EYEWEAR WITH COMBINED FLEXIBLE PCB AND WIRE ASSEMBLY

A wire assembly for an eyewear hinge that interconnects electronic components of an electronic eyewear device. The wire assembly has a first portion with thin electrical conductors for transmitting digital and analog data signals and a second portion with electrical conductors having relatively low electrical resistance for transmitting power signals. In an example, the thin electrical conductors in the first portion include a thin flexible printed circuit board (flex-PCB) that occupies little mechanical space in the hinge and the electrical conductors in the second portion include a wire bundle having thicker conductors for transmitting higher current power signals.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to an electronic eyewear device, e.g., smart glasses having cameras and see-through displays.

BACKGROUND

Electronic eyewear devices, such as smart glasses, headwear, and headgear available today integrate various electronic components such as cameras, see-through displays, and processors. Such devices include wiring extending through hinges to electrically connect the various electronic components in a frame and a temple.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A wire assembly for an eyewear hinge that interconnects electronic components of an electronic eyewear device. The wire assembly has a first portion with thin electrical conductors for transmitting digital and analog data signals and a second portion with electrical conductors having relatively low electrical resistance for transmitting power signals. In an example, the thin electrical conductors in the first portion include a flexible printed circuit board (flex-PCB) that occupies little mechanical space in the hinge and the electrical conductors in the second portion include a wire bundle having thicker conductors for transmitting higher current power signals.

The term “coupled” as used herein refers to any logical, optical, physical, or electrical connection, link or the like by which signals or light produced or supplied by one system element are imparted to another coupled element. Unless described otherwise, coupled elements or devices are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate components, elements or communication media that may modify, manipulate, or carry the light or signals.

The orientations of the electronic eyewear device, associated components and any complete devices incorporating an eye scanner and camera such as shown in any of the drawings, are given by way of example only, for illustration and discussion purposes. In operation for a particular variable optical processing application, the electronic eyewear device may be oriented in any other direction suitable to the particular application of the electronic eyewear device, for example up, down, sideways, or any other orientation. Also, to the extent used herein, any directional term, such as front, rear, inwards, outwards, towards, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom and side, are used by way of example only, and are not limiting as to direction or orientation of any optic or component of an optic constructed as otherwise described herein.

FIG.1Ais an illustration depicting a side view of an example hardware configuration of an electronic eyewear device100including an optical assembly180A with an image display180C (FIG.2A). Electronic eyewear device100includes multiple visible light cameras114A and114B (FIG.3) that form a stereo camera, of which the first visible light camera114A is located on a right temple110A and the second visible light camera114B is located on a left temple110B (FIG.2A). In the illustrated example, the optical assembly180A is located on the right side of the electronic eyewear device100. The optical assembly180A can be located on the left side or other locations of the electronic eyewear devices100.

The visible light cameras114A and114B may include an image sensor that is sensitive to the visible light range wavelength. Each of the visible light cameras114A and114B has a different frontward facing angle of coverage, for example, visible light camera114A has the depicted angle of coverage111A (FIG.3). The angle of coverage is an angle range in which the respective image sensor of the visible light cameras114A and114B detects incoming light and generates image data. Examples of such visible lights cameras114A and114B include a high-resolution complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and a video graphic array (VGA) camera, such as 640p (e.g., 640×480 pixels for a total of 0.3 megapixels), 720p, 1080p, 4K, or 8K. Image sensor data from the visible light cameras114A and114B may be captured along with geolocation data, digitized by an image processor, and stored in a memory.

To provide stereoscopic vision, visible light cameras114A and114B may be coupled to an image processor (element912ofFIG.9) for digital processing and adding a timestamp corresponding to the scene in which the image is captured. Image processor412may include circuitry to receive signals from the visible light cameras114A and114B and to process those signals from the visible light cameras114A and114B into a format suitable for storage in the memory (element934ofFIG.9). The timestamp may be added by the image processor412or other processor that controls operation of the visible light cameras114A and114B. Visible light cameras114A and114B allow the stereo camera to simulate human binocular vision. Stereo cameras also provide the ability to reproduce three-dimensional images of a three-dimensional scene (scene715ofFIG.7) based on two captured images (image pairs758A and758B ofFIG.3) from the visible light cameras114A and114B, respectively, having the same timestamp. Such three-dimensional images allow for an immersive virtual experience that feels realistic, e.g., for virtual reality or video gaming. For stereoscopic vision, the pair of images758A and758B may be generated at a given moment in time—one image for each of the visible light cameras114A and114B. When the pair of generated images758A and758B from the frontward facing field of view (FOV)111A and111B of the visible light cameras114A and114B are stitched together (e.g., by the image processor412), depth perception is provided by the optical assemblies180A and180B.

In an example, the electronic eyewear device100includes a frame105, a right rim107A, a right temple110A extending from a right lateral side170A of the frame105, and a see-through image display180C (FIGS.2A-B) comprising optical assembly180A to present a GUI or other image to a user. The electronic eyewear device100includes the first visible light camera114A connected to the frame105or the right temple110A to capture a first image of the scene. Electronic eyewear device100further includes the second visible light camera114B connected to the frame105or the left temple110B to capture (e.g., simultaneously with the first visible light camera114A) a second image of the scene which at least partially overlaps the first image. Although not shown inFIGS.1A and1B, a high speed (HS) processor932(FIG.9) is coupled to the electronic eyewear device100and is connected to the visible light cameras114A and114B and memory934(FIG.9) accessible to the processor932, and programming in the memory934may be provided in the electronic eyewear device100itself.

Although not shown inFIG.1A, the electronic eyewear device100also may include a head movement tracker (element109ofFIG.1B) or an eye movement tracker (element113ofFIG.2Aor element213ofFIGS.2B and2C). Electronic eyewear device100may further include the see-through image displays180C and D of optical assemblies180A and180B, respectively, for presenting a sequence of displayed images. The electronic eyewear devices100may further include an image display driver (element942ofFIG.9) coupled to the see-through image displays180C and180D to drive the image displays180C and180D. The see-through image displays180C and180D and the image display driver are described in further detail below. Electronic eyewear device100may further include the memory934and the processor932(FIG.4) having access to the image display driver942and the memory934, as well as programming in the memory934. Execution of the programming by the processor932configures the electronic eyewear device100to perform functions, including functions to present, via the see-through image displays180C and180D, an initial displayed image of the sequence of displayed images, the initial displayed image having an initial field of view corresponding to an initial head direction or an initial eye gaze direction as determined by the eye movement tracker113or213.

Execution of the programming by the processor932may further configure the electronic eyewear device100to detect movement of a user of the electronic eyewear device100by: (i) tracking, via the head movement tracker (element109ofFIG.1B), a head movement of a head of the user, or (ii) tracking, via an eye movement tracker (element113ofFIG.2Aor element213ofFIGS.2B and2C), an eye movement of an eye of the user of the electronic eyewear device100. Execution of the programming by the processor932may further configure the electronic eyewear device100to determine a field of view adjustment to the initial field of view of the initial displayed image based on the detected movement of the user. The field of view adjustment may include a successive field of view corresponding to a successive head direction or a successive eye direction. Execution of the programming by the processor932may further configure the electronic eyewear device100to generate successive displayed images of the sequence of displayed images based on the field of view adjustment. Execution of the programming by the processor932may further configure the electronic eyewear device100to present, via the see-through image displays180C and180D of the optical assemblies180A and180B, the successive displayed images.

FIG.1Bis an illustration depicting a top cross-sectional view of optical components and electronics in a portion of the electronic eyewear device100illustrated inFIG.1Adepicting the first visible light camera114A, a head movement tracker109, and a circuit board140. Construction and placement of the second visible light camera114B is substantially similar to the first visible light camera114A, except the connections and coupling are on the other lateral side170B (FIG.2A). As shown, the electronic eyewear device100includes the first visible light camera114A and a circuit board, which may be a flexible printed circuit board (PCB)140. A first hinge126A connects the right temple110A to a hinged arm125A of the electronic eyewear device100. In some examples, components of the first visible light camera114A, the flexible PCB140, or other electrical connectors or contacts may be located on the right temple110A or the first hinge126A.

Also shown inFIG.1Bis an electrically conductive shield can142coupled to, and disposed between, a RF ground plate144and the PCB140. The shield can142has a cavity that encompasses RF electronic components, such as low-power wireless circuitry924and high-speed wireless circuitry936shown inFIG.9, and it provides an RF ground to the RF electrical components. The shield can142provides an RF shield to prevent spurious RF signals from emitting outside of the shield can. The shield can142also provides a ground for safety and electro-static discharge protection, and which can form as part of an antenna design such as a ground plane.

As shown, electronic eyewear device100may include a head movement tracker109, which includes, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU). An inertial measurement unit is an electronic device that measures and reports a body's specific force, angular rate, and sometimes the magnetic field surrounding the body, using a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes, sometimes also magnetometers. The inertial measurement unit works by detecting linear acceleration using one or more accelerometers and rotational rate using one or more gyroscopes. Typical configurations of inertial measurement units contain one accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer per axis for each of the three axes: horizontal axis for left-right movement (X), vertical axis (Y) for top-bottom movement, and depth or distance axis for up-down movement (Z). The accelerometer detects the gravity vector. The magnetometer defines the rotation in the magnetic field (e.g., facing south, north, etc.) like a compass that generates a heading reference. The three accelerometers detect acceleration along the horizontal, vertical, and depth axis defined above, which can be defined relative to the ground, the electronic eyewear device100, or the user wearing the electronic eyewear device100.

Electronic eyewear device100may detect movement of the user of the electronic eyewear device100by tracking, via the head movement tracker109, the head movement of the user's head. The head movement includes a variation of head direction on a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, or a combination thereof from the initial head direction during presentation of the initial displayed image on the image display. In one example, tracking, via the head movement tracker109, the head movement of the user's head includes measuring, via the inertial measurement unit, the initial head direction on the horizontal axis (e.g., X axis), the vertical axis (e.g., Y axis), or the combination thereof (e.g., transverse or diagonal movement). Tracking, via the head movement tracker109, the head movement of the user's head further includes measuring, via the inertial measurement unit, a successive head direction on the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or the combination thereof during presentation of the initial displayed image.

Tracking, via the head movement tracker109, the head movement of the user's head may include determining the variation of head direction based on both the initial head direction and the successive head direction. Detecting movement of the user of the electronic eyewear device100may further include in response to tracking, via the head movement tracker109, the head movement of the user's head, determining that the variation of head direction exceeds a deviation angle threshold on the horizontal axis, the vertical axis, or the combination thereof. In sample configurations, the deviation angle threshold is between about 3° to 10°. As used herein, the term “about” when referring to an angle means±10% from the stated amount.

Variation along the horizontal axis slides three-dimensional objects, such as characters, Bitmojis, application icons, etc. in and out of the field of view by, for example, hiding, unhiding, or otherwise adjusting visibility of the three-dimensional object. Variation along the vertical axis, for example, when the user looks upwards, in one example, displays weather information, time of day, date, calendar appointments, etc. In another example, when the user looks downwards on the vertical axis, the electronic eyewear device100may power down.

As shown inFIG.1B, the right temple110A includes temple body211that is configured to receive a temple cap, with the temple cap omitted in the cross-section ofFIG.1B. Disposed inside the right temple110A are various interconnected circuit boards, such as PCBs or flexible PCBs140, that include controller circuits for first visible light camera114A, microphone(s)130, speaker(s)132, low-power wireless circuitry (e.g., for wireless short-range network communication via BLUETOOTH®), and high-speed wireless circuitry (e.g., for wireless local area network communication via WI-FI® and positioning via GPS).

The first visible light camera114A is coupled to or disposed on the flexible PCB140and covered by a visible light camera cover lens, which is aimed through opening(s) formed in the right temple110A. In some examples, the frame105connected to the right temple110A includes the opening(s) for the visible light camera cover lens. The frame105may include a front-facing side configured to face outwards away from the eye of the user. The opening for the visible light camera cover lens may be formed on and through the front-facing side. In the example, the first visible light camera114A has an outward facing angle of coverage111A with a line of sight or perspective of the right eye of the user of the electronic eyewear device100. The visible light camera cover lens also can be adhered to an outward facing surface of the right temple110A in which an opening is formed with an outward facing angle of coverage, but in a different outwards direction. The coupling can also be indirect via intervening components.

The first visible light camera114A may be connected to the first see-through image display180C of the first optical assembly180A to generate a first background scene of a first successive displayed image. The second visible light camera114B may be connected to the second see-through image display180D of the second optical assembly180B to generate a second background scene of a second successive displayed image. The first background scene and the second background scene may partially overlap to present a three-dimensional observable area of the successive displayed image.

Flexible PCB140may be disposed inside the right temple110A and coupled to one or more other components housed in the right temple110A. Although shown as being formed on the circuit boards140of the right temple110A, the first visible light camera114A can be formed on another circuit board (not shown).

FIG.2Ais an illustration depicting a rear view of an example hardware configuration of an electronic eyewear device100. As shown inFIG.2A, the electronic eyewear device100is in a form configured for wearing by a user, which are eyeglasses in the example ofFIG.2A. The electronic eyewear device100can take other forms and may incorporate other types of frameworks, for example, a headgear, a headset, or a helmet.

In the eyeglasses example, electronic eyewear device100includes the frame105which includes the right rim107A connected to the left rim107B via the bridge106, which is configured to receive a nose of the user. The right and left rims107A and107B include respective apertures175A and175B, which hold the respective optical elements180A and180B, such as a lens and the see-through displays180C and180D. As used herein, the term lens is meant to cover transparent or translucent pieces of glass or plastic having curved and flat surfaces that cause light to converge/diverge or that cause little or no convergence/divergence.

Although shown as having two optical elements180A and180B, the electronic eyewear device100can include other arrangements, such as a single optical element depending on the application or intended user of the electronic eyewear device100. As further shown, electronic eyewear device100includes the right temple110A adjacent the right lateral side170A of the frame105and the left temple110B adjacent the left lateral side170B of the frame105. The temples110A and110B may be integrated into the frame105on the respective sides170A and170B (as illustrated) or implemented as separate components attached to the frame105on the respective sides170A and170B. Alternatively, the temples110A and110B may be integrated into hinged arms125A and125B attached to the frame105.

In the example ofFIG.2A, an eye scanner113is provided that includes an infrared emitter115and an infrared camera120. Visible light cameras typically include a blue light filter to block infrared light detection. In an example, the infrared camera120is a visible light camera, such as a low-resolution video graphic array (VGA) camera (e.g., 640×480 pixels for a total of 0.3 megapixels), with the blue filter removed. The infrared emitter115and the infrared camera120may be co-located on the frame105. For example, both are shown as connected to the upper portion of the left rim107B. The frame105or one or more of the temples110A and110B may include a circuit board (not shown) that includes the infrared emitter115and the infrared camera120. The infrared emitter115and the infrared camera120can be connected to the circuit board by soldering, for example.

Other arrangements of the infrared emitter115and infrared camera120may be implemented, including arrangements in which the infrared emitter115and infrared camera120are both on the right rim107A, or in different locations on the frame105. For example, the infrared emitter115may be on the left rim107B and the infrared camera120may be on the right rim107A. In another example, the infrared emitter115may be on the frame105and the infrared camera120may be on one of the temples110A or110B, or vice versa. The infrared emitter115can be connected essentially anywhere on the frame105, right temple110A, or left temple110B to emit a pattern of infrared light. Similarly, the infrared camera120can be connected essentially anywhere on the frame105, right temple110A, or left temple110B to capture at least one reflection variation in the emitted pattern of infrared light.

The infrared emitter115and infrared camera120may be arranged to face inwards towards an eye of the user with a partial or full field of view of the eye to identify the respective eye position and gaze direction. For example, the infrared emitter115and infrared camera120may be positioned directly in front of the eye, in the upper part of the frame105or in the temples110A or110B at either ends of the frame105.

FIG.2Bis an illustration depicting a rear view of an example hardware configuration of another electronic eyewear device200. In this example configuration, the electronic eyewear device200is depicted as including an eye scanner213on a right temple210A. As shown, an infrared emitter215and an infrared camera220are co-located on the right temple210A. The eye scanner213or one or more components of the eye scanner213can be located on the left temple210B and other locations of the electronic eyewear device200, for example, the frame105. The infrared emitter215and infrared camera220are like that ofFIG.2A, but the eye scanner213can be varied to be sensitive to different light wavelengths as described previously inFIG.2A. Similar toFIG.2A, the electronic eyewear device200includes a frame105which includes a right rim107A which is connected to a left rim107B via a bridge106. The rims107A-B may include respective apertures which hold the respective optical elements180A and180B comprising the see-through displays180C and180D.

FIG.2CandFIG.2Dare illustrations depicting rear views of example hardware configurations of the electronic eyewear device100, including two different types of see-through image displays180C and180D. In one example, these see-through image displays180C and180D of optical assemblies180A and180B include an integrated image display. As shown inFIG.2C, the optical assemblies180A and180B include a display matrix180C and180D of any suitable type, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a waveguide display, or any other such display.

The optical assemblies180A and180B also includes an optical layer or layers176A-N, which can include lenses, optical coatings, prisms, mirrors, waveguides, optical strips, and other optical components in any combination. The optical layers176can include a prism having a suitable size and configuration and including a first surface for receiving light from display matrix and a second surface for emitting light to the eye of the user. The prism of the optical layers176may extend over all or at least a portion of the respective apertures175A and175B formed in the rims107A and107B to permit the user to see the second surface of the prism when the eye of the user is viewing through the corresponding rims107A and107B. The first surface of the prism of the optical layers176faces upwardly from the frame105and the display matrix overlies the prism so that photons and light emitted by the display matrix impinge the first surface. The prism may be sized and shaped so that the light is refracted within the prism and is directed towards the eye of the user by the second surface of the prism of the optical layers176. In this regard, the second surface of the prism of the optical layers176can be convex to direct the light towards the center of the eye. The prism can be sized and shaped to magnify the image projected by the see-through image displays180C and180D, and the light travels through the prism so that the image viewed from the second surface is larger in one or more dimensions than the image emitted from the see-through image displays180C and180D.

In another example, the see-through image displays180C and180D of optical assemblies180A and180B may include a projection image display as shown inFIG.2D. The optical assemblies180A and180B include a projector150, which may be a three-color projector using a scanning mirror, a galvanometer, a laser projector, or other types of projectors. During operation, an optical source such as a projector150is disposed in or on one of the temples110A or110B of the electronic eyewear device100. Optical assemblies180A and180B may include one or more optical strips155A-N spaced apart across the width of the lens of the optical assemblies180A and180B or across a depth of the lens between the front surface and the rear surface of the lens.

As the photons projected by the projector150travel across the lens of the optical assemblies180A and180B, the photons encounter the optical strips155. When a particular photon encounters a particular optical strip, the photon is either redirected towards the user's eye, or it passes to the next optical strip. A combination of modulation of projector150, and modulation of optical strips, may control specific photons or beams of light. In an example, a processor controls the optical strips155by initiating mechanical, acoustic, or electromagnetic signals. Although shown as having two optical assemblies180A and180B, the electronic eyewear device100can include other arrangements, such as a single or three optical assemblies, or the optical assemblies180A and180B may have different arrangements depending on the application or intended user of the electronic eyewear device100.

As further shown inFIG.2CandFIG.2D, electronic eyewear device100includes a right temple110A adjacent the right lateral side170A of the frame105and a left temple110B adjacent the left lateral side170B of the frame105. The temples110A and110B may be integrated into the frame105on the respective lateral sides170A and170B (as illustrated) or implemented as separate components attached to the frame105on the respective sides170A and170B. Alternatively, the temples110A and110B may be integrated into the hinged arms125A and125B attached to the frame105.

In one example, the see-through image displays include the first see-through image display180C and the second see-through image display180D. Electronic eyewear device100may include first and second apertures175A and175B that hold the respective first and second optical assemblies180A and180B. The first optical assembly180A may include the first see-through image display180C (e.g., a display matrix, or optical strips and a projector in the right temple110A). The second optical assembly180B may include the second see-through image display180D (e.g., a display matrix, or optical strips and a projector). The successive field of view of the successive displayed image may include an angle of view between about 15° to 30°, and more specifically 24°, measured horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The successive displayed image having the successive field of view represents a combined three-dimensional observable area visible through stitching together of two displayed images presented on the first and second image displays.

As used herein, “an angle of view” describes the angular extent of the field of view associated with the displayed images presented on each of the image displays180C and180D of optical assemblies180A and180B. The “angle of coverage” describes the angle range that a lens of visible light cameras114A or114B or infrared camera220can image. Typically, the image circle produced by a lens is large enough to cover the film or sensor completely, possibly including some vignetting (i.e., a reduction of an image's brightness or saturation toward the periphery compared to the image center). If the angle of coverage of the lens does not fill the sensor, the image circle will be visible, typically with strong vignetting toward the edge, and the effective angle of view will be limited to the angle of coverage. The “field of view” is intended to describe the field of observable area which the user of the electronic eyewear device100can see through his or her eyes via the displayed images presented on the image displays180C and180D of the optical assemblies180A and180B. Image display180C of optical assemblies180A and180B can have a field of view with an angle of coverage between 15° to 30°, for example 24°, and have a resolution of 480×480 pixels (or greater; e.g., 720p, 1080p, 4K, or 8K).

FIG.3shows a cross-sectional rear perspective view of the electronic eyewear device ofFIG.2A. The electronic eyewear device100includes the infrared emitter115, infrared camera120, a frame front330, a frame back335, and a circuit board340. It can be seen inFIG.3that the upper portion of the left rim of the frame of the electronic eyewear device100includes the frame front330and the frame back335. An opening for the infrared emitter115is formed on the frame back335.

As shown in the encircled cross-section4in the upper middle portion of the left rim of the frame, a circuit board, which is a flexible PCB340, is sandwiched between the frame front330and the frame back335. Also shown in further detail is the attachment of the left temple110B to the left temple125B via the left hinge126B. In some examples, components of the eye movement tracker113, including the infrared emitter115, the flexible PCB340, or other electrical connectors or contacts may be located on the left temple125B or the left hinge126B.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view through the infrared emitter115and the frame corresponding to the encircled cross-section4of the electronic eyewear device ofFIG.3.

Multiple layers of the electronic eyewear device100are illustrated in the cross-section ofFIG.4, as shown the frame includes the frame front330and the frame back335. The flexible PCB340is disposed on the frame front330and connected to the frame back335. The infrared emitter115is disposed on the flexible PCB340and covered by an infrared emitter cover lens445. For example, the infrared emitter115is reflowed to the back of the flexible PCB340. Reflowing attaches the infrared emitter115to contact pad(s) formed on the back of the flexible PCB340by subjecting the flexible PCB340to controlled heat which melts a solder paste to connect the two components. In one example, reflowing is used to surface mount the infrared emitter115on the flexible PCB340and electrically connect the two components. However, it should be understood that through-holes can be used to connect leads from the infrared emitter115to the flexible PCB340via interconnects, for example.

The frame back335includes an infrared emitter opening450for the infrared emitter cover lens445. The infrared emitter opening450is formed on a rear-facing side of the frame back335that is configured to face inwards towards the eye of the user. In the example, the flexible PCB340can be connected to the frame front330via the flexible PCB adhesive460. The infrared emitter cover lens445can be connected to the frame back335via infrared emitter cover lens adhesive455. The coupling can also be indirect via intervening components.

In an example, the processor932utilizes eye tracker113to determine an eye gaze direction230of a wearer's eye234as shown inFIG.5, and an eye position236of the wearer's eye234within an eyebox as shown inFIG.6. The eye tracker113is a scanner which uses infrared light illumination (e.g., near-infrared, short-wavelength infrared, mid-wavelength infrared, long-wavelength infrared, or far infrared) to captured image of reflection variations of infrared light from the eye234to determine the gaze direction230of a pupil232of the eye234, and also the eye position236with respect to a see-through display180.

The block diagram inFIG.7illustrates an example of capturing visible light with cameras114A and114B. Visible light is captured by the first visible light camera114A with a round field of view (FOV)111A. A chosen rectangular first raw image758A is used for image processing by image processor912(FIG.9). Visible light is also captured by the second visible light camera114B with a round FOV111B. A rectangular second raw image758B chosen by the image processor912is used for image processing by processor912. The raw images758A and758B have an overlapping field of view713. The processor912processes the raw images758A and758B and generates a three-dimensional image715for display by the displays180.

FIG.8Ais a block diagram illustrating an example of a wire assembly800passing through the right hinge126A of the electronic eyewear device100.FIG.8Billustrates a top cross-sectional view of the wire assembly800passing through the right hinge126A. A similar wire assembly800may extend through the left hinge126B (not shown). The wire assembly800includes a combination of a thin flexible printed circuit board (flex-PCB)802and a wire bundle804that each pass through the hinge126A to electrically couple peripheral electronics818in the temple125A to controller electronics820in the frame105. Examples of the peripheral electronics818include a universal serial bus (USB) PCB, a battery PCB, a battery, sensors, light emitting diodes (LED)s, or other electronic components. Examples of the controller electronics820include the PCB140, a processor932(as shown inFIG.9), sensors, or other electronic components.

The flex-PCB802and the wire bundle804are each electrically coupled to a larger flex-PCB808A/B positioned on opposing sides of the hinge126A. In an example, the flex-PCB802may have a thickness of 0.2 millimeters, and the flex-PCB808A/808B may have a thickness of 0.8 millimeters. The wire bundle804couples to the flex PCB808A/B via a respective interface including connector806A/B. Examples of the connector806A/B are solder joints, a hot bar, or any similar electrical connector. The flex-PCB802and the wire bundle804are arranged according to space constraints within the hinge126A. In the example ofFIG.8A, the wire bundle804is positioned above the flex-PCB802, and the wire bundle804has a shorter length than the length of the flex-PCB802to keep positioned adjacent to the wire bundle804and provide flexibility through the hinge. Other examples include the wire bundle804and the flex-PCB802arranged side-to-side.

Due to the relatively higher electrical resistance of the thin and narrow electrical conductors forming the layers in the flex-PCB802, the flex-PCB802is better suited to transmit low current signals, such as digital or analog data signals through the hinge126A. The flex-PCB802is configured to transmit multiple data signals on data conductors812extending between the peripheral electronics818and the controller electronics820across the hinge126A. In one example, the flex-PCB802is configured to transmit12different data signals such as for thermistors, inter-integrated circuit (I2C), USB, general purpose input output (GPIO)s, or other low-current digital/analog signals. The flex-PCB802is narrow, thin, and air-gapped to be flexible. By transmitting the low current signals through the flex PCB802, mechanical space is conserved while retaining electrical performance of the wiring assembly800.

In an example, a discrete electrical conductor is utilized for each data signal, and the conductors each form a layer of the flex-PCB802. The thickness of the flex-PCB802is a directly correlated to the number of discrete conductors and thus the number of layers. The fewer the data signals, the fewer the conductors and layers, and the thinner the flex-PCB802is. The life cycle of the flex-PCB802across the hinge increases as the thickness of the flex-PCB802decreases. This is a result of the flex-PCB's802having increased flexibility when its thickness is reduced.

The wire bundle804is configured to transmit high current signals, such as the power signals of the electronic eyewear device100through the hinge126A. The wire bundle804is configured to transmit multiple power signals originating from either the peripheral electronics818or the controller electronics820across the hinge126A. The relatively larger and thicker wires in the wire bundle804reduces the electrical resistance of transmittance as compared to the conductors of the flex-PCB802. The wires of the wire bundle804may have a round cross-section, and each have a higher conductivity than the conductors of the flex-PCB802. This improves the electrical performance of the wire assembly800.

In the example as shown inFIG.8A, the wire bundle804may have higher conductivity wires810A-C than the flex-PCB conductors for transmitting power signals and ground. For example, these signals consist of a battery voltage Vbattery generated by battery814, a USB voltage Vusb, and a power ground816. Wire810A transmits the battery voltage Vbattery, wire810B transmits the ground816, and wire810C transmits the USB voltage Vusb from the controller electronics820to peripheral electronics818.

In one example, the flex-PCB802has 2 layers of conductors for transmitting data signals where it passes through the hinge126A, and the wire bundle804has 3 electrical conductors for transmitting power and ground. In this example, the flex-PCB808A/B has 5 layers, one layer electrically connected to each of the 2 layers communicating data signals and the 3 electrical conductors.

In another example, the ground wire816is included in the flex-PCB802rather than the wire bundle804to make the wire bundle804smaller. In this example, the flex-PCB802has 3 layers, and the wire bundle804has 2 wires.

FIG.8Billustrates a top cross-sectional view of the wire assembly800passing through the right hinge126A, where the flex-PCB802and the wire bundle804each electrically and physically connect to the frame electronics820and to the temple electronics818.FIG.8Billustrates the wire bundle804and the flex-PCB802positioned adjacent to one another in a side-by-side arrangement. Other examples include the wire bundle804extending above or below the flex-PCB802. The wire bundle804and flex-PCB802each electrically and physically couple to the flex-PCB808B on the frame105side of the hinge126A and to the flex-PCB808A on the temple125A side. The flex-PCB802and wire bundle804may also be directly connected to a PCB, such as PCB140, without the use of the flex-PCB808A. In one example, the right hinge126A of the electronic eyewear device may have the same wiring configuration as the left hinge126B.

FIG.9depicts a high-level functional block diagram including example electronic components disposed in the electronic eyewear device100/200. The illustrated electronic components include the processor932, the memory934, and the see-through image display180C and180D including the embedded antennas808.

Memory934includes instructions for execution by processor932to implement functionality of eyewear100/200, including instructions for processor932to control in the image715. Processor932receives power from battery (not shown) and executes the instructions stored in memory934, or integrated with the processor932on-chip, to perform functionality of eyewear100/200, and communicating with external devices via wireless connections.

A user interface adjustment system900includes a wearable device, which is the electronic eyewear device100with an eye movement tracker213(e.g., shown as infrared emitter215and infrared camera220inFIG.2B). User interface adjustments system900also includes a mobile device990and a server system998connected via various networks. Mobile device990may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, access point, or any other such device capable of connecting with electronic eyewear device100using both a low-power wireless connection925and a high-speed wireless connection937. Mobile device990is connected to server system998and network995. The network995may include any combination of wired and wireless connections.

Electronic eyewear device100includes at least two visible light cameras114(one associated with one side (e.g., the right lateral side170A) and one associated with the other side (e.g., left lateral side170B). Electronic eyewear device100further includes two see-through image displays180C-D of the optical assembly180A-B (one associated with each side). Electronic eyewear device100also includes image display driver942, image processor912, low-power circuitry920, and high-speed circuitry930. The components shown inFIG.9for the electronic eyewear device100/200are located on one or more circuit boards, for example a PCB or flexible PCB, in the temples110A-B as previously described. Alternatively, or additionally, the depicted components can be located in the temples, frames, hinges, or bridge of the electronic eyewear device100. The visible light cameras114A-B can include digital camera elements such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, charge coupled device, a lens, or any other respective visible or light capturing elements that may be used to capture data, including images of scenes with unknown objects.

Eye movement tracking programming945implements the user interface field of view adjustment instructions, including, to cause the electronic eyewear device100to track, via the eye movement tracker213, the eye movement of the eye of the user of the electronic eyewear device100. Other implemented instructions (functions) cause the electronic eyewear device100to determine, a field of view adjustment to the initial field of view of an initial displayed image based on the detected eye movement of the user corresponding to a successive eye direction. Further implemented instructions generate a successive displayed image of the sequence of displayed images based on the field of view adjustment. The successive displayed image is produced as visible output to the user via the user interface. This visible output appears on the see-through image displays180C-D of optical assembly180A-B, which is driven by image display driver942to present the sequence of displayed images, including the initial displayed image with the initial field of view and the successive displayed image with the successive field of view.

As shown inFIG.9, high-speed circuitry930includes high-speed processor932, memory934, and high-speed wireless circuitry936. In the example, the image display driver942is coupled to the high-speed circuitry930and operated by the high-speed processor932to drive the image displays180C-D of the optical assembly180A-B to create the virtual image. High-speed processor932may be any processor capable of managing high-speed communications and operation of any general computing system needed for electronic eyewear device100. High-speed processor932includes processing resources needed for managing high-speed data transfers on high-speed wireless connection937to a wireless local area network (WLAN) using high-speed wireless circuitry936. In certain examples, the high-speed processor932executes an operating system such as a LINUX operating system or other such operating system of the electronic eyewear device100and the operating system is stored in memory934for execution. In addition to any other responsibilities, the high-speed processor932executing a software architecture for the electronic eyewear device100is used to manage data transfers with high-speed wireless circuitry936. In certain examples, high-speed wireless circuitry936is configured to implement Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 communication standards, also referred to herein as Wi-Fi. In other examples, other high-speed communications standards may be implemented by high-speed wireless circuitry936.

Low-power wireless circuitry924and the high-speed wireless circuitry936of the electronic eyewear device100can include short range transceivers (e.g., UWB or Bluetooth™) and wireless wide, local, or wide area network transceivers (e.g., cellular or WiFi) including antennas808. Mobile device990, including the transceivers communicating via the low-power wireless connection925and high-speed wireless connection937, may be implemented using details of the architecture of the electronic eyewear device100, as can other elements of network995.

Memory934includes any storage device capable of storing various data and applications, including, among other things, color maps, camera data generated by the visible light cameras114A-B and the image processor912, as well as images generated for display by the image display driver942on the see-through image displays180C-D of the optical assembly180A-B. While memory934is shown as integrated with high-speed circuitry930, in other examples, memory934may be an independent standalone element of the electronic eyewear device100. In certain such examples, electrical routing lines may provide a connection through a chip that includes the high-speed processor932from the image processor912or low-power processor922to the memory934. In other examples, the high-speed processor932may manage addressing of memory934such that the low-power processor922will boot the high-speed processor932any time that a read or write operation involving memory934is needed.

Server system998may be one or more computing devices as part of a service or network computing system, for example, that include a processor, a memory, and network communication interface to communicate over the network995with the mobile device990and electronic eyewear device100. Electronic eyewear device100is connected with a host computer. For example, the electronic eyewear device100is paired with the mobile device990via the high-speed wireless connection937or connected to the server system998via the network995.

Output components of the electronic eyewear device100include visual components, such as the image displays180C-D of optical assembly180A-B as described inFIGS.2C-D(e.g., a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a projector, or a waveguide). The image displays180C-D of the optical assembly180A-B are driven by the image display driver942. The output components of the electronic eyewear device100further include acoustic components (e.g., speakers), haptic components (e.g., a vibratory motor), other signal generators, and so forth. The input components of the electronic eyewear device100, the mobile device990, and server system998, may include alphanumeric input components (e.g., a keyboard, a touch screen configured to receive alphanumeric input, a photo-optical keyboard, or other alphanumeric input components), point-based input components (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or other pointing instruments), tactile input components (e.g., a physical button, a touch screen that provides location and force of touches or touch gestures, or other tactile input components), audio input components (e.g., a microphone), and the like.

Electronic eyewear device100may optionally include additional peripheral device elements919. Such peripheral device elements may include biometric sensors, additional sensors, or display elements integrated with electronic eyewear device100. For example, peripheral device elements919may include any I/O components including output components, motion components, position components, or any other such elements described herein. The electronic eyewear device100can take other forms and may incorporate other types of frameworks, for example, a headgear, a headset, or a helmet.

For example, the biometric components of the user interface field of view adjustment may include components to detect expressions (e.g., hand expressions, facial expressions, vocal expressions, body gestures, or eye tracking), measure biosignals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, perspiration, or brain waves), identify a person (e.g., voice identification, retinal identification, facial identification, fingerprint identification, or electroencephalogram based identification), and the like. The motion components include acceleration sensor components (e.g., accelerometer), gravitation sensor components, rotation sensor components (e.g., gyroscope), and so forth. The position components include location sensor components to generate location coordinates (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver component), WiFi or Bluetooth™ transceivers to generate positioning system coordinates, altitude sensor components (e.g., altimeters or barometers that detect air pressure from which altitude may be derived), orientation sensor components (e.g., magnetometers), and the like. Such positioning system coordinates can also be received over wireless connections925and937from the mobile device990via the low-power wireless circuitry924or high-speed wireless circuitry936.

According to some examples, an “application” or “applications” are program(s) that execute functions defined in the programs. Various programming languages can be employed to create one or more of the applications, structured in a variety of manners, such as object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Objective-C, Java, or C++) or procedural programming languages (e.g., C or assembly language). In a specific example, a third-party application (e.g., an application developed using the ANDROID™ or IOS™ software development kit (SDK) by an entity other than the vendor of the particular platform) may be mobile software running on a mobile operating system such as IOS™, ANDROID™, WINDOWS® Phone, or other mobile operating systems. In this example, the third-party application can invoke API calls provided by the operating system to facilitate functionality described herein.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present concepts.