Patent ID: 12224486

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Computing devices may use various types of antennas to send and receive signals, enabling the devices to communicate with other electronic devices. Antennas for consumer electronics often require both conductive as well as non-conductive zones, and both need to be integrated into a single structure. For example, a conductive layer may be needed to transmit a signal, but a keep-out zone may also be needed to avoid signal interference or to protect users from electronic signals.

Some methods of integrating an antenna may etch the antenna pattern directly into the computing device and molding plastic around the etched pattern. Such methods, however, may require a new frame or chassis any time the antenna is redesigned. These methods restrict design flexibility of the overall device and may restrict antenna designs to those that can be easily etched into the device.

Other methods may bond a separate antenna component to the computing device. However, bonding the separate component to the outer perimeter of a device may cause sealing or cosmetic seam issues. For example, if a separate antenna insert is glued to the device, an outer seam may be visible and may cause potential water and dust ingress to the device. Additionally, by attaching the insert to the device, the conductive components of the antenna may stick to any metallic components of the computing device, possibly creating additional issues with conductivity and signal detection. Thus, better methods of integrating antennas into computing devices are needed to enable flexible design.

The present disclosure is generally directed to an apparatus, system, and method for swappable antenna design. As will be explained in greater detail below, embodiments of the present disclosure may, by inserting a separate antenna component into a computing device, the disclosed method may enable subsequent changes to the design of the antenna. For example, by laser-sintering an antenna into an injection-molded component, the disclosed method may more efficiently provide new antenna designs. By overmolding a non-conductive material to the outside of the device, the disclosed method may apply the overmolded component to eliminate potential seams and protect interior components against water or dust. For example, an overmold window may be directly molded to a gap in a frame of a pair of artificial reality glasses, and putty or other malleable material may be applied to further cover any remaining seams. By bonding to an inside surface of an overmold window, the antenna component may then be protected by the overmold window. Thus, the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein may improve over other methods of integrating an antenna to a computing device to enable design flexibility while maintaining seals to protect the antennas.

Features from any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

The following will provide, with reference toFIG.1, detailed descriptions of an exemplary swappable antenna component. Detailed descriptions of an exemplary overmold window will be provided in connection withFIG.2. In addition, detailed descriptions of a computing device incorporating the exemplary swappable antenna component and the exemplary overmold window will be provided in connection withFIGS.3-4and6-7. Detailed descriptions of swapping between exemplary swappable antenna components will then be provided in connection withFIG.5. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of an exemplary method for manufacturing the exemplary swappable antenna component will be provided in connection withFIG.8. Finally, detailed descriptions of exemplary augmented-reality and virtual-reality systems that may incorporate coil-integrated housing components will be provided in connection withFIGS.9and10.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary swappable antenna component100. As illustrated inFIG.1, an antenna trace104may be disposed in a conductive layer of a carrier102. As used herein, the term “carrier” may refer to a component acting as a base to hold an antenna for ease of transport and design, such as a molded plastic component with an antenna trace. In some examples, antenna trace104of swappable antenna component100may include a conductive material shaped to function as an antenna to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals for a computing device. In these examples, antenna trace104may be surrounded by a non-conductive material of carrier102.

As used herein, the term “antenna trace” may refer to an antenna of conductive material embedded as a designed path, such as an etched copper trace on a printed circuit board. In this example, the conductive layer of carrier102may represent a layer of copper surrounded by the non-conductive material. In some examples, the non-conductive material of carrier102may include a type of plastic or resin polymer. In these examples, conductive antenna trace104may be extruded from the conductive layer of carrier102, and the non-conductive material may be molded around antenna trace104to create a “keep out zone” to better direct signals to and/or from antenna trace104.

FIG.2illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary overmold window200. In one example, the term “overmolding” may refer to a process of manufacturing a component by injecting a substantially fluid substance into a mold around a preformed component and curing or hardening the substance to hold a specific shape. For example, overmold window200may be overmolded to a gap of a frame of the computing device. Additionally, in some examples, overmold window200may be molded to contain an interior space, or window, sized to hold carrier102ofFIG.1

In some embodiments, overmold window200may include one or more interlocking elements dimensioned to increase a structural bond with the frame of the computing device. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, a number of interlocking elements202may extend from overmold window200to fill holes or divots in the frame of the computing device when overmold window200is overmolded to the frame.

FIG.3illustrates an exemplary swappable antenna component100bonded to overmold window200, which is overmolded to an exemplary frame308. In this example, swappable antenna component100may include carrier102, which may be dimensioned to fit to an interior of overmold window200. The swappable antenna component100may also include antenna trace104disposed on carrier102. In some examples, carrier102and, therefore, swappable antenna component100may be dimensioned to fit to the interior of overmold window200such that carrier102and swappable antenna component100fit within the gap of frame308and are covered by overmold window200.

In one example, carrier102may include a non-conductive material injection molded to fit the interior of overmold window200. As used herein, the terms “injection molding” and “insert molding” may refer to a process of manufacturing components by injecting a substantially fluid substance into a mold or hollow cast and curing or hardening the substance to hold a shape. For example, swappable antenna component100may represent a laser direct structuring or laser direct sintering (LDS) insert with integrated antenna trace104laser-traced to an injection-molded carrier102, and the LDS insert may be molded to fit inside overmold window200.

In one embodiment, overmold window200may be overmolded to a gap of frame308such that an exterior surface304of overmold window200is flush with an exterior surface310of frame308. As illustrated inFIG.3, overmold window200may be molded into a shape consistent with the shape of frame308to fill in the gap in frame308. Additionally, interlocking elements202of overmold window200may increase the structural bond of overmold window200with frame308by filling the matching elements of frame308. For example, a mold for overmold window200may encompass frame308and may be injected with a liquid polymer that fills the mold and the interlocking holes of frame308to create overmold window200. After the polymer is cured into a solid substance, interlocking elements202may be physically locked to frame308such that overmold window200is not easily removed.

In some embodiments, swappable antenna component100may be bonded to an interior surface302of overmold window200with a liquid adhesive306. In these embodiments, liquid adhesive306may represent a liquid dispensed adhesive, such as a type of glue, or any other type of bonding or adhesive material. In these embodiments, overmold window200may first be overmolded onto frame308and liquid adhesive306may then bond swappable antenna component100to interior surface302of overmold window200. As illustrated inFIG.3, liquid adhesive306may be applied as a thin layer between swappable antenna component100and overmold window200. Additionally, swappable antenna component100may be bonded to interior surface302of overmold window200such that the bonding eliminates a seam along exterior surface310of frame308. For example, by bonding swappable antenna component100to interior surface302rather than externally applying swappable antenna component100to frame308, the bonding eliminates a potential external seam that would cause an ingress path to swappable antenna component100.

In some examples, a pliable material may be applied to overmold window200to reduce a seam312between overmold window200and frame308. For example, the pliable material may include a malleable putty material that may be spread over seam312. In these examples, overmolding overmold window200to frame308may initially reduce potential exposure from water or dust ingress, and the putty substance may be applied to seam312to further reduce the potential ingress.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary computing device400with an integrated swappable antenna component covered by overmold window200. As illustrated inFIG.4, swappable antenna component100may not be visible from the outside of computing device400when covered by overmold window200. In some embodiments, computing device400may generally represent any type or form of computing device capable of sending and/or receiving signals. Examples of computing device400may include, without limitation, laptops, tablets, desktops, servers, cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), multimedia players, embedded systems, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, smart glasses, etc.), gaming consoles, combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable computing device.

In one embodiment, computing device400may include frame308, which may be dimensioned to encompass electronic components such as swappable antenna component100ofFIG.1. Additionally, frame308may include a gap to enable electronic components to be assembled inside frame308, and overmold window200may then be overmolded to the gap of frame308to close the exterior surface. In this embodiment, frame308may include a metallic material, such as magnesium, and a plastic polymer of overmold window200may be molded directly to the metal to eliminate potential seams. In addition, the pliable material may then be applied to overmold window200to reduce seam312between overmold window200and frame308and improve both ingress protection and a uniform cosmetic look.

In the example ofFIG.4, computing device400may represent a pair of artificial reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) glasses, such as eyewear device902ofFIG.9, with lenses402(1) and402(2). In this example, swappable antenna component100may represent sensor940ofFIG.9and may be contained within frame308ofFIG.4or disposed along an interior circumference of frame308. Additionally, antenna trace104of swappable antenna component100, such as inFIG.3, may be shaped to function as an antenna to detect an electromagnetic signal404for computing device400. In these examples, electromagnetic signal404may represent a local network signal such as near-field communication (NFC) signals, a wireless broadband signal such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G signals, and/or any other suitable type of signal for communicating data.

In the above example, overmold window200may include a material that permits swappable antenna component100to detect electromagnetic signal404through the material. In this example, the material of overmold window200may not exceed a maximum limit of a dielectric constant and a maximum limit of a dissipation factor. The terms “dielectric constant” and “permittivity” may refer to the ability of a material to be polarized or permeated by electric charge. The terms “dissipation factor” and “loss tangent” may refer to a measure of loss of energy traveling through a material. Materials with properties of lower permittivity and lower loss tangents may be better suited to enable electromagnetic signals to penetrate the materials and avoid interference.

For example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) may be selected to provide dimensional stability and thermal stability and may be filled with 30% glass fibers for stiffness. In this example, plastics such as PPS may have a lower dielectric constant than other materials, such as glass, and may be best suited for molding into overmold window200. Similarly, plastic materials may also have lower dissipation factors. Additionally, materials of other components, such as liquid adhesive306used to bond swappable antenna component100to overmold window200, may also be selected for lower dielectric constants and/or lower dissipation factors.

FIG.5illustrates an exemplary swapping of a first swappable antenna component100(1) for a second swappable antenna component100(2). In this example, swappable antenna component100(1) may be bonded to interior surface302of overmold window200such that swappable antenna component100(1) is replaceable with alternate swappable antenna component100(2). For example, swappable antenna components100(1) and100(2) may both comprise LDS inserts with similar dimensions for carriers102(1) and102(2) to fit in overmold window200. However, in this example, an antenna trace104(1) of swappable antenna component100(1) may differ from an antenna trace104(2) of swappable antenna component100(2). Thus, the swapping of swappable antenna components100(1) and100(2) enables design flexibility for antenna traces that are not constrained by frame308ofFIG.4. Additionally, swappable antenna components100(1) and100(2) may be designed and manufactured separately from a frame manufacturer and may be more easily updated.

FIG.6illustrates a cross-sectional view of computing device400with swappable antenna component100supporting a lens402held by frame308. In one embodiment, swappable antenna component100with carrier102and antenna trace104may be dimensioned to support lens402when bonded to overmold window200. In this embodiment, swappable antenna component100may be disposed on the interior circumference of frame308and be positioned in contact with an edge of lens402that extends into frame308. Additionally, lens402may represent a prescription lens, and carrier102may be molded to hold a thicker or thinner lens based on the dimensions of lens402.

FIG.7illustrates exemplary electronic components702and an exemplary non-conductive bumper704of computing device400ofFIG.4. As shown inFIG.7, swappable antenna component100may include carrier102and antenna trace104, with antenna trace104electronically coupled to computing device400. In this example, frame308may be dimensioned to encompass electronic components702, and swappable antenna component100may be electronically coupled to electronic components702. For example, electronic components702may represent a connector attaching a cable to antenna trace104, with the other end of the cable connected to circuitry in frame308. In this example, electromagnetic signal404ofFIG.4may be detected by swappable antenna component100and sent to the circuitry, such as to a printed circuit board (PCB) via electronic components702.

In one embodiment, computing device400may include non-conductive bumper704coupled to frame308to provide a buffer between a user and electronic components, such as electronic components702and/or swappable antenna component100. In this embodiment, non-conductive bumper704may comprise a non-conductive material designed to prevent the user from feeling conduction from components such as swappable antenna component100. As shown inFIG.7, swappable antenna component100may be disposed at a side of frame308facing away from a user while wearing computing device400, and non-conductive bumper704may be disposed at a side of frame308toward the user's face.

FIG.8shows an example method for manufacturing, assembling, using, adjusting, or otherwise configuring or creating the systems and apparatuses presented herein. The steps shown inFIG.8may be performed by any individual and/or by any suitable type or form of manual and/or automated apparatus. In particular,FIG.8illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method800for manufacturing coil-integrated housing components.

As shown inFIG.8, at step810one or more of the systems described herein may dimension a carrier to fit to an interior of an overmold window, wherein the overmold window may be overmolded to a gap of a frame of a computing device. For example, as illustrated inFIG.6, carrier102may be dimensioned to fit to an interior of overmold window200, and overmold window200may be overmolded to a gap of frame308of computing device400.

The systems described herein may perform step810in a variety of ways. In one example, a non-conductive material may be injection molded to a mold dimensioned to fit inside overmold window200to create carrier102. In this example, carrier102may be manufactured independently of frame308. Additionally, overmold window200may be overmolded directly to frame308to cover a gap left in the manufacturing of frame308. In this example, overmold window200may be applied by a frame supplier, without changing the supply chain, to meet cosmetic and sealing requirement or standards to protect electronic components in frame308.

Returning toFIG.8, at step820, one or more of the systems described herein may dispose an antenna trace in a conductive layer of the carrier. The antenna trace may be surrounded by a non-conductive material of the carrier. For example, as illustrated inFIG.5, antenna traces104(1) and104(2) may be disposed in conductive layers of carriers102(1) and102(2) to be surrounded by non-conductive material of carriers102(1) and102(2).

The systems described herein may perform step820in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods may dispose the antenna trace in the conductive layer of the carrier by laser-sintering a shape of the antenna trace into the carrier and, subsequently, by immersing the carrier in an electroplating bath such that a conductive material adheres to the antenna trace. In some examples, the term “laser-sintering” may refer to a process of compacting solid material using a laser. For example, swappable antenna component100(1) ofFIG.5may represent an LDS insert, and the disclosed methods may laser-sinter or laser-etch a design of antenna trace104(1) into injection-molded carrier102(1).

In some examples, the term “electroplating” may refer to a process of applying a conductive coating, such as a metal, to a component. In these examples, the term “electroplating bath” may refer to a bath of liquid conductive material used in the process of submerging a component to apply an electroplating layer. In the above example, the disclosed methods may then immerse carrier102(1) into an electroplating bath, such as a copper bath. In this example, the conductive material or copper may only adhere to the trace design laser-activated during the laser-sintering process to create antenna trace104(1).

In alternative embodiments, the disclosed methods may dispose the antenna trace in the conductive layer of the carrier by extruding the antenna trace from the conductive layer of the carrier and molding the non-conductive material around the antenna trace. For example, swappable antenna component100(2) ofFIG.5may include a piece of conductive sheet metal with antenna trace104(2) extruded from the conductive sheet metal. In this example, non-conductive material such as plastic may be insert molded around the sheet metal to create a form for carrier102(2) around antenna trace104(2).

Returning toFIG.8, at step830, one or more of the systems described herein may electronically couple the antenna trace to the computing device. For example, as illustrated inFIG.7, antenna trace104may be electronically coupled to computing device400via a cable and connector.

The systems described herein may perform step830in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a connector may be positioned in contact with the conductive material of antenna trace104, after swappable antenna component100is bonded to overmold window200in frame308, and then connected to other electronic components of computing device400, such as via electronic components702ofFIG.7. In other embodiments, swappable antenna component100may be positioned in frame308antenna trace104comes into contact with electronic components when swappable antenna component100is bonded to overmold window200, electronically coupling antenna trace104without additional steps.

In some examples, method800may further include a step to apply a pliable material to the overmold window to reduce a seam between the overmold window and the frame and to polish the pliable material such that an exterior surface of the overmold window is flush with an exterior surface of the frame. For example, a pliable material such as putty may be applied to seam312ofFIG.3to fill seam312and cover potential venues of ingress into frame308. The disclosed methods may then polish the pliable material to ensure a smooth exterior of frame308. In this example, the pliable material may then be polished to remove excess material until the pliable material is flush with overmold window200and frame308. Additionally, the disclosed methods may paint over the pliable material, frame308, and overmold window200to create a uniform look and eliminate the visibility of seam312, such as with computing device400ofFIG.4.

As discussed throughout the present disclosure, the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses may provide one or more advantages over alternative methods of incorporating an antenna into a computing device. For example, methods to overmold an LDS insert to the frame of a pair of AR or VR glasses may cause the copper plating of the antenna to stick to metal frame material. Similar methods to bond an antenna component to the perimeter of a computing device may cause sealing issues that let in dust or water and/or may create a seam that disrupts a visual aesthetic of the device. Other methods may necessitate the redesign of a frame each time the antenna component is redesigned. In addition, these methods may disrupt a supply chain flow of manufacturing the computing device. For example, a partially finished frame may be transferred to an antenna supplier to attach the antenna and, subsequently, back to the manufacturer to complete the assembly.

In contrast, the disclosed methods enable changes to an antenna pattern while maintaining a seal at the exterior of the computing device. Specifically, by separately manufacturing an antenna component designed to fit an overmold window, the disclosed methods may enable new antenna designs to be implemented without having to redesign the frame. By overmolding the overmold window directly to the frame and bonding the antenna component to the interior of the overmold window, the disclosed methods may also eliminate seams created by the antenna component and protect electronic components in the frame with the overmold window. Additionally, by apply putty in a seam between the overmold window and the frame, the disclosed methods may further reduce the appearance and ingress of potential seams. Furthermore, the disclosed methods enable the antenna component to be manufactured independently of the frame and overmold window, which avoids disrupting the supply chain. Thus, the methods, systems, and apparatuses described herein may improve the integration of a flexible antenna design into a computing device.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example 1: A swappable antenna component may include 1) a carrier dimensioned to fit to an interior of an overmold window, wherein the overmold window is overmolded to a gap of a frame of a computing device, and 2) an antenna trace disposed in a conductive layer of the carrier to electronically couple to the computing device, wherein the antenna trace is surrounded by a non-conductive material of the carrier.

Example 2: The swappable antenna component of Example 1, wherein the carrier may be dimensioned to fit to the interior of the overmold window such that the carrier fits within the gap of the frame and is covered by the overmold window.

Example 3: The swappable antenna component of any of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the carrier may be bonded to an interior surface of the overmold window with a liquid adhesive.

Example 4: The swappable antenna component of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the carrier may include the non-conductive material injection molded to fit the interior of the overmold window.

Example 5: The swappable antenna component of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the antenna trace may include a conductive material shaped to function as an antenna to detect an electromagnetic signal for the computing device.

Example 6: A computing device may include 1) a frame dimensioned to encompass electronic components, 2) an overmold window overmolded to a gap of the frame such that an exterior surface of the overmold window is flush with an exterior surface of the frame, and 3) a swappable antenna component bonded to an interior surface of the overmold window, wherein the swappable antenna component is electronically coupled to the electronic components.

Example 7: The computing device of Example 6, wherein a pliable material may be applied to the overmold window to reduce a seam between the overmold window and the frame.

Example 8: The computing device of any of Examples 6 and 7, wherein the overmold window may include an interlocking element dimensioned to increase a structural bond with the frame.

Example 9: The computing device of any of Examples 6-8, wherein the overmold window may include a material that permits the swappable antenna component to detect an electromagnetic signal through the material.

Example 10: The computing device of any of Examples 6-9, wherein the material of the overmold window may not exceed a maximum limit of a dielectric constant and/or a maximum limit of a dissipation factor.

Example 11: The computing device of any of Examples 6-10, wherein the swappable antenna component may include a conductive material that functions as an antenna to detect the electromagnetic signal.

Example 12: The computing device of any of Examples 6-11, wherein the swappable antenna component may be dimensioned to fit to an interior of the overmold window such that the swappable antenna component fits within the gap of the frame and is covered by the overmold window.

Example 13: The computing device of any of Examples 6-12, wherein the swappable antenna component may be bonded to the interior surface of the overmold window such that the bonding eliminates a seam along the exterior surface of the frame.

Example 14: The computing device of any of Examples 6-13, wherein the swappable antenna component may be bonded to the interior surface of the overmold window such that the swappable antenna component is replaceable with an alternate swappable antenna component.

Example 15: The computing device of any of Examples 6-14, wherein the swappable antenna component may be dimensioned to support a lens held by the frame.

Example 16: The computing device of any of Examples 6-15, wherein the computing device may further include a non-conductive bumper coupled to the frame to provide a buffer between a user and the electronic components.

Example 17: A method of manufacturing may include 1) dimensioning a carrier to fit to an interior of an overmold window, wherein the overmold window is overmolded to a gap of a frame of a computing device, 2) disposing an antenna trace in a conductive layer of the carrier, wherein the antenna trace is surrounded by a non-conductive material of the carrier, and 3) electronically coupling the antenna trace to the computing device.

Example 18: The method of Example 17, wherein disposing the antenna trace in the conductive layer of the carrier may include laser-sintering a shape of the antenna trace into the carrier and immersing the carrier in an electroplating bath such that a conductive material adheres to the antenna trace.

Example 19: The method of any of Examples 17 and 18, wherein disposing the antenna trace in the conductive layer of the carrier may include extruding the antenna trace from the conductive layer of the carrier and molding the non-conductive material around the antenna trace.

Example 20: The method of any of Examples 17-19, wherein the method may further include applying a pliable material to the overmold window to reduce a seam between the overmold window and the frame and polishing the pliable material such that an exterior surface of the overmold window is flush with an exterior surface of the frame.

As detailed above, the computing devices and systems described and/or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions, such as those contained within the modules described herein. In their most basic configuration, these computing device(s) may each include at least one memory device and at least one physical processor.

In some examples, the term “memory device” generally refers to any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device may store, load, and/or maintain one or more of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable storage memory.

In some examples, the term “physical processor” generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and/or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor may access and/or modify one or more modules stored in the above-described memory device. Examples of physical processors include, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable physical processor.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include or be implemented in conjunction with various types of artificial-reality systems. Artificial reality is a form of reality that has been adjusted in some manner before presentation to a user, which may include, for example, a virtual reality, an augmented reality, a mixed reality, a hybrid reality, or some combination and/or derivative thereof. Artificial-reality content may include completely computer-generated content or computer-generated content combined with captured (e.g., real-world) content. The artificial-reality content may include video, audio, haptic feedback, or some combination thereof, any of which may be presented in a single channel or in multiple channels (such as stereo video that produces a three-dimensional (3D) effect to the viewer). Additionally, in some embodiments, artificial reality may also be associated with applications, products, accessories, services, or some combination thereof, that are used to, for example, create content in an artificial reality and/or are otherwise used in (e.g., to perform activities in) an artificial reality.

Artificial-reality systems may be implemented in a variety of different form factors and configurations. Some artificial-reality systems may be designed to work without near-eye displays (NEDs). Other artificial-reality systems may include an NED that also provides visibility into the real world (such as, e.g., augmented-reality system900inFIG.9) or that visually immerses a user in an artificial reality (such as, e.g., virtual-reality system1000inFIG.10). While some artificial-reality devices may be self-contained systems, other artificial-reality devices may communicate and/or coordinate with external devices to provide an artificial-reality experience to a user. Examples of such external devices include handheld controllers, mobile devices, desktop computers, devices worn by a user, devices worn by one or more other users, and/or any other suitable external system.

Turning toFIG.9, augmented-reality system900may include an eyewear device902with a frame910configured to hold a left display device915(A) and a right display device915(B) in front of a user's eyes. Display devices915(A) and915(B) may act together or independently to present an image or series of images to a user. While augmented-reality system900includes two displays, embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in augmented-reality systems with a single NED or more than two NEDs.

In some embodiments, augmented-reality system900may include one or more sensors, such as sensor940. Sensor940may generate measurement signals in response to motion of augmented-reality system900and may be located on substantially any portion of frame910. Sensor940may represent one or more of a variety of different sensing mechanisms, such as a position sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a depth camera assembly, a structured light emitter and/or detector, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, augmented-reality system900may or may not include sensor940or may include more than one sensor. In embodiments in which sensor940includes an IMU, the IMU may generate calibration data based on measurement signals from sensor940. Examples of sensor940may include, without limitation, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, other suitable types of sensors that detect motion, sensors used for error correction of the IMU, or some combination thereof.

In some examples, augmented-reality system900may also include a microphone array with a plurality of acoustic transducers920(A)-920(J), referred to collectively as acoustic transducers920. Acoustic transducers920may represent transducers that detect air pressure variations induced by sound waves. Each acoustic transducer920may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (e.g., an analog or digital format). The microphone array inFIG.9may include, for example, ten acoustic transducers:920(A) and920(B), which may be designed to be placed inside a corresponding ear of the user, acoustic transducers920(C),920(D),920(E),920(F),920(G), and920(H), which may be positioned at various locations on frame910, and/or acoustic transducers920(I) and920(J), which may be positioned on a corresponding neckband905.

In some embodiments, one or more of acoustic transducers920(A)-(J) may be used as output transducers (e.g., speakers). For example, acoustic transducers920(A) and/or920(B) may be earbuds or any other suitable type of headphone or speaker.

The configuration of acoustic transducers920of the microphone array may vary. While augmented-reality system900is shown inFIG.9as having ten acoustic transducers920, the number of acoustic transducers920may be greater or less than ten. In some embodiments, using higher numbers of acoustic transducers920may increase the amount of audio information collected and/or the sensitivity and accuracy of the audio information. In contrast, using a lower number of acoustic transducers920may decrease the computing power required by an associated controller950to process the collected audio information. In addition, the position of each acoustic transducer920of the microphone array may vary. For example, the position of an acoustic transducer920may include a defined position on the user, a defined coordinate on frame910, an orientation associated with each acoustic transducer920, or some combination thereof.

Acoustic transducers920(A) and920(B) may be positioned on different parts of the user's ear, such as behind the pinna, behind the tragus, and/or within the auricle or fossa. Or, there may be additional acoustic transducers920on or surrounding the ear in addition to acoustic transducers920inside the ear canal. Having an acoustic transducer920positioned next to an ear canal of a user may enable the microphone array to collect information on how sounds arrive at the ear canal. By positioning at least two of acoustic transducers920on either side of a user's head (e.g., as binaural microphones), augmented-reality system900may simulate binaural hearing and capture a 3D stereo sound field around about a user's head. In some embodiments, acoustic transducers920(A) and920(B) may be connected to augmented-reality system900via a wired connection930, and in other embodiments acoustic transducers920(A) and920(B) may be connected to augmented-reality system900via a wireless connection (e.g., a BLUETOOTH connection). In still other embodiments, acoustic transducers920(A) and920(B) may not be used at all in conjunction with augmented-reality system900.

Acoustic transducers920on frame910may be positioned in a variety of different ways, including along the length of the temples, across the bridge, above or below display devices915(A) and915(B), or some combination thereof. Acoustic transducers920may also be oriented such that the microphone array is able to detect sounds in a wide range of directions surrounding the user wearing the augmented-reality system900. In some embodiments, an optimization process may be performed during manufacturing of augmented-reality system900to determine relative positioning of each acoustic transducer920in the microphone array.

In some examples, augmented-reality system900may include or be connected to an external device (e.g., a paired device), such as neckband905. Neckband905generally represents any type or form of paired device. Thus, the following discussion of neckband905may also apply to various other paired devices, such as charging cases, smart watches, smart phones, wrist bands, other wearable devices, hand-held controllers, tablet computers, laptop computers, other external compute devices, etc.

As shown, neckband905may be coupled to eyewear device902via one or more connectors. The connectors may be wired or wireless and may include electrical and/or non-electrical (e.g., structural) components. In some cases, eyewear device902and neckband905may operate independently without any wired or wireless connection between them. WhileFIG.9illustrates the components of eyewear device902and neckband905in example locations on eyewear device902and neckband905, the components may be located elsewhere and/or distributed differently on eyewear device902and/or neckband905. In some embodiments, the components of eyewear device902and neckband905may be located on one or more additional peripheral devices paired with eyewear device902, neckband905, or some combination thereof.

Pairing external devices, such as neckband905, with augmented-reality eyewear devices may enable the eyewear devices to achieve the form factor of a pair of glasses while still providing sufficient battery and computation power for expanded capabilities. Some or all of the battery power, computational resources, and/or additional features of augmented-reality system900may be provided by a paired device or shared between a paired device and an eyewear device, thus reducing the weight, heat profile, and form factor of the eyewear device overall while still retaining desired functionality. For example, neckband905may allow components that would otherwise be included on an eyewear device to be included in neckband905since users may tolerate a heavier weight load on their shoulders than they would tolerate on their heads. Neckband905may also have a larger surface area over which to diffuse and disperse heat to the ambient environment. Thus, neckband905may allow for greater battery and computation capacity than might otherwise have been possible on a stand-alone eyewear device. Since weight carried in neckband905may be less invasive to a user than weight carried in eyewear device902, a user may tolerate wearing a lighter eyewear device and carrying or wearing the paired device for greater lengths of time than a user would tolerate wearing a heavy standalone eyewear device, thereby enabling users to more fully incorporate artificial-reality environments into their day-to-day activities.

Neckband905may be communicatively coupled with eyewear device902and/or to other devices. These other devices may provide certain functions (e.g., tracking, localizing, depth mapping, processing, storage, etc.) to augmented-reality system900. In the embodiment ofFIG.9, neckband905may include two acoustic transducers (e.g.,920(I) and920(J)) that are part of the microphone array (or potentially form their own microphone subarray). Neckband905may also include a controller925and a power source935.

Acoustic transducers920(I) and920(J) of neckband905may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (analog or digital). In the embodiment ofFIG.9, acoustic transducers920(I) and920(J) may be positioned on neckband905, thereby increasing the distance between the neckband acoustic transducers920(I) and920(J) and other acoustic transducers920positioned on eyewear device902. In some cases, increasing the distance between acoustic transducers920of the microphone array may improve the accuracy of beamforming performed via the microphone array. For example, if a sound is detected by acoustic transducers920(C) and920(D) and the distance between acoustic transducers920(C) and920(D) is greater than, e.g., the distance between acoustic transducers920(D) and920(E), the determined source location of the detected sound may be more accurate than if the sound had been detected by acoustic transducers920(D) and920(E).

Controller925of neckband905may process information generated by the sensors on neckband905and/or augmented-reality system900. For example, controller925may process information from the microphone array that describes sounds detected by the microphone array. For each detected sound, controller925may perform a direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation to estimate a direction from which the detected sound arrived at the microphone array. As the microphone array detects sounds, controller925may populate an audio data set with the information. In embodiments in which augmented-reality system900includes an inertial measurement unit, controller925may compute all inertial and spatial calculations from the IMU located on eyewear device902. A connector may convey information between augmented-reality system900and neckband905and between augmented-reality system900and controller925. The information may be in the form of optical data, electrical data, wireless data, or any other transmittable data form. Moving the processing of information generated by augmented-reality system900to neckband905may reduce weight and heat in eyewear device902, making it more comfortable to the user.

Power source935in neckband905may provide power to eyewear device902and/or to neckband905. Power source935may include, without limitation, lithium ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, primary lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, or any other form of power storage. In some cases, power source935may be a wired power source. Including power source935on neckband905instead of on eyewear device902may help better distribute the weight and heat generated by power source935.

As noted, some artificial-reality systems may, instead of blending an artificial reality with actual reality, substantially replace one or more of a user's sensory perceptions of the real world with a virtual experience. One example of this type of system is a head-worn display system, such as virtual-reality system1000inFIG.10, that mostly or completely covers a user's field of view. Virtual-reality system1000may include a front rigid body1002and a band1004shaped to fit around a user's head. Virtual-reality system1000may also include output audio transducers1006(A) and1006(B). Furthermore, while not shown inFIG.10, front rigid body1002may include one or more electronic elements, including one or more electronic displays, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUS), one or more tracking emitters or detectors, and/or any other suitable device or system for creating an artificial-reality experience.

Artificial-reality systems may include a variety of types of visual feedback mechanisms. For example, display devices in augmented-reality system900and/or virtual-reality system1000may include one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode (LED) displays, microLED displays, organic LED (OLED) displays, digital light processing (DLP) micro-displays, liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) micro-displays, and/or any other suitable type of display screen. These artificial-reality systems may include a single display screen for both eyes or may provide a display screen for each eye, which may allow for additional flexibility for varifocal adjustments or for correcting a user's refractive error. Some of these artificial-reality systems may also include optical subsystems having one or more lenses (e.g., concave or convex lenses, Fresnel lenses, adjustable liquid lenses, etc.) through which a user may view a display screen. These optical subsystems may serve a variety of purposes, including to collimate (e.g., make an object appear at a greater distance than its physical distance), to magnify (e.g., make an object appear larger than its actual size), and/or to relay (to, e.g., the viewer's eyes) light. These optical subsystems may be used in a non-pupil-forming architecture (such as a single lens configuration that directly collimates light but results in so-called pincushion distortion) and/or a pupil-forming architecture (such as a multi-lens configuration that produces so-called barrel distortion to nullify pincushion distortion).

In addition to or instead of using display screens, some of the artificial-reality systems described herein may include one or more projection systems. For example, display devices in augmented-reality system900and/or virtual-reality system1000may include micro-LED projectors that project light (using, e.g., a waveguide) into display devices, such as clear combiner lenses that allow ambient light to pass through. The display devices may refract the projected light toward a user's pupil and may enable a user to simultaneously view both artificial-reality content and the real world. The display devices may accomplish this using any of a variety of different optical components, including waveguide components (e.g., holographic, planar, diffractive, polarized, and/or reflective waveguide elements), light-manipulation surfaces and elements (such as diffractive, reflective, and refractive elements and gratings), coupling elements, etc. Artificial-reality systems may also be configured with any other suitable type or form of image projection system, such as retinal projectors used in virtual retina displays.

The artificial-reality systems described herein may also include various types of computer vision components and subsystems. For example, augmented-reality system900and/or virtual-reality system1000may include one or more optical sensors, such as two-dimensional (2D) or 3D cameras, structured light transmitters and detectors, time-of-flight depth sensors, single-beam or sweeping laser rangefinders, 3D LiDAR sensors, and/or any other suitable type or form of optical sensor. An artificial-reality system may process data from one or more of these sensors to identify a location of a user, to map the real world, to provide a user with context about real-world surroundings, and/or to perform a variety of other functions.

The artificial-reality systems described herein may also include one or more input and/or output audio transducers. Output audio transducers may include voice coil speakers, ribbon speakers, electrostatic speakers, piezoelectric speakers, bone conduction transducers, cartilage conduction transducers, tragus-vibration transducers, and/or any other suitable type or form of audio transducer. Similarly, input audio transducers may include condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, ribbon microphones, and/or any other type or form of input transducer. In some embodiments, a single transducer may be used for both audio input and audio output.

In some embodiments, the artificial-reality systems described herein may also include tactile (i.e., haptic) feedback systems, which may be incorporated into headwear, gloves, bodysuits, handheld controllers, environmental devices (e.g., chairs, floor mats, etc.), and/or any other type of device or system. Haptic feedback systems may provide various types of cutaneous feedback, including vibration, force, traction, texture, and/or temperature. Haptic feedback systems may also provide various types of kinesthetic feedback, such as motion and compliance. Haptic feedback may be implemented using motors, piezoelectric actuators, fluidic systems, and/or a variety of other types of feedback mechanisms. Haptic feedback systems may be implemented independent of other artificial-reality devices, within other artificial-reality devices, and/or in conjunction with other artificial-reality devices.

By providing haptic sensations, audible content, and/or visual content, artificial-reality systems may create an entire virtual experience or enhance a user's real-world experience in a variety of contexts and environments. For instance, artificial-reality systems may assist or extend a user's perception, memory, or cognition within a particular environment. Some systems may enhance a user's interactions with other people in the real world or may enable more immersive interactions with other people in a virtual world. Artificial-reality systems may also be used for educational purposes (e.g., for teaching or training in schools, hospitals, government organizations, military organizations, business enterprises, etc.), entertainment purposes (e.g., for playing video games, listening to music, watching video content, etc.), and/or for accessibility purposes (e.g., as hearing aids, visual aids, etc.). The embodiments disclosed herein may enable or enhance a user's artificial-reality experience in one or more of these contexts and environments and/or in other contexts and environments.

The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”