Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of head-mounted devices.

Head-mounted devices include display screens and optics that guide light from the display screens to a user's eyes. By guiding light to each of the user's eye's separately, content can be displayed to the user in stereo vision, for example, as part of a computer-generated reality (CGR) experience.

Further background information can be found from <CIT> which discloses an apparatus to assist a visually impaired person in navigating an environment including a head-worn computer, a radar system mounted on the head-worn computer and positioned to measure distances to objects in the environment, <CIT> which discloses a head-mounted display including a display system and an optical system in a housing, <CIT> which discloses a head mounted display, and <CIT> which discloses optical assemblies for use in virtual and augmented reality environment.

A first aspect of the disclosure is an optical module for a head-mounted device that is configured to present content to a user. The optical module includes an optical module housing assembly, a display assembly, and an eye camera. The optical module housing assembly has a first end and a second end. The lens is connected to the optical module housing assembly and positioned at the first end of the optical module housing assembly. The display assembly is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is positioned at the second end of the optical module housing assembly. The display assembly is configured to cause the content to be displayed to the user through the lens. The eye camera is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is positioned at the second end of the optical module housing assembly. The eye camera is configured to obtain images through the lens.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the optical module housing assembly includes a first portion that is connected to a second portion, and the lens is retained between the first portion and the second portion. In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, projections are defined on the lens and channels are defined on the first portion of the optical module housing assembly such that the projections are located in the channels and engage the first portion of the optical module housing assembly within the channels to secure the lens relative to the optical module housing assembly and restrain movement of the lens relative to the optical module housing assembly. In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the lens and the display assembly are connected to the optical module housing assembly in a side-by-side arrangement. In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the optical module housing assembly defines an internal space between the lens and the display assembly.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the optical module also includes a vent port that allows air to travel between the internal space and an outside environment, and a filter element that restrains foreign particles from entering the internal space. In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the optical module also includes a dust trap that is located in the internal space and is configured to retain foreign particles.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the optical module also includes a fiducial marker that is formed on the lens and is visible in images obtained by the eye camera for use in calibration. In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the lens is a catadioptric lens. In some implementations of the optical module according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the lens is a part of a catadioptric optical system.

A second aspect of the disclosure is an optical module for a head-mounted device that is configured to present content to a user. The optical module includes an optical module housing assembly that defines an internal space, a lens that is connected to the optical module housing assembly, a display assembly that is connected to the optical module housing assembly. The display assembly is configured to cause the content to be displayed to the user through the lens. An infrared emitter is located between the lens and the display assembly in the internal space of the optical module housing assembly. The infrared emitter is configured to emit infrared radiation through the lens.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the infrared emitter includes a flexible circuit and emissive components that are connected to the flexible circuit and are configured to emit infrared radiation. In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, wherein the emissive components are arranged in an array around an optical axis of the optical module housing assembly. In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the flexible circuit extends through an electrical port that is formed through the optical module housing assembly and a sealing element is formed on the flexible circuit and is engaged with the optical module housing assembly at the electrical port. In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the optical module housing assembly defines an optical pathway opening that is adjacent to the display assembly and is configured to allow light to pass from the display assembly to the lens, a base surface that extends around the optical pathway opening, wherein the infrared emitter is located on the base surface, and a peripheral wall that is located outward from the base surface.

In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the optical module also includes an eye camera that is configured to obtain images that show reflected portions of the infrared radiation that is emitted by the infrared emitter. In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the eye camera is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is configured to obtain the images through the lens. In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the optical module also includes a fiducial marker that is formed on the lens and is visible in images obtained by the eye camera for use in calibration. In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the lens is a catadioptric lens. In some implementations of the optical module according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the lens is a part of a catadioptric optical system.

A third aspect of the disclosure is a head-mounted device that is configured to present content to a user. The head-mounted device includes a housing, a first optical module that is located in the housing, and a second optical module that is located in the housing. An interpupillary distance adjustment assembly supports the first optical module and the second optical module with respect to the housing to allow adjustment of a distance between the first optical module and the second optical module. The head-mounted device also includes a first front-facing camera that is connected to the first optical module and is movable in unison with the first optical module by the interpupillary distance adjustment assembly, and a second front-facing camera that is connected to the second optical module and is movable in unison with the second optical module by the interpupillary distance adjustment assembly. Adjustment of the distance between the first optical module and the second optical module by the interpupillary distance adjustment assembly also adjusts a distance between the first front-facing camera and the second front-facing camera.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the housing includes one or more optically-transmissive panels through which the first front-facing camera and the second front-facing camera may obtain images of an environment.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the third aspect of the disclosure, an optical axis of the first front-facing camera is aligned with an optical axis of the first optical module and an optical axis of the second front-facing camera is aligned with an optical axis of the second optical module.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the first front-facing camera is connected in a fixed relationship with respect to the first optical module, and the second front-facing camera is connected in a fixed relationship with respect to the second optical module.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the interpupillary distance adjustment assembly maintains a first spacing between an optical axis of the first optical module and an optical axis of the second optical module generally equal to a second spacing between an optical axis of the first front-facing camera and an optical axis of the second front facing camera during adjustment of the distance between the first optical module and the second optical module.

The disclosure herein relates to head-mounted devices that are used to show computer-generated reality (CGR) content to users. Head-mounted devices and intended to be worn by users on their heads, and typically with display devices and associated optical components located near the user's eyes. Some head-mounted devices utilize an optical architecture that requires a specific distance (or a relatively small range of distances) between a display screen and a lens assembly and a specific approximate distance between the lens assembly and a user's eye. The systems and methods herein relate to structural features of optical modules and head-mounted devices that accommodate significant reductions in these distances, which reduces the overall package size of the device.

<FIG> is a block diagram that shows an example of a hardware configuration for a head-mounted device <NUM>. The head-mounted device <NUM> is intended to be worn on the head of a user and includes components that are configured to display content to the user. Components that are included in the head-mounted device <NUM> may be configured to track motion of parts of the user's body, such as the user's head and hands. Motion tracking information that is obtained by components of the head-mounted device can be utilized as inputs that control aspects of the generation and display of the content to the user, so that the content displayed to the user can be part of a CGR experience in which the user is able to view and interact with virtual environments and virtual objects. In the illustrated example, the head-mounted device <NUM> includes a device housing <NUM>, a face seal <NUM>, a support structure <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a storage device <NUM>, a communications device <NUM>, sensors <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, and optical modules <NUM>. The head-mounted device <NUM> includes two of the optical modules <NUM>, to display content to the user's eyes. The optical modules <NUM> may each include an optical module housing <NUM>, a display assembly <NUM>, and a lens assembly <NUM>.

The device housing <NUM> is a structure that supports various other components that are included in the head-mounted device. The device housing <NUM> may be an enclosed structure such that certain components of the head-mounted device <NUM> are contained within the device housing <NUM> and thereby protected from damage.

The face seal <NUM> is connected to the device housing <NUM> and is located at areas around a periphery of the device housing <NUM> where contact with the user's face is likely. The face seal <NUM> functions to conform to portions of the user's face to allow the support structure <NUM> to be tensioned to an extent that will restrain motion of the device housing <NUM> with respect to the user's head. The face seal <NUM> may also function to reduce the amount of light from the physical environment around the user that reaches the user's eyes. The face seal <NUM> may contact areas of the user's face, such as the user's forehead, temples, and cheeks. The face seal <NUM> may be formed from a compressible material, such as open-cell foam or closed cell foam.

The support structure <NUM> is connected to the device housing <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> is a component or collection of components that function to secure the device housing <NUM> in place with respect to the user's head so that the device housing <NUM> is restrained from moving with respect to the user's head and maintains a comfortable position during use. The support structure <NUM> can be implemented using rigid structures, elastic flexible straps, or inelastic flexible straps.

The processor <NUM> is a device that is operable to execute computer program instructions and is operable to perform operations that are described by the computer program instructions. The processor <NUM> may be implemented using a conventional device, such as a central processing unit, and provided with computer-executable instructions that cause the processor <NUM> to perform specific functions. The processor <NUM> may be a special-purpose processor (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit or a field-programmable gate array) that implements a limited set of functions. The memory <NUM> may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module.

The storage device <NUM> is intended to allow for long term storage of computer program instructions and other data. Examples of suitable devices for use as the storage device <NUM> include non-volatile information storage devices of various types, such as a flash memory module, a hard drive, or a solid-state drive.

The communications device <NUM> supports wired or wireless communications with other devices. Any suitable wired or wireless communications protocol may be used.

The sensors <NUM> are components that are incorporated in the head-mounted device <NUM> to provide inputs to the processor <NUM> for use in generating CGR content. The sensors <NUM> include components that facilitate motion tracking (e.g., head tracking and optionally handheld controller tracking in six degrees of freedom). The sensors <NUM> may also include additional sensors that are used by the device to generate and/or enhance the user's experience in any way. The sensors <NUM> may include conventional components such as cameras, infrared cameras, infrared emitters, depth cameras, structured-light sensing devices, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. The sensors <NUM> may also include biometric sensors that are operable to physical or physiological features of a person, for example, for use in user identification and authorization. Biometric sensors may include fingerprint scanners, retinal scanners, and face scanners (e.g., two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning components operable to obtain image and/or three-dimensional surface representations). Other types of devices can be incorporated in the sensors <NUM>. The information that is generated by the sensors <NUM> is provided to other components of the head-mounted device <NUM>, such as the processor <NUM>, as inputs.

The power source <NUM> supplies electrical power to components of the head-mounted device <NUM>. In some implementations, the power source <NUM> is a wired connection to electrical power. In some implementations, the power source <NUM> may include a battery of any suitable type, such as a rechargeable battery. In implementations that include a battery, the head-mounted device <NUM> may include components that facilitate wired or wireless recharging.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device <NUM>, some or all of these components may be included in a separate device that is removable. For example, any or all of the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and/or the storage device <NUM>, the communications device <NUM>, and the sensors <NUM> may be incorporated in a device such as a smart phone that is connected (e.g., by docking) to the other portions of the head-mounted device <NUM>.

In some implementations of the head-mounted device <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and/or the storage device <NUM> are omitted, and the corresponding functions are performed by an external device that communicates with the head-mounted device <NUM>. In such an implementation, the head-mounted device <NUM> may include components that support a data transfer connection with the external device using a wired connection or a wireless connection that is established using the communications device <NUM>.

The components that are included in the optical modules support the function of displaying content to the user in a manner that supports CGR experiences. The optical modules <NUM> are each assemblies that include multiple components, which include the optical module housing <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM>, and the lens assembly <NUM>, as will be described further herein.

Other components may also be included in each of the optical modules. Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the optical modules <NUM> may be supported by adjustment assemblies that allow the position of the optical modules <NUM> to be adjusted. As an example, the optical modules <NUM> may each be supported by an interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism that allows the optical modules <NUM> to slide laterally toward or away from each other. As another example, the optical modules <NUM> may be supported by an eye relief distance adjustment mechanism that allows adjustment of the distance between the optical modules <NUM> and the user's eyes.

<FIG> is a top view illustration that shows the head-mounted device <NUM>, including the device housing <NUM>, the face seal <NUM>, and the support structure <NUM>. <FIG> is a rear view illustration taken along line A-A of <FIG>. In the illustrated example, the device housing <NUM> is a generally rectangular structure having a width that is selected to be similar to the width of the head of a typical person, and a height selected so as to extend approximately from the forehead to the base of the nose of a typical person. This configuration is an example, and other shapes and sizes may be used.

An eye chamber <NUM> is defined by the device housing <NUM> and is bordered by the face seal <NUM> at its outer periphery. The eye chamber <NUM> is open to the exterior of the head-mounted device <NUM> to allow the user's face to be positioned adjacent to the eye chamber <NUM>, which is otherwise enclosed by the device housing <NUM>. The face seal <NUM> may extend around part or all of the periphery of the device housing <NUM> adjacent to the eye chamber <NUM>. The face seal <NUM> may function to exclude some of the light from the environment around the head-mounted device <NUM> from entering the eye-chamber <NUM> and reaching the user's eyes.

In the illustrated example, the support structure <NUM> is a headband type device that is connected to left and right lateral sides of the device housing <NUM> and is intended to extend around the user's head. Other configurations may be used for the support structure <NUM>, such as a halo-type configuration in which the device housing <NUM> is supported by a structure that is connected to a top portion of the device housing <NUM>, engages the user's forehead above the device housing <NUM>, and extends around the user's head, or a mohawk-type configuration in which a structure extends over the user's head. Although not illustrated, the support structure <NUM> may include passive or active adjustment components, which may be mechanical or electromechanical, that allow portions of the support structure <NUM> to expand and contract to adjust the fit of the support structure <NUM> with respect to the user's head.

The optical modules <NUM> are located in the device housing <NUM> and extend outward into the eye chamber <NUM>. Portions of the optical modules <NUM> are located in the eye chamber <NUM> so that the user can see the content that is displayed by the optical modules <NUM>. The optical modules <NUM> are located within the eye chamber <NUM> at locations that are intended to be adjacent to the user's eyes. As an example, the head-mounted device <NUM> may be configured to position portions of the lens assemblies <NUM> of the optical modules <NUM> approximately <NUM> millimeters from the user's eyes.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustration that shows one of the optical modules <NUM>, including the optical module housing <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM>, and the lens assembly <NUM>. The display assembly <NUM> and the lens assembly <NUM> are each connected to the optical module housing <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the lens assembly <NUM> is positioned at a front end of the optical module <NUM>, and the display assembly <NUM> is positioned at a rear end of the optical module <NUM>. The optical module housing <NUM> defines an internal space between the display assembly <NUM> and the lens assembly <NUM> to allow light to travel from the display assembly <NUM> to the lens assembly <NUM> within an environment that is sealed and protected from external contaminants while protecting sensitive components from damage.

The display assembly <NUM> includes a display screen that is configured to display content, such as images, according to signals received from the processor <NUM> and/or from external devices using the communications device <NUM> in order to output CGR content to the user. As an example, the display assembly <NUM> may output still images and/or video images in response to received signals. The display assembly <NUM> may include, as examples, an LED screen, an LCD screen, an OLED screen, a micro LED screen, or a micro OLED screen.

The lens assembly <NUM> includes one or more lenses that direct light to the user's eyes in a manner that allows viewing of CGR content. In some implementations, the lens assembly <NUM> is a catadioptric optical system that utilizes both reflection and refraction in order to achieve desired optical properties in a small package size. Reflection, in some implementations, may be achieved by internal reflection at boundaries between material layers of a single lens. Thus, in some implementations, the lens assembly <NUM> may be implemented using a single multi-layered catadioptric lens.

The lens assembly <NUM> may be positioned partially within the optical module housing <NUM>. As will be explained further herein, the optical module housing <NUM> may include two or more components that are configured to retain the lens assembly in a desired position and orientation.

<FIG> is an exploded side view diagram showing components of an optical module <NUM> according to a first example. <FIG> is a schematic view intended to show the positional relationships between various features and does not include specific structural details of the components of the optical module <NUM>. The optical module <NUM> can be implemented in the context of a head-mounted display (e.g., the head-mounted device <NUM>) and may be implemented according to the description of the optical module <NUM> and the further description herein. The optical module <NUM> includes an optical module housing assembly <NUM>, a display assembly <NUM>, a lens <NUM>, an eye camera <NUM>, and an infrared emitter <NUM>. As will be described further herein, these components are arranged along an optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM> such that images generated using the display assembly are projected to the user along the optical axis <NUM>.

Although the lens <NUM> is described as a single element herein, it should be understood that the lens <NUM> may be part of an assembly of optical elements or may be an assembly of optical elements, as described with respect to the lens assembly <NUM>. Thus, for example the lens <NUM> may be a catadioptric lens or the lens <NUM> may be part of a catadioptric optical system.

The optical module housing assembly <NUM> may include multiple parts that are connected to each other. In the illustrated example, the optical module housing assembly <NUM> includes a housing body <NUM> and a retainer <NUM>. The housing body <NUM> is configured to be connected to other structures within the housing of a head-mounted display (e.g., in the device housing <NUM> of the head-mounted device <NUM>). The housing body <NUM> is also provides a structure to which other components of the optical module <NUM> may be attached, including the display assembly <NUM>, the eye camera <NUM> and the infrared emitter <NUM>. The primary portions of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, such as the housing body <NUM> and the retainer <NUM>, may be made from a rigid material, such as plastic or aluminum. The optical module housing assembly <NUM> is arranged around the optical axis <NUM>, and both visible light and infrared radiation may be incident on surfaces of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>. For this reason, portions of the optical module housing assembly <NUM> may be coated with materials (e.g., paints or other coating materials) that exhibit low reflectance of both visible and infrared wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

The retainer <NUM> is connected to an outer (e.g., user-facing) end of the housing body <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. As examples, the retainer <NUM> may be connected to the housing body <NUM> by fasteners or by an adhesive. The retainer <NUM> and the housing body <NUM> of the optical module housing assembly <NUM> are configured such that the lens <NUM> is retained between the retainer <NUM> and the housing body <NUM>, as will be explained further herein. The retainer <NUM> and the housing body <NUM> have ring-like configurations along the optical axis <NUM> to allow light from the display assembly <NUM> to pass through the lens <NUM> and toward the user.

The display assembly <NUM> includes a seal <NUM>, a bezel <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, a thermal interface <NUM>, and a heat sink <NUM>. The display assembly <NUM> is connected to the optical module housing assembly <NUM>. As an example, the display assembly <NUM> may be connected to the optical module housing assembly <NUM> by screws or other fasteners that allow disassembly of the display assembly <NUM> from the optical module housing assembly <NUM> (e.g., to allow for inspection and/or repair). The seal <NUM> is a sealing material of any suitable type that is configured to prevent foreign particle (e.g., dust) intrusion at the interface of the display assembly <NUM> with the optical module housing assembly <NUM>. The bezel <NUM> is a structural component that supports the display module <NUM> and protects it from damage. As an example, bezel <NUM> may be connected to the heat sink <NUM> (e.g., by screws or other fasteners) to capture the display module <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may be engaged with the bezel <NUM> and the optical module housing assembly <NUM> to seal the interface between them.

The seal <NUM> and the bezel <NUM> have a ring-like configuration with central openings along the optical axis <NUM> in order to avoid blocking light emission from the display module <NUM> toward the lens <NUM>.

The display module <NUM> includes a display screen that displays images (e.g., by emitting light using a grid of light-emitting elements to define a picture). The display module <NUM> may be implemented using any suitable display technology, including light-emitting diode-based display technologies, organic light-emitting diode-based display technologies, and micro light-emitting diode-based display technologies. In some implementations, a layer of cover glass is attached (e.g., by laminating) to the display surface of the display module <NUM> to provide strength, to serve as a mounting feature, and to serve as a sealing interface.

The thermal interface <NUM> is a thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive material that is located between the display module <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM> to promote heat transfer from the display module <NUM> to the heat sink <NUM>. The thermal interface <NUM> is a compliant material that is able to fill in gaps that would otherwise be present between the display module <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM>, and which would reduce the efficiency of heat transfer. As an example, the thermal interface may be dispensable thermal gel that is applied to the display module <NUM> or the heat sink <NUM>. A reworkable material may be used for the thermal interface <NUM>, such as a material that is applied by room-temperature vulcanization.

The heat sink <NUM> is a rigid structure (e.g., formed from metal) that readily conducts heat and is configured to release heat to the ambient environment. As an example, the heat sink <NUM> may incorporate structures that increase surface area, such as fins, to promote heat dissipation, and/or may include features that conduct heat away from heat-generating components (e.g., the display module <NUM>), such as a heat pipe.

<FIG> is a front view illustration that shows the lens <NUM> according to an example, and <FIG> is a cross-section view illustration taken along line B-B of <FIG> showing the lens <NUM>. The lens <NUM> is an optical element (or combination of multiple optical elements, e.g., multiple lenses) that is configured to refract and/or reflect light that is incident on the lens <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the lens <NUM> is formed from molded transparent plastic, by glass may be used. Surface configurations that cause refraction and/or reflection of light (e.g., convexity and concavity) are not shown in the figures for simplicity and clarity, and these features may be defined as needed for desired performance of the optical system.

The lens <NUM> includes a lens body <NUM> and projections <NUM> that extend outward from the lens body <NUM>. The lens body <NUM> extends from an outer surface <NUM> (oriented toward the user) to an inner surface <NUM> (oriented toward the display assembly <NUM>. The lens body <NUM> will typically have a width (or range of widths) that is greater than the height of the lens body <NUM> as measured along the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. The lens body <NUM> may be formed in any shape (as viewed from an end along the optical axis <NUM>), such as generally cylindrical, oval, rounded rectangle, or irregular. The projections <NUM> may have a height (in the direction of the optical axis <NUM>) that is less than the height of the lens body <NUM>, such as <NUM> percent to <NUM> percent of the height of the lens body <NUM>. As will be explained herein, the projections <NUM> facilitate alignment and retention of the lens <NUM> relative to the optical module housing assembly <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, a peripheral wall of the lens body <NUM> extends from the outer surface <NUM> to the inner surface <NUM> without tapering, so that the peripheral wall is generally in alignment with the optical axis <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> are generally the same in shape and size (e.g., except for minor deviations such as the projections <NUM>). In other implementations, the peripheral wall of the lens body <NUM> may be tapered. For example, the peripheral wall of the lens body <NUM> may be tapered progressively away from the optical axis <NUM> in a direction of travel extending from the outer surface <NUM> to the inner surface <NUM>, so that that the size of the outer surface <NUM> is smaller than the size of the inner surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustration that shows the housing body <NUM> of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross-section view illustration taken along line C-C of <FIG> showing the housing body <NUM>. The housing body <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM>, an optical pathway opening <NUM> that is formed through the base portion <NUM>, a peripheral wall <NUM> that extends around the optical pathway opening <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> extends generally perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may incorporate features that allow attachment of other components to the optical module housing assembly <NUM>. As one example, the display assembly <NUM> may be attached to the base portion <NUM> (e.g., by fasteners or adhesives). As another example, the eye camera <NUM> may be attached to the base portion <NUM> (e.g., by fasteners or adhesives).

The peripheral wall <NUM> extends outward from the base portion <NUM> in a direction that is generally toward the user and generally aligned with the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. As viewed along the optical axis <NUM>, the shape and size of the peripheral wall <NUM> is similar to that of the outer periphery of the lens <NUM>, since the peripheral wall <NUM> is part of the structure that supports and retains the lens <NUM>, as will be described further herein. A vent port <NUM> is formed through the peripheral wall <NUM> and may extend, for example, between inner and outer surfaces of the peripheral wall <NUM> in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. An electrical port <NUM> is formed through the peripheral wall <NUM> and may extend, for example, between inner and outer surfaces of the peripheral wall <NUM> in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>.

A base surface <NUM> is defined on the base portion <NUM> and is located inward from the peripheral wall <NUM>. The base surface <NUM> is adjacent to and extends around the optical pathway opening <NUM>, which is an opening that is defined by the housing body <NUM> to allow light to travel from the display assembly <NUM> to the lens <NUM>. A camera opening <NUM> is formed through the base surface <NUM> and is adjacent to, but separate from, the optical pathway opening <NUM>. The camera opening <NUM> extends through the base surface <NUM> in a direction that is generally toward the user. As examples the camera opening <NUM> may extend through the base surface <NUM> in a direction that is generally aligned with the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>, or within <NUM> degrees of parallel to the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustration that shows the retainer <NUM> of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross-section view illustration taken along line D-D of <FIG> showing the retainer <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> includes a peripheral wall <NUM> that extends around an optical pathway opening <NUM>. The peripheral wall <NUM> includes an upper inner periphery portion <NUM> that borders and extends around the optical pathway opening <NUM>. The upper inner periphery portion <NUM> is configured to receive the lens body <NUM> of the lens <NUM>. Channels <NUM> are formed in the upper inner periphery portion <NUM> and are open to the optical pathway opening <NUM>. The size and position of the channels <NUM> corresponds to the size and position of the projections <NUM> of the lens <NUM> such that the projections <NUM> can be received in the channels <NUM> to secure the lens <NUM> relative to the housing body <NUM> and restrain relative movement. The peripheral wall <NUM> includes a lower inner periphery portion <NUM> that borders and extends around the optical pathway opening <NUM>. The lower inner periphery portion <NUM> is configured for connection to the peripheral wall <NUM> of the housing body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustration that shows the infrared emitter <NUM>. The infrared emitter <NUM> includes a flexible circuit <NUM>, emissive components <NUM>, an electrical connector <NUM>, and a sealing element <NUM>. The flexible circuit <NUM> is a flexible substrate that has electrical conductors formed on it. The flexible substrate may be nonconductive polymer film. The electrical conductors may be conductive traces formed from copper. As an example, the flexible circuit <NUM> may be formed by multiple layers of nonconductive polymer film with conductive traces formed between adjacent layers of the film. As will be explained further herein, the shape of the flexible circuit <NUM> may be arranged such that is conforms to the shape of a portion of the optical module housing assembly <NUM> such that the infrared emitter may be located in or connected to the optical module housing assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the flexible circuit <NUM> has a c-shaped configured that allows the flexible circuit <NUM> to extend around the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM> so that the emissive components <NUM> may be arranged around the optical axis <NUM> in an array without blocking the optical path (pathway along which light may travel) between the display assembly <NUM> and the lens <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>.

The emissive components <NUM> are components that are configured to emit infrared radiation within one or more wavelength bands. The infrared radiation that is emitted by the emissive components <NUM> and reflected by the user's eye may be imaged by the eye camera <NUM> for use in imaging tasks.

The emissive components <NUM> may be for example, infrared light emitting diodes. In one implementation, the emissive components <NUM> include a first group of components that are configured to emit infrared radiation in a first wavelength band and a second group of components that are configured to emit infrared radiation in a second wavelength band. The first and second wavelength bands may correspond to different imaging tasks. As an example, the first wavelength band may be configured for use in biometric identification by iris scanner (e.g., a wavelength band including <NUM> nanometers), and the second wavelength band may be configured for use in eye gaze direction tracking (e.g., a wavelength band including <NUM> nanometers).

The electrical connector <NUM> of the infrared emitter <NUM> is a standard component of any suitable type that allows connection to other components to provide electrical power and, optionally, operating commands, to the infrared emitter <NUM>. The sealing element <NUM> is formed on the flexible circuit <NUM> between the electrical connector <NUM> and the emissive components <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, which is a cross-section view illustration showing the flexible circuit and a portion of the peripheral wall <NUM> of the housing body <NUM> of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, the flexible circuit <NUM> extends through and is surrounded by the sealing element <NUM>. The sealing element <NUM> is formed from a resilient flexible material that is configured to engage a portion of the optical module housing assembly <NUM> to allow the flexible circuit <NUM> to exit the interior of the optical module housing assembly <NUM> without providing a pathway along which foreign particles (e.g., dust particles) may enter the interior of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>. As an example, the sealing element <NUM> may be formed from silicone that is overmolded onto the flexible circuit <NUM> such that the flexible circuit extends through the sealing element <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the flexible circuit <NUM> extends through the electrical port <NUM> of the housing body <NUM> such that the sealing element <NUM> is located in the electrical port <NUM> and is engaged with the housing body <NUM> ad the electrical port <NUM> to define a seal and occupy the electrical port <NUM> to prevent entry of foreign particles.

<FIG> is a cross section view illustration that shows the optical module <NUM>.

The lens <NUM> is disposed between the housing body <NUM> and the retainer <NUM>. The housing body <NUM> is connected to the retainer <NUM> such that the lens <NUM> is located between the housing body <NUM> and the retainer <NUM>. Thus, the housing body <NUM> and the retainer <NUM> engage the lens <NUM> such that the lens <NUM> is restrained from moving relative to the housing body <NUM> and the retainer <NUM>. To protect the lens <NUM> from damage (e.g., if the head-mounted device <NUM> is dropped), a layer of adhesive may be present between the lens <NUM> and portions of the housing body <NUM> and/or the retainer <NUM>. The adhesive that is used for this purposes is strong to secure the lens <NUM> in a desired alignment and is flexible and elastic to cushion the lens <NUM> in the event of vibration or impact shock, and to allow the lens <NUM> to return to its original position.

The vent port <NUM> is formed through the peripheral wall <NUM> of the housing body <NUM> and allows air to enter and exit an internal space <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. The internal space <NUM> is defined within the optical module housing assembly <NUM> by the housing body <NUM> and the retainer <NUM> and between the lens <NUM> and the display assembly <NUM>. The internal space <NUM> is sealed from the outside environment except at the vent port <NUM>. The vent port <NUM> is a passage that allows air to travel between the internal space <NUM> and the outside environment that is located around the optical module <NUM>. By allowing air to enter and exit the internal space <NUM>, air pressure within the internal space <NUM> remains at or near ambient (e.g., outside the optical module <NUM>) air pressure. To exclude foreign particles from the internal space <NUM>, a filter element <NUM> is connected to the vent port <NUM> such that any air that passes through the vent port <NUM> must pass through filter element <NUM>. The filter element <NUM> is configured to restrain foreign particles from entering the internal space through the vent port <NUM> (e.g., by preventing entry of foreign particles that are larger than a pore size of the filter material). As examples, the filter element <NUM> may be located in or on the vent port <NUM>. The filter element <NUM> has a small pore size that is intended to exclude small particles (e.g., dust particles) from the internal space <NUM>. As one example, the filter element <NUM> may be formed from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter material. To capture particles that are present inside the internal space <NUM>, a dust trap <NUM> may be located in the internal space <NUM>, for example, connected to an internal surface of the housing body <NUM>. The dust trap <NUM> is configured to retain foreign particles on its surface, so that the foreign particles do not instead settle on surfaces where they may cause an optical aberration. As an example, the dust trap <NUM> may be an adhesive element, such as a sheet coated in adhesive material, to which airborne particles that are inside the internal space <NUM> may become affixed, which prevents the particles from attaching to the display assembly <NUM>, or the lens <NUM>, which could cause optical aberrations that are perceptible to the user (e.g., a visual artifact similar to a dead pixel).

The eye camera <NUM> is a still image camera or video camera that is configured to obtain images. When in use, the images that are obtained by the eye camera <NUM> include a visual representation of part of or all of the user's eye, so that the obtained images may be used for biometric identification (e.g., verifying the identity of the user based on an image of the user's eye) and gaze tracking. In the implementations that are discussed herein, the eye camera <NUM> is sensitive to infrared light (i.e., electromagnetic radiation in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum). Thus, the eye camera <NUM> may be configured to obtain images that show reflected portions of the infrared radiation that is emitted by the infrared emitter <NUM>, and these reflected portions of infrared radiation, as represented in the images, are useful for observing and identifying features of the user's eye, which may be done using a machine vision-based system that is implemented in software that is executed by the head-mounted device <NUM>. In alternative implementations, the eye camera <NUM> may instead by implemented using a visible spectrum camera or may be supplemented using the visible spectrum camera in addition to an infrared spectrum camera.

The eye camera <NUM> is connected to the housing body <NUM> of the optical module housing assembly <NUM> adjacent to the camera opening <NUM> of the housing body <NUM> such that an optical axis <NUM> of the eye camera <NUM> extends through the camera opening <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the eye camera <NUM> is oriented such that an optical axis <NUM> of the eye camera <NUM> is substantially aligned with the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. However, the eye camera <NUM> is positioned near an outer periphery of the lens <NUM> and is therefore offset and outward from the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>. Thus, the housing body <NUM> and/or the eye camera <NUM> may be configured (e.g., by an inclined mounting surface) such that the optical axis <NUM> of the eye camera <NUM> is angled toward the optical axis <NUM> of the optical module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which is a cross-section view illustration that shows the optical module <NUM> according to an alternative implementation.

Returning to <FIG>, in some implementations, a fiducial marker <NUM> may be formed on the lens <NUM>. The fiducial marker <NUM> is any manner of marking that can be perceived and located in images obtained by the eye camera <NUM>. The fiducial marker <NUM> is visible in images obtained by the eye camera <NUM> for use in calibration. The head-mounted device <NUM> is calibrated to account for manufacturing conditions, user attributes, and/or other factors that may cause visual aberrations. During an initial calibration, the position of the fiducial marker <NUM> is determined and stored. The lens <NUM> may shift with respect to other components, such as the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, for example, if the head-mounted device <NUM> is dropped. The changed position of the lens <NUM> can be identified by comparing the position of the lens <NUM> in images obtained by the eye camera <NUM> with the position of the lens <NUM> in the images that was obtained at the time of calibration. In response to determining that the lens position has changed, calibration is performed again to address any visual aberrations that may have resulted from the shift in position of the lens <NUM>.

The infrared emitter <NUM> is located on the base surface <NUM> of the housing body <NUM> and extends around the optical axis <NUM> within the internal space <NUM> that is defined within the optical module housing assembly <NUM> by the housing body <NUM> and the retainer <NUM> and between the lens <NUM> and the display assembly <NUM>. The display assembly <NUM> is connected to the housing body <NUM> of optical module housing assembly <NUM> adjacent to the optical pathway opening <NUM> of the housing body <NUM>.

In one implementation, the optical module <NUM> includes the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM>, the lens <NUM>, and the eye camera <NUM>. The lens <NUM> is positioned at a first end of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, the display assembly and the eye camera <NUM> are positioned at a second end of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, and the internal space <NUM> is defined within the optical module housing assembly <NUM> between the first end and the second end. The lens <NUM> is positioned such that it is able to obtain images of the user's eye through the lens <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may be connected to the optical module housing assembly <NUM> such that it is positioned adjacent to the display assembly <NUM>, such as in a side-by-side arrangement with respect to the display assembly <NUM>.

In one implementation, the optical module <NUM> includes the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, the display assembly <NUM>, the lens <NUM>, and the infrared emitter <NUM>. The lens <NUM> is positioned at a first end of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, the display assembly is positioned at a second end of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>, and the internal space <NUM> is defined within the optical module housing assembly <NUM> between the first end and the second end. The infrared emitter <NUM> is positioned in the internal space <NUM> between the lens <NUM> and the display assembly <NUM>. The infrared emitter <NUM> is positioned such that is able to project infrared radiation onto the user's eye through the lens <NUM>. The optical module <NUM> also includes the eye camera <NUM>, which is connected to the optical module housing assembly <NUM> such that the infrared emitter <NUM> is positioned between (e.g., along the optical axis <NUM>) the eye camera <NUM> and the lens <NUM>.

The lens <NUM> may be connected to the optical module housing assembly <NUM> such that it is positioned adjacent to the display assembly <NUM>, such as in a side-by-side arrangement with respect to the display assembly <NUM>.

In the implementation shown in <FIG>, the infrared emitter <NUM> is located on the base surface <NUM> of the housing body <NUM> in the internal space <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-section view illustration that shows the optical module <NUM> according to an alternative implementation in which the infrared emitter <NUM> is located outside of the housing body <NUM> of the optical module housing assembly <NUM>. In this implementation, the infrared emitter <NUM> is connected (e.g., by an adhesive) to an exterior surface of the housing body <NUM> such that it is positioned adjacent to and extends around the display assembly <NUM>.

An infrared-transmissive panel <NUM> is formed in the housing body <NUM> to allow infrared radiation that is emitted by the infrared emitter <NUM> to travel through the optical module housing assembly <NUM> and the lens <NUM>. The infrared-transmissive panel <NUM> is formed from a material that allows infrared radiation to pass through it without significant losses. As examples, the infrared-transmissive panel <NUM> may be formed from glass or from an infrared transmissive plastic. In the illustrated example, the infrared-transmissive panel <NUM> extends through an aperture that is formed through the base surface <NUM>. The infrared-transmissive panel <NUM> may be a single panel that extends along the base surface <NUM> adjacent to all of the emissive components <NUM> of the infrared emitter <NUM>, or may be multiple panels that extend through separate apertures that are formed through the base surface <NUM> adjacent to individual ones of the emissive components <NUM>. In some implementations, the infrared-transmissive panel <NUM> may be omitted in favor of forming part or all of the optical module housing assembly <NUM> (e.g., the housing body <NUM>) from an infrared-transmissive material.

In the examples shown in <FIG>, the optical module <NUM> is shown as including a single eye camera, which is represented by the eye camera <NUM>. The optical module <NUM> could instead include more than one eye camera (e.g., two eye cameras), with each of the eye cameras being configured to obtain images showing infrared radiation that is reflected from the eye of the user. The eye cameras are located at different locations (e.g., opposite lateral sides of the eye of the user) and may be oriented at different angular orientations. The images output by multiple eye cameras may provide a more complete view of the eye of the user.

<FIG> is a side-view illustration that shows the display module <NUM> according to an implementation. The display module <NUM> includes a silicon wafer <NUM> and a display element layer <NUM> (e.g., an organic light-emitting diode layer) that is located on the silicon wafer <NUM>. The display element layer <NUM> may be covered by a glass layer <NUM>. A display connector <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the display connector <NUM> is a flexible connector (e.g., a two-layer flexible connector) that is connected to silicon wafer <NUM> by an electrical connection <NUM> that connects individual conductors formed on the silicon wafer <NUM> with individual conductors formed on the first portion <NUM> of the display connector <NUM>. As an example, the electrical connection <NUM> may include an anisotropic film that bonds the display connector <NUM> to the silicon wafer <NUM> while allowing electrical communication.

The second portion <NUM> of the display connector <NUM> is a multi-layer (e.g., six layer) flexible connector, of the type commonly referred to as a "rigid flex" connector. The second portion <NUM> may include a cavity <NUM> that is defined by removal of one or more of the layers of the multi-layer structure of the second portion <NUM>. A driver integrated circuit <NUM> is located in the cavity <NUM> in order to protect the driver integrated circuit <NUM>. The function of the driver integrated circuit <NUM> is to receive display signals in a first format (e.g., encoded or multiplexed) and interpret the signals into a second format that is usable by the display element layer <NUM> of the display module <NUM> to output images. A connector <NUM> (e.g., a micro-coaxial connector) may be located on and electrically connected to the second portion <NUM> of the display connector <NUM> in order to connect the display module <NUM> to other components (e.g., to a computing device that provides content to be displayed).

<FIG> is a top-view illustration that shows interpupillary distance adjustment mechanisms <NUM> that each support one of the optical modules <NUM> (i.e., left and right optical modules) with respect to the device housing <NUM>. The interpupillary distance adjustment mechanisms <NUM> are an example of an interpupillary distance adjustment assembly that is configured to adjust a distance between the optical modules <NUM> that display content to the left eye and the right eye of the user, in order to match the spacing between the optical modules <NUM> with the spacing between the user's eyes.

The optical modules <NUM> may be supported such that the optical axis <NUM> of each of the optical modules <NUM> extends generally in a front-to-back direction of the device housing <NUM>. The interpupillary distance adjustment mechanisms <NUM> include support rods <NUM> and actuator assemblies <NUM> that are configured to cause movement of the optical modules <NUM> along the support rods <NUM> in response to a control signal. The actuator assemblies <NUM> may include conventional motion control components such as electric motors that are connected to the optical modules <NUM> by components such as lead screws or belts to cause movement. Mounting brackets <NUM> may be connected to the optical modules <NUM> such that the support rods <NUM> are connected to the mounting brackets <NUM>, such as by extending through apertures <NUM> that are formed through the mounting brackets <NUM>. The interpupillary distance adjustment mechanisms <NUM> may also include biasing elements such as springs that are engaged with the mounting brackets <NUM> to reduce or eliminate unintended motion of the mounting brackets <NUM> and/or the optical modules <NUM> with respect to the support rods <NUM>. The support rods <NUM> may be angled relative to a lateral (e.g., side-to-side) dimension of the device housing <NUM> such that they move toward the user as they move outward. As an example, the support rods may be angled by five degrees relative to the lateral dimension.

<FIG> is a side view illustration that shows one of the interpupillary distance adjustment mechanisms <NUM>. The support rods <NUM> may include upper and lower support rods for each of the optical modules that support the optical modules <NUM> such that the optical axis <NUM> of each optical module <NUM> is angled slightly downward, such as by five degrees. Springs <NUM> (e.g., leaf springs) may be seated in the apertures <NUM> of the mounting brackets <NUM> and located forward from the support rods <NUM> to bias the optical modules <NUM> toward the user.

<FIG> is a top-view cross-section illustration that shows front-facing cameras <NUM> that are supported by each of the optical modules <NUM>. Openings or optically-transmissive panels <NUM> (e.g., clear plastic) are included in the device housing <NUM> such that the front-facing cameras <NUM> are able to obtain images of the surrounding environment through the optically-transmissive panels <NUM>. A single panel or separate panels may be used for the optically-transmissive panels <NUM>, and as such the device housing <NUM> may include one or more of the optically-transmissive panels <NUM>. Thus, the device housing <NUM> may include one or more of the optically-transmissive panels <NUM> through which the front-facing cameras may obtain images of an environment from a point of view that simulates the point of view of the user. The front-facing cameras <NUM> may be connected to and supported by a corresponding one of the optical modules <NUM>. The front-facing cameras <NUM> may be positioned such that they are located on and substantially aligned with the optical axis <NUM> of a corresponding one of the optical modules <NUM> (e.g., the optical axes of the front-facing cameras <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the optical axes of the optical modules <NUM>). The front-facing cameras <NUM> are oriented away from the user and are supported such that they are moved by the interpupillary distance adjustment mechanisms <NUM>. Accordingly, when the user adjusts the interpupillary distance between the optical modules <NUM>, the distance between the front-facing cameras <NUM> is also adjusted. Thus, images from the front-facing cameras <NUM>, when displayed to the user, have been captured at the user's own interpupillary distance and therefore are presented more accurately in stereo vision. Thus, in some implementations, the optical axis of a first one of the front-facing cameras <NUM> is aligned with an optical axis of a first one of the optical modules <NUM> and an optical axis of a second one of the front-facing cameras <NUM> is aligned with an optical axis of a second one of the optical modules <NUM>. Thus, in some implementations, a first one of the front-facing cameras <NUM> is connected in a fixed relationship with respect to a first one of the optical modules <NUM>, and a second one of the front-facing cameras <NUM> is connected in a fixed relationship with respect to a second one of the optical modules <NUM>. Thus, in some implementations, the interpupillary distance adjustment mechanisms a first spacing between an optical axis of a first one of the optical modules <NUM> and an optical axis of a second one of the optical modules <NUM> generally equal to a second spacing between an optical axis of a first one of the front-facing cameras <NUM> and an optical axis of a second one of the front facing cameras <NUM> during adjustment of the distance between the optical modules <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration that shows connection of the eye camera <NUM> and the infrared emitter <NUM> to a computing device <NUM> by an optical module jumper board <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may be, for example, a computing device that incorporates the processor <NUM> of the head-mounted device <NUM>. The optical module jumper board <NUM> has a data connection to the computing device <NUM> over which signals and data to and from the eye camera <NUM> and the infrared emitter <NUM> are transmitted. The optical module jumper board <NUM> also has separate data connections to each of the eye camera <NUM> and the infrared emitter <NUM>. Additional components could be included in the optical module <NUM> and connected to the optical module jumper board <NUM> by additional separate connections. The optical module jumper board <NUM> may be mounted to the optical module <NUM>, and therefore, moves in unison with the optical module <NUM> during interpupillary distance adjustment. As a result, the number and size of electrical connections that are made to components that are not mounted to the optical module (e.g., the computing device <NUM>) is decreased. The optical module jumper board <NUM> may be, as examples, a rigid flex circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or a printed component board.

A physical environment refers to a physical world that people can sense and/or interact with without aid of electronic systems. Physical environments, such as a physical park, include physical articles, such as physical trees, physical buildings, and physical people. People can directly sense and/or interact with the physical environment, such as through sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.

In contrast, a computer-generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a wholly or partially simulated environment that people sense and/or interact with via an electronic system. In CGR, a subset of a person's physical motions, or representations thereof, are tracked, and, in response, one or more characteristics of one or more virtual objects simulated in the CGR environment are adjusted in a manner that comports with at least one law of physics. For example, a CGR system may detect a person's head turning and, in response, adjust graphical content and an acoustic field presented to the person in a manner similar to how such views and sounds would change in a physical environment. In some situations (e.g., for accessibility reasons), adjustments to characteristic(s) of virtual object(s) in a CGR environment may be made in response to representations of physical motions (e.g., vocal commands).

A person may sense and/or interact with a CGR object using any one of their senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person may sense and/or interact with audio objects that create three-dimensional or spatial audio environment that provides the perception of point audio sources in three-dimensional space. In another example, audio objects may enable audio transparency, which selectively incorporates ambient sounds from the physical environment with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person may sense and/or interact only with audio objects.

Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality.

A virtual reality (VR) environment refers to a simulated environment that is designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory inputs for one or more senses. A VR environment comprises a plurality of virtual objects with which a person may sense and/or interact. For example, computer-generated imagery of trees, buildings, and avatars representing people are examples of virtual objects. A person may sense and/or interact with virtual objects in the VR environment through a simulation of the person's presence within the computer-generated environment, and/or through a simulation of a subset of the person's physical movements within the computer-generated environment.

In contrast to a VR environment, which is designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory inputs, a mixed reality (MR) environment refers to a simulated environment that is designed to incorporate sensory inputs from the physical environment, or a representation thereof, in addition to including computer-generated sensory inputs (e.g., virtual objects). On a virtuality continuum, a mixed reality environment is anywhere between, but not including, a wholly physical environment at one end and virtual reality environment at the other end.

In some MR environments, computer-generated sensory inputs may respond to changes in sensory inputs from the physical environment. Also, some electronic systems for presenting an MR environment may track location and/or orientation with respect to the physical environment to enable virtual objects to interact with real objects (that is, physical articles from the physical environment or representations thereof). For example, a system may account for movements so that a virtual tree appears stationery with respect to the physical ground.

Examples of mixed realities include augmented reality and augmented virtuality.

An augmented reality (AR) environment refers to a simulated environment in which one or more virtual objects are superimposed over a physical environment, or a representation thereof. For example, an electronic system for presenting an AR environment may have a transparent or translucent display through which a person may directly view the physical environment. The system may be configured to present virtual objects on the transparent or translucent display, so that a person, using the system, perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. Alternatively, a system may have an opaque display and one or more imaging sensors that capture images or video of the physical environment, which are representations of the physical environment. The system composites the images or video with virtual objects, and presents the composition on the opaque display. A person, using the system, indirectly views the physical environment by way of the images or video of the physical environment, and perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. As used herein, a video of the physical environment shown on an opaque display is called "pass-through video," meaning a system uses one or more image sensor(s) to capture images of the physical environment, and uses those images in presenting the AR environment on the opaque display. Further alternatively, a system may have a projection system that projects virtual objects into the physical environment, for example, as a hologram or on a physical surface, so that a person, using the system, perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment.

An augmented reality environment also refers to a simulated environment in which a representation of a physical environment is transformed by computer-generated sensory information. For example, in providing pass-through video, a system may transform one or more sensor images to impose a select perspective (e.g., viewpoint) different than the perspective captured by the imaging sensors. As another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically modifying (e.g., enlarging) portions thereof, such that the modified portion may be representative but not photorealistic versions of the originally captured images. As a further example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically eliminating or obfuscating portions thereof.

An augmented virtuality (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which a virtual or computer-generated environment incorporates one or more sensory inputs from the physical environment. The sensory inputs may be representations of one or more characteristics of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but people with faces photorealistically reproduced from images taken of physical people. As another example, a virtual object may adopt a shape or color of a physical article imaged by one or more imaging sensors. As a further example, a virtual object may adopt shadows consistent with the position of the sun in the physical environment.

There are many different types of electronic systems that enable a person to sense and/or interact with various CGR environments. Examples include head-mounted systems, projection-based systems, heads-up displays (HUDs), vehicle windshields having integrated display capability, windows having integrated display capability, displays formed as lenses designed to be placed on a person's eyes (e.g., similar to contact lenses), headphones/earphones, speaker arrays, input systems (e.g., wearable or handheld controllers with or without haptic feedback), smartphones, tablets, and desktop/laptop computers. A head-mounted system may have one or more speaker(s) and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, a head-mounted system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smartphone). The head-mounted system may incorporate one or more imaging sensors to capture images or video of the physical environment, and/or one or more microphones to capture audio of the physical environment. Rather than an opaque display, a head-mounted system may have a transparent or translucent display. The transparent or translucent display may have a medium through which light representative of images is directed to a person's eyes. The display may utilize digital light projection, OLEDs, LEDs, uLEDs, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may be an optical waveguide, a hologram medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent display may be configured to become opaque selectively. Projection-based systems may employ retinal projection technology that projects graphical images onto a person's retina. Projection systems also may be configured to project virtual objects into the physical environment, for example, as a hologram or on a physical surface.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources to adjust the fit and comfort of a head-mounted device. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, a user profile may be established that stores fit and comfort related information that allows the head-mounted device to be actively adjusted for a user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user's experience.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of storing a user profile to allow automatic adjustment of a head-mounted device, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to "opt in" or "opt out" of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide data regarding usage of specific applications. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time that application usage data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of an application usage profile. In addition to providing "opt in" and "opt out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Claim 1:
An optical module for a head-mounted device (<NUM>) that is configured to present content to a user, the optical module comprising:
an optical module housing assembly (<NUM>) that has a first end and a second end, wherein the optical module housing assembly includes a first portion that is connected to a second portion;
a lens that is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is positioned at the first end of the optical module housing assembly, wherein the lens is retained by securing two or more projections (<NUM>) of the lens between the first portion of the optical module housing assembly and the second portion of the optical module housing assembly in the direction of the optical axis, wherein the first portion of the optical module housing assembly includes a first peripheral wall portion (<NUM>) that extends around the optical axis, the second portion of the optical module housing assembly includes a second peripheral wall portion (<NUM>) that extends around the optical axis, and the first peripheral wall portion and the second peripheral wall portion engage the two or more projections to restrain movement of the lens relative to the optical module housing assembly;
a display assembly (<NUM>) that is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is positioned at the second end of the optical module housing assembly, wherein the display assembly is configured to cause the content to be displayed to the user through the lens; and
a camera (<NUM>) that is configured to obtain images of the user's eye through the lens, wherein the camera is connected to the optical module housing assembly and is positioned at the second end of the optical module housing assembly.