Patent Description:
Condensation often gives rise to a number of problems, particularly in the context of head-mounted optics, such as glasses, goggles, or optics associated with head-mounted displays (e.g., mixed reality head-mounted displays). Moisture that has condensed on a head-mounted optic increases the apparent opacity of the head-mounted optic (e.g., the optic "fogs"), affecting visibility at and/or through the optic and degrading the user's experience with the head-mounted optic. The foregoing can be particularly problematic for VR (Virtual Reality) type devices that provide optical displays that are completely enclosed and/or that bias against a user's face during use to seal out ambient light. Some relevant prior art is described in documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Some existing solutions for eliminating and/or reducing condensation on head-mounted optics may include utilizing hydrophilic coatings to allow condensed water molecules to wet out along the surface of the optic so as not to form view-obstructing droplets. Other existing solutions include the use of electrical resistance heating wires that are built into or around the optic to increase the temperature of the optic by causing electrical current to pass through the resistance heating wires. Such solutions, however, fall short in a number of scenarios, such as where the head-mounted optic utilizes coatings that are not compatible with a hydrophilic coating, or where electrical resistance heating wires would undesirably increase battery consumption, weight, and/or hardware requirements.

Accordingly, there exists a great need in the art to address the problem of condensation on head-mounted optics, particularly for Mixed Reality HMD (Head Mounted Devices/Displays). It will be appreciated that the term Mixed Reality refers to two different types of technology, including AR (Augmented Reality), which typically refers to virtual experiences where virtual objects are visually placed within the real world, such that a user experiences virtual content and the real world simultaneously, as well as VR (Virtual Reality), which includes immersive virtual experiences where a user's view of the real-world is completely obscured and only virtual objects are perceived. Typically, "mixed reality" refers to either augmented reality or virtual reality environments. However, for the sake of clarity and simplicity, the terms mixed reality, virtual reality, and augmented reality are sometimes used interchangeably herein.

In some embodiments, a system for increasing the temperature of a display element, such as an HMD display (e.g., a head-mounted optic) includes a heat source configured to perform a user experience function independent of generating heat (e.g., the heat source only generates heat as a byproduct of performing an independent function). The system also includes a thermally conductive element that is coupled to the heat source and is positioned proximate to the display element, thereby forming a thermally conductive path between the heat source and the display element.

The display element takes on various forms in different embodiments. Such forms may include a head-mounted display (HMD), an optically transmissive element, and/or an element that completely obscures view of a real-world environment (when worn by a user).

Similarly, the heat source takes on various forms in different embodiments. Such forms may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a light source, and/or a display engine (e.g., for rendering or generating images for display on the display element).

At least some embodiments are directed to implementations in which the thermally conductive element is optically transmissive, and in some instances, the system further includes a switch that selectively connects and disconnects the heat path between the heat source and the display element (e.g., in response to detecting a triggering event).

In some embodiments, the system further includes a sensor (or more than one sensor) for detecting one or more temperatures and/or a relative humidity associated with the display element or an ambient environment in which the system is located.

Disclosed embodiments include methods for selectively increasing the temperature of a display element by using heat byproducts from one or more hardware devices of a HMD. Disclosed methods include, for example, a system generating heat by operating a heat source to perform a user experience function (e.g., a CPU, GPU, display engine and/or other function) independent of generating heat. In such instances, the heat is a byproduct of the primary user experience function performed by hardware of a HMD. The method further includes dispersing the heat from the heat source to the display element via a thermally conductive path formed by a thermally conductive element coupled to the heat source and positioned proximate to the display element. In some embodiments, disclosed methods further include detecting a triggering event and, in response to detecting the triggering event, selectively disconnecting the thermally conductive path and/or selectively disabling a heat source (such as a redundant hardware component) in the HMD and so as to stop dispersing heat to/through the thermally conductive element and display element.

A dew point is reached when the temperature of a surface is sufficiently lower than the temperature of the surrounding air, and the appropriate level of relative humidity is present. Water molecules in the surrounding air condense onto the surface at the dew point. When water molecules condense onto a surface used as a display element (e.g., glasses, goggles, head-mounted displays (HMDs) or other display optics), the visibility at or through the display optic is reduced, which hinders the user's experience with the display element (e.g., their ability to see at or through the display element is reduced). Reduced visibility can become a safety issue, for example, for first responders, emergency personnel, or other users utilizing a display element in a hazardous and/or industrial environment.

Conventional solutions for eliminating and/or reducing condensation on head-mounted optics include utilizing hydrophilic coatings to allow condensed water molecules to wet out along the surface of the display element so as not to form view-obstructing droplets. Because, often, increasing the temperature of a surface reduces the incidence of condensation onto the surface, other prior solutions have included implementing electrical resistance heating wires into/around the optic to increase the temperature of the optic to prevent/reduce condensation (e.g., similar to the heating elements commonly found on rear windshields of vehicles).

Conventional solutions, however, cannot be used in every scenario where condensation might occur on a display element. For example, conventional solutions using hydrophilic coatings fail when the display element relies on coatings that are not compatible with such coatings. Conventional solutions using electrical resistance heating wires would require additional hardware, power consumption, and weight, which is undesirable, for example, in display elements implemented as part of a head-mounted, mixed-reality display.

This disclosure includes embodiments that may address some or all of the aforementioned challenges with addressing condensation on display elements/optics. In some embodiments, a system for increasing the temperature of a display element includes a heat source that is configured to perform a primary user experience function independent of generating heat. Put differently, the heat source generates heat only as a byproduct of performing a primary function independent of generating heat. Such primary functions may include, for example, CPU functions, GPU functions, display engine functions, lighting functions and/or other primary functions other than just generating heat.

The system also includes, in some embodiments, a thermally conductive element that is coupled to the heat source, which is positioned proximate to the display element (e.g., in direct thermal conductive contact or at least in very close proximity to transmit heat through thermal radiance). The thermally conductive element forms a thermally conductive path between the heat source and the display element.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein may provide significant benefits over conventional systems and methods for reducing condensation on display elements. When at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein are implemented, the waste heat from the heat source is used (or redirected) to the display element, which operates to increase the temperature of the display element. Even a small increase in surface temperature can, in some instances, reduce the incidence of condensation onto the surface.

Furthermore, diffusing/dispersing waste heat from a heat source into the environment can be counterproductive, in particular because the waste heat then increases the temperature of the ambient environment surrounding the display element, which can thereby exacerbate the difference between the environment temperature and the surface temperature, causing increased condensation. In at least some disclosed embodiments, counterproductive dispersion of waste heat into the ambient environment is avoided by redirecting the waste heat toward/into the display element and to prevent condensation on the display element.

At least some disclosed embodiments allow for a more efficient system that utilizes 'waste' heat that is generated as a byproduct from a hardware component in a HMD, such as a CPU, GPU or other display component having a primary function associated with processing data or rendering images, to increase the temperature of the display element to prevent/reduce condensation onto the display element (and without requiring the passage of current through electrical resistance wires). By omitting the need for independently powered electrical resistance wires and/or other dedicated heating systems, disclosed embodiments allow for a display element having a specialized heat distribution and anti-fogging system that utilizes waste heat and that can avoid the excess hardware, battery power consumption, and/or weight that would otherwise attend the use of an electrical resistance wire heating systems.

Having just described some of the various high-level features and benefits of the disclosed embodiments, attention will now be directed to <FIG>. These figures illustrate various functionalities, examples, supporting illustrations, and methods related to systems for selectively increasing the temperature of a display element (e.g., anti-fogging systems that utilize waste heat).

<FIG> illustrates an example of a mixed-reality head-mounted display (HMD) <NUM> in which at least some disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The HMD <NUM> includes one or more display elements <NUM> (e.g., for displaying virtual content in conjunction with a real-world environment to a user, or for displaying virtual content without also displaying a real-world environment to a user) and other hardware <NUM> for facilitating the intended functionality of the HMD. Although not specifically shown, the other hardware can include components such as head/hand/eye tracking cameras/systems, surface reconstruction systems, display engines for generating/rendering virtual images, CPU(s), GPU(s), HPU(s), hardware storage devices, batteries, communication systems, other sensors, etc.). These hardware components can be distributed throughout the HMD.

As the elements of hardware <NUM> of HMD <NUM> perform their respective user experience functions, they generate heat. In conventional systems, this heat is dispersed into the environment as waste heat. In contrast, disclosed embodiments harness and utilize this heat to increase the temperature of one or more display elements <NUM> associated with HMD <NUM>.

Many of the embodiments disclosed herein are discussed in the context of a mixed-reality HMD as shown in <FIG>. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the principles disclosed herein are applicable to any display optic/element (e.g., eyeglasses, goggles, windows, helmets, windshields, mirrors, screens, other head-mounted displays/optics, etc.), so long as there is a nearby heat source that generates heat (e.g., waste heat) as a byproduct of performing some other primary function (e.g., a user experience function such as processing data, rendering images, storing data, storing power in a battery, etc.) independent of generating heat. A thermally conductive element can be coupled to the heat source and placed proximate to the display optic/element to transfer heat from the heat source to the display optic/element (thereby increasing the temperature of the display optic/element).

<FIG> illustrate conceptual representations of one or more heat sources <NUM>, display elements <NUM>, and thermally conductive elements <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the heat sources <NUM> include a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a graphics processing unit (GPU) <NUM>, and display engine(s) <NUM>. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the display elements <NUM> are represented as a visor assembly (such as a visor assembly represented as part of the display elements <NUM> of the HMD <NUM> represented in <FIG>). The heat sources <NUM> can be implemented, for example, into a HMD that is also associated with the display elements <NUM>, such that both the heat sources <NUM> and the display elements <NUM> are part of the same HMD.

The display elements <NUM> are configured, in some instances, to display virtual content (e.g., virtual content generated/rendered by display engine(s) <NUM>) while also transmitting light from a user's real-world environment for perception by the user (i.e., the display elements may comprise lenses that are optically transmissive and mounted on a HMD). It will be appreciated, however, that the display elements of the present disclosure are not limited to such implementations. For example, display elements could also include a relatively opaque screen (which may include a transparent screen and an opaque surface behind the screen) of a HMD for displaying virtual content to a user that does not transmit light from the user's real-world environment (e.g., a VR HMD).

It should be noted that at least some of the presently disclosed embodiments are particularly beneficial when implemented into display elements of VR HMDs, which can be especially susceptible to condensation because they are typically configured to enclose the user's field-of-view (e.g., with gaskets) to completely obscure the user's view of their real-world environment (thereby increasing the relative humidity and temperature of the air surrounding the display elements based on heat and/or sweat generated by the user's body).

As noted above, other display elements are within the scope of this disclosure, such as safety goggles, windows, large-format display screens, eyeglasses, windshields, mirrors, etc..

Each of the heat sources <NUM> of <FIG> performs a user experience function independent of generating heat. For example, the CPU <NUM> may execute instructions for carrying out tasks/acts/objectives for facilitating a user experience with the HMD of which CPU <NUM> is a part. The GPU <NUM> may perform operations to process/render graphics, images, animations, and/or virtual objects for display on the display elements <NUM>. The display engine(s) <NUM> may include one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes) for emitting light to display the graphics rendered by the GPU <NUM> on the display elements <NUM>. Additional aspects of other computer hardware elements that can operate as heat sources within the scope of this disclosure are discussed later on.

In other embodiments, heat sources take the form of batteries, hardware elements of communications systems, sources of light (e.g., lights for illuminating the real-world environment of a user), and/or any other component that generates heat as a byproduct (e.g., waste heat) as a result of performing some other function (e.g., a primary function, such as a CPU, GPU, display engine, battery, storage and/or other function) independent of generating heat.

<FIG> also includes representations of one or more thermally conductive elements <NUM>. As shown, the thermally conductive elements <NUM> are coupled to the heat sources <NUM>. In particular, the thermally conductive elements <NUM> are shown as being connected to the CPU <NUM>, the GPU <NUM>, and the display engine(s) <NUM>. It should be noted, however, that the thermally conductive elements <NUM> need not be connected/coupled to each and every heat source available to generate heat as a byproduct for heating display elements.

Because the thermally conductive elements <NUM> are connected to (and therefore in thermal communication with) one or more heat sources <NUM>, waste heat generated by the heat sources <NUM> transfers into and along the thermally conductive elements. Thus, the waste heat generated by the heat sources <NUM> may be utilized by the system, rather than being dispersed into the surrounding environment.

The thermally conductive elements are shown as lines/wires. These conductive elements do not, however, have to be wires. For instance, they can be flat strips of conductive material, tubes, heat sinks, and/or any other thermal element that is capable of transferring heat. In some instances, multiple thermally conductive elements <NUM> connect/extend from a single hardware component that is capable of generating heat as a byproduct of another function. In some instances, a single heat sink is used to thermally connect multiple different hardware components together and that heat sink comprises at least a part of the thermally conductive elements <NUM>.

<FIG> also illustrates thermally conductive elements <NUM> as being positioned proximate to the display elements <NUM> at various points. At a minimum, at least a part of the thermally conductive elements <NUM> is in direct contact with the display elements <NUM> and/or in close proximity to the display elements <NUM> (e.g., close enough proximity so as to permit heat from the thermally conductive elements <NUM> to be transmitted to the display elements <NUM>).

In <FIG>, the thermally conductive elements <NUM> are conceptually represented as being in contact with the display elements <NUM>. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the thermally conductive elements may be spatially offset from display elements, while still allowing heat radiating from the thermally conductive elements to increase the temperature of the display elements due to their close proximity. Accordingly, with regard to the foregoing, it will be appreciated that films, coatings, layers, or other physical objects may be interposed between the thermally conductive elements and the display elements, and yet still allow heat to be transferred from the thermally conductive elements to the display elements, through conduction and/or radiation. Such thermally reactive elements may still be considered positioned proximate to or adj acent to the display elements if they can transfer heat to the display elements through direct thermal conduction and/or thermal radiation.

In some instances, the thermally conductive elements are not spatially offset from the display elements (i.e., the thermally conductive elements are in direct physical contact with the display elements). In still other elements, the thermally conductive elements are integrally formed with the display elements (e.g., the thermally conductive elements are interstitially positioned within the display elements).

The thermally conductive elements <NUM> may extend to be positioned proximate to some or all parts of a single or multiple display elements. Various exemplary configurations of thermally conductive elements and positionings of thermally conductive elements with respect to display elements are discussed in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

When the thermally conductive elements <NUM> are coupled to the heat source(s) <NUM> and positioned proximate to the display elements <NUM>, the thermally conductive elements <NUM> form a thermally conductive path between the heat sources (<NUM>) and the display elements (<NUM>), allowing for waste heat to transfer from the heat source(s) <NUM> to the display elements (<NUM>).

In some situations, providing additional heat to the display elements to increase the temperature of the display elements (to prevent condensation) can result in discomfort to the user. For example, when a user utilizes a HMD or other head-mounted display elements/optics in a hot real-world environment, providing additional heat to the display elements may increase an already uncomfortably high temperature of the air surrounding the eyes and/or face of the user. Accordingly, it is useful, in some instances, to provide a way to selectively connect and disconnect the thermally conductive paths between the heat sources and the display elements, such that waste heat from the heat sources is not always transferred to the display elements.

<FIG> also shows one or more switches <NUM> along the thermally conductive path formed by the thermally conductive elements <NUM>. In some instances, the switch(es) <NUM> are embodied as one or more electromechanical switches. In other instances, the switch(es) <NUM> are implemented as one or more piezoelectric switches.

In some embodiments, the switch(es) <NUM> are operable to selectively connect and disconnect the heat path between the heat source(s) <NUM> and the display element(s) <NUM> in response to a triggering event, such as by making and/or breaking direct contact between two different thermally conductive materials (e.g., wires or other conductive elements). The triggering events will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow with reference to <FIG>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, various thermally conductive elements <NUM> are coupled to each of the heat sources <NUM>, and each thermally conductive element extending from each of the heat sources (i.e., the CPU <NUM>, the GPU <NUM>, and the display engine(s) <NUM>) converges at the first of the switches <NUM> (i.e., the switch shown positioned closed to heat sources <NUM>). After the thermally conductive elements <NUM> converge to a common path/location toward the display elements (e.g., at the first switch), the thermally conductive paths are shown to diverge the display elements <NUM>. Some of the paths lead to various locations on the various parts of the display elements <NUM>. One path leads toward the second of the switches <NUM> and then continues toward a distinct part of the display elements <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, only the thermally conductive elements <NUM> extending from the CPU <NUM> and the GPU <NUM> converge to a common point before extending to a portion of the display elements. The thermally conductive path between the GPU <NUM> and the common point includes a switch <NUM>, such that waste heat from the GPU <NUM> is selectively combinable with the waste heat from the CPU <NUM> for transfer to the display elements. Another switch <NUM> is shown between the common point and the display elements, such that the waste heat from the CPU <NUM> (or the combined waste heat of the CPU <NUM> and the GPU <NUM> if the first of the switches <NUM> is in a connected mode) is selectively transferrable to the display elements. As such, the switches <NUM> between the CPU <NUM>, the GPU <NUM>, and the display elements are operable to selectively allow waste heat from the CPU <NUM> and/or the GPU <NUM> to be transferred to the display elements. In some instances, the switches are put in (or persist) in a disconnected mode when the display elements are used in a hot environment (as further discussed with reference to <FIG>). It will be appreciated that any combination of switches may be used at one or more different portions of the conductive elements <NUM> to facilitate the selective thermal transmission of waste heat from one or more hardware components to the display elements.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> also illustrates another embodiment, in which a thermally conductive element <NUM> extends from a display engine(s) <NUM> toward the display elements <NUM>. As illustrated, the thermally conductive path between the display engine and the display elements does not include a switch. Accordingly, waste heat from the display engine(s) <NUM> is not selectively transferred from the display engine(s) <NUM> via the thermally conductive element <NUM> toward the display elements <NUM>. Rather, waste heat from the display engine(s) <NUM> is always transferred to the display elements <NUM> via the thermally conductive element <NUM> extending between the display engine(s) <NUM> and the display elements <NUM>.

Therefore, based on the embodiments shown and described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number and/or combination of switches can be interspersed throughout the thermally conductive paths formed by the thermally conductive elements in order to allow for selective disconnection of the thermally conductive path at any point and/or portion of the thermally conductive path for one or more of the different HMD components. Likewise, in some embodiments, one or more components may be continuously connected in thermal conductivity to help disperse waste heat from the HMD component towards the display element(s). Alternatively, in some embodiments, where distinct thermally conductive paths exist between each heat source and the display elements, a switch may be utilized along each distinct thermally conductive path to selectively disconnect the corresponding thermally conductive path so as to prevent heat from reaching the display elements along the corresponding path.

Also, based on the embodiments shown and described in <FIG> and <FIG>, those skilled in the art will understand that numerous configurations, formations, and/or paths for thermally conductive elements between the heat sources and the display elements are within the scope of this disclosure. In an example embodiment, for instance, each heat source includes a single thermally conductive element coupled thereto, with each thermally conductive element extending toward to a different position proximate to the display elements without converging, and without any switches along any of the heat paths. In another example, the thermally conductive element(s) extending from each heat source converge to a common nexus, without a switch, and then branch out toward various portions of the display elements with switches existing along the thermally conductive paths after the branching out. In yet another example, only a single heat source is used, with a thermally conductive element that extends from the heat source as a single path but branches out into a plurality of paths before or upon reaching the display elements. In still another example, a single heat source can have multiple thermally conductive elements coupled thereto. Furthermore, thermally conductive elements extending from one or more heat sources may include switches along their heat paths before reaching a common nexus with other thermally conductive elements.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure utilize different mechanisms for selectively transferring waste heat from one or more heat sources toward display elements. For example, the heat sources <NUM> shown in <FIG> include multiple GPUs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the multiple GPUs <NUM> operate as redundant heat sources and have the same functionality (e.g., performing operations to process/render graphics, images, animations, and/or virtual objects for display on display elements). Furthermore, in some instances, the GPUs <NUM> are configured to be selectively enabled or disabled in response to a triggering event (as noted above, triggering events are discussed in more detail with reference to <FIG>).

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, one GPU of the GPUs <NUM> is in thermal communication (shown by a thermally conductive element <NUM>) with a heat diffuser <NUM>, whereas the other GPU of the GPUs <NUM> is in thermal communication with the display elements <NUM>, shown by the thermally conductive path formed by another set of thermally conductive elements <NUM>. Thus, when the GPU connected with the heat diffuser <NUM> is selectively enabled, while the other GPU is selectively disabled, no waste heat is transferred to the display elements <NUM>, which may be desirable, for example, when the difference between the temperature of the display elements <NUM> and the temperature of the surrounding environment is small. On the other hand, when the GPU connected with the display elements <NUM> is selectively enabled, while the other GPU is selectively disabled or also selectively enabled, waste heat is transferred to the display elements. In this regard, including heat sources that may be selectively enabled or disabled may allow for selectively transferring waste heat to the display elements, rather than constantly transferring heat to the display elements. It will be appreciated that any combination of switches and/or selectively enablable heat sources may be utilized for selectively allowing heat flow from the heat sources to one or more display elements.

Although the thermally conductive elements are described above as being coupled and/or connected to the heat sources, it should be noted that the thermally conductive elements may, in some instances, also be positioned proximate to the heat sources in order to allow for heat transfer from the heat sources to the thermally conductive elements.

As noted above, selectively connecting or disconnecting switches associated with thermally conductive paths and/or selectively enabling or disabling heat sources may be performed in response to a triggering event. In some instances, a triggering event is detecting one or more temperatures and/or a relative humidity that exceed a predetermined threshold, based on temperature/humidity conditions detected by one or more sensors on the HMD and/or one or more remote sensors that are in communication (e.g., wirelessly) with the HMD.

<FIG> illustrate conceptual representations of sensors <NUM> associated with a waste heat transfer system for increasing the temperature of display elements <NUM>. In <FIG>, a pair of sensors <NUM> is associated with the display element <NUM>. In particular a first sensor <NUM> is associated with a user-facing portion <NUM> of the display elements <NUM>, and a second sensor <NUM> is associated with a world-facing portion <NUM> of the display elements <NUM>. It should be noted, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure do not require a sensor or more than one sensor, and the multiplicity of sensors shown in <FIG> is demonstrated to show that any number of sensors at various positions in proximity to the display element(s) may be used in a system for increasing the temperature of display elements with waste heat from a heat source.

As shown, sensor <NUM> includes a first sensing element <NUM>, and a second sensing element <NUM>, each being positioned at or near the world-facing portion <NUM> of the display elements <NUM>. For example, the first sensing element <NUM> may be implemented as a temperature sensing element, and the second sensing element <NUM> may be implemented as a relative humidity sensing element. The first sensing element <NUM> therefore determines a temperature reading associated with the world-facing portion <NUM> of the display elements <NUM>, while the second sensing element <NUM> determines a relative humidity reading associated with the display elements or an environment in which the display elements are utilized.

It should be noted that the placement of the sensors and the sensing elements with respect to the display elements as shown in <FIG> is illustrative only and non-limiting. For example, sensors and/or sensing elements can be placed at or near the back of a display element (e.g., toward a user) or be integrally formed with the display element(s), and, in another example, the temperature sensors may be placed at location on the display element(s) that is near a user's eye in VR implementations (e.g., within the view-obstructing elements of a VR HMD).

<FIG> also show a separate sensor <NUM> that is not associated with the display elements. Sensor <NUM> is, in some instances, configured to detect one or more temperatures and/or a relative humidity associated with an environment in which the display elements are utilized. Sensor <NUM> may be embodied, for example, as an external thermometer associated with another portion of the HMD and/or with a completely separate temperature-sensing device or system.

Sensors <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to be in communication with a logic device (which is not presently shown, but which includes a logic circuit and/or a software program stored in memory or other hardware storage of the HMD and that is executable by the HMD CPU and/or other hardware component).

Based on detected temperature and relative humidity sensor readings (e.g., a surface temperature of the relevant display element and a temperature and relative humidity of the relevant physical environment, as measured, for example, by sensors <NUM> and/or <NUM>), the logic device determines whether the dew point is being approached (e.g., where the detected change in the difference between the surface temperature and the ambient temperature is increasing over time) or has been met or exceeded, according to a dew point index or table. This determination is made, in some embodiments, by determining the dew point temperature for the applicable set of conditions (e.g., the relative humidity and the temperature of the relevant physical environment) and by determining whether the surface temperature of the display element meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the dew point temperature (a threshold may be thought of as a lower bound, and the threshold may be exceeded when the value under scrutiny descends below the lower bound threshold).

The predetermined threshold associated with the dew point may be implemented as, for example, the dew point temperature itself, a temperature offset from the dewpoint temperature (e.g., a temperature that is higher than the dew point, indicating that the dew point itself is nearly met when the surface temperature exceeds the threshold), a rate of change in temperature (e.g., a change in surface or environment temperature over time, to indicate whether or not the surface temperature is approaching the dew point or whether the dew point is changing so as to approach the surface temperature), or any combination thereof (e.g., a rate of change threshold that changes based on the absolute difference between the surface temperature and the applicable dew point).

In response to determining that the predetermined threshold associated with the dewpoint is met or exceeded by the surface temperature of the display element, the logic device generates an output signal that causes one or more switches (e.g., switches <NUM> as demonstrated in <FIG>) to be connected/established with one or more thermally conductive paths (e.g., associated with thermally conductive elements <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>) between the display elements and the heat sources to allow waste heat from the heat sources to increase the temperature of the display elements. In other embodiments, in response to determining that the predetermined threshold associated with the dewpoint is met or exceeded by the surface temperature of the display element, the logic device generates an output signal that selectively enables operation of one or more heat sources (which are hardware devices such as a GPU having a primary function other than to generate heat and which generate waste heat as a byproduct) and which are coupled to a thermally conductive element and positioned proximate to display elements (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to allow waste heat from the heat sources to increase the temperature of the display elements.

In other instances, the logic device determines whether the surface temperature of the display element(s) meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with user comfort. For example, in response to determining that the temperature of the display element(s) is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature associated with user comfort (e.g., <NUM>° F), the logic device may generate an output (or send a communication to a computing device) that causes one or more switches to disconnect/disestablish one or more thermally conductive paths between the display elements and the heat sources to prevent waste heat from the heat sources from further increasing the temperature of the display elements. Similarly, the output from the logic device may also selectively disable one or more heat sources coupled to a thermally conductive element and positioned proximate to display elements to prevent waste heat from the heat sources from further increasing the temperature of the display elements.

It should also be noted that the triggering event for causing the logic device to generate output for dispersing heat from the heat sources to the display elements and/or for refraining from dispersing heat to the display elements need not depend on sensor readings. For example, a triggering event may comprise user input entered through a mechanical button/switch and/or through an application interface for causing the waste heat from the heat sources to be transferred to the display elements (e.g., by actuating switches and/or selectively causing the triggering event and control signals to be sent for selectively enabling/disabling the certain heat sources and/or switches in the thermally conductive elements).

<FIG> demonstrate examples of configurations for thermally conductive elements <NUM> positioned proximate to display elements <NUM>. The additional portions of the thermally conductive elements (e.g., wires, straps, tubes, heat sinks and/or other elements with the corresponding switches) that extend from the display element <NUM> to one or more heat sources are not shown in <FIG> for simplicity in illustration.

With regard to the embodiments shown in <FIG>, it will be appreciated that different configurations of the thermally conductive elements <NUM> will cause the heat from the heat sources to disperse across the display elements <NUM> in different ways. No particular configuration or formation for positioning the thermally conductive elements <NUM> proximate to the display elements <NUM> limits the scope of the present disclosure, and combinations of configurations or formations are within the scope of the present disclosure. <FIG> are presented as examples only.

<FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> as a coating, layer, or film on a surface of the display element <NUM>. <FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> as a series of linear wires disposed on the display element <NUM> in a vertical arrangement. <FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> as a series of linear wires disposed on the display element <NUM> in a horizontal arrangement. <FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> in a crosshatch arrangement. <FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> as a coating, layer, or film around a perimeter of a surface of the display element <NUM>. <FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> as a coating, layer, or film around a perimeter of a surface of the display element <NUM> with additional wires extending inward on the display element <NUM> from the coating, layer, or film. <FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> as a coating, layer, or film over eye boxes (e.g., portions of the display element <NUM> on which a user's eye would likely gaze; the user's field of view) of the display element <NUM>, with thermally conductive wires extending from the coating, layer, or film over the eye-boxes to a perimeter of the display element <NUM>. <FIG> shows a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is applied to the display element <NUM> but not applied over eye boxes of the display element <NUM>. One portion of the thermally conductive element <NUM> is disposed on the display element <NUM> as a series of wires in a linear arrangement, while another portion of the thermally conductive element <NUM> is disposed on the display element <NUM> as a series of wires in a horizontal arrangement.

The thermally conductive element <NUM> may be composed of any thermally conductive material or combination thereof. In some instances, the thermally conductive element <NUM> is implemented as an optically transmissive material. Optically transmissive materials may be particularly desirable when the thermally conductive element <NUM> will be disposed over an eye box of a display element (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Such optically transmissive materials may include, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) and/or silver nanowire.

In some instances, the thermally conductive element <NUM> is implemented as an optically opaque material. Optically opaque materials may be useful when used over a portion of the display element <NUM> that does not include an eye box (e.g., <FIG>). Optically opaque materials may include, for example, silver, copper, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum, tungsten, graphite, and/or zinc.

It should be noted that optically transmissive materials and opaque materials may be used in combination in some embodiments. For example, the perimeter portion of the thermally conductive element <NUM> of <FIG> may be composed of an optically opaque material, while the wires extending inward may be composed of an optically transmissive material, or the eye box portion of the thermally conductive element <NUM> of <FIG> may be composed of an optically transmissive material, while the wires extending toward the perimeter may be composed of an optically opaque material.

Embodiments have been described above for selectively disabling thermally conductive paths between heat sources and display elements (such as by switches or selectively enablable heat sources) when, for example, the temperature of the display elements reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with user comfort. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that other methods for preventing the temperature of a display element from reaching stifling levels are within the scope of this disclosure.

For example, <FIG> shows a conceptual representation of heat diffusers <NUM> in thermal communication with a thermally conductive element <NUM> that is positioned proximate to a display element <NUM>. The heat diffusers <NUM> of <FIG> are configured to disperse heat into the surrounding environment (or toward another portion of a device), such as waste heat that is transferred to the thermally conductive element <NUM> from one or more heat sources. For example, in some embodiments, the heat diffusers <NUM> are designed and positioned with respect to the thermally conductive element to disperse heat from the thermally conductive element into the environment so as to aid in preventing the temperature of the display element <NUM> from exceeding a predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM>° F). In such embodiments, the heat diffusers <NUM> may comprise a portion of the thermally conductive elements for diffusing waste heat from HMD components to display elements.

In some embodiments, the head diffusers are implemented as one or more heat sinks, heat pipes, vapor chambers, or other heat spreading devices. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any number of heat diffusers (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may be implemented into a system for increasing the temperature of a display element with waste heat.

<FIG> shows an exemplary flow diagram <NUM> of acts associated with methods for selectively increasing the temperature of a display element. As shown, the flow diagram <NUM> includes an act of operating a heat source that generates heat as a byproduct (act <NUM>), an act of selectively connecting or enabling a heat path between the heat source and a display element (act <NUM>), an act of dispersing heat from the heat source to a display element (act <NUM>), and an act of selectively disconnecting or disabling the heat path between the heat source and the display element (act 607A) or diffusing heat from the display element into the environment (act 607B).

As noted above, act <NUM> includes operating a heat source that generates heat as a byproduct. In some embodiments, the heat source is implemented as one or more computer hardware elements, such as a CPU GPU, camera, display engine (e.g., LED or other display generating component), a battery, memory or another storage device and/or one or more other elements of a wearable device such as an HMD.

The heat source performs a user experience function independent of generating heat, and therefore generates heat only as a byproduct of performing its independent function. For example, when the heat source is implemented as a display engine (e.g., one or more LEDs or laser diodes) the independent function is displaying an image generated/rendered by a GPU. Heat is generated as a byproduct of performing this function (e.g., laser diodes generate excess heat that is normally dispersed into an environment surrounding the laser diode and the GPU generates heat while processing the data to be rendered).

Act <NUM> includes selectively connecting or enabling a heat path between the heat source and a display element. The heat path may be formed by one or more thermally conductive elements (e.g., composed of ITO, silver nanowire, or another thermally conductive material) that are in proximity to both the heat source and the display element. This may also include selectively disconnecting or disenabling the heat path.

In some embodiments, the heat path becomes selectively connected/disconnected by actuating a switch associated with the heat path (e.g., an electromechanical switch). In some instances, the switch is activated in response to a triggering event and/or a signal generated by a logic device (e.g., a signal generated in response to detecting that a threshold temperature has been exceeded or met and/or in response to detecting user input). When the switch is activated, it selectively connects or disconnects the heat path in response to the output. In other embodiments, the heat path becomes selectively enabled/disabled by selectively enabling a heat source (e.g., a new or redundant hardware component) that is in thermal communication with the display element (e.g., by a thermally conductive element).

It should be noted that in embodiments that do not include a switch or selectively enablable heat source, act <NUM> may be omitted.

Act <NUM> includes dispersing heat from the heat source to a display element. The heat is transferred along the thermally conductive path formed by the thermally conductive element(s) (when the path is selectively connected/enabled) to the display element, where the heat is dispersed to the desired portions of the display element to increase the temperature of the display element to prevent condensation of water molecules onto the display element.

Act 607A includes selectively disconnecting or disabling the heat path between the heat source and the display element, and act 607B includes diffusing heat from the display element into the environment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method represented in flow diagram <NUM> may include either, both, or neither of these steps.

In some embodiments, the switches and/or selectively enablable heat sources described above in relation to act <NUM> are also operable to selectively disconnect and/or selectively disable the heat path between the heat source and the display element (e.g., by receiving output to actuate the switch to disconnect the heat path in response to determining that a temperature exceeds a threshold, or by selectively disabling a heat source in response to the same).

In some embodiments, step 607B is effectuated by a heat diffuser associated with (e.g., in thermal communication with) the thermally conductive element forming the heat path. In some instances, the heat diffuser is implemented as a heat sink, heat pipe, and/or vapor chamber.

Embodiments of the present invention may comprise or utilize a special purpose computer including computer hardware (e.g., a logic device implemented as a computer system for determining whether temperature and/or relative humidity sensor readings exceed a predetermined threshold), as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also may include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures.

When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data links which can be used to carry or transmit desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause the disclosed computing system (e.g., special purpose computer/HMD) to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Claim 1:
A method for increasing the temperature of a display element (<NUM>), the method comprising:
generating (<NUM>) heat by operating a heat source (<NUM>) to perform a user experience function independent of generating heat; and
dispersing (<NUM>) the heat from the heat source (<NUM>) to the display element (<NUM>) via a thermally conductive path formed by a thermally conductive element (<NUM>) coupled to the heat source (<NUM>) and positioned proximate to the display element (<NUM>).