PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11092809-B2
Application Number: US-201816144297-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Display system with optical module having pressure-relieving feature

Abstract:
An optical module for a display system includes a lens, a display screen, a movement mechanism, and one or more pressure-relieving features. The display screen cooperatively defines a chamber with the lens. The lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other by the movement mechanism. The one or more pressure-relieving features are in fluid communication with the chamber to hinder pressure in the chamber as the lens and the display are moved relative to each other.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An optical module for a display system comprising:
 a lens; 
 a display screen that cooperatively defines a chamber with the lens; 
 a movement mechanism by which the lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other; and 
 one or more pressure-relieving features in fluid communication with the chamber to hinder pressure changes in the chamber as the lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other. 
 
     
     
       2. The optical module of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing coupled to the lens and the display screen and cooperatively defining the chamber with the display screen and the lens, wherein one of the lens or the display screen is rigidly coupled to the housing and the other of the lens or the display screen is coupled to the housing with a compliant seal;
 wherein the one or more pressure-relieving features include zeolite that is contained in an air permeable container located inside the chamber so as to not hinder a view of the display screen through the lens; and 
 wherein the one or more pressure-relieving features further include a passive radiator that is a flexible diaphragm that seals an aperture in the housing. 
 
     
     
       3. The optical module of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pressure-relieving features retain air inside the chamber. 
     
     
       4. The optical module of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pressure-relieving features include an adsorbent. 
     
     
       5. The optical module of  claim 4 , wherein the adsorbent is zeolite. 
     
     
       6. The optical module of  claim 4 , wherein the adsorbent is positioned in the chamber. 
     
     
       7. The optical module of  claim 6 , wherein the adsorbent is a granular material contained in an air permeable container inside the chamber. 
     
     
       8. The optical module of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pressure-relieving features include a passive radiator that retains air inside the chamber. 
     
     
       9. The optical module of  claim 8 , further comprising a housing coupled to the lens and the display screen and cooperatively defining the chamber with the display screen and the lens, wherein the passive radiator is coupled to the housing. 
     
     
       10. The optical module of  claim 9 , wherein the housing includes an aperture and the passive radiator seals the aperture. 
     
     
       11. The optical module of  claim 8 , wherein the passive radiator includes a flexible diaphragm. 
     
     
       12. The optical module of  claim 8 , wherein the passive radiator has a resonant frequency that is less than a frequency at which the movement mechanism moves the display screen and the lens relative to each other. 
     
     
       13. The optical module of  claim 1 , further comprising a vent having a filter and allowing passage of air between an interior of the chamber and an exterior of the chamber. 
     
     
       14. The optical module of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more pressure-relieving features hinders the pressure changes in the chamber that would, but for the pressure-relieving feature, be greater from changing a volume of the chamber when the lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other. 
     
     
       15. A head-mounted display comprising:
 a housing; 
 a support coupled to the housing for supporting the housing on a head of a user; 
 a sensor for measuring a parameter of an eye of the user; 
 an optical module coupled to the housing, the optical module comprising:
 a lens; 
 a display screen that cooperatively defines a chamber with the lens; 
 a movement mechanism by which the lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other according to the parameter; and 
 one or more of an adsorbent material or a passive radiator in fluid communication with the chamber to hinder pressure changes in the chamber as the lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The head-mounted display of  claim 15 , comprising a vent in fluid communication with the chamber for communicating air into and out of the chamber. 
     
     
       17. The head-mounted display of  claim 16 , comprising the passive radiator that retains air inside the chamber. 
     
     
       18. The head-mounted display of  claim 15 , comprising the passive radiator that retains air inside the chamber. 
     
     
       19. The head-mounted display of  claim 15 , wherein the optical module further includes a compliant housing structure that seals the chamber, surrounds an optical axis of the optical module, and permits the lens and the display screen to move relative to each other. 
     
     
       20. The head-mounted display of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more of the adsorbent material or the passive radiator is a pressure-relieving feature that hinders the pressure changes in the chamber that would, but for the pressure-relieving feature, be greater from changing a volume of the chamber when the lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other. 
     
     
       21. An optical module for a head-mounted display comprising:
 a lens; 
 a display screen, wherein the lens and the display screen cooperatively define a chamber; 
 a housing that cooperatively defines the chamber with the lens and the display screen, and a compliant seal that seals the chamber and permits the lens and the display screen to move relative to each other; and 
 a passive pressure-relieving feature that hinders pressure changes in the chamber. 
 
     
     
       22. The optical module of  claim 21 , wherein the passive pressure-relieving feature is zeolite that adsorbs air as the chamber decreases in size. 
     
     
       23. The optical module of  claim 21 , wherein the passive pressure-relieving feature is a passive radiator expands as the chamber decreases in size, the passive radiator retaining air inside the chamber. 
     
     
       24. The optical module of  claim 21 , wherein the housing is coupled to one of the lens or the display screen, and the compliant seal is coupled to the housing and the other of the lens or the display screen. 
     
     
       25. The optical module of  claim 21 , wherein the seal circumscribes an optical axis of the optical module. 
     
     
       26. The optical module of  claim 21 , wherein the display screen and the lens are movable relative to each other to change a volume of the chamber.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/666,254, filed May 3, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to display systems and, in particular, optical modules therefor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Display systems may include a head-mounted display unit (HMD). The head-mounted display may include one or more displays (e.g., screens) that display digital images to a user wearing the head-mounted display and one or more corresponding lenses through which the user views the digital images. The digital images may include a scene having both a foreground and a background features, such as a person in the foreground and a landmark in the background. To simulate changing focal distances as the user looks between the foreground and the background features of the digital image, a distance may be changed between the one or more displays and the one or more lenses corresponding thereto. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are implementations of an optical module and head-mounted displays having the optical module. 
     In one aspect, an optical module for a display system includes a lens, a display screen, a movement mechanism, and one or more pressure-relieving features. The display screen cooperatively defines a chamber with the lens. The lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other by the movement mechanism. The one or more pressure-relieving features is in fluid communication with the chamber to hinder pressure changes in the chamber as the lens and the display are moved relative to each other. 
     The one or more pressure-relieving features may retain air inside the chamber. The one or more pressure-relieving features may passively hinder pressure changes in the chamber. The one or more pressure-relieving features may include an adsorbent. The one or more press-relieving features may include a passive radiator. 
     In another aspect, a head-mounted display includes a housing, a support, a sensor, and an optical module. The support is coupled to the housing for supporting the housing on a head of a user. The sensor measures a parameter of an eye of the user. The optical module includes a lens, a display screen, a movement mechanism, and one or more of an adsorbent material or a passive radiator. The display screen cooperatively defines a chamber with the lens. The lens and the display screen are moved relative to each other by the movement mechanism according to the parameter. The one or more of the adsorbent material of the passive radiator are in fluid communication with the chamber to hinder changes of pressure in the chamber as the lens and the display are moved relative to each other. 
     In another aspect, an optical module for a head-mounted display includes a lens, a display, and passive pressure-relieving feature. The lens and the display cooperatively define a chamber. The one of the zeolite or the flexible membrane passively relieve air pressure on the display. The passive pressure-relieving feature hinders pressure changes in the chamber. 
     The Passive pressure-relieving feature may adsorb air as the chamber decreases in size, and may be zeolite. The passive pressure-relieving feature may expand as the chamber decreases in size, and may be a passive radiator. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of a head-mounted display of a display system having hidden components depicted in broken lines. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of the head-mounted display of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of an optical module of the head-mounted display of  FIG. 1A  with hidden features shown in broken lines. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the optical module of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of the optical module of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2D  is a cross-sectional view of the optical module of  FIG. 2A  taken from line  2 D- 2 D in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical module. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical module. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical module. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a controller of the head-mounted display of  FIG. 1A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are embodiments of head-mounted displays (HMD) and display units thereof for use in displays systems, such as those used for computer-generated reality (e.g., virtual reality or mixed reality), as described below. The display unit includes a display, a lens, and a movement mechanism that moves the display and the lens relative to each other. Each display unit further includes a chamber that is defined between the display and the lens. The chamber is sealed to prevent or hinder intrusion of debris (e.g., dust, moisture droplets, etc.) from entering the chamber and, thereby, interfering with the user&#39;s view of digital images on the display. As the display and the lens move relative to each other, the volume of the chamber changes, such that pressure within the chamber changes. Such changes in volume and pressure are accounted for by one or more of vents, materials, or mechanisms in communication with the chamber, which relieve (e.g., hinder) pressure changes and, thereby, may allow for a less powerful movement mechanism and, thereby, lighter and/or more compact display units. This may also reduce loading on the display, which could otherwise lead to deformation of the display due to forces (e.g., from air pressure) acting thereon. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B , a head-mounted display  100  (e.g., head-mountable display, or HMD) is configured to be worn on a head H of a user and display images to the user. The head-mounted display  100  may also be referred to as a display system. 
     The head-mounted display  100  generally includes a support system  110 , a housing  120  coupled to the support system  110 , and one or more optical modules  130  coupled to the housing  120 . The support system  110  is configured to support the housing  120  on the head H of the user, which in turn supports the optical modules  130  in relation to the user&#39;s eyes. The optical modules  130  display images to the user. As shown, the head-mounted display  100  may include a right optical module  130   r  and a left optical module  130   l  that are to be associated with the right eye and the left eye, respectively, of the user. Alternatively, the head-mounted display  100  may include one of the optical modules  130 . The optical module  130  may also be referred to as a display unit. The head-mounted display  100  may be considered as or part of a computer-generated reality system (e.g., virtual or mixed reality system). 
     The head-mounted display  100  is configured to display images for computer-generated reality with the optical modules  130 . For example, the head-mounted display  100  may include a controller  122  and sensors  124 , which are depicted schematically in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The sensors  124  may detect various parameters related to the head-mounted display  100  and/or the user. For example, the sensors  124  may measure the position, orientation, and/or changes therein of the head-mounted display  100  and, thereby, of the head H of the user. The sensors  124  may also include a right eye sensor  124   r  and a left eye sensor  124   l  that measure one or more parameters associated with the right eye and the left eye, respectively, of the user, such as gaze direction (discussed below) or focal characteristic. An example hardware configuration for the controller  122  is discussed below with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
     The controller  122 , based on sensor information received from the sensors  124 , sends image signals to the optical modules  130  according to which the optical modules  130  display images. For example, the sensors  124  may detect a change in orientation of the head-mounted display  100  and, thereby, the head H of the user (e.g., moving leftward), and the controller  122  sends image signals to the optical modules  130  for displaying images panning appropriately within the computer-generated reality environment (e.g., panning leftward). 
     Furthermore, the controller  122  may control a screen-to-lens distance of the optical modules  130  according to the sensor information. For example, the right eye sensor  124   r  and the left eye sensor  124   l  may be configured to determine gaze direction of the right eye and the left eye, respectively, of the user. The controller  122  may then correlate the gaze direction of the right eye and the left eye to features of the image (e.g., target image portions) having corresponding distances (e.g., virtual image distances). For example, the right eye sensor  124   r  and the left eye sensor  124   l  may be used to determine that the right eye and the left eye are focused on an object at a close virtual image distance (e.g., in the foreground of the images) or a far virtual image distance (e.g., in the background of the images). Based on the virtual image distance, the controller  122  may accordingly change the screen-to-lens distance of the optical module  130  (e.g., between a lens and a display screen thereof, as discussed in further detail below). Instead or additionally, the right eye sensor  124   r  and the left eye sensor  124   l  may determine focal characteristics of the eyes (e.g., a focal distance of the eye) according to which the optical module  130  may be controlled. 
     Instead of or in addition to the controller  122 , an external controller (not shown) may be in communication with the head-mounted display  100  (e.g., with the controller  122 , the sensors  124 , and/or the optical modules  130 ). For example, the external controller may perform more computing intensive operations than the controller  122  (e.g., determining and sending image signals vs. processing sensor signals). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2D , each of the optical modules  130  includes a display screen  232 , a lens  234 , a housing  236 , and a movement mechanism  238  that moves the display screen  232  and the lens  234  relative to each other to change the screen-to-lens distance therebetween. For example, as the user changes their gaze direction between different portions with different virtual image distances (e.g., between foreground and background objects), the display screen  232  and the lens  234  are moved relative to each other, so as to change the screen-to-lens distance therebetween. Changing the screen-to-lens distance dynamically may provide the user with a more natural and/or realistic viewing experience as compared to having a fixed distance between the display screen  232  and the lens  234 . In  FIGS. 2A-2C , the display screen  232  and the lens  234  may be depicted in broken lines (equal length dashes) where hidden from view, such as by the housing  236 . The optical module  130  may, for example, have a width of approximately two inches, larger than two inches, or smaller than two inches. 
     The display screen  232  may be any type of display capable of displaying images to the user, such as a liquid crystal display or LCD panel, or organic light-emitting diode or OLED panel. The display screen  232  receives image signals, for example, from the controller  122  and displays the images according thereto. The display screen  232  may, for example, have a mass of between 10 and 100 grams, a higher mass, or a lower mass. The display screen  232  may, for example, have a visible and/or movable area of approximately 2,000 square millimeters, a higher area, or a lower area. 
     The lens  234  may be any type of lens suitable for refracting light from the display screen  232  to the user&#39;s eye. 
     The housing  236  is coupled to the display screen  232  and the lens  234  to allow movement therebetween. For example, the housing  236  is rigidly coupled to the lens  234  to prevent movement therebetween, and is coupled to the display screen  232  in a compliant manner to allow movement therebetween. Thus, the display screen  232  is moved relative to both the housing  236  and the lens  234 . 
     The housing  236  surrounds or circumscribes an optical axis  242  and extends axially over at least a portion of an axial distance between the display screen  232  and the lens  234 . The housing  236  is coupled to the lens  234  to prevent axial movement therebetween and to form a seal therebetween. The housing  236  is coupled to the lens  234 , for example, to an outer periphery of the lens  234 . The housing  236  may be coupled to the lens  234  by directly engaging the lens  234  or with one or more intervening structures and/or substances (e.g., a frame or bezel associated with the lens, a gasket or seal arranged between the lens  234  and the housing  236 , and/or a cured adhesive or sealant). 
     The housing  236  is considered rigid by generally not deflecting as the movement mechanism  238  moves the display screen  232  relative thereto. The housing  236  may, for example, be made of a molded polymer material. The housing  236  may also be referred to as a rigid housing, a rigid housing structure, a rigid surround, or a barrel. 
     The housing  236  is coupled to the display screen  232  with a compliant seal  240 , so as to permit relative movement between the housing  236  and the display screen  232  and to form a seal therebetween. The compliant seal  240  is coupled to the housing  236 , for example, by being compressed axially between an axial end face of the housing  236  and a rigid ring member  236   a  that is connected to the housing  236 , for example, with threaded fasteners (not shown). The compliant seal  240  may be coupled to the housing  236  by additional and/or different manners, for example, with an adhesive and/or by a male-to-female interface therebetween (e.g., the compliant seal  240  receiving the housing  236  axially therein). Alternatively, the housing  236  may be rigidly coupled to the display screen  232 , while the lens is coupled to the housing  236  with the compliant seal  240 , so as to permit relative movement between the housing  236  and the lens  234  (e.g., by the movement mechanism  238 ). 
     The compliant seal  240  may generally surround the display screen  232 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2D , the compliant seal  240  may be coupled to the display screen  232  with an intermediate structure  232   a  (e.g., a plate member) that extends radially therebetween (i.e., relative to the optical axis  242 ). The intermediate structure  232   a  is coupled to and forms a seal with both display screen  232  and the compliant seal  240  (e.g., being adhered or fastened thereto). The compliant seal  240  may be coupled to the display screen  232  in other manners, for example, by directly engaging the display screen  232  or structure thereof and/or with the use of fasteners. 
     The compliant seal  240  may be considered compliant by deflecting as the movement mechanism  238  moves the display screen  232  relative thereto. The compliant seal  240  may, for example, be configured as a bellows. The compliant seal  240  may, for example, be made of a rubber material. The compliant seal  240  may also be referred to as a compliant housing structure. 
     The movement mechanism  238  is configured to move the display screen  232  relative to the lens  234 . To provide the user with a natural experience, the movement mechanism  238  may be configured to move the display screen  232 , for example, having sufficient power and speed to move (e.g., accelerate) the display screen  232  at a frequency of a few Hertz (e.g., between 1 and 4 Hz), such as approximately 2.5 Hz, a higher frequency, or a lower frequency. The movement mechanism  238  may provide a range of travel, for example, of the display screen  232  of approximately +/−15 micrometers, a longer range of travel, or a shorter range of travel. For example, the movement mechanism  238  may be capable of moving the display screen across the entire range of travel (e.g., 30 micrometers) in 0.4 seconds. 
     The movement mechanism  238  may, for example, be a linear actuator that moves the display screen  232  axially, such as parallel with the optical axis  242 . With the lens  234  being axially fixed to the housing  236 , the movement mechanism  238  may be axially fixed to the housing  236 , such as with a support bracket  238   a , and is configured to move the display screen  232  relative to the housing  236  and, thereby, the lens  234 . 
     In one example, referring to  FIG. 2D , the movement mechanism  238  includes a motor  238   b , a shaft  238   c  rotated by the motor  238   b  and axially fixed to the housing  236 , and a nut  238   d  coupled to the display screen  232  and threadably receiving the shaft  238   c . As the motor  238   b  rotates the shaft  238   c , the nut  238   d  moves along the shaft  238   c  to thereby move the display screen  232  axially. The compliant seal  240 , by being flexible and compliant, is configured to permit axial movement of the display screen  232  relative to the housing  236  and may additionally be configured to provide radial support of display screen  232  relative to the housing  236 . The movement mechanism  238  may be configured in other manners, for example, by including a linkage that movably connects the display screen  232  to a motor, inclusion of a gearbox, inclusion of one or more slide rails along which the display screen moves, or other suitable type of device. 
     A chamber  244  is cooperatively defined by the display screen  232 , the lens  234 , and the housing  236 . For example, relative to the optical axis  242  of the optical module  130 , the chamber  244  is defined axially between the display screen  232  and the lens  234 , and is defined circumferentially by the housing  236 . 
     The chamber  244  is sealed to prevent or limit intrusion of debris and/or moisture therein, which might otherwise interfere with the user&#39;s view of the image on the display screen  232 . The display screen  232  is coupled to the housing  236  to form a seal therebetween (e.g., with the compliant seal  240 ), and the lens  234  is coupled to the housing  236  to form another seal therebetween (e.g., with direct engagement and/or a sealing member or material), while the housing  236  extends continuously between the display screen  232  and the lens  234 , or intervening members therebetween (e.g., the compliant seal  240 ). The term “sealed” when used in conjunction with “chamber” refers to a “chamber” that air is prevented from entering into and leaving from due to unintended mechanisms (e.g., manufacturing variability or defects, parasitic pressure changes over time, etc.). As described in further detail below, one or more vents may be provided that allow communication of air into and out of the chamber  244 , while the chamber  244  may otherwise still be considered sealed. 
     As the display screen  232  and the lens  234  are moved relative to each other, a volume of the chamber  244  changes, which may cause changes in air pressure within the chamber  244 . Such changes in pressure generate force acting on the display screen  232  and the lens  234 , which may resist desired motion of the display screen  232  and the lens  234 , or may lead to deformation of the display screen  232 . For example, moving the display screen  232  having an area of approximately 2000 square millimeters with the movement mechanism over the range of travel of 30 micrometers at a speed of 2.5 Hz results in a 6 cubic centimeter change in volume over 0.4 seconds. This change in volume, absent pressure relieving features, would result in pressure change within the chamber  244 . 
     The optical module  130  may include one or more pressure-relieving features, which may include one or more vents  250 , an adsorbent material  260 , and/or a passive radiator  270 . The one or more vents  250 , the adsorbent material  260 , and the passive radiator  270  are considered pressure-relieving features by hindering pressure changes that might otherwise occur due to changing volume of the chamber  244 . That is, but for the pressure-relieving features, the pressure would change in the chamber  244  by a larger degree. By including such pressure-relieving features, force requirements of the movement mechanism  238  may be reduced, so as to permit a smaller, lighter, and/or less-expensive movement mechanism  238  than might otherwise be required to overcome force acting between the display screen  232  and the lens  234  due to pressure changes in the chamber  244 . For example, the one or more pressure relieving features may cooperatively accommodate all or a portion of such changes in volume (e.g., 6 cubic centimeters in 0.4 seconds) by passing air, adsorbing air, and/or expanding in volume. Thereby, loading of the movement mechanism  238  may be reduced to primarily account for acceleration of the display screen  232  without having to overcome air pressure changes arising therefrom. The pressure relieving features of the vent  250 , the adsorbent material  260 , and the passive radiator  270  may be considered passive by hindering pressure changes without controlled actuation thereof (e.g., operating from air flow). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the optical module  130  includes one each of the vent  250 , the adsorbent material  260 , and the passive radiator  270 . In  FIGS. 2A-2C , the vent  250 , the adsorbent material  260 , and the passive radiator  270  may be depicted in broken lines (unequal length dashes) where hidden from view, such as by the housing  236 . Variations of the optical module  130  may include the vent  250 , the adsorbent material  260 , and/or the passive radiator  270  in different combinations. For example, contemplated variations of the optical module  130  include, but are not limited to: (a) the vent  250  with the adsorbent material  260  but not the passive radiator  270 , (b) the vent  250  with the passive radiator  270  but not the adsorbent material  260 , (c) the adsorbent material  260  but not the vent  250  or the passive radiator  270 , (d) the passive radiator  270  but not the vent  250  or the adsorbent material  260 , and (e) the adsorbent material  260  and the passive radiator  270  but not the vent  250 . The vent  250 , the adsorbent material  260 , and the passive radiator  270  may each be provided in greater numbers (e.g., more than one). 
     The vent  250  in fluidic communication between an interior of the chamber  244  and an exterior of the chamber  244 . As the volume of the chamber  244  changes by movement of the display screen  232 , air flows through the vent  250  into and out of the chamber  244 , so as to hinder changes of pressure in the chamber  244 . Other than the vent  250 , the chamber  244  may be sealed, such that air flows into and out of the chamber  244  substantially only through the vent  250 . The vent  250  may also be referred to as a port or duct. 
     The exterior of the chamber  244  with which the vent  250  is in communication may be at atmospheric pressure. For example, the vent  250  may be in communication with an interior of the housing  120  of the head-mounted display  100  (e.g., communicating air directly with the interior of the housing  120 ) or may be in communication with an exterior of the housing  120  of the head-mounted display  100  (e.g., being in direct or indirect communication with outside the housing  120  of the HMD, such as with an intervening tube). 
     The vent  250  is, for example, an aperture extending through the housing  236  of the optical module  130 . Alternatively, the vent  250  may be formed by the compliant seal  240 , the intermediate structure  232   a , the display screen  232  or structure associated therewith, or between components (e.g., between the lens  234  and the housing  236 ). While only one vent  250  is shown, the optical module  130  may include two, three, or more vents. 
     The vent  250  includes a filter  252 , which allows passage of air, while hindering the passage of debris (e.g., dust or other particles) into the chamber  244 , which might otherwise interfere with the user&#39;s view of the images on the display screen  232 . The filter  252  may, for example, be configured as a woven mesh material. The filter  252  may be positioned in the vent  250  (e.g., in a passage formed by the vent) but may be located in other positions (e.g., at or over an outer surface or an inner surface of the housing  236 ). 
     The vent  250  is depicted as having a circular cross-sectional shape, but may have any other suitable shape (e.g., square, rectangular, ovoid, oblong, etc.). The vent  250  is depicted as being along a side wall of the housing  236  but may be positioned in any other suitable location, such as along one or more of a bottom wall, top wall, and an opposing side wall in addition to or instead of the side wall. The optical module  130  is depicted as having only one vent  250  but may include one or more additional vents (e.g., two, three, or more). 
     The vent  250  may, for example, be between 50 and 90 square millimeters, but may be provided in different sizes (e.g., larger or smaller). The provision of different sizes and/or numbers of vents  250  may, for example, depend on flow restriction provided by the filter  252 , the provision of other pressure relieving features (e.g., additional vents  250 , the adsorbent material  260 , and the passive radiator  270 ), and dimensional characteristics of the optical module  130  (e.g., the volume of the chamber  244 , the area of the display screen  232  that is moved, and the range of motion of the display screen  232 ). While a larger vent  250  may permit more air to flow into and out of the chamber  244  and, thereby, reduce the pressure changes arising from the changing volume of the chamber  244 , such a larger vent  250  may also increase the possibility of debris passing into the chamber  244 . It may also be advantageous to eliminate the vent  250 , such that the chamber  244  is otherwise sealed. 
     The optical module  130  may, instead of or in addition to the vent  250 , include the adsorbent material  260  and/or the passive radiator  270  in fluidic communication with the chamber  244 . Different from the vent  250 , the adsorbent material  260  and the passive radiator  270  hinder pressure changes in the chamber  244 , while retaining air within the chamber  244 . As described in further detail below, the adsorbent material  260  functions to adsorb air, while the passive radiator  270  expands and contracts to accommodate air from the chamber  244 . 
     The adsorbent material  260  may be positioned inside the chamber  244 . In one example, the adsorbent material  260  is zeolite, while in another example is active carbon. The adsorbent material may also be referred to as an adsorbent. 
     The adsorbent material  260  is positioned in the chamber  244 , so as to not interfere with the user&#39;s view of the display screen  232 , such as by being positioned below a lower edge of the display screen  232 . As shown, the adsorbent material  260  may be provided as a granular material (e.g., pelletized or powdered) within a container  262 . The container  264  is air permeable (e.g., air permeable container), such that air in the chamber  244  is in fluidic communication with adsorbent material  260 . The container  264  may, for example, be a flexible pouch made of an air permeable flexible material (e.g., a woven fabric, perforated polymeric material, or other air permeable flexible material), or be a rigid structure made of an air permeable rigid material (e.g., perforated plastic or other air permeable rigid material). The container  264  is coupled to an interior portion of the chamber  244 , such as to an interior surface of the housing  236 . 
     The adsorbent material  260  may, for example, have a volume of approximately five cubic centimeters, but may be provided in higher or lower amounts. The provision of different amounts of the adsorbent material  260  may, for example, depend on the adsorptive characteristics of the adsorbent material  260  (e.g., adsorption rate, adsorption capacity), the provision of other pressure relieving features (e.g., additional vents  250 , and the passive radiator  270 ), and dimensional characteristics of the optical module  130  (e.g., the volume of the chamber  244 , the area of the display screen  232  that is moved, and the range of motion of the display screen  232 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the adsorbent material  260  may instead or additionally be provided as an adsorptive coating  364 . The adsorptive coating  364  includes the adsorbent material  260  therein and may be applied to an interior portion of the chamber  244  according to any suitable coating technique. For example, the adsorptive coating  364  may be applied to an interior surface of the housing  236 , such as with an adhesive first applied to the housing  236  and the adsorbent material  260  subsequently being applied on top of the adhesive to remain in fluidic communication with the chamber  244 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the adsorbent material  260  may instead or additionally be provided as a or within an adsorbent structure  466 , such as a foam block or other structure formed by the adsorbent material  260 . The adsorbent structure  466  is positioned in the chamber  244 , so as to not interfere with the user&#39;s view of the display screen  232 , such as by being positioned below a lower edge of the display screen  232 . The adsorbent structure  466  is coupled to an interior portion of the chamber  244 , such as an interior surface of the housing  236 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2A-2D , the optical module  130  includes, instead of or in addition to the vent  250  and/or the adsorbent material  260 , the passive radiator  270 . The passive radiator  270  is a flexible diaphragm that seals the chamber  244 . An interior side of the passive radiator  270  is in communication with the interior of the chamber  244 , while an interior side of the passive radiator  270  is in communication with an exterior of the chamber  244 , such as an interior of the housing  120  of the head-mounted display  100 . The passive radiator  270  may also be referred to as a passive diaphragm. 
     As the display screen  232  is moved to increase or decrease the volume of the chamber  244 , the passive radiator  270  moves to offset such changes in volume. For example, absent the passive radiator  270 , as the display screen  232  is moved away from or toward the lens  234 , the volume of the chamber  244  would increase or decrease. With the passive radiator  270 , movement (e.g., deflection) of the passive radiator  270  toward or away from the interior of the chamber  244  offsets such increases and decreases in volume otherwise caused by movement of the display screen  232 . 
     The chamber  244  may be considered to have an overall volume comprising a primary volume  244   a  (e.g., defined by the display screen  232 , the lens  234 , and the housing  236 ) and a secondary volume  244   b  defined by the passive radiator  270 . As the primary volume  244   a  changes, as the display screen  232  and the lens  234  are moved relative to each other, the secondary volume  244   b  changes inversely, as the passive radiator  270  moves. For example, as the display screen  232  and the lens  234  are moved apart, the primary volume  244   a  increases and the secondary volume  244   b  decreases. That is, the passive radiator  270  decreases in volume (e.g., contracts to have a negative effective volume, for example, by protruding into the primary volume) to hinder changes to the overall volume of the chamber  244  and, thereby, hinders a pressure decrease in the chamber  244 . Conversely, as the display screen  232  and the lens  234  are moved toward each other, the primary volume  244   a  decreases and the secondary volume  244   b  increases. That is, the passive radiator  270  increases in volume (e.g., expands, for example, by protruding outward from the primary volume) and, thereby, hinders a pressure increase in the primary volume  244   a.    
     The passive radiator  270  moves in response to movement or air and/or changes of air pressure within the chamber  244  as the display screen  232  is moved. The passive radiator  270  is formed of a flexible material, such as a rubber or other polymer material. The passive radiator  270  is, for example, coupled to the housing  236 , so as to seal an aperture thereof. The passive radiator  270  is less stiff than the housing  236 , such that the passive radiator  270  deflects due to air movement and/or changes of pressure in the chamber  244 , while the housing  236  does not deflect as a result of such air movement. The passive radiator  270  may also be less stiff, such that movement of air within the chamber  244  causes deflection of passive radiator  270 , as opposed to deflection the compliant seal  240 . 
     The passive radiator  270  may, as shown, be configured with a bellows that includes one or more corrugations  272  that extend around a periphery of the passive radiator  270 . The corrugations  272  extend between an inner portion  274  (e.g., inner panel) and an outer flange  276  of the passive radiator  270 . The outer flange  276  is coupled to the housing  236  to form the seal therebetween (e.g., with adhesive, mechanical fasteners, gaskets, or intervening structures). 
     The passive radiator  270  is additionally configured, so as to not resonate with movement of the display screen  232  by the movement mechanism  238 . For example, the passive radiator  270  may have a resonant frequency that is different than (e.g., less than) that at which the movement mechanism  238  moves the display screen  232  (e.g., between 1 and 4 Hz), such as less than 1 Hz. 
     The passive radiator  270  is depicted as having a circular cross-sectional shape, but may have any other suitable shape (e.g., square, rectangular, ovoid, oblong, etc.). The passive radiator  270  is depicted as being along a side wall of the housing  236  but may be positioned in any other suitable location, such as along one or more of a bottom wall, top wall, and an opposing side wall in addition to or instead of the side wall. The optical module  130  is depicted as having only one passive radiator  270  but may include one or more additional passive radiators (e.g., two, three, or more). 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the optical module  130  may also include one or more valves  580  (depicted schematically). The valve  580  controls the flow of air into and out of the chamber  244 , for example, to account for pressure changes due to environmental changes, such as those occurring from significant changes in elevation (e.g., when traveling between coastal and mountainous regions) or other environments (e.g., when traveling in an airplane). The valve  580  may be an active valve that is selectively controlled (e.g., by the controller  122 ), for example, by being briefly opened when turning on or otherwise enabling the head-mounted display  100 . Alternatively, the valve  580  may be passive in which case air passes therethrough upon a pressure differential between an interior and an exterior of the chamber  244 . The chamber  244  of optical module  130  having the valve  580  may be sealed, as defined above, other than the valve  580  that selectively permits air to flow into and out of the chamber  244 . As illustrated, the valve  580  may be used in conjunction with the adsorbent material  260  and the passive radiator  270  but is not used in conjunction with a permanent opening to atmosphere (e.g., such as the vent  250 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an example hardware configuration of the controller  122  is described. The controller  122  may include a processor  610 , a memory  620 , a storage device  630 , one or more input devices  640 , and one or more output devices  650 . The controller  122  may include a bus  660  or a similar device to interconnect the components for communication. The processor  610  is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As an example, the processor  610  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. The memory  620  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  630  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  640  may include any type of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, an audio input, and/or sensor input devices (e.g., sensors  124 ). The output devices  650  may include any type of device operable by the controller  122 , such as the optical module  130  (e.g., the display screen  232  and/or the movement mechanism  238  thereof). 
     A physical environment refers to a physical world that people can sense and/or interact with without aid of electronic systems. Physical environments, such as a physical park, include physical articles, such as physical trees, physical buildings, and physical people. People can directly sense and/or interact with the physical environment, such as through sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell. 
     In contrast, a computer-generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a wholly or partially simulated environment that people sense and/or interact with via an electronic system. In CGR, a subset of a person&#39;s physical motions, or representations thereof, are tracked, and, in response, one or more characteristics of one or more virtual objects simulated in the CGR environment are adjusted in a manner that comports with at least one law of physics. For example, a CGR system may detect a person&#39;s head turning and, in response, adjust graphical content and an acoustic field presented to the person in a manner similar to how such views and sounds would change in a physical environment. In some situations (e.g., for accessibility reasons), adjustments to characteristic(s) of virtual object(s) in a CGR environment may be made in response to representations of physical motions (e.g., vocal commands). 
     A person may sense and/or interact with a CGR object using any one of their senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person may sense and/or interact with audio objects that create 3D or spatial audio environment that provides the perception of point audio sources in 3D space. In another example, audio objects may enable audio transparency, which selectively incorporates ambient sounds from the physical environment with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person may sense and/or interact only with audio objects. 
     Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality. 
     A virtual reality (VR) environment refers to a simulated environment that is designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory inputs for one or more senses. A VR environment comprises a plurality of virtual objects with which a person may sense and/or interact. For example, computer-generated imagery of trees, buildings, and avatars representing people are examples of virtual objects. A person may sense and/or interact with virtual objects in the VR environment through a simulation of the person&#39;s presence within the computer-generated environment, and/or through a simulation of a subset of the person&#39;s physical movements within the computer-generated environment. 
     In contrast to a VR environment, which is designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory inputs, a mixed reality (MR) environment refers to a simulated environment that is designed to incorporate sensory inputs from the physical environment, or a representation thereof, in addition to including computer-generated sensory inputs (e.g., virtual objects). On a virtuality continuum, a mixed reality environment is anywhere between, but not including, a wholly physical environment at one end and virtual reality environment at the other end. 
     In some MR environments, computer-generated sensory inputs may respond to changes in sensory inputs from the physical environment. Also, some electronic systems for presenting an MR environment may track location and/or orientation with respect to the physical environment to enable virtual objects to interact with real objects (that is, physical articles from the physical environment or representations thereof). For example, a system may account for movements so that a virtual tree appears stationery with respect to the physical ground. 
     Examples of mixed realities include augmented reality and augmented virtuality. 
     An augmented reality (AR) environment refers to a simulated environment in which one or more virtual objects are superimposed over a physical environment, or a representation thereof. For example, an electronic system for presenting an AR environment may have a transparent or translucent display through which a person may directly view the physical environment. The system may be configured to present virtual objects on the transparent or translucent display, so that a person, using the system, perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. Alternatively, a system may have an opaque display and one or more imaging sensors that capture images or video of the physical environment, which are representations of the physical environment. The system composites the images or video with virtual objects, and presents the composition on the opaque display. A person, using the system, indirectly views the physical environment by way of the images or video of the physical environment, and perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. As used herein, a video of the physical environment shown on an opaque display is called “pass-through video,” meaning a system uses one or more image sensor(s) to capture images of the physical environment, and uses those images in presenting the AR environment on the opaque display. Further alternatively, a system may have a projection system that projects virtual objects into the physical environment, for example, as a hologram or on a physical surface, so that a person, using the system, perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. 
     An augmented reality environment also refers to a simulated environment in which a representation of a physical environment is transformed by computer-generated sensory information. For example, in providing pass-through video, a system may transform one or more sensor images to impose a select perspective (e.g., viewpoint) different than the perspective captured by the imaging sensors. As another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically modifying (e.g., enlarging) portions thereof, such that the modified portion may be representative but not photorealistic versions of the originally captured images. As a further example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically eliminating or obfuscating portions thereof. 
     An augmented virtuality (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which a virtual or computer generated environment incorporates one or more sensory inputs from the physical environment. The sensory inputs may be representations of one or more characteristics of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but people with faces photorealistically reproduced from images taken of physical people. As another example, a virtual object may adopt a shape or color of a physical article imaged by one or more imaging sensors. As a further example, a virtual object may adopt shadows consistent with the position of the sun in the physical environment. 
     There are many different types of electronic systems that enable a person to sense and/or interact with various CGR environments. Examples include head mounted systems, projection-based systems, heads-up displays (HUDs), vehicle windshields having integrated display capability, windows having integrated display capability, displays formed as lenses designed to be placed on a person&#39;s eyes (e.g., similar to contact lenses), headphones/earphones, speaker arrays, input systems (e.g., wearable or handheld controllers with or without haptic feedback), smartphones, tablets, and desktop/laptop computers. A head mounted system may have one or more speaker(s) and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, a head mounted system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smartphone). The head mounted system may incorporate one or more imaging sensors to capture images or video of the physical environment, and/or one or more microphones to capture audio of the physical environment. Rather than an opaque display, a head mounted system may have a transparent or translucent display. The transparent or translucent display may have a medium through which light representative of images is directed to a person&#39;s eyes. The display may utilize digital light projection, OLEDs, LEDs, uLEDs, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may be an optical waveguide, a hologram medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent display may be configured to become opaque selectively. Projection-based systems may employ retinal projection technology that projects graphical images onto a person&#39;s retina. Projection systems also may be configured to project virtual objects into the physical environment, for example, as a hologram or on a physical surface. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources to display content, which may include varying content based on movement of the head or eyes of the user and/or moving the display screen and the lens relative to each other. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to display content, which may include moving the display screen and the lens relative to each other to provide an enhanced user experience. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users an enhanced user experience. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of observing movements of the head or eyes of the user, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide user movement data or can select to limit the length of time user observation data is observed or maintained. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be displayed to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180927
Publication Date: 20210817
Grant Date: 20210817
Priority Date: 20180503
Inventors: EVANS, NEAL D.
MONTEVIRGEN, ANTHONY S.
VANDYKE, James W.
WILK, CHRISTOPHER
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B01D2253/108", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0179", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/017", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0127", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D2253/102", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0093", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0955", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D53/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0172", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D2258/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0955", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0172", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0093", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 63878812