Display of information on a head mounted display

A method comprising causing display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user, receiving eye movement information associated with the user, receiving head movement information associated with the user, determining that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, and decreasing prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display is disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application was originally filed as PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/035207 filed Apr. 23, 2014.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to display of information on a head mounted display.

BACKGROUND

As electronic apparatuses play an increasing role in the lives of their users, users have become more reliant on utilization of electronic apparatuses throughout their daily lives. For example, users may utilize their electronic apparatuses in various circumstances, and various environments. It has become increasingly desirable to allow for interaction between the user and the electronic apparatus in a manner that allows the user to perform other actions safely and without undue distraction.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readable medium, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, and/or a method for causing display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user, receiving eye movement information associated with the user, receiving head movement information associated with the user, determining that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, and decreasing prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readable medium, a computer program product, and/or a non-transitory computer readable medium having means for causing display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user, means for receiving eye movement information associated with the user, receiving head movement information associated with the user, means for determining that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, and means for decreasing prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of increase of visual permeability of, at least part of, the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, visual permeability of the head mounted display refers to a propensity for visual information to pass through the head mounted display to the eye of the user.

In at least one example embodiment, visual permeability of the head mounted display refers to a propensity for visual information to pass through the head mounted display to the eye of the user with regard to the information displayed on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of increase of visual permeability of a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of increase of visual permeability the information displayed on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises termination of display of at least part of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the termination of display of at least part of the information comprises termination of display of a part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises termination of display of an entirety of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the causation of display of information comprises causation of display of the information at a position on the head mounted display, and the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises movement of the information from the position on the head mounted display to a different position on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the different position on the head mounted display is further from a center position of the head mounted display than the position on the head mounted display.

One or more example embodiments further perform causation of display of an animation indicating progression of display of the representation of information from the position to the different position on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a size of, at least part of, the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of the size of the part of the information comprises decrease of the size of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a size of an entirety of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of an increase of a transparency of, at least part of, the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the increase of the transparency of the part of the information comprises increase of the transparency of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of an increase of a transparency of an entirety of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a brightness of, at least part of, the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of the brightness of the part of the information comprises decrease of the brightness of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a brightness of an entirety of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprises determination that a head deviation direction is opposite to an eye deviation direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye movement information comprises information indicative of the eye deviation direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the head movement information comprises information indicative of the head deviation direction.

In at least one example embodiment, determination that they eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprises determination that a magnitude of the eye movement is proportional to a magnitude of the head movement.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye movement information comprises information indicative of the magnitude of the eye movement.

In at least one example embodiment, the head movement information comprises information indicative of the magnitude of the head movement.

In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprises determination that the eye movement information is consistent with an offset of a head movement indicated by the head movement information.

In at least one example embodiment, the offset of the head movement refers to a gaze direction of the eye of the user prior to receipt of the head movement information and receipt of the eye movement information being substantially similar to a gaze direction of the eye of the user subsequent to receipt of the head movement information and receipt of the eye movement information.

In at least one example embodiment, substantially similar refers to any deviation in the gaze direction being within a gaze direction tolerance.

In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display is independent of object tracking information.

In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display excludes object tracking information.

In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display excludes correlation between object tracking information and gaze tracking information.

One or more example embodiments further perform receipt of other eye movement information associated with the user, receipt of other head movement information associated with the user, determination that the other eye movement information and the other head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, and increase of prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the other eye movement information and the other head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display is based, at least in part, on absence of substantial eye movement.

In at least one example embodiment, absence of substantial eye movement refers to any eye movement being within a threshold of insignificance.

In at least one example embodiment, the threshold of insignificance refers to a threshold of movement below which is consistent with viewing of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, receipt of the other eye movement information is performed subsequent to the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display.

One or more example embodiments further perform determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, and retention of prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the retention of the prominence of the information on the head mounted display is performed prior to the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of decrease of visual permeability of a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of decrease of visual permeability the information displayed on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the causation of display of information comprises causation of display of the information at a position on the head mounted display, and the increase of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises movement of the information from the position on the head mounted display to a different position on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the different position on the head mounted display is nearer to a center position of the head mounted display than the position on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a size of, at least part of, the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of the size of the part of the information comprises decrease of the size of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a size of an entirety of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of an increase of a transparency of, at least part of, the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the increase of the transparency of the part of the information comprises increase of the transparency of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of an increase of a transparency of an entirety of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a brightness of, at least part of, the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of the brightness of the part of the information comprises decrease of the brightness of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display comprises causation of a decrease of a brightness of an entirety of the information.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by elevation of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by depression of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by adduction of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by abduction of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by rightward movement of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the rightward movement of the eye is characterized by at least one of abduction of a right eye or adduction of a left eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by leftward movement of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the leftward movement of the eye is characterized by at least one of adduction of a right eye or abduction of a left eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by abduction and elevation of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by adduction and depression of an eye.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by flexion of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by extension of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by leftward lateral rotation of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by rightward lateral rotation of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by forward deviation of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by rearward deviation of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by leftward lateral flexion of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by rightward lateral flexion of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by rearward deviation and extension of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by leftward lateral rotation and flexion of the neck.

In at least one example embodiment, the head deviation direction is a direction characterized by rightward lateral flexion, rightward lateral rotation, and forward deviation of the neck.

One or more example embodiments further perform determination of the eye movement information.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye movement information comprises eye movement sensor information.

In at least one example embodiment, the eye movement sensor information is information received from at least one of an optical sensor, an imaging sensor, or a magnetometer sensor.

One or more example embodiments further perform determination of the head movement information.

In at least one example embodiment, the head movement information comprises head movement sensor information.

In at least one example embodiment, the head movement sensor information is information received from at least one of a magnetometer sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer sensor, an orientation sensor, a myoelectric sensor, an optical sensor, or an imaging sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring toFIGS. 1 through 11of the drawings.

As defined herein, a “non-transitory computer-readable medium,” which refers to a physical medium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from a “transitory computer-readable medium,” which refers to an electromagnetic signal.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing an apparatus, such as an electronic apparatus10, according to at least one example embodiment. It should be understood, however, that an electronic apparatus as illustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of an electronic apparatus that could benefit from embodiments of the invention and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention. While electronic apparatus10is illustrated and will be hereinafter described for purposes of example, other types of electronic apparatuses may readily employ embodiments of the invention. Electronic apparatus10may be a personal digital assistant (PDAs), a pager, a mobile computer, a desktop computer, a television, a gaming apparatus, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a media player, a camera, a video recorder, a mobile phone, a global positioning system (GPS) apparatus, an automobile, a kiosk, an electronic table, a head mounted display, and/or any other types of electronic systems. Moreover, the apparatus of at least one example embodiment need not be the entire electronic apparatus, but may be a component or group of components of the electronic apparatus in other example embodiments. For example, the apparatus may be an integrated circuit, a set of integrated circuits, and/or the like.

Furthermore, apparatuses may readily employ embodiments of the invention regardless of their intent to provide mobility. In this regard, even though embodiments of the invention may be described in conjunction with mobile applications, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention may be utilized in conjunction with a variety of other applications, both in the mobile communications industries and outside of the mobile communications industries. For example, the apparatus may be, at least part of, a non-carryable apparatus, such as a large screen television, an electronic table, a kiosk, an automobile, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, electronic apparatus10comprises processor11and memory12. Processor11may be any type of processor, controller, embedded controller, processor core, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, processor11utilizes computer program code to cause an apparatus to perform one or more actions. Memory12may comprise volatile memory, such as volatile Random Access Memory (RAM) including a cache area for the temporary storage of data and/or other memory, for example, non-volatile memory, which may be embedded and/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory may comprise an EEPROM, flash memory and/or the like. Memory12may store any of a number of pieces of information, and data. The information and data may be used by the electronic apparatus10to implement one or more functions of the electronic apparatus10, such as the functions described herein. In at least one example embodiment, memory12includes computer program code such that the memory and the computer program code are configured to, working with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform one or more actions described herein.

The electronic apparatus10may further comprise a communication device15. In at least one example embodiment, communication device15comprises an antenna, (or multiple antennae), a wired connector, and/or the like in operable communication with a transmitter and/or a receiver. In at least one example embodiment, processor11provides signals to a transmitter and/or receives signals from a receiver. The signals may comprise signaling information in accordance with a communications interface standard, user speech, received data, user generated data, and/or the like. Communication device15may operate with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. By way of illustration, the electronic communication device15may operate in accordance with second-generation (2G) wireless communication protocols IS-136 (time division multiple access (TDMA)), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), and IS-95 (code division multiple access (CDMA)), with third-generation (3G) wireless communication protocols, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA2000, wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and time division-synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA), and/or with fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication protocols, wireless networking protocols, such as 802.11, short-range wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth, and/or the like. Communication device15may operate in accordance with wireline protocols, such as Ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and/or the like.

Processor11may comprise means, such as circuitry, for implementing audio, video, communication, navigation, logic functions, and/or the like, as well as for implementing embodiments of the invention including, for example, one or more of the functions described herein. For example, processor11may comprise means, such as a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, various analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters, processing circuitry and other support circuits, for performing various functions including, for example, one or more of the functions described herein. The apparatus may perform control and signal processing functions of the electronic apparatus10among these devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor11thus may comprise the functionality to encode and interleave message and data prior to modulation and transmission. The processor1may additionally comprise an internal voice coder, and may comprise an internal data modem. Further, the processor11may comprise functionality to operate one or more software programs, which may be stored in memory and which may, among other things, cause the processor11to implement at least one embodiment including, for example, one or more of the functions described herein. For example, the processor11may operate a connectivity program, such as a conventional internet browser. The connectivity program may allow the electronic apparatus10to transmit and receive internet content, such as location-based content and/or other web page content, according to a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Post Office Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and/or the like, for example.

The electronic apparatus10may comprise a user interface for providing output and/or receiving input. The electronic apparatus10may comprise an output device14. Output device14may comprise an audio output device, such as a ringer, an earphone, a speaker, and/or the like. Output device14may comprise a tactile output device, such as a vibration transducer, an electronically deformable surface, an electronically deformable structure, and/or the like. Output device14may comprise a visual output device, such as a display, a light, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus causes display of information, the causation of display may comprise displaying the information on a display comprised by the apparatus, sending the information to a separate apparatus, and/or the like. For example, the apparatus may send the information to a separate display, to a computer, to a laptop, to a mobile apparatus, and/or the like. For example, the apparatus may be a server that causes display of the information by way of sending the information to a client apparatus that displays the information. In this manner, causation of display of the information may comprise sending one or more messages to the separate apparatus that comprise the information, streaming the information to the separate apparatus, and/or the like. The electronic apparatus may comprise an input device13. Input device13may comprise a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a microphone, a touch sensor, a force sensor, a button, a keypad, a motion sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a camera, and/or the like. A touch sensor and a display may be characterized as a touch display. In an embodiment comprising a touch display, the touch display may be configured to receive input from a single point of contact, multiple points of contact, and/or the like. In such an embodiment, the touch display and/or the processor may determine input based, at least in part, on position, motion, speed, contact area, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus receives an indication of an input. The apparatus may receive the indication from a sensor, a driver, a separate apparatus, and/or the like. The information indicative of the input may comprise information that conveys information indicative of the input, indicative of an aspect of the input indicative of occurrence of the input, and/or the like.

The electronic apparatus10may include any of a variety of touch displays including those that are configured to enable touch recognition by any of resistive, capacitive, infrared, strain gauge, surface wave, optical imaging, dispersive signal technology, acoustic pulse recognition, or other techniques, and to then provide signals indicative of the location and other parameters associated with the touch. Additionally, the touch display may be configured to receive an indication of an input in the form of a touch event which may be defined as an actual physical contact between a selection object (e.g., a finger, stylus, pen, pencil, or other pointing device) and the touch display. Alternatively, a touch event may be defined as bringing the selection object in proximity to the touch display, hovering over a displayed object or approaching an object within a predefined distance, even though physical contact is not made with the touch display. As such, a touch input may comprise any input that is detected by a touch display including touch events that involve actual physical contact and touch events that do not involve physical contact but that are otherwise detected by the touch display, such as a result of the proximity of the selection object to the touch display. A touch display may be capable of receiving information associated with force applied to the touch screen in relation to the touch input. For example, the touch screen may differentiate between a heavy press touch input and a light press touch input. In at least one example embodiment, a display may display two-dimensional information, three-dimensional information and/or the like.

In embodiments including a keypad, the keypad may comprise numeric (for example, 0-9) keys, symbol keys (for example, #, *), alphabetic keys, and/or the like for operating the electronic apparatus10. For example, the keypad may comprise a conventional QWERTY keypad arrangement. The keypad may also comprise various soft keys with associated functions. In addition, or alternatively, the electronic apparatus10may comprise an interface device such as a joystick or other user input interface.

Input device13may comprise a media capturing element. The media capturing element may be any means for capturing an image, video, and/or audio for storage, display, or transmission. For example, in at least one example embodiment in which the media capturing element is a camera module, the camera module may comprise a digital camera which may form a digital image file from a captured image. As such, the camera module may comprise hardware, such as a lens or other optical component(s), and/or software necessary for creating a digital image file from a captured image. Alternatively, the camera module may comprise only the hardware for viewing an image, while a memory device of the electronic apparatus10stores instructions for execution by the processor11in the form of software for creating a digital image file from a captured image. In at least one example embodiment, the camera module may further comprise a processing element such as a co-processor that assists the processor11in processing image data and an encoder and/or decoder for compressing and/or decompressing image data. The encoder and/or decoder may encode and/or decode according to a standard format, for example, a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard format.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating anatomical terms of location, orientation, and/or the like, with respect to user200. It can be seen that user200is depicted in an anatomic position. An anatomic position is a posture of a human body in which the body is standing with legs slightly apart with feet forward and palms facing forward.

The body of user200may be described in relation to three fundamental axes that are orthogonal to each other; the frontal axis, the longitudinal axis, and the sagittal axis. Frontal axis201is an imaginary line that extends from right to left through the center of user200. Longitudinal axis202is a line that extends from superior (upper) to inferior (lower) through the center of user200. Sagittal axis203is a line that extends from anterior to posterior through the center of user200. Frontal plane204is a plane that divides user200into anterior and posterior halves along frontal axis201and longitudinal axis202. It can be seen that, in the anatomical position, the frontal plane divides the head and neck of user200when user200is in the anatomic position. Transverse plane205is a plane that divides user200into superior and inferior parts through frontal axis201and sagittal axis203. Sagittal plane206is a plane that divides user200into left and right parts through sagittal axis203and longitudinal axis202. It can be seen that, in the anatomical position, the sagittal plane divides the head and neck of user200when user200is in the anatomic position.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the head of user200is held such that the head is divided in half by frontal plane204and sagittal plane206. The head of user200faces a direction parallel to sagittal axis203. In the example ofFIG. 2, the neck of user200is held straight and erect such that the neck is divided in half by frontal plane204and sagittal plane206. The neck of user200is held such that the neck is centered on longitudinal axis202. In at least one example embodiment, an orientation of the head of a user such that the head is facing forwards and the user's neck is erect may be an anatomical position head orientation. For example,FIG. 2illustrates user200positioned in an anatomical position such that the head of user200is held in an anatomical position head orientation.

FIGS. 3A-3Dare diagrams illustrating head movement, head orientation, head deviation direction, and/or magnitude of head movement according to at least one example embodiment. The examples ofFIGS. 3A-3Dare merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, head movement may vary, head orientation may vary, range of head movement, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to identify movement of the user's head. Physical movement with respect to a head may be characterized in terms of fundamental movements. For example, a complex head movement may be characterized by the manner in which the complex movement incorporates distinct fundamental movements.FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate examples of such fundamental movements. In at least one example embodiment, a fundamental movement of the head is a movement of the head in a head deviation direction. For example, the head deviation direction may identify a direction of movement of the head from a head orientation to a different head orientation. The movements ofFIGS. 3A-3Dare described in relation to movement from an anatomical position head orientation, similar as may be described regardingFIG. 2.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to identify an orientation of the head of a user based, at least in part, on a position of the user's head and/or neck. In at least one example embodiment, a head orientation is a spatial orientation of the head of the user. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to characterize such head orientations of the user. For example, it may be desirable to distinguish a head orientation from a different head orientation, to classify a head orientation as a specific head orientation, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, a head orientation may be identified by a head deviation direction.FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate examples of such fundamental movements. The head orientations ofFIGS. 3A-3Dare described with respect to an anatomical position head orientation, similar as may be described regardingFIG. 2.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to characterize a fundamental movement of the head by a magnitude of the head movement. In at least one example embodiment, a magnitude of a head movement is indicative of the distance of movement between the head orientation before the head movement and the head orientation after the head movement. In at least one example embodiment, a magnitude of a head movement is an angle between the head orientation before the head movement and the head orientation after the head movement.FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate examples of such distances and/or angles.

FIG. 3Ais a diagram illustrating head orientation associated with flexion and extension of a neck from an anatomical position head orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Head orientation may be described in terms of flexion and extension of the neck of a user from an anatomical position head orientation. In the example ofFIG. 3A, a user is positioned in an anatomical position such that the user's head and neck are bisected by frontal plane302. Flexion304is a deviation of the head and/or neck characterized by tilting of the head in a downward direction from the anatomical position head orientation along the sagittal plane. Extension306is a deviation of the head and/or neck characterized by tilting of the head in an upward direction from the anatomical position head orientation along the sagittal plane. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is a downward head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in a downward head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation308. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is an upward head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in an upward head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation330. In at least one example embodiment, a movement of the head in an upward head deviation direction or a downward head deviation direction has a magnitude of the head movement. For example, the orientation before a movement may be the anatomical position head orientation, and the head orientation position after the movement may be head orientation308. In this example, the magnitude of the movement will be less than a movement in which the orientation before the movement was head orientation310and the orientation after the movement is head orientation308.

FIG. 3Bis a diagram illustrating head orientation associated with leftward lateral flexion and rightward lateral flexion of a neck from an anatomical position head orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Head orientation may be described in terms of leftward lateral flexion and rightward lateral flexion of the neck of a user from an anatomical position head orientation. In the example ofFIG. 3B, a user is positioned in an anatomical position such that the user's head and neck are bisected by sagittal plane322. Leftward lateral flexion324is a deviation of the head and/or neck characterized by tilting of the head in a leftward lateral direction from the anatomical position head orientation along the frontal plane. Rightward lateral flexion326is a deviation of the head and/or neck characterized by tilting of the head in a rightward lateral direction from the anatomical position head orientation along the sagittal plane. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is a leftward lateral head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in a leftward lateral head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation328. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is a rightward lateral head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in a rightward lateral head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation330. In at least one example embodiment, a movement of the head in a leftward lateral head deviation direction or a rightward lateral head deviation direction has a magnitude of the head movement. For example, the orientation before a movement may be the anatomical position head orientation, and the head orientation position after the movement may be head orientation328. In this example, the magnitude of the movement will be less than a movement in which the orientation before the movement was head orientation330and the orientation after the movement is head orientation328.

FIG. 3Cis a diagram illustrating head orientation associated with leftward lateral rotation and rightward lateral rotation of a neck from an anatomical position head orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Head orientation may be described in terms of leftward lateral rotation and rightward lateral rotation of the neck of a user from an anatomical position head orientation. In the example ofFIG. 3C, a user is positioned in an anatomical position such that the user's head and neck are bisected by sagittal plane342. Leftward lateral rotation344is a deviation of the head and/or neck characterized by rotation of the head in a leftward direction from the anatomical position head orientation along a longitudinal axis. Rightward lateral rotation346is a deviation of the head and/or neck characterized by rotation of the head in a rightward direction from the anatomical position head orientation along a longitudinal axis. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is a leftward rotational head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in a leftward rotational head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation348. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is a rightward rotational head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in a rightward rotational head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation350. In at least one example embodiment, a movement of the head and/or neck in a leftward rotational head deviation direction or a rightward rotational head deviation direction has a magnitude of the head movement. For example, the orientation before a movement may be the anatomical position head orientation, and the head orientation position after the movement may be head orientation348. In this example, the magnitude of the movement will be less than a movement in which the orientation before the movement was head orientation350and the orientation after the movement is head orientation348.

FIG. 3Dis a diagram illustrating head orientation associated with forward deviation and rearward deviation of a neck from an anatomical position head orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Head orientation may be described in terms of forward deviation and rearward deviation of the neck of a user from an anatomical position head orientation. In the example ofFIG. 3D, a user is positioned in an anatomical position such that the user's head and neck are bisected by frontal plane362. Forward deviation364is a deviation of the head and/or neck characterized by extending of the head and/or chin in an outward direction from the anatomical position head orientation along the sagittal plane. Rearward deviation366is a movement of the head and/or neck characterized by withdrawing of the head and/or chin in an inward direction from the anatomical position head orientation along the sagittal plane. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is a forward head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in a forward head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation368. In at least on example embodiment, a head deviation direction is a rearward head deviation direction. For example, movement of the head in a rearward head deviation direction from an anatomical position head orientation causes the head to become oriented as illustrated by head orientation370. In at least one example embodiment, a movement of the head in a forward head deviation direction or a rearward head deviation direction has a magnitude of the head movement. For example, the orientation before a movement may be the anatomical position head orientation, and the head orientation position after the movement may be head orientation368. In this example, the magnitude of the movement will be less than a movement in which the orientation before the movement was head orientation370and the orientation after the movement is head orientation368.

As discussed previously, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to characterize a complex head movement by the manner in which the complex movement incorporates distinct fundamental movements. Although the examples ofFIGS. 3A-3Deach illustrate distinct types of fundamental movements, such movements may be combined in order to facilitate characterization of complex head movements, head orientations, head deviation directions, and/or the like. In one example, a head deviation direction may identify a head movement direction as a movement direction associated with rearward deviation and extension of the neck. In another example, a head deviation direction may identify a head movement direction as a movement direction associated with leftward lateral rotation and flexion of the neck. In yet another example, a head deviation direction may identify a head movement direction as a movement direction associated with rightward lateral flexion, rightward lateral rotation, and forward deviation of the neck.

FIGS. 4A-4Eare diagrams illustrating eye movement, eye orientation, eye deviation direction, and/or magnitude of eye movement according to at least one example embodiment. The examples ofFIGS. 4A-4Eare merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, eye movement may vary, eye orientation may vary, eye deviation direction may vary, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to identify a movement of the user's eyes. Physical movement with respect to an eye may be characterized in terms of fundamental movements. For example, a complex eye movement may be characterized by the manner in which the complex movement incorporates distinct fundamental movements.FIGS. 4B-4Eillustrate examples of such fundamental movements. In at least one example embodiment, a fundamental movement of an eye is a movement of the eye in an eye deviation direction. For example, the eye deviation direction may identify a direction of movement of the eye from an eye orientation to a different eye orientation. The movements ofFIGS. 4B-4Eare described in relation to movement from an eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, a centered eye orientation is an orientation indicative of a primary position of an eye of a user. For example, the primary position may be a natural resting position of the eye of the user, a position of the eye associated with the user looking straight ahead, a position of the eye such that the iris is spatially centered within the eye opening, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to identify an orientation of an eye of a user based, at least in part, on a position of at least one eye of the user. In at least one example embodiment, an eye orientation is a spatial orientation of an eye of a user. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to characterize such eye orientations of the user. For example, it may be desirable to distinguish an eye orientation from a different eye orientation, to classify an eye orientation as a specific eye orientation, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an eye orientation may be identified by an eye deviation direction.FIGS. 4B-4Eillustrate examples of such fundamental movements. The eye orientations ofFIGS. 4B-4Eare described with respect to a centered eye orientation.

FIG. 4Ais a diagram illustrating a centered eye orientation. In the example ofFIG. 4A, eye orientation402is a centered eye orientation. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 4A, eye orientation402is an orientation in which the iris is spatially centered within the eye opening, the eyelids, and/or the like. Eye orientation402may be a primary position of the eye such that eye orientation402is associated with a natural resting position of the eye.

FIG. 4Bis a diagram illustrating elevation of an eye from a centered eye orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Eye orientation may be described in terms of elevation of an eye. Elevation412is a movement of the eye associated with movement of the eye upwards from an eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, an eye deviation direction is an upward eye deviation direction. For example, movement of the eye in an upward deviation direction from the centered eye orientation causes the eye to be to become oriented as illustrated by eye orientation414.

FIG. 4Cis a diagram illustrating depression of an eye from a centered eye orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Eye orientation may be described in terms of depression of an eye. Depression422is a movement of the eye associated with movement of the eye downwards from an eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, an eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by depression of an eye from an eye orientation. For example, inFIG. 4C, eye orientation424illustrates an eye orientation associated with an eye deviation direction identifying a direction characterized by depression of the eye from the centered eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, an eye deviation direction is a downward eye deviation direction. For example, movement of the eye in a downward deviation direction from the centered eye orientation causes the eye to be to become oriented as illustrated by eye orientation424.

FIG. 4Dis a diagram illustrating rightward movement of an eye from a centered eye orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Eye orientation may be described in terms of rightward of an eye from an eye orientation. Rightward movement432is a movement of the eye associated with movement of the eye towards the right side of a user's body from the centered eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, an eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by rightward movement of an eye from an eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, rightward movement of an eye is characterized by abduction of a right eye from an eye orientation, adduction of a left eye from an eye orientation, and/or the like. Adduction of an eye may relate to movement of the eye to a position closer to a user's nose than an eye orientation. Abduction of an eye may relate to movement of the eye to a position further from a user's nose than an eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, an eye deviation direction is a rightward eye deviation direction. For example, movement of the eye in a rightward deviation direction from the centered eye orientation causes the eye to be to become oriented as illustrated by eye orientation434.

FIG. 4Eis a diagram illustrating leftward movement of an eye from a centered eye orientation according to at least one example embodiment. Eye orientation may be described in terms of leftward movement of an eye from an eye orientation. Leftward movement442is a movement of the eye associated with movement of the eye towards the left side of a user's body from an eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, an eye deviation direction is a direction characterized by leftward movement of an eye from an eye orientation. In at least one example embodiment, leftward movement of an eye is characterized by adduction of a right eye from an eye orientation, abduction of a left eye from an eye orientation, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an eye deviation direction is a leftward eye deviation direction. For example, movement of the eye in a leftward deviation direction from the centered eye orientation causes the eye to be to become oriented as illustrated by eye orientation444.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to characterize a fundamental movement of an eye by a magnitude of the eye movement. In at least one example embodiment, a magnitude of an eye movement of is indicative of the distance between the eye orientation before the eye movement and the eye orientation after the eye movement. In at least one example embodiment, a magnitude of an eye movement is an angle between the eye orientation before the eye movement, and the eye orientation after the eye movement. For example, the orientation before a movement may be the centered eye orientation, and the eye orientation position after the movement may be eye orientation414. In this example, the magnitude of the movement will be less than a movement in which the orientation before the movement was eye orientation424and the orientation after the movement is eye orientation414.

As discussed previously, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to characterize a complex eye movement by the manner in which the complex movement incorporates distinct fundamental movements. Although the examples ofFIGS. 4B-4Eeach illustrate distinct types of fundamental movements, such movements may be combined in order to facilitate characterization of complex eye movements, eye orientations, eye deviation directions, and/or the like. In one example, an eye deviation direction may be a direction characterized by abduction and elevation of an eye from the centered eye orientation. In another example, an eye deviation direction may be a direction characterized by adduction and depression of an eye from the centered eye orientation.

FIGS. 5A-5Bare diagrams illustrating see through displays according to at least one example embodiment. The examples ofFIGS. 5A-5Bare merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, configuration of the see through display may vary, relationship between the user and the see through display may vary, shape of the see through display may vary, opacity of the see through display may vary, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for a display to be a see through display. In at least one example embodiment, a see through display is a display that presents information to a user, but through which objects on an opposite side of the display from the user may be seen. A see through display may be comprised by a window, a windshield, a visor, glasses, a head mounted display, and/or the like. A head mounted display may, for example, be a display that is head mountable, a display that is coupled to an element that is wearable at a location on and/or proximate to the head of a user, a display that is wearable at a location on and/or proximate to the head of a user, and/or the like.

FIG. 5Ais a diagram illustrating see through display502according to at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, displaying information on a see through display so that the information corresponds with one or more objects viewable through the see through display is referred to as augmented reality. In the example ofFIG. 5A, user501may perceive objects505and506through see through display502. In at least one example embodiment, the see through display may display information to the user. For example, display502may display information503and information504. Information503and information504may be positioned on display502such that the information corresponds with one or more objects viewable through see through display502, such as object505. In such an example, information503may be associated with, identify, and/or the like, object505. For example, information503may indicate an identity of object505. In at least one example embodiment, display502may be comprised by a head mounted display.

In some circumstances, information displayed on a see through display may obscure one or more objects from the user when perceived through the see through display. In at least one example embodiment, obscurance may be causation of obscuring. For example, display of information503on display502may cause obscurance of the display area of display502associated with information503. In this manner, information503may be associated with obscurance of a display area associated with the see through display.

FIG. 5Bis a diagram illustrating a see through display according to at least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, a see through display is a near eye display. A near eye display may be a see through display that is positioned proximate to an eye of the user. The example ofFIG. 5Billustrates glasses that comprise a near eye display in each lens. In the example ofFIG. 5B, the right near eye display is displaying information513A and514A, and the left near eye display is displaying information513B and514B. In at least one example embodiment, information513A may be associated with information513B. For example, the content of information513A may be identical to content of information513B. In some circumstances, even though the content may be identical between513A and513B, position of information513A on the right near eye display may vary from position of information513B on the left near eye display. In this manner, the apparatus may vary position of information between the left near eye display and right near eye display to vary the parallax of the information perceived by the user. In this manner, the apparatus may vary the perceived depth of the information by the user.

Due to the nature of a head mounted display, in some circumstances, a user may desire to avoid display of information on the head mounted display that may distract the user. For example, information displayed on a head mounted display may obscure one or more objects from the user when perceived through the head mounted display. In such an example, the user of the head mounted display may desire to avoid being distracted by information displayed on, at least part of, the head mounted display in situations in which the user desires to avoid obscurance of objects the user may be able to view through the head mounted display. For example, in social situations, business situations, driving situations, and/or the like, the user may desire to avoid potentially obscuring information from being displayed on the head mounted display.

In many situations, the user may desire to avoid distractions associated with display of information on a head mounted display, to avoid interruption of ongoing activities by information being displayed on a head mounted display, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus may preclude display of information on a head mounted display worn by a user. For example, the apparatus may preclude display of information on the head mounted display worn by the user until certain input is received, until an indication of intent is received, in certain situations that may be detectable by the apparatus, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus may default to preclusion of display of information on the head mounted display absent an indication to the contrary. For example, the apparatus may preclude display of information on the head mounted display unless such display is initiation by a user of the head mounted display, indicated by a user of the head mounted display, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, display of information is precluded on less than the entirety of a head mounted display. For example, display of information may be precluded in a center portion of the head mounted display, a user configurable region of the head mounted display, and/or the like. For example, display of information may be precluded in a center ninety-percent of a head mounted display such that information may be displayed along the periphery of the head mounted display. In such an example, the periphery display area may be utilized for display of status indicator, battery graphics, wireless connectivity, time, notifications, and/or the like. In another example, display of information may be precluded in a center seventy-percent of a head mounted display. In both examples, display of information may be precluded in one region and permitted in another region in order to avoid display of information in a distracting and/or obstructing manner.

In some circumstances, a user may desire to view information by way of a head mounted display. For example, the user may desire the head mounted display to discontinue preclusion of display of information on the head mounted display, to allow display of information on the head mounted display, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus causes display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user. The information may be any sort of visual element, including text, interactive elements, graphics, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the causation of display of information causes display of the information at a position on the head mounted display. For example, the apparatus may cause display of the information at a center position of the head mounted display. A center position of a display may be a position on the display that is at the center of a field of view of a user when the user's eyes are oriented in a centered eye orientation. In many circumstances, a user may desire to interact with a head mounted display in a manner that avoids potentially cumbersome tactile interactions, avoids fumbling with the head mounted display, permits ongoing activities to continue in parallel with interactions with the head mounted display, permits free use of the user's hands while interacting with the head mounted display, and/or the like. For example, the user may desire to interact with the user's head mounted display by utilizing eye movements, head movements, body movements, and/or the like.

In many circumstances, it may be desirable for the apparatus to determine whether a user is likely to be viewing information that is displayed on a head mounted display or viewing objects through the head mounted display. For example, if the user is viewing information that is displayed on the head mounted display, the user may desire the information to be prominent on the head mounted display. In this manner, the user may be able to perceive the information displayed on the head mounted display more efficiently. In another example, if the user is viewing an object that can be seen through the head mounted display, the user may desire the information to be less prominent. In this manner, the user may be able to perceive the object with less obstruction from displayed information, if any, on the head mounted display.

Vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VORs) are the reflex movements our eyes make in order to keep what we are looking at stable on the retina while we are moving. When moving their head, if the user is looking through a head mounted display at the physical world, they will perform VORs. However, when the user is looking at information displayed on the head mounted display while moving their head, the user's eyes do not perform VORs, because the head mounted display moves along with the user's head, and the displayed information does not significantly move with respect to the user's eyes. Thus, it may be deduced whether a user is looking through a head mounted display or at information displayed on the head mounted display based on whether the user is performing VORs. VORs may be detected by monitoring the user's eye movements as they move their head. For example, if a person is viewing an object through the head mounted display, the person may move his eyes upward as the person moves his head downward to allow his eyes to remain directed toward a particular object. Conversely, if a user is viewing information displayed on a head mounted display, the head mounted display may be mounted on the head of the user in a manner such that the head mounted display moved with the head of the user. In such circumstances, the user may continue to view particular information absent any eye movement that corresponds with any head movement. For example, if a user is viewing information on a head mounted display, and the user moves his head, the user may continue viewing the information on the head mounted display without necessarily moving his eyes. In this manner, the correlation of the eye movement and the head movement of the user may indicate whether a user may be viewing information displayed on the head mounted display. In this manner, it may be desirable to determine whether eye movement information and head movement information are consistent with a user viewing information on the head mounted display, to determine whether eye movement information and head movement information are inconsistent with a user viewing information on the head mounted display, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus receives eye movement information associated with the user. Eye movement information may refer to information indicative of one or more eye movements. For example, the apparatus may receive the eye movement information from at least one memory, from another apparatus, from one or more sensors configured to sense an eye orientation of the user, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, eye movement information is eye movement sensor information. For example, the eye movement sensor information may provide information indicative of an orientation of the sensed eye, provide information indicative of movement of the sensed eye, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, eye movement sensor information may be information received from an optical sensor, an imaging sensor, a magnetometer sensor, a sensor configured to sense information associated with an orientation of an eye, a sensor configured to sense information associated with a movement of the eye, and/or the like. For example, one or more sensors may be utilized to sense information indicative of an eye movement, an eye orientation, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus determines eye movement information. For example, the apparatus may determine, calculate, extrapolate, infer, and/or the like eye movement information based, at least in part, on the eye movement sensor information. In at least one example embodiment, eye movement information comprises information indicative of eye deviation direction. In at least one example embodiment, eye movement information comprises information indicative of the magnitude of the eye movement.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus receives head movement information associated with the user. Head movement information may refer to information indicative of one or more head movements. For example, the apparatus may receive the head movement information from at least one memory, from another apparatus, from one or more sensors configured to sense a head orientation of the user, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, head movement information is head movement sensor information. For example, the head movement sensor information may provide information indicative of an orientation of the sensed head, provide information indicative of movement of the sensed head, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, head movement sensor information may be information received from a magnetometer sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer sensor, an orientation sensor, a myoelectric sensor, an optical sensor, an imaging sensor, a sensor configured to sense information associated with a movement of a head, and/or the like. For example, one or more sensors may be utilized to sense information indicative of a head movement, a head orientation, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus determines a head movement of the user. For example, the apparatus may determine, calculate, extrapolate, infer, and/or the like head movement information based, at least in part, on the head movement sensor information. In at least one example embodiment, head movement information comprises information indicative of head deviation direction. In at least one example embodiment, head movement information comprises information indicative of the magnitude of the head movement.

In many circumstances, it may be desirable for an apparatus to determine if a user has discontinued viewing the information on a head mounted display. For example, if the apparatus determines that a user had discontinued viewing the information on the head mounted display, the apparatus may decrease the prominence of at least a portion the information on the head mounted display, and/or the like. To facilitate determination that a user has discontinued viewing information on a head mounted display, it may be desirable to evaluate an eye movement in relation to a head movement. For example, many circumstances exist where an eye movement and a head movement are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. For instance, a head deviation direction opposite to an eye deviation direction may be inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. As previously described, such head movement and eye movement may be consistent with the user viewing an object that may be seen though the head mounted display. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines that eye movement information and head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprises determination that a head deviation direction is opposite to an eye deviation direction. For example, the apparatus may determine that the head deviation direction is a downward head deviation direction, similar as described regardingFIG. 3A, which is opposite an eye deviation direction characterized by an elevation of the eye, similar as described regardingFIG. 4B. In such an example, the apparatus may determine that the downward head deviation direction and the elevation eye deviation direction are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display. In at least one example embodiment, the determination that they eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprises determination that a magnitude of the eye movement is proportional to a magnitude of the head movement. For example, the apparatus may determine the distance of the eye movement is proportional to a distance of the head movement. In this manner, the apparatus may determine that such proportionality is indicative of the user maintaining an eye direction towards an object that may be viewed through the head mounted display. In another example, the apparatus may determine that the angle of the eye movement is proportional to the angle of the head movement. In this manner, the apparatus may determine that such proportionality is indicative of the user maintaining an eye direction towards an object that may be viewed through the head mounted display. In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprises determination that the eye movement information is consistent with an offset of a head movement indicated by the head movement information. The offset of the head movement may refer to a gaze direction of the eye of the user prior to receipt of the head movement information and receipt of the eye movement information being substantially similar to a gaze direction of the eye of the user subsequent to receipt of the head movement information and receipt of the eye movement information. Substantially similar may refer to any deviation in the gaze direction being within a gaze direction tolerance. For example, minor fluctuations in gaze direction may be consistent with viewing the same object through the head mounted display. Such minor fluctuations in gaze direction may be considered as being within a gaze direction tolerance. The gaze direction tolerance may be an adjustable setting configured by the user, a predetermined setting, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to determine that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display independent of object tracking information. For example, gaze tracking of the eye and tracking objects in the user's field of view through a head mounted display may involve additional processing overhead, additional power consumption from a front facing camera, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display is independent of object tracking information. In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display excludes object tracking information. In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing information on the head mounted display excludes correlation between object tracking information and gaze tracking information.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus causes a decrease of the prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. The decrease in prominence may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 6A-6F. In this manner, the apparatus may avoid intrusiveness of displayed information in circumstances where the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing such displayed information on the head mounted display.

In many circumstances, it may be desirable for an apparatus to determine if a user has resumed viewing information on a head mounted display. For example, if the apparatus determines that a user has resumed viewing the information on the head mounted display, the apparatus may cause display of at least a portion the information on the head mounted display, increase the prominence of at least a portion the information on the head mounted display, and/or the like. To facilitate determination that a user has resumed viewing information on a head mounted display, it may be desirable to evaluate another eye movement in relation to another head movement. For example, many circumstances exist where an eye movement and a head movement are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. For instance, absence of substantial eye movement may be consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus receives eye movement information and receives head movement subsequent to a decrease of prominence of the information on the head mounted display. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines that eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. In at least one example embodiment, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display is based, at least in part, on absence of substantial eye movement. Absence of substantial eye movement may refer to any eye movement being within a threshold of insignificance. A threshold of insignificance may refer to a threshold of movement below which is consistent with viewing of the head mounted display. For example, minor fluctuations in eye orientation may be consistent with viewing the same information on the head mounted display. Such minor fluctuations in eye orientation may be considered an absence of substantial eye movement. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus causes an increase of prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. The increase in prominence may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 6A-6F.

In many circumstances, it may be desirable for an apparatus to determine if a user is continuously viewing information on a head mounted display. For example, if the apparatus determines that a user is continuously viewing the information on the head mounted display, the apparatus may continue display of at least a portion the information on the head mounted display, retain the prominence of at least a portion the information on the head mounted display, and/or the like. To facilitate determination that a user has resumed viewing information on a head mounted display, it may be desirable to evaluate an eye movement in relation to a head movement. For example, during circumstances where an eye movement and a head movement are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, the apparatus may determine that the user is continuously viewing the information on the display. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display and retains the prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

FIGS. 6A-6Fare diagrams illustrating prominence of information displayed on a display according to at least one example embodiment. The examples ofFIGS. 6A-6Fare merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example, the display may vary, the information may vary, the prominence may vary, and/or the like.

When a user is viewing information on a display, the prominence of the information on the display may affect the user's perception of the information as well as the perception of objects viewable through the display. For example, the information may obscure objects viewable through the display when the information is positioned on the display such that the information is highly prominent. In many circumstances, it may be desirable to increase or decrease the prominence of information on a display. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus decreases the prominence of information on a display. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus increases the prominence of information on a display.

FIGS. 6A-6Fillustrate a display region600of a display according to at least one example embodiment. For example, display region600may be a display region on a display similar as described regardingFIGS. 5A-5B. Display region600comprises center610-634. It can be seen that the examples illustrated byFIGS. 6A-6Fdepict information610as a menu, information612as a document, and information620,622,624,630,632, and634as icons. In many circumstances, information610-634may be different information. For example, information612may be a photograph, a video, a program window, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to increase or decrease the prominence of a display by adjusting the visual permeability of the display. Visual permeability of the display may refer to a propensity for visual information to pass through the display to the eye of the user. For instance, in the example ofFIG. 5A, the visual permeability of display502may refer to the propensity for visual information associated with object505to pass through display502to the eye of user501. In circumstances where the user desires to view objects through the display, it may be desirable to increase the visual permeability of the display. For instance, in the example ofFIG. 5A, it may be desirable in circumstances where user501wishes to view object505to increase the permeability of display502such that user501can easily view object505through display502. In circumstances where the user desires to view information on the display, it may be desirable to decrease the visual permeability of the display. For instance, in the example ofFIG. 5A, it may be desirable, in circumstances where user501wishes to view display information503and505, to decrease the permeability of display502such that user501is not distracted by objects505and506through display502. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on a display comprises causation of increase of visual permeability of, at least part of, the display. In at least one example embodiment, visual permeability of the display refers to a propensity for visual information to pass through the display to the eye of the user with regard to the information displayed on the display.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of increase of visual permeability of a center region of the display. For example, an apparatus may increase the visual permeability of a center region of display502ofFIG. 5A.FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6Eillustrate center region602of display region600. A center region of a display may refer to a sub-region of a display region, such that the sub-region is bounded by the remainder of the display region. For instance, it can be seen inFIGS. 6B, 6C and 6Ethat center region602is bounded by the remainder of display region600. It can be seen that center region602is a sub-region of display region600at a position approximately at the geometric center of display region600. In some circumstances the size, shape, and/or position of a center may vary. For example, a center region may be larger or smaller than center region602, may be curved, round, oval, located at a position other than the geometric center of a display region, and/or the like. A center region may include a center position of the display. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of increase of visual permeability the information displayed on the display. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on a display comprises causation of decrease of visual permeability of, at least part of, the display. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of decrease of visual permeability of a center region of the display. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of decrease of visual permeability the information displayed on the display.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to increase or decrease the brightness of the information displayed on the display. For instance, it may be desirable to or decrease the brightness of information503on display502ofFIG. 5A. For example, decreasing the brightness of information may present the information in a manner that is less distracting to the user when the user is viewing other information, such as object505. Increasing the brightness of information may present the information in a manner that induces greater user attention. For example, increasing the brightness of information503may induce greater attention of user501. Brightness of information may refer to the luminance of the information on a display. For example, increasing the brightness of information on a display may cause the user to perceive the information as having more luminance than other information on the display that has not had its brightness increased, having more luminance than the information previously had, and/or the like. Decreasing the brightness of information on a display may cause the user to perceive the information as having less luminance than other information on the display that has not had its brightness decreased, having less luminance than the information previously had, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of a decrease of a brightness of, at least part of, the information. For example, an apparatus may decrease the brightness of information503on display502ofFIG. 5A. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of the brightness of the part of the information comprises decrease of the brightness of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the display. For example, the decrease of brightness may correspond with information appearing in center region602of display region600ofFIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6E. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of a decrease of a brightness of an entirety of the information. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of a decrease of a brightness of, at least part of, the information. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of the brightness of the part of the information comprises increases of the brightness of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the display. For example, the increase of brightness may correspond with information appearing in center region602of display region600ofFIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6E. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of an increase of a brightness of an entirety of the information.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to terminate display of at least part of the information. For example, in circumstances where the display is a see through display, the information may obscure an object the user desires to view through the display. For instance, in the example illustrated byFIG. 5A, information504may obscure user501's view of object505through display502. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises termination of display of at least part of the information. In at least one example embodiment, the termination of display of at least part of the information comprises termination of display of a part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the display. For example, the display may be displaying information similar as illustrated byFIG. 6A. The apparatus may terminate display of information612-624such that the display region displays information similar as illustrated inFIG. 6B. It can be seen inFIG. 6Bthat information612-624is absent from center region602. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises termination of display of an entirety of the information. For example, the apparatus may terminate display of all information on a display, such that the display is absent information.

Oftentimes, an apparatus may cause display of information at a position on a display. For instance, in the example illustrated inFIG. 5A, an apparatus may cause display of information503at a position on display502. In some circumstances it may be desirable to move the information on the display from the position to a different position. For example, user501may find that the position of information503distracts the user from viewing object505through display502. User501may find that information503is less distracting at a different position on display502. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on a display comprises movement of the information from a position on the display to a different position on the display. For instance, in the example illustrated inFIG. 6A, information612, information620, information622, information624, information630, information632, and information634are displayed at a particular positions on display region600. The apparatus may move each of information612, information620, information622, information624, information630, information632, and information634such that information612, information620, information622, information624, information630, information632, and information634are displayed at a different positions on display region600. For example, information612, information620, information622, information624, information630, information632, and information634may be displayed at their positions as illustrated inFIG. 6C. It can be seen inFIG. 6Cthat center region602is absent information. In this manner, information612-634as illustrated inFIG. 6Cmay be less prominent to a user than information612-634as illustrated inFIG. 6A. It can be seen inFIG. 6Cthat information630, information632, and information634may be moved relative to their positions with respect to information620, information622, and information624. However, it should be understood that in some circumstances, information630, information632, and information634may retain their position. For example, information630, information632, and information634would not need to be moved from their position to cause center region602to become absent of information.

In some circumstances, the movement of the information may comprise a termination of display of the information at the position and causing display of the information at the different position. For instance, in the example ofFIG. 5A, an apparatus may terminate the display of information503and cause display of information503at a different position on display502.

In at least one example embodiment, the different position on the display is further from a center position of the display than the position on the display. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on a display comprises movement of the information from a position on the display to a different position on the display. For instance, in the example illustrated inFIG. 6C, information612is displayed at a position on display region600. The apparatus may move information612such that it is displayed at a different position on display region600. For example, information612may appear at its position as illustrated inFIG. 6A. It can be seen inFIG. 6Athat information612is at a position closer to the geometric center of display region600than the position of information612as illustrated inFIG. 6C. In this manner, information612may be more prominent to a user than if information612appeared at the position illustrated inFIG. 6C. In at least one example embodiment, the different position on a display is nearer to a center position of the display than the position on the display.

In some circumstances, a user may desire to view a smooth transition of display of information at a position on a head mounted display to display of the information at a different position on the head mounted display. For example, the user may desire display of the information to move fluidly from the position to the different position in such a way that allows for the user to naturally and comfortably follow the repositioning of the information, to continue viewing of the information during the repositioning, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus causes display of an animation indicating progression of display of a representation of a part of information from a position to a different position on a head mounted display, to another position that is closer to a center position of a head mounted display, to a center position on a head mounted display, and/or the like. In order to facilitate such a fluid repositioning of the information on the head mounted display, a user may desire to have display of the information terminated at the position and caused to be displayed at the different position, at another position that is closer to a center position, at a center position, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus causes termination of display of at least a part of a representation of information at a position on a head mounted display.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to decrease a size of the information that is displayed on a display. For example, the size of the information on the display may distract the user from viewing objects through the display. For instance, in the example ofFIG. 5A, the size of information503may distract user501from viewing object505through display502. A decrease of a size the information may refer to displaying the information in a manner such that it takes up less area on a display. For example, on a display that utilizes of pixels, the information may be displayed in an area that is ten pixels high by ten pixels wide. A decrease of the size of the information may cause the information to be displayed in an area that is five pixels high by five pixels wide. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of a decrease of a size of, at least part of, the information. For instance, in the example illustrated inFIG. 6A, information610-634are displayed to have a particular size. The apparatus may decrease the size of information610-634ofFIG. 6Asuch that information610-634ofFIG. 6Dis displayed at a different size. It can be seen that information610-634is decreased in size inFIG. 6Drelative toFIG. 6A. In this manner, information610-634ofFIG. 6Dmay be less prominent to a user than information610-634ofFIG. 6A. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of the size of the part of the information comprises decrease of the size of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the display. For example, the apparatus may cause a decrease in the size of information612-624while maintaining the current size of information610and information630-634. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of a decrease of a size of an entirety of the information.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to increase a size of the information that is displayed on a display. For example, increasing a size of the information may help to draw the user's attention to the information that was increased in size. For instance, in the example ofFIG. 5A, increasing the size of information503may draw the attention of user501to information503. An increase of a size the information may refer to displaying the information in a manner such that it takes up more area on a display. For example, on a display comprised of pixels, the information may be displayed in an area that is five pixels high by five pixels wide. An increase of the size of the information may cause the information to be displayed in an area that is ten pixels high by ten pixels wide. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of an increase of a size of, at least part of, the information. For instance, in the example illustrated inFIG. 6C, information610-634is displayed to have a size. The apparatus may increase the size of information610-634ofFIG. 6Dsuch that information610-634is displayed at a different size. It can be seen that information610-634is increased in size inFIG. 6Arelative toFIG. 6D. In this manner, information610-634ofFIG. 6Amay be more prominent to a user than information610-634ofFIG. 6C. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of the size of the part of the information comprises increase of the size of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the display. For example, the apparatus may cause an increase in the size of information612-624while maintaining the current size of information610and information630-634. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of an increase of a size of an entirety of the information.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to increase the transparency of the information on a display. For example, objects viewed through the display may be more visible when the information on the display is more transparent. Transparency of information on a display may refer to a physical property of the information on the display such that light may travel through the information on the display in a manner that allows a user to perceive at least part of an object through the information. For example, an object appearing behind information on a display in which the information is highly transparent may be observable to a user viewing the object through the information. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of an increase of a transparency of, at least part of, the information. An increase in transparency of the information may refer to a physical property of the information such that more light may pass through the information than may pass through the information before the transparency is increased. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of the transparency of the part of the information comprises increase of the transparency of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the display. For instance, information610-634may be displayed on display region600at a transparency level similar as illustrated onFIG. 6A. The apparatus may increase the transparency of information612-624while maintaining the transparency level of information610and information630-634such that information612-624are displayed with a higher amount of transparency relative to information610and information630-634. Such an example is illustrated inFIG. 6E. It can be seen inFIG. 6Ethat information612-624corresponds with center region602. In this manner, information612, information620, and information624may be less prominent than information610, information630, information632, and information634. Similarly, information612, information620, and information624ofFIG. 6Emay be less prominent than information612, information620, and information624ofFIG. 6A.

In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of an increase of a transparency of an entirety of the information. For instance, information610-634may be displayed on display region600at a transparency level similar as illustrated onFIG. 6A. The apparatus may increase the transparency of information610-634such that information610-634is displayed with a higher amount of transparency, similar as illustrated inFIG. 6F. In this manner, information610-634may be less prominent to a user of the display.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to decrease the transparency of the information on a display. For example, information on the display may be easier for a user to perceive when the information on the display is less transparent. In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of a decrease of a transparency of, at least part of, the information. A decrease in transparency of the information may refer to a physical property of the information such that less light may pass through the information than may pass through the information before the transparency is decreased. In at least one example embodiment, the decrease of the transparency of the part of the information comprises decrease of the transparency of the part of the information that corresponds with a center region of the display. For instance, information610-634may be displayed on display region600at a transparency level similar as illustrated onFIG. 6E. The apparatus may decrease the transparency of information612-624while maintaining the transparency level of information610and information630-634such that information612-624is displayed with a lower amount of transparency relative to information610and630-634. It can be seen inFIG. 6Ethat information612-624corresponds with center region602. In this manner, information612, information620, and information624may be more prominent than information610, information630, information632, and information634. Similarly, information612, information620, and information624ofFIG. 6Emay be more prominent than information612, information620, and information624ofFIG. 6F.

In at least one example embodiment, the increase of prominence of the information on the display comprises causation of a decrease of a transparency of an entirety of the information. For instance, information610-634may be displayed on display region600at a transparency level similar as illustrated onFIG. 6F. The apparatus may decrease the transparency of information610-634such that information610-634is displayed with a different amount of transparency, similar as illustrated inFIG. 6A. In this manner, information610-634may be more prominent to a user of the display.

At block702, the apparatus causes display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user. The display, the information, the head mounted display, and the user may be similar as described regardingFIG. 2,FIGS. 5A-5B, andFIGS. 6A-6F.

At block704, the apparatus receives eye movement information associated with the user. The receipt and the eye movement information may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 4A-4DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block706, the apparatus receives head movement information associated with the user. The receipt and the head movement information may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 3A-3DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block708, the apparatus determines whether the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. The determination may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 5A-5B. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block710. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block704.

At block710, the apparatus decreases prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. The decrease and the prominence of the information may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 5A-5BandFIGS. 6A-6F.

As discussed previously, in some circumstances, it may be desirable for the apparatus to determine whether a head deviation direction is opposite an eye deviation direction. In this manner, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display may be based, at least in part, on the determination that the head deviation direction is opposite the eye deviation direction.

At block802, the apparatus causes display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user, similarly as described regarding block702ofFIG. 7.

At block804, the apparatus receives eye movement information associated with the user comprising information indicative of an eye deviation direction. The receipt, the eye movement information, and the eye deviation direction may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 4A-4DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block806, the apparatus receives head movement information associated with the user comprising information indicative of a head deviation direction. The receipt, the head movement information, and the head deviation direction may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 3A-3DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block808, the apparatus determines whether the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprising determination that a head deviation direction is opposite to an eye deviation direction. In this manner, the determination whether the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display may be based, at least in part, on the determination whether the head deviation direction is opposite to the eye deviation direction. At block810, the apparatus decreases prominence of the information on the head mounted display, similarly as described regarding block710ofFIG. 7.

As discussed previously, in some circumstances, it may be desirable for the apparatus to determine whether a magnitude of an eye movement is proportional to a magnitude of a head movement. In this manner, the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display may be based, at least in part, on the determination that the magnitude of the eye movement is proportional to the magnitude of the head movement.

At block902, the apparatus causes display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user, similarly as described regarding block702ofFIG. 7.

At block904, the apparatus receives eye movement information associated with the user comprising information indicative of the magnitude of an eye movement. The receipt, the eye movement information, and the magnitude of the eye movement may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 4A-4DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block906, the apparatus receives head movement information associated with the user comprising information indicative of a magnitude of the head movement. The receipt, the head movement information, and the magnitude of the head movement may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 3A-3DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block908, the apparatus determines whether the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display comprising determination whether the magnitude of the eye movement is proportional to the magnitude of the head movement. In this manner, the determination whether the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display may be based, at least in part, on the determination whether the magnitude of the eye movement is proportional to the magnitude of the head movement. At block910, the apparatus the apparatus decreases prominence of the information on the head mounted display, similarly as described regarding block710ofFIG. 7.

As discussed previously, in some circumstances, it may be desirable for the apparatus to determine that eye movement information and head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. For example, it may be desirable to increase the prominence of the information on the head mounted display in circumstances where the apparatus determines that eye movement information and head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

At block1002, the apparatus causes display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user, similarly as described regarding block702ofFIG. 7. At block1004, the apparatus receives eye movement information associated with the user, similarly as described regarding block704ofFIG. 7. At block1006, the apparatus receives head movement information associated with the user, similarly as described regarding block706ofFIG. 7.

At block1008, the apparatus determines whether the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, similarly as described regarding block708ofFIG. 7. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block1010. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block1004. At block1010, the apparatus the apparatus decreases prominence of the information on the head mounted display, similarly as described regarding block710ofFIG. 7.

At block1012, the apparatus receives other eye movement information associated with the user. The receipt and the other eye movement information may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 4A-4DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block1014, the apparatus receives other head movement information associated with the user. The receipt and the other head movement information may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 4A-4DandFIGS. 5A-5B.

At block1016, the apparatus determines whether the other eye movement information and the other head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. The determination may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 5A-5B. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block1018. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block1012.

At block1018, the apparatus increases prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the other eye movement information and the other head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. The decrease may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 5A-5BandFIGS. 6A-6F.

As discussed previously, in some circumstances, it may be desirable for the apparatus to retain prominence of the information on the head mounted display. For example, it may be desirable to retain the prominence of the information on the head mounted display in circumstances where the apparatus determines that eye movement information and head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display.

At block1102, the apparatus causes display of information on a head mounted display that is worn by a user, similarly as described regarding block702ofFIG. 7. At block1104, the apparatus the apparatus receives eye movement information associated with the user, similarly as described regarding block704ofFIG. 7. At block1106, the apparatus receives head movement information associated with the user, similarly as described regarding block706ofFIG. 7.

At block1108, the apparatus whether the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, similarly as described regarding block708ofFIG. 7. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are inconsistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block1110. If the apparatus determines that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display, flow proceeds to block1112. At block1110, the apparatus the apparatus decreases prominence of the information on the head mounted display, similarly as described regarding block710ofFIG. 7.

At block1112, the apparatus retains prominence of the information on the head mounted display based, at least in part, on the determination that the eye movement information and the head movement information are consistent with the user viewing the information on the head mounted display. The retention may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 5A-5B.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and/or hardware may reside on the apparatus, a separate device, or a plurality of separate devices. If desired, part of the software, application logic, and/or hardware may reside on the apparatus, part of the software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on a separate device, and part of the software, application logic, and/or hardware may reside on a plurality of separate devices. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. For example, block704ofFIG. 7may be performed after block706ofFIG. 7. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined. For example, block704ofFIG. 7may be optional and/or combined with block706ofFIG. 7.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.