module is a first display module; and the head-mountable device further comprises a second display module, wherein the motor is configured to move the second display module relative to the frame.

Clause 2: the motor is configured to control a distance between the first display module and the second display module.

Clause 3: a camera movable with the display module.

Clause 4: conductive circuit is positioned between the temperature sensor and the motor.

Clause 5: the conductive circuit further comprises a memory comprising calibration data of the temperature sensor.

Clause 6: the motor comprises: a case; coils at an inner surface of the case; and a rotor rotatable within the case based on operation of the coils.

Clause 7: a first end of the conductive circuit is positioned at the case; a second end of the conductive circuit comprises a connector for providing an operable connection to the controller; and the motor further comprises terminals operably connected to the coils, the terminals being connected to the conductive circuit between the first end of the conductive circuit and the second end of the conductive circuit.

Clause 8: the flex circuit operably connects the coils and the temperature sensor to a controller.

Clause 9: an encapsulate covering a side of the temperature sensor that is opposite the flex circuit.

Clause 10: a first end of the flex circuit is positioned at the case; a second end of the flex circuit comprises a connector for providing an operable connection to a controller; and the motor assembly further comprises terminals operably connected to the coils, the terminals being connected to the flex circuit between the first end of the flex circuit and the second end of the flex circuit.

Clause 11: a thermal adhesive coupling the first side of the flex circuit to the case.

Clause 12: the flex circuit further comprises a memory comprising calibration data of the temperature sensor.

Clause 13: the memory comprises electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

Clause 14: the coils are at an inner surface of the case; the rotor is rotatable within the case based on operation of the coils; and the flex circuit operably connects the coils and the temperature sensor to a controller.

Clause 15: the flex circuit thermally couples the temperature sensor to the case.

Clause 16: a thermal adhesive coupling the flex circuit to the case.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user's general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.