PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12181919-B2
Application Number: US-202318214576-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Head-mounted display and facial interface thereof

Abstract:
A head-mounted display includes a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit includes a display for displaying graphical content to a user. The facial interface is coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user to support the display unit thereon. The facial interface includes an upper portion that engages a forehead of the user and side portions that engage temple regions of the user. The facial interface converts forward force applied to the upper portion by the forehead into inward force applied by side portions to the temple regions.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A head-mounted display comprising:
 a display unit having a display for displaying graphical content to a user; and 
 a facial interface coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user to support the display unit thereon, the facial interface including:
 an upper portion configured to engage a forehead of the user, 
 a first side portion configured to engage a first temple region of the user, wherein the first side portion includes a first arm that is coupled to the display unit by a first spring hinge at a first location and a first lateral stabilizer located outward relative to the first location that extends between the first arm and the display unit, and 
 a second side portion configured to engage a second temple region of the user, wherein the second side portion includes a second arm that is coupled to the display unit by a second spring hinge at a second location and a second lateral stabilizer located outward relative to the second location that extends between the second arm and the display unit, 
 
 wherein the facial interface is configured to expand to receive the face of the user by movement of the side portions with respect to the upper portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The head-mounted display of  claim 1 , wherein the first side portion and the second side portion of the facial interface are normally biased inward and are configured to move outward when engaged by the face of the user. 
     
     
       3. The head-mounted display of  claim 1 , wherein the facial interface has a resting state, in which the first side portion and the second side portion of the facial interface are spaced apart by a distance that is less than a width of the face of the user, and a worn state, in which the first side portion and the second side portion engage the face of the user and are spaced apart by a distance that is generally equal to the width of the face of the user. 
     
     
       4. The head-mounted display of  claim 3 , wherein the first side portion and the second side portion of the facial interface are biased toward each other by the first spring hinge of the first side portion and the second spring hinge of the second side portion. 
     
     
       5. The head-mounted display of  claim 1 , wherein the first arm of the first side is portion and the second arm of the second side portion are covered by an outer cover that is configured to engage the face of the user and to block substantially all environmental light from eyes of the user. 
     
     
       6. The head-mounted display of  claim 1 , wherein the lateral stabilizers extend between the arm of each respective one of the side portions and the display unit, and wherein the lateral stabilizers include locking devices that are configured to prevent movement of the arm of each respective one of the side portions relative to the display unit. 
     
     
       7. A head-mounted display comprising:
 a display unit having a display for displaying graphical content to a user; and 
 a facial interface coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user for supporting the display unit thereon, wherein the facial interface includes:
 a first arm coupled to the display unit at a first location and forming a first side portion of the facial interface, 
 a second arm coupled to the display unit at a second location and forming a second side portion of the facial interface, 
 a first lateral stabilizer coupled to the first arm and the display unit, wherein the first lateral stabilizer is coupled to the first arm at a location along the first arm that is outward relative to the first location, and wherein the first lateral stabilizer is configured to resist movement of the first arm relative to the display unit, and 
 a second lateral stabilizer coupled to the second arm and the display unit, wherein the first lateral stabilizer is coupled to the second arm at a location along the second arm that is outward relative to the second location, and wherein the second lateral stabilizer is configured to resist movement of the second arm relative to the display unit, 
 
 wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to conform to a shape of the face of the user. 
 
     
     
       8. The head-mounted display of  claim 7 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to move away from each other to conform to the shape of the face of the user. 
     
     
       9. The head-mounted display of  claim 8 , wherein the first arm is pivotably coupled to the display unit, the second arm is pivotably coupled to the display unit, and the first arm and the second arm are configured to rotate away from each other and relative to the display unit to conform to the shape of the face of the user. 
     
     
       10. The head-mounted display of  claim 9 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are biased toward each other. 
     
     
       11. The head-mounted display of  claim 7 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are coupled to the display unit and are configured to bend elastically to conform to the shape of the face of the user. 
     
     
       12. The head-mounted display of  claim 11 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are formed of a sprung material. 
     
     
       13. The head-mounted display of  claim 11 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are rigidly coupled to the display unit. 
     
     
       14. A head-mounted display comprising:
 a display unit having a display for displaying graphical content to a user; and 
 a facial interface coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user to support the display unit thereon, the facial interface including:
 a first arm coupled to the display unit at a first location, wherein the first arm is configured to pivot relative to the display unit and to conform to a shape of the face of the user, 
 a second arm coupled to the display unit at a second location, wherein the second arm is configured to pivot relative to the display unit and to conform to the shape of the face of the user, 
 a first lateral stabilizer located outward relative to the first location and extending between the first arm and the display unit, wherein the first lateral stabilizer is configured to transfer a first force between the first arm and the display unit, and 
 a second lateral stabilizer located outward relative to the second location and extending between the second arm and the display unit, wherein the second lateral stabilizer is configured to transfer a second force between the second arm and the display unit. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The head-mounted display of  claim 14 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are coupled to the display unit with hinges, and the hinges are configured to bias the first arm and the second arm toward the face of the user. 
     
     
       16. The head-mounted display of  claim 15 , wherein the first lateral stabilizer is connected to the first arm at a location along the first arm that is outward relative to the hinge that couples the first arm to the display unit, and the second lateral stabilizer is connected to the second arm at a location along the second arm that is outward relative to the hinge that couples the second arm to the display unit. 
     
     
       17. The head-mounted display of  claim 14 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to bend elastically relative to the display unit and are formed from a sprung material configured to bias the first arm and the second arm toward the face of the user. 
     
     
       18. The head-mounted display of  claim 14 , wherein the facial interface is configured to expand to receive the face of the user. 
     
     
       19. The head-mounted display of  claim 18 , wherein the facial interface has a resting state, in which the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart by a distance that is less than a width of the face of the user, and a worn state, in which the first arm and the second arm engage the face of the user and are spaced apart by a distance that is generally equal to the width of the face of the user. 
     
     
       20. The head-mounted display of  claim 14 , wherein the first lateral stabilizer includes a first locking device that is configured to prevent movement of the first arm relative to the display unit, and the second lateral stabilizer includes a second locking device that is configured to prevent movement of the second arm relative to the display unit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/742,029, filed on Jan. 14, 2020, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/793,479, filed on Jan. 17, 2019. The content of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to display system and, in particular, head-mounted display units and facial interfaces thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Head-mounted displays are display systems that are wearable on a head of a user. A head-mounted display generally includes a display, a head support, and a facial interface. The display includes display screens for displaying graphics. The head support is coupled to the display and engages the head of the user to support the display thereon. The facial interface is coupled to the display and engages the face of the user to support the display thereon. The facial interface may influence comfort of the user, especially when worn for long periods of time, and stability of the head-mounted display on the head of the user. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are implementations of head-mounted displays and facial interfaces thereof. 
     In one implementation, head-mounted display includes a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit includes a display for displaying graphical content to a user. The facial interface is coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user to support the display unit thereon. The facial interface includes an upper portion that engages a forehead of the user and side portions that engage temple regions of the user. The facial interface converts forward force applied to the upper portion by the forehead into inward force applied by side portions to the temple regions. 
     The facial interface may include a force distributor having an upper segment that forms the upper portion and two side segments that form the side portions, and forward movement of the upper segment causes inward movement of the side segments. The display unit and the facial interface may be cooperatively configured to block environmental light from eyes of the user. The facial interface may include a lateral stabilizer that selectively transfers force between one of the side portions and the display unit. 
     In one implementation, a head-mounted display includes a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit includes a display for displaying graphical content to a user. The facial interface is coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user to support the display unit thereon. The facial interface includes side portions and lateral stabilizers. The side portions engage opposing sides of the face of the user. The lateral stabilizers are selectively operated for changing inward force applied by the side portions to the sides of the face of the user. 
     The lateral stabilizers may be selectively operated upon sensing a movement condition of the display unit. The display unit and the facial interface are cooperatively configured block environmental light from eyes of the user. 
     In one implementation, a head-mounted display includes a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit includes a display for displaying graphical content to a user. The facial interface is coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user to support the display unit thereon. The facial interface includes an upper engagement structure and a lower engagement structure. The upper engagement structure is fixedly positioned relative to the display unit to prevent movement therebetween when engaging a forehead of the face of the user. The lower engagement structure is movably positioned relative to the display unit to allow movement therebetween when engaging a lower facial structure of the face of the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, dash-dash lines generally represent hidden components or components shown in different states. Dash-dot lines generally represent the user. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a side view of a head-mounted display worn on a head of a user. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a partial top view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 C  is a rear view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 D  is a top view of a variation of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  1 A  with a facial interface detached from a display unit thereof. 
         FIG.  1 E  is a top view of another variation of the head-mounted display unit of  FIG.  1 A  with a head support coupled to a facial interface thereof. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of electronic components of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view of an example hardware configuration of a controller of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a top view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  1 A  illustrating an embodiment of a facial interface thereof in first state (solid lines) and a second state (dash-dash lines) 
         FIG.  4 B  is a top view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  4 A  with the head of the user engaging the facial interface in the second state. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a rear view of the head-mounted display with an embodiment of a force distributor of the facial interface of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  5 B  is cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display taken along line  5 B- 5 B in  FIG.  5 A  in the first state. 
         FIG.  5 C  is cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display taken along line  5 C- 5 C in  FIG.  5 A  in the second state. 
         FIG.  5 D  is a cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display in the second state having a variation of a force distributor of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  5 E  is a flowchart of a method of operating the facial interface of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  6 A  is a cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display with another embodiment of a force distributor of the facial interface of  FIG.  4 A  in the first state. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display with a force distributor of  FIG.  6 A  in the second state. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display with another embodiment of a facial interface showing a force distributor in a first state. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display with the facial interface of  FIG.  7 A  in a second state. 
         FIG.  8    is a rear view of the head-mounted display with another embodiment of a facial interface. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a rear view of the facial interface of  FIG.  8 A  with a first example of a force distributor. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a top view of a second example of a force distributor for the facial interface of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  8 C  is a top view of a third example of a force distributor for the facial interface of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  8 D  is a top view of a fourth example of a force distributor for the facial interface of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  8 E  is a top view of a fifth example of a force distributor for the facial interface of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  9 A  is a rear view of the head-mounted display with another embodiment of a facial interface. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a cross-section view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  9 A  taken along line  9 B- 9 B in a first configuration. 
         FIG.  9 C  is a cross-section view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  9 A  taken along line  9 C- 9 C in a second configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are head-mounted displays and facial interfaces therefor. The facial interfaces disclosed herein are configured in different manners to provide user comfort and/or stabilize the head-mounted display on the face of the user. The facial interfaces may additionally be configured block ambient light from eyes of the user. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , a head-mounted display  100  (HMD) is configured to be worn on a head H of a user and to display graphical content thereto, such as graphical content of a computer-generated reality environment (discussed in further detail below). The head-mounted display  100  generally includes a display unit  110 , a head support  120 , and a facial interface  130 . The display unit  110  displays the graphical content to the user. The head support is coupled to the display unit  110  and engages a head H of the user for supporting the display unit  110  thereon. The head support  120  generally extends around and engages sides and a rear of the head H of the user. The facial interface  130  is coupled to the display unit  110  and engages a face of the user for supporting the display unit  110  thereon, being arranged between the face of the user and the display unit  110 . The face of the user is generally considered a forward portion of the head H that includes at least the brow, eyes, nose, and cheeks of the user. 
     The display unit  110  generally includes one or more displays  112  and a chassis  114 . As shown, the display unit  110  includes two displays  112  that are coupled to and supported by the chassis  114  (i.e., one of the displays  112  for each eye), or may instead include one display  112 . The display  112  includes, for example, a display panel of suitable type (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), or a micro-OLED display). Other configurations of the display  112  and the chassis  114  are contemplated, such as including one display that is removably coupleable to the chassis  114 , for example, being a smartphone. 
     The chassis  114  forms a primary structure that supports the displays  112  in proper position relative to eyes E of the user. The chassis  114  may, for example, include an internal frame  114   a  and an outer housing  114   b . The internal frame  114   a  is coupled to and supports the displays  112 . The outer housing  114   b , for example, forms a housing (e.g., a cover) that may hide the internal frame  114   a  and the displays  112  from view of non-users (i.e., persons not currently wearing the head-mounted display  100 ). The chassis  114  (e.g., the outer housing  114   b ) may also function to block ambient light (e.g., from the environment) from reaching the eyes E of the user. The chassis  114  may also be referred to as a base or a housing. 
     The display unit  110  may also include lenses  116 , or other optical components, and other electronic components  118 . The one or more lenses  116 , which are coupled to the chassis  114  and are arranged between each of the displays  112  and the eyes E of the user to refract light emitted from the displays  112  to the eyes E of the user. The displays  112  may be viewed through the lenses  116  but may otherwise be generally hidden from view, as indicated by being illustrated in dashed lines in  FIGS.  1 B and  1 C . For example, the displays  112  may be covered by the outer housing  114   b  and be hidden behind a curtain (not labeled in  FIG.  1 C ) that surrounds the lenses  116 . The other electronic components  118  are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     The head support  120  is coupled to the display unit  110  to support the display unit  110  on the head H of the user. For example, the head support  120  may include one or more bands (e.g., straps) that are coupled to opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) of the chassis  114  and extend around sides of the head H of the user. The head support  120  may further include one or more bands (e.g., straps) that extend over a top of the head H of the user (e.g., front-to-back and/or side-to-side). The head support  120  may be adjustable in size, so as to accommodate to different sizes and/or shapes of heads H of users, for example, including elastically and/or mechanically expanding bands or other structures. 
     The facial interface  130  is configured to be arranged generally between the chassis  114  of the display unit  110  and the face of the user when the head-mounted display  100  is worn by the user. The facial interface  130  engages the face of user to support the display unit  110  thereon. The facial interface  130 , for example, supports the display unit  110  on the face of the user at suitable horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal distances and angles for displaying the graphical content to the user. The facial interface  130  may further be configured to block environmental light from the eyes E of the user, comfortably engage facial structures of the user, and/or stabilize or secure the head-mounted display  100  on the face of the user. The facial interface  130  may be formed by or otherwise considered part of the display unit  110  and/or the head support  120  as discussed in further detail below. The facial interface  130  may also be referred to as a facial engagement system, a facial engagement mechanism, or a light seal. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 C , the facial interface  130  extends continuously around both eyes E of the user, so as to substantially continuously engage the face of the user therearound and block environmental light. The facial interface  130  may be considered to generally include an upper portion  130   a , side portions  130   b , and a lower portion  130   c . The upper portion  130   a  of the facial interface  130  extends above the eyes E of the user and engages the forehead of the user. The side portions  130   b  of the facial interface  130  extend from the upper portion  130   a  downward around the eyes E of the user and engage opposing sides (e.g., temple regions) of the face of the user. The side portions  130   b  may also be referred to as flanges. The temple regions are generally considered those areas of the face or head extending rearward from the eyes E to ears of the user. The lower portion  130   c  of the facial interface  130  extends between the side portions  130   b  below the eyes E of the user and engage check regions of the face of the user and may further engage the nose of the user. In other embodiments, the  130  may extend partially around the eyes E of the user (e.g., being discontinuous at the nose of the user), extending only above the eyes E eye of the user (e.g., having only the upper portion  130   a ), or by omitting the side portions  130   b , among other variations. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 D , the facial interface  130  may be removably coupleable to the display unit  110 , for example, with mechanical fasteners  142 , such as clips, magnets, or hook and loop fasteners. As shown in  FIG.  1 E , the head support  120 , may couple to opposite sides of the facial interface  130  instead of or in addition to coupling to opposite sides of the chassis  114  of the display unit  110 . For example, as shown, the head support  120  is coupled to the display unit  110  by way of the facial interface  130 . 
     Various embodiments of the facial interface  130  are discussed in further detail below starting with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , a schematic of example electronic components of the display unit  110  is shown, including the displays  112  and the other electronic components  118 . The other electronic components  118  of the display unit  110  may include a controller  218   a , power electronics  218   b , sensors  218   c , output devices  218   d , and communication devices  218   e . The controller  218   a  operates the head-mounted display  100  by executing instructions (e.g. software programming), receiving signals from various electronic components, and/or sending signals thereto. An example of a hardware schematic of the controller  218   a  is shown in  FIG.  3    and described below with respect thereto. The power electronics  218   b  may, for example, include a power storage device (e.g., a battery), a power transfer device (e.g., plug, receptacle, or wireless charging coil), and/or a power conditioning device (e.g., to condition power in a suitable manner for powering the various electronics of the display unit  110 ). The sensors  218   c  may include sensors for measuring conditions of the head-mounted display  100  (e.g., position and/or motion (e.g., global positioning system (GPS), gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit (IMU)), measuring conditions of the user (e.g., force, pressure, facial movements, eye movements, temperature, sounds, and various biometrics (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG)), and conditions of the environment (e.g., sound, light, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity). The output devices  218   d  may, for example, include audio output devices (e.g., speakers) and/or tactile output devices (e.g., haptic devices). The communication devices  218   e  may, for example, include wireless communication devices that are in communication with other devices via suitable wireless communications protocols (e.g., for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular communication). The other devices may include other electronics devices associated with the user (e.g., a smartphone and/or a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch). 
     The other electronic components  118  (depicted schematically in  FIG.  1 B ) may also be coupled to the chassis  114  (e.g., the internal frame  114   a  as shown schematically) and may be hidden from view (e.g., being hidden by the outer housing  114   b ). Other ones of the other electronic components  118  may be coupled to the head support  120  and/or the facial interface  130 . 
     Referring to the schematic view of  FIG.  3   , an example hardware configuration of the controller  218   a  is shown. The controller  218   a  is configured to implement the devices and methods described herein. The controller  218   a  may be any suitable computing device, which may include a processor  320 , a memory  322 , a storage  324 , a communications interface  326 , and/or a bus  328 . The processor  320  may be any suitable processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The memory  322  is a suitable short-term storage device, such as a volatile memory module (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)). The storage  324  is a long-term storage device, such as a non-volatile memory storage device (e.g., a hard-disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD)). The storage  324  may form a computer readable medium that stores software programming having instructions that are executed by the controller  218   a  for implementing the devices and methods described herein. The communications interface  326  is configured to send and/or receive signals from the controller  218   a . The processor  320 , the memory  322 , the storage  324 , and the communications interface  326  are in communication with each other via the bus  328 . The processor  320  may execute software programming (e.g., code) stored by the storage  324 , for example, to control outputs of the various electronic components (e.g., the displays  112 , the output devices  218   d ) by sending signals thereto via the communications interface  326  and/or according to the various electronic components (e.g., the sensors  218   c , the communication devices  218   e ) by receiving signals therefrom via the communications interface  326 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A- 9 C , various embodiments of the facial interface  130  (e.g.,  430 ,  530 ,  630 ,  730 ,  830 , and  930 ) are discussed in further detail below. Common reference numerals may be used across different embodiments of the facial interface to reflect common elements. For example, various embodiments of the facial interface  130  may each include the upper portion  130   a , the side portions  130   b , and the lower portion  130   c.    
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , a facial interface  430  is configured to convert forward force F forward  applied thereto by the head H into inward force F inward  applied therefrom to other portions of the head H, as well as convert forward movement of the facial interface  430  into inward movement for engagement with the head H. In this manner, the facial interface  430  is compliant to conform to the shape of the face of the user, changing from an unworn state (solid lines in  FIG.  4 A ) to a worn state (dashed lines in  FIG.  4 A ; solid lines in  FIG.  4 B ). 
     The forward force F forward  is applied between the forehead of the user and the upper portion  130   a  of facial interface  430 . The forward force F forward  may cause forward displacement thereof. The forward force F forward , or a portion thereof, may also be applied between lower facial features of the user (e.g., cheeks and/or nose) and the lower portion  130   c  of facial interface  430 , and may cause forward displacement thereof. The forward force F forward  may, for example, be a result of tension T support  in the head support  120  extending around the head H of the user. 
     The forward force F forward  applied to the upper portion  130   a  and/or the lower portion  130   c  of the facial interface  430  causes the side portions  130   b  of the facial interface  430  to apply the inward force F inward , or a portion thereof, to opposing sides of the face of the user (e.g., left and right temple regions). Similarly, the forward displacement of the upper portion  130   a  and/or the lower portion  130   c  of the facial interface  430  cause the side portions  130   b  to move inward into engagement with the side portions of the head H of the user. This contact (i.e., force transfer and engagement) between the facial interface  430  and the face of the user distributes force over the face of the user (e.g., for user comfort), stabilizes the head-mounted display  100  thereon, and may also block environmental light from the eyes E of the user. 
     The facial interface  430  may include an outer cover  432 . The outer cover  432  engages the face of the user and may also cover underlying mechanisms (e.g., force distributors) that transfer force and movement in the manners described above, as well as block the environment light from the eyes E of the user. The outer cover  432  is formed of one or more materials (e.g., layers) that are compliant to the shape of the face of the user (e.g., being flexible and/or compressible) and otherwise being suitable for engagement with the face of the user. The outer cover  432  may include one or more layers of material, such a woven textile, a molded or extruded polymer, foam, or combination thereof. 
     The outer cover  432  may be configured with other components of the head-mounted display  100 , such as the display unit  110 , to block substantially all light from the eyes E of the user. For example, the outer cover  432  may be opaque and engage the face of the user in a substantially continuous manner to block environmental light from entering therebetween. The display unit  110  (e.g., the outer housing  114   b  thereof) may be opaque and prevent transmission of environmental light therethrough. Any components between the outer cover  432  and the display unit  110  may also be opaque to prevent light from transmitting therethrough. For example, the outer cover  432  may extend over any underlying mechanisms or force distributors (e.g.,  534 ,  634 ,  734 , among the other mechanisms disclosed herein) and couple to the display unit  110 , or couple to an intermediate structure (e.g., a backing plate or structure of the facial interface  430 ) that is in turn coupled to the display unit  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , a facial interface  530  includes an internal force distributor  534 , which functions to transfer force and cause movement in the manners described above for the facial interface  430 . The internal force distributor  534  of the facial interface  530  includes a peripheral structure  536  and supports  538 . The peripheral structure  536  extends wholly (as shown) or partially around the eyes E of the user and distributes force over facial structures of the user (e.g., the forehead, temple regions, and cheeks). The supports  538  are coupled the peripheral structure  536  to the display unit  110  and form joints about which the internal force distributor  534  (e.g., the peripheral structure  536 ) is pivotable to convert the forward F forward  into the inward force F inward  and to convert the forward movement into the inward movement. The internal force distributor  534  may also be referred to as a force distributor. 
     As shown, the peripheral structure  536  generally includes an upper segment  536   a  (e.g., corresponding to and/or forming the upper portion  130   a ), two side segments  536   b  (e.g., corresponding to and/or forming the side portions  130   b ), and a lower segment  536   c  (e.g., corresponding to and/or forming the lower portion  130   c ). The supports  538  generally include two upper supports  538   a  and two lower supports  538   b , which are spaced apart laterally. The upper segment  536   a  of the peripheral structure  536  extends generally between the upper supports  538   a , the side segments  536   b  each extend generally between one of the upper supports  538   a  and one of the lower supports  538   b , and the lower segment  538   c  extends generally between the lower supports  538   b . As the forward force F forward  is applied to the upper segment  536   a  and/or the lower segment  536   c  of the peripheral structure  536 , torque is transferred about the upper supports  538   a  and/or the lower supports  538   b  to the side segments  536   b  to generate the inward force F inward  that is applied by the side portions  130   b  of the facial interface  530  to the temple regions of the user. Forward displacement of the upper segment  536   a  and/or the lower segment  536   c  of the peripheral structure  536  similarly results in inward displacement of the side segments  536   b  for engagement of the side portions  130   b  of the facial interface  530  with the temple regions of the user. 
     The peripheral structure  536  may be a singular structure, which is configured to flex about the supports  538 . For example, the peripheral structure  536  may be formed from metal, polymer, or combination thereof (e.g., elastomer or plastic overmolded or coupled to one or more thin metal components). 
     The supports  538  couple the peripheral structure  536  to the chassis  114  of the display unit  110 , such that the peripheral structure  536  is spaced apart from the chassis  114  to be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative thereto. The supports  538  may include or form a pivot joint with the peripheral structure  536  and/or the chassis  114  of the display unit  110 , such as a pivot hinge, a living hinge, a ball and socket joint, or other suitable pivoting mechanism. The supports  538  may couple directly to the chassis  114  of the display unit  110 , or may be coupled indirectly thereto (e.g., via a chassis or back plate of the facial interface  530 ). 
     As referenced above, the facial interface  530  may provide lateral stability to the display unit  110  on the face of the user. Particularly, the to the inward force F inward  applied by the side portions  130   b  of the facial interface  530  to the temple regions of the face of the user may prevent lateral movement of the display unit relative to the face of the user. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , the facial interface  530  may additionally include one or more lateral stabilizers  540  that further stabilize the head-mounted display  100  on the head H of the user. The lateral stabilizers  540  may increase the inward force F inward  applied between the side portions  130   b  of the facial interface and the temple regions of the user and/or may restrict movement of the side portions  130   b  relative to the face of the user. The lateral stabilizers  540  may be configured according to position, nature of force transfer and type of mechanism, responsive conditions, and/or passive vs. active operation. 
     The lateral stabilizers  540  (depicted schematically) transfer force between the side segments  536   b  of the peripheral structure  536  and the display unit  110  directly or indirectly (e.g., via intervening structure, such as a backing plate of the facial interface  530 ). For example, the lateral stabilizers  540  may be arranged outward of the supports  538  and be coupled to the side segments  536   b  of the peripheral structure  536 . Alternatively, the lateral stabilizer  540  may be provided with or otherwise incorporated into the supports  538  to controlling angular displacement between the side portion  130   b  and the display unit  110 . 
     The lateral stabilizer  540  may operate to increase force applied by the side portion  130   b  to the temple region and/or may function to resist motion therebetween. In one example, the lateral stabilizer  540  moves the side portion  130   b  further toward the temple regions and into tighter engagement therewith (i.e., with greater force). In such case, the lateral stabilizer  540  may be a linear actuator, or other suitable positive displacement device. In another example, the lateral stabilizer  540  resists movement of the side portion  130   b  relative to the display unit  110  without causing positive displacement toward the user. In such case, the lateral stability actuator  540  may be a damper (e.g., a fluid damper that resists movement), a brake (e.g., a friction brake that resists movement), or a locking device that prevents movement. When configured as the brake or the locking device, the lateral stabilizer  540  may be actively operated (e.g., having a suitable electrically-operated actuator) or passively operated, for example, having a centrifugal clutch or weighted pendulum actuator. 
     The one or more lateral stabilizers  540  may operate responsive to motion of the display unit  110  or other condition. In one example, the lateral stabilizer  540  is responsive to movement of the display unit  110  (e.g., displacement, orientation, velocity, and/or acceleration) in real space and/or relative to the side portions  130   b  or the face of the user. In another example, the lateral stabilizer  540  may be responsive to another condition, such as the graphical content provided to the user (e.g., a signal corresponding thereto), such as graphical content associated with high levels of user movement (e.g., an action video game). By operating the lateral stabilizer  540  responsive to motion or other condition, a lower force may be applied to the face of the user to maintain user comfort in desired circumstances, while increased force may be conditionally applied to provide increased stability of the display unit  110  on the face of the user in other circumstances. 
     The lateral stabilizer  540  may be active or passive. When configured as an active lateral stabilizer, the motion or other condition of the display unit  110  is detected with one or more sensors or otherwise determined with the controller  218   a , and the lateral stabilizer  540  is controlled in response to the sensed motion or other condition. With a passive lateral stabilizer, the output or state is a direct physical response of the motion or other condition without requiring electronic sensing or electronic control of the lateral stabilizer  540 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG.  5 D , movement and/or operation of the side portions  130   b  of the facial interface  130  may be linked between left and right sides of the head-mounted display  100 . For example, displacement (e.g., outward to the left) of the side portion  130   b  on a left side of the head-mounted display  100  may result in symmetric movement (e.g., outward to the right) of the side portion  130   b  on a right side of the head-mounted display  100 . In the example shown, the upper segment  536   a  of the peripheral structure  536  is bifurcated into left and right subsegments that are coupled to the side segments  536   b  (e.g., being continuously and/or rigidly formed therewith). The left and right subsegments of the upper segment  536   a  are coupled to each other by a central hinge  536   d . As force is applied to one subsegment, the other, or both, the subsegments of the upper segment  536   a  pivot generally equally about the supports  538 , thereby causing generally equal inward displacement of the side segments  536   b . With similar effect, one or more of the lateral stabilizers  540  on left and right sides may operate symmetrically (e.g., outputting equal displacement and/or force to the side segments  536   b  on the left and right sides). 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 E , a method  500  is provided for actively controlling lateral stability of a head-mounted display  100  on the head H of a user. The method  500  generally includes a first operation  510  of detecting a condition of the head-mounted display  100 , and a second operation  520  of operating a lateral stabilizer  540  in response to the first operation of detecting the condition. 
     The first operation  510  of detecting a condition is performed with one or more sensors, such as one of the sensors  218   c , in conjunction with a computing device, such as the controller  218   a . The sensor may sense acceleration of the display unit  110  in which case the sensor  218   c  is an accelerometer, gyroscope, or inertial measurement unit coupled to the display unit  110 . The sensor  218   c  sends an output signal that is received by the controller  218   a.    
     Instead of or in addition to acceleration, the sensor may detect movement between the display unit  110  and the side portion  130   b  and/or the face of the user movement (e.g., displacement, velocity, and/or acceleration). For example, the sensor  218   c  may be incorporated into the lateral stabilizer  540 , the head support  120 , or otherwise be configured to measure movement therebetween. 
     Instead of or in addition to the detecting acceleration of the display unit  110  or movement relative to the head of the user, the condition may be associated with the graphical content provided to the user. For example, the software programming associated with the graphical content (e.g., a game) may include instructions for operation of the lateral stabilizer  540 , or the controller  218   a  may otherwise determine operation of the lateral stabilizer  540  based on the software programming (e.g., based on a title, category, or other indicator). 
     The second operation  520  of operating the lateral stabilizer  540  is performed by a controller, such as the controller  218   a , based on the condition from the first operation  510 . For example, the controller  218   a  may operate the lateral stabilizer  540  upon detecting a movement condition (e.g., that the movement in real space exceeds a threshold value, relative movement exceeds a threshold value), and/or upon detecting the condition associated with the graphical content. The lateral stabilizer  540  may be operated to, for example, change the position of the side portion  130   b  (e.g., further away from the display unit, such as with a linear actuator), increase the force at which the side portion  130   b  engages the face of user (e.g., with a linear actuator), and/or increase resistance to relative movement between the side portion  130   b  (e.g., with a damper, brake, or lock). The lateral stabilizer  540  on opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) may be operated to provide generally symmetric output, for example, equal force, equal position, and/or equal resistance. 
     As was described with respect to  FIGS.  1 D and  1 E , the facial interface  530  may be detachable from the display unit  110  and/or the head support  120  may be coupled thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , a facial interface  630  includes a fluid transfer device  634 , which functions to transfer force and cause movement in the manners described above for the facial interface  430 . The fluid transfer device  634  converts the forward force F forward  and forward displacement of the upper portion  130   a  into the inward force F inward  and inward displacement of the side portions  130   b  of the facial interface  630 . The fluid transfer device  634  may be covered or formed by the outer cover  432 . 
     The fluid transfer device  634  of the facial interface  630  includes a bladder  636  containing a fluid  638 . As force is applied to the facial interface  630 , the fluid  638  flows within the bladder  636  to equalize pressure therein. Thus, when the forward force F forward  applied to the upper portion  130   a  of the facial interface  630  and causes forward displacement thereof, the fluid  638  flows through the bladder  636  to apply the inward force F inward  with the side portions  130   b  and causes inward displacement (e.g., expansion) thereof against the temple regions of the user. The bladder  636  may, for example, be formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber). 
     As was described with respect to  FIGS.  1 D and  1 E , respectively, the facial interface  630  may also be detachable from the display unit  110  and/or the head support  120  may be coupled thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B , a facial interface  730  is configured to expand to receive the face of the user. The side portions  130   b  are normally biased inward, and bias outward when engaged by the face of the user. As shown, the facial interface  130  includes the outer cover  432  and an inner force distributor  734  having arms  736 , which form the side portions  130   b  to be compliant to the face of the user. In a resting state or non-worn state (see  FIG.  7 A ), the side portions  130   b  are spaced apart lateral distances less than the width of the face of the user at corresponding positions at which the side portions  130   b  engage the face of the user. In a biased or worn state (see  FIG.  7 B ), the side portions  130   b  engage the face of the user and are spaced apart lateral distances generally equal to the width of the face of the user. 
     The arms  736  are biasable away from each other so as to conform to the shape of the face of the user. In one example, the arms  736  are coupled to the display unit  110  with spring hinges  738 , which normally bias the arms  736  inward to the non-worn state and which press the arms  736  toward the face of the user in the worn state. 
     Alternatively, the arms  736  may bend elastically, so as to be movable between the non-worn and worn states. For example, the arms  736  may be rigidly coupled to the display unit  110  (directly or indirectly, such as with a backing plate of the facial interface  730 ). In such case, the arms  736  are formed of a sprung material, such as a polymer, metal, or combination thereof (e.g., elastomer or plastic overmolded or coupled to one or more thin metal components). 
     The facial interface  730  may also include one or more the lateral stabilizers  540  (described previously), which are coupled to the arms  736  for applying force thereto (e.g., transferring force from the arms  736  to the display unit  110 ). As shown in  FIGS.  1 D and  1 E , respectively, the facial interface  730  may be detachable from the display unit  110  and the head support  120  may be coupled thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 - 8 E , a facial interface  830  includes discrete engagement regions  832  that are configured to apply different amounts of force or pressure to different facial regions of the face of the user. As shown, the discrete engagement regions  832  are illustrated between short dotted lines (e.g., dot-dot lines). By having different engagement regions that apply different amounts of force or pressure, the facial interface  130  may account for different sensitivities and/or structural features of the face of the user. For example, the facial interface  130  may be configured to engage bony structures of the user (e.g., the forehead) with greater force and/or pressure than soft tissue regions of the user (e.g., the temple, cheek, or sinus regions). 
     The different forces applied by the discrete engagement regions  832  are applied by different force distributors, which may be covered by the outer cover  432 . In a first example shown in  FIG.  8 A , the force distributors are formed by elastomeric structures  834   a  (e.g., foam blocks or structures), which may have different durometers and/or thicknesses to apply different force and/or pressure to the face of the user. The elastomeric structures  834   a  may be coupled to each other (e.g., with an adhesive), cooperatively formed (e.g., during a molding operation), or mechanically interconnected, such as with a sprung ring  834   b  (as shown) extending therethrough. 
     In a second example, shown in  FIG.  8 B , the force distributors are fluid-filled bladders  836   a , which apply different pressure based on having bladder materials with different elasticity and/or fluids  836   b  with different compressibility. As force is applied, the fluid-filled bladders  836   a  may deform in shape (illustrated in dashed lines). The fluid-filled bladders  836   a  may be coupled to each other directly (e.g., with an adhesive) or indirectly (e.g., via a backing plate, or via the outer cover  432 ). 
     In a third example, shown in  FIG.  8 C , the force distributors are linear spring mechanisms  838  having a spring  838   a  (e.g., a coil spring, or other elastic member) that presses a bearing structure  838   b  (e.g., a plate) that in turn applies force to the facial structure of the user. The linear spring mechanism  838  may further include one or more guide structures  838   c  that ensures proper alignment and/or orientation of the bearing structure  838   b  relative to the spring  838   a . The guide structure  838   c  may, for example, be a scissor mechanism (as shown) or butterfly mechanism, such as those used in keyboards. 
     In a fourth example, shown in  FIG.  8 D , the force distributors are actuator mechanisms  840  having an actuator  840   a  (e.g., an electric motor) and a bearing structure  840   b . The actuator  840   a  is controllable by a controller, such as the controller  218   a , to control displacement and apply force with the bearing structure  840   b  in a desired manner, such as with a desired output force (i.e., independent force). The actuator  840   a  may be any suitable type of actuator, such linear actuator, linear motor, pneumatic actuator, or hydraulic actuator. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG.  8 E , operation of one or more of the force distributors may be linked to one or more of the other force distributors. For example, as shown in  FIG.  8 E , inner ones of the mechanical force distributors  842   a  may be coupled to each other with an inner pivoting linkage  842   a ′, and outer ones of the mechanical force distributors  842   b  may be coupled to each other by an outer pivoting linkage  842   b ′. The pivoting linkages  842   a ′,  842   b ′ may be linkages that pivot about a central pivot axis  842   c  to cause substantially equal and opposite movement (e.g., forward and rearward) of the two mechanical force distributors  842  and substantially equal force application thereby to the user. For example, as illustrated in dashed lines in  FIG.  8 E , forward displacement of the outer mechanical force distributor  842   b  on the left side results in rearward displacement of the outer mechanical force distributor  842   b  on the right side. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , the head-mounted display  100  includes a facial interface  930  by which the upper portion  130   a  sets a generally fixed eye relief distance D, which is the distance from eyes E of the user to optical components of the display unit  110 , such as the lenses  116 . Considering different shapes of facial structures, for example between different ages and/or ethnicities, different geometries of the facial interface  130  may be required to set the eye relief distance at an appropriate or optimized value across different users. As such, the upper portion  130   a  of the facial interface  130  may be configured to be adjustable or interchangeable with those of different sizes to properly establish the eye relief distance D for a given user and the head-mounted display  100 . For example, different ones of the facial interfaces  930  may be configured with different sizes (e.g., different sizes of upper engagement structures  932  as discussed below) and be interchangeably coupleable to the display unit  110 . 
     The facial interface  930  includes an upper engagement structure  932  and one or more lower engagement structures  934  (e.g., two as shown), which may be covered by one or more coverings  936 . 
     The upper engagement structure  932  is configured to engage the forehead of the user to support the display unit  110  thereon and to reliably establish the eye relief distance D. When the facial interface  930  is coupled to the display unit  110 , the upper engagement structure  932  is fixedly positioned to the display unit  110 , so as to be generally immovable in the fore-aft, left-right, and up-down directions (e.g., under normal loading by the head H of the user, for example, when the upper engagement structure  932  is in the process of engaging the forehead). The upper engagement structure  932  may further be generally rigid (e.g., so as to not compress under normal loading from the head H of the user), while the covering  936  and/or an intermediate compressible layer therebetween, may conform to the shape of the user. Being generally rigid, the upper engagement structure  932  may reliably establish the eye relief distance D for a given user irrespective of some other conditions, such as tension in the head support  120 . 
     The upper engagement structure  932  may be adjustable between stationary positions on the display unit  110 , for example, being able to move inward and outward relative thereto to set the eye relief distance D for different users. For example, the facial interface  930  may include a distance adjustor  938  by which the upper engagement structure  932  is adjustable. The distance adjustor  938  may, for example, be a lead screw by which the facial interface  930  is movable between retracted and extended stationary positions (compare  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C ). When in each the stationary positions, the upper engagement structure  932  is fixedly positioned to the display unit  110 . Instead of being adjustable, different sizes of the upper engagement structure  932  may be interchangeably coupleable to the facial interface  930  and/or the display unit  110 , such as being part of interchangeable facial interfaces  930 , as referenced above. 
     The lower engagement structures  934  are movably coupled to the display unit  110 . Each of the lower engagement structures  934  may, for example, move in the vertical direction (e.g., pivot relative thereto), left-right direction (e.g., pivoting) and in the fore-aft direction, as indicated by arrows. In this manner, the lower engagement structures  934  may conform to the shape of the face of the user, for example, when in the process of engaging a lower facial structure thereof. The lower engagement structures  934  may, for example, include a bearing member  934   a  that applies force to the face of the user, and a moving member  934   b  by which the bearing member  934   a  is pivotably coupled to the display unit  110  (compare  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C ). 
     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, including sensing movement for stabilizing a head-mounted display on a user. 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 (e.g., movement thereof) can be used to stabilize the head-mounted display. 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 monitoring movement for stabilizing a head-mounted display, 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 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, stabilization of the head-mounted display may be made 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, other non-personal information available, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230627
Publication Date: 20241231
Grant Date: 20241231
Priority Date: 20190117
Inventors: HATFIELD, DUSTIN A.
STRONGWATER, DANIEL M.
BAUERLY, KRISTI E.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0152", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0192", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0187", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0179", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/011", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0152", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0152", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69591726