Wearable device with bone conduction microphone

A head-mounted wearable device incorporates a transducer into a nosepiece. Vibrations from the user's speech are transferred through the bridge of the nose and are detected by the transducer to produce an audio signal. In one implementation, a nose plate with a pair of attached nosepieces is mounted to a transducer, such as an accelerometer. The nose plate may be affixed to a front frame of the head-mounted wearable device using a motion limiter mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices provide many benefits to users, allowing easier and more convenient access to information and services.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wearable devices provide many benefits to users, allowing easier and more convenient access to information and services. For example, a head-mounted wearable device having a form factor similar to eyeglasses may provide a ubiquitous and easily worn device to access information.

Traditional head-mounted wearable devices (HMWDs) have utilized air conduction microphones to obtain information from the user. For example, an air conduction microphone detects sounds in the air as expelled by the wearer during speech. However, the air conduction microphone may also detect other sounds from other sources, such as someone else who is speaking nearby, public address systems, and so forth. These other sounds may interfere with the sounds produced by the wearer.

Described in this disclosure are several implementations of a bone conduction microphone integrated into a HMWD at a nosepiece. The bone conduction microphone may be used to detect vibrations in the bridge of the wearer's nose resulting from speech. The bone conduction microphone may comprise a transducer that generates a signal from these vibrations. This signal may be used as an audio signal, and is representative of the vibrations resulting from speech or other noises made by the wearer. For example, the bone conduction microphone may comprise an accelerometer that is able to detect the vibrations occurring in the bridge of a wearer's nose that result from speech.

The bone conduction microphone, or elements associated with it, may be arranged to be in contact with the skin above a bony or cartilaginous structure. For example, nose pads of the nosepiece may be mechanically coupled to the transducer such that vibrations of the nasal bone, glabella, or other structures upon which the nose pads may rest are transmitted to the transducer.

By using the bone conduction microphone in this arrangement, more reliable contact between the bone conduction microphone and the user may be obtained, wearer comfort may be improved, audio from the wearer may be acquired with less interference from adjacent sound sources, and so forth. As a result, the overall user experience may be improved. For example, by using the system described in this disclosure the user and another person with whom they are in audible communication with, such as a telephone call, may benefit from more intelligible speech and a reduction in noise from the ambient environment.

Illustrative System

FIG. 1depicts a system100in which a user102is wearing on their head104a HMWD106in a general form factor of eyeglasses. The HMWD106may incorporate hinges to allow the temples of the eyeglasses to fold. The eyeglasses may include a nosepiece108that aids in supporting a front frame of the eyeglasses by resting on or otherwise being supported by the bridge of the nose of the user102. A transducer110may be used in conjunction with the nosepiece108to act as a bone conduction microphone or speaker. For example, vibrations from the speech of the user102may be transferred via the nosepiece108to the transducer110, and an audio signal may be produced. This audio signal may be subsequently used for issuing commands to a processor of the HMWD106, communication with an external person or device, and so forth. The output from the transducer110may comprise an analog signal or a digital signal. Various arrangements of the nosepiece108, the transducer110, and other elements are discussed in more detail below.

The HMWD106may exchange data112using one or more networks114with one or more servers116. For example, the data112may comprise digitized speech of the user102as obtained by the transducer110. The servers116may support one or more services. These services may be automated, manual, or a combination of automated and manual processes. In some implementations, the HMWD106may communicate with another mobile device. For example, the HMWD106may use a personal area network (PAN) such as Bluetooth® to communicate with a smartphone.

The structures depicted in this and the following figures are not necessarily according to scale. Furthermore, the proportionality of one component to another may change with different implementations. In some illustrations the scale of a proportionate size of one structure may be exaggerated with respect to another to facilitate illustration, and not necessarily as a limitation.

FIG. 2depicts exterior views200of the HMWD106, according to some implementations. A rear view202shows the exterior appearance of the HMWD106while an underside view204shows selected components of the HMWD106.

In the rear view202, a front frame206is depicted. The front frame206may include a left brow section208(L) and a right brow section208(R) that are joined by a frame bridge210. In some implementations, the front frame206may comprise a single piece of material, such as a metal, plastic, ceramic, composite material, and so forth. For example, the front frame206may comprise 6061 aluminum alloy that has been milled to the desired shape. In other implementations, the front frame206may comprise several discrete pieces that are joined together by way of mechanical engagement features, welding, adhesive, and so forth. Also depicted extending from temples or otherwise hidden from view are earpieces212.

In some implementations, the HMWD106may include one or more lenses214. The lenses214may have specific refractive characteristics, such as in the case of prescription lenses. The lenses214may be clear, tinted, photochromic, electrochromic, and so forth. For example, the lenses214may comprise plano (non-prescription) tinted lenses to provide protection from the sun. The lenses214may be joined to each other or to a portion of the frame bridge210by way of a lens bridge216. The lens bridge216may be located between the left lens214(L) and the right lens214(R). For example, the lens bridge216may comprise a member that joins a left lens214and a right lens214and affixes to the frame bridge210. The nosepiece108may be affixed to one or more of the front frame206, the frame bridge210, the lens bridge216, or the lenses214. The transducer110may be arranged at a mechanical interface between the nosepiece108and the front frame206, the frame bridge210, the lens bridge216, or the lenses214.

One or more nose pads218may be attached to the nosepiece108. The nose pads218aid in the support of the front frame206and may improve comfort of the user102. A lens assembly220comprises the lenses214and the lens bridge216. In some implementations, the lens assembly220may be omitted from the HMWD106.

The underside view204depicts a front frame206. One or more electrical conductors, optical fibers, transmission lines, and so forth may be used to connect various components of the HMWD106. In this illustration, arranged within a channel (not shown, seeFIG. 7) is a flexible printed circuit (FPC)222. The FPC222allows for an exchange of signals, power, and so forth between devices in the HMWD106, such as the transducer110, the left, and the right side of the front frame206. For example, the FPC222may be used to provide connections for electrical power and data communications between electronics in one or both of the temples and the transducer110.

In some implementations, the FPC222may be substantially planar or flat. The FPC222may include one or more of electrical conductors, optical waveguides, radiofrequency waveguides, and so forth. For example, the FPC222may include copper traces to convey electrical power or signals, optical fibers to act as optical waveguides and convey light, radiofrequency waveguides to convey radio signals, and so forth. In one implementation, the FPC222may comprise a flexible flat cable in which a plurality of conductors is arranged such that they have a substantially linear cross-section overall.

The FPC222may be planar in that the FPC222has a substantially linear or rectangular cross-section. For example, the electrical conductors or other elements of the FPC222may be within a common plane, such as during fabrication, and may be subsequently bent, rolled, or otherwise flexed.

The FPC222may comprise one or more conductors placed on an insulator. For example, the FPC222may comprise electrically conductive ink that has been printed onto a plastic substrate. Conductors used with the FPC222may include, but are not limited to, rolled annealed copper, electro deposited copper, aluminum, carbon, silver ink, austenite nickel-chromium alloy, copper-nickel alloy, and so forth. Insulators may include, but are not limited to, polyimide, polyester, screen printed dielectric, and so forth. In one implementation, the FPC222may comprise a plurality of electrical conductors laminated to polyethylene terephthalate film (PET) substrate. In another implementation, the FPC222may comprise a plurality of conductors that are lithographically formed onto a polymer film. For example, photolithography may be used to catch or otherwise form copper pathways. In yet another implementation, the FPC222may comprise a plurality of conductors that have been printed or otherwise deposited onto a substrate that is substantially flexible.

The FPC222may be deemed to be flexible when it is able to withstand one or more of bending around a predefined radius or twisting or torsion at a predefined angle while remaining functional to the intended purpose and without permanent damage. Flexibility may be proportionate to the thickness of the material. For example PET that is less than 250 micrometers thick may be deemed flexible, while the same PET having a thickness of 5 millimeters may be deemed inflexible.

The FPC222may include one or more layers of conductors. For example, one layer may comprise copper traces to carry electrical power and signals, a second layer may comprise optical fibers to carry light signals. A transducer connector224may provide electrical, optical, radio frequency, acoustic, or other connectivity between the transducer110and another device, such as the FPC222. In some implementations the transducer connector224may comprise a section or extension of the FPC222. In other implementations, the transducer connector224may comprise a discrete piece, such as wiring, conductive foam, flexible printed circuit, and so forth. The transducer connector224may be configured to transfer electrical power, electrical signals, optical signals, and so forth between the transducer110and devices, such as the FPC222.

A retention piece226may be placed between the FPC222within the channel and the exterior environment. The retention piece226may comprise an overmolded component, a channel seal, a channel cover, and so forth. For example, the material comprising the retention piece226may be formed into the channel while in one or more of a powder, liquid or semi-liquid state. The material may subsequently harden into a solid or semi-solid shape. Hardening may occur as a result of time, application of heat, light, electric current, and so forth. In another example, the retention piece226may be affixed to the channel or a portion thereof using adhesive, pressure, and so forth. In yet another example, the retention piece226may be formed within the channel using an additive technique, such as using an extrusion head to deposit a plastic or resin within the channel, a laser to sinter a powdered material, and so forth. The FPC222may be maintained within the channel by the retention piece226. The retention piece226may also provide protection from environmental contaminants such as dust, water, and so forth.

The retention piece226may be sized to retain the FPC222within the channel. The retention piece226may include one or more engagement features. The engagement features may be used to facilitate retention of the retention piece226within the channel of the front frame206. For example, the distal ends of the retention piece226may include protrusions configured to engage a corresponding groove or receptacle within a portion of the front frame206. Instead of, or in addition to the engagement features, an adhesive may be used to bond at least a portion of the retention piece226to at least a portion of the channel in the front frame206.

The retention piece226may comprise a single material, or a combination of materials. The material may comprise one or more of an elastomer, a polymer, a ceramic, a metal, a composite material, and so forth. The material of the retention piece226may be rigid or elastomeric. For example, the retention piece226may comprise a metal or a resin. In implementations where the retention piece226is rigid, a retention feature such as a tab or slot may be used to maintain the retention piece226in place in the channel of the front frame206. In another example, the retention piece226may comprise a silicone plastic, a room temperature vulcanizing rubber, or other elastomer.

The retention piece226may comprise a single piece, or several pieces. For example, the retention piece226may comprise a single piece produced using injection molding techniques. In some implementations, the retention piece226may comprise an overmolded piece.

One or more components of the HMWD106may comprise single unitary pieces or may comprise several discrete pieces. For example, the front frame206, the nosepiece108, and so forth may comprise a single piece, or may be constructed from several pieces joined or otherwise assembled.

In some implementations, the front frame206may be used to retain the lenses214. For example, the front frame206may comprise a unitary piece or assembly that encompasses at least a portion of a perimeter of each lens.

FIG. 3depicts exterior views300, from below looking up, of the HMWD106, including a view in an unfolded configuration302and in a folded configuration304, according to some implementations. The retention piece226that is placed within a channel of the front frame206is visible in this view from underneath the HMWD106.

Also visible in this view are the lenses214of the lens assembly220. Because the lens assembly220is affixed to the front frame206at the frame bridge210, the front frame206may flex without affecting the positioning of the lenses214with respect to the eyes of the user102. For example, when the head104of the user102is relatively large, the front frame206may flex away from the user's head104to accommodate the increased distance between the temples. Similarly, when the head104of the user102is relatively small, the front frame206may flex towards the user's head104to accommodate the decreased distance between the temples.

One or more hinges306may be affixed to, or an integral part of, the front frame206. Depicted is a left hinge306(L) and a right hinge306(R) on the left and right sides of the front frame206. The left hinge306(L) is arranged at the left brow section208(L), distal to the frame bridge210. The right hinge306(R) is arranged at the right brow section208(R) distal to the frame bridge210.

A temple308may couple to a portion of the hinge306. For example, the temple308may comprise one or more components, such as a knuckle, that mechanically engage one or more corresponding structures on the hinge306.

The left temple308(L) is attached to the left hinge306(L) of the front frame206. The right temple308(R) is attached to the right hinge306(R) of the front frame206.

The hinge306permits rotation of the temple308with respect to the hinge306about an axis of rotation310. The hinge306may be configured to provide a desired angle of rotation. For example, the hinge306may allow for a rotation of between 0 and 120 degrees. As a result of this rotation, the HMWD106may be placed into a folded configuration, such as shown at304. For example, each of the hinges306may rotate by about 90 degrees, such as depicted in the folded configuration304.

One or more of the front frame206, the hinge306, or the temple308may be configured to dampen the transfer of vibrations between the front frame206and the temples308. For example, the hinge306may incorporate vibration dampening structures or materials to attenuate the propagation of vibrations between the front frame206and the temples308. These vibration dampening structures may include elastomeric materials, springs, and so forth. In another example, the portion of the temple308that connects to the hinge306may comprise an elastomeric material.

One or more different sensors may be placed on the HMWD106. For example, in addition to the transducer110, an air conduction microphone312may be emplaced within or proximate to the left hinge306(L), such as on the underside of the left hinge306(L). One or more buttons314may be placed in other locations on the HMWD106. For example, a button314(1) may be emplaced within, or proximate to, the right hinge306(R), such as on an underside of the right hinge306(R).

One or more transducers316may be emplaced on the temples308. For example, as depicted here a transducer316(1) may be located on the surface of the temple308(R) that is proximate to the head104of the user102during use. Continuing the example, as depicted here a transducer316(2) may be located on the surface of the temple308(L) that is proximate to the head104of the user102during use. The transducer316may be configured to generate acoustic output. For example, the transducer316may comprise a speaker that provides audio to the user102via bone conduction through the temporal bone of the head104.

Extending from a portion of the temple308that is distal to the front frame206, is the earpiece212. The earpiece212may comprise a material that may be reshaped to accommodate the anatomy of the head104. For example, the earpiece212may comprise a thermoplastic that may be warmed to a predetermined temperature and reshaped. In another example, the earpiece212may comprise a wire that may be bent to fit. The wire may be encased in an elastomeric material.

The FPC222provides connectivity between the electronics in the temples308. For example, the left temple308(L) may include electronics such as a hardware processor while the right temple308(R) may include electronics such as a battery. The FPC222provides a pathway for control signals from the hardware processor to the battery, may transfer electrical power from the battery to the hardware processor, and so forth. The FPC222may provide additional functions such as providing connectivity to the air conduction microphone312, the button314(1), components within the front frame206, and so forth. For example, a front facing camera may be mounted within the frame bridge210and may be connected to the FPC222to provide image data to the hardware processor in the temple308.

FIG. 4depicts three views400of a first implementation of the nosepiece108including a transducer110to act as a bone conduction microphone. Depicted is an enlargement of the portion of the HMWD106that includes the nosepiece108with a rear view402, a side view404, and an underside view406. The structures described may be affixed to at least a portion of one or more of the front frame206(as depicted), the frame bridge210, one or more lenses214, the lens bridge216, or another portion of the HMWD106.

The nosepiece108as depicted inFIG. 4comprises a lateral member408that extends from left to right. The lateral member408has a back that is proximate to the user during operation and a front that is opposite the back. At least one nosepiece post410or other protuberance extends away from the front of the lateral member408. A pair of nose pads218is affixed to, or integral with, the lateral member408. For example, a pad arm may join the nose pad218to the lateral member408. In another example, the lateral member408and the pair of nose pads218may comprise a unitary piece, such as a single piece of molded plastic.

A transducer110is arranged in front of and in contact with the nosepiece post410. The transducer110, in turn, is mounted to the back of the front frame206by a first support post412(1) arranged proximate to a first end of the transducer110and a second support post412(2) arranged proximate to a second end of the transducer110. In this arrangement, the transducer110and the support posts412may be visualized as a post and lintel arrangement.

The transducer connector224may couple the transducer110to another device, such as the FPC222in the front frame206. In some implementations the support posts412may be conductive and may be used as the transducer connector224.

The transducer110may comprise a device that is able to generate output indicative of audio frequency vibrations having frequencies occurring between about 10 hertz and at least 22 kilohertz (kHz). In some implementations the transducer110may be sensitive to a particular band of audio frequencies within this range. For example, the transducer110may be sensitive from 100 Hz to 4 kHz. In one implementation the transducer110may comprise an accelerometer. For example, the transducer110may comprise a piezo-ceramic accelerometer in the BU product family as produced by Knowles Corporation of Itasca, Ill. Continuing the example, the Knowles BU-23842 vibration transducer provides an analog output signal that may be processed as would the analog output from a conventional air conduction microphone. The accelerometer may utilize piezoelectric elements, microelectromechanical elements, optical elements, capacitive elements, and so forth.

In another implementation the transducer110comprises a piezoelectric transducer that uses piezoelectric material to generate an electronic signal responsive to the deflection of the transducer110between the support posts412. For example, the transducer110may comprise a piezoelectric bar device.

In yet another implementation, the transducer110may comprise electromagnetic coils, an armature, and so forth. For example, the transducer110may comprise a variation on the balanced electromagnetic separation transducer (BEST) as proposed by Bo E. V. Hakansson of the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden that is configured to detect vibration.

The transducer110may detect vibrations using other mechanisms. For example, a force sensitive resistor may be used to detect the vibration. In another example the transducer110may measure changes in electrical capacitance to detect the vibrations.

The transducer110may include or be connected to circuitry that generates or amplifies the output from the transducer110. For example, the accelerometer may produce an analog signal as the output. This analog signal may be provided to an analog to digital converter (ADC). The ADC measures an analog waveform and generates an output of digital data. A processor may subsequently process the digital data.

While two support posts412are depicted, in other implementations different counts, arrangements, shapes, and so forth of supports may be utilized. The support posts412may comprise a rigid material, such as a solid metal or ceramic, or they may comprise one or more of an elastomeric material or a spring. The use of an elastomeric material or spring at the junction between the transducer110and the front frame206may be used to attenuate the transfer of vibrations of the front frame206to the transducer110, facilitate motion resulting from the vibrations, and so forth. For example, the support posts412may comprise helical springs. The support posts412may be separate pieces inserted during assembly, may extend from one or more of the front frame206or the transducer110, and so forth.

In some implementations, one or more support arches414or other structures may extend from the lateral member408of the nosepiece108to the front frame206. The support arch414may comprise a separate piece, or may be integral with the lateral member408. The support arch414provides mechanical support for the lateral member408and associated structure with respect to the front frame206, while allowing the transfer of vibration from the nose pads218to the transducer110. For example, the support arch414may allow for movement of the lateral member408along the Y axis (indicated here as perpendicular to the face of the user102during operation) while providing mechanical support along the X and Z axes during normal wear of the HMWD106. The support arch414may be exposed or located within a housing or other structure. In this illustration, the support arch414is depicted as extending above the nosepiece108. However, in other implementations the support arches414may be positioned to the sides or below the nose piece108.

In some implementations, the transducer connector224may be mounted to, embedded within, or may be integral with the support arch414. For example, the support arch414may comprise a conductive material that is used to transfer electrical power, signals, and so forth between devices in the front frame206and the transducer110. In another implementation, a cable or other wiring may be used.

Instead of, or in addition to, an arcuate member such as the support arch414, in other implementations other structures may be used. For example, one or more springs, hinges, rollers, sliding surfaces, and so forth may be used to provide mechanical support to the lateral member408while permitting transfer of vibrations from the user102to the transducer110.

During operation of this implementation, vibrations present at the portion of the nose of the user102where the nose pads218are resting are transferred to the lateral member408and the nosepiece post410. The vibrations in turn apply a pressure to the midpoint of the transducer110, deflecting it between the support posts412. In some implementations the nosepiece post410may be bonded, glued, or integral with the transducer110. In another implementation the nosepiece post410and a surface of the transducer110may be touching but not joined. In yet another implementation, a plastic cover or layer may be arranged between the nosepiece post410and the surface of the transducer110. In this implementation, an adhesive may be used on one or both sides of the plastic cover to join the transducer110to the plastic cover and the plastic cover to the nosepiece post410, respectively. The deflection of the transducer110that results from the vibrations transferred by the nosepiece post410generates output that may be used as an audio signal.

The transducer110may be connected to the flexible printed circuit (FPC)222comprising a plurality of electrical conductors or other elements. The FPC222may be used to connect the transducer110to other electronics in the HMWD106. For example, the FPC222may provide electrical power, conductors for signal transfer, and so forth. As described below with regard toFIG. 7, the FPC222is located at least partially within the front frame and connected to the transducer110.

In some implementations the transducer110may be optical rather than electronic. For example, the transducer110may comprise an optical strain gauge or vibration sensing element such as an optical fiber that is affixed to or embedded with another material, such as the lateral member408, pad arms, and so forth. Deflection of the optical fiber by impinging vibration may result in changes in phase, intensity, polarization, and so forth that may be detected optically to generate an output signal. At least a portion of the optical elements may be mounted to another structure such as the front frame206, embedded within another structure, concealed beneath a housing or cover layer, and so forth.

FIG. 5depicts three views500of a second implementation of the nosepiece108including a transducer110to act as a bone conduction microphone. Depicted is an enlargement of the portion of the HMWD106that includes the nosepiece108with a rear view502, a side view504, and an underside view506. The structures described may be affixed to at least a portion of one or more of the front frame206(as depicted), the frame bridge210, one or more lenses214, the lens bridge216, or another portion of the HMWD106.

The nosepiece108as depicted inFIG. 5comprises a nose plate508. The nose plate508has a back surface that is proximate to the user102during operation and a front surface that is opposite the back surface. A pair of nose pads218is affixed to, or integral with, the nose plate508. For example, a pad arm510may join the nose pad218to the nose plate508. In another example, the nose plate508and the pair of nose pads218may comprise a unitary piece, such as a single piece of molded plastic.

A transducer110is affixed to the nose plate508. For example, the transducer110may be affixed to the front of the nose plate508, between the nose plate and the front frame206. In some implementations, such as those using the support arches412, an air gap may be present between the transducer110and the front frame206. The support arch414may be exposed or located within a housing or other structure.

In some implementations, the transducer connector224may be mounted to, embedded within, or may be integral with the support arch414. For example, the support arch414may comprise a conductive material that is used to transfer electrical power, signals, and so forth between devices in the front frame206and the transducer110.

A motion limiter512may be positioned between the front of the nose plate508and the back of the frame bridge206. The motion limiter512may comprise one or more of an elastomeric material, foam, spring, magnet, or mass. For example, the motion limiter512may comprise a piece of closed cell foam. In other implementations, the motion limiter512may comprise a hard or non-elastomeric material. For example, the motion limiter512may comprise a rigid plastic element mounted to (or integral with) the back of the front frame206. In this example, the motion limiter512may be separated from the transducer110by an air gap. During use, the support arch414may serve to attenuate the transfer of vibrations between the nosepiece108and the front frame206. The motion limiter512may provide a stop that prevents the nosepiece108from moving too far and potentially straining or breaking the support arch414. The support arch414may be exposed or located within a housing or other structure.

The motion limiter512may be used to attenuate the transfer of vibrations of the front frame206to the transducer110, provide room for movement of the transducer110, and so forth. For example, the motion limiter512may comprise a layer of vibration-attenuating material such as silicone rubber that allows for the transducer110to move relative to the front frame206in response to vibrations from the user102, while also dampening vibrations from the front frame206into the transducer110. This may improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the user's102speech relative to external noise that may result from the user102touching the HMWD106frame, movement of the head104, external sounds that may be conducted from the lenses214into the frame of the HMWD106, and so forth. In some implementations the motion limiter512may be omitted. For example, an air gap may be present between the transducer110and the front frame206.

In some implementations the motion limiter512may permit motion in some directions while preventing or attenuating motion in other directions. For example, the motion limiter512may comprise a pair of magnets configured with the same magnetic polarity facing each other to produce a magnetic repulsion. Supports may be provided that maintain the relative position of the magnets with respect to one another while allowing motion towards and away from one another under the influence of the magnetic repulsion. Continuing the example, the magnetic motion limiter512may allow for motion along a Y axis while attenuating motion along Z and X axes. In another example, one or more springs may be used in place of the magnets. For example, the motion limiter512may use a helical spring.

As illustrated here, the motion limiter512may be separated by a gap from the transducer110. In this situation, the motion limiter512may act as a stop or block to prevent motion of the transducer110from exceeding a threshold distance. For example, the motion limiter512may allow the transducer110to travel at most 0.5 millimeters towards the front face206. In other implementations, no gap may be present and the motion limiter512may be in contact with the front frame206and the transducer110during normal operation.

The transducer connector224may extend through, past, or around the motion limiter512. For example, the motion limiter512may have an aperture or channel through which the transducer connector224passes.

In some implementations, one or more support arches414or other structures may extend from the nose plate508of the nosepiece108to the front frame206. The support arch414may comprise a separate piece, or may be integral with the nose plate508. The support arch414provides mechanical support for the nose plate508and associated structures with respect to the front frame206, while allowing the transfer of vibration from the nose pads218to the transducer110. For example, the support arch414may allow for movement of the nose plate508along the Y axis (indicated here as perpendicular to the face of the user102during operation) while providing mechanical support along the X and Z axes during normal wear of the HMWD106. The motion limiter512may also prevent damage to the support arch414by restricting travel of the transducer110to a predetermined range. In some implementations the support arch414may be within a housing or other structure.

Instead of, or in addition to, an arcuate member such as the support arch414, in other implementations other structures may be used. For example, one or more springs, hinges, rollers, sliding surfaces, and so forth may be used to provide mechanical support to the nose plate508while permitting transfer of vibrations from the user102to the transducer110.

During operation of this implementation, vibrations present at the portion of the nose of the user102where the nose pads218are resting are transferred to the nose plate508. The vibrations in turn move the transducer110, which may then produce an output signal.

As described above, the transducer110may comprise an accelerometer, piezoelectric transducer, and so forth. The transducer110may be connected to other electronics in the HMWD106using the FPC222.

FIG. 6depicts three views600of a third implementation of the nosepiece108including a transducer110to act as a bone conduction microphone. Depicted is an enlargement of the portion of the HMWD106that includes the nosepiece108with a rear view602, a side view604, and an underside view606. The structures described may be affixed to at least a portion of one or more of the front frame206(as depicted), the frame bridge210, one or more lenses214, the lens bridge216, or another portion of the HMWD106.

The nosepiece108as depicted inFIG. 6comprises a nose plate508. The nose plate508has a back surface that is proximate to the user102during operation and a front surface that is opposite the back surface. A pair of nose pads218is affixed to, or integral with, the nose plate508. For example, the nose plate508and the pair of nose pads218may comprise a unitary piece, such as a single piece of molded plastic as depicted here. In another example, a pad arm510may join the nose pad218to the nose plate508.

A transducer110is affixed to the nose plate508. The transducer110may be affixed to the front of the nose plate508, between the nose plate and the front frame206. In another implementation, the transducer110may be affixed to the back of the nose plate508.

A motion limiter512is affixed to the front of the transducer110(or the nose plate508) and to the back of the frame bridge206, joining the transducer110(or the nose plate508) to the front frame206. The motion limiter512may comprise one or more of an elastomeric material, foam, or spring. For example, the motion limiter512may comprise a layer of silicone rubber. The transducer connector224may extend through, past, or around the motion limiter512. The motion limiter512may attenuate the transfer of vibrations of the front frame206to the transducer110, provide room for movement of the transducer110, and so forth. This may improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the user's102speech relative to external noise that may result from the user102touching the HMWD106frame, external sounds that may be conducted from the lenses214into the frame of the HMWD106, and so forth. During operation of this implementation, vibrations present at the portion of the nose of the user102where the nose pads218are resting are transferred to the nose plate508. The vibrations in turn move the transducer110, which may then produce an output signal. In another implementation the motion limiter512may be omitted, and the front of the transducer110may be affixed to the front frame206.

As described above, the transducer110may comprise an accelerometer, piezoelectric transducer, and so forth. The transducer110may be connected to other electronics in the HMWD106using the FPC222by way of the transducer connector224. For example, the motion limiter512may comprise an elastomeric pad with electrically conductive pathways that are used to carry signals between the transducer110and the FPC222.

One or more air conduction microphones may be arranged proximate to the transducer110, mounted in the front frame206, mounted at the hinge306, or at other positions on or within the HMWD106. For example, an air conduction microphone may be emplaced proximate to or within the nosepiece108. This air conduction microphone may be used to acquire an audio signal. The audio signal may be used independently of or combined with the signal from the transducer110.

FIG. 7depicts views700of some of the components of the HMWD106, according to some implementations. An external view702and an internal view704of the right side of the HMWD106are shown. Also shown is an enlarged sectional view706of the front frame206.

The external view702depicts the hinge line708. The hinge line is the external feature that parallels the axis of rotation310.

The internal view704depicts the FPC222passing from the front frame206through the hinge306and into a compartment712of the temple308. The compartment712may house the electronics or other devices within the temple308. The FPC222may couple to a connector714located on the electronics. The connector714may comprise pads, pogo pins, or other connection mechanisms.

In the enlarged cross-sectional view706of the front frame206, the channel716is depicted. The channel716may have a substantially rectangular cross-section as depicted here. In other implementations, the channel716may employ other cross-sectional shapes.

The channel716may extend contiguously along the front frame206from the left hinge306(L) to the right hinge306(R). For example, the channel716may extend from the left hinge306(L), across the left brow section208(L), across the frame bridge210, across the right brow section208(R), and across the right hinge306(R).

The FPC222may be emplaced within the channel716, and the retention piece226may be used to retain the FPC222within the channel716. For example, during assembly the front frame206may be placed upside down, the FPC222may be laid within, and the retention piece226may be inserted.

The channel716may have a width sufficient to accommodate the width of the FPC222. For example, the channel716may be 2.1 millimeters wide to accommodate an FPC that is 2 mm wide.

In the implementation depicted here, the channel716is arranged with its opening generally downward, such as along the underside of the front frame206. In other implementations, the channel716may be directed in other directions. For example, the channel716may be directed generally toward the head104of the user102, away from the head104of the user102, and so forth.

The channel716may include one or more engagement features718. For example, the channel716may be formed to include lips, ridges, grooves, prongs, teeth, and so forth. These engagement features718may be used to retain the retention piece226within the channel716. In some implementations, the retention piece226may include one or more engagement features718. These engagement features718may be configured to accommodate complementary features within the channel716. For example, the channel716may have an engagement feature718comprising a groove as illustrated here while the retention piece226has a corresponding engagement feature comprising a ridge that fits within the groove. The engagement features718may be placed at discrete points within the channel716. For example, the engagement features of the retention piece226may be arranged at the ends of the retention piece226proximate to the hinges306.

FIG. 8depicts an enlarged view800of some components of a hinge306and the FPC222passing through the hinge306, according to some implementations. Depicted is an expanded view802and assembled view804.

In the expanded view802an upper hinge806is depicted. In some implementations, the upper hinge806may be a component separate from the front frame206, or may be an integral portion of the front frame. For example, the upper hinge806may be machined from the same block of material and may be unitary with the front frame206.

The upper hinge806may have a cylindrical engagement feature808(U). The cylindrical engagement feature808may have an opening in its interior, providing an open core through which the FPC222may be routed. The open core may comprise a hole or passageway that is within the perimeter of the cylindrical engagement feature808. In some implementations the opening may be centered, or may be off center. The cross section of the open core may be circular, square, elliptical, or any other regular polygon or irregular shape. The upper hinge806may also include an engagement slot810or other engagement features.

The temple308may include a knuckle812. The knuckle812comprises a protrusion extending from or attached to the temple308. The knuckle812also includes an open core through which the FPC222may be routed. The open core of the knuckle812is sized to mechanically engage the cylindrical engagement feature808. For example, the open core may have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the cylindrical engagement feature808.

The hinge base814may also include a cylindrical engagement feature808(L) configured to engage the open core of the knuckle812at an end opposite the upper hinge806. The hinge base814may include one or more engagement features that may be used to affix the hinge base814to the upper hinge806. For example, the hinge base814may include a tab816. The hinge base814may include another tab818through which a hole820has been formed. In some implementations, the hinge306may include the upper hinge806and the hinge base814.

The assembled view804depicts the HMWD106in the unfolded configuration. In the assembled view804, the knuckle812has been retained between the cylindrical engagement feature808(U) of the upper hinge806and the cylindrical engagement feature808(L) of the hinge base814. Many different engagement features or techniques may be used to join the upper hinge806and the hinge base814. In one technique illustrated here, the tab816may be configured to enter a receptacle in the upper hinge806. In some implementations, the receptacle on the upper hinge806may be adhesive lined, filled with an adhesive, and so forth. In another technique illustrated here, the upper hinge806includes a first hole820(1), while the hinge base814further includes a tab818having a second hole820(2). A threaded fastener, such as a screw, may be passed through the first hole820(1) and the second hole820(2) to join the upper hinge806and the hinge base814. In yet another technique illustrated here, a tab or protrusion (not shown) extending from the hinge base814may be configured to engage the engagement slot810of the upper hinge806.

The FPC222as illustrated in the assembled view804may be routed through a passage822that extends from the interior of the upper hinge806into the open core of cylindrical engagement feature808(U) of the upper hinge806. At this transition from the passage822down towards the knuckle812, the FPC222may have an approximately right angle first bend824(1). The FPC222may have an approximately right angle second bend824(2) at the transition from the interior of the open core of the knuckle812through the slot into the compartment712of the temple308. The portion of the FPC222extending from the first bend824(1) to the second bend824(2) may have a long axis that is approximately parallel to the axis of rotation310.

During rotation about the axis of rotation318, the FPC222extending through the open core of the hinge306experiences the torsion or twisting. In some implementations, the angular displacement between the FPC222at the first bend824(1) and the second bend824(2) may range from 0 degrees in the unfolded configuration to less than 120 degrees in the folded configuration.

The path followed by the FPC222may extend from a left compartment712(L) through the left slot in the left compartment712(L) into the open core of the left temple knuckle812, through the left upper cylindrical engagement feature808(U), through the left upper hinge806(L), along the channel716, through the right upper hinge806(R), through the open core of the right upper cylindrical engagement feature808(U), through the open core of the right temple knuckle812, through the right slot into the right compartment712(R).

In some implementations, the knuckle812may not have a passage that extends completely through. For example, the open core may extend from an upper portion of the knuckle to a point below the slot. A recess that is cylindrical in cross section may then extend from the bottom of the knuckle812upwards. Thus, the open core may include a wall or partition that may divide the core of the knuckle812into two sections, an upper section and a lower section. The FPC222may pass through the upper section, and the upper section may engage the upper cylindrical engagement feature808(U) while the lower section may engage the lower cylindrical engagement feature808(L).

In some implementations, the hinge base814may be omitted. For example, the knuckle812may be configured to couple to the upper hinge806.

The FPC222may be constructed to pass through the slot, the open core, the channel716, and so forth. For example, the FPC222may be constructed with a first dimension, such as width, that is less than or equal to a diameter of the open core of the knuckle812and a second dimension (such as thickness) that is less than or equal to a height of the slot.

FIG. 9is a block diagram900of electronic components of the HMWD106, according to some implementations.

One or more power supplies902may be configured to provide electrical power suitable for operating the components in the HMWD106. The one or more power supplies902may comprise batteries, capacitors, fuel cells, photovoltaic cells, wireless power receivers, conductive couplings suitable for attachment to an external power source such as provided by an electric utility, and so forth. For example, the batteries on board the HMWD106may be charged wirelessly, such as through inductive power transfer. In another implementation, electrical contacts may be used to recharge the HMWD106.

The HMWD106may include one or more hardware processors904(processors) configured to execute one or more stored instructions. The processors904may comprise one or more cores. One or more clocks906may provide information indicative of date, time, ticks, and so forth. For example, the processor904may use data from the clock906to associate a particular interaction with a particular point in time.

The HMWD106may include one or more communication interfaces908such as input/output (I/O) interfaces910, network interfaces912, and so forth. The communication interfaces908enable the HMWD106, or components thereof, to communicate with other devices or components. The communication interfaces908may include one or more I/O interfaces910. The I/O interfaces910may comprise Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Serial Peripheral Interface bus (SPI), Universal Serial Bus (USB) as promulgated by the USB Implementers Forum, RS-232, and so forth.

The I/O interface(s)910may couple to one or more I/O devices914. The I/O devices914may include input devices916such as one or more sensors, buttons, and so forth. The input devices916include the transducer110. The I/O devices914may also include output devices918such as one or more of a display screen, display lights, audio speakers, and so forth. In some embodiments, the I/O devices914may be physically incorporated with the HMWD106or may be externally placed. The output devices918are configured to generate signals, which may be perceived by the user102or may be detected by sensors.

Haptic output devices918(1) are configured to provide a signal that results in a tactile sensation to the user102. The haptic output devices918(1) may use one or more mechanisms such as electrical stimulation or mechanical displacement to provide the signal. For example, the haptic output devices918(1) may be configured to generate a modulated electrical signal, which produces an apparent tactile sensation in one or more fingers of the user102. In another example, the haptic output devices918(1) may comprise piezoelectric or rotary motor devices configured to provide a vibration, which may be felt by the user102. In some implementations, the haptic output devices918(1) may be used to produce vibrations that may be transferred to one or more bones in the head104, producing the sensation of sound. For example, while providing haptic output, the vibrations may be in the range of between 0.5 and 500 Hertz, while vibrations provided to produce the sensation of sound may be between 20 and 20,000 Hz.

One or more audio output devices918(2) may be configured to provide acoustic output. The acoustic output includes one or more of infrasonic sound, audible sound, or ultrasonic sound. The audio output devices918(2) may use one or more mechanisms to generate the acoustic output. These mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, the following: voice coils, piezoelectric elements, magnetostrictive elements, electrostatic elements, and so forth. For example, a piezoelectric buzzer or a speaker may be used to provide acoustic output. The acoustic output may be transferred by the vibration of intervening gaseous and liquid media, such as adding air, or by direct mechanical conduction. For example, an audio output device918(2) located within the temple308may provide an audio signal to the user of the HMWD106by way of bone conduction to the user's skull, such as the mastoid process or temporal bone. In some implementations the speaker or sound produced therefrom may be placed within the ear of the user, or may be ducted towards the ear of the user.

The display devices918(3) may be configured to provide output, which may be seen by the user102or detected by a light-sensitive sensor such as a camera or an optical sensor. In some implementations, the display devices918(3) may be configured to produce output in one or more of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light. The output may be monochrome or color.

The display devices918(3) may be emissive, reflective, or both. An emissive display device918(3), such as using light emitting diodes (LEDs), is configured to emit light during operation. In comparison, a reflective display device918(3), such as using an electrophoretic element, relies on ambient light to present an image. Backlights or front lights may be used to illuminate non-emissive display devices918(3) to provide visibility of the output in conditions where the ambient light levels are low.

The display devices918(3) may include, but are not limited to, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), spatial light modulators, electroluminescent displays, quantum dot displays, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) displays, cholesteric displays, interferometric displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays, and so forth. For example, the display device918(3) may use a light source and an array of MEMS-controlled mirrors to selectively direct light from the light source to produce an image. These display mechanisms may be configured to emit light, modulate incident light emitted from another source, or both. The display devices918(3) may operate as panels, projectors, and so forth.

The display devices918(3) may include image projectors. For example, the image projector may be configured to project an image onto a surface or object, such as the lens214. The image may be generated using MEMS, LCOS, lasers, and so forth.

Other display devices918(3) may also be used by the HMWD106. Other output devices918(P) may also be present. For example, the other output devices918(P) may include scent/odor dispensers.

The network interfaces912may be configured to provide communications between the HMWD106and other devices, such as the server116. The network interfaces912may include devices configured to couple to personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and so forth. For example, the network interfaces912may include devices compatible with Ethernet, Wi-Fi™, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, ZigBee®, and so forth.

The HMWD106may also include one or more busses or other internal communications hardware or software that allow for the transfer of data between the various modules and components of the HMWD106.

As shown inFIG. 9, the HMWD106includes one or more memories920. The memory920may comprise one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (CRSM). The CRSM may be any one or more of an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a quantum storage medium, a mechanical computer storage medium, and so forth. The memory920provides storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the operation of the HMWD106. A few example functional modules are shown stored in the memory920, although the same functionality may alternatively be implemented in hardware, firmware, or as a system on a chip (SoC).

The memory920may include at least one operating system (OS) module922. The OS module922is configured to manage hardware resource devices such as the I/O interfaces910, the I/O devices914, the communication interfaces908, and provide various services to applications or modules executing on the processors904. The OS module922may implement a variant of the FreeBSD™ operating system as promulgated by the FreeBSD Project; other UNIX™ or UNIX-like variants; a variation of the Linux™ operating system as promulgated by Linus Torvalds; the Windows® operating system from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., USA; and so forth.

Also stored in the memory920may be a data store924and one or more of the following modules. These modules may be executed as foreground applications, background tasks, daemons, and so forth. The data store924may use a flat file, database, linked list, tree, executable code, script, or other data structure to store information. In some implementations, the data store924or a portion of the data store924may be distributed across one or more other devices including servers, network attached storage devices, and so forth.

A communication module926may be configured to establish communications with one or more of the other HMWDs106, servers, sensors, or other devices. The communications may be authenticated, encrypted, and so forth.

The memory920may store a data processing module928. The data processing module928may provide one or more of the functions described herein. For example, the data processing module928may be configured to awaken the HMWD106from a sleep state, perform natural language processing, and so forth.

The data processing module928may utilize one or more of the data112, threshold data930, and so forth during operation. The threshold data930may specify one or more thresholds, such as permissible tolerances or variances. The data processing module928or other modules may generate processed data932. For example, the processed data932may comprise a transcription of audio spoken by the user102as obtained from the transducer110, image data to present, and so forth.

Techniques such as artificial neural networks (ANN), active appearance models (AAM), active shape models (ASM), principal component analysis (PCA), cascade classifiers, and so forth, may also be used to process the data112. For example, the ANN may be trained using a supervised learning algorithm such that particular sounds or changes in orientation of the user's102head104to associate with particular actions to be taken. Once trained, the ANN may be provided with the data112and provide, as output, a transcription of the words spoken by the user, orientation of the user's102head104, and so forth. In some implementations the data112may comprise image data. For example, cascade classifiers may be used for facial recognition, such as the Viola-Jones face detection.

Other modules934may also be present in the memory920as well as other data936in the data store924. For example, the other modules934may include a contact management module while the other data936may include address information associated with a particular contact, such as an email address, telephone number, network address, uniform resource locator, and so forth.

Specific physical embodiments as described in this disclosure are provided by way of illustration and not necessarily as a limitation. Those having ordinary skill in the art readily recognize that alternative implementations, variations, and so forth may also be utilized in a variety of devices, environments, and situations. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features, structures, and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.